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$99.95
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WA 98
IWC 93
Argentina
In stock,
1
available
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List $120.00
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98 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$120 list] The 2009 Finca Bella Vista was sourced from a vineyard planted in 1910 giving a miserly yield of 0.75 tons per acre. It displays slightly blacker fruit, a bit more depth and opulence, and a finish that seems endless. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring and enjoy it from 2016 to 2029+. (Dec 2011)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(90+-year-old vines grown at 3,100 feet; 14 h/h; all three of these high-end malbecs spent 15 months in all-new French oak): Deep, bright ruby. Brooding aromas of blackberry, tar, licorice, violet and bitter chocolate. Dense, suave and vibrant, with superb inner-mouth energy to the black fruit, licorice and violet flavors. Really beautifully integrated acidity shows an almost peppery pungency. Finishes very long and lively, with noble, fine-grained tannins and a palate-saturating impression of extract. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
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$73.95
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WS 91
IWC 91
Italy
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Veneto
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Amarone
In stock,
9
available
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91 points Wine Spectator: "A firm, fresh red, with a smoky baseline and balanced flavors of black cherry, damson plum, violet, polished oak and spice. This is structured by bright acidity and chewy tannins that come to the fore on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023. (10/15/11)"
91 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Good deep ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of redcurrant and crushed rock, with a red berry liqueur-like nuance. Supple, lush and sweet, but with surprising acidity and a recurring mineral quality energizing the middle palate. Finishes with smooth tannins and very good length. This has the stuffing to age but also offers considerable upfront appeal. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
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$73.95
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JS 96
WS 92
WE 92
Italy
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Veneto
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Amarone
In stock,
11
available
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List $85.00
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96 points James Suckling: "Amazing in the nose, with hazelnut, walnuts, dark fruits and chocolate. Full body, with a rich and balanced palate and lovely length. Drinkable now but structured for aging. Harmonic. (12/9/12)"
Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso (2013).
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$85 list] Ripe, sweet fruit flavors of damson plum and black cherry mix with lively acidity and accents of date, spice box, mineral and fresh earth, while layered tannins add muscle to this elegant red. Drink now through 2025. (9/30/12)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$85 list] One of the founding members of the prestigious Amarone Families association who focus on safeguarding the unique winemaking traditions of Valpolicella, Allegrini sets the standard for a new generation of vintners. This opens with sweet tones of Indian spice, ripe fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is exceedingly rich, long lasting and intense. Alcohol 15.5%. (Nov 2012)"
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$79.95
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WS 94
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2012 (#92),' Wine Spectator: "Striking, rich and opulent, elegant and refined, with ripe, dense blackberry, melted black licorice and touches of cinnamon and baking spice. Ends with fine-grained, detailed tannins. Best from 2013 through 2027. (12/31/12)"
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$69.95
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IWC 90
Italy
-
Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
1
available
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90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(all nebbiolo) Ruby-red. Reticent aromas of roasted cherry, fresh herbs, brown spices and nutty oak... Fat, rich, broad and sweet, but not yet as filled in as the Larigi or La Villa bottlings. Showing its 14.9% alcohol today, not to mention its oak element. But this powerful wine is extremely backward today and more about earthy, nutty, herbal terroir than about primary fruit. Finishes with huge, ripe, furry tannins that will require patience. (Nov/Dec 2002)"
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$54.95
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IWC 91
Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
2
available
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Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "La Villa, from barbera and nebbiolo, is equally extraordinary. Today, it is superior to the monovarietal nebbiolo Arborina, which requires further bottle age. (2002)"
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera) Deep medium ruby. Slightly roasted yet pure aromas of black cherry, blueberry, licorice and mint. Rich, fat and broad on entry, then tighter and less sweet in the middle than the Larigi. Intense black cherry flavor is complicated on the very long, firm finish by notes of blackberry, bitter chocolate and espresso. Tannins are quite firm, in the style of the vintage. (Nov/Dec 2002)"
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$69.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
6
