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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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$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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$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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$159.95
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RR 97
W&S 97
WS 96
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
9
available
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List $195.00
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97 points Rhone Report: "A profound white, the 100% Roussanne 2010 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvee Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is more fresh and focused than the traditional blanc (and that's saying something) and delivers spectacularly pure, delineated aromas of fresh peach, apricot, toasted bread, almond paste, and serious minerality. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine that is perfectly balanced and possesses a brilliant texture, superb focus and clarity, and classic finish. Brilliant now, this should also age beautifully. Given the general aging curve of these wines, I wouldn't hesitate to drink bottles over the coming 3-4 years, but after that, would hold off until a decade after the vintage. Thrilling stuff and this is a great vintage for Beaucastel. (Sep 2011)"
97 points and 'Year's Best Rhone,' Wine & Spirits: "[$195 list] 'I want to rub myself in it,' one taster said, completely seduced by this wine. He wasn’t the only one completely smitten by its play of cashew richness and firm warm stone, its billowy satin texture and its quiet wildflower tones. This is exceptional in its vivid portrayal of a place, the heat of the sun on stones and the cool of the air palpable in a sip, and yet it’s understated, elegant, the product of a patch of carefully tended roussanne vines that are a quarter-century old. (Feb 2013)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "[$195 list] Very rich, this cuts a broad swath, delivering a remarkably lush yet pure core of papaya, mango, green melon and green plum fruit all stitched with macadamia nut, brioche and honeysuckle notes that chime through the superlong finish. There's a great buried stony edge. Roussanne. Drink now through 2024. 200 cases imported. (2/29/12)"
93-95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes Meyer lemon, pear skin, jasmine and minerals. Sappy and penetrating, projecting a compelling blend of richness and vivacity. Powerful, incisive orchard fruit and candied citrus qualities put on weight with air and pick up a touch of bitter quinine that carries through the very long, palate-staining finish. Marc Perrin told me that it's a mistake to associate roussanne exclusively with opulence 'because when it's planted on limestone it keeps its freshness. The numbers are low on paper but what's in the glass is bright and contradicts the math and oenologists' predictions.' (Jan/Feb 2012)"
94 points Robert Parker: "The luxury cuvee, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieilles Vignes (Roussanne) (100% Roussanne aged in one-year-old barrels as well as new oak that no longer undergoes malolactic fermentation) is a prodigious dry white. A luxurious amount of rose water notes intermixed with honeysuckle, pineapple, nectarine, peach and subtle smoke emerge from this beauty. It possesses a terrific texture, zesty acids, an unmistakable minerality and a sumptuous personality. (Oct 2011)"
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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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$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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$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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$54.95
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RP 96
RR 96
WS 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
2
available
|
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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$99.95
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RR 95
RP 94
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
4
available
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|
95 points Rhone Report: "Showing brilliantly from tank last year, and not disappointing from bottle this year, the 2010 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a stunning bottle of wine! A blend of 80% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre, its opaque purple color is followed by knockout aromas of blackberry liqueur, flower oil, liquid mineral, licorice, and graphite. Not losing a beat on the palate either, with a full-bodied, structured, and edgy feel, as well as brilliant purity of fruit, this serious, age-worthy effort needs a handful of years in the cellar, and has 15-20 years or more of total longevity. While the chase will be on for the Cuvée Chaupin and Vieilles Vignes bottlings, do not overlook this wine! (Sep 2012)"
