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$21.95
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RP 91
WS 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Robert Parker: "The outstanding 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne La Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan from white clay soils) was aged 12 months in larger wood demi-muids before being bottled unfiltered. Revealing slightly more concentrated blue, red and black fruits, lavender, incense and white chocolate notes, it offers an opaque ruby/purple color along with full body and a long finish. There is not a hard edge to be found in this voluminous, multilayered red. It should drink nicely for 5-7 years. (Aug 2011)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe but very fresh, with mouthwatering acidity driving the linzer torte, blackberry and black currant fruit. Lovely spice cake and black licorice notes flash through the finish, with a dusting of cocoa powder. Drink now through 2013. 50 cases imported. (10/15/11)"
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$21.95
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RP 92
RR 91
France
-
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
-
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
-
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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$13.95
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RR 88–91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
2
available
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88-91 points Rhone Report: "A promising barrel sample that has loads of southern Rhône flair, the 2011 Domaine Amido Lirac (60% Mourvedre, 20% Carignan, 15% Syrah, and 5% Grenache) has loads of spice-laced blackberry, garrigue, leather, and hints of crushed flowers emerging from the glass. This is followed by a beautifully put together red that is balanced, has good acidity, and plenty of ripe tannin framing the finish. Given the balance and quality of fruit, this possibly outstanding 2011 should be approachable on release, yet drink well for 3-5 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$18.95
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RP 91
RR 91
France
-
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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$21.95
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RR 93
RP 90
France
-
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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$61.95
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WS 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
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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
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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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$19.95
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RP 90
WS 88
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
6
available
|
List $24.00
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90 points Robert Parker: "The 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah) includes a much higher percentage of Mourvedre than most wines in this area. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by notes of freshly sliced mushrooms, meat juices, garrigue, black cherries, and black currants. Full-bodied and intense with rugged tannins that need to be resolved, it possesses more than ample fruit to balance out the structural component. This 2009 will benefit from another year of bottle age, and should drink well for 7-8 years. (Aug 2010)"
88 points Wine Spectator: "[$24 list] Ripe and racy, with a beam of raspberry and blackberry fruit running along dark spice and graphite notes. Tasty. Drink now. 2,500 cases made. (11/15/10)"
'Bronze Medal,' Decanter: "(14.5% alcohol) Rich dark berry and floral aromas on a succulent, rounded palate. (Oct 2010)"
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$159.95
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RP 92–94
IWC 92–94
France
-
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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$28.95
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RR 92
RP 90
WS 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $34.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "Just bottled at the time of tasting, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a great Coudoulet. A blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault from 30-year-old vines, it delivers on all fronts with loads of garrigue, leather, bing cherry, and spice-box aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, deep, and structured, yet with a seamless, elegant feel, this is approachable now, yet will also evolve gracefully. It should hit full maturity around age 10 or so. (Sep 2012)"
90 points Robert Parker: "The real steal, however, is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red (an identical blend), which has really put on some weight and intensity since I tasted it last year. The wine displays oodles of licorice, black currant and black cherry liqueur with hints of damp forest floor and truffle. Sweet tannin, decent acidity and nice, attractive density make for an outstanding Cotes du Rhone to drink over the next 7-8 years. (Oct 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$34 list] This is juicy and still a bit compact, with a mix of blackberry, plum and blueberry notes laced with licorice snap and backed by a long, spice-infused finish. A tarry hint lurks as well. Should stretch out after brief cellaring. Drink now through 2018. (10/31/12)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(made from a blend of marsanne, bourboulenc and viognier, with a bit of clairette): Pale, green-tinged yellow. Fresh, assertively perfumed aromas of orange, pear and minerals, with a sexy floral quality adding complexity. Bright and focused yet silky on the palate, offering sappy citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Closes bright and nervy, with very good persistence to the orange zest and jasmine nuances. (May 2012)"
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$63.95
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WS 94
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
1
available
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94 points Wine Spectator: "Big wine, with a wall of structure around a core of black currant, blackberry and fig fruit. Plenty of exotic spice, dark chocolate, licorice and graphite notes skitter in the background, with a long finish that drips with fruit. Best from 2008 through 2025. (4/30/06)"
91 points Robert Parker: "A brilliant wine, the dark ruby/purple colored 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a distinctive and possibly controversial nose of spearmint and eucalyptus intermixed with melted black chocolate, roasted meats, and plenty of herbs and black cherry liqueur. It is deep, fleshy, full-bodied, and savory. I would drink this wine over the next decade without hesitation. (Feb 2006)"
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$59.95
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WS 94
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
4
available
|
List $80.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$80 list] Dense and chewy, but with ripe, well-rounded tannins carry the black currant, fig paste, coffee and black licorice notes. The finish shows nicely buried acidity and a long mineral streak. Best from 2009 through 2025. 500 cases made. (4/30/08)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($80 list) Deep ruby. Wildly aromatic, complex bouquet of fresh raspberry, cherry, garrigue and smoked meat. Deep and sweet, offering fleshy red and dark berry liqueur flavors along with candied licorice, beef blood and succulent herbs. This is extremely complex and finishes with outstanding clinging persistence. Put this one away to sleep."
