|
|
 |
|
|
$349.95
|
|
|
RP 99
JS 97
WS 96
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
Pre-arrival,
4
available
|
|
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)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$749.95
|
|
|
RP 100
WS 98
In stock,
1
available
|
|
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)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$129.95
|
|
|
WS 93
WE 93
BT 92
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
5
available
|
|
93 points Wine Spectator: "Lovely berry, spice and leather aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with firm and silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A harmonious wine. Not quite what it was from barrel, but outstanding all the same. Racy Calon. Best after 2010. (3/31/03)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a solid, huge wine, with rich but very dry tannins. With its dense, almost black color, and its sense of brooding power, it promises long aging. It will never be in the opulent Bordeaux camp, despite its prominent new wood flavors, but will probably outlive all but a handful top wines. (Jun 2003)"
92 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Expansive and almost exotic on the nose, with notes of eucalyptus and ripe bell peppers, held in check by a tight texture. Drink: 2011 up to 2020. (2011)"
91+ points Robert Parker: "Back when my bottle reports came out in 2003, I urged extreme patience for this wine, which is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. I projected a maturity curve of 2012-2040, but based on this tasting, I would say the wine needs another 5-6 years, so call it 2016-2040+. One of the most unyielding wines in my tastings of the 2000s, the wine still has a very healthy, deep, dark ruby color, and earthy hints of herbs, licorice, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied, the hard, elevated tannins give this wine a certain austerity, but its outstanding weight, richness, and that very classic style argue for further discipline. Forget this for another 3-4 years and drink it over the following three decades. (Jun 2010)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$109.95
|
|
|
BT 96
WS 93
RP 92
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
3
available
|
|
96 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Sublime cedar and red-fruit aromas, full body, noble tannins; this wine flirts with the Premiers Crus and commands respect for its authenticity, sincerity, and magnificent expression of terroir. (2011)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Has a beautiful nose of crushed berry, spices and nutmeg, with a hint of coffee. Then turns to licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish of vanilla, berry and cinnamon. Beautifully crafted. Best after 2014. (3/31/08)"
92+ points Robert Parker: "A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the totally closed 2005 Calon Segur is one of those traditionally made, backstrapping, uncompromising Bordeaux that will last 30-40 or more years. Its dense ruby color with purple nuances is followed by a nose that reluctantly offers up scents of damp earth, wood smoke, black cherries, cassis, and an exotic Asian spice character. The wine is formidably endowed and broodingly tannic, with noticeable acidity and a structured, nearly impenetrable mouthfeel. Nevertheless, it is easy to sense the weight, extract, and richness in this pure, deep wine. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050. (Apr 2008)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$110 list] Deep, bright ruby-red. Deeply pitched aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, leather, smoked meat, earth and menthol. Chewy, brooding and deep, with concentrated black cherry, menthol, mineral and leather flavors framed by a powerful spine of acids and tannins. Really saturates the palate on the tannic back end. I'd give this classic St. Estephe a decade of aging, at which time this wine may well merit an even higher score. (May/Jun 2008)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$122.95
|
|
|
WE 89
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
3
available
|
|
89 points Wine Enthusiast: "It takes a while to get beyond the dry structure of this wine. But underneath that initially forbidding exterior, there is a solid core of ripe, sweet black fruits and an elegant balance with the acidity coming through to finish well. A wine for some aging--maybe 3-4 years. Alcohol 13%. (Dec 2009)"
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 30% of the wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak; 70% in 1-year-old oak. 2006 was a very good vintage at du Seuil. The wine has many of the characteristics of a classic Bordeaux vintage: good acidity, concentrated, forward tannins and a complex, pleasant fruitiness. Multiple levels of structure and integrated oak flavors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$595.00
|
|
|
WS 100
RP 95
IWC 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
