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$18.95
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IWC 90
Italy
-
Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
3
available
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90 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Pale, bright yellow. Lively aromas of green apple, thyme and white pepper are enlivened by a delicate minty quality. Very good Muller-Thurgau, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes bright and clean; a little more fruit density and it would have merited an even higher score. Still, this is a very attractive wine; try it with something unusual, like buffalo mozzarella or pasta with mussels (sans tomato). (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$33.95
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WE 94
IWC 91
WS 91
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
5
available
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94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Abeja’s Chardonnays are as certain to hit their target as a Kobe Bryant slam dunk, and the style remains consistent vintage after vintage. Spicy, nutty, based around stone fruits and melon, they do not shy away from the toasty flavors that derive from barrel fermentation in 40% new French oak. The underlying minerality and well-balanced acidity mark this as Washington fruit, most of it from the outstanding Conner Lee vineyard. Alcohol 14.1%. 690 cases produced. (Apr 2012)"
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright straw-yellow. Aromas of apricot, peach, citrus peel, wild herbs, spearmint, butterscotch and lees, with a floral lift that reminded me of viognier. A fresh, lively midweight with stone fruit flavors complemented by vanillin, toasty oak. There's a savory sake-like quality and an umami texture at work here that go nicely with the wine's restrained sweetness. Finishes smooth and long, with noteworthy concentration. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Refined, elegant and tightly wound, with a good tension as the pear and spice flavors play against earthy and minerally nuances on the finish. Drink now through 2014. 690 cases made. (5/31/12)"
Producer notes: "This vintage of Chardonnay offers the elegant, balanced style for which our Chardonnay is known. Pears, star fruit, kiwi, and vanilla combine with moderate, integrated oak flavors, beautiful complexity, and pleasant acidity. Production of this wine is just half of our usual case quantity. Vineyard sources: Mill Creek Vineyard & Conner Lee Vineyard. 100% French oak (40% new, 60% one-year-old). 100% barrel fermentation. 100% malolactic fermentation."
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$104.95
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WS 96
WA 93
Argentina
In stock,
4
available
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List $120.00
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96 points Wine Spectator: "[$120 list] This muscular red features dark layers of blackberry, cassis and plum skin notes backed by juicy acidity. Fine-tuned, with a creamy edge and a long aftertaste of wildflowers, baking spices and mineral. Decant or cellar in the short-term. Drink now through 2020. 800 cases imported. (10/15/12)"
93 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$120 list]Finca Altamira comes from 10 acres of old vines in La Consulta, with some that are 80 years old that is aged in 90% French and 10% American oak.The 2010 Finca Altamira is raised entirely in new French oak. It has a lifted bouquet with blackberry, graphite, a touch of soy and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, fine tannins and great balance. There is a wonderful purity to this wine, with touches of spice and cooked meat towards the finish. Excellent. Drink 2016-2030. (Oct 2012)"
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$109.95
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WS 95
IWC 94
WA 93
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
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95 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2012 (#10),' Wine Spectator: "Dark and powerful, yet elegant, with a delicious core of crushed raspberry, blackberry and damson plum notes tightly woven with silky tannins. The minerally finish lingers on with layered flavors of wildflowers, melted licorice and spice box. Drink now through 2020. (10/15/12)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright medium ruby. Utterly uncompromising aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, cherry pit, flowers and crushed rock. Savory, dusty and very light on its feet, with superb vinosity and clarity of flavor. Conveys an impression of strong saline extract and little in the way of easy sweetness. A wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with a firm tannic spine, pungent minerality and uncanny subtle persistence. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
93 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The Bella Vista is always based on four hectares planted in 1910 and is normally the second vineyard harvested each year. The 2010 Finca Bella Vista is a pure Malbec from Lujan de Cuyo located at 980 meters altitude. Fermented in cement and aged for 16 months in new French barriques from the Mercurey cooperage, it has a sublime bouquet of blackberry, briary, woodland aromas and sous-bois that is all succinctly defined. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, fine tannins surrounding a core of pure blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, interlaced by lemon rind and dark chocolate towards the controlled, refined finish. This is class from start to finish. Drink 2013-2020+. (Oct 2012)"
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$28.95
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FWR 91
IWC 89
Germany
In stock,
10
available
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Terry Theise: "(discernible but not obtrusive sweetness) SOMMELIER ALERT! This has the purest fragrance of old-school Mosel Riesling. It"s why we love it with a heart almost childlike, one we hardly know we own. This is sleeker than most recent vintages -- a 'mere' 87° with 10.8g acidity, which is not unnoticeable, but the slightly arch charm is beautiful for its angularity, and the wine shows absurd length."
