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$350.00
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WS 95
IWC 94
RP 91–95
France
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
2
available
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95 points Wine Spectator: "A brute right now, with a wall of bacony, coffee-tinged toast separating you from the core of blackberry and raspberry fruit. Great richness and texture here, with notes of tar, minerals, saddle leather and cocoa rippling through the finish. Mouthwatering acidity balances it all. Best from 2007 through 2020. 2,415 cases made. (8/31/04)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good bright medium ruby. Subtly complex, granitic nose melds cassis, blueberry, smoky gunflint, pepper, tar, bitter chocolate, roast coffee, leather, game and animal fur. Wonderfully juicy but currently rather folded in on itself. But this has brilliant acidity, precision and penetration on the palate. Almost painfully intense and wonderfully long and gripping on the back. Very firm and structured but not at all dry. This will need a good decade of additional cellaring. (Jan/Feb 2005)"
91-95 points Robert Parker: "Tasting through the component parts of the 2001 Hermitage reveals what should be an outstanding wine with a Burgundian-like finesse. The most elegant component emanates from Les Beaumes and Pelia, and the denser, thicker wines from Meal, l’Ermite, and Bessards. The wine will possess a dense ruby/purple color in addition to plenty of sweet cassis fruit, medium body, noticeably high tannin, and gorgeous purity as well as symmetry. It will be built along the lines of the 1996 rather than the 2000 or 1999. (Jun 2003)"
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$295.00
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WS 94
RP 92–94
IWC 93
France
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
3
available
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94 points Wine Spectator: "This is a streamlined, racy white, despite its lush, waxy texture. Full-bodied and loaded with white peach, lanolin, brioche, orange blossom and almond flavors. Long and powerful on the finish; with fine detail already, this should only get better. Drink now through 2014. 1,330 cases made. (8/31/04)"
92-94 points Robert Parker: "I tasted component parts of the 2001 Hermitage blanc. Aromas of acacia flowers, honeysuckle, and citrus were followed by a medium to full-bodied white with loads of glycerin as well as heady fruit and alcohol. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, and crisper, it is more obviously backward than the 2000. (Jun 2003)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Pure, subtle aromas of yellow plum, spices, flowers and nutty oak. At once sweet and gripping, with a glyceral middle given shape by flavors of lemon skin and spices. Very subtle and very long, finishing with terrific backbone. (Jan/Feb 2005)"
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$29.95
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France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock,
11
available
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Warm, earthy scents of red berry, black pepper, earth and minerals. Similar flavors heightened by excellent balance.
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$54.95
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IWC 91
France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
3
available
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91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Medium red. Exotic aromas of red berries, sandalwood, pepper and garrigue Dense, supple and chewy but also impressively vibrant and perfumed in the mouth, with sharply delineated flavors of pepper and spice. Almost shockingly showy and aromatic today. But the wine's slightly edgy tannins suggest that it needs at least a few years of additional bottle aging. (Jan/Feb 2004)"
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$59.95
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France
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Other
In stock,
5
available
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List $70.00
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Dessert wine from Jurançon region of Gascony, Southwest France. Petit Manseng. A huge, sweet, powerful wine, which will develop remarkable notes of white truffles with aging.
