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$19.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
7
available
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If you want proof that Dolcetto is not 'the Beaujolais of Italy,' pour yourself a glass of Anna Maria Abbona's Maioli, which is 100% Dolcetto. The wine is violet-tinged deep purple, a very inviting color; it smells of violets, Assam tealeaves, and blueberries; and it is a mouth-filling, deep, substantial wine to drink. 'Una bomba,' as they say in Italy, and an excellent food wine; it goes with many red meat dishes, grilled sausages, cheese... The fruit comes from very old vines planted in the '30s by Anna Maria's uncle. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel.
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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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$34.95
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WA 93
IWC 90
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
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List $48.00
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93 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$48 list] The 2009 Quimera is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot with yields averaging a minuscule 1.3 tons per acre. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a complex, intense, layered, spicy, succulent wine with impeccable balance and length. Although it can be approached now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. (Dec 2011)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(a blend of 31% malbec, 27% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 18% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot; 40% new French oak): Ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, crushed cherry, caraway seed, graphite and licorice. Juicy and tightly wound, with an almost tart quality to the blackberry and cranberry fruit. Very young and structured but bound-up today. Finishes with good floral lift and plenty of acidity. This will need time in the cellar to loosen up and gain in nuance. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
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$21.95
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RP 91
WS 91
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Robert Parker: "The outstanding 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne La Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan from white clay soils) was aged 12 months in larger wood demi-muids before being bottled unfiltered. Revealing slightly more concentrated blue, red and black fruits, lavender, incense and white chocolate notes, it offers an opaque ruby/purple color along with full body and a long finish. There is not a hard edge to be found in this voluminous, multilayered red. It should drink nicely for 5-7 years. (Aug 2011)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe but very fresh, with mouthwatering acidity driving the linzer torte, blackberry and black currant fruit. Lovely spice cake and black licorice notes flash through the finish, with a dusting of cocoa powder. Drink now through 2013. 50 cases imported. (10/15/11)"
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$17.95
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IWC 88
WA 87
France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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88 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(14% alcohol, 24 g/l r.s. and 4.4 acidity) Pale, green-tinged yellow. Varietally expressive aromas of lichee, smoked meat, brown spices and rose petal. Silky-smooth and sweet, with spice and meat flavors similar to the aromas. An easygoing and open-knit wine of good but not outstanding clarity and intensity, finishing with a light dusting of tannins and alcohol under control. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
87 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$24 list] Overtly sweet even at 14% alcohol, the Mann 2009 Gewurztraminer incorporates much of this year’s crop from the Altenbourg. Celery seed, litchi, rose petal, and saline, marine breeze in the nose lead to a full, subtly creamy, palpably low-acid, but fortunately persistently juicy palate, finishing somewhat simple and obviously sweet. Jacky Barthelme insists 'this is too good for a generic,' and I sympathize in terms of his willingness to declassify cru material, but in terms of the wine’s performance, it seems to me to have been classed correctly. Drink it over the next several years. (May 2011)"
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$13.95
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WS 88
IWC 87
WA 87
France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "This displays fine balance between earth and salt notes and lemon curd, white peach and white pepper flavors. It's subtly juicy, with good layers of flavor set in a light-bodied frame. Drink now through 2012. 900 cases imported. (4/30/11)"
87 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Straw-yellow. Musky soft citrus fruits, hazelnut and spring flowers on the nose. Fat, supple and slightly sweet, but with good shape to its creamy stone fruit and spice flavors. A persistent, easygoing midweight with modest complexity. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
87 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$18 list] A roughly 70-30 Auxerrois-true Pinot blend as usual, the Mann 2009 Pinot Blanc is juicily laden with honeydew and musk melon, soft in feel, and attractively tinged with herbs and orange zest. Enjoy it over the next 12-18 months. (May 2011)"