available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This seems mildly evolved already and the wisps of secondary fruit are, surprisingly, apparent. The complex... flavors are chewy... Drink: 2013+. (Jan 2011)"
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$79.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
2
available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A wild red berry fruit nose that is a bit fresher and more elegant than the Les Plantes is quite densely fruited which complements well the supple, generous and seductively textured flavors that possess solid depth and extract on the long and lightly mineral-infused finish. Very good if not truly special. Drink: 2015+. (Jan 2012)"
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$74.95
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AM 89–92
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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89-92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Mild reduction detracts only mildly from the red and black pinot fruit that also displays a subtle hint of crushed herbs. The dusty and sappy middle weight flavors are supported by very fine tannins and good richness on the long and mouth coating finish. There is a bit more mid-palate concentration here compared to the Les Plantes and Feusselottes. Drink: 2017+. (Jan 2012)"
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$79.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
1
available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Amiot-Servelle is one of only two proprietors). Here the nose offers extremely fresh aromas of raspberry and strawberry that complement textured, concentrated and detailed middle weight flavors that are delicious, focused and impressively complex... Drink: 2014+. (Jan 2011)"
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$89.95
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AM 90
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
9
available
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90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Amiot-Servelle is one of only two proprietors). This is quite ripe, indeed to the extent of having mocha and cassis aromas that manage to retain a reasonable sense of freshness. The suave, round and delicious middle weight flavors are quite textured as here too there is ample dry extract that renders the firm tannins almost invisible on the mouth coating yet slightly bitter finish where a hint of wood toast surfaces. In contrast to the villages Chambolle however, there appears to be enough extract present to allow the tannins to round out and thus my score offers the benefit of the doubt. Drink: 2016+. (Jan 2012)"
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$59.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
5
available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Classic ruby. A cool, restrained, ultra elegant and airy nose features very pure black cherry and raspberry fruit aromas along with a sauvage note that complement the round yet detailed middle weight flavors that possess good energy and a touch of minerality on the ever-so-slightly under ripe finish... Drink: 2014+. (Jan 2011)"
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$69.95
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AM 90
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
5
available
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90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is a very ripe Feusselottes with notes of cassis and black raspberry though here too there is enough reduction to notice. The dense and quite seductively textured medium-bodied flavors possess a silky mouth feel on the balanced and lingering finish where a hint of mineral character emerges. This is almost delicate and is an understated wine of finesse. Drink: 2017+. (Apr 2013)"
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$69.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This also displays just a hint of reduction that serves to reduce the expressiveness of the nose though aggressive swirling liberates notes of reticent red currant, briar and wet stone. There is excellent verve to the middle weight flavors that exude mineral and soil tones before terminating in a quite finely detailed finish that lacks the same depth as the best here. Drink: 2018+. (Apr 2013)"
Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): "This domaine is run by Christian Amiot (one of the sons of Pierre Amiot from Morey-St-Denis) who is married to Elisabeth Servelle, daughter of Bernard Servelle-Tachot... The domaine has been farmed organically from 2003, with AB certification from the 2008 vintage. The wines taste fresh and modern although there is no great reliance on oak--20 per cent new wood is used for the village wine, and up to 50 per cent for the two top premiers crus... (2010)"
Clive Coates (The Wines of Burgundy): "Quality has improved... The wines now are very good, indeed. (2008)"
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$59.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
10
available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A somewhat riper nose of red raspberry and a touch of cassis marries into rich, full and delicious flavors that possess more volume if less detail... I like the energy...Drink: 2014. (Jan 2011)"
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$64.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
8
available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is both fresher and more elegant with a red berry liqueur nose cut with notes of spice and earth that gives way to rich but nicely detailed middle weight flavors that posses firm yet ripe and well-integrated tannins, all wrapped in a mouth coating finish where a touch of wood surfaces. (Jan 2011)"
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$69.95
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AM 89–91