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$389.95
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RP 98
IWC 95
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "Even more prodigious is the 2001 Maya, a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc. A modern day legend, it boasts complex notes of cedarwood, sauteed porcini mushrooms, camphor, graphite, creme de cassis, kirsch and forest floor. The heavenly aromas are followed by a broad, deep, full-bodied, opaque purple-colored wine with a full-bodied mouthfeel and moderately high tannins. Still a baby at age 10, it needs another 4-5 years of cellaring and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years thereafter. This is a modern day classic! (Jun 2011)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(just 340 cases) Bright ruby. Superripe, deep aromas of cassis, black plum, black cherry, bitter chocolate, espresso and violet; more perfumed today than the Napa bottling. Then very ripe, broad and seamless, with the violety cabernet franc character giving life to the middle palate. Vibrant and complex but still quite youthfully unevolved. Expands subtly and impressively on the back half, finishing with firm, refined tannins and sappy berry flavors. This really dances on the palate. (May/Jun 2004)"
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$295.00
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Germany
In stock,
2
available
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List $400.00
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Wine Spectator: "[$200/375ml list] Deeply colored, this tastes like baked apples, caramel and spice, in a concentrated, lively frame. It's compact and tangy, with a moderate finish. Drink now through 2010. (2003)"
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$450.00
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WA 95–97
IWC 93
AM 92
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
1
available
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95-97 points Pierre Rovani (Wine Advocate): "Chocolate-covered black cherries can be discerned in the viscous aromas of the 2001 Charmes-Chambertin. This huge, medium to full-bodied wine has exceptional depth of fruit. Its personality displays a flavor profile reminiscent of cherry syrup-laced with vanilla beans. Ample, lush, and rich, its stupendous finish reveals waves of fruit and copious, exquisitely ripened tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. (Jun 2003)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Deep ruby-red. Highly complex, soil-driven aromas of minerals, violet, smoked meat, animal fur and iron. Then powerful and perfumed in the mouth, with brisk acids framing the fruit. Possesses a mineral grip that reminds me of Chambertin. Offers a compelling combination of sheer strength and elegance. Finishes very long, with dusty, fine tannins. Impressive, but also harder to taste today than the young 2002. (Mar/Apr 2004)"
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(6 1/2 barrels produced). Extremely ripe, forward, powerful and vigorous red fruit notes lead to gorgeously detailed, ultra precise, very classy, very full-bodied flavors that just ooze sap and richness on the compellingly long finish. This is a very powerful wine and certainly denser and richer than the Petite Chapelle but not necessarily more elegant or finer. Drink: 2011-21. (Jan 2004)"
19/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Burgundy): "Very full colour. Rich, full, concentrated and backward on the nose. Lots of substance here. Fullish body. Some tannin. Lots of depth. Very profound, intense fruit. Splendid finish. Very, very long. Even better than Bachelet's 2001 Charmes. (Apr 2006)"
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$99.95
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AM 93
JG 93
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a large 1.74 ha parcel). This remains beautifully fresh and pure with complex and elegant aromas that speak of red currant, plum and violets. The detailed and delicately mineral-infused medium-bodied flavors exhibit admirable purity on the balanced and linear finish blessed with plenty of verve. Lovely. Comments: Outstanding. Drink: 2017+. (May 2011)"
93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2001 Grands Epenots is on the current price sheet at the domaine, and this is a wine I would make every effort to try and secure for the cellar, as it is a simply stellar example of this great vintage. The bouquet is stunning, as it offers up a very complex and still quite primary mélange of cherries, quince, orange zest, great minerality, coffee and woodsmoke. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and pure, with great soil inflection, a rock solid core, moderate, well-integrated tannins, sound acids and simply stunning length and grip on the complex and very soil-driven finish. This is a classic Gaunoux Grands Epenots in the making, and as the notes below will attest, that is a very exciting development. 2015-2050+. (Jan/Feb 2009)"
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$124.95
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AM 95
JG 94
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .69 ha parcel in Rugiens-Bas). In contrast to the completely primary nose of the '01 Grand Epenots, here there is some secondary development that only adds to the overall appeal of the aromas. The rich, pure and noticeably more mineral-driven flavors exude precision on the powerful, concentrated and simply stunningly persistent finish that explodes onto the palate. This is a 'wow' wine for its intensity and impeccable balance. Comments: Outstanding. Drink: 2021+. (May 2011)"
94+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2001 Gaunoux Rugiens is an absolute classic in the making, soaring from the glass in a beautifully complex and emerging mélange of cherries, a touch of plum, coffee, incipient notes of forest floor, venison and a topnote of mustard seed. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very complex, with great mid-palate depth, impeccable focus and balance, ripe tannins and great length and grip on the poised and tangy finish. Just an utterly complete vintage of Rugiens, the 2001 will age very long and gracefully, but still needs six or seven more years of bottle age to really start hitting on all cylinders. A great bottle of Pommard in the making! 2018-2075+. (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$39.95
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Hungary
In stock,
1
available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Lean and sinewy, this white tempers its sweetness with a racy structure. Orange peel, dried apricot and hard lemon candy notes are joined by a salty element on the finish. Drink now through 2020. (6/30/10)"
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$49.95
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WS 93
Hungary
In stock,
1
available
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93 points Wine Spectator: "A tightly wound, linear style, boasting apricot, orange peel and mineral, with a hint of Angostura Bitters. This is intense, yet stays balanced thanks to its vibrant structure. Drink now through 2025. 1,300 cases made. (6/30/10)"
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$49.95
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Germany
In stock,
8
available
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List $110.00
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Auction bottling.