94 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is the most widely available (nearly 30,000+ bottles produced even in a small vintage such as 2010) of Janasse’s Chateauneufs. It exhibits a dense purple color along with a glorious perfume of blackberries, creosote, scorched earth, smoked herbs, cassis and kirsch. Full-bodied with impressive purity, structure and precision, this is a more reserved, backward and structured effort than its 2009 and 2007 counterparts. (Oct 2012)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$68 list] Dark purple. Aromas and flavors of cherry compote, black raspberry and candied flowers. Densely packed but lithe and precise, with gentle tannins sneaking in on the finish. Showing noteworthy richness and power for an entry-level bottling, with the concentration to age slowly. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$49.95
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RR 95
RP 94
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $68.00
|
95 points Rhone Report: "Showing brilliantly from tank last year, and not disappointing from bottle this year, the 2010 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a stunning bottle of wine! A blend of 80% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre, its opaque purple color is followed by knockout aromas of blackberry liqueur, flower oil, liquid mineral, licorice, and graphite. Not losing a beat on the palate either, with a full-bodied, structured, and edgy feel, as well as brilliant purity of fruit, this serious, age-worthy effort needs a handful of years in the cellar, and has 15-20 years or more of total longevity. While the chase will be on for the Cuvée Chaupin and Vieilles Vignes bottlings, do not overlook this wine! (Sep 2012)"
94 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is the most widely available (nearly 30,000+ bottles produced even in a small vintage such as 2010) of Janasse’s Chateauneufs. It exhibits a dense purple color along with a glorious perfume of blackberries, creosote, scorched earth, smoked herbs, cassis and kirsch. Full-bodied with impressive purity, structure and precision, this is a more reserved, backward and structured effort than its 2009 and 2007 counterparts. (Oct 2012)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$68 list] Dark purple. Aromas and flavors of cherry compote, black raspberry and candied flowers. Densely packed but lithe and precise, with gentle tannins sneaking in on the finish. Showing noteworthy richness and power for an entry-level bottling, with the concentration to age slowly. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$99.95
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RP 98
RR 97
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
6
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "The prodigious 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cotes Capelan boasts abundant notes of acacia flowers interwoven with blackberries, black raspberries, licorice, incense and a touch of graphite. The wine hits the palate with tremendous authority, impressive purity, a skyscraper-like texture and a full-bodied, layered finish that lasts for nearly 50 seconds. This remarkable Chateauneuf du Pape has a natural yet seductive feel. Drink it over the next two decades. (Oct 2012)"
97 points Rhone Report: "The best Côtes Capelan yet, the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a spectacular bottle of wine that oozes class and elegance! Deeply colored, it offers up a perfumed, complex, and decidedly fresh bouquet of black and blue fruits, violets, spring flowers, forest floor, resin, and cracked pepper that is rich and decadent, yet also refined and vividly clear and delineated. This full-bodied 2010 has a seamless, focused texture, gorgeous freshness, and a firm, very focused and structured finish. Nothing is out of place, it is perfectly balanced, and has more than enough structure and depth to evolve for upwards of two decades. Hats off to proprietor Stéphane Vedeau and this is an estate the needs to be on every Châteauneuf-du-Pape lovers radar! (Sep 2012)"
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$149.95
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RP 96
RR 96
IWC 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock,
6
available
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96 points Robert Parker: "The prodigious 2010 Cote Rotie La Landonne reveals a dense purple color along with a huge, impressive perfume of roasted meats, black currants, black raspberries and scorched earth. This 100% Syrah comes from vines planted on exceptionally steep slopes composed of schist and iron-like sub-soils. Some graphite also makes an appearance in this mineral-dominated, well-delineated, rich, intense wine. (Dec 2012)"
96 points Rhone Report: "More firm, masculine, and concentrated, the 2010 La Landonne is a longer term prospect. A blend of 100% Syrah, it offers deep, layered aromas of currants, black olive, crushed stone, pepper, and hints of bacon on the nose. This is followed by a structured, concentrated, and incredibly rich Syrah that has a no hard edges, a seamless texture, and an overall delineated, focused profile. It needs 5-7 years of bottle age and will have 20+ years of total longevity. (Mar 2013)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Inky ruby. Aromas and flavors of dark fruit preserves, candied flowers and smoky herbs, with a bright mineral nuance adding lift. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit flavors show serious depth and structure, picking up spiciness and an exotic floral quality on the back half. Chewy tannins give shape and grip to a strikingly long, powerful and spice-driven finish. Rostaing thinks that it would be a 'grave mistake' to broach this wine in its youth and believes that it's 'for the most patient people, not those in a hurry.' (Mar/Apr 2013)"
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$24.95
