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$21.95
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RP 92
RR 91
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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92 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone la Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan aged 12 months in demi-muids) is another outstanding effort. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by lots of creme de cassis, kirsch, lavender, spice box and licorice notes. The wine is full-bodied, textured and long. It should drink well for a decade. (Oct 2012)"
91+ points Rhone Report: "The most dense and rich of the lineup, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Brunote is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre (there.s a small amount of carignan as well) that is aged all in old foudre. Meaty, dense, and loaded with notions of smoked meats, black fruits, licorice, and crushed rock-like minerality, this classic Cairanne is full-bodied, pure, and tannic on the finish. It will reward 2-3 years of bottle age, and have upwards of a decade or more of prime drinking. (Sep 2012)"
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$25.95
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RP 94
RR 93
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Robert Parker: "Alary’s top cuvee, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Font d’Estevanas is a blend of equal parts old vine Grenache and Syrah, the latter planted in 1961, grown in the clay/limestone hillsides. Aged in older barriques and demi-muids, it is a fabulous unfiltered wine offering abundant notes of licorice, truffles, camphor, black currants, kirsch, raspberries and hints of white chocolate and dusty, loamy, earthy soils. It should drink well for a decade or more. (Oct 2012)"
93 points Rhone Report: "A smoking good Cairanne that's all from the lieu-dit La Font d'Estevenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Font d'Estevenas. An even split of Grenache and Syrah that is aged all in neutral wood, it sports a dense, opaque ruby color to go with fantastic aromatics of blackberry and black raspberry, new leather, licorice, roasted herbs, and hints of flowers on the nose. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, rich, and layered wine that has a silky, polished texture, beautiful mid-palate depth, and impressive underlying tannin structure. It is superb now, yet should easily evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$17.95
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RR 92
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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92+ points Rhone Report: "More tight, backwards, and mineral-driven than the La Font d'Estévenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is a blend of Grenache and Mourvedre that is aged all in neutral wood. It is a gorgeous, classy effort that delivers clean aromas of black cherry, spiced raspberries, licorice, crushed stone, pepper, and subtle roasted herbs. This elegant, yet concentrated Cairanne has a lively, energetic texture, great acidity, and fantastic persistence and focus on the finish. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar, and then enjoy over the following decade. (Sep 2012)"
91 points Robert Parker: "[$22 list] The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is composed of 2/3 Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a tiny amount of old vine Carignan. It also is aged in tank and bottled unfiltered. A superb sleeper of the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black currants, black cherries, earth, pepper, spice box and a hint of mountain laurel. This full-throttle 2010 possesses sweet tannin as well as an intriguing texture. It should drink nicely for 4-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$14.95
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RP 90
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 La Grange Daniel Blanc Vin de Pays d'Orange is a tank-aged 100% Roussanne that sells for a remarkable $15 a bottle. It is a challenge to make good Roussanne as the skin has considerable tannin and any skin contact can result in an astringently flavored wine. However, that's not a problem with this Roussanne fruit bomb. Notes of waxy orange marmalade and honeysuckle jump from the glass of this light gold-colored 2010. Alary's oenologist, Olivier Roustang, is also the oenologist for the Chave family in Hermitage, which may help explain the brilliance of this white wine. Drink it over the next 12 months. (Aug 2011)"
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$19.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or White
In stock,
3
available
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Amiot-Servelle produces fruity wines in which balance and elegance prevail, and this 2010 vintage is no exception. Fresh and nicely aromatic. Expressive aromas of white flowers, brioche, hazelnut and a hint of vanilla. Nice amplitude in the mouth, with a lovely intensity of white flowers, hazelnut, pear and vanilla. Elegant and refined, this Bourgogne blanc offers a harmonious balance, a hint of minerality and a very pleasant finish.