David Schildknecht (International Wine Cellar): "Peach, ginger spice and high-toned maraschino aromas. Cherries and peaches continue to figure on the palate, which features an imposingly liqueur-like intensity, volatility and texture. For all of its upfront intensity, this leads to an elegant, polished, refined and remarkably long finish layering peach, candied citrus, red fruit, nut oils, honey, slate and spice."
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$31.95
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WA 93
PG 93
IWC 92
Spain
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Red
In stock,
2
available
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93 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 2001 Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from their vineyards in Fuenmayor and Rioja Baja respectively and it represents only the third vintage to be declared after 1964 and 1973. Aged in American cask for 36 months, it has a bucolic, natural bouquet of bright red cherries, balsamic, mint and a touch of dried honey all with superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful delineation and supple, lithe tannins. The acidity is very well judged and it leads to a pert, tense finish of bitter cherry, loganberry and licorice. This is an outstanding wine drinking perfectly now, but it should age effortlessly. Drink now-2030. (Aug 2012)"
93 points Peñín Guide: "(tempranillo 90%, garnacha 10%). Colour: bright cherry, orangey edge. Nose: elegant, complex, fruit liqueur notes, aromatic coffee, cigar, fine reductive notes. Palate: flavourful, spicy, fine bitter notes, round tannins. (2010)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Deep red. Sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe raspberry and cherry with suggestions of potpourri, sandalwood and vanilla. Shows more power and darker fruits on the palate, picking up a touch of singed plum that adds a serious quality to the sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors without costing the wine any of its vibrancy. The long, sweet finish hangs on with very good tenacity. (I also had the chance to revisit some earlier vintages during my recent visit to La Rioja Alta. The 1995 Gran Reserva 890 is showing superb complexity right now, offering exotic floral and spice character and impressive bright minerality. It's destined for a very long life. (Sep/Oct 2010)"
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$899.95
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BD 97
WS 96
WA 96
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock,
2
available
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97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "The pure, precise, magnificently spicy nose is in perfect balance with the wine's vigorous body. The texture has sublime substance. Drink: 2011 up to 2023. (2011)"
Named 'Top 100 Wine of 2004' (#7) and 96 points Wine Spectator: "Stick your nose in this and it says something: 'I am special.' Deep and generous aromas of blackberries, fresh tobacco and minerals. It's full-bodied, with big velvety tannins and a superlong finish. Like a fine cashmere sweater. Best after 2010."
96 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted at 'The Sampler’s' icon tasting in London. The 2001 Lafite Rothschild has a quintessential bouquet for Lafite: very pure, almost understated at first. It then begins to open with briary, blackberry leaf, cedar and freshly rolled tobacco with subtle floral notes emerging after three of four minutes in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and it certainly shows more vitality than the 1985 served alongside. Slightly grainy tannins, more feminine than previous bottles with dark plum, blackberry, citrus fruit, a touch of dried apricot and a very precise finish. Superb. Tasted December 2011."
