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$67.95
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WS 95
WE 95
WA 92
France
-
Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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List $85.00
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95 points Wine Spectator: "[$85 list] Rich, but pure and incredibly focused, with a laser beam of chamomile and quince cutting through the core of dried pineapple, white peach, Cavaillon melon and green plum. The finish has buried minerality, gorgeous mouthfeel and superb length. Drink now through 2030. 1,500 cases made. (9/30/11)"
95 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "With so much intensity, botrytis and concentration, this is going to be impressive. It is still very young, at a closed stage, but the ripe currant as well as the honey dominate. Great wine. (Jun 2011)"
92 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "Linden (i.e. basswood) honey and lily perfume; candied lime and grapefruit peel; quince preserves and pineapple scent the Baumard 2008 Quarts de Chaume and inform a glycerin-rich, oily, soothingly-unctuous palate that preserves elements of fresh citrus and salinity sufficient to call forth salivation and at least go some way toward offsetting what is for now extreme sweetness. The sheer persistence of flavor here is remarkable. This is likely to be a very long-lived (20+ year) and perhaps eventually an extraordinary wine. But for now it does not approach the complexity not to mention the sense of balance exhibited by the corresponding Coteaux du Layon Sainte Catherine. (Aug 2010)"
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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
|
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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$79.95
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AM 92–95
IWC 91
France
-
Burgundy
-
Chablis
In stock, 12+ available
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92-95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): no tasting note given. (Oct 2011) br>
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(vinified in oak, then aged in cuve): Pale, bright yellow. Closed, strongly mineral nose hints at peach pit and lemon. Quite backward on the palate, showing very dry, tactile flavors of crushed stone, lemon, grapefruit and spices. Finishes with a hint of spice but does not come across as overly oaky. This just-bottled wine will need a year or two to begin to absorb its acidity. (Jul/Aug 2011)"
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$349.95
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WA 95
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
3
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 1998 Brut Le Clos Saint-Hilaire emerges from the glass with an exotic array of intensely perfumed, candied fruit. The wine possesses gorgeous textural richness in a deep, layered expression of Pinot Noir. The mousse remains refined and very elegant all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. This is bottle: 001493 out of 6,750. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023. Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is a 100% Pinot Noir Champagne made from a small, one hectare plot located on the property in Mareuil-sur-Ay. The wine is fermented in oak and bottled with no dosage. In only its third release, Le Clos Saint-Hilaire has already established itself as one of the region’s most fascinating wines. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023. (Dec 2009)"
17.5/20 points Simon Field (The World of Fine Wine): "Mature nose with a complex interplay between stone fruit and sour honey; almonds and flowers in the background. The palate is equally engaging, albeit in the style that will please those who like their Champagne mellow and mature, with tertiary aromas starting to come to the fore. (Issue #34; 2011)"
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$499.95
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AM 96
WS 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
1
available
|
List $600.00
|
96 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Blain produces 1 to 2 barrels annually). Almost invisible wood sets off an almost mute nose of complex and layered white and yellow orchard fruit aromas that is, at this early juncture, quite reserved. The rich and silky big-bodied flavors possess seriously impressive concentration as well as almost painful intensity on the equally explosive and driving finish. As complex as the Bâtard is there is simply another dimension of overall depth present here. A knockout. Comments: Don't miss! Drink: 2017+. (Feb 2011)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$600 list] Though elegant, this white shows density and intensity, sporting peach, apple, pear and melon flavors that all mesh with the bright structure. Ends with a mouthwatering impression. Best from 2013 through 2022. 10 cases imported. (6/20/12)"
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$299.95
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AM 96
IWC 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
3
available
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96 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(two-thirds from Chassagne and the remainder from Puligny). In contrast to the expressiveness of the Bienvenues and Criots, this is reserved to the point of being almost mute and only aggressive swirling coaxes reluctant aromas of white flowers, spice and a range of mostly yellow dried fruits. There is superb intensity to the mouth coating, powerful and weighty flavors that exhibit a taut muscularity on the opulent but focused and well-detailed finish. This is almost painfully intense and absolutely bone dry, which is unusual in the context of the vintage. A knockout! Comments: Don't miss! Drink: 2017+. (Feb 2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "White plum, fresh apricot, hazelnut, honey and nutty oak on the nose, perked up by a whiff of pineapple. Sweet, deep and powerfully structured, with the wine's fresh fruit flavors currently held under wraps by surprising acidity. Not showing the personality of the Clos de la Mouchere, but this grand cru's sheer energy and very long, rising finish promise a slow and eventful evolution in bottle. (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$899.95
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RJ 95–97
IWC 95
WA 94
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
2
available
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95 points (97 potential) Richard Juhlin: no tasting note given (Nov 2009).
