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$21.95
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RP 92
RR 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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92 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone la Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan aged 12 months in demi-muids) is another outstanding effort. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by lots of creme de cassis, kirsch, lavender, spice box and licorice notes. The wine is full-bodied, textured and long. It should drink well for a decade. (Oct 2012)"
91+ points Rhone Report: "The most dense and rich of the lineup, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Brunote is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre (there.s a small amount of carignan as well) that is aged all in old foudre. Meaty, dense, and loaded with notions of smoked meats, black fruits, licorice, and crushed rock-like minerality, this classic Cairanne is full-bodied, pure, and tannic on the finish. It will reward 2-3 years of bottle age, and have upwards of a decade or more of prime drinking. (Sep 2012)"
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$25.95
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RP 94
RR 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Robert Parker: "Alary’s top cuvee, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Font d’Estevanas is a blend of equal parts old vine Grenache and Syrah, the latter planted in 1961, grown in the clay/limestone hillsides. Aged in older barriques and demi-muids, it is a fabulous unfiltered wine offering abundant notes of licorice, truffles, camphor, black currants, kirsch, raspberries and hints of white chocolate and dusty, loamy, earthy soils. It should drink well for a decade or more. (Oct 2012)"
93 points Rhone Report: "A smoking good Cairanne that's all from the lieu-dit La Font d'Estevenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Font d'Estevenas. An even split of Grenache and Syrah that is aged all in neutral wood, it sports a dense, opaque ruby color to go with fantastic aromatics of blackberry and black raspberry, new leather, licorice, roasted herbs, and hints of flowers on the nose. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, rich, and layered wine that has a silky, polished texture, beautiful mid-palate depth, and impressive underlying tannin structure. It is superb now, yet should easily evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$17.95
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RR 92
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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92+ points Rhone Report: "More tight, backwards, and mineral-driven than the La Font d'Estévenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is a blend of Grenache and Mourvedre that is aged all in neutral wood. It is a gorgeous, classy effort that delivers clean aromas of black cherry, spiced raspberries, licorice, crushed stone, pepper, and subtle roasted herbs. This elegant, yet concentrated Cairanne has a lively, energetic texture, great acidity, and fantastic persistence and focus on the finish. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar, and then enjoy over the following decade. (Sep 2012)"
91 points Robert Parker: "[$22 list] The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is composed of 2/3 Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a tiny amount of old vine Carignan. It also is aged in tank and bottled unfiltered. A superb sleeper of the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black currants, black cherries, earth, pepper, spice box and a hint of mountain laurel. This full-throttle 2010 possesses sweet tannin as well as an intriguing texture. It should drink nicely for 4-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$18.95
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RP 91
RR 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Robert Parker: "Another winner is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee des Galets Plan de Dieu. Fashioned from 45-65 year old vines, this unfiltered blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre is a killer value. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as stunning aromas of kirsch liqueur, licorice, camphor, tobacco leaf and underbrush. Spicy, peppery and loaded with fruit, this medium to full-bodied red is another crowd-pleasing, classic example of Provencal viticulture that should age nicely for 4-5 years. (Aug 2011)"
91 points Rhone Report: "A rock star value that is both rich and complex, the 2010 Plan de Dieu Cuvée des Galets is a blend of 60% Grenache, and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre, that comes from tiny yields of only 20-22 hl/ha. It delivers beautifully fresh aromas of black fruits, underbrush, violets, and licorice that flow to medium to full-bodied, rich, and concentrated palate that possesses excellent freshness and a classy, elegant texture. It delivers way more quality than the price suggests, and will shine for 5-7 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$27.95
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RR 95
RP 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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95 points Rhone Report: "Profound stuff that will stand toe to toe with anything coming out of the Rhône valley, the 2010 Domaine les Aphillanthes Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 1921 is a blend of close to 95% Grenache that comes from incredibly low yields of 7 hl/ha and ancient vines planted in 1921. Easily the greatest wine I have tasted from this estate, it delivers a knockout bouquet of ganache-covered blackberry and cassis styled fruit that is intermixed with notions of hot stones, leather, graphite, licorice, and roasted herbs. Gorgeously rich and decadent, with a full-bodied, powerful mouth feel that stays light, elegant, and fresh, this blockbuster Rasteau is beautifully concentration, structured, and has a heady, very long finish. It should be given 2-3 years of bottle age, and then consumed over the following decade or more. (Sep 2012)"
