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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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$27.95
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RR 95
RP 94
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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95 points Rhone Report: "Profound stuff that will stand toe to toe with anything coming out of the Rhône valley, the 2010 Domaine les Aphillanthes Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 1921 is a blend of close to 95% Grenache that comes from incredibly low yields of 7 hl/ha and ancient vines planted in 1921. Easily the greatest wine I have tasted from this estate, it delivers a knockout bouquet of ganache-covered blackberry and cassis styled fruit that is intermixed with notions of hot stones, leather, graphite, licorice, and roasted herbs. Gorgeously rich and decadent, with a full-bodied, powerful mouth feel that stays light, elegant, and fresh, this blockbuster Rasteau is beautifully concentration, structured, and has a heady, very long finish. It should be given 2-3 years of bottle age, and then consumed over the following decade or more. (Sep 2012)"
94 points Robert Parker: "A blockbuster offering is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau 1921, which was made from yields of 17 hectoliters per hectare and aged in both concrete tanks and 600-liter demi-muids. Composed of 90% Grenache and the rest a kitchen sink blend, it exhibits an opaque purple color along with abundant floral notes intermixed with notions of white chocolate, charcoal, scorched earth, blackberries and black currants. It reveals a superb, full-bodied, layered, broad, expansive mouthfeel, terrific intensity and a heady finish. Drink this beauty over the next 10-15+ years. (Oct 2012)"
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$164.95
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FWR 92–96
AM 92
JG 92
France
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Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
2
available
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92-96 points Fine Wine Review: "The Chambolle-Beaux Bruns has violet aromas. In the mouth, Barthod gets much more finesse than other Beaux Bruns producers with whom I am familiar, also with violet fruit here, and outstanding acidity, minerality, and energy. (Issue #114; 2006)"
92 points - 'Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(50+ year old vines). This is quite densely fruited with a layered but tight nose of red, dark berry and violet aromas liberally sprinkled with ample, and pungent, warm earth notes that can also be found in abundance on the powerful and generous flavors that tighten up considerably on the rather linear and well-focused finish. There is good energy here and excellent concentration and the overall character is frank and direct though not rustic. Drink: 2015+. (Jan 2008)"
92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "While most of the Barthod premier crus are in vines of forty years of age or so, Beaux Bruns’ are sixty year-old. The result in 2005 is a very deep, very sappy and outstanding bottle, which delivers a primary bouquet of plums, black cherries, chocolate, earth and cedar. On the palate the wine is full-bodied and intensely flavored, with a rock solid core of pure fruit, bright acids, ripe tannins, and great length and grip on the tangy finish. This will be a beauty, although it is currently awash in its glorious puppy fat of fruit, and will take a few years to allow the soil to emerge and compete with what is unquestionably a tide of vivid fruit. Lovely juice. 2012-2035. (Nov/Dec 2006)"
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$67.95
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WS 95
WE 95
WA 92
France
-
Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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List $85.00
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95 points Wine Spectator: "[$85 list] Rich, but pure and incredibly focused, with a laser beam of chamomile and quince cutting through the core of dried pineapple, white peach, Cavaillon melon and green plum. The finish has buried minerality, gorgeous mouthfeel and superb length. Drink now through 2030. 1,500 cases made. (9/30/11)"
95 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "With so much intensity, botrytis and concentration, this is going to be impressive. It is still very young, at a closed stage, but the ripe currant as well as the honey dominate. Great wine. (Jun 2011)"
92 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "Linden (i.e. basswood) honey and lily perfume; candied lime and grapefruit peel; quince preserves and pineapple scent the Baumard 2008 Quarts de Chaume and inform a glycerin-rich, oily, soothingly-unctuous palate that preserves elements of fresh citrus and salinity sufficient to call forth salivation and at least go some way toward offsetting what is for now extreme sweetness. The sheer persistence of flavor here is remarkable. This is likely to be a very long-lived (20+ year) and perhaps eventually an extraordinary wine. But for now it does not approach the complexity not to mention the sense of balance exhibited by the corresponding Coteaux du Layon Sainte Catherine. (Aug 2010)"
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$79.95
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WE 95
WS 94
RP 92
France
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Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
1
available
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List $92.00
