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$42.95
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RR 96
IWC 94
RP 92–94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $60.00
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5 stars, 19.5/20 points, Decanter: "A mix of 1989 and '90; a muscular wine with grip, will become gracious. Curvier than 2009. Drink: 2016-2039. (May 2012)"
96 points Rhone Report: "[$120/750ml list] Showing consistently with the barrel review, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the remainder an assortment of varieties) is a classic Beaucastel that has both richness and elegance. Showing loads of black cherry, new leather, licorice, pepper, and hints of flowers on the nose, this full-bodied, structured, yet surprisingly elegant and polished 2010 has fantastic purity of fruit, superb balance, and knockout length. Showing more and more structure with air, this needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades or more. (Sep 2012)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$120/750ml list] Bright ruby. Sexy, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of red and dark fruit preserves and garrigue. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, a hint of smokiness and intense minerality. Tannins come on late and are quickly sucked up by this wine's intense fruit. Rich and lively, with excellent finishing clarity and length. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
92-94+ points Robert Parker: "The Chateau Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance other permitted varietals. Surprisingly ripe and soft with a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of blueberry, scorched earth and blackberry notes intermixed with hints of roast beef and bouquet garni, this wine has structure, but the fruit dominates at present. By the standards of most top vintages of Beaucastel, this cuvee will be drinkable earlier than the normal ten years. I suspect it will put on more weight, so give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. (Oct 2011)"
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$26.95
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JG 91
IWC 91
WS 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
3
available
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91 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The new release of the Billecart-Salmon non-vintage Brut Réserve, which I encountered at the great Champagne tasting at Crush Wines and Spirits here in New York in December, is comprised mostly of fruit from the 2008 vintage and the vast majority of the blend is one third each of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir, with none of the base wines going through malolactic fermentation for this bottling. The bouquet is deep and quite lovely, offering up scents of apple, tart orange, a lovely base of complex soil tones, warm bread and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and snappy, with a fine core, absolutely exquisite balance and focus, very refined mousse and excellent grip on the very long and classy finish. This is a lovely bottle of Brut NV that will only get better with a bit of bottle age. 2013-2025+. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow-gold. Orange and pear aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla bean and honeysuckle. Silky in texture and nicely precise, with juicy orchard fruit flavors and a tangy note of Meyer lemon. Dry but in no way austere. Blends depth and energy smoothly and finishes with excellent clarity and nervy cut. (Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic and spicy, with cedar, honey and ginger notes matching a firm structure and lean, intense character. Fine length."
91 points Wine News: "Lots of honey scents frame aromas of pineapple, apricot, chalk, yeast and brioche. Crisp, focused flavors of apple, orange marmalade, caramel and bread dough. Flint emerges in the dry finish. (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)"
Wall Street Journal: "Very good. Best of tasting. Pretty much all the aromas and flavors we want in Champagne--toasted nuts, yeast, minerals, a hint of zingy lemon and even some honeysuckle--all in a balanced, elegant package that gives it a relaxed sophistication. (12/13/08)"
Richard Juhlin: "(35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay) This is the creation of the son, Antoine Billecart. I claim this to be the best nonvintage Champagne of the extremely fruity school. The nose is lively and as fresh as a spring morning, the flavor is light and citrus-fresh with a long, balanced aftertaste of Granny Smith apples. Softer, sweeter, and more creamy recently. (Feb 2010)"
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$41.95
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WN 94
TP 94
WS 92
France
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Champagne
In stock,
1
available
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List $50.00
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94 points Wine News: "Light copper-orange hue; active stream of small bubbles. Enticing scents of bread dough, caramel and buttery fragrances. Soft entry with creamy vanilla, a nice balance of grains and light, malty nuances. A cleansing, racy grapefruit-inspired finish with pleasant, sweet overtones. (Dec 2008/Jan 2009)"
93 points Anthony Dias Blue (The Tasting Panel): "Pale pink, juicy, smooth, ripe, and tangy with raspberry; lush and tangy with great depth; racy acidity and seamlessly balanced; lovely. (Dec 2012)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Bright and elegant, this offers appealing flavors of ripe black cherry, raspberry and orange peel that show hints of toasted raisin bread, anise and sweet smoke. Offers a beautiful texture, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2015. (11/15/11)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(disgorged June 30, 2010): Light orange. Tangerine, pear and flowers on the nose, which is complicated by a note of fennel. Broad and sappy but dry, with lively orange and strawberry flavors and a subtle note of spice cake. Weightier on the finish, which features an exotic note of spicy herbs. This Champagne’s delicate touch will make it work well with simple seafood dishes or even sashimi. (Dec 2010)"
92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This wine is a blend of fifty percent chardonnay, thirty percent pinot noir and twenty percent pinot meunier and was aged for fully four years on the fine lees prior to disgorgement and preparation for release. Unlike the house’s straight non-vintage Brut bottling, some of the base wines for the Brut Rosé go through malo. The bouquet on the current release is outstanding, wafting from the glass in a mélange of cherries, orange peel, woodsmoke, warm bread and a lovely base of complex minerality. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and very refined on the attack, with a lovely core, frothy mousse, bright acids and outstanding focus, length and grip on the very elegant and complete finish. Fine, fine juice. 2013-2020+. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