94 points Robert Parker: "A blockbuster offering is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau 1921, which was made from yields of 17 hectoliters per hectare and aged in both concrete tanks and 600-liter demi-muids. Composed of 90% Grenache and the rest a kitchen sink blend, it exhibits an opaque purple color along with abundant floral notes intermixed with notions of white chocolate, charcoal, scorched earth, blackberries and black currants. It reveals a superb, full-bodied, layered, broad, expansive mouthfeel, terrific intensity and a heady finish. Drink this beauty over the next 10-15+ years. (Oct 2012)"
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$21.95
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RR 93
RP 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Rhone Report: "Even richer, with additional depth and richness, the 2010 Cuvée 3 Cépages is a blend of equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, that gets harvested all at the same time in October when the Mourvedre finally gets ripe. This results in ultra ripe Grenache and Syrah, and while it is no lightweight, it stays beautifully fresh and light on the palate. Deep, rich, and layered, with copious blackberry, toasted spice, dusty minerality, and ground pepper, this full-bodied Côtes du Rhône is uncommonly concentrated and possesses a brilliant textured, notable purity, and grippy tannin that gives the wine plenty of edge and cut on the blockbuster, heady finish. It is already reasonably approachable (I followed this bottle for three days), yet will be even better in another year, and drink well through 2017. (Sep 2012)"
90+ points Robert Parker: "Two late released 2010s include the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Trois Cepages, an equal part blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. It is a deep, structured effort revealing an impressively saturated dark ruby/plum/purple color in addition to abundant aromas of black currants, cherries, licorice, truffles and earth. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$61.95
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WS 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
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List $70.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] This has heft, but also superb definition, thanks to the mouthwatering cocoa and anise accents that line the layered flavors of crushed plum, braised fig and boysenberry fruit. The long finish courses with charcoal and alder wood notes. A great example of the more muscular style, this should age beautifully. Best from 2013 through 2025. 25 cases imported. (9/30/12)"
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$61.95
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WS 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
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List $70.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] Gorgeous cocoa and bitter espresso aromas and flavors slowly give way to dark, steeped currant, plum and blackberry fruit notes, while the back end struts with ample charcoal and singed bay leaf accents. Riveting acidity runs underneath it all. Best from 2013 through 2025. 75 cases imported. (10/15/12)"
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$42.95
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RR 96
IWC 94
RP 92–94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $60.00
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5 stars, 19.5/20 points, Decanter: "A mix of 1989 and '90; a muscular wine with grip, will become gracious. Curvier than 2009. Drink: 2016-2039. (May 2012)"
96 points Rhone Report: "[$120/750ml list] Showing consistently with the barrel review, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the remainder an assortment of varieties) is a classic Beaucastel that has both richness and elegance. Showing loads of black cherry, new leather, licorice, pepper, and hints of flowers on the nose, this full-bodied, structured, yet surprisingly elegant and polished 2010 has fantastic purity of fruit, superb balance, and knockout length. Showing more and more structure with air, this needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades or more. (Sep 2012)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$120/750ml list] Bright ruby. Sexy, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of red and dark fruit preserves and garrigue. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, a hint of smokiness and intense minerality. Tannins come on late and are quickly sucked up by this wine's intense fruit. Rich and lively, with excellent finishing clarity and length. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
92-94+ points Robert Parker: "The Chateau Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance other permitted varietals. Surprisingly ripe and soft with a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of blueberry, scorched earth and blackberry notes intermixed with hints of roast beef and bouquet garni, this wine has structure, but the fruit dominates at present. By the standards of most top vintages of Beaucastel, this cuvee will be drinkable earlier than the normal ten years. I suspect it will put on more weight, so give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. (Oct 2011)"
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$159.95
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RP 92–94
IWC 92–94
France
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Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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5 stars, 19.5/20 points, Decanter: "A mix of 1989 and '90; a muscular wine with grip, will become gracious. Curvier than 2009. Drink: 2016-2039. (May 2012)"
92-94+ points Robert Parker: "The Chateau Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance other permitted varietals. Surprisingly ripe and soft with a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of blueberry, scorched earth and blackberry notes intermixed with hints of roast beef and bouquet garni, this wine has structure, but the fruit dominates at present. By the standards of most top vintages of Beaucastel, this cuvee will be drinkable earlier than the normal ten years. I suspect it will put on more weight, so give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. (Oct 2011)"
