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$99.95
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RP 94
WE 94
WS 92
France
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Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
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94 points Robert Parker: "This is the finest Brane-Cantenac I have tasted in over thirty years. Unusually perfumed and already approachable (atypical for most 2005 Medocs), it reveals a deep plum/purple color as well as a stunningly flamboyant bouquet of smoked herbs, licorice, camphor, black cherries, currants, and notions of plums and blackberries. Elegant with silky tannin and medium body, it is clearly a classic statement on the Margaux appellation. While not a powerhouse, it is beautifully concentrated, stunningly balanced, and surprisingly forward. It could be drunk now after several hours of decanting, but it should age easily for 20+ years. (Apr 2008)"
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "The fruit has become the main attraction here--layers of ripeness, tempered with an elegant smoothness. The tannins are certainly present in this powerful wine, but they are here to lend support, not dominate. With herbs and very clean black fruits, this is a wine to follow. (Jun 2008)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Shows mineral and blackberry aromas, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a long, smoky, earthy, meaty and fruity aftertaste. Long and stylish. Very refined and beautiful. Best after 2012. (3/31/08)"
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$109.95
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BT 96
WS 93
RP 92
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
3
available
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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)"
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$75.95
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WE 92
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
8
available
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92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Rich and generous, this is purely indulgent Merlot. The sweet fruit balances with sweet, almost opulent and well-integrated tannins, and ripe plum flavors. There is some dryness right at the heart of the wine; a pleasure of a wine. (Jun 2008)"
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$45.95
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France
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Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Our objective with Héritage du Seuil is not only to fully recognize the potential for certain parcels of fruit but also to produce a different more concentrated and complex style of wine. It is not our intention to produce this wine every year but rather when it is warranted by the strength of the pending vintage. The vines from which the grapes are selected are planted on a plateau of river gravel and sand deposits which has a sub soil of limestone, clay and iron pan. This plateau called 'Le Seuil' is over looking the Garonne River and enjoys all day sun. It is considered some of the best terroir in the Graves appellation. Yields are kept low at around 35-40 hectolitres/hectare by pruning and the canopy is managed to ensure good levels of ventilation around the grape zone and moderate sun exposure with deleafing. Barrel aged 18 to 20 months in 100% new French oak."
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$35.95
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RP 89
IWC 89
France
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Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Robert Parker: "One of the least expensive wines produced by Gerard Perse, the 2005 Clos l’Eglise (70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) exhibits notes of sweet cranberries, jammy black cherries and strawberries, crushed rocks, and flowers. With a dense purple color, medium body, loads of fruit, and a soft, round mouthfeel and finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years. (Aug 2008)"
89 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Deep ruby-red. Currant, licorice, mocha and cedar on the nose, with suggestions of superripe fruit. Fat, lush and chewy, with a firmly mineral character underpinning the sweet berry flavors. A serious, structured Cotes de Castillon wine that finishes with big tannins that reach the incisors. (May/Jun 2008)"
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$195.00
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RP 98
France
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Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
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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)"
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$235.00
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RP 98
WS 98
WE 97
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
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List $300.00
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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)"
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$229.95
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BT 98
WS 95
IWC 94
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
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|
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)"
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$125.00
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RP 95
BD 95
WS 93
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
2
available
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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)"
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$89.95
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WS 93
WE 93
BD 93
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
3
available
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93 points Wine Spectator: "Has loads of coffee, blackberry and cigar box aromas, turning to crushed blackberry. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins and an aftertaste of vanilla, blackberry and espresso. Mouthpuckering. Very concentrated and structured for this wine. Best after 2015. (5/31/08)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Dense and dark, this is an extracted wine with polished fruit. What stops it going over the edge is the delicious sweet fruits, the dense structure and the elegance that gives it shape and aging potential. (Jun 2008)"
93 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Very ripe grapes, yet the intense sun of the vintage did not mask the finesse of the terroir in this wine. The wine has a remarkable balance between high alcohol and elegance in body and texture. A future classic of the vintage. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"
92+ points Robert Parker: "I remember tasting a number of Kirwans from the 19th century that had held up surprisingly well for over 100 years. While the 2005 will probably not last that long, it may be one of the finest wines this estate has made in the last fifty years. This brilliant, full-bodied, powerful, broodingly backward Margaux exhibits a dense purple hue along with notes of charcoal, licorice, blackberries, and graphite. Exceptionally concentrated, possessing high tannin, zesty acidity, and a 45-second finish, it should be purchased only by patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035. (Apr 2008)"
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$99.95
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RP 96
WS 93
BD 92
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
3
available
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96 points Robert Parker: "The finest La Gaffeliere I have ever tasted, the prodigious 2005 boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a flamboyant bouquet of lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, blackberries, smoked meats, incense, and Asian spice. Fabulously deep and full-bodied as well as ethereal and exceptionally elegant for its explosive richness and intensity, its lightness of being reflects the vineyard’s sensational terroir. This succulent beauty appears to be approachable, but that belies some significant tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030+."