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95 points Wine Enthusiast: "One of the big names of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this wine justifies the fame of the Perrin family’s property. It is a rich style, but, more importantly, it is beautifully made, structured, dense, with red jelly fruits, a touch of vanilla and a fat, full-bodied, but firm aftertaste. This is a wine for aging...give it at least five years before touching it. (12/31/05)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$90 list] Young and tight, with garrigue and roasted game aromas peeking out from a core of ripe black currant, plum and fig fruit. Lots of toast tobacco and iron as well. The finish is well-endowed with tannins, but they are ripe and pure. Best from 2008 through 2025. Highly Recommended. (5/31/06)"
92+ points Robert Parker: "The 2003 Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape turned out as well as I could have hoped and is certainly an outstanding wine, deep ruby/purple with a tight but promising nose of black fruits, loamy, earthy notes intermixed with pepper, smoke, licorice, and dried herbs. The wine is somewhat closed in the mouth (but it had been bottled 30 days prior to my visit), has full bodied, moderately high, slightly rustic tannins, but big-impact flavors with plenty of texture, density, and purity. Give this wine 3-5 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 20 years. (Feb 2006)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Dark red. Vibrant raspberry, blackberry, floral and spice aromas convey impressive purity and freshness. Supple and sweet, with deep red fruit flavors, hints of floral pastille and baking spices and gentle tannins. This wine has more grenache than usual for the property, which makes it one of the most graceful (despite the hot vintage) wines I've had from the Perrins. Clean and energetic on the finish, which echoes the red fruit and floral qualities. (Dec 2008)"
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$79.95
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WS 96
RR 96
RP 94
France
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Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $120.00
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96 points Wine Spectator: "[$120 list] One of the more endowed 2009s, this is packed with dark smoldering cocoa, mesquite, tobacco and roasted fig notes, all inlaid with pure cassis and plum preserves fruit flavors. Long and authoritative on the finish, with singed vanilla bean and tar notes adding length and dimension. Best from 2015 through 2026. (2/29/12)"
96 points Rhone Report: "The 2009 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape had just been bottled at the time of the tasting but you wouldn't know it by tasting it. A blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and 20% assorted varieties, the wine delivers a superb aromatic display of kirsch and black cherry-like fruits to go with a solid dose of underlying meat, truffle, earth, and leather. Full-bodied and gorgeously concentrated through the middle, with fleshy, ripe fruit, good acidity, and an abundance of structure, this will ideally be left alone for 7-8 years and then consumed over the following two decades. (Sep 2011)"
94 points Robert Parker: "The 2009 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is reminiscent of their brilliant 1985. It will be one of the rare Beaucastels that is drinkable upon release. Made from this estate’s classic blend, it possesses soft tannins as well as a silky, open-knit seductiveness, a dense plum/purple color and a beautiful perfume of smoky Provencal herbs intermixed with grilled steak juices, garrigue, kirsch and blue as well as black fruits. The wine is full-bodied, unctuously textured, and silky smooth (the latter characteristic being somewhat atypical for a young Beaucastel). If it performs like the 1985, it will drink well young and continue to do so for 25 or more years. (Oct 2011)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(30% each of grenache and mourvedre and 10% each of counoise and syrah, with the balance spread across the other nine permitted varieties): Bright ruby. Perfumed, expressive aromas of red and dark berry preserves, smoky herbs and lavender, with a touch of licorice adding depth. Fleshy and supple in texture, offering intense black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors lifted by a spicy quality. Shows the richness of the vintage but carries no excess fat. The finish lingers with impressive tenacity and echoes the floral and smoke notes. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$42.95
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RR 96
IWC 94
RP 92–94
France
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Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
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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$74.95
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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 $120.00
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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 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 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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$159.95
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RR 97
W&S 97
WS 96
France
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Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
7
available
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List $195.00