1
available
|
|
100 points Wine Spectator: "Dark color. Black licorice, coffee, currants and black olives. Complex nose. A full-bodied, chewy blockbuster of a wine that is not giving anything at all away. It is like buried treasure still; you have to search for the gold. And it's there. Fabulous. Please give this time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2014. (2007)"
95 points Robert Parker: "Bottled very late (November, 1997), the 1995 has continued to flesh out, developing into one of the great classics made under the Mentzelopoulos regime. The color is opaque ruby/purple. The nose offers aromas of licorice and sweet smoky new oak intermixed with jammy black fruits, licorice, and minerals. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with extraordinary richness, fabulous equilibrium, and hefty tannin in the finish. In spite of its large size and youthfulness, this wine is user-friendly and accessible. This is a thrilling Margaux that will always be softer and more evolved than its broader-shouldered sibling, the 1996. How fascinating it will be to follow the evolution of both of these vintages over the next half century. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2040. (Feb 1998)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Excellent deep ruby color. Very complex aromas of blackcurrant, wild plum, violets, minerals, tar and smoky oak. Dense and supple, with great sweetness of fruit. Doesn't have quite the sheer power of the '96, but the flavors build and build. Substantial tannins are chewier than those of the '96 but hit the palate later. 1986 was the vintage with the highest level of polyphenols ever recorded at this estate, but '95 was the runner-up, according to Pontallier. Because this big, tannic wine needed longer barrel aging, it was bottled later than normal, in November of '97. (May/Jun 1998)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$195.00
|
|
|
RP 98
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
|
|
|
98 points Robert Parker: "St.-Emilion’s smallest vineyard produces so little wine (600 or so cases) that it is virtually impossible to find. This beautiful site (somewhat ghoulishly situated adjacent to St.-Emilion’s cemetery) produces what I have often called the 'Lafleur of St.-Emilion.' Classic notes of crushed rocks, spring flowers, kirsch, and even blacker fruits along with stunning nobility, complexity, and precision emerge from this beauty. The extraordinary 2005 possesses fabulous concentration, terrific texture, length, and depth, and huge tannins, so it requires at least a decade of bottle age. It is one of the vintage’s most compelling efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2040. (Apr 2008)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$199.95
|
|
|
RP 95
WS 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
3
available
|
|
95 points Robert Parker: "A wine of extraordinary intensity and accessibility, the 1995 Cos d'Estournel is a sexier, more hedonistic offering than the muscular, backward 1996. Opulent, with forward aromatics (gobs of black fruits intermixed with toasty pain grille scents and a boatload of spice), this terrific Cos possesses remarkable intensity, full body, and layers of jammy fruit nicely framed by the wine's new oak. Because of low acidity and sweet tannin, the 1995 will be difficult to resist young, although it will age for 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2025. Both the 1995 and 1996 vintages of Cos d'Estournel were even more impressive in late 1997 than earlier in the spring. (Feb 1998)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "Gorgeous blackberry, toasted oak, Indian spice and light sweet tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a caressing texture. Pretty and refined. Holding back. Give it time. --'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. (2007)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$250.00
|
|
|
RP 98
WS 97
BD 97
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
7
available
|
|
98 points Robert Parker: "The prodigious, fantastic 2003 Cos d’Estournel is a candidate for 'wine of the vintage.' A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon (unusually high for this chateau), 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 17,500 cases were produced from low yields. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by a compelling perfume of black fruits, subtle smoke, pain grille, incense, and flowers. With extraordinary richness, full body, and remarkable freshness, elegance, and persistence, this is one of the finest wines ever made by this estate. The good news is that it will be drinkable at a young age yet evolve for three decades or more. Kudos to winemaker Jean-Guillaume Prats and owner Michel Reybier. (Apr 2006)"
97 points Wine Spectator: "Gorgeous aromas of blackberry, spice and mineral. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. This is first-growth quality. Best after 2012. (3/31/06)"