95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light gold with a steady bead of pinpoint bubbles. Deep, musky aromas of buttered toast, cherry pit, blood orange, lemon rind, pungent herbs and yellow rose, with mounting spiciness. Deeply concentrated but showing unlikely finesse, with firm, gripping red berry and citrus flavors and exotic notes of candied flowers and smoky lees. Intriguing for its blend of richness and delicacy; the endless finish repeats the spice and floral notes and lingers with impressive clarity and notes of honey, anise and minerals. (Nov/Dec 2009)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2000 Brut Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Francaises emerges from the glass with an elegant, refined mousse that is captivating. Sweet, perfumed and layered, the 2000 VVF shows off superb grace and a long, vibrant finish. This is an especially elegant and understated version of this Champagne. My preference is to drink VVF before age 20. Bollinger’s VVF is one of Champagne’s rarest and most iconic wines. Just a few thousand bottles are made each year from Pinot Noir grafted onto pre-phylloxera rootstocks in Ay and Bouzy. This bottle was disgorged in July, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. (Dec 2009)"
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$114.95
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W&S 95
RJ 93–95
WS 94
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $157.00
|
95 points Wine & Spirits: "[$157 list] Digging deep into its limestone soils, this 2002 comes at you with scents of jasmine, lilac, Asian pear and a continuous pale chalk power. The oak aging of its base wines darkens the fruit and increases its muscular tone, a tannic austerity gentled by the floral notes. The wine smells beautiful: For all its mineral backbone and ten years of maturity, the impression it leaves is that of a sunny meadow -- a scent tied to the freshness of fruit in the vintage. (Dec 2012)"
93-95 points Richard Juhlin (Apr 2012).
94 points and 'Highly Recommended,' Wine Spectator: "Ripe, appealing flavors of peach, Gala apple, toast and blood orange mix with a streak of minerality and notes of spice, all set on the fine-grained texture. Fresh and focused, with racy acidity and a long, mouthwatering, nut-tinged finish. Drink now through 2025. (11/30/11)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$150 list] The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty of aromatic lift, inner perfume and no sense of heaviness at all. A rich, creamy finish adds the final note of complexity and pedigree. The 2002 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 71% from Grand Cru villages and 29% from Premier Crus. Disgorged February 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. (Nov 2011)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(60% pint noir and 40% chardonnay; 71% of the fruit is from grand cru sites and rest from premier crus; disgorged February, 2011): Light gold. Ripe pear and honey on the explosively perfumed nose, with sexy floral and marzipan nuances expanding with air. Fat, full and palate-coating, boasting impressive power and thrust. Shows an intriguing blend of richness and energy and finishes long, with smoky and spicy nuances. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay, 100% grand and premier crus; $150 list). In contrast to the heightened expressiveness of the 2004 Grande Année Rosé this is actually quite restrained with discreet notes of green apple, pear and citrus peel. The delicious, intense and voluminous flavors enjoy a prominent effervescence that is almost foamy yet the bead is strikingly fine, all wrapped in a distinctly yeasty, dry and admirably complex finish that goes on and on. This too could be enjoyed now or held for a number of years to come depending on how much yeast character you like. Drink: now+. (Oct 2012)"
2 stars, Peter Liem (ChampagneGuide.net): "Made of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, this is spicy and bold, showing the ripeness of the vintage. It's exuberant and youthful at the moment, its rich red-fruit flavors feeling sleekly voluptuous, although it's all held in place by its underlying chalkiness. The aromas persist with fragrance and length on the finish, and overall, this promises to develop well--in fact, it should be much more interesting when the primary fruit calms down, allowing a more mature complexity to develop. (Last tasted: 11/11)"
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$144.95
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WA 96
FWR 92–95
IWC 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $185.00
|