92-94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(roughly 30% each of grenache and mourvedre, with 10% each of counoise and syrah and the balance 'everything else'): Vivid ruby. Fresh raspberry and cherry on the intensely perfumed nose. Sappy and sweet, with deep red fruit preserve flavors and hints of succulent herbs and rose pastille. Packs a punch but also shows impressive energy and balance. The raspberry note carries through on the finish, which also features a suave, slow-building note of star anise. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$74.95
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RR 96
IWC 94
RP 92–94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $120.00
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5 stars, 19.5/20 points, Decanter: "A mix of 1989 and '90; a muscular wine with grip, will become gracious. Curvier than 2009. Drink: 2016-2039. (May 2012)"
96 points Rhone Report: "[$120 list] Showing consistently with the barrel review, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the remainder an assortment of varieties) is a classic Beaucastel that has both richness and elegance. Showing loads of black cherry, new leather, licorice, pepper, and hints of flowers on the nose, this full-bodied, structured, yet surprisingly elegant and polished 2010 has fantastic purity of fruit, superb balance, and knockout length. Showing more and more structure with air, this needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades or more. (Sep 2012)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$120 list] Bright ruby. Sexy, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of red and dark fruit preserves and garrigue. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, a hint of smokiness and intense minerality. Tannins come on late and are quickly sucked up by this wine's intense fruit. Rich and lively, with excellent finishing clarity and length. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
92-94+ points Robert Parker: "The Chateau Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance other permitted varietals. Surprisingly ripe and soft with a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of blueberry, scorched earth and blackberry notes intermixed with hints of roast beef and bouquet garni, this wine has structure, but the fruit dominates at present. By the standards of most top vintages of Beaucastel, this cuvee will be drinkable earlier than the normal ten years. I suspect it will put on more weight, so give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. (Oct 2011)"
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$28.95
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RR 92
RP 90
WS 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $34.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "Just bottled at the time of tasting, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a great Coudoulet. A blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault from 30-year-old vines, it delivers on all fronts with loads of garrigue, leather, bing cherry, and spice-box aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, deep, and structured, yet with a seamless, elegant feel, this is approachable now, yet will also evolve gracefully. It should hit full maturity around age 10 or so. (Sep 2012)"
90 points Robert Parker: "The real steal, however, is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red (an identical blend), which has really put on some weight and intensity since I tasted it last year. The wine displays oodles of licorice, black currant and black cherry liqueur with hints of damp forest floor and truffle. Sweet tannin, decent acidity and nice, attractive density make for an outstanding Cotes du Rhone to drink over the next 7-8 years. (Oct 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$34 list] This is juicy and still a bit compact, with a mix of blackberry, plum and blueberry notes laced with licorice snap and backed by a long, spice-infused finish. A tarry hint lurks as well. Should stretch out after brief cellaring. Drink now through 2018. (10/31/12)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(made from a blend of marsanne, bourboulenc and viognier, with a bit of clairette): Pale, green-tinged yellow. Fresh, assertively perfumed aromas of orange, pear and minerals, with a sexy floral quality adding complexity. Bright and focused yet silky on the palate, offering sappy citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Closes bright and nervy, with very good persistence to the orange zest and jasmine nuances. (May 2012)"
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$53.95
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IWC 93
WS 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
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List $70.00
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93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$70 list] Inky purple. Intense aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet and bitter chocolate, with a bright mineral overtone. Dense, sappy and vibrant, with impressive energy to its black fruit compote, licorice and violet pastille flavors. Finishes with lively acidity, insinuating spiciness and broad, youthfully chewy tannins. This is definitely built for the long haul. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] A textbook version, displaying a slightly gutsy feel to the full-bodied currant, blackberry and dark cherry fruit laced with tangy iron, singed bay leaf and dark olive notes. The taut, minerally finish will need some time to round into form. Rock-solid and worth cellaring. Best from 2013 through 2024. 100 cases imported. (9/30/12)"
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$63.95
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RP 95
RR 95
IWC 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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95+ points Robert Parker: "The most backward and meaty of this trio is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape La Guigasse. Another 'locked and loaded,' potentially legendary Chateauneuf du Pape from this lieu-dit, it possesses the highest level of tannins and more acidity than its siblings. Aromas of beef blood, smoked meats, charcuterie, raspberries and black cherries soar from this full-bodied, superb effort. While nearly too exotic and kinky, its length, richness, full-bodied mouthfeel and multidimensional personality result in a sensational Chateauneuf du Pape that I adored. Forget it for 3-5 years and drink it over the following two decades. (Oct 2012)"