91 points Fine Wine Review: "The Dhron Hofberg Kabinett displays yellow peach fruit but with restraint and also shows good length to go with some sweetness. 8.0% stated alcohol. (Issue #135/136; 2012)"
89 points Joel B. Payne (International Wine Cellar): "Fresh bouquet of pear and apple blossom. Delicately sweet on the palate, offering a nice interplay of apricot and luscious citricity. The persistent finish offers lipsmacking elegance. An exemplary kabinett. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$14.95
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Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "Dark purple color with a nose of cherries and grenadine. Aged in stainless steel tanks, this full-bodied red is loaded with crisp mineral notes mingled with ripe tannins. Super food friendly, this is an addictive wine."
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$26.95
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United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
9
available
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List $35.00
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Producer notes: "Roussanne 63%, Grenache Blanc 37%. The combination of richly textured and perfumed Roussanne with the bright edginess of Grenache Blanc resulted in balanced flavors, alternating between the unctuous-ity of beeswax and the crisp bite of Asian pear. As the wine approaches room temperature one experiences an unfolding of the full range of its complexities, ranging from the fragrant bouquet of hibiscus to the layered flavors of a peach and quince compote dusted with cardamom spice. Enjoy now through 2015. Barrel aged 10 months in 100% neutral French oak. 392 cases produced. Alcohol 14.8%."
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$21.95
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RP 92
RR 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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92 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone la Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan aged 12 months in demi-muids) is another outstanding effort. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by lots of creme de cassis, kirsch, lavender, spice box and licorice notes. The wine is full-bodied, textured and long. It should drink well for a decade. (Oct 2012)"
91+ points Rhone Report: "The most dense and rich of the lineup, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Brunote is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre (there.s a small amount of carignan as well) that is aged all in old foudre. Meaty, dense, and loaded with notions of smoked meats, black fruits, licorice, and crushed rock-like minerality, this classic Cairanne is full-bodied, pure, and tannic on the finish. It will reward 2-3 years of bottle age, and have upwards of a decade or more of prime drinking. (Sep 2012)"
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$25.95
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RP 94
RR 93
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Robert Parker: "Alary’s top cuvee, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Font d’Estevanas is a blend of equal parts old vine Grenache and Syrah, the latter planted in 1961, grown in the clay/limestone hillsides. Aged in older barriques and demi-muids, it is a fabulous unfiltered wine offering abundant notes of licorice, truffles, camphor, black currants, kirsch, raspberries and hints of white chocolate and dusty, loamy, earthy soils. It should drink well for a decade or more. (Oct 2012)"
93 points Rhone Report: "A smoking good Cairanne that's all from the lieu-dit La Font d'Estevenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Font d'Estevenas. An even split of Grenache and Syrah that is aged all in neutral wood, it sports a dense, opaque ruby color to go with fantastic aromatics of blackberry and black raspberry, new leather, licorice, roasted herbs, and hints of flowers on the nose. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, rich, and layered wine that has a silky, polished texture, beautiful mid-palate depth, and impressive underlying tannin structure. It is superb now, yet should easily evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$17.95
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RR 92
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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92+ points Rhone Report: "More tight, backwards, and mineral-driven than the La Font d'Estévenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is a blend of Grenache and Mourvedre that is aged all in neutral wood. It is a gorgeous, classy effort that delivers clean aromas of black cherry, spiced raspberries, licorice, crushed stone, pepper, and subtle roasted herbs. This elegant, yet concentrated Cairanne has a lively, energetic texture, great acidity, and fantastic persistence and focus on the finish. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar, and then enjoy over the following decade. (Sep 2012)"
91 points Robert Parker: "[$22 list] The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is composed of 2/3 Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a tiny amount of old vine Carignan. It also is aged in tank and bottled unfiltered. A superb sleeper of the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black currants, black cherries, earth, pepper, spice box and a hint of mountain laurel. This full-throttle 2010 possesses sweet tannin as well as an intriguing texture. It should drink nicely for 4-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$14.95
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RP 90
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 La Grange Daniel Blanc Vin de Pays d'Orange is a tank-aged 100% Roussanne that sells for a remarkable $15 a bottle. It is a challenge to make good Roussanne as the skin has considerable tannin and any skin contact can result in an astringently flavored wine. However, that's not a problem with this Roussanne fruit bomb. Notes of waxy orange marmalade and honeysuckle jump from the glass of this light gold-colored 2010. Alary's oenologist, Olivier Roustang, is also the oenologist for the Chave family in Hermitage, which may help explain the brilliance of this white wine. Drink it over the next 12 months. (Aug 2011)"
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$49.95
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United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 94 points and 'Top 100 Wines of 2012 (#15)' by Wine Spectator: "Both rich and powerful, with a measure of finesse and restraint, commingling dark berry, boysenberry and huckleberry flavors, with spice, cedar, tobacco and licorice. Maintains its focus and persistence on the finish. A new Syrah from Alban, coming from a younger vineyard. Drink now through 2023. 1,200 cases made."