Wall Street Journal: "Unlike many Champagne houses that may turn out a token bottling, rosé is the main focus of Billecart-Salmon. It's a dry, delicate rosé with a lively acidity that makes it a good companion to food -- as well as a great wine for a celebratory toast. (8/6/11)"
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$33.95
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WN 94
WS 93
WE 93
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $45.00
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94 points Wine News: "Burnished gold hue with a lively, streaming bead. Attractive bakery aromas of fresh croissant with nutmeg and vanilla highlights. Forward, mixed flavors of baked apple, dark honey and notes of beer and malt. Stylish, distinctive finish imbued with lingering red apple, caramel and crisp acidity. (Sep/Oct/Nov 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "A lovely, balanced Champagne, with mineral and toast notes accenting flavors of quince, green pear, white peach and verbena. Backed by firm acidity, this shows impressive texture and finesse. Like a mosaic, all the pieces come together to make a beautiful whole. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/11)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$90/750ml list] The classic Bollinger nonvintage is, as always, rich and firmly structured. With the roundness that comes from aging the wines in wood before blending, it has a ripe, smooth edge. Underneath, the texture is solid, with hints of apple and pear and mature acidity. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2012)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "Finely balanced between fruit and minerality, this layers tart red fruit, crème caramel and juicy pear in a long chalk line of flavor. It’s fresh and bright on one level, rich and sumptuous underneath -- a brilliant blend that would fit any occasion. (Dec 2012)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This note hails from a sample of the most current release here in the US, which I tasted this month here in New York. This is a lovely and classy wine that is more minerally and less overtly 'toasty' than was the case with this bottling a generation ago, but equally fine. The nose is deep and complex, offering up a lovely blend of apple, orange peel, warm bread, a bit of caraway seed, complex soil tones and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is focused, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with crisp acids, very refined mousse, excellent grip and balance and a very long and youthfully classy finish. This is a lovely bottle that is already quite tasty, but may yet develop more of the old school Bollinger 'toastiness' with further bottle age. 2012-2025+. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
91 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "60% Pinot Noir; 25% Chardonnay; 15% Pinot Meunier. All Bolly in its toasty, chalky, slightly angular but powerful way, this wine reminds of the company's "Grande Annee" in its fairly bold approach. Frothy and insistent in its bubbles and tasty, rich, toasty, stony and vanillin all at the same time, this is Champagne with a purpose, and, in this case, it works without being over the top in any dimension. (Dec 2009)"
Wall Street Journal ("Alice Feiring's Top Champagne Picks"): "For some mysterious reason, Bollinger in the United States has never achieved the status it has in the UK where it is king. Nervous apples bobbing in a tub. Edgy metal vibrant fizz wrapped around a piece of strong sugar and toasted bread crumbs on a baked apple. (9/12/09)"
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$46.95
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AM 94
IWC 92–94
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points and 'Don't miss!' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A brooding but impressively complex nose features notes of red currant, plum, earth and plenty of that Corton sauvage character. The textured, intense and broad-shouldered flavors possess excellent mid-palate concentration with fully mature structural elements. There is ample buffering sap, which is important as one would reasonably expect, this is a big and sleekly muscled wine with an explosively long, linear and overtly austere finish. The potential here is mostly impressive though note that plenty of patience is requisite. Drink: 2025+. (Apr 2012)"
92-94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(aging in two-thirds new oak): Dark red. Black fruits, flowers, minerals and licorice on the vibrant nose, plus a whiff of truffle; I would have picked this blind as a Cote de Nuits wine. Dense, sappy and sweet but with a light touch and excellent definition thanks to its firm underlying minerality. At once delicate and strong, finishing spicy and long, with a flavor of crunchy berries. Not an earthy style of Corton. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$15.95
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WA 90
France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "Tasted from the earliest of several bottlings representing a common assemblage, Boulay’s regular cuvee of 2011 Sancerre leads with scents of mint, pennyroyal and chervil, and behind that fresh grapefruit and lime, all of which team up on the palate for a performance that’s irresistibly luscious, but also unusually buoyant, bright and invigorating for its vintage (virtues enhanced by palpable retained CO2). The herb and white pepper impingement in this Sancerre’s sustained finish reminds me a bit of Gruner Veltliner, while chalk and iodine add notes of intrigue. This will be a versatile delight over the next several years. (Jun 2012)"
This family domaine of 9ha located in Chavignol can trace its history back to 1380. Of the 9ha owned by Gérard Boulay, 8 of the hectares are on the slopes of Chavignol on Kimmeridgian or 'terre blanche' soils (actually similar to the soils in Chablis). The wines produced on 'terre blanche' are some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs produced in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Among its top ranks, including some of Boulay's neighbors (the Cotats, Vatan, Thomas-Labaille), these are gorgeous, ageworthy wines that are a clear step above 'regular' Sancerre. Boulay works the soil manually. Average vine age is 45 years old. The wines ferment naturally. He adds no yeast and minimal amounts of SO2. The Sancerre-Chavignol is fermented in tank and undergoes a light filtration before bottling.