95 points Rhone Report: "More rich and backwards than the Les Sablons, with an age-worthy feel, the 2010 Chapelle St. Theodoric Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse (100% Grenache from the La Guigasse lieu-dit) has a blackberry and cassis slant to its fruit, with additional minerality, pepper, and licorice qualities developing with air. Similarly styled on the palate, with a full-bodied, concentrated texture, upfront structure, and no shortage of length, this impressive Grenache needs 4-5 years of bottle age to fully flesh out, and should age effortlessly. (Sep 2012)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby-red. A wild, intensely perfumed bouquet displays scents of red fruit liqueur, garrigue, floral oils and smoky minerals. Sappy and penetrating, with intense red fruit and lavender pastille flavors and a hint of licorice. Shows a musky, herbal touch on the gently tannic finish, whiche leaves sweet raspberry and cherry notes behind. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$99.95
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RP 97
RR 97
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
3
available
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97 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Grand Pin is prodigious. It is somewhat reminiscent of the 1990 Rayas, and, as I said last year, 'It’s a Rock and Rhone legend' as well as 'locked and loaded.' Now that it’s in bottle, it seems to have put on even more weight and richness. The lavender, kirsch, raspberry, pepper and garrigue aromatics offer considerable fireworks. This full-bodied, brilliantly concentrated 2010 is a lesson in how to produce high alcohol, strikingly powerful wines with elegance, freshness and precision. Another tour de force, it admirably demonstrates the extraordinary ability of Grenache to deliver levels of complexity and richness that are largely unequaled in the wine world. Le Grand Pin has more structure than Les Sablons, and will benefit from several more years of bottle age. It should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. (Oct 2012)"
97 points Rhone Report: "Absolutely brilliant and my favorite of the lineup, the 2010 Chapelle St. Theodoric Châteauneuf-du-Pape le Grand Pin comes from a single plot of old Grenache vines located next to the Rayas lieu-dit. From sandy soils and aged all in neutral demi-muids, it gets a 'Wow' in my notes and boasts fabulous aromas and flavors of kirsch liqueur, crushed flowers, stems, pepper, and an almost gunpowder-like minerality. Every bit as good on the palate, with a seamless, powerful, and concentrated feel, this full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape firms up beautifully on the finish and has masses of finely polished tannin adding length. Count me impressed and this is singing now, but it needs 4-5 years to hit its stride, and will drink well for two decades or more. (Sep 2012)"
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$49.95
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RP 94
RR 94
IWC 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Robert Parker: "The dark ruby/garnet-colored 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Sablons reveals a powerful, intense bouquet of sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with pepper, raspberries, seaweed and loamy soil notes. Undeniably sexy, opulent and voluptuously textured with full body and no hard edges, it is a glorious tour de force in old vine Grenache from sandy soils. Drink it over the next 15+ years. (Oct 2012)"
94 points Rhone Report: ""The entry level wine that is made from second press juice from the single plot cuvees, the 2010 Chapelle St. Theodoric Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sablons is nevertheless a rocking 2010 that is loaded with southern Rhone character and charm. All Grenache from sandy soils and fermented with 100% whole cluster, it exhibits fantastic aromas of herbs de Provence, spice-box, and flowers that are all supported by a core of wild strawberry and kirsch-driven fruit. Full-bodied and rich on the palate, with an overriding elegance, as well as excellent concentration and plenty of fine tannin, this knockout value will shine for 12-15 years. While the single vineyard wines are slightly more impressive, the value buy is this one. (Sep 2012)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby. Sexy raspberry and Asian spices on the highly perfumed nose, with notes of lavender and sandalwood adding complexity. Sweet, sappy and precise, offering juicy red and dark berry liqueur flavors and a velvety texture. Graceful and seamless Chateauneuf, finishing with seductively sweet notes of candied red fruits and harmonious tannins. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$69.95
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RR 97
RP 95
IWC 95
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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97 points Rhone Report: "My favorite vintage of this wine to date, the absolutely brilliant 2010 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape exudes class and purity on both the nose and palate. It has knockout aromatics of sweet red and black fruits, lavender, wild herbs, and searing minerality that flow to a full-bodied, powerful, and concentrated 2010 that has awesome density and richness, yet also stays fresh, ethereal, and light on the palate. It.s winner, yet it needs 4-6 years of bottle age to integrate its tannin; It will thrill for over two decades! (Sep 2012)"
95+ points Robert Parker: "More backward and concentrated, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as dense, black raspberry, black currant, garrigue, licorice and lavender characteristics. Full-bodied with undeniable elegance, minerality and precision, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should keep well for 15-20. (Oct 2012)"