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97 points Rhone Report: "A profound white, the 100% Roussanne 2010 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvee Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is more fresh and focused than the traditional blanc (and that's saying something) and delivers spectacularly pure, delineated aromas of fresh peach, apricot, toasted bread, almond paste, and serious minerality. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine that is perfectly balanced and possesses a brilliant texture, superb focus and clarity, and classic finish. Brilliant now, this should also age beautifully. Given the general aging curve of these wines, I wouldn't hesitate to drink bottles over the coming 3-4 years, but after that, would hold off until a decade after the vintage. Thrilling stuff and this is a great vintage for Beaucastel. (Sep 2011)"
97 points and 'Year's Best Rhone,' Wine & Spirits: "[$195 list] 'I want to rub myself in it,' one taster said, completely seduced by this wine. He wasn’t the only one completely smitten by its play of cashew richness and firm warm stone, its billowy satin texture and its quiet wildflower tones. This is exceptional in its vivid portrayal of a place, the heat of the sun on stones and the cool of the air palpable in a sip, and yet it’s understated, elegant, the product of a patch of carefully tended roussanne vines that are a quarter-century old. (Feb 2013)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "[$195 list] Very rich, this cuts a broad swath, delivering a remarkably lush yet pure core of papaya, mango, green melon and green plum fruit all stitched with macadamia nut, brioche and honeysuckle notes that chime through the superlong finish. There's a great buried stony edge. Roussanne. Drink now through 2024. 200 cases imported. (2/29/12)"
93-95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes Meyer lemon, pear skin, jasmine and minerals. Sappy and penetrating, projecting a compelling blend of richness and vivacity. Powerful, incisive orchard fruit and candied citrus qualities put on weight with air and pick up a touch of bitter quinine that carries through the very long, palate-staining finish. Marc Perrin told me that it's a mistake to associate roussanne exclusively with opulence 'because when it's planted on limestone it keeps its freshness. The numbers are low on paper but what's in the glass is bright and contradicts the math and oenologists' predictions.' (Jan/Feb 2012)"
94 points Robert Parker: "The luxury cuvee, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieilles Vignes (Roussanne) (100% Roussanne aged in one-year-old barrels as well as new oak that no longer undergoes malolactic fermentation) is a prodigious dry white. A luxurious amount of rose water notes intermixed with honeysuckle, pineapple, nectarine, peach and subtle smoke emerge from this beauty. It possesses a terrific texture, zesty acids, an unmistakable minerality and a sumptuous personality. (Oct 2011)"
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$749.95
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RP 100
WS 98
In stock,
1
available
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100 points Robert Parker: "One of the most singular Bordeaux I have ever tasted, it verges on being port-like, but it pulls back because of the extraordinary minerality and laser-like focus. The wine is massively concentrated, still black/purple-hued to the rim, and offers a nose of incense, blackberries, blueberry liqueur, acacia flowers, and forest floor. It reveals low acidity and high tannins, which are largely concealed by the sheer concentration and lavish glycerin the wine possesses. Aging at a glacial pace, it is approachable, but it will not hit its peak until 2020; it should last for twenty years thereafter. (Jun 2009)"
98 points Wine Spectator: "Liquid cashmere. Stupendous St.-Emilion. Dark ruby color. Wonderful aromas of blackberries, preserved cherries, Indian spices and violets. Full-bodied, with fabulously polished tannins and a long, long finish.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2006. (8/31/00)"
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$174.95
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FWR 91–95
AM 92
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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91-95 points Fine Wine Review: "Last, the Bonnes-Mares is darker than the others, but still transparent in appearance. In the mouth, there is greater density, as one would expect, with elegance and peach and red fruit flavors. Bonnes-Mares normally is a wine that needs a lot of age, but this may be one that drinks fairly young. (Issue #128; 2010)"
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(a .34 ha parcel located 100% in terres rouges). A slightly riper and terrifically layered nose of intensely earthy red berry fruit aromas that give way to rich, round and delicious medium-bodied flavors that are certainly more powerful though by the typical standards of a terres rouges-based Bonnes Mares, it's actually quite refined. Like the Amoureuses, this is an extremely elegant version of the appellation yet should repay up to seven to eight years of cellar time though it will be drinkable well before that. Drink: 2015+. (Jan 2011)"
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$79.95
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AM 92–95
IWC 91
France
-
Burgundy
-
Chablis
In stock, 12+ available
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92-95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): no tasting note given. (Oct 2011) br>
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(vinified in oak, then aged in cuve): Pale, bright yellow. Closed, strongly mineral nose hints at peach pit and lemon. Quite backward on the palate, showing very dry, tactile flavors of crushed stone, lemon, grapefruit and spices. Finishes with a hint of spice but does not come across as overly oaky. This just-bottled wine will need a year or two to begin to absorb its acidity. (Jul/Aug 2011)"
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$349.95
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WA 95
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