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$29.95
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AM 92
FWR 91
JG 91
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(a blend of 75% pinot noir and the balance in chardonnay). A beautifully complex nose displays discreet yeast hints that add nuance to the ripe pear, apple and floral aromas. There is equally good depth to the overtly effervescent and utterly delicious flavors that possess excellent intensity and fine length. I very much like this as it offers both vivid character and plenty of personality on the clean, dry and quite crisp finish. While this could certainly be aged to good effect, it’s already so good that it’s hard to keep from opening Champagne like this often. With that duly noted, I would suggest acquiring a case and opening a few bottles each year over the next 5 or so. Note that this is materially better than the same cuvée reviewed in Issue 28. Drink: now+. (Jan 2012)"
91 points Fine Wine Review: "Savès is a small producer who has been gathering a following in recent years. He is located in Bouzy, prime Pinot Noir country, and indeed, this cuvée is 75% Pinot Noir (from grand cru vineyards) and 25% Chardonnay from premier cru vineyards. This is relatively big, barrel-fermented wine with toasty and yeasty aromas and real presence on the palate. Interestingly, with time, pure raspberry fruit develops on the palate. I prefer blanc des blancs for aperitif, but this wine can serve for that purpose, too, and should be excellent for a meal. (Issue #126; 2009)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "As readers may recall from a short profile I wrote on this superb house a few years back, even though Champagne Camille Savès is based in the grand cru village of Bouzy and most of their vineyards lie within this village (or Ambonnay), their Carte Blanche bottling incorporates production from some additional family chardonnay vineyards that lie in the village of Tauxières (which is a premier cru), so the entire cuvée is only entitled to premier cru status. Nevertheless, it has been consistently excellent and the new release is another superb bottle of bubbly, offering up a deep and vibrant nose of apple, pink grapefruit, complex minerality, bread dough and a lovely, floral topnote of spring flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and vibrant, with a very fine core of fruit, elegant mousse, crisp acids and outstanding length and grip on the focused and beautifully balanced finish. This bottling was disgorged in late 2011. The current release of Carte Blanche is superb juice that will age very well. 2012-2030. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "Tangy, offering flavors of apricot, pickled ginger, oyster shell and pink grapefruit. It's lightly chalky in texture, with a clean, moderate finish. Drink now through 2015. (5/31/12)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Carte Blanche is a wonderfully rich, creamy entry-level wine laced with gorgeous Pinot fruit. This shows tons of Bouzy character. The 12 grams of dosage is felt in the wine’s weight, but works beautifully here. With time in the glass, the bubbles dissipate, leaving a beautifully pure expression of fruit. The Carte Blanche is 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 60% from the 2007 vintage and 40% from 2006. The Pinot is from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Tours-sur-Marne, while the Chardonnay comes from Premier Cru vineyards in Tauxieres. This is Lot# 9815, disgorged March, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. (Dec 2010)"
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$99.95
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RP 98
France
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Rhone
-
Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
5
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "Of course, Michel Chapoutier produces some very limited spectacular dessert wines. The 2004 Ermitage Vin de Paille, which has a deep amber color and smells like black truffle oil intermixed with orange marmalade and honeysuckle, is an amazingly rich wine that has put on considerable weight since I tasted it last year. This is a legendary wine that should age for 50-75 or more years. This wine cuvee has between 100 and 159 grams of residual sugar, and the finished alcohol is approximately 15%. (Apr 2007)"
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$84.95
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WS 95
RP 92
France
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Rhone
-
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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$274.95
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RP 99
WS 95
IWC 94
France
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Bordeaux
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Sweet
In stock,
1
available
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99 points Robert Parker: "An extraordinary effort, Yquem's 1990 is a rich and fabulously superb, sweet wine. This wine also possesses lots of elegance and finesse. The wine's medium gold color is accompanied by an exceptionally sweet nose of honeyed tropical fruits, peaches, coconut, and apricots. High quality, subtle toasty oak is well-integrated. The wine is massive on the palate, with layers of intensely ripe botrytis-tinged, exceptionally sweet fruit. Surprisingly well-integrated acidity, and a seamless, full-bodied power and richness have created a wine of remarkable harmony and purity. Certainly it is one of the richest Yquems I have ever tasted, with 50-100 years of potential longevity. An awesome Yquem! Anticipated maturity: 2003-2050+. (Apr 1999)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Truly superb. Yellow with a gold hue. Intense spice, honey and dried orange peel aromas.Full-bodied, very sweet and very alive. Vibrant Sauternes that goes on and on on the palate. Doesn't get much better than this. Beautiful now,but wait.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. (8/31/00)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Full-blown aromas of caramel, toffee, honey, white chocolate and damp earth; slightly Tokaj-like. Hugely concentrated and layered in the mouth; extraordinary sweetness cut by harmonious acidity. As with the best vintages of Yquem, the finish goes on for a minute or more. Stains, and stuns, the palate. A huge wine, surprisingly extravagant on the nose (earlier bottles have been far more restrained) but completely unevolved and a bit musclebound on the palate. May ultimately merit a higher score. (Jul/Aug 1998)"