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$79 list] Has a fabulous, opulent nose of crushed blackberry, wild licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, lots of fruit and a long finish. A flavorful young red. Best after 2013. (3/31/08)"
92 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Intensely colored, wonderful texture, a wonderfully intense and expressive wine, with lots of character, black fruit, tropical fruit, and roasted coffee, deep and soulful. Drink: 2011 up to 2020. (2011)"
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$99.95
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RP 98
WS 95
BD 95
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $112.50
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
98 points Robert Parker: "This great terroir on the Cote Pavie has long been recognized as one of the most privileged spots in St.-Emilion, but it was not until the wunderkind duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt took over in 2002 that the wine finally began to live up to its potential. Old timers who remember the 1945 Larcis Ducasse will attest to how great this cuvee can be. Sadly, fewer than 3,000 cases were produced of the 2005, a blend of 78% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Franc with a small dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were a modest 27 hectoliters per hectare. This stunning effort reveals one of the most extraordinary aromatic displays of the vintage, offering up notes of sweet roasted herbs, jus du viande, black olives, espresso roast, creme de cassis, and kirsch liqueur. Extremely full-bodied, opulent, and lavishly textured with plush tannin as well as an ethereal elegance, a sublime personality, glorious sweet purity, and a layered texture, this amazing St.-Emilion is destined to become a legend. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2028. (Apr 2008)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "This is very grapey, with plenty of crushed blackberry and vanilla undertones, and floral as well. Full-bodied, soft and silky. Gushes with fruit. Hard not to drink this now, but give it some time. The fruit is amazing. Such purity. Best after 2014. 3,080 cases made. (3/31/08)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "An ultra-refined, superb wine, with an intense and deep body, a velvety texture, and sophisticated richness: unquestionably one of the great Saint-Emilions of the vintage. Drink: 2012 up to 2025. (2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Ruby-red. Superripe, vibrant nose offers cherry, blueberry, blackberry, mocha and fruity dark chocolate. Rich and wonderfully fine-grained, with excellent acidity leavening the impression of superripeness and giving cut to the intense dark berry, plum and mineral flavors. Finishes very long and lush, with a fine dusting of tannins and noteworthy subtlety. With its 14.5% alcohol, this is a big boy, but its energy and balance are impressive for such an opulent wine. (May/Jun 2008)"
94 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "While its Grand Cru classification places it in only the third tier of the St. Emilion hierarchy of quality, this intense, wonderfully rich wine is packed with sweet, well-ripened fruit and does a fine job at managing 2005 tannin. So succulent and fleshy that it could be drunk alongside juicy beef dishes right now, it has all the pieces in place to improve for at least another ten years. (Mar 2008)"
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$185.00
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RP 98
WS 95
BD 95
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $225.00
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98 points Robert Parker: "This great terroir on the Cote Pavie has long been recognized as one of the most privileged spots in St.-Emilion, but it was not until the wunderkind duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt took over in 2002 that the wine finally began to live up to its potential. Old timers who remember the 1945 Larcis Ducasse will attest to how great this cuvee can be. Sadly, fewer than 3,000 cases were produced of the 2005, a blend of 78% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Franc with a small dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were a modest 27 hectoliters per hectare. This stunning effort reveals one of the most extraordinary aromatic displays of the vintage, offering up notes of sweet roasted herbs, jus du viande, black olives, espresso roast, creme de cassis, and kirsch liqueur. Extremely full-bodied, opulent, and lavishly textured with plush tannin as well as an ethereal elegance, a sublime personality, glorious sweet purity, and a layered texture, this amazing St.-Emilion is destined to become a legend. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2028. (Apr 2008)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "This is very grapey, with plenty of crushed blackberry and vanilla undertones, and floral as well. Full-bodied, soft and silky. Gushes with fruit. Hard not to drink this now, but give it some time. The fruit is amazing. Such purity. Best after 2014. 3,080 cases made. (3/31/08)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "An ultra-refined, superb wine, with an intense and deep body, a velvety texture, and sophisticated richness: unquestionably one of the great Saint-Emilions of the vintage. Drink: 2012 up to 2025. (2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Ruby-red. Superripe, vibrant nose offers cherry, blueberry, blackberry, mocha and fruity dark chocolate. Rich and wonderfully fine-grained, with excellent acidity leavening the impression of superripeness and giving cut to the intense dark berry, plum and mineral flavors. Finishes very long and lush, with a fine dusting of tannins and noteworthy subtlety. With its 14.5% alcohol, this is a big boy, but its energy and balance are impressive for such an opulent wine. (May/Jun 2008)"
94 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "While its Grand Cru classification places it in only the third tier of the St. Emilion hierarchy of quality, this intense, wonderfully rich wine is packed with sweet, well-ripened fruit and does a fine job at managing 2005 tannin. So succulent and fleshy that it could be drunk alongside juicy beef dishes right now, it has all the pieces in place to improve for at least another ten years. (Mar 2008)"
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$195.00
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RP 98
BD 97
WS 96
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
8
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "Probably the greatest Pape-Clement ever made, the dense purple-colored 2005 (a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sumptuous notes of smoky scorched earth, graphite, melted licorice, and blackberries. Once past the exquisite perfume, the wine reveals full body, extraordinary concentration, plenty of chocolate, smoke, cassis, and blackberry flavors, and that unmistakable volcanic ash-like earthiness that comes from this appellation. The tannins are slightly sweeter than those found in most northern Medocs, but this is still a backward, large-scaled effort that requires 7-8 years of cellaring. It should last for 30-35 years. (Aug 2008)"
97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "The most complex of these Pape Clément wines on the nose and palate. It is splendidly built, long, generous, in Olympic shape. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "Dark in color, offering wonderful aromas of licorice, berry, fresh tobacco and currant, with Indian spices. Complex and full-bodied, with supersilky tannins that caress every inch of the palate. Long and satisfying. A joy to taste this young wine. Best after 2015. (3/31/08)"
96 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$200 list] One of the real stars in 2005, not just of its district, but in all of Bordeaux, Pape-Clement is a downright opulent wine with enormous, optimally ripened, black currant fruit, load of rich oak and a sense of succulence equaled by few. It is already beginning to show real complexity by way of its mildly toasty, tobacco-like accents and its flashes of olives and herbs, and it is firmed by wonderfully refined tannins that promise to hold it in fine stead for decades to come. (Mar 2008)"
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$299.95
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WS 100
RP 98
BD 98
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock,
2
available
|
List $600.00
|
100 points Wine Spectator: "I love the purity of fruit in this wine, with perfectly ripe blackberry, blueberry and raspberry on the nose. Complex and full-bodied, with hints of new oak and wonderfully polished tannins that caress the palate. Long, long finish. This is not the blockbuster it was from barrel, but rather a complete, balanced and gorgeous red. Best after 2015. (6/30/08)"
98+ points Robert Parker: "There are 7,000 cases of this 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Disregarding the blatant jealousy of his success as well as his 'outsider' status, proprietor Gerard Perse has pushed the envelope of quality, fashioning first-growth quality wines from one of Bordeaux’s finest terroirs... Pavie’s 2005 exhibits a thick-looking purple color to the rim as well as an exquisite perfume of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, unsmoked cigar tobacco, crushed rocks, damp earth, and hints of truffles and incense. The vineyard’s limestone soils have provided massive concentration, a laser-like precision, fresh, zesty acidity, and massive tannin. Despite the wine’s enormous concentration and intensity, there is a lightness to its style. As Perse has made clear, he is trying to produce modern day versions of such great vintages as 1921, 1929, 1945, and 1947, wines that lasted 50 or more years. I do not understand why Perse receives so much criticism. In the blind tastings of each new vintage conducted by the Grand Jury European, Pavie usually wins against 100 or so other great Bordeaux. As they say, the truth is irrefutable - this is one of the world’s most outstanding wines, and the 2005 Pavie should take its place among the greatest achievements of Bordeaux in the last 50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060. (Apr 2008)"