95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(85% grenache and 5% each of syrah, mourvedre and vaccarese, aged in concrete): Bright purple. Heady red and dark berry preserve and floral aromas, with bright spice and mineral nuances adding vivacity. Concentrated but impressively energetic, offering sappy black raspberry and blueberry flavors that are firmed by zesty minerality. Smoothly plays richness off finesse, finishing on a resonating note of candied flowers. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$31.95
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WS 94
RR 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $55.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Offers a wide range of dark, exotic fig, boysenberry and blackberry cobbler notes, with blueberry paste, pastis-drenched plum and smoky black tea flavors, all weaving deftly through the very silky finish. Shows ample concentration, but this is all guile and grace. Best from 2014 through 2032. 2,500 cases made. (10/15/12)"
94 points Rhone Report: "Showing notably better from bottle than from barrel, the stunning 2010 Château de la Font du Loup Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault that is aged in a combination of tank, barrique, and demi-muid for 18 months. Gorgeously perfumed, with a knockout bouquet of sappy garrigue, white pepper, wild strawberries, and loads of floral qualities, this beauty flows onto the palate with an elegant, finesse-driven profile that has nothing out of place, a seamless, silky texture, and incredibly polished tannin that frame the finish. More than a little impressive and representing a brilliant value, this classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape will drink well for 10-12 years, if not longer. (Sep 2012)"
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$16.95
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RR 91
IWC 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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91 points Rhone Report: "A fantastic Cotes du Rhone that's a blend of Grenache and Syrah from vineyards located in Visan, Vinsobres, and Estezargues (all southern Rhone communes), the 2010 J.L. Chave Selection Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur delivers a classic array of bright black cherry, black currant, violets, garrigue, and licorice on the nose. Beautifully intense and rich aromatically, it doesn't lose a beat on the palate and is medium to full-bodied and loaded with fruit, showcasing notable purity, a voluptuous texture, and big, mouth coating tannin that emerges on the finish. It needs an hour of air to shine currently, and will be even better in a year or two. I would consume bottles over the coming 5-8 years, yet a decade of prime drinking isn't out of the question here. (Jun 2012)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(made from fruit grown in Vinsobres, Cairanne and Rasteau): Deep ruby. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of black and blue fruits, olive and cola, with a sexy floral quality gaining strength with air. At once deep and lively, with powerful blueberry and bitter cherry flavors given spine and lift by smoky minerality. Closes with excellent clarity and length, leaving notes of violet and berry preserves behind. This wine always punches well above its weight; Jean-Louis Chave told me he buys fruit 'only from great appellations.' (May 2012)"
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$44.95
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RR 96
RP 93–96
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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96 points Rhone Report: "Even better, and to quote owner Vincent Maurel, a wine that 'doesn't suck', the 2010 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is spectacular stuff! Showing more garrigue, licorice, and roasted herb qualities than the traditional cuvee, as well as layers of red and black fruits, roasted meat, and herbs de Provence aromas and flavors, this full-bodied, thrillingly put together 2010 has no hard edges, a decadent, seamless texture, and incredible length. Despite the overall size and texture, it still carries a fresh, light, and elegant feel, with noticeable and age-worthy structure. Back up the truck if you have one as this is a rock star value that should not be missed! Enjoy bottles over the coming 15+ years. (Sep 2012)"
93-96 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, which is only available in the United States, is fashioned from Grenache vines planted in 1905, and is aged in both tank and small barrels. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with notes of licorice, kirsch liqueur, earth, truffles, forest floor, underbrush, raspberry, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, it should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. (Oct 2011)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(virtually all grenache, from vines that were planted just after 1900, according to the Maurels; this bottling is designated for export exclusively to the U.S.): Saturated ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of red berry liqueur, cherry and licorice, with a powerful floral topnote. Sappy and deeply concentrated, offering palate-staining black raspberry and spicecake flavors and an exotic suggestion of candied flowers. The long finish closes on a floral note, with silky tannins adding shape. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$26.95
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France
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock, 12+ available
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List $36.00
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Importer notes: "Deep ruby color. Concentrated raspberry, pepper and violet aromas. Medium to full-body, with a supple texture and good acidic structure. Lovely pure Syrah flavors from the Northern Rhône."
2009 vintage rated 18/20 points by Gault & Millau: "One of the most successful efforts from Crozes-Hermitage. Remarkably precise tension between the florality, the concentration (generous but no heavy), and enhanced by smoke and tapenade, with a hint of soot and pencil lead. The fruit is present, dark and firm, followed by a beautiful bunch of flowers. Nose: fruity, woody, floral, spicy. Palate: Red velvet, fleshy. Food pairing: robust cheeses, roasted or braised red meats. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: up to 2018."