4-5 stars Michael Broadbent's Pocket Vintage Wine Companion: "Bottled in 1994. The biggest crop since 1893. Most recently, at Yquem: bright amber-gold with orange highlights; sweet, rich, orange blossom fragrance becoming increasingly caramelly; medium-sweet, rich texture, nutty flavour though lacking the opulence and rich sensuality of the '89. Long life. Last tasted Aug 2006."
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$16.95
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AM 90
JG 89
WA 89
France
-
Burgundy
-
Chablis
In stock,
1
available
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90 points and 'Outstanding Top value,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from domaine fruit). As with the two previous wines there is a trace of post-bottling sulfur in evidence though it's not enough to significantly mar the attractively complex nose that is classic Chablis in character. There is very good richness to the detailed but opulent flavors that remain focused and display plenty of finishing minerality. There is really lovely intensity to the dry and precise finish and overall, this offers terrific quality for a villages level wine. Recommended. Drink: 2015+. (Sep 2012)"
89+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The estate bottled example of Chablis AC from Domaine William Fèvre is also excellent in 2011 and, as is always the case here, offers up a bit more depth and structurally integrity than the Champs Royaux. The domaine’s parcel of vines that go into this villages bottling range from fifty to sixty years of age, so this is no weak-kneed AC bottling. The more reserved nose delivers scents of pink grapefruit, lime, snappy minerality, lemongrass, white flowers and a nice touch of oyster shell in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with lovely focus and balance, racy acids and a very long, focused and classy finish. This is a very serious villages level Chablis! 2014-2025. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Readers will find a terrific wine for near-term drinking in the 2011 Chablis. Beautifully defined notes of smoke, gunflint, citrus and white peaches emerge from the glass. The 2011 Chablis shows lovely richness and depth for an entry-level wine. Layers of fruit build to the expressive, generous finish. This is a nicely balanced, harmonious Chablis, and a great introduction to the vintage. Didier Seguir makes the house’s Chablis mostly with left bank fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012+. (Aug 2012)"
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$59.95
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JG 98
AM 97
IWC 95
France
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Burgundy
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Chablis
In stock, 12+ available
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98 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2010 William Fèvre les Clos is the very finest of what is an utterly stunning array of grand crus from the domaine in this vintage. The nearly perfect nose offers up a complex and youthful mélange of apple, tart orange, grapefruit, flint, stunning, stony minerality, lime zest, smoke and spring flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure on the attack, with a properly reserved personality, simply enormous, nascent complexity, a rock solid core and brilliant cut and grip on the snappy, soil-driven and magically long finish. Stunning juice. 2022-2075. (Nov/Dec 2011)"
97 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from 4 separate parcels totaling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). An exceptionally fresh and intensely floral nose also offers up notes of lime, lemon, stone and iodine that are trimmed in a discreet touch of wood. There is massive richness to the concentrated and big-bodied flavors that are breathtakingly powerful and intense, all wrapped in a palate drenching and extraordinarily long finish. As impressive as all of these characteristics are, it’s the sheer depth of underlying material that is almost hard to believe. Like the Preuses and the Valmur, this is a ‘wow’ wine that should develop for at least a decade though because of all of the dry extract, it will be approachable much sooner. In a word, brilliant. Drink: 2020+. (Oct 2012)"
95+ points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$115/750ml list] Bright, pale green. Subtle, delicate aromas of white peach, mint, crushed stone and chlorophyll. Less complex today than the Preuses but this is still an infant. All about white peach lifted by white pepper. Fine-grained, silky and utterly vibrant wine, delivering outstanding density and fullness without weight. Great slowly mounting finish promises much more to come. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
94 points and 'Year's Best White Burgundy,' Wine & Spirits: "[$115/750ml list] One of the most prized holdings in the domaine, Fèvre owns 10.15 acres on the south-facing hillside of Les Clos, the heart of Chablis’s grand crus. This 2010 is so concentrated and powerful that it’s hard to approach, a deep well of whiteness, of lees and jasmine, lilac and bee pollen, harmony and youthful pallor. There’s no wisdom in drinking this before it’s ten years old or older; if you do open the bottle before then, double decant it back into the bottle and forget about it for a day. (Oct 2012)"
18/20 points Michel Bettane (The World of Fine Wine): "One of the most impressive Chablis of the vintage: a complete rendition of Les Clos. This wine needs 8-10 years to blossom and deliver all the magic minerality of the place. (Issue #35; 2012)"
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$8.95
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IWC 90
RR 90
RP 89