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$19.95
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WE 87
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$24 list] Soft, juicy and uncomplicated, this Cab Franc immediately offers likeable cherry and sweet oak flavors. The tannins beg for steak. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "'We like to produce a 100% Cabernet Franc to give people a chance to see what Cab Franc actually tastes like,' says Winemaker Kevin Hall. It tends to have a softer tannin profile than our Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2010 has flavors of plum, black cherry, vanilla, blueberry and cassis. This is not a heavy wine, but it does have broad mouthfeel and a long, juicy finish. Alcohol 14.0%. 1,520 cases produced."
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$7.95
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United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Our Syrah is blended with Viognier to craft an elegant, aromatic wine with bright flavors of blackberry, blueberry and hints of spice along with a lengthy finish."
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$16.95
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United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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Producer notes: "The 2010 includes a small amount of Petite Sirah to broaden the mouthfeel on the wine and add a little more dark fruit to the palate. There are aromas of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and citrus. In the glass there are flavors of plum, cranberry, black cherry, and classic spicy black pepper. The 2010 is a restrained vintage and will reward those with the patience to cellar a few bottles. 98.5% Zinfandel, 1.5% Petite Sirah. Alcohol 14.7%."
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$39.95
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United States
-
Zinfandel
In stock,
2
available
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Producer notes: "The 2010 includes a small amount of Petite Sirah to broaden the mouthfeel on the wine and add a little more dark fruit to the palate. There are aromas of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and citrus. In the glass there are flavors of plum, cranberry, black cherry, and classic spicy black pepper. The 2010 is a restrained vintage and will reward those with the patience to cellar a few bottles. 98.5% Zinfandel, 1.5% Petite Sirah. Alcohol 14.7%."
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$13.95
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IWC 89
Italy
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Veneto
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Bright red Cherry-vanilla, cassis and fresh herb aromas. Juicy and sweet, offering lush red and dark berry flavors and a repeating note of vanilla. The finish features a tangy cherry note and lingers with good clarity and spicy length. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
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$8.95
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Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
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List $12.00
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100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Displays layered aromas of ripe, red fruits with black pepper and toasted oak notes before juicy red berry flavors on the palate; medium-bodied and balanced. The wine has smooth tannins and a touch of oak on the long finish. Alcohol 14.6%.
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$14.95
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WS 88
IWC 88
WE 88
Argentina
In stock,
9
available
|
List $20.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This jammy red shows layers of game and baking spice flavors to the ripe cassis and kirsch notes, which linger with a floral aftertaste. Drink now. (10/15/12)"
88 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(aged 12 months in an 80/20 blend of French and American barrels): Bright red-ruby. Blackberry and licorice aromas accented by herbs and spices. Supple, savory and fine-grained, with a nicely restrained sweetness. The tannins are well integrated but the wine's fruit is still a bit locked-up today and in need of a year or two of bottle aging. Firm and persistent on the finish. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
88 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] Fleshy and aggressive on the bouquet, this has aromas of wild berries, with leather and dried cheese accents. It feels full and weighty, with sweet, almost-stewy flavors of blackberry and plum, and supporting notes of vanilla and spice. This finishes a bit rubberry. Alcohol 15%. (Aug 2012)"
Producer notes: "This 100% Malbec wine has ripe, red fruit aromas and spicy notes, with round, soft tannins and a lively mouthfeel. This wine pairs well with grilled pork tenderloin, lamb and veal with fresh herbs. Alcohol: 15.0%."