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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89-91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Relatively strong reduction knocks down the nose though it's clear that the underlying fruit is ripe. The nicely rich and round flavors possess good volume and this too offers a supple and silky mouth feel on the delicious, balanced and persistent finish. This is not quite as refined as the Feusselottes but displays a bit more complexity. A qualitative choice. Drink: 2016+. (Jan 2012)"
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$97.95
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WS 94
IWC 94
JS 92
Australia
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Red
In stock,
5
available
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List $115.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "A dark, brooding and dense wine, delivering dried cherry, carpaccio and spice flavors, which linger on the broad finish. Has layers and layers of depth, all balled up and waiting to open with time. Best from 2014 through 2020. 1,200 cases made. (4/30/12)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(sourced from vines that are reportedly 50 to 130 years old; 100% new oak, 95% of it French): Dark purple. Flamboyant aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, incense, vanilla and Indian spices. Concentrated, penetrating and densely packed, with strikingly concentrated dark fruit flavors that show liqueur-like intensity. Finishes very long, with firm but harmonious tannins and superb persistence. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
92 points James Suckling: "Hung meat, iodine and spice on the nose. Focused in the mouth with judicious use of oak. A compact wine of real force, yet never falls to the wayside of excess, despite its obvious power. Don't know how much I could drink, but the wine is balanced. Drink now and over the next five years. (11/22/11)"
Producer notes: "Dark purple with youthful hues on release, the nose is a compelling mix of dark stone fruits, coffee and blackberries. The 2010 is supremely focused yet rich and rewarding on the palate. The flavours are intense yet restrained, showing brooding dark fruit characters, with cracked pepper hints, some minerality and great complexity. The astounding purity of expression and multilayered structure will allow this wine to mature with elegance for decades to come. Age of vines: 50-130 years old. Cellaring potential: 18+ years. Alcohol: 15.1%."
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$58.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Robert Ampeau is among a small breed of traditional producers that holds back releasing its wines until after several years in bottle, and sometimes after several decades. Among those "in the know", Ampeau is considered one the greatest buys in all of Burgundy. However, the wines are nearly impossible to find here in the US. Most never leave France, where local collectors quickly snatch up the lion's share of any and all new releases.
We are one of the few merchants in US to have worked significantly with Ampeau directly over the years. As a result of our relationship, we were afforded the opportunity to get in on their latest release of 1993 Volnay Santenots, a wine considered by many (including us) as the best red in their cellar. As a domaine known mostly for whites, the Volnay Santenots often gets overlooked in Ampeau's stable of production. However, their Santenots is one of the greatest examples of the vineyard you will find from any producer, even including Lafon.
We've had the pleasure of tasting the 1993 on multiple occasions and each time it's been nothing less than stunning. You won't find any professional reviews on the wine (due to the fact the winery does not allow critics to taste out of barrel), but you can find numerous community tasting notes on cellartracker.com where 77 people score it on average 91.3 points with a median score of 92 points. Personally, we would put it at 93 or 94 points, but whatever. Point being, this is one the greatest pristinely aged wines for the price you will find on the market, now or at any time in the future.
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$57.95
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RP 94
IWC 91
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $80.00
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94 points Robert Parker: "Anakota, one of Jess Jackson’s flagship estates, is producing small quantities (about 500 cases of each wine) of outstanding Cabernets intended to showcase the potential of these vineyards on Mount St. Helena in Knight’s Valley. Both are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon planted at 700-900 foot elevations. The wines are aged 14 months in French oak. These impressive offerings establish Anakota as a worthy competitor to Peter Michael’s exceptional Les Pavots proprietary red. (Dec 2008)"
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$80 list] Good red-ruby. Musky aromas of currant, iron, leather and smoke. Lush, fat and nuanced, with noteworthy purity and depth to its flavors of black cherry, game, spices, mint and earth. Very full and round but not at all sweet or easy. Compared to the Helena Montana, this shows a tad less energy and finishes with more obvious though fine tannins. (May/Jun 2008)"
Producer notes: "The 2005 Helena Dakota Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine with a deep, dark red color. The nose presents notes of vanilla and oak. On the palate is an explosion of red fruits and minerality supported by a very round structure. The tannins are mature and present a long finish with hints of blonde tobacco. This wine can be decanted and enjoyed now, or it can be placed in your cellar. Before 2010, decant for full enjoyment. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 14 months in French oak (70% new). 14.8% alcohol."