3
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 1998 Brut Le Clos Saint-Hilaire emerges from the glass with an exotic array of intensely perfumed, candied fruit. The wine possesses gorgeous textural richness in a deep, layered expression of Pinot Noir. The mousse remains refined and very elegant all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. This is bottle: 001493 out of 6,750. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023. Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is a 100% Pinot Noir Champagne made from a small, one hectare plot located on the property in Mareuil-sur-Ay. The wine is fermented in oak and bottled with no dosage. In only its third release, Le Clos Saint-Hilaire has already established itself as one of the region’s most fascinating wines. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023. (Dec 2009)"
17.5/20 points Simon Field (The World of Fine Wine): "Mature nose with a complex interplay between stone fruit and sour honey; almonds and flowers in the background. The palate is equally engaging, albeit in the style that will please those who like their Champagne mellow and mature, with tertiary aromas starting to come to the fore. (Issue #34; 2011)"
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$179.95
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FWR 93–96
JG 94
AM 93
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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93-96 points Fine Wine Review: "Patrick Bize’s Latricières-Chambertin is closed for the moment but shows beautiful material with classic Latricères black licorice and minerality. It may take some years to open, but will be outstanding. (Issue #119; 2008)"
94 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2006 Latricières is raised in twenty percent new oak, and it will be brilliant this year. When I asked Patrick how much new wood he had used for the grand cru, he responded that 'oaky wines and wines that are tannic from their wood equal unintelligent wines- write that down!' The 2006 Latricières is brilliant, as it soars from the glass in a beautiful medley of black cherries, blood orange, gentle grilled meat tones, dark chocolate, a fine base of soil and a very delicate framing of cedar. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, beautifully focused and very 'cool' in its profile, with laser-like focus, great mid-palate depth, fine-grained tannins and outstanding grip on the very long, tangy and soil-driven finish. Great wine in the making. 2016-2050+. (Nov/Dec 2007)"
93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from leased, 35+ year old vines that previously were exploited by Domaine Ponsot until 1994). Cool and airy red berry fruit, in particular raspberry and currant, is nuanced by notes of underbrush and a hint of game that is also picked up by the textured and more elegant middle weight flavors that seem to be built on a base of minerality, all wrapped in a firm, detailed and intense finish and this too has ample buffering dry extract. Drink: 2014+. (Apr 2008)"
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$499.95
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AM 96
WS 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
1
available
|
List $600.00
|
96 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Blain produces 1 to 2 barrels annually). Almost invisible wood sets off an almost mute nose of complex and layered white and yellow orchard fruit aromas that is, at this early juncture, quite reserved. The rich and silky big-bodied flavors possess seriously impressive concentration as well as almost painful intensity on the equally explosive and driving finish. As complex as the Bâtard is there is simply another dimension of overall depth present here. A knockout. Comments: Don't miss! Drink: 2017+. (Feb 2011)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$600 list] Though elegant, this white shows density and intensity, sporting peach, apple, pear and melon flavors that all mesh with the bright structure. Ends with a mouthwatering impression. Best from 2013 through 2022. 10 cases imported. (6/20/12)"
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$299.95
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AM 96
IWC 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
3
available
|
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96 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(two-thirds from Chassagne and the remainder from Puligny). In contrast to the expressiveness of the Bienvenues and Criots, this is reserved to the point of being almost mute and only aggressive swirling coaxes reluctant aromas of white flowers, spice and a range of mostly yellow dried fruits. There is superb intensity to the mouth coating, powerful and weighty flavors that exhibit a taut muscularity on the opulent but focused and well-detailed finish. This is almost painfully intense and absolutely bone dry, which is unusual in the context of the vintage. A knockout! Comments: Don't miss! Drink: 2017+. (Feb 2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "White plum, fresh apricot, hazelnut, honey and nutty oak on the nose, perked up by a whiff of pineapple. Sweet, deep and powerfully structured, with the wine's fresh fruit flavors currently held under wraps by surprising acidity. Not showing the personality of the Clos de la Mouchere, but this grand cru's sheer energy and very long, rising finish promise a slow and eventful evolution in bottle. (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$899.95
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RJ 95–97
IWC 95
WA 94
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
2
available
|
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95 points (97 potential) Richard Juhlin: no tasting note given (Nov 2009).