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$144.95
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PG 96
Spain
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Red
In stock,
2
available
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Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 96 points by both Peñín Guide and Rhone Report, which wrote: "The flagship offering and a blend of 100% old vine Garnacha, the 2009 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Aquilon, aged in 70% new French oak for 24 months, is brilliant wine that displays uncommon levels of finesse and elegance paired with decadent, hedonistic fruit. Showing gorgeous aromas of raspberry creme, vanilla, jam coated toast, and fresh flowers on the nose, this medium to full-bodied Garnacha is perfectly balanced and proportioned on the palate, showing an overall elegant, finesse-driven frame that.s covered with sweet fruit, a seamless, pure texture, and very fine, polished tannin on the finish. It's certainly approachable now (needs two hours in a decanter), yet it will be even better in 2-3 years, and drink well for a decade or longer."
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$39.95
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RR 93
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Rhone Report: "Showing slightly more dark fruit, as well as additional density and depth, the 2010 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja, also a blend of 100% Garnacha, has copious blackberry liqueur, spice-box, cedar, chocolate, and licorice qualities to go with a full-bodied, seamless, supple mouth feel. Building in richness and depth over the evening, yet showing gorgeous purity as well as an overall elegant profile, it is hard to resist and I found myself pouring more than a few glasses. Already delicious and approachable, it should drink nicely for upwards of a decade. (Mar 2013)"
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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$26.95
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PG 92
RR 90
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points Peñín Guide: "(100% garnacha). Colour: cherry, garnet rim. Nose: fruit liqueur notes, floral, fragrant herbs, mineral, sweet spices, creamy oak. Palate: flavourful, fruity, spicy, balanced. (2013)"
90 points Rhone Report: "The 2010 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja Veraton is a blend of 100% Garnacha that offers up a polished, seamless, and silky profile that has a decidedly modern slant. Delivering a spice-laden array of red and black raspberry, creamy licorice, flowers, and a touch of white chocolate, it flows onto the palate with a light, clean texture, good acidity, and a poised, well focused finish. Lighter and more elegant than previous vintages, yet still playing in the same stylistic ballpark, it is an outstanding Garnacha that will evolve gracefully for 5-8 years. (Mar 2013)"
Producer notes: "Inky purple. A heady bouquet evokes ripe red berries, anise, mocha and pungent fresh flowers. Supple and sweet on entry, then more structured in the middle, offering deep, mineral-accented dried strawberry and cherry liqueur flavors. Takes a spicy turn on the long, sappy finish, which echoes the pure red berry qualities. 500 cases produced."
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$7.95
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WS 89
IWC 88
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Wine Spectator: "A racy, floral red, offering layers of raspberry ganache, blackberry and light fig fruit that mingle with spice, spring herb and light mesquite notes. Though not a powerhouse, this is well-balanced. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Syrah. Drink now. Smart Buys. (7/31/12)"
88 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(a blend of 75% malbec, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 5% each tannat and syrah): Cherry liqueur, menthol, violet and spicy oak on the nose and palate. Suave, supple and energetic, with a sugar/acid balance giving the mid-palate insidious intensity and good definition. Nicely rising, fine-grained finish shows good length and a light touch. Sophisticated for the price. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
Producer notes: "75% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 5% Tannat. The wine is deep ruby red with bright, purple tones. It is very fruity, with intense aromas of cherry, raspberry and black berries such as mulberry. It has a soft chocolate touch due to oaking. The taste is fresh with a high fruit expression and spicy notes of white pepper. It is easy to drink due to its soft and round tannins. Enjoy this wine with grilled meats including game, duck, red pasta sauces, hearty comfort foods, and a variety of mild and medium cheeses. Alcohol 14.0%."
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$19.95
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France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
3
available
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Amiot-Servelle produces fruity wines in which balance and elegance prevail, and this 2010 vintage is no exception. Fresh and nicely aromatic. Expressive aromas of white flowers, brioche, hazelnut and a hint of vanilla. Nice amplitude in the mouth, with a lovely intensity of white flowers, hazelnut, pear and vanilla. Elegant and refined, this Bourgogne blanc offers a harmonious balance, a hint of minerality and a very pleasant finish.
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$49.95
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AM 88
France
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Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
9
available
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88 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A lightly spiced nose of red and blue pinot fruit has its expressiveness reduced by noticeable reduction so be sure to decant this if you're going to try one young. The lacy, pure and round mineral-inflected flavors are forward and very supple, all wrapped in a dusty, delicious and mouth coating finish. This notably pretty effort is very Chambollesque in character. Drink: 2017+. (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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