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(roughly half syrah and half grenache, with a touch of mourvedre): Vivid ruby. Complex aromas of red and dark berries, Indian spices and violet, with slow-building smokiness. Taut and focused on the palate, offering lively bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors that pick up weight with air. Juicy and nicely concentrated Cotes du Rhone with strong finishing punch and lingering spiciness. (May 2012)"
90 points Rhone Report: "Up there with the '07 in terms of quality and simply a fantastic value, the 2009 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone, a foudre aged blend of 52% Grenache, 45% Syrah, and 3% Mourvedre, boasts upfront, perfumed aromatics of sweet raspberry, kirsch, fresh flowers, sappy underbrush, and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, silky, polished, and focused palate. Drinking way past its humble price point, this straight-up delicious Cotes du Rhone will be a crowd pleaser over the coming 4-6 years, possibly longer. (Jun 2012)"
89 points Robert Parker: "...an amazing value. A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre, it comes primarily from the Plan de Dieu (Plain of God), which is situated northeast of Chateauneuf du Pape. This tank-aged, deep ruby/purple-colored, concentrated, fleshy, medium to full-bodied, supple offering reveals plenty of pepper, kirsch and black currant fruit intermixed with a notion of flowers. It is meant to be consumed during its first 2-3 years of life although I have tasted 10-year-old bottles that are still holding together. (Oct 2011)"
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$8.95
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RR 90
RP 88
IWC 88
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
8
available
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90 points Rhone Report: "Always a stunning value, the 2009 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc, half Viognier and the rest a mix of Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, is no exception and hugely over delivers for the price, showing rich, yet focused aromas of white peach and pineapple fruit that's supported by complex notes of flowers, honey, licorice, and wet slate. Possessing superb richness, while still staying light and fresh, this is medium bodied on the palate with a silky texture, notable balance, and a clean, persistent finish. Hard not to gulp down (and this was at a tasting at 7am in the morning), this beauty should be purchased by the case, and consumed over the coming 2-4 years. (Nov 2010)"
88 points Robert Parker: "The 2009 and 2010 Cotes du Rhone Blancs are blends of 55% Viognier and the rest Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc, all aged in tank. While there are multiple bottlings given the massive production, they are consistent from bottling to bottling. The freshness, exotic tropical fruits, fragrant bouquets, dry, fleshy mid-palates and crisp finishes of these wines will be admired by consumers. These wines over-deliver in every sense, and they should drink well for several years. (Oct 2011)"
88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(55% viognier, 15% marsanne, 13% roussanne and the rest clairette, bourboulenc and grenache blanc) Pale yellow. Melon, nectarine and honeysuckle on the nose, with notes of anise and white pepper adding complexity. Gains sweetness with air and offers pliant honeydew and orchard fruit flavors, with a touch of spice on the back half. I like this wine's complexity and finishing sappiness. (Jan/Feb 2011)"
88 points Wine & Spirits: "A rich, ripe Cotes du Rhone, this is satiny with peach flavor and sparked with white pepper spice. Pitched perfectly for winter dishes, it would also be delicious with some grilled chicken this summer. (Feb 2011)"
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$14.95
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RR 92
RP 91
IWC 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $19.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "A blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah, the 2009 E. Guigal Gigondas is a garrigue-dominated effort that develops more black cherry, licorice, ground pepper, and mineral characteristics over the evening. Medium+ bodied, beautifully fruited, and voluptuously textured, with a chewy, structured finish, this outstanding Gigondas will benefit from another year or two in the cellar, and have at least a decade of overall evolution. (Mar 2013)"
91 points Robert Parker: "[$38/750ml list] The excellent 2009 Gigondas (a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah) is a ripe, earthy effort displaying peppery notes intermixed with garrigue, blueberries and black raspberries, super fruit (a characteristic of this vintage), low acidity and attractive lushness as well as density. It should drink nicely for a decade. (Dec 2012)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Bright ruby. Intensely floral, spice-accented bouquet of red berries, rose, lavender and minerals. Powerful strawberry and raspberry fruit flavors are sappy and focused, putting on weight with aeration. Picks up musky herb and licorice qualities on the lively, expanding finish. This suave wine is drinking very well right now but has the stuffing to age. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$32.95
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JG 92
WS 92
WA 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "One of the workhorses in the Henriot stable is their excellent Blanc de Blancs, formerly called Blanc de Souverain. The cuvée is aged a minimum of four years on the lees in the cellar prior to disgorgement, with the current release consisting primarily of base wines from the 2006 vintage and comprised of fifty percent Grand Crus, thirty percent Premier Crus and the balance hailing from vineyards with very Chablis-like soils in the south of the Champagne region. The bouquet on the new release of Henriot’s Blanc de Blancs is lovely, offering up a youthful mélange of lemon, pink grapefruit, chalky minerality, white flowers, bread dough and citrus peel in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and racy, with a superb core, snappy acids, pinpoint bubbles and excellent length and grip on the focused and complex finish. Fine, fine juice that I would tuck away in the cellar for a couple more years and really let it blossom. 2014-2035. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$60 list] Smoky, with a rich base note of toasted brioche and flavors of lemon candy, almond, white peach and crystallized pineapple. This shows vibrant acidity and finely detailed texture. Features a long, lasting finish. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/12)"
