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$134.95
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WE 94
RJ 90–94
WA 93
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $175.00
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94 points Wine Enthusiast: "From a relatively open vintage, this is a wine that is generous, rounded, full of green fruits, and balanced with a ripe texture. It has weight, but has more to do with sheer pleasure. It could age, maybe over 5 years, but its nutty hints show it is ready to drink. (Dec 2007)"
90 points (94 potential) Richard Juhlin: "Tooth-grindingly acid and anything but ingratiating in its austere feather costume. Enormously pure and in every detail a shapely future beauty. (Dec 2008)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$175 list] The1998 Blanc de Blancs is a gorgeous wine with well-delineated varietal aromas and flavors. From start to finish, this is a wine that exudes refinement and balance. The fruit is sourced from Mesnil, Avize, Cramant and Chouilly, but it is really Mesnil and its mineral drive that dominates the balance. In 1998 50% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and 5% of the wine was aged in oak. This remains a very fresh, linear Blanc de Blancs capable of another ten years of very fine drinking. This is Lot 663738 3170 7M, disgorged in June, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. (Dec 2008)"
Wall Street Journal: "Very Good/Delicious. Toast, roasted almonds and plenty of lemon, with a touch of oily weight yet clean and crisp. A complete wine. Very interesting and different, with a nice balance of yeast and liveliness. You could drink it all night, both with and without food. It would make any dish sing--as well as any guest. (11/22/08)"
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$349.95
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WA 95
France
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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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$84.95
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WS 95
RP 92
France
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Rhone
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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
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
5
available
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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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$144.95
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IWC 91
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
Pre-arrival, 12+ available
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91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Medium red. Expressive nose combines roasted red berries, cherry liqueur and musky minerality. Supple, silky and seamless, with mellow flavors of cherry, redcurrant and smoky oak given clarity by bright minerality. Not quite as vibrant as some recent vintages of this superb premier cru but this is delicious wine. Finishes lush and subtle, with even tannins. (Mar/Apr 2001)"
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$36.95
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JG 88
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
10
available
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88+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "I tasted 1998 Gaunoux Beaune a couple of years ago as part of my feature on the wines from this commune, and at that time I thought that this wine was poised on a knife edge between adequate and inadequate ripeness, with the possibility that the wine would blossom into a sweet and suave middleweight or forever retain its potentially green edge. At that time I commented that it will be interesting to follow this wine and see how it resolves. A couple of years on the wine has blossomed very nicely and has shaken off its potential underripe character and offers up a lovely bouquet of red berries, cherries, cocoa, gamebirds, woodsmoke, soil and a distinct topnote of roses. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and complex, with still a bit of tannin to resolve, but lovely length and grip on the complex finish. A classy wine that has turned out very well indeed. 2012- 2030+. (Jan/Feb 2009)"
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$99.95
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AM 92
JG 92
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
5
available
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93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .63 ha parcel).This is markedly more complex than the '98 Rugiens with a classic Renardes nose that is intensely sauvage and displaying moderate secondary development along with plenty of spice nuances. There is excellent energy and punch and it's clear that the supporting structural elements are riper while supporting and shaping the impressively well-detailed and mineral-inflected flavors and finish. This is an excellent '98 though note that while it could certainly be drunk now with pleasure that it will continue to age for years. Drink: now+. (Apr 2013)"
92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The only 1998s I had tasted from the domaine previously had been the Rugiens and the Beaune, and based on how well the 1998 Renardes and Beaune showed on this most recent visit, I have a suspicion that I have underrated the Rugiens when I last tasted it. In any case, the ’98 Renardes is showing outstanding potential, as it offers up a beautiful nose of cherries, strawberries, orange zest, stony soil tones, bonfires and a touch of game. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and very pure, with great focus, a rock solid core of fruit, fine-grained tannins and outstanding length and grip on the complex and soil-driven finish. All this fine wine needs is a bit more bottle age. 2013-2040. (Jan/Feb 2009)"
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$144.95
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WS 95
W&S 94
WA 93
France
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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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$425.00
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RP 98
B&D 97
WS 96
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock,
4
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "A candidate for the wine of the vintage from this somewhat forgotten year, consumers should be seeking out wines from the Right Bank and Graves as 1998 was a great vintage in those appellations. La Mission’s 1998 exhibits a healthy, opaque blue/purple color with no lightening at the edge. Thirty minutes of aeration brings forth a sensational bouquet of chocolate, cedar, truffles, graphite, blackberries, cassis and incense. La Mission’s so-called scorched earth/charcoal/hot rocks characteristic has not yet appeared. Full-bodied with superb purity, a multilayered texture, sweet tannin, good acidity and a fabulously long finish, this great, young La Mission-Haut-Brion’s finest days are yet to come. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040. (Aug 2012)"
97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "A grand vintage chez Dillon, with elegance in form, flavor, and texture, and undoubtedly more aromatic freshness than found in the great, recent sunny vintages. It can already be opened and enjoyed. (2011)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "Very dark ruby color still. The nose is deep and dense, with intense aromas of licorice, blackberry, warm stones and a hint of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with flavors of berries, iodine and chocolate. The tannin structure builds on the palate. Still needs to come together. A baby. Best after 2012. -'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008)."