97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Magnificent color, powerful aromas dominated by spice, oak well integrated on both the nose and palate. A wine with all the body and structure of a great vintage. Tannins are neither aggressive nor tight; tremendous length. A superb wine, very generous. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"
95 points Wine Enthusiast: "With its aromas of new wood, spice and black fruits, this promises from the start to be a powerful, polished wine. It is dense, very ripe (from the high percentage of Merlot in the blend), but still packed with tannins. It’s a massive wine, bringing together the heat of 2003 with the big tannins of Saint-Estèphe. (Apr 2006)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Red-ruby. Knockout nose combines currant, espresso, earth and exotic spices. Wonderfully round and sweet, with outstanding volume and density. A spherical, seamless wine that saturates the entire palate. The huge but lush tannins coat the teeth. This is accessible now but has the sheer material for long aging. (May/Jun 2006)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$235.00
|
|
|
RP 98
WS 98
WE 97
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
|
List $300.00
|
98 points Robert Parker: "While I am not convinced the 2005 Cos d’Estournel will eclipse the compelling 2003 Cos, it is unquestionably another superb classic from proprietor Michel Reybier and his brilliant winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats. Made from an unusually high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) and the balance mostly Merlot with a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc, this superb effort requires plenty of time in the bottle. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as a glorious perfume of licorice, Asian spices, creme de cassis, blackberries, and toasty oak. This full-bodied St.-Estephe is exceptionally powerful, pure, and dense with a layered mid-palate that builds like a skyscraper. While there are massive tannins, they are remarkably velvety and well-integrated in this big, backstrapping effort that should enjoy an unusually long life. Forget it for 8-10 years, and drink it between 2017-2040. (Apr 2008)"
'Top 100 Wine of 2008 (#28)' and 98 points Wine Spectator: "Black in color, with aromas of orange peel, new leather, currant, berry and Christmas pudding. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and a long, long finish of fruit and spices. The cashmere texture is all there. 2003 plus 2000 equals 2005. Best after 2015. (3/31/08)"
97 points and 'Enthusiast 100 of 2008', Wine Enthusiast: "Saint-Estèphe has a reputation for tannins, and this 2005 Cos lives up to that. But it does much more, because the tannins add richness along with intensely ripe black fruits, dark plums and figs. The dense tannins are finely balanced with fresh acidity, and a long-lasting aftertaste. Impressive. (Jun 2008)"
96 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good ruby-red. Knockout nose combines currant, plum, minerals, licorice and graphite. Wonderfully sweet, rich and deep, but with near-perfect balancing acidity to frame the wine's lush fruit. This superb 2005 has it all. Finishes with noble, sweet tannins and palate-saturating persistence. On my most recent visit, Prats told me he considered 2005 to be superior to the 2003, and that the '05 may be 'our best wine ever.' (May/Jun 2008)"
18/20 points La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2005 possesses a volume, youthfulness, and and impressive power. The palate is rich and full, with abundant tannins but ripe with a warm finish. It prefigures the new style of Cos. (Jan 2012)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$274.95
|
|
|
RP 99
WS 95
IWC 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Sweet
In stock,
1
available
|
|
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."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$199.95
|
|
|
RP 95
WS 95
JG 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
11
available
|
|
95 points Robert Parker: "A stunning wine from Ducru Beaucaillou which showcases its great terroir, this elegant but substantial 2000 has a dense purple color that has hardly budged since it was first bottled. Displaying a floral note, with hints of boysenberries, black raspberries, black currants and a touch of background oak, the wine has superb concentration and density, but still has some substantial tannins that are not yet fully resolved. I originally predicted that it should be drinkable from 2010-2030, but I would modify that now to 2015-2035. (Jun 2010)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Fantastic aromas of blackberries, wild berries and minerals. Extremely aromatic. Full-bodied and very tight, with big, silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Superb. A muscular Ducru. Best after 2010. (3/31/03)"