95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light gold with a steady bead of pinpoint bubbles. Deep, musky aromas of buttered toast, cherry pit, blood orange, lemon rind, pungent herbs and yellow rose, with mounting spiciness. Deeply concentrated but showing unlikely finesse, with firm, gripping red berry and citrus flavors and exotic notes of candied flowers and smoky lees. Intriguing for its blend of richness and delicacy; the endless finish repeats the spice and floral notes and lingers with impressive clarity and notes of honey, anise and minerals. (Nov/Dec 2009)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2000 Brut Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Francaises emerges from the glass with an elegant, refined mousse that is captivating. Sweet, perfumed and layered, the 2000 VVF shows off superb grace and a long, vibrant finish. This is an especially elegant and understated version of this Champagne. My preference is to drink VVF before age 20. Bollinger’s VVF is one of Champagne’s rarest and most iconic wines. Just a few thousand bottles are made each year from Pinot Noir grafted onto pre-phylloxera rootstocks in Ay and Bouzy. This bottle was disgorged in July, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. (Dec 2009)"
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$114.95
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W&S 95
RJ 93–95
WS 94
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $157.00
|
95 points Wine & Spirits: "[$157 list] Digging deep into its limestone soils, this 2002 comes at you with scents of jasmine, lilac, Asian pear and a continuous pale chalk power. The oak aging of its base wines darkens the fruit and increases its muscular tone, a tannic austerity gentled by the floral notes. The wine smells beautiful: For all its mineral backbone and ten years of maturity, the impression it leaves is that of a sunny meadow -- a scent tied to the freshness of fruit in the vintage. (Dec 2012)"
93-95 points Richard Juhlin (Apr 2012).
94 points and 'Highly Recommended,' Wine Spectator: "Ripe, appealing flavors of peach, Gala apple, toast and blood orange mix with a streak of minerality and notes of spice, all set on the fine-grained texture. Fresh and focused, with racy acidity and a long, mouthwatering, nut-tinged finish. Drink now through 2025. (11/30/11)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$150 list] The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty of aromatic lift, inner perfume and no sense of heaviness at all. A rich, creamy finish adds the final note of complexity and pedigree. The 2002 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 71% from Grand Cru villages and 29% from Premier Crus. Disgorged February 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. (Nov 2011)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(60% pint noir and 40% chardonnay; 71% of the fruit is from grand cru sites and rest from premier crus; disgorged February, 2011): Light gold. Ripe pear and honey on the explosively perfumed nose, with sexy floral and marzipan nuances expanding with air. Fat, full and palate-coating, boasting impressive power and thrust. Shows an intriguing blend of richness and energy and finishes long, with smoky and spicy nuances. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay, 100% grand and premier crus; $150 list). In contrast to the heightened expressiveness of the 2004 Grande Année Rosé this is actually quite restrained with discreet notes of green apple, pear and citrus peel. The delicious, intense and voluminous flavors enjoy a prominent effervescence that is almost foamy yet the bead is strikingly fine, all wrapped in a distinctly yeasty, dry and admirably complex finish that goes on and on. This too could be enjoyed now or held for a number of years to come depending on how much yeast character you like. Drink: now+. (Oct 2012)"
2 stars, Peter Liem (ChampagneGuide.net): "Made of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, this is spicy and bold, showing the ripeness of the vintage. It's exuberant and youthful at the moment, its rich red-fruit flavors feeling sleekly voluptuous, although it's all held in place by its underlying chalkiness. The aromas persist with fragrance and length on the finish, and overall, this promises to develop well--in fact, it should be much more interesting when the primary fruit calms down, allowing a more mature complexity to develop. (Last tasted: 11/11)"
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$144.95
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WA 96
FWR 92–95
IWC 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
8
available
|
List $185.00
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96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$185 list] The 2010 Corton-Charlemagne is the epitome of elegance, finesse and refinement in white Burgundy. Readers will have a very, very hard time finding a wine with this much pure class and textural finesse. Smoke, flint, crushed rocks and citrus all flow through to the vibrant, pointed finish. Today, the 2010 is incredibly tight, and needs more time in bottle to soften. It is a dazzling wine endowed with laser-like focus and tons of purity. Anticipated maturity: 2015+. (Aug 2012)"