96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$185 list] The 2010 Corton-Charlemagne is the epitome of elegance, finesse and refinement in white Burgundy. Readers will have a very, very hard time finding a wine with this much pure class and textural finesse. Smoke, flint, crushed rocks and citrus all flow through to the vibrant, pointed finish. Today, the 2010 is incredibly tight, and needs more time in bottle to soften. It is a dazzling wine endowed with laser-like focus and tons of purity. Anticipated maturity: 2015+. (Aug 2012)"
92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "The Corton-Charlemagne shows good tightness with lemony flavors and good acidity, minerality, and depth. It is an elegant Corton-Charlemagne. (Issue #137; 2013)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Pale yellow. Initially closed nose of lemon drop, anise and wet stone opened with air to show underripe pineapple, spices and wild herbs. Dense, thick, powerful and dry, with a strong vanillin oak element nicely buffered by an impression of saline extract. Began a bit warm but aeration brought strong, chewy flavors of chalk and lemon. Finishes austere, uncompromisingly dry and very long, with superb verve. All about soil and stone. (Sep 2012)"
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$84.95
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FWR 93–96
AM 93
IWC 93
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
1
available
|
List $110.00
|
93-96 points Fine Wine Review: "The Meursault-Genevrières is pure, lacy, and deep with very fine buttery hints. It should turn into a great or near-great wine with time and is a prime example of why Genevrières is a stealth grand cru vineyard. (Issue #125; 2009)"
93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Prost says that Bouchard now owns an incredible 2.7 ha, which would make Bouchard the largest owner, surpassing the 2.5 ha of Latour-Giraud). This offers yet another, and more complete, dimension of aromatic depth as well as a bit more elegance with a naturally spicy and mildly exotic fruit nose that is seductive and pure. The detailed, precise and pure medium-bodied flavors possess excellent transparency and impressive finishing power on the mouth coating finish where plenty of dry extract is evident. Terrific. Drink: 2014+. (Jun 2009)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$110 list] Sexy aromas of lemon verbena, minerals, oatmeal, hazelnut and toast, lifted by a floral topnote. Suave, broad and dry, with the energy of the vintage coming through. Long and tactile on the aftertaste. Winemaker Prost noted that his 2007s typically finished with between 1.2 and 1.5 grams per liter of residual sugar, while the 2008s are a bit sweeter, ranging from 1.8 to 2.7. (Sep/Oct 2009)"
5 stars, 'Decanter Award,' Decanter: "Precise, fine and beautifully balanced. A wine of great control and expression. Very fine. From 2010. (Dec 2010)"
17/20 points The World of Fine Wine: "Muted nose, ripe apples. Rich, creamy, opulent, and textured. Ripe, but shows no flab on the palate. Only moderate acidity and persistence. (Issue #23; 2009)"
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$950.00
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FWR 96–99
AM 97
WA 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
8
available
|
List $1,514.00
|
96-99 points Fine Wine Review: "...the Montrachet itself shows pure butter aromas and flavors with finesse, great depth, length, and great bite. It is outstanding Montrachet; for me, there is no single Montrachet reference, but stylistically, I would say this is in the middle, with the richness of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti at one end and the finesse of Drouhin’s Marquis de Laguiche at the other end. (Issue #125; 2009)"
97 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .89 ha parcel of Puligny vines). While not more elegant than the Cabotte, this is quite a bit more complex with a stunning range of fruit, citrus, floral and spice aromas that complement to perfection the very rich, full and strikingly concentrated broad-scaled flavors that are supported by plenty of dry extract that buffers a firm core of ripe acidity on the beautifully intense and flat out incredibly lingering finish. What really impresses me about the '07 though is that despite the impressive heft, the finish remains laser-like in its focus. A 'wow' wine in every sense except for one, which is that this is not an imposing or massive vintage for this wine. Otherwise, this is sensational, especially in terms of its impeccable balance. Drink: 2019+. (Jun 2009)"
94 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Bouchard 2007 Montrachet is scented with peaches, ocean breezes, narcissus, musk, and a hint of sweat, setting the tone for a creamy palate brimming with richly ripe fruit and invigoratingly tinged with salt, sweat, white pepper, lemon zest, and peach fuzz. This is more emphatically concentrated than its Chevalier counterparts as well as -- predictably -- more overtly rich, but less alluring, and lacking the dynamic or lift that made the La Cabotte bottling especially memorable. Still it is formidably rich stuff, which one hopes will display stamina in bottle concomitant with its palate persistence. If I had some, I would not open a bottle for several years and would anticipate a decade or more of rewards. (Dec 2009)"