94 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2000 vintage in Bordeaux is generally in a pretty sullen point of its evolution at the moment, but the 2000 Ducru-Beaucaillou was actually still showing a lot of charm and polish to its powerful veneer at our vertical tasting in Saarbrücken in late March. The bouquet is deep, ripe and classically pure in the Ducru style, offering up scents of cassis, black cherries, gravelly soil tones, tobacco leaf, a touch of dried herbs and still plenty of spicy new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite sappy at the core, with modest acids, firm, ripe tannins, fine focus and nascent complexity and a very long, youthful and tannic finish that still needs a few more years to fully integrate its new wood component. This is still at least a decade away from blossoming and the real fireworks with this excellent vintage of Ducru will not start for another twenty years! A fine example. 2022-2075+. (May/Jun 2012)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$229.95
|
|
|
BT 98
WS 95
IWC 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
|
|
98 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Profoundly deep and extraordinarily charming in the textural realm, this is a brilliant example of this superb vintage. Immense future. Drink: 2011 up to 2050. (2011)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "[$221 list] Aromas of blackberry, currant and toasty oak, with a hint of spice, lead to a full-bodied palate, with plenty of blackberry, chocolate and Indian spices. Balanced, refined and very pretty, with a velvety texture and a long, beautifully textured finish. Best after 2013. (3/31/08)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(contains a relatively high percentage of merlot, in the range of 30%) Good deep ruby-red. Wonderfully sweet, aromatic nose combines currant, chocolate and cedary oak. Fat, lush and silky, with atypical volume to the flavors of plum, tobacco and chocolate. Wonderfully supple, plump wine with layers of flavor, thoroughly sweet tannins and compelling aromatic persistence. Today the wine's substantial baby fat is masking its impressive underlying power. According to Borie, this 2005 combines the best traits of the chateau's 2003 and 2000. (May/Jun 2008)"
94 points Wine & Spirits: "Ducru delivers absolute deliciousness in 2005, a refined and elegant pleasure that just feels right in the end. It could be that after all the sleek, floral beauty, the polished chocolate-truffle tannin, there's a formidable grip that tightens around the finish. Suddenly it feels as hard as iron. If the aromatic beauty of the fruit can survive while the tannin matures, this could well be a wine to covet in 20 years. (Oct 2008)"
93+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou, which was also raised in one hundred percent new wood, will have no difficulty carrying its new oak to the finish line and is a superb young vintage of this fabled estate. The nose is deep, pure and shows off a lovely tang to its aromatic mélange of black cherries, cassis, a touch of blood orange, tobacco leaf, soil and cedar. On the palate the wine is fullish, deep and rock solid at the core, with a nice girdle of tangy acidity, excellent focus and grip and a very long, ripely tannic finish. Today there is just a touch of oak spice that sticks out on the backend, but this should be absorbed with no difficulty over the next couple of years and the 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou should prove to be one of the reference point vintages for this property. 2020-2070+. (May/Jun 2012)"
19/20 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Displayhing great youth on the nose with fruit that's still quite fresh, this 2005 is a wine of immense pedigree. The palate combines suaveté and density with polished tannins. (Jan 2012)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$189.95
|
|
|
WS 95
RP 94
JG 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
4
available
|
|
95 points Wine Spectator: "Subtle yet aromatic character of Indian spices, currants and dried cherries. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. Wonderful texture. Classy and structured. Long. This was wine of the year in 1998; well deserved.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2009. (2007)"
94 points Robert Parker: "This wine is of first-growth quality, not only from an intellectual perspective, but in its hedonistic characteristics. More open-knit and accessible than the extraordinary 1996, Ducru's 1995 exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color, followed by a knock-out nose of blueberry and black raspberry/cassis fruit intertwined with minerals, flowers, and subtle toasty new oak. Like its younger sibling, the wine possesses a sweet, rich mid-palate (from extract and ripeness, not sugar), layers of flavor, good delineation and grip, but generally unobtrusive tannin and acidity. It is a classic, compelling example of Ducru-Beaucaillou that should not be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025. It should be obvious to readers of my preliminary reports on both the 1995 and 1996 vintages that the family of Jean-Eugene Borie produced some of the greatest wines ever made at their respective chateaux - Ducru-Beaucaillou, Grand-Puy-Lacoste, and Haut-Batailley - in both 1995 and 1996. That has been confirmed once again in the bottled 1995s, and in the evolution of the powerhouse 1996s. (Feb 1998)"