92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "The Corton-Charlemagne shows good tightness with lemony flavors and good acidity, minerality, and depth. It is an elegant Corton-Charlemagne. (Issue #137; 2013)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Pale yellow. Initially closed nose of lemon drop, anise and wet stone opened with air to show underripe pineapple, spices and wild herbs. Dense, thick, powerful and dry, with a strong vanillin oak element nicely buffered by an impression of saline extract. Began a bit warm but aeration brought strong, chewy flavors of chalk and lemon. Finishes austere, uncompromisingly dry and very long, with superb verve. All about soil and stone. (Sep 2012)"
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$950.00
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FWR 96–99
AM 97
WA 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock,
8
available
|
List $1,514.00
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96-99 points Fine Wine Review: "...the Montrachet itself shows pure butter aromas and flavors with finesse, great depth, length, and great bite. It is outstanding Montrachet; for me, there is no single Montrachet reference, but stylistically, I would say this is in the middle, with the richness of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti at one end and the finesse of Drouhin’s Marquis de Laguiche at the other end. (Issue #125; 2009)"
97 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .89 ha parcel of Puligny vines). While not more elegant than the Cabotte, this is quite a bit more complex with a stunning range of fruit, citrus, floral and spice aromas that complement to perfection the very rich, full and strikingly concentrated broad-scaled flavors that are supported by plenty of dry extract that buffers a firm core of ripe acidity on the beautifully intense and flat out incredibly lingering finish. What really impresses me about the '07 though is that despite the impressive heft, the finish remains laser-like in its focus. A 'wow' wine in every sense except for one, which is that this is not an imposing or massive vintage for this wine. Otherwise, this is sensational, especially in terms of its impeccable balance. Drink: 2019+. (Jun 2009)"
94 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Bouchard 2007 Montrachet is scented with peaches, ocean breezes, narcissus, musk, and a hint of sweat, setting the tone for a creamy palate brimming with richly ripe fruit and invigoratingly tinged with salt, sweat, white pepper, lemon zest, and peach fuzz. This is more emphatically concentrated than its Chevalier counterparts as well as -- predictably -- more overtly rich, but less alluring, and lacking the dynamic or lift that made the La Cabotte bottling especially memorable. Still it is formidably rich stuff, which one hopes will display stamina in bottle concomitant with its palate persistence. If I had some, I would not open a bottle for several years and would anticipate a decade or more of rewards. (Dec 2009)"
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$475.00
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FWR 96–99
AM 97
WA 94
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
Pre-arrival,
3
available
|
List $757.00
|
96-99 points Fine Wine Review: "...the Montrachet itself shows pure butter aromas and flavors with finesse, great depth, length, and great bite. It is outstanding Montrachet; for me, there is no single Montrachet reference, but stylistically, I would say this is in the middle, with the richness of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti at one end and the finesse of Drouhin’s Marquis de Laguiche at the other end. (Issue #125; 2009)"
97 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .89 ha parcel of Puligny vines). While not more elegant than the Cabotte, this is quite a bit more complex with a stunning range of fruit, citrus, floral and spice aromas that complement to perfection the very rich, full and strikingly concentrated broad-scaled flavors that are supported by plenty of dry extract that buffers a firm core of ripe acidity on the beautifully intense and flat out incredibly lingering finish. What really impresses me about the '07 though is that despite the impressive heft, the finish remains laser-like in its focus. A 'wow' wine in every sense except for one, which is that this is not an imposing or massive vintage for this wine. Otherwise, this is sensational, especially in terms of its impeccable balance. Drink: 2019+. (Jun 2009)"
94 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Bouchard 2007 Montrachet is scented with peaches, ocean breezes, narcissus, musk, and a hint of sweat, setting the tone for a creamy palate brimming with richly ripe fruit and invigoratingly tinged with salt, sweat, white pepper, lemon zest, and peach fuzz. This is more emphatically concentrated than its Chevalier counterparts as well as -- predictably -- more overtly rich, but less alluring, and lacking the dynamic or lift that made the La Cabotte bottling especially memorable. Still it is formidably rich stuff, which one hopes will display stamina in bottle concomitant with its palate persistence. If I had some, I would not open a bottle for several years and would anticipate a decade or more of rewards. (Dec 2009)"
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$79.95
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FWR 91–95