91 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$60 list] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully balanced, harmonious wine. There is just enough roundness and generosity to balance the focus of the Chardonnay in this accessible, harmonious Champagne. Hints of butter, smoke and spices wrap around the generous finish... Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. (Nov 2011)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light gold. High-pitched aromas of fresh orchard fruits, honeysuckle and iodine, with a smoky overtone. Dry, spicy and vibrant, with very good depth and clarity to its spicy lemon and pear flavors. Toasty lees notes add depth to the long, smoke-accented finish. A nicely complex non-vintage Champagne that's balanced to age. (Dec 2011)"
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$24.95
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WE 94
JG 92
WN 92
France
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Champagne
In stock,
3
available
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List $30.00
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'The Enthusiast 100 for 2009 (#5)' and 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "A beautifully fine mousse indicates the class of this finely crafted wine. It has some weight, flavors of green apples, with hints of fresh apricots. There is extreme freshness here, the style dry but rich. This bottling tastes young and would be worth aging six months. Editors' Choice. (Dec 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Firm and toasty, with hints of tropical fruit mixing with notes of quince, lemon zest, smoky mineral, ginger and white pepper. This finds a balance between its fresh, lively character and a sweet, juicy component, ending with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2021. (11/15/11)"
92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Henriot has changed the labels of their entire line of Champagne bottlings, and the new elegant packaging is coupled to all of the consistent quality that one has come to expect from this fine house in the last several years. The current release of their Blanc de Blancs is primarily based on fruit from the 2005 vintage and offers up an excellent, youthful nose of pears, tangerine, chalky, complex minerality, lemon blossoms and bead dough. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and still fairly tight on the attack, with a rock solid core of fruit, brisk acids, very elegant mousse, and fine length and grip on the complex and focused finish. This is certainly drinkable now, but in my experience, this particular bottling really shines with a couple of years cellaring. 2013-2035. (Jul/Aug 2011)"
92 points Wine News: "Pale gold; active mousse. Citrus and apple aromas with hints of chalk and bread dough. An attractive, aged nuance joins apple and mineral flavors. A crisp, vibrant finish confirms a classic Brut style. (Dec 2008/Jan 2009)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "This is all chardonnay, a full and earthy take on the variety that creates some tension between the sensation of white mineral chalk and sweet, firm fruit. It's pale, toasty and leesy, yet it tastes fresh. Ready to serve with cracked crab. (Dec 2009)"
Richard Juhlin: "(55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay) It's wonderful to avoid Pinot Meunier in a large firm's nonvintage Champagne. The nose is classically bready. The large portion of Chardonnay sticks out in the delicate, light taste. The house-style is marked. Very fine and evolved of late, thanks to up to seven-year-old reserve wines. (Apr 2009)"
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$28.95
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WE 94
WS 92
JG 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Wine Enthusiast: "A beautifully fine mousse indicates the class of this finely crafted wine. It has some weight, flavors of green apples, with hints of fresh apricots. There is extreme freshness here, the style dry but rich. This bottling tastes young and would be worth aging six months. (Dec 2009)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$50 list] Well-structured and powered by firm acidity, this offers notes of glazed apple, black cherry, candied lemon zest and toasted brioche, with a lingering hint of mineral. Clean finish. Drink now through 2015. (12/15/12)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Henriot’s Brut Souverain bottling is the only cuvée here that customarily now includes a small percentage of pinot meunier in the blend, as the ostensibly half and half blend of pinot noir and chardonnay is augmented with three to five percent of pinot meunier, as the house now has a contract for pinot meunier fruit from a vineyard that they are extremely fond of at the very top of the Montagne de Reims. This is a bottling that I have become more and more impressed with each year that I taste it, as I have the feeling that it is seeing just a bit more bottle age in the cellar these days than was the case perhaps back when the Henriot family had just purchased Bouchard. The other possibility of course is that the relatively new inclusion of pinot meunier in this cuvée has made it more immediately impressive out of the blocks. In any case, the new release is
excellent, offering up a deep and youthfully complex nose of apple, tart orange, gentle notes of bread dough, fine minerality and a gentle touch of smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and complex, with a fine core of fruit, elegant mousse, and a long, crisp and focused finish. A lovely wine that will age very well indeed. 2012-2030. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