94+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "I love the style and shape of the very classic 1995 Ducru, which is the most promising vintages here in the decade of the 1990s. The utterly classic nose soars from the glass in a refined and timeless mélange of cassis, dark berries, cigar ash, fresh herbs, tons of gravelly soil tones, a discreet base of cedary new wood and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and very suave on the attack, with a rock solid core of sweet black fruit, blossoming layers of complexity, impeccable focus and balance and a very long, primary and still fairly tannic finish. It remains young days for the 1995 Ducru-Beaucaillou, but this will be a brilliant wine in the fullness of time. 2020-2075. (May/Jun 2012)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright dark ruby. Knockout perfumed nose of great purity: cassis, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate. A penetrating wine of outstanding vinosity and verve; offers great tensile strength. Youthfully tight, classic claret whose extremely long finish features very fine tannins. I'm not convinced Ducru has made a wine in recent vintages to equal its '95 and '96 releases. Drink 2005 through 2025. (Jul/Aug 2002)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$249.95
|
|
|
RP 92
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
1
available
|
|
|
92 points Robert Parker: "A classic second wine that shows outstanding potential, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2002 has notes of cedar wood, black currants, earth, and truffles in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, beautifully concentrated style that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years. (Apr 2005)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$125.00
|
|
|
RP 95
BD 95
WS 93
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
2
available
|
|
95 points Robert Parker: "The brilliant 2005 Grand-Puy-Lacoste exhibits classic Pauillac aromas and flavors of creme de cassis along with stony/floral notes. Proprietor Xavier Borie has created a wine that should rival the brilliant 1982, 1990, 1996, and 2000. Full-bodied with sweet tannin and superb length (a 40+ second finish), the purity of this beauty’s black currant fruit is something to behold. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030. (Apr 2008)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Complex aromas, clean, very defined and above all less "roasted" than other crus of the same vintage. Its power and breed are outstanding. A wine of great aging potential and ultra-classic craftsmanship. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Has subtle blackberry, licorice and currant on the nose, with hints of mint. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a very pretty texture. Caresses everything. Refined and balanced. A beautiful wine that's hard to keep your hands off now. Best after 2012. (3/31/08)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Medium red. Very ripe aromas of plum and musky brown spices; redder in character and less precise than the 2006. Then big, sweet and plump on the palate, with full, mellow flavors of red berries, tobacco and mocha, plus a light smoked meat note. Finishes with sweet tannins and lingering, fully ripe fruit. This is showing its lush side today and is hiding its underlying structure. (May/Jun 2008)"
18/20 points Stephen Brook (The World of Fine Wine): "Very deep red. Sweet stylish blackcurranty nose; this has lift and elegance. Ample fruit, but the tannins dominate now, making this a forceful and undeveloped wine with a long way to go. This is classic Pauillac, with power, elegance, and spice. Adolescent but vigorous and well structured, with no excessive extraction. Admirable wine. (Issue #26; 2009)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$275.00
|
|
|
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
1
available
|
|
17/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Very good colour. Rick, full, fat and ample on the nose. This is very promising. Fullish body. Vigorous. Very good tannins and grip. No astringency. A meaty, quite solid wine. Long, rich, and satisfactory. Plenty of life ahead. Very good indeed. Drink: Now-2008+. (2004)"
4 stars Michael Broadbent's Pocket Vintage Wine Companion: "Slow to evolve. A tinge of orange; excellent nose; surprisingly sweet entry leading to a very dry astringent finish by way of attractive fragrance and flavor. (2007)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$159.95
|
|
|
BD 96
WS 95
RP 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
5
available
|
|