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$119.95
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RP 93
WS 93
IWC 92
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
11
available
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93+ points Robert Parker: "The dense ruby/purple 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a big, cedary, spice box, creme de cassis, crushed rock and earthy-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, juicy and succulent with good acidity, freshness and vibrancy, it is approaching its plateau of maturity. Another 2-3 years of cellaring will not harm it, and it is capable of lasting another 15+ years. It is an impressive, mountain-styled, pure, generous Cabernet Sauvignon. (Jun 2011)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Dark-colored, with rich mocha, exotic spice, blackberry, cedar, black cherry and currant aromas, it slowly builds intensity and depth and reveals a tight core of deeply concentrated flavors supported by firm, rich tannins. Best from 2005 through 2012. (12/15/03)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(100% cabernet sauvignon) Aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant liqueur, black plum and chocolate. Juicy, penetrating and brooding, yet at the same time sweet and seamless. High-pitched, highly concentrated flavors of black fruits and minerals. A powerfully tannic wine that finishes with terrific thrust. Compared to some of the other Pride 2001s, this really demands a few years of cellaring, and may ultimately merit an even higher score. (May/Jun 2004)"
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$235.00
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RP 93
WS 93
IWC 92
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
4
available
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93+ points Robert Parker: "The dense ruby/purple 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a big, cedary, spice box, creme de cassis, crushed rock and earthy-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, juicy and succulent with good acidity, freshness and vibrancy, it is approaching its plateau of maturity. Another 2-3 years of cellaring will not harm it, and it is capable of lasting another 15+ years. It is an impressive, mountain-styled, pure, generous Cabernet Sauvignon. (Jun 2011)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Dark-colored, with rich mocha, exotic spice, blackberry, cedar, black cherry and currant aromas, it slowly builds intensity and depth and reveals a tight core of deeply concentrated flavors supported by firm, rich tannins. Best from 2005 through 2012. (12/15/03)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(100% cabernet sauvignon) Aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant liqueur, black plum and chocolate. Juicy, penetrating and brooding, yet at the same time sweet and seamless. High-pitched, highly concentrated flavors of black fruits and minerals. A powerfully tannic wine that finishes with terrific thrust. Compared to some of the other Pride 2001s, this really demands a few years of cellaring, and may ultimately merit an even higher score. (May/Jun 2004)"
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$229.95
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RP 96
IWC 94
WS 93
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
2
available
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96+ points Robert Parker: "The 2001 Reserve Claret (an intriguing blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a massive mountain wine possessing both power and elegance. Its dense saturated ruby/purple color is followed by youthful aromas of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, toasty oak, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Extremely young, vigorous, full-bodied and multidimensional, this is a layered, supple textured wine with enormous fruit and richness as well as a tremendously long finish. One of the most impressive high elevation wines made in northern California, it is capable of lasting another 15-20 years. (Jun 2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines roasted black raspberry, cassis, espresso and bitter chocolate. Sweet, fat and deep, with extravagantly rich, seamless flavors of dark berries and chocolate. Not as sweet as the Mountaintop merlot but even larger-scaled. The finish shows more obvious cabernet tannins and considerable sweet oak, but has more than enough powerful, palate-staining fruit. As a potential purchase, this is a no-brainer for collectors who can find and afford it. (May/Jun 2004)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "A serious and exciting Merlot blend that delivers the goods, with rich, concentrated layers of currant, blackberry, mocha and wild berry, this sharply focused, intensely flavored wine shows off lots of complexity, depth and length, a mix of power and finesse. Best from 2005 through 2012. 400 cases made. (9/30/04)"
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$199.95
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RP 99
WE 97
W&S 95
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
3
available