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RR 95
WS 93
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $45.00
|
95 points Rhone Report: "A totally brilliant Gigondas, the 2010 Saint-Damien Vieille Vignes sports off the charts decadence and richness, with notions of garrigue, licorice, violets, and assorted floral qualities all supported by a dense core of black and blue fruit. Full-bodied and showing the same upfront voluptuousness found in the '11, this thrilling effort is beautifully balanced, has serious underlying structure, and blockbuster length. It should be given a handful of years in the cellar, and the consumed over the following two decades. (Sep 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "A solid, grippy, almost chewy style, exhibiting lots of roasted fig, steeped currant and mulled blackberry notes ,studded with roasted bay leaf, chestnut and singed mesquite. Features a lingering charcoal edge on the lengthy finish. This dense wine needs cellaring to unfurl fully. Best from 2013 through 2024. (10/15/12)"
91 points Robert Parker: "[$45 list] The superb, deep plum/ruby/purple-tinged 2010 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre aged in both concrete and foudre. Aromas of blueberries, black raspberries and spring flowers along with a chalky minerality emerge from this full-bodied, dense, pure, elegant as well as substantial 2010. Enjoy it over the next decade. (Oct 2012)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Opaque ruby. Dark berries and pungent herbs on the highly perfumed nose. Supple, expansive blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are reinforced by tangy acidity and pick up a floral pastille quality in the glass. Finishes on a gently sweet note, with harmonious tannins and strong punch. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$29.95
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RR 96
RP 93
IWC 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $42.00
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96 points Rhone Report: "Always the most elegant of the three Gigondas cuvees, the 2010 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas La Louisiane (80% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and the balance a mix of Cinsault and Syrah) boasts perfumed floral, rolled stone minerality, and violet characteristics intermixed with notes of garrigue, mint, and ripe Grenache-driven fruit on the nose. This full-bodied, structured, and mouth filling 2010 has a seamless, poised texture, brilliant concentration, and a firm, tannic core. It should be cellared for a handful of years, and will be long lived. (Sep 2012)"
93 points Robert Parker: "[$42 list] The 2010 Gigondas La Louisiane is a 525-case offering fashioned from 65-year-old vines grown in decomposed red clay and gravel. It is also a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre aged in foudre for 14 months prior to being bottled without fining or filtration. It offers sensational notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with kirsch, mulberries, licorice and lavender. Full-bodied and sexy with good acidity as well as sweet, well-integrated tannins, this beautiful, virginal (because of the biodynamic farming and lack of any new oak aging) red should drink nicely for 10-15 years. (Oct 2012)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated ruby. Exotic aromas of black and blue fruits, incense and potpourri, with a spicy topnote. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering intense cassis and cherry compote flavors and bracing acidity. Rich, vivacious, finishing sweet, silky and very long. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "An inviting, perfumy style, with linzer torte and blackberry confiture aromas and flavors lined with notes of black tea, pastis-soaked plum and violet. There's ample grip, but it's fine-grained and well-embedded through the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023. 200 cases imported. (10/15/12)"
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$34.95
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RR 98
RP 94
IWC 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $45.00
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98 points Rhone Report: "My favorite of the Gigondas lineup, the blockbuster 2010 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre aged all in tank) is wildly perfumed and aromatic, as well as incredibly full-bodied, rich, and concentrated. Showing thrilling notes of wild herbs, orange peel, garrigue, exotic flowers, and layers of ripe fruit, this hedonistic, yet gorgeously proportioned 2010 has massive fruit, awesome freshness and focus, and a firm, tannic core. No doubt it is a superb drink now, but it will be even better in 2-3 years, and evolve gracefully for two decades. (Sep 2012)"
94 points Robert Parker: "[$45 list] A 1,000-case offering from gray clay soils, the 2010 Gigondas Les Souteyrades is also made from 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from 65-year-old vines. It represents what Saurel believes is his finest parcel of old vines. This cuvee is always the richest and fullest of this trio of Gigondas, and it can also contain more truffle, herbs, tannin and structure. A complex, intricate Gigondas, it offers a terrific perfume of truffles, forest floor, acacia flowers, and lots of black and red fruits. It hits the palate with a deep, expansive, round, full-bodied mouthfeel, and finishes long. This 2010 is capable of drinking well for 12-15+ years. Bravo! (Oct 2012)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes candied blackberry and cherry, with a suave floral element gaining power in the glass. Deeply concentrated but lively, with excellent clarity to its sappy dark fruit flavors. Bright acidity adds lift and cut to a long, floral-dominated finish. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$99.95