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$475.00
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FWR 96–99
AM 97
WA 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
Pre-arrival,
3
available
|
List $757.00
|
96-99 points Fine Wine Review: "...the Montrachet itself shows pure butter aromas and flavors with finesse, great depth, length, and great bite. It is outstanding Montrachet; for me, there is no single Montrachet reference, but stylistically, I would say this is in the middle, with the richness of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti at one end and the finesse of Drouhin’s Marquis de Laguiche at the other end. (Issue #125; 2009)"
97 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .89 ha parcel of Puligny vines). While not more elegant than the Cabotte, this is quite a bit more complex with a stunning range of fruit, citrus, floral and spice aromas that complement to perfection the very rich, full and strikingly concentrated broad-scaled flavors that are supported by plenty of dry extract that buffers a firm core of ripe acidity on the beautifully intense and flat out incredibly lingering finish. What really impresses me about the '07 though is that despite the impressive heft, the finish remains laser-like in its focus. A 'wow' wine in every sense except for one, which is that this is not an imposing or massive vintage for this wine. Otherwise, this is sensational, especially in terms of its impeccable balance. Drink: 2019+. (Jun 2009)"
94 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Bouchard 2007 Montrachet is scented with peaches, ocean breezes, narcissus, musk, and a hint of sweat, setting the tone for a creamy palate brimming with richly ripe fruit and invigoratingly tinged with salt, sweat, white pepper, lemon zest, and peach fuzz. This is more emphatically concentrated than its Chevalier counterparts as well as -- predictably -- more overtly rich, but less alluring, and lacking the dynamic or lift that made the La Cabotte bottling especially memorable. Still it is formidably rich stuff, which one hopes will display stamina in bottle concomitant with its palate persistence. If I had some, I would not open a bottle for several years and would anticipate a decade or more of rewards. (Dec 2009)"
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$99.95
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RP 98
France
-
Rhone
-
Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
5
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "Of course, Michel Chapoutier produces some very limited spectacular dessert wines. The 2004 Ermitage Vin de Paille, which has a deep amber color and smells like black truffle oil intermixed with orange marmalade and honeysuckle, is an amazingly rich wine that has put on considerable weight since I tasted it last year. This is a legendary wine that should age for 50-75 or more years. This wine cuvee has between 100 and 159 grams of residual sugar, and the finished alcohol is approximately 15%. (Apr 2007)"
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$84.95
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WS 95
RP 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock, 12+ available
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95 points and 'Highly Recommended', Wine Spectator: "Deep and intense, it powers its way through the palate, delivering bursts of fruit and earth. Silky and full-bodied, with distinctive personality, this ripe, thick and well-made white has earthy, smoky, bread dough and beeswax complexity. Best from 2004 through 2014. 1,080 cases made. (8/31/02)"
92 points Robert Parker: "A retasting of the 1998 Hermitage blanc confirmed its brilliant quality. It is an elegant, floral-scented, structured white Hermitage. It boasts fabulous concentration, but is less flattering and precocious than either the 1999 or 2000. If the latter two wines lean toward a flamboyant style, the 1998 should prove to be one of the more muscular, long lived, backward efforts requiring patience. (Apr 2002)"
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$325.00
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WS 95
RP 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
5
available
|
|
94 points and 'Highly Recommended', Wine Spectator: "Deep and intense, it powers its way through the palate, delivering bursts of fruit and earth. Silky and full-bodied, with distinctive personality, this ripe, thick and well-made white has earthy, smoky, bread dough and beeswax complexity. Best from 2004 through 2014. 1,080 cases made. (8/31/02)"