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$17.95
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WS 90
IWC 88
WA 88
France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$24 list] A pretty, aromatic white, this finds a fine fit for its delicate flavors of honeydew melon, peach, orange zest and spice. Dry and tangy, with lovely purity of flavor and balance. Drink now through 2016. 150 cases imported. (2/28/11)"
88 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$24 list] Bright light-medium yellow. Aromas of yellow peach, ginger and smoke, with a spicy component building with air. Moderately sweet (9 g/l r.s.) but with a sound, nicely buffered spine of acidity lending support. Shows the fruity side of the variety and finishes off-dry, with good dusty persistence. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
88 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "Lemon, orange and basil scent the Mann 2009 Riesling Cuvee Albert in a Muscat-like manner -- a resemblance that persists on a pungent, yet generously juicy palate. There is a melon-rind bitterness that -- along with a hint of cinnamon basil -- add to the stimulation of the finish, and a good balance has been struck between 9 grams of residual sugar scarcely noticeable as such and a moderate 13.2% alcohol. (May 2011)"
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$36.95
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WS 93
WA 90
IWC 90
France
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Alsace
In stock,
7
available
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List $43.00
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93 points Wine Spectator: "There's a lovely purity and transparency to this elegant white, showcasing its minerality, which drives the spring blossom, white peach and grapefruit zest flavors. The citrusy acidity shows precision and adds a streamlined quality, with a long, white pepper-laced finish. Drink now through 2025. 100 cases imported. (2/28/11)"
90 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$43 list] At 13.5% alcohol and a scarcely-detectable 8 grams of residual sugar, the Albert Mann 2009 Riesling Schlossberg boasts an engaging aroma of fennel, mint, grapefruit, honeydew melon and saline, alkaline sea breeze, anticipating a generously juicy, saliva-inducing and refreshing palate performance. There is lovely, sappy, lip-smacking length, and a combination of lift and mineral dimension such as one encounters too seldom in this vintage. Enjoy this over the next 7-9 years. (May 2011)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(13.5% alcohol, 8 g/l r.s. and 6.7 acidity) Bright pale yellow. Pungent aromas of grapefruit, quinine and lemon verbena. Chewy, pliant and slightly sweet, with intense, juicy flavors of citrus peel and lichee. A bit exotically ripe for this cuvee but smooth, refined and perfumed. Finishes with excellent dusty length. Mann's Schlossberg riesling can be extremely stony and dry but the 2009 version won't hurt your teeth. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
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$16.95
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WS 88
WE 88
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This solid, well-focused Merlot shows good complexity, with dried cherry and herb aromas and appealing red currant and spice flavors. Drink now through 2016. (11/15/12)"
88 points Wine & Spirits: "[$20 list] A simple, juicy merlot, this wine lasts on clean strawberry flavors. Its fine tannins give it a creamy feel. For roast beef. (Dec 2011)"
Producer notes: "The 2009 has aromas of black cherry, blackberry, oak, vanilla, plum and the slight eucalyptus typical of Alexander Valley. In the glass there are flavors of plum, vanilla, more cassis and red fruit, a touch of spice and mint. Overall the 2009 is elegant with good balance and a long aftertaste. Barrel aged 18 months in French and American oak, 30% new. 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc."
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$17.95
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W&S 90
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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90 points and 'Year's Best Zinfandel,' Wine & Spirits: "[$22 list] A blend of small-berried fruit from a hillside vineyard with grapes from the valley floor, this is floral, intensely earthy and powerfully constricted. The blend creates full-bodied richness, bringing in some raisined character that adds complexity to the tighter fruit. A black wine with bountiful tannins to carry it in the cellar. (Feb 2013)"
Producer notes: " We harvested from two individual vineyards on the eastern side of the Dry Creek Valley from early September to early October. One vineyard is hillside with red rocky soil producing smaller berries with flavors of blackberry and blueberry. While the 2nd vineyard has gravelly loam soil located on the valley floor and produces fruit with pronounced flavors of cherry, plum and black pepper. Overall 2009 was a cooler vintage with fewer heat spikes than in past years, so the acidity of this vintage is slightly higher than prior releases. The growing season allowed for uniform ripening in the which led to wines with good structure, balance and complexity. In the glass there are aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, black pepper and vanilla. There is mouth filling texture with spicy flavors of blueberry, black pepper, dark fruits and a long finish. Winemaker Kevin Hall notes that 'this is a big wine'."