96 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Exceptional in size and complexity, with profound body and impressive length. A great success. Drink: 2011 up to 2020. (2011)"
'Top 100 Wine of 2003 (#59)' and 95 points Wine Spectator: "Absolutely wonderful aromas of flowers, currants and citrus. Full-bodied, yet very, very refined, with a center core of fruit that tastes like crushed raspberries and goes on and on. Greatest wine from this estate since 1945. Best after 2010. (3/31/03)"
94 points Robert Parker: "A very strong effort for Gruaud Larose, possibly eclipsed by what they have done in 2009, this is a pure, full-bodied Gruaud Larose with plenty of new saddle leather, cedar wood, black currants, cherries, licorice, and Provencal herbs. Spicy, earthy, full-bodied, and rich, it has hit its plateau of full maturity, where it should stay for another 20 or more years. (Jun 2010)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright ruby. Liqueur-like aromas of roasted black raspberry, leather and grilled nuts. Lush, sweet and thick, with an almost unctuous texture and terrific volume. A wine of compelling sweetness and chewiness, not to mention sheer mouthfilling size. Finishes with huge, broad, sweet tannins and lingering notes of blackcurrant, coffee and leather. Classic, thoroughly ripe Gruaud-Larose. (May/Jun 2003)"
93 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Do not ignore this Gruaud Larose: the best in recent years. That said, it is more introverted on the nose with blackberry, cedar, tobacco with just a hint of cassis that wants more attention. Good definition, then leather coming through with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, obdurate tannins, good grip, masculine with black fruits, cedar, graphite and cedar, leading to a foursquare finish that mellows wonderfully. Decant this for a couple of hours and you will be rewarded. Alternatively cellar it for several more seasons. Drink 2014-2030+. (Sep 2010)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$450.00
|
|
|
RP 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
2
available
|
|
94 points Robert Parker: "A wine I completely misjudged early in its life, the 1975 has turned out to be a great wine and one of the top dozen or so wines of the vintage. It actually comes close to competing with the immortal 1975 La Mission-Haut-Brion, one of the most powerful, concentrated wines made in Bordeaux in the last 25 years. The 1975 Haut-Brion shows a dark plum/garnet color, a gorgeously sweet nose of singed saddle leather, scorched earth, tobacco, herb, red as well as black currants, plum, fig, and creosote. Very full-bodied, intense, with noticeable but sweet tannin, this layered, full-bodied wine is very opulent, rich, with striking aromatics. It is a fabulous effort in a vintage that has lost considerable support form Bordeaux wine enthusiasts. This is one of the exceptions. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025. (Jan 2003)"
18.5/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Full, mature colour. Marvellously aromatic nose. Velvety. Not a bit of 'hard edges'. Medium-full body. Very silky. Harmonious and aristocratic. Long and subtle. Seems lighter than the Cheval Blanc but it is just as intense. But I think it is more evolved. Very lovely. This is moth more concentrated and more vigorous than the 1978. Drink soon. (2004)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$395.00
|
|
|
B&D 94
RP 93
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
11
available
|
|
94 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Very classic style from this property, taut and spicy with a hint of smoke, with elegant, noble tannins and great personality despite its rather reserved character. Drink: 2011 up to 2024. (2011)"
93 points Robert Parker: "Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. (Apr 2002)"
19.5/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Fullish colour. A nose of great distinction. Not a blockbuster but rich, concentrated, classy and very, very lovely fruit. This is substantiated on the palate. Fullish body. Very intense. Very poised, very long and of very high class. Drink: 2009-2030. (2004)"
4 stars, 'Highly Recommended,' Decanter: "Spicy, vibrant black-fruit; exuberant and pure. Sumptuous and concentrated, with ripe tannins and firm acidity. Fragrant wild roses nose and has all the satiny smoothness that La Mission lacks, a beautifully poised wine with perfect balance. 2009-2020. (Nov 2009)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$265.00
|
|
|
RP 96
IWC 94
WS 93
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
4
available
|
List $500.00
|