98 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Fat and intense, corpulent, solid but well built. Pavie is amazingly full bodied and impressively reserved at the same time. Aging is imperative. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
96 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated, deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines blackberry, minerals, crushed rock, truffle, vanillin oak and flowers; showing none of the porty quality of the sample I tried last year. A hugely concentrated essence of a wine, offering an incredible combination of sweetness, vibrancy and precision of fruit, thanks to strong acidity and powerful underlying minerality. The chewy tannins are totally buffered by the wine's material on the explosive back end. This wine has it all! Compared to the Pavie-Decesse, which essentially comes from a single block of old vines on limestone, this wine has clearly benefited by being an assemblage of soil types, with fruit from the foot of the slope contributing texture and richness. The 2005 Pavie should easily last for three or four decades. (May/Jun 2008)"
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$289.95
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RP 96
WS 96
BD 95
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
96+ points Robert Parker: "Pavie Decesse, a much smaller vineyard (9 acres) than Pavie, produces just over 400 cases of wine. The vines average 45+ years of age, and the blend contains no Cabernet Sauvignon and much less Cabernet Franc than Pavie. Yields are similar for the two estates, but Pavie Decesse exhibits more espresso, chocolate, and caramelized Merlot-like flavors, and reveals a certain freshness and precision because of its exquisite limestone-based terroir. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the blockbuster 2005 Pavie Decesse boasts an inky/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blackberries, blueberries, and a super-concentrated cranberry-like note. Its well-integrated toasty oak component is more noticeable than in the Pavie. Exceptionally concentrated, powerful, and long, it is meant for long-term aging in spite of the high percentage of Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+. (Apr 2008)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "Displays stunning aromas of crushed blackberry, strawberry and raspberry, with hints of sandalwood. Full-bodied, with focused flavors of fruit, toasty oak, vanilla bean and cedar. Long and caressing, this is a powerful yet balanced red. Best after 2016. 550 cases made. (6/30/08)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "An inky color and amazing richness suggest perfectly ripe grapes; the volume is impressive without the slightest hint of bitterness; the omnipresent tannins have remarkable finesse, with a superb, almost creamy finish. A great wine with great potential. Drink: 2012 up to 2025. (2011)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated, deep ruby-red. Superripe black fruits, licorice, graphite and violet on the nose. Wonderfully sweet and scented on the palate, with terrific aromatic lift to the explosive dark fruit, mineral and floral flavors. The wine's powerful rocky minerality and high-pitched berry fruit nicely leaven the almost exaggerated ripeness of the vintage, giving this wine terrific freshness and extending its finish. An outstanding combination of sweetness and power. I can see this improving in bottle for 20 years. (May/Jun 2008)"
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$74.95
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WS 92
W&S 92
WE 90
France
-
Bordeaux
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Red
In stock,
7
available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Milk chocolate and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body, with very soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is so delicious now, but has a balance of fruit and tannins. One of the best from this estate in some time. Best after 2014. 2,500 cases made. (3/31/08)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "Superrich in its dark fruit, black herbs and boldly oaked flavors, this is also firm and, in the end, extremely tannic. It finishes dry, the power of the tannin increasing with air, with a grip that will need long bottle aging to relent. Check on it ten years from the vintage. (Oct 2008)"