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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91-95 points Fine Wine Review: "The Nuits-Cailles is from vines that are 36 years old. The nose is very strict, pure, and stony. In the mouth, the wine is less voluptuous than the Porrets, and more nervy with constantly changing dark fruit, some black licorice, and excellent penetration. (Issue #130; 2011)"
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$63.95
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FWR 92–95
AM 90–92
France
-
Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
5
available
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92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "The Nuits-Porrets Saint-Georges has dusty and stony aromas with some spices. In the mouth, the wine is voluptuous in texture but with firmness underneath, purity, and length. Philippe Prost says it is almost more like a Vosne than a Nuits, and I agree. (Issue #130; 2011)"
90-92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is quite ripe but stops just short of being surmature with its spicy, earth and liqueur-like aromas of black cherry and a hint of menthol. The rich, seductive and suave medium-bodied flavors finish with mild austerity on the surprisingly cool and well-balanced finish. Drink: 2021+. (May 2006)"
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$229.95
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RP 96
RR 96
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
6
available
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96 points Robert Parker: "The heady 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire is more evolved than either the 2001 or 1998. Extremely full-bodied, with low acidity, and a knock-out bouquet of blackberry and cherry jam intermixed with licorice, pepper, and dried Provencal herbs, this sexy, voluptuous, enormously concentrated 2000 possesses a huge, silky, seamless finish. Drink this irresistible effort now and over the next 12-15 years. The Cuvee Centenaire is one of the world's most compelling red wines. It is produced primarily from a plot of ancient (planted in 1889) Grenache vines (80% of the blend), and the rest younger vine Syrah (8%) and Mourvedre (12%), all aged 18 months in oak casks. It is tempting to say this is a modern-styled Chateauneuf du Pape. The use of barriques puts it in that category, but there is no noticeable new oak. This wine sucks up the oak like a sponge, but the wood provides structure and delineation. The Centenaire has been produced in 1989, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, and 2001. My personal favorites are the 1998 and 1990, but the 1989 still has not hit full maturity. Moreover, the 2000 and 2001 are both prodigious efforts. Life's too short not to experience at least one bottle of Andre Brunel's Cuvee Centenaire! (Feb 2003)"
96 points Rhone Report: "A blend of 80% Grenache (from the Farguerol vineyard), 8% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre, the 2000 Les Cailloux (Lucien et André Brunel) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire offers up perfumed notes of spice, leather and meat that are mixed with subtle garrigue, underbrush and kirsch fruit. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied with a fat, unctuous texture, low acidity, sweet fruit and a blockbuster finish. While still young, this is drinking extremely well. (Nov 2009)"
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$99.95
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WS 95
BD 95
RP 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
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95 points Wine Spectator: "Loads of crushed berries, with mineral, lightly toasted oak and licorice. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is the sleeper of the vintage. Best after 2010. (3/31/06)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Very elegant shape and structure, with a dreamily velvety texture. The flavor has more pronounced notes of cabernet sauvignon than most of the other Second Growths from this appellation. Great follow-through on the palate. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"
94 points Robert Parker: "This extraordinary 2003 tops the scale at only 13% alcohol, but it exhibits a similarity at this stage to the brilliant 1982. A dense plum/purple color is followed by a big, sweet, ripe nose of blackberries, kirsch liqueur, earth, and hints of truffle and licorice. The wine is opulent, even unctuously textured, with low acidity, but powerful, concentrated, dense, chewy flavors. The wine is high in tannin, but it is sweet and well-integrated. Madame Gasqueton thinks it is an atypical but brilliant wine for Calon-Segur. By the traditional standards practiced at this estate, the 2003 is a more precocious and flamboyant effort. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030. (Apr 2006)"
<94 points Wine Enthusiast: "A powerfully velvety wine, which still packs a walloping punch of Saint-Estèphe tannins. The fruit, under these tannins, is pure, ripe, black and generous. But there is the proper dryness that shows how the team at Calon-Sègur managed to tame some of the excesses of the 2003 vintage. This will develop, slowly, into a great wine. (May 2006)"
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