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$49.95
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France
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Loire
In stock,
1
available
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List $70.00
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2003 vintage rated 94 points by Wine Spectator, which wrote: "With an auburn color and dark notes of maple, date and sugared walnut, this will be a different paradigm for most. Yet manages to stay fresh and focused, with a mouthwatering finish that lets the green tea and ginger notes linger. A wild wine. Drink now through 2017. 25 cases made."
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$99.95
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RP 98
WS 95
BD 95
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $112.50
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
98 points Robert Parker: "This great terroir on the Cote Pavie has long been recognized as one of the most privileged spots in St.-Emilion, but it was not until the wunderkind duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt took over in 2002 that the wine finally began to live up to its potential. Old timers who remember the 1945 Larcis Ducasse will attest to how great this cuvee can be. Sadly, fewer than 3,000 cases were produced of the 2005, a blend of 78% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Franc with a small dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were a modest 27 hectoliters per hectare. This stunning effort reveals one of the most extraordinary aromatic displays of the vintage, offering up notes of sweet roasted herbs, jus du viande, black olives, espresso roast, creme de cassis, and kirsch liqueur. Extremely full-bodied, opulent, and lavishly textured with plush tannin as well as an ethereal elegance, a sublime personality, glorious sweet purity, and a layered texture, this amazing St.-Emilion is destined to become a legend. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2028. (Apr 2008)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "This is very grapey, with plenty of crushed blackberry and vanilla undertones, and floral as well. Full-bodied, soft and silky. Gushes with fruit. Hard not to drink this now, but give it some time. The fruit is amazing. Such purity. Best after 2014. 3,080 cases made. (3/31/08)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "An ultra-refined, superb wine, with an intense and deep body, a velvety texture, and sophisticated richness: unquestionably one of the great Saint-Emilions of the vintage. Drink: 2012 up to 2025. (2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Ruby-red. Superripe, vibrant nose offers cherry, blueberry, blackberry, mocha and fruity dark chocolate. Rich and wonderfully fine-grained, with excellent acidity leavening the impression of superripeness and giving cut to the intense dark berry, plum and mineral flavors. Finishes very long and lush, with a fine dusting of tannins and noteworthy subtlety. With its 14.5% alcohol, this is a big boy, but its energy and balance are impressive for such an opulent wine. (May/Jun 2008)"
94 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "While its Grand Cru classification places it in only the third tier of the St. Emilion hierarchy of quality, this intense, wonderfully rich wine is packed with sweet, well-ripened fruit and does a fine job at managing 2005 tannin. So succulent and fleshy that it could be drunk alongside juicy beef dishes right now, it has all the pieces in place to improve for at least another ten years. (Mar 2008)"
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$19.95
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JG 92
WE 92
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $30.00
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92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "I cannot get the domaine or its American importer to pay any attention to my requests for samples of the new releases here, so I was very happy to find the Laurent-Perrier non-vintage Brut being poured by the glass at Hotel Le Cep in Beaune on my most recent trip to Burgundy. The new release is lovely (why are the American importers hiding this wine from enthusiastic writers?), offering up a refined and complex nose of lemon peel, green apple, beautifully complex minerality, bread dough and a nice touch of orange zest in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and beautifully balanced, with very refined mousse, lovely focus and a long, youthful finish. I would opt for giving this fine example a year or two of cellaring to fully allow it to blossom, but it is still quite tasty in its relative youth. 2012-2030. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$60/750ml list] This is a really good rendition of this extra-tart, austere style of Champagne. Citrus and steel are the prime components--don’t look for tropical fruits, toast or buttered nuts in this baby. This is a terroir-driven wine; it tastes like the chalk it’s grown in. Can you say oysters and caviar? How about triple crème cheeses, foie gras, etc.? Made for the richest food you care to throw at it. (Dec 2006)"
Quarterly Review of Wines: "Laurent-Perrier's Brut NV is floral, nutty, generous, with nuances of lemon and honeysuckle. Attractive finishy. (Autumn 2011)"
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$12.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Tibouren. This rosé is one of the finest wines of the Côtes de Provence appellation. With its magnificent location in the center of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, the Minuty Château was acquired by the Matton-Farnet family in 1936. This vineyard gained "Cru Classe" status in 1955 and has remained one of Provence's flagship estates ever since. Its 65 hectares are traditionally cultivated (no herbicides, no pesticides) to allow the full expression of traditional Provence varieties in the terroir of this exceptionally sunny region. Truly the taste of summer, this light, refreshing and versatile wine pairs well with light fare, from pastas, cheeses, grilled seafood, poultry and pork as well as seasonal vegetable dishes.