92 points Robert Parker: "A retasting of the 1998 Hermitage blanc confirmed its brilliant quality. It is an elegant, floral-scented, structured white Hermitage. It boasts fabulous concentration, but is less flattering and precocious than either the 1999 or 2000. If the latter two wines lean toward a flamboyant style, the 1998 should prove to be one of the more muscular, long lived, backward efforts requiring patience. (Apr 2002)"
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$259.95
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RP 99
WS 98
France
-
Rhone
-
Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $350.00
|
99 points Robert Parker: "The bottled 2009 Hermitage Blanc is one of the greatest whites ever made chez Chave, and that’s saying something given Chave’s track record. This spectacular wine, normally a blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, exhibits layers of concentration, superb acidity and minerality, laser-like focus, and plenty of quince, white currant, citrus oil, honeysuckle, anise, white peach and apricot marmalade notes. This significant, full-bodied, dry white Hermitage should age for 30-50 years. However, given the vintage’s flamboyance, it will be drinkable early in life. (Dec 2011)"
98 points Wine Spectator: "[$350 list] This is a stunning display of richness and precision, with almost languid creamed Cavaillon melon, peach and persimmon fruit framed by toasted macadamia nut and brioche hints. This is kept lively by salted butter, chamomile and orange blossom flavors through the very long finish, where a quinine note echoes. Best from 2015 through 2030. (8/29/12)"
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$26.95
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JG 96
France
-
Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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96 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "I have been waiting ever since François Chidaine purchased the Clos Baudoin for this legendary vineyard to fully recover from its decades of relative neglect and really start to come into its own, and perhaps the 2010 vintage will be looked back upon as the year that this finally happened. The 2010 Sec is an absolutely stunning young wine, soaring from the glass in a complex and utterly refined nose of quince, pink grapefruit, magically complex, chalky soil tones, spring flowers, beeswax, citrus zest and a touch of lanolin. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and utterly refined, with a rock solid core of fruit, brisk acids, laser-like focus and a huge intensity on the utterly refined and endless finish. This is an absolutely brilliant young bottle of Vouvray Sec! 2018-2050+. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$274.95
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RP 99
WS 95
IWC 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Sweet
In stock,
1
available
|
|
99 points Robert Parker: "An extraordinary effort, Yquem's 1990 is a rich and fabulously superb, sweet wine. This wine also possesses lots of elegance and finesse. The wine's medium gold color is accompanied by an exceptionally sweet nose of honeyed tropical fruits, peaches, coconut, and apricots. High quality, subtle toasty oak is well-integrated. The wine is massive on the palate, with layers of intensely ripe botrytis-tinged, exceptionally sweet fruit. Surprisingly well-integrated acidity, and a seamless, full-bodied power and richness have created a wine of remarkable harmony and purity. Certainly it is one of the richest Yquems I have ever tasted, with 50-100 years of potential longevity. An awesome Yquem! Anticipated maturity: 2003-2050+. (Apr 1999)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Truly superb. Yellow with a gold hue. Intense spice, honey and dried orange peel aromas.Full-bodied, very sweet and very alive. Vibrant Sauternes that goes on and on on the palate. Doesn't get much better than this. Beautiful now,but wait.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. (8/31/00)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Full-blown aromas of caramel, toffee, honey, white chocolate and damp earth; slightly Tokaj-like. Hugely concentrated and layered in the mouth; extraordinary sweetness cut by harmonious acidity. As with the best vintages of Yquem, the finish goes on for a minute or more. Stains, and stuns, the palate. A huge wine, surprisingly extravagant on the nose (earlier bottles have been far more restrained) but completely unevolved and a bit musclebound on the palate. May ultimately merit a higher score. (Jul/Aug 1998)"
4-5 stars Michael Broadbent's Pocket Vintage Wine Companion: "Bottled in 1994. The biggest crop since 1893. Most recently, at Yquem: bright amber-gold with orange highlights; sweet, rich, orange blossom fragrance becoming increasingly caramelly; medium-sweet, rich texture, nutty flavour though lacking the opulence and rich sensuality of the '89. Long life. Last tasted Aug 2006."