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99 points Robert Parker: "A resoundingly great effort from this iconic producer, Ridge’s 2001 is a spectacular, still young but promising wine. Interestingly, 60% of the production from the winery’s 108 acre Monte Bello Vineyard made it into the 2001’s final blend (their 40th anniversary, by the way). The unusual blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, a whopping 36% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot. It also carries 14.2% alcohol, which is high for this estate. On the back label, the conservative Paul Draper writes that '5-8 years of bottle age will bring generous rewards, and 20 years will bring full maturity.' At age 10, it is still an infant in terms of development, and I would not be surprised to see this 2001 last 40 years. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by extravagant, generous aromas of pen ink, lead pencil shavings, spice box and black fruits. The wine is full-bodied and silky textured, but secondary nuances have not yet begun to develop as it is still very primary, tasting more like a 3-4 year old Monte Bello than one that is ten years of age. Nevertheless, it reveals spectacular concentration, a voluptuous texture, a rare opulence for a Ridge Monte Bello, and an incredible finish. The upside is enormous and this cuvee may prove somewhat atypical due to the huge percentage of Merlot in the final blend and the higher than normal alcohol. But make no mistake about this Monte Bello -- it is a great wine. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. (Jun 2011)"
97 points Wine Enthusiast: "Without doubt this is a wine to cellar. It’s massive in flavor, with the purist blackcurrant and cassis fruit you can imagine, and the huge plaster of sweet oak is perfectly balanced. Then there are the tannins. They’re fine and complex, but gritty. There’s an astringency throughout that a great steak will cut through, but it would be infanticide to open this before, say, 2010. Should improve through 2020 and beyond. (Apr 2005)"
95 points Wine & Spirits (Dec 2004).
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$69.95
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WA 93
WS 93
IWC 91
Italy
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Piedmont
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Barolo
In stock,
9
available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2001 Barolo Big-d Big is initially powerful and tarry, then turns more delicate in the glass and its layers of fruit begin to emerge. It is a superbly balanced wine with stunning length to match the opulence of its fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. Rocche dei Manzoni is an estate whose Barolos I have tended to underrate when young, but then always enjoyed immensely with bottle age. The estate's Barolos are made in a sleek, modern style, with 100% new French oak aging. The wines typically require some bottle age to absorb their oak component. In time, the wines always express the qualities of their respective Monforte terrroirs. (Oct 2007)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas of ripe plum and hints of grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Subtle and complex. Best after 2008. 1,300 cases made. (12/31/06)"
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Full red. Aromatically complex, perfumed nose combines redcurrant, cherry, rose petal, minerals and mint; distinctly cooler and more classic than the 2000. Suave, spicy and intensely flavored; denser than the 2000 but less open to inspection today. Finishes dry and uncompromising, with firm, building tannins and very good length. The wine's finishing perfume suggests that it will be the first among these 2001s to reach maturity. (Nov/Dec 2004)"
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$99.95
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Germany
In stock,
2
available
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List $180.00
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Intense, sweet fruit marries with wonderful acidity and balance. Enormous length.
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$450.00
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RP 97
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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2 x 375ml bottles Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay)
1 x 375ml bottle Mr. K The Strawman (Semillon)
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay) California 2001
97 points Robert Parker: "While richer, sweeter, and more unctuous than the Iceman, 2001 Mr. K The Noble Man (Chardonnay), a Trockenbeerenauslese look-alike, possesses nervy, vibrant acidity that is hard to imagine in a wine of this mass and richness. The residual sugar is 255 grams per liter, with an amazing 11.1 grams per liter of acidity, and 11.7% finished alcohol. (Aug 2004)"
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Strawman Vin de Paille Santa Ynez Valley 2001 (Semillon)
97 points Robert Parker: "The 2001 Mr. K The Straw Man is a 100% Semillon made in the style of a vin de paille. There is an astonishing 371 grams per liter of residual sugar, with 8.63 grams per liter of total acidity, and a finished alcohol of 10%. It is a wine of extraordinary richness, honeyed complexity, and a finish that lasts over 60 seconds. (Aug 2004)"
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