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$7.95
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France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "This prestigious cuvée is made from a selection of very old vines (45+ years), found very close to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. A part of this parcel was planted by Luc Perrin's great grandfather. Grenache 75-80%, Syrah 15-20%, Various 3-5%. Average age of the vines: 60 years."
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$24.95
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JG 93
WS 92
WA 90
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "...six months of bottle age has done this beautiful wine absolutely no harm! The beautiful nose delivers in a vibrant combination of white cherries, blood orange, wheat toast, gentle smokiness, chalky minerality, a nice touch of cinnamon and a topnote of dried roses. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and utterly refined, with a lovely core of fruit, outstanding focus and balance, refined mousse, great complexity and a very long, crisp and supremely elegant finish. I loved this wine six months ago and the passing half year have simply made this wine more wide open and even more pleasurable to drink. This has to be one of the great steals for Rosé Champagne in the market today! 2013-2025. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Bright and lively, with anise, clove and nutmeg spice notes accenting candied cherry and berry fruit. Hints of brioche, hazelnut, smoke and lemon cake add richness, pushing through to the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2020. 200 cases imported. (10/19/11)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "...an intensely mineral, chalky Champagne. Medium in body, the wine reveals excellent length, if not quite the inner perfume and richness of the very finest NV roses. Still, this should be delicious with food, where the wine’s energy and vitality will be particularly appreciated... Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. (Dec 2009)"
Producer notes: "We only produce Rosé wines in years when the quality of the black grapes is really very good. They are all produced by blending Extra Quality Brut champagne (blending the first pressings of premier grand crus with a majority of black grapes), to which a small amount of red champagne is added. Each harvest provides us with different structures and colour intensities. Adding red wine allows us to ensure the colour remains stable and precise. It allows us to create an expressive blend delicately combining the expression of red berry aromas and a rich, long finish, while maintaining its intensity. Our red wines are produced in our oak casks, revealing a very light, elegant hint of woodiness. We use very small dosages to allow all of the wine’s fruits and aromas to filter through. Tasting: Beautiful bubbles. Very fresh pink colour. Fruity, fresh bouquet. Clear finish and unnoticeable dosage."
Previously not well known in the U.S., these wines have been highly rated in The Wine Advocate and are on the wine list at the three-star "Les Crayers" in Reims. The most striking characteristics are the perfect balance, purity of fruit, extraordinary length and irreproachable style of these Champagnes.
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$89.95
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WS 100
RP 99
BD 95
France
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Bordeaux
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Sweet
In stock,
6
available
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'Wine of the Year (2004)' and 100 points Wine Spectator: "Like lemon curd on the nose, turning to honey and caramel. Full-bodied and very sweet, with fantastic concentration of ripe and botrytized fruit, yet balanced and refined. Electric acidity. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is absolutely mind-blowing. This is the greatest young Sauternes I have ever tasted. Best after 2010. (9/15/04)"
99 points Robert Parker: "A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035. (Jun 2004)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "This has a monumental body matched in rich sweetness. Enormous length, considerable promise. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
19/20 points Margaret Rand (The World of Fine Wine): "(13.5%) Concentrated roasted fruit, a real gravestones (sun on granite) botrytis flavor--very pure, intense. Will last for years. Classic stuff. Very rich but balanced; mineral, with great finesse balancing the weight and concentration. (Issue 34; 2011)"
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