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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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$44.95
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PG 95
RR 94
WS 93
Spain
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Red
In stock,
2
available
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95 points Peñín Guide: "(100% garnacha). Colour: very deep cherry. Nose: ripe fruit, fruit preserve, sweet spices, cocoa bean, dark chocolate, mineral. Palate: powerful, flavourful, concentrated, complex. (2013)"
94 points Rhone Report: "Even richer and more concentrated, with a slightly more serious feel, the 2009 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja boast rocking aromatics of smoked blackberries, campfire, meat juice, graphite, and chocolate to go with a full-bodied, seamless, and beautifully pure and polished palate. This 100% Garnacha has no hard edges, a light, weightless texture, ripe tannin, and a long, hedonistic finish. Certainly, along the same lines as the Veraton with its sweetness of fruit and overall purity, yet there's more richness and depth through the mid-palate, as well as additional structure on the finish. While it is a hedonistic turn on now, it should nevertheless continue to shine for upwards of a decade. (Mar 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "The espresso, toasted vanilla and licorice flavors are dark and sweet in this rich red. Features linzer torte, fig pudding and dried cherry flavors, with a plush, generous texture and soft, thick tannins. An extreme style, but sensuous and appealing. Drink now through 2015. (1/23/13)"
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Smoky, charred and minerally on the nose, this has a balsamic berry aroma and lots of dark spice. It feels deep, pure and layered, with flavors of wild berry, toast, baked plum and dark spice. It finishes big, with hints of rubber, blackberry and lasting spice. Alcohol 16%. (Feb 2013)"
100% Garnacha. This wine is spectacular, and represents the perfect foil for grilled steak. Rich, full bodied and muscular, Alto Moncayo has riveting intensity and palate staining extract; this Spanish red is inky/purple, full-bodied, and rich. This pedal-to-the-metal offering should age handsomely for a decade. 600 cases produced.
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$49.95
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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): "A somber if still pretty nose of earth, stone and the same dark berry fruit aromas leads to rich, full-bodied and delicious flavors blessed with good mid-palate fat while being underpinned by firmer and also mildly rustic tannins. This is a good but not especially elegant Chambolle though I do like the persistence. Drink: 2014+. (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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$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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$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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$26.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Dark ruby in color. Aromas of violets, cassis, coffee with cream and roasted pepper. On the palate, flavors of black cherry, toasted bread, blackberries. A medium mouth feel with a long finish. Alcohol 14.4%."
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$89.95
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WA 95
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
-
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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$58.95
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WA 93
WS 92
W&S 91
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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Washington
In stock,
5
available
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93 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Andrew Will 2009 Champoux -- which comprises 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot -- offers a terrific example of the combination of richness and textural polish with lift and energy that Washington State vineyards, and especially this one, can supply. Both blond and smoky Latakia tobaccos join black raspberry, purple plum and cassis, which are shadowed by their high-toned distilled essences. Hints of vanilla and nutmeg -- perhaps from barrel (ca. 40% new); or perhaps part and parcel of Champoux fruit -- are subtly complementary, while a saline savor grows in this beauty’s long finish, stimulating the salivary glands as well as the urge to take another sip. Expect this to excel for a decade. Camarda bottled his first Champoux vineyard designate from 1999, a pure Cabernet. Once fruit from the other cepages became available, he began bottling a blend of them all. (Dec 2012)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Supple, elegant and gentle, unfurling its black currant, tar and floral flavors with grace, underlining them with refined tannins that allow the flavors to linger with delicacy. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2019. 642 cases made. (8/31/12)"
91 points Wine & Spirits: "A cabernet-based bland grounded by old-vine fruit from Block 1 at Champoux, this is normally the most structured and reticent wine in the Andrew Will portfolio; in this warm vintage, however, Sorella designed to show a little leg. Massively built and powerfully structured, it is a ripe wine that in the end is not about ripeness or about fruit, but rather about potential energy and leashed intensity, a wine that's destined to reward those who cellar it as it knocks the impatient back on their heels. (Oct 2012)"
Producer notes: "43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 7% Petit Vedot. This wine has a full middle palate with layers of raspberry, black cherry, and plum with blueberry reflections. The wine is soft considering the percentage of cabernet and has good acidity that contributes to its freshness and structure. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$24.95
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United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $30.00
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
Using intense fruit from the low-yielding hillsides of Stags Leap, Angeline's team crafts quintessential hillside Napa Cabernet. Big, dark, dense fruit flavors are pure and bold on the palate but have a certain poise and agility supported by the bright acid and moderate tannins. There is plenty of ripeness here but it spares you from being overly jammy. The layers of fruit are accompanied by layers of spices, cigar box, chocolate and just the right touch of toasty oak. The well-balanced, complex and robust structure means you can drink this now free of any guilt. However, cellaring will be rewarded for those who have the patience. But who does?