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$49.95
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AM 88
France
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Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
6
available
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88 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A lightly spiced nose of red and blue pinot fruit has its expressiveness reduced by noticeable reduction so be sure to decant this if you're going to try one young. The lacy, pure and round mineral-inflected flavors are forward and very supple, all wrapped in a dusty, delicious and mouth coating finish. This notably pretty effort is very Chambollesque in character. Drink: 2017+. (Apr 2013)"
Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): "This domaine is run by Christian Amiot (one of the sons of Pierre Amiot from Morey-St-Denis) who is married to Elisabeth Servelle, daughter of Bernard Servelle-Tachot... The domaine has been farmed organically from 2003, with AB certification from the 2008 vintage. The wines taste fresh and modern although there is no great reliance on oak--20 per cent new wood is used for the village wine, and up to 50 per cent for the two top premiers crus... (2010)"
Clive Coates (The Wines of Burgundy): "Quality has improved... The wines now are very good, indeed. (2008)"
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$74.95
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AM 89–92
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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89-92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Mild reduction detracts only mildly from the red and black pinot fruit that also displays a subtle hint of crushed herbs. The dusty and sappy middle weight flavors are supported by very fine tannins and good richness on the long and mouth coating finish. There is a bit more mid-palate concentration here compared to the Les Plantes and Feusselottes. Drink: 2017+. (Jan 2012)"
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$69.95
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AM 90
France
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Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
5
available
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90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is a very ripe Feusselottes with notes of cassis and black raspberry though here too there is enough reduction to notice. The dense and quite seductively textured medium-bodied flavors possess a silky mouth feel on the balanced and lingering finish where a hint of mineral character emerges. This is almost delicate and is an understated wine of finesse. Drink: 2017+. (Apr 2013)"
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$69.95
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France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This also displays just a hint of reduction that serves to reduce the expressiveness of the nose though aggressive swirling liberates notes of reticent red currant, briar and wet stone. There is excellent verve to the middle weight flavors that exude mineral and soil tones before terminating in a quite finely detailed finish that lacks the same depth as the best here. Drink: 2018+. (Apr 2013)"
Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): "This domaine is run by Christian Amiot (one of the sons of Pierre Amiot from Morey-St-Denis) who is married to Elisabeth Servelle, daughter of Bernard Servelle-Tachot... The domaine has been farmed organically from 2003, with AB certification from the 2008 vintage. The wines taste fresh and modern although there is no great reliance on oak--20 per cent new wood is used for the village wine, and up to 50 per cent for the two top premiers crus... (2010)"
Clive Coates (The Wines of Burgundy): "Quality has improved... The wines now are very good, indeed. (2008)"
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$69.95
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AM 89–91
France
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Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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89-91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Relatively strong reduction knocks down the nose though it's clear that the underlying fruit is ripe. The nicely rich and round flavors possess good volume and this too offers a supple and silky mouth feel on the delicious, balanced and persistent finish. This is not quite as refined as the Feusselottes but displays a bit more complexity. A qualitative choice. Drink: 2016+. (Jan 2012)"
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$149.95
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AM 92
France
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Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
8
available
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92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A cool, pure and restrained nose features notes of pungent earth, humus, underbrush, spice and freshly crushed red berries. There is a touch of the sauvage to the round, generous and fleshy medium weight plus flavors that possess good size and weight before culminating in a well-detailed, complex and lingering finish. Drink: 2019+. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "One of the first plots along the 'Route des Grands Crus', on the Morey side which is also entitled to the appellation of Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru. On the nose, nearly candied, develops strong aromas of black fruit. This appellation always displays a strong density due to the small loose clusters able to mature easily. This wine is aptly named due to its very rich tannins and a slightly sweet taste at mid-palate."