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$215.95
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FWR 92–95
AM 92–94
IWC 93
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
1
available
|
List $380.00
|
92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "The Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet displays butter and hazelnuts with some minerality and small spices in the nose. The mouth shows butter, lemon, and mineral flavors with nervosity, intensity, length, and excellent acidity. (Issue #137; 2013)"
92-94 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A mildly toasty nose is presently dominated by strong fermentation aromas that push the underlying fruit to the background. By contrast, there is good freshness and plenty of punch to the rich, deep, intense and admirably refined medium-bodied flavors that possess a silky mouth feel, all wrapped in a highly complex, long and very stylish finish. This is a very classy effort and, nose aside, a classic Bienvenues. Drink: 2018+. (Jun 2012)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$380 list] Full yellow color. Musky aromas of ripe peach, lime and brown spices. Densely packed and lively; distinctly powerful for Bienvenue. Highly concentrated citrus and crushed stone flavors give the wine a vibrant, piercing back end. A very backward, long grand cru with terrific energy for aging. (Sep 2012)"
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$59.95
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JG 98
AM 97
IWC 95
France
-
Burgundy
-
Chablis
In stock, 12+ available
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98 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2010 William Fèvre les Clos is the very finest of what is an utterly stunning array of grand crus from the domaine in this vintage. The nearly perfect nose offers up a complex and youthful mélange of apple, tart orange, grapefruit, flint, stunning, stony minerality, lime zest, smoke and spring flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure on the attack, with a properly reserved personality, simply enormous, nascent complexity, a rock solid core and brilliant cut and grip on the snappy, soil-driven and magically long finish. Stunning juice. 2022-2075. (Nov/Dec 2011)"
97 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from 4 separate parcels totaling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). An exceptionally fresh and intensely floral nose also offers up notes of lime, lemon, stone and iodine that are trimmed in a discreet touch of wood. There is massive richness to the concentrated and big-bodied flavors that are breathtakingly powerful and intense, all wrapped in a palate drenching and extraordinarily long finish. As impressive as all of these characteristics are, it’s the sheer depth of underlying material that is almost hard to believe. Like the Preuses and the Valmur, this is a ‘wow’ wine that should develop for at least a decade though because of all of the dry extract, it will be approachable much sooner. In a word, brilliant. Drink: 2020+. (Oct 2012)"
95+ points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$115/750ml list] Bright, pale green. Subtle, delicate aromas of white peach, mint, crushed stone and chlorophyll. Less complex today than the Preuses but this is still an infant. All about white peach lifted by white pepper. Fine-grained, silky and utterly vibrant wine, delivering outstanding density and fullness without weight. Great slowly mounting finish promises much more to come. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
94 points and 'Year's Best White Burgundy,' Wine & Spirits: "[$115/750ml list] One of the most prized holdings in the domaine, Fèvre owns 10.15 acres on the south-facing hillside of Les Clos, the heart of Chablis’s grand crus. This 2010 is so concentrated and powerful that it’s hard to approach, a deep well of whiteness, of lees and jasmine, lilac and bee pollen, harmony and youthful pallor. There’s no wisdom in drinking this before it’s ten years old or older; if you do open the bottle before then, double decant it back into the bottle and forget about it for a day. (Oct 2012)"
18/20 points Michel Bettane (The World of Fine Wine): "One of the most impressive Chablis of the vintage: a complete rendition of Les Clos. This wine needs 8-10 years to blossom and deliver all the magic minerality of the place. (Issue #35; 2012)"
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$129.95
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JG 96
AM 92–95
IWC 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Chablis
In stock,
11
available
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List $160.00
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96 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2010 Vaudésir from Domaine William Fèvre had only been bottled the day before my tasting, but was clearly stunning (perhaps not yet having had the time to shut down after the mise). The reserved and superbly complex nose offers up scents of grapefruit, lime, chalky minerality, lemongrass and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine deep, full-bodied and very pure on the attack, with racy acids, excellent focus, great mid-palate density and a very, very long, perfectly balanced and bracing finish. A brilliant bottle of Vaudésir. 2018-2050+. (Nov/Dec 2011)"