96 points Robert Parker: "One of the greatest wines of the vintage is, not surprisingly, from proprietor Denis Durantou. A remarkable effort in every sense, the 2006 l’Eglise Clinet is not far off the quality of the prodigious 2005. Its inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by a powerful nose of mocha, caramelized red and black fruits, smoke, graphite, and truffle. Massive and rich with full-bodied power, excellent focus and definition, and moderately high tannin, this is an 'outlier' for the vintage (as Malcolm Gladwell would say) with unbelievable length and richness. Unfortunately, patience will be essential as it needs a minimum of 5-6 years of cellaring. It will age effortlessly for three decades. (Feb 2009)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "($500 list) Bright ruby-red. Knockout nose combines dark berries and black cherry, licorice pastille, truffle, tobacco and sexy oak spices. Lush and sweet but with superb freshness and underlying structure. The wine's combination of suavity, backbone and compelling mineral-driven perfume is why I often find it hard to take merlot seriously when it's not grown on the Pomerol plateau. Finishes silky and very long. This has turned out splendidly. (May/Jun 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Violet, black licorice and berry aromas follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a powerful finish. Layered and rich or the vintage. Needs time to develop. Best after 2014. 1,350 cases made. (3/31/09)"
18/20 points Michael Schuster (The World of Fine Wine): "Very ripe fruit to smell, with gentle minerality--a fine nose; beautifully balanced rich middleweight Pomerol; finely but firmly tannic and with a firm, fresh acidity as well; a fairly muscular expression of the terroir, with abundant fruit, but tannins dominant at present; long, complex, and complete--and long term! Needs another 8-10 years. 2020-35+. (Issue 30; 2010)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,075.00
|
|
|
RP 100
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
7
available
|
|
|
100 points Robert Parker: "Now extinct, as this tiny 2.6-acre micro-vineyard was absorbed into Chateau Pavie, the 2000 La Clusiere (100% Merlot) was bestowed a perfect score seven years ago, and I see no reason to change that as it remains a monumental effort. Aromas of creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, charcoal, licorice, and graphite are followed by a stunningly rich, full-bodied, elegant, pure, gentle giant of a wine. Approaching full maturity, it should age effortlessly for another 30+ years. Kudos to proprietor Gerard Perse. (Jun 2010)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$229.95
|
|
|
RP 96
WA 95
JG 95
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
2
available
|
|
96 points Robert Parker: "La Conseillante made an excellent wine in 2001, another great one in 2005, and the estate hit home runs in both 2008 and, above all, in 2009. In fact, the latter vintage may well end up being the modern-day reference point for La Conseillante. Nevertheless, there’s a lot to be said for this 2000. An elegant, gentle style that is never a blockbuster, the 2000 La Conseillante has a deep ruby/plum/purple color and an unbelievably expressive nose of sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries, incense, toast, and licorice. Full-bodied yet ethereal in the sense that it seems to combine power along with eloquence and delicacy, this is a beautifully pure wine that has just hit its plateau of full maturity, although ideally I think it would benefit strongly from another 4-5 years of bottle age and drink well for two to three decades. (Jun 2010)"
95+ points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "This has a lifted, more extrovert (for 2000) bouquet with crisp wild strawberry, raspberry, cedar, graphite and a faint hint of Valrona chocolate. Very good definition, a crowd pleaser. The palate is medium-bodied with thick chewy tannins, good acidity, rather coarse and brutish at the moment but very good weight, perhaps at the expense of refinement towards the finish, though it gains more poise with another 10 minutes of aeration. Drink 2020-2040. (Sep 2010)"
95 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2000 vintage of La Conseillante has produced an absolute classic and all this beautiful wine needs is another six to eight years of cellaring to start to come into its own. The exceptional bouquet offers up a complex and really pure blend of red and black raspberries, cigar wrapper, a superb base of soil, fresh herbs, coffee, cedar and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure, with a rock solid core of fruit, great structure, moderate tannins and outstanding length and grip on the very focused and blossoming finish. This is a high class vintage of La Conseillante that will probably prove to be superior to either of the riper vintages of 2009 or 2010 and end up being one of the longest-lived vintages from this estate in many, many years. A great wine. 2017-2060+. (Jul/Aug 2011)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$699.95
|
|
|
RP 100
B&D 97
WA 96
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
1
available
|
|