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$159.95
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AM 93
France
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Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
6
available
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93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A spicy, ripe and exuberant nose of plum, raspberry and warm earth is followed by rich, round and very seductive medium-bodied flavors that possess a lovely mix of power and complexity before culminating in a relatively powerful and mouth coating finish. This is very Clos St. Denis in character with its combination of finesse and taut muscularity and the overall impression is one of contrast, which is to say a broad-scaled wine of finesse. As expressive as this is today I got the distinct sense that this is going to close down hard in the near future and will also require extended cellaring before it's again ready for prime time. Drink: 2023+. (Apr 2013)"
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$14.95
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France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $18.00
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Robert Parker: "[$18 list] The 2010 Cotes du Rhone Clementia Blanc, an innovative blend of 45% Viognier, 45% Roussanne and 10% Clairette, exhibits a light gold color (probably due to the Roussanne) as well as good freshness, elegance and straightforward, medium-bodied flavors... (Aug 2011)"
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$18.95
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RP 91
RR 91
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Robert Parker: "Another winner is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee des Galets Plan de Dieu. Fashioned from 45-65 year old vines, this unfiltered blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre is a killer value. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as stunning aromas of kirsch liqueur, licorice, camphor, tobacco leaf and underbrush. Spicy, peppery and loaded with fruit, this medium to full-bodied red is another crowd-pleasing, classic example of Provencal viticulture that should age nicely for 4-5 years. (Aug 2011)"
91 points Rhone Report: "A rock star value that is both rich and complex, the 2010 Plan de Dieu Cuvée des Galets is a blend of 60% Grenache, and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre, that comes from tiny yields of only 20-22 hl/ha. It delivers beautifully fresh aromas of black fruits, underbrush, violets, and licorice that flow to medium to full-bodied, rich, and concentrated palate that possesses excellent freshness and a classy, elegant texture. It delivers way more quality than the price suggests, and will shine for 5-7 years. (Sep 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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$21.95
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RR 93
RP 90
France
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Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Rhone Report: "Even richer, with additional depth and richness, the 2010 Cuvée 3 Cépages is a blend of equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, that gets harvested all at the same time in October when the Mourvedre finally gets ripe. This results in ultra ripe Grenache and Syrah, and while it is no lightweight, it stays beautifully fresh and light on the palate. Deep, rich, and layered, with copious blackberry, toasted spice, dusty minerality, and ground pepper, this full-bodied Côtes du Rhône is uncommonly concentrated and possesses a brilliant textured, notable purity, and grippy tannin that gives the wine plenty of edge and cut on the blockbuster, heady finish. It is already reasonably approachable (I followed this bottle for three days), yet will be even better in another year, and drink well through 2017. (Sep 2012)"
90+ points Robert Parker: "Two late released 2010s include the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Trois Cepages, an equal part blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. It is a deep, structured effort revealing an impressively saturated dark ruby/plum/purple color in addition to abundant aromas of black currants, cherries, licorice, truffles and earth. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$9.95
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France
-
South of France
In stock,
4
available
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A surprisingly lush, full example of its appellation that might disappoint those looking for more typically bright, tart, lighter Picpoul virtues. Ripe pear and honeydew melon are tinged with pungent herbs as well as bitter melon rind and pear pip, and a hint of white pepper in the finish adds further stimulation.
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$25.95
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AM 89–91
WA 89–91
France
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Burgundy
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Chablis
In stock, 12+ available
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89-91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A classic Chablis nose offers up plenty of saline and oyster shell-infused green fruit that complements well the detailed, racy and impressively pure middle weight flavors that possess a lovely minerality on the focused and linear finish. This is textbook Chablis from start to finish. Drink: 2015+. (Oct 2011)"
89-91 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Chablis Vau de Vey is considerably cooler and more inward than the Beauroy, reflecting the personality of this cold, late-ripening site. The Vau de Vey shows excellent focus and verve in its intense white fruit, flowers and sea shells. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Aug 2011)"
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$24.95
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France
-
Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "A luminous robe, pale and clear. Aromas of white flowers, notes of vanilla. Fruity, unctuous, a mineral character, honey, vanilla. A long finish. Serving suggestions: Fish in cream, shellfish, cheese of character. It is ideal as an aperitif. A novel partner for foie gras."
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$61.95
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WS 94
France
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Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] This has heft, but also superb definition, thanks to the mouthwatering cocoa and anise accents that line the layered flavors of crushed plum, braised fig and boysenberry fruit. The long finish courses with charcoal and alder wood notes. A great example of the more muscular style, this should age beautifully. Best from 2013 through 2025. 25 cases imported. (9/30/12)"
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$61.95
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WS 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] Gorgeous cocoa and bitter espresso aromas and flavors slowly give way to dark, steeped currant, plum and blackberry fruit notes, while the back end struts with ample charcoal and singed bay leaf accents. Riveting acidity runs underneath it all. Best from 2013 through 2025. 75 cases imported. (10/15/12)"
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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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$159.95
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RP 92–94
IWC 92–94
France
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Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
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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)"
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)"
92-94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(roughly 30% each of grenache and mourvedre, with 10% each of counoise and syrah and the balance 'everything else'): Vivid ruby. Fresh raspberry and cherry on the intensely perfumed nose. Sappy and sweet, with deep red fruit preserve flavors and hints of succulent herbs and rose pastille. Packs a punch but also shows impressive energy and balance. The raspberry note carries through on the finish, which also features a suave, slow-building note of star anise. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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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
|
List $120.00
|
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
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
9
available
|
List $195.00
|
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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