92-95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from two separate parcels of vines, the larger of which is in the heart of the "amphitheater" from which the finest examples of Vaudésir originate). A riper yet almost equally elegant nose features extract of white and yellow orchard fruit, sea breeze and pungent stone notes. Size-wise, this is between the Bougros and the Valmur with impressively dense and powerful flavors that coat the palate with dry extract that also buffers the firm acid spine on the hugely complex and energetic finish. Despite the punch and weight, this is relatively fine and I quite like the silky texture. Comments: Don't miss! Drink: 2017+. (Oct 2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "($80/750ml list; the yield here was just 32 hectoliters per hectare, according to Seguier): Pale green-yellow. Subtle, very pure aromas of pineapple, spices and minerals. Enters the mouth with noteworthy sweetness but penetrating acidity gives terrific cut to the citrus, pineapple and dusty stone flavors. Wonderfully intense fruit here. Finishing flavors of lemon, lime and minerals stain the palate on the vibrant, rising finish. This will almost certainly shut down in bottle. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
17.5/20 points Michael Edwards (The World of Fine Wine): "Showing well already--a shade friendlier at this stage than the very fine 2008. A particularly luxuriant mouthfeel shaped by the Indian-summer ripeness of the fruit and the large barrels. Impressively pure and mineral, the bio principles nicely realized. (Issue #35; 2012)"
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$49.95
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JG 96
AM 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $70.00
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92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The current release of Godmé Père et Fils Blanc de Noirs is a lovely wine, which is comprised entirely of pinot noir. The base wine of the new release is from the 2007 vintage, with fully forty percent of the blend hailing from reserve wines dating back to ’03, and the dosage is 6 grams per liter, which follows the trend of Monsieur Godmé to use lower level dosage in all of his recent bottlings. The nose is deep, pure and very vibrant in its blend of tart orange, apple, bread dough, complex and very precise minerality, citrus zest and a lovely floral topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and extremely elegant, with excellent focus, fine mid-palate depth, very refined mousse, crisp acids and excellent length and grip on the perfectly balanced finish. This is a lovely wine that should age every bit as well as the bottling I tucked away in the cellar four years ago (which is reported on immediately below). Fine and high class juice. 2012-2025. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Base wine 2006, 100% pinot noir). This is aromatically complex and while not quite as overtly fruity as the Rosé, this too speaks of red berry aromas laced with soft yeast notes. There is an exuberant effervescence with a creamy and very round mouth feel before culminating in mouth coating finish where the yeast notes of the nose are reprised. This is on the fruity side but often very fruit forward examples lack depth but that is not the case here. Drink: 2013+. (Jan 2012)"
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$144.95
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WS 95
W&S 94
WA 93
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
7
available
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List $199.00
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95 points Wine Spectator: "[$199 list] Like finely woven silk, this offers beautiful texture, sublime balance and integration. Rich apple pastry, candied orange peel, crystallized honey and dried apricot flavors are layered with hints of smoke, sea salt and toasted nut. Lovely, with a fresh, persistent finish. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (12/15/11)"
94 points Wine & Spirits: "[$199 list] A 50-50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir from grands crus in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, this emphasizes chardonnay in mature scents of golden delicious apple crisp and ripe Bosc pear. Pinot noir gives it muscle, guiding the wine’s richness toward meaty dishes like pheasant roasted with morels. Acidity zips up the finish, keeping the nutty, caramelized aspects in check. A mouthwatering wine at a delicious moment of maturity. (Dec 2011)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$199 list] The 1998 Brut Cuvee des Enchanteleurs flows from the glass with juicy yellow peaches, apricots, mint, flowers and light honey. The wine shows gorgeous textural depth along with an utterly refined, impeccable mousse. All the flavors meld together seamlessly on the rich, buttery finish. This is a beautiful, complete Enchanteleurs to drink now and over the next handful of years. The 1998 is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Champagne Mailly, Verzy, Verzenay, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize and Chouilly, all Grand Cru villages... Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. (Nov 2011)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(a 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, all from grand cru vineyards): Light, bright gold. Poached pear, flowers, honey and toasty lees on the smoky, spice-accented nose. Broad and juicy, offering open-knit orchard and pit fruit flavors braced by tangy acidity. Smooth, sappy and smoky on the finish, which shows excellent clarity and closing bite. Tighter than the outstanding 1996 version and missing just a bit of that wine's heft. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
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$345.00
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FWR 92–96
AM 95
JG 93
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
1
available
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92-96 points Fine Wine Review: "The Montrachet that I tasted is from the Chassagne side of the vineyard. There are also a couple of barrels from the Puligny side but they were not available to taste. There is some sucrosity in this wine (alcohol is 13.4%), but also surprisingly fine acidity with lots of glycerol. It is not easy to judge at this stage. (Issue #115; 2007)"
95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a blend of both Chassagne and Puligny). Moderate oak frames more reserved white flower and acacia blossom aromas that introduce round, rich and sumptuous full-bodied flavors that possess a suave mouth feel because there is dry extract here to burn and this extract confers an almost thick but not heavy palate impression on the imposingly persistent finish. Like the Bâtard, this is presently almost painfully intense and should age well. Drink: 2017+. (Jul 2007)"
93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The Jadot Montrachet hails from vines on the Chassagne side of this vineyard, and it shows a bit more reserve than the above wine in 2005. The bouquet is deep and primary, as it offers up notes of apple, lemon, grapefruit, great minerality and a fine base of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is medium-full, focused and very long, but again with only moderate mid-palate depth for Montrachet. The finish is long and shows bright acids and good grip. Much like the Les Demoiselles, this is a very pretty and forward example of the vintage that will show extremely well out of the blocks and will only disappoint those accustomed to a bit more volume and core in their Montrachet. 2008-2015+? (Nov/Dec 2006)"
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$244.95
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W&S 96
WS 95
JG 95
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
10
available
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96 points Wine & Spirits: "Building on the exotic character of the vintage, this wine’s volumes of flavor range from lobster broth to star anise; the yeasty crust of a fresh baguette; the spritz of lemon zest. It’s a vibrant 2000, remarkable for the delicacy and intricate detail attained within the confines of a single year. Oyster bliss with a West Coast Kumamoto. (Dec 2012)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Tightly knit, this is finely textured and expressive. Savory hints of fennel seed and cardamom accent dried apricot, bread dough, hazelnut, creamy espresso and grapefruit zest notes, remaining racy and focused through to the lasting, lightly briny finish. Drink now through 2027. (11/30/12)"
95 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2000 vintage of Krug is evolving very nicely and seems likely to be a year where the wine can offer superb pleasure at a fairly early age, which is not always the case with some of the more structured vintages from this superb house. The wine is blossoming nicely and shows some lovely secondary layers of complexity on the nose, with scents of apple, gentle smokiness, caraway seed, discreetly complex soil tones, bread dough and a gentle touch of nutskins wafting from the glass. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and seamless, with a superb core of fruit, very elegant mousse, suave acidity, excellent grip and laser-like focus on the very long, complex and intensely flavored finish. This is a superb vintage of Krug that is already a very impressive drink, and I cannot see a whole lot of reason to defer one’s gratification, as the wine is really showing brilliantly today. 2013-2035+. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
93-95 points Richard Juhlin (Oct 2012).
93 points Wine Advocate: "The 2000 vintage has a really pretty floral / peach blossom nose with nuances of chopped nuts, spiced apple slices, coriander seed and a touch of anise. The palate is elegantly fruited offering very crisp acid and a long finish with some of the baking spices coming through. This vintage is blended of 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier. (May 2012)" -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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