100 points Robert Parker: "One of the wines of the vintage, the 2000 has barely budged in its evolution since it was bottled and released in 2002. After ten years in bottle, it still reveals a dense opaque purple color along with a potentially sensational bouquet of blueberries, black currants, graphite, asphalt and background oak. Extremely powerful, full-bodied and superbly concentrated with good acidity and high but round tannins, this massive La Mission-Haut-Brion should take its place among this estate’s most hallowed vintages when it hits full maturity in another one to two decades. I was surprised by just how youthful this wine tasted at age 12. If tasted blind, I would have guessed it to be around 4 to 5 years old. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050. (Aug 2012)"
97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Very high-class wine, full in form and texture, with very noble tannins, perfectly balanced in spite of its monumentality. Immense future. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
96+ points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 2000 tasting in London. This is backward on the nose, dense black fruits, smoke, a touch of mushroom with a slight reductive scent in the background. The palate is full-bodied with chewy tannins, not quite as refined as the Ausone 2000 (tasted blind alongside), good weight, rather brutish and tannic towards the finish, although it is a question of time rather than intrinsic quality. I think this is a fantastic La Mission that is just coming out of its shell and will shine in several years. Drink 2016-2045. Tasted March 2010. (Sep 2010)"
19.5/20 points Decanter: "Cigar box, cedar, anise, clove, cinnamon -- deep, intense perfume, ripe yet balanced, lovely, long and not overly tannic. Impressive depth of flavour. Like Haut-Brion 2000 but with more berry flavours. Drink: 2011-2030. (Sep 2011)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$969.95
|
|
|
RP 100
IWC 97
WS 96
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
1
available
|
|
100 points Robert Parker: "Both La Mission-Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion hit home runs in this vintage, which did not produce as many profound wines as the Bordeaux publicity machine suggested. 1989, the 200th anniversary of the French revolution, was an incredibly hot year (surpassed only by 1990 and 2003). Even from barrel the seamless 1989 La Mission revealed a special elixir aspect, tasting like it had been designed by Chanel. It still possesses a blue/purple color with only a hint of garnet creeping in, and the explosive aromatics offer up notes of licorice, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, smoky barbecue meats, truffles and graphite. If that’s not enough to get one salivating, the palate has never disappointed either. Full-bodied with extraordinary opulence as well as sweet, well-integrated, velvety tannins, this fresh, lively, blockbuster La Mission appears to be one of those rare wines that never goes through a closed, unfriendly stage. It has been a compelling, multidimensional effort from barrel, in its infancy, and as it heads into late adolescence. A remarkable tour de force in winemaking, it is one of the all-time profound La Mission-Haut-Brions. Anticipated maturity: now-2050. (Aug 2012)"
97 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Medium red with some amber at the rim. Knockout nose combines tobacco, warm stones, minerals, menthol and burning woodsmoke. Wonderfully dense, silky and sweet, but there superb underlying acidity and tannic structure to buttress the wine flesh. Haut-Brion is widely considered to be the wine of the vintage, but in my experience La Mission is at the same exalted quality level. Drink 2005 to 2030. (Jul/Aug 2002)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "What a nose of pressed flowers and full-throttle dried fruits. Full-bodied, with intense and very ripe fruit that has undertones of dried fruit, raisin and grilled meat. Chewy and decadent, almost rustic, offering so much richness and decadence. So much to give still, but why wait? Drink now. -'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective. (2009)"
20/20 points Decanter: "Dense, round, sweet flavours and aromas, which are seductive, signalling a great wine. This is the classic definition of La Mission: mineral, fruity and velvety, yet harmonious and balanced. Drink: 2011-2020. (Sep 2011)"
5 stars (potential), Michael Broadbent's Pocket Vintage Wine Companion.
19.5-20 points The World of Fine Wine: "Wow, what a sexy beast! A huge, mouth-filling wine, but again, it manages to be supremely elegant at the same time. Rich cassis fruit and big, velvety tannins are the defining attributes on the palate, along with an endless, hauntingly good finish. And here's the really crazy thing: These impressions were formed on the basis of a slightly corked bottle! That's how good this wine is. (Issue #32; 2011)"
18.5/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Medium-full, mature colour. Quite unlike Haut-Brion but very lovely, composed, cool, classy nose. Real balance and complexity. Backward, full, rich and very lovely. Still needs time. Splendidly classy finish. Drink: now-2018. (2004)"
|
|