Not yet reviewed; 2008 vintage rated 91 points and 'Editors' Choice' by Wine Enthusiast: "What a nice Cab! It’s so softly intricate, so complex, so dry and interesting, you just want to drink the whole bottle now with anything related to beef. Shows blackberry, black currant and oak flavors, with a fine balance of acids and tannins, and is ready to drink now."
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$349.95
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RP 99
JS 97
WS 96
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
Pre-arrival,
4
available
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99 points Robert Parker: "A candidate for one of the finest Angelus produced to date (and there have been many, including 1989, 1990, 2000 and 2005), this blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc was fashioned from tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare. It boasts a black/purple color along with a gorgeous perfume of blueberry liqueur, spring flowers and graphite. In the mouth, notes of incense and cassis also emerge from this velvety-textured, full-bodied, intensely concentrated 2009. With silky tannins, low acidity and spectacular purity, texture and depth, it is already approachable (although I’m sure proprietor Hubert de Bouard would think drinking it now is akin to infanticide), but should keep for 20-30+ years. (Feb 2012)"
97 points James Suckling: "Gorgeous nose of crushed blackberries with bramble berries and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and polished tannins. Compacted texture. Long, long finish. Try in 2020. (2/14/12)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "Rich and rather stolid now, this features a wall of roasted apple wood and charcoal flavors in front of the dense core of black Mission fig, steeped black currant fruit and espresso notes. Extremely dense on the finish, but the inlaid spice and tobacco hints are there just beneath the surface, needing only extended cellaring to emerge fully. One of the larger-scaled efforts of the vintage. Best from 2018 through 2035. (1/18/12)"
95 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted at Farr Vintners’ vertical from ex-château magnum, the Angelus ’09 is finally opening up to reveal a beautifully defined bouquet with fresh blackberry, raspberry and small cherries with underlying mineralité. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is supremely well balanced with fine purity, firm backbone and a pixelated finish that is enthralling. Bravo Hubert. Tasted October 2011."