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$39.95
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RP 91
IWC 91
France
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock, 12+ available
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List $50.00
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91 points Robert Parker: "A more powerful, intense, layered effort, the 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives exhibits an inky/ruby/purple hue along with notes of pen ink, licorice, camphor, black currants and bouquet garni. Sexy and full-bodied with light to moderate tannin, it is already appealing, but with another year or two of bottle age, it will be even better. It should easily age for a decade, perhaps longer. (Dec 2012)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$50 list] Opaque ruby. A heady, complex bouquet of red and dark berry preserves, incense and cola, with subtle vanilla and black pepper accents emerging with air. On the palate, suave black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a touch of candied violet, lifted by juicy acidity. Gentle tannins add grip to a long, spice- and smoke-accented finish that echoes the violet note. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
Importer notes: "Opaque color. Wonderful nose combines black fruits, violet, pepper, spice, vanilla and a touch of smoke. New oak flavors lift the wine well. Dense and long. Almost more Hermitage than Crozes."
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$12.89
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France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock,
1
available
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List $17.00
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Robert Parker: "[$17 list] The 2010 Cotes du Rhone Red is composed of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Soft, round and straightforward, it is an inexpensive quaffing wine meant to be drunk over the next year. (Aug 2011)"
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$31.95
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WS 91
RP 91
RR 91
France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $60.00
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91 points Wine Spectator: "[$60 list] Ripe, polished and accessible now, with a delicious core of plum, blackberry and boysenberry stitched with sweet spice, red licorice and toasted vanilla bean notes. The long finish lets the sweet fruit drip without being jammy, thanks to a graphite edge. Best from 2015 through 2027. 960 cases made. (10/15/12)"
91 points Robert Parker: "The delicious, open-knit 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape (80% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 2% Mourvedre) exhibits sexy kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with notions of roasted Provencal herbs, pepper, smoked meats and forest floor. It is a full-bodied, fat, fleshy Chateauneuf with a serious alcoholic punch. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. (Oct 2012)"
91 points Rhone Report: "A blend of 80% Grenache, 18% Syrah, and 2% Mourvedre that.s aged 65% in foudre, 20% in barrique and demi-muid, and the rest in stainless steel, the 2010 Domaine du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf-du-Pape is an outstanding wine that has a relatively traditional feel, as well as age-worthy structure. Boasting quality aromatics of red berry fruits, licorice, toasted spice, and smoked earth, it is medium+ bodied on the palate, has a clean, balanced feel, excellent purity, and enough tannin to allow it to evolve beautifully for upwards of a decade. It is a workhorse Chateauneuf-du-Pape that delivers. (Sep 2012)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Dark ruby. Red fruit and spice aromas are slow to unfold, picking up spiciness with aeration. Ripe and concentrated, offering chewy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of licorice. Finishes with good power and firm but fine-grained tannins. This could use at least a few more years of bottle age. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$54.95
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RP 96
RR 96
WS 93
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock,
2
available
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List $69.00
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96 points Robert Parker: "Another gorgeous offering is the 2010 Cornas Confidence. Last year I wrote that this was a 'Cornas on steroids,' and I haven’t changed my mind. This opaque purple-colored 2010 is a massive, rich wine revealing abundant notes of flowers, graphite, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, charcoal and forest floor. Layered with a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and marvelous richness as well as intensity, this is a stunning Cornas to drink over the next two decades. (Dec 2012)"
96 points Rhone Report: "Just spectacular, the 2010 Domaine Durand Cornas Confidence got a big 'Wow!' in my notes. Locked and loaded with mineral-drenched black raspberries, smoked meats, spice, and licorice-like aromas and flavors, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless profile that has no hard edges, brilliant purity, and a blockbuster finish. Count me impressed and this awesome Cornas has the polish to be enjoyable now, yet will easily evolve for 15-20 years. (Mar 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$69 list] Engaging, with lively green olive and tobacco aromas, followed by vivacious blackberry, loganberry and plum fruit flavors. A briary frame surrounds the finish, with a chalky hint adding grip and length. Best from 2013 through 2023. 110 cases made. (11/15/12)"
Importer notes: "100% Syrah. Highly complex nose of stone fruits and spices. The mouth is very powerful. The tannins are robust but elegant. This is a wine for cellaring but it can be enjoyed young because of its great delicacy. Accompaniment advise: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat, game, cheeses."
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