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$57.95
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RP 92
IWC 92
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $80.00
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92+ points Robert Parker: "The dense purple-colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana offers sweet aromas and flavors of charcoal/burning embers, blueberries, and black currants, a deep, full-bodied style, silky, but noticeable tannins, and a long, authoritative finish. The overall impression is one of serious substance as well as undeniable complexity and elegance. This 2005 should drink beautifully for 15-20+ years. From a site slightly lower on the slopes, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota sees a nearly identical upbringing, but it comes across as a richer wine. Its opaque purple color is followed by a stunning aromatic display of lead pencil shavings, espresso roast, chocolate, blackberries, and cassis. The wine is deep and full-bodied with sweet tannins, decent acidity, a harmonious mouthfeel, and a seamless integration of acidity, oak, tannin, and alcohol. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for two decades. It is not surprising that Jess Jackson’s winemaker, Pierre Seillan (who is the force behind the brilliant Verite wines) is in charge at Anakota. (Dec 2008)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good full ruby-red. Musky aromas of dark cherry, coffee, tobacco and loam. Sweet, lush and fine-grained, with lovely elegance and life to the flavors of cherry and coffee. Harmonious acidity really extends and lifts the fruit on the back end, which features very suave tannins and outstanding persistence. This goes a step beyond the very good 2004. Jess Jackson notes that this site, on volcanic ash soil, ripens a full two weeks earlier than the Helena Dakota, which is planted on soil rich in iron and clay. (May/Jun 2008)"
Producer notes: "[$80 list] The 2005 Helena Montana Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine with a very elegant and refined nose of black fruits. An initial impression on the palate of vanilla from well integrated oak. The architecture of this wine is well constructed, very spiced, with an extra long finish of minerality infused with soft delicate tannins, attributing to its long aging potential. Before 2010, decant for full enjoyment. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 14 months in French oak (70% new). 15.0% alcohol."
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$79.95
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WA 93–96
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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93-96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The estate’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is endowed with serious power and depth. Layers of blue and black fruit, smoke, tobacco and licorice are woven together beautifully. Vivid yet rich and resonant, the 2010 stands out for its exceptional purity and overall harmony. Here, too, the oak needs time to integrate, but tha shouldn’t be an issue, as readers should not plan on opening bottles anytime soon. A creamy, layered finish laced with expressive blue and black fruits rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2032. (Dec 2012)"
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$89.95
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WA 95
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $105.00
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Eloge bursts from the glass with juicy dark cherries, flowers, mint, tobacco, licorice and earthiness. I especially like the immediacy of the fruit here. There is pure plushness and juiciness in the 2009 that is impossible not to love. Black cherries, tobacco, smoke and graphite all wrap around the intense, juicy finish. This is a terrific showing from Todd Anderson and his team. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot. Èloge (meaning praise worthy in French) is a true "Left Bank" style Bordeaux blend in the mold of the wines from Pauillac. The 2009 offers up glorious aromas of cedar or cigar box wood notes, a creme de cassis core of concentrated dark fruits, yet streaks of red currents in the mid-palate, violets, spice and toast from the oak. The compelling aromas are followed by the palate with power and finesse. This polished, yet powerful wine promises to provide thrilling consumption for 30+ years. Alcohol 14.8%."
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$59.95
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RP 92
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points Robert Parker: "The 2008 Right Bank (55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc) is slightly shorter and not as concentrated as the 2007. The lightest of the three vintages, the 2008 is a full-bodied effort displaying lots of cassis, bay leaf, charcoal, and subtle smoke. Expect it to drink well for 15 or so years. (Dec 2010)"
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$53.95
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WA 94
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $60.00
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94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$60 list] Freshly cut flowers, violets, leather and spices jump from the 2010 Proprietary Red Right Bank. There is an element of freshness and vibrancy in the 2010 that is highly appealing. Today, the 2010 is a bit compact, but I expect it will flesh out over time. Hints of leather, licorice, menthol and tar add complexity on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2020. (Dec 2012)"
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