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RR 97
RP 94–96
IWC 93–95
France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Pre-arrival,
10
available
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97+ points Rhone Report: "A deep, voluptuous, and concentrated Chateauneuf-du-Pape that's a blend of 100% Grenache that is aged all in foudre and neutral barrel, the 2010 Domaine Pierre Usseglio Cuvee de mon Aieul is deep purple and semi-opaque in color and offers up a spectacular bouquet of blackberry, raspberry liqueur, roasted meats, spring flowers, licorice, and edgy minerality. Checking in at over 16% alcohol, yet showing no heat on the nose, it is fresh and beautifully focused aromatically. This full-bodied, layered, and lavishly textured Chateauneuf-du-Pape has fantastic concentration and masses of ripe tannin that are only partially concealed by the wine's fruit. While possibly a notch down from the '07, this is about as good as this cuvee gets. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age, and drink beautifully for 2+ decades. (Sep 2012)"
94-96 points Robert Parker: "In total contrast, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul has intense blueberry, black raspberry and lavender notes that jump from the glass of this opaque purple-colored wine. It is 100% Grenache in 2010, all coming from three of their finest vineyards -- Les Grandes Serres in the southern part of the appellation, planted in 1926, La Crau, which of course is the famous sector in the eastern part of Chateauneuf du Pape and an early maturing one, and Guigasse, which is in the northerly sector, next to the sandy soils of the lieu-dit known as Pignan, as well as Grand Pierre. This wine tips the scales at about 16.5% alcohol, finishes completely dry and has no heat. The yields were a preposterous 16 hectoliters per hectare. I wouldn’t be surprised if this impressive wine jumps a few points in score, as it is still primary, backward and super-concentrated. It will need 3-5 years of cellaring and then drink well for at least two decades. (Oct 2011)"
93-95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(all grenache): Opaque ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, lavender, cola and licorice, with a spicy topnote. Supersweet, broad and lush, with explosive red and dark berry flavors complicated by candied flowers and allspice. Finishes with resonating spiciness, broad velvety tannins and superb length. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "A bold, ripe, almost heady style, with thickly layered blueberry, fig and boysenberry fruit laced with mouthwatering spice and melted black licorice, followed by a long, fruitcake-filled finish. This has the stuffing and grip for cellaring, but ultimately for fans of the more bombastic style. Best from 2014 through 2030. 400 cases made. (10/15/12)"
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$57.95
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WS 96
RR 96
RP 93–95
France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
11
available
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List $66.00
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96 points and 'Top 100 Wines of 2012 (#16),' Wine Spectator: "[$66 list] This takes a decidedly old-school approach with its very distinctive bay leaf and juniper notes leading the way, along with roasted mesquite and alder wood. The core of steeped black currant, roasted plum and blackberry fruit waits in reserve while the long, ganache- and tar-filled finish has nice rugged grip, with a peppery echo. Should cellar wonderfully. Best from 2015 through 2030. (10/31/12)"
96 points Rhone Report: "A classic Le Vieux Donjon, the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape displays a brilliantly traditional, yet pure, clean bouquet of blackberry liqueur, white pepper, licorice, crushed flowers, and roasted Provencal herbs that flows to a full-bodied, gorgeously textured and pure palate. Voluptuous and seamless, with fresh acidity and building richness and tannin, this beauty has the fruit to drink well now, yet will not hit prime time until 5-6 years after the vintage and should evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades. (Sep 2012)"
93-95 points Robert Parker: "A brilliant effort that ranks alongside the 2007, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts abundant notes of black cherry liqueur interwoven with black currant, blueberry, spring flower, roasted herb, licorice, pepper and bouquet garni characteristics. Full-bodied with good acidity, terrific purity, a fleshy mouthfeel and a long finish, it should be even better in 4-5 years and last for two decades or more. (Oct 2011)"
93-95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(75% grenache, 10% each of mourvedre and syrah and 5% cinsault, fermented in concrete and aged in foudres): Bright purple. Explosive aromas of black and blue fruits, Indian spices and lavender, with a bright mineral topnote. Fleshy and smooth, with excellent clarity and lift to its black raspberry and mulberry flavors. The floral note repeats on the very long, sweet, focused finish. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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