90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Fruity and smoky, this wine succeeds on its charm, with soft tannins, acidity and superripe fruit. With its (for Pomerol) high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine certainly has structure, but maybe misses on richness. (Jun 2008)"
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$149.95
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CG 96
W&S 96
BD 96
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock,
3
available
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List $200.00
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96 points Wine & Spirits: "[$200 list] Baron was trapped in its oak en primeur, seeming flashy, luscious and soft. Now bottled and shipped, it has the unremitting tannic power of the vintage, balanced by unrelenting purity of fruit that somehow manages to anesthetize the monstrous tannin, to soften the extremely dry, mineral-bound finish into a caress. The wine may be bombastic, but it's also succulent and as sweet as a ripe black raspberry. It's easy to imagine this wine 50 years from now, in impeccable condition. (Oct 2008)"
96 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "One of the most memorable bottlings of our tastings of the 2005 Bordeaux, this wonderfully extracted effort captures all of the complexity and very deep curranty fruit for which the Pauillac appellation is justly revered, and it does so with a remarkable sense of balance and keen composition. It is clearly not one for the impatient, and its ample tannin requires upward of a decade before taming comes, but there are no questions at all about the depth of its fruity substance and its admirable stuffing or about its extremely promising future. (Apr 2008)"
96 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Great, racy nose of tobacco; ample body with very noble and frank texture, firm tannins. A very big Pauillac, a touch less voluptuous than Ponter-Canet. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
94 points Robert Parker: "As usual, this superb Pauillac possesses an inky/blue/black color in addition to a big, sweet nose of graphite, charcoal, burning embers, black currant liqueur, and toasty vanillin from new oak casks. Full-bodied with high but sweet, well-integrated tannins, the 2005 Pichon Baron is more backward than the blockbuster 2003 or prodigious 2000. Nevertheless, it is a superb effort whose power, length, and tannic structure suggest it should be at its peak between 2015-2035. (Apr 2008)"
17.5/20 points La Revue du Vin de France+: "A wine in the traditional style of the house, round, opulent, and suave. (Jan 2012)"
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$289.95
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France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock,
1
available
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$274.95
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BD 96
RP 95
WS 95
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock,
8
available
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96 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "The wine is quite seductive, with well-integrated oak, a velvety, rich body, and nice length. There is also a deep and powerful structure that guarantees a terrifically long evolution in the bottle. Drink:2011 up to 2020. (2011)"
95 points Robert Parker: "This is one of the most riveting examples of Valandraud Jean-Luc Thunevin has made over the last fifteen years. Thunevin and his partner, Murielle Andraud (who has much of the responsibility for their brilliant Margaux, Marojallia), exhibit impeccable attention to detail, resulting in an inky/blue/purple-colored 2005 Valandraud boasting a sweet nose of melted chocolate, licorice, graphite, espresso roast, and copious quantities of black cherries and blackberries. Pure, layered, and full-bodied, with gorgeous integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood, this stunning effort will be drinkable in 7-8 years, and should keep for three decades. Slightly more than 16,000 bottles were produced. (Apr 2008)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Dark ruby in color, with intense aromas of blackberry, mineral and dried lavender. Full-bodied, very dense and layered, with powerful tannins. This is big and very rich. A bodybuilder. Needs time. Best after 2016. 1,330 cases made. (3/31/08)"
94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated, deep ruby-red. Very complex aromas of plum, mocha, iron and minerals, lifted by a floral topnote. Wonderfully lush and smooth in the mouth, with fully ripe flavors of black raspberry, currant, licorice and mocha perfectly supported by ripe acidity. This boasts terrific balance and somehow manages to hide its 14.5% alcohol. Finishes impressively long, with big but thoroughly ripe tannins. The pH here is a very reasonable 3.6, notes Jean-Luc Thunevin. A splendid vintage for Valandraud, and likely to evolve slowly. (May/Jun 2008)"
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