19.5/20 points Decanter: "Explosive aromas and flavours of cassis, cherry liqueur, iron, spice, anise, and a long finish. Incredible density and concentration, yet it dances. Drink: 2011-2035. (Sep 2011)"
18-19 points The World of Fine Wine: "A cool, sinewy wine that dazzles with its rich, succulent fruit (lots of leafy Cabernet here) and amazing composure. This, too, has that same exotic spice note that gives La Mission so much of its seductive charm. Drinking beautifully now but with many miles yet to go. (Issue #32; 2011)"
18/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Medium to medium-full colour. Good acidity. Lots of fruit and lots of depth. Very classy. Very well balanced, complex fruit. Full but not too extracted. Very long. Lovely finish. This has a lot of distinction. Very fine. (2004)"
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$41.95
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Spain
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White
In stock,
9
available
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List $53.00
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Producer notes: "Viura 90%, Malvasia 10%, all from estate vineyards. Natural gold, developed color. Fresh, complex and developed aromas. On the palate smooth, round, fine and developed. Barrel aged for 6 years. Alcohol 12.5%. Combines with dishes such as: all types of fish, ideally firm-fleshed; rich dishes; fish stews; eggs; white meats; pasta; hard cheeses."
Wine Spectator: "[$53 list] This aromatic wine offers old lace and dried fruit, with apple, beeswax and rosewater flavors. A bit lean and quite tart, but remains racy and bright. A traditional style. Drink now through 2015. 1,833 cases made. (2012)"
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$695.00
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WA 93
Italy
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Veneto
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Amarone
In stock,
2
available
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Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "...the Amarone '98 is a real gem, an inimitable classic Amarone. Poetry, intensity and depth find their full expression here in an explosion of cherry fruit and harmony that will continue to echo for years. This is an example and lesson in style that all producers and consumers should explore and earned Three very well-deserved Glasses. (2008)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 1998 Amarone reveals a gorgeous nose along with ripe red cherries, cough syrup, spices and minerals on a medium-bodied frame. Made in a sweet, inviting style, it offers excellent length as well as purity in a very classic style. It also appears to have enough fruit to compensate for the volatile acidity which is present. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. (Oct 2007)"
Bastianich & Lynch (Vino Italiano): "Giuseppe Quintarelli is the dean of Veronese winemakers. His Amarone is the standard by which all others are judged, and is priced accordingly--but if there was ever a reason to spend a lot of money on wine, Quintarelli provides one with Amarones that are consistently luxurious and complex, yet balanced. A Quintarelli Amarone is first and foremost about the exotic aromas only a dried-grape wine can deliver."
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$1,350.00
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WA 93
Italy
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Veneto
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Amarone
In stock,
2
available
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Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "...the Amarone '98 is a real gem, an inimitable classic Amarone. Poetry, intensity and depth find their full expression here in an explosion of cherry fruit and harmony that will continue to echo for years. This is an example and lesson in style that all producers and consumers should explore and earned Three very well-deserved Glasses. (2008)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 1998 Amarone reveals a gorgeous nose along with ripe red cherries, cough syrup, spices and minerals on a medium-bodied frame. Made in a sweet, inviting style, it offers excellent length as well as purity in a very classic style. It also appears to have enough fruit to compensate for the volatile acidity which is present. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. (Oct 2007)"
Bastianich & Lynch (Vino Italiano): "Giuseppe Quintarelli is the dean of Veronese winemakers. His Amarone is the standard by which all others are judged, and is priced accordingly--but if there was ever a reason to spend a lot of money on wine, Quintarelli provides one with Amarones that are consistently luxurious and complex, yet balanced. A Quintarelli Amarone is first and foremost about the exotic aromas only a dried-grape wine can deliver."