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Deep, saturated ruby to the rim. Superripe, high-toned aromas of kirsch and dark chocolate. Large-scaled, ripe and chocolatey, conveying a distinctly exotic character and an impression of power. Finishes with huge but ripe tannins and a lingering note of mocha. For the first 24 hours in the bottle the vintage dominated the wine's cabernet franc character, but eventually blackberry, violet and licorice elements emerged. Built for a long life in bottle. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
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$46.95
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WA 92
IWC 90
W&S 90
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $55.00
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92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$55 list] The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as a bit more reticent and inward next to the superb 2008, but it, too, is a gorgeous wine. Dark red fruit, licorice, smoke and tar are some of the nuances that flow from this layered, gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 was bottled just two months ago. It will almost certainly be even better in a few years’ time. A mid-weight, gracious wine, the 2009 should drink well to age 20 or so. In 2009 the blend includes 1.5% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. (Dec 2011)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright red-ruby. Tight nose hints at cassis and licorice. Intensely flavored and high-pitched, with strong acidity and floral lift to the youthfully medicinal flavors. Densely packed, energetic wine but clenched today. Finishes with firm tannins and a lightly herbal quality. Antica is short for Antinori California. (May 2012)"
90 points Wine & Spirits: "[$55 list] This wine’s Atlas Peak tannins are softer and gentler than you might expect, its structure benefiting from the acidity of the fruit. That comes across in green herb scents refreshing the plush, ripe plum flavors. It’s generous and open, easy to enjoy with roast lamb. (Oct 2012)"
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$112.95
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WE 98
JS 97
WA 94
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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98 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This is a landmark wine from a landmark vintage. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which results in a generous, striking and unforgettable product. The bouquet is elegant and toned, with aromas of dark fruit, tobacco and chocolate. The mouthfeel is tight and firm, and it boasts persistence and impressive balance. It has all of the qualities required for long-term aging, so keep this for 10 years or more. (Apr 2013)"
97 points James Suckling: "Best Guado al Tasso ever. Wonderful nose of crushed blackberries and cherries with hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with soft and round tannins and a long, long finish. It goes on for minutes. Now just a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Better after 2015. (8/29/12)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso impresses for its richness and sheer power. Mocha, sweet spices, plums, blackberries and herbs wrap around the palate as this intense wine shows off its pedigree. Layers of flavor build to the deep, intensely satisfying finish. The 2009 is complete and harmonious from the very first taste. In 2009 the blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. (Jun 2012)"
Producer notes: "60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. On the nose the initial balsamic sensations are followed by aromas of ripe fruit and spices, on the palate is velvety, with soft tannins and much finesse. The finish and aftertaste are well supported by savory mineral notes and much length and persistence."
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$79.95
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WA 94
JS 93
WS 92
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $105.00
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Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso (2013).
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$105 list] The 2009 Tignanello is quite beautiful. Cedar, graphite, sweet herbs, licorice and leather add complexity to a core of highly expressive red fruits. The 2009 impresses for its energy, drive and focus. Today, the 2009 comes across as slightly understated relative to many recent vintages, especially 2007 and 2008. There is a silkiness and polish that is reminiscent of the 2004. Tignanello is 75% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from vineyards in San Casciano Val di Pesa, one of the most evocative hillsides in all of Italy. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. (Jun 2012)"
93 points James Suckling: "Dried fruits and flowers on the nose. More roses than anything else. Full body, with light toffee, coffee and ginseng character. Light prunes too. Really enjoyable. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Give it a year or two to soften. (8/29/12)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$105 list] Laced with black cherry, plum and spice flavors, this generous red firms up on the finish. Balanced, with accents of tobacco and black tea lingering. Best from 2014 through 2025. (10/15/12)"
92 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "(80% sangiovese, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc): Bright red-ruby. Ripe aromas of sweet red cherries macerated in alcohol, cedar, cinnamon and pepper. Suave and seamless, with soft, almost-overripe flavors of redcurrant jam, red plum syrup, stewed red plum and tobacco leaf. A very distinctive and much creamier than usual Tignanello, finishing with supple tannins and excellent length. Obviously the product of a warmer year, and though this outstanding Tignanello is a touch less refined than some recent standout vintages, it's hard to argue with its sweet, soft style and early drinking appeal. No need to cellar this too long. (Sep 2012)"
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$19.95
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JS 91
WA 90
WS 90
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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91 points James Suckling: "Subtle walnuts and berries with hints of milk chocolate. Medium to full body, with fine tannins and a fruity, tangy finish. Orange peel undertones. This is excellent quality for the money. Drink now. (11/26/12)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Villa Antinori is a pretty, mid-weight wine laced with dark red berries, flowers and sweet spices. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s lovely depth, balance and overall sense of harmony. This is a fabulous wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. (Jun 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] Black currant, bilberry, violet and spice flavors align in this luscious red, which is well-balanced and integrated, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spices. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2018. Smart Buys. (12/15/12)"
Producer notes: "55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Syrah. The wine is ruby red in color with intense aromas of cherries, mint, and, particularly, chocolate. On the palate the wine is ample in body, supple and with velvety and soft tannins, long and savory."
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