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$1,698.00
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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$149.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
3
available
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Robert Parker: "The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits lots of blueberry fruit, in addition to an attractive, elegant, medium-bodied style. It is a successful wine for the vintage. It should be uncommonly precocious, forward, and delicious when released. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2014. (Jan 2000)"
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$79.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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Robert Parker: "The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits lots of blueberry fruit, in addition to an attractive, elegant, medium-bodied style. It is a successful wine for the vintage. It should be uncommonly precocious, forward, and delicious when released. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2014. (Jan 2000)"
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$139.95
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W&S 95
RJ 92–95
CG 93
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
7
available
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95 points Wine & Spirits: "The contrast of depth and brightness, or intensity and weightlessness creates a sense of harmonic resonance in this wine. All the aromatics are potent, from the scent of rising bread dough to the red skin of an apple, all the corresponding flavors rich yet refreshing. The firmness of the acidity seems to add briskness to the mousse, leaving a clean, chiseled impression of the chalk soils in which this grew. Once in a while, there is a young beauty who will age into a more profound older beauty; La Grande Dame is part of that rare breed. (Dec 2006)"
92 points (95 potential) Richard Juhlin: "(64% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay) A fantastic wine that enchants the bon viveur with its gorgeous panache of acacia, white chocolate and hazelnut essence, and its tropical passion fruit finish. Clicquot hesitated for a long time before I went in and convinced them that the wine was good enough to fly the cuvée de prestige flag. Its purity and straightforward charm are delightful. (Oct 2009)"
93 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$150 list] 64% Pinot Noir; 36% Chardonnay. Seemingly a bit livelier than the typical Grande Dame, but still a rich wine based on its Pinot Noir heritage, it combines an admirably strong mousse with plenty of acidity and a dried toffee, nutty overlay of burgeoning complexity. Lovely. (Dec 2008)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$150 list] There's plenty of finesse in this sleek Champagne, along with an airy texture and loads of grip. Graphite, lemon, toast and mineral aromas and flavors prevail, and this takes on a chalky edge on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2010 through 2028. (12/31/08)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$150 list] Pale yellow with a steady bead. Orange, lemon, apple, smoky minerals and yeast on the nose. Fleshy orchard fruit flavors coat the palate and are energized by dusty minerals and a fresh jasmine quality. An energetic version of this bottling, with good finishing grip and lingering floral qualities. This gained weight with air: I'd hold off on popping the cork for at least another three years. (Nov/Dec 2008)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "A superbly ripe Champagne that has all the open generosity of the 1998 vintage. Peach and apricot aromas are followed by flavors of hazelnuts, honey and spices. Of course, it is still very young, and, like all vintages of La Grande Dame, it will age for many years. (Nov 2006)"
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$269.95
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WE 95
RJ 92–95
WS 93
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
3
available
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95 points Wine & Spirits: "There's a firm, juicy pinot noir at the core of this rosé, a bold young wine that's packed with citrus acidity and intensely concentrated fruit. If you open it now, the wine will need food to bridge its power, whether roast quail with chanterelles or a steak with sautéed wild mushrooms. Or cellar it, relying on the exceptional balance and depth of flavor to sustain the wine as it ages. (Dec 2006)"
92 points (95 potential) Richard Juhlin: "15 % Pinot Noir from Clicquot's best location at Bouzy. Clos Colin is added to the delicate white blend from Verzy, Bouzy, Verzenay, Ambonnay, Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil. A fairytale, elegant and beautifully scintillating champagne with brilliant intensity of colour and felicitously aromatic opulence. A sensual beauty to be drunk at once, but also a superb old lady in the future. Only 10,000 bottles for our thirsty world. (May 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Tightly knit, focused by racy acidity and a streak of minerality, this offers subtle notes of white peach, anise, biscuit and kumquat. The refined finish echoes a smoky note. Drink now through 2022. (12/15/12)"
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$299.95
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WA 95
WS 93
W&S 93
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
4
available
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95 points Wine Advocate: "Wow - really opulent nose with exotic spice and ginger notes supporting a core of decadently creamy, kaya jam, butterscotch, praline and marzipan aromas. The palate is very rich, silky, full and viscous yet beautifully balanced by crisp acidity and seamless dosage. Touch of creamy / spicy oak. Very long, multilayered finish. Tasted April 2009." -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
93 points Wine Spectator: "Simply seductive, this silky Champagne features expressive coconut, candied berry, grapefruit and spice flavors. Harmonious and fresh, with a lingering aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/09)"
93 points Wine & Spirits: "From two parcels of 40-year-old vines, this selection is made in older barrels. It's muscular but not overtly oaked. Like a number of wines from the 1998 vintage, this is going through an awkward phase, in this case, showing its acidity before it shows the fullness of its flavors. Yet it's clearly a great wine, with complexities that range from bitter melon to red apple skin and earthy chalk. The integration it develops with air predicts a long life ahead. (Dec 2008)"
92 points Josh Raynolds International Wine Cellar: "Medium yellow. Intensely smoky, energetic bouquet evokes ripe peach, honeyed pear, buttered toast and a wild cherry skin quality. Round and fleshy, offering deep but precise apple and pear flavors and bracing citrus zest bite. Really expands across the palate while maintaining energy and focus. (Nov/Dec 2007)"
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