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$29.95
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WS 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Wine Spectator: "Inviting, boasting aromas and flavors of Lapsang souchong tea, warm fig sauce and crushed plum and currant fruit are all supported by a racy prominent graphite note. Lightly firm, but with the flesh and concentration to offset that. Drink now through 2013. 1,666 cases made. (10/15/10)"
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$53.95
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IWC 93
WS 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
|
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$70 list] Inky purple. Intense aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet and bitter chocolate, with a bright mineral overtone. Dense, sappy and vibrant, with impressive energy to its black fruit compote, licorice and violet pastille flavors. Finishes with lively acidity, insinuating spiciness and broad, youthfully chewy tannins. This is definitely built for the long haul. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] A textbook version, displaying a slightly gutsy feel to the full-bodied currant, blackberry and dark cherry fruit laced with tangy iron, singed bay leaf and dark olive notes. The taut, minerally finish will need some time to round into form. Rock-solid and worth cellaring. Best from 2013 through 2024. 100 cases imported. (9/30/12)"
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$13.95
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RR 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $16.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "[$16 list] Made from a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, from 80+ year vines, that is aged for 6 months in concrete tank, the 2011 Michel Gassier Cercius is a lush, decadent offering that delivers loads of black raspberry and blackberry styled fruit that is intermixed with notions of licorice, rolled stone, roasted garrigue, and hints of leather on the nose. Layered, fresh, and beautifully textured, with a full-bodied, rich feel in the mouth that never seems heavy, this absolutely knockout Côtes du Rhône is a candidate for a multi-case purchase, and will deliver the goods for 4-6 years. Do not let the price tag fool you, this is a gorgeous wine that will stand up to any number of more prestigious and expensive bottlings. (Sep 2012)"
Producer notes: "Cercius is a profound ruby color. The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of dark berries, licorice, and garrigue herbs. Opulent and velvety, without being heavy, this wine's fruity finish has an aerial expression of ripe tannins. Pairs well with various meats and cheeses including wine-braised beef, raviolis with cepe mushrooms, roasted duck, veal chops with radicchio, white beans, grilled leg of lamb with thyme and allspice, brie, and for the more adventurous, epoisses, livarot, maroilles, or munster. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$54.95
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IWC 93
RR 93
RP 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
|
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby. Aromas of cherry and boysenberry are complemented by notes of lavender and violet and lifted by a spicy topnote. At once rich and energetic, with very good depth to its sappy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. An intense spicy quality builds with air and carries through a very long, seductively sweet finish. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
93 points Rhone Report: "Coming all from the sandy soils in the La Guigasse lieu-dit and fermented with 100% whole-cluster, the 2009 Chapelle St. Theodoric Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse is a gorgeous Chateauneuf-du-Pape that is only a slight notch below the le Grand Pin. Taking the full evening to open up and show at its best, it delivers a perfumed, complex bouquet of kirsch, dried licorice, roasted garrigue, mineral, and lavender that flows to a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine. More elegant and finesse-driven than powerful, this nevertheless doesn.t lack for intensity and has superb concentration, excellent focus, and silky, lengthy finish. While showing well now, this should be even better with 3-4 years of bottle age and have upwards of two decades of overall longevity. (Jun 2012)"
92+ points Robert Parker: "[$70 list] The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Guigasse exhibits a dark ruby color along with a distinctive nose of roast meat, kirsch, black raspberries, lavender and licorice. Fuller-bodied, denser and firmer than Les Sablons, it represents a more virile, masculine style of wine. Layered and full, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should age well for 15 years. (Oct 2011)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "A very perfumy, enticing style, with toasted anise, cardamom and black tea notes up front, followed by silky blackberry and raspberry fruit and a long, graphite-filled finish. Latent grip at the very end bodes well for the cellar. A new project from Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine de Cristia. Best from 2013 through 2022. 100 cases imported. (2/29/12)"
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$41.95
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RP 92
RR 92
WS 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $50.00
|
92 points Robert Parker: "[$50 list] Revealing the lightest ruby color, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Sablons offers an exquisitely fragrant, ethereal nose of licorice, kirsch, sandy, loamy soil and spice box. The remarkable perfume and expansive texture are amazing given its surprisingly light ruby color, but that’s Grenache at its finest. Because of the forwardness of the vintage, I suspect this wine will drink well during its first decade of life. (Oct 2011)"
92 points Rhone Report: "The lightest colored of the lineup and beautifully perfumed and complex, the 2009 Chapelle St. Theodoric Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Sablons is about as silky and elegant as Grenache gets. Coming from three different parcels of sandy soils and aged in neutral barrels, it delivers a sweet array of kirsch liqueur, toasted spice, garrigue, flowers, and dusty mineral like qualities on the nose. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless wine that has no hard edges, a light, elegant texture, and a lengthy finish that has you looking for another glass. This might not have the depth or length of the other two releases, but it.s oh so drinkable and just straight up delicious. Drink this while you give the other two releases cellar time. (Jun 2012)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Rich and mouthfilling, with a saturated core of blackberry, blueberry cobbler and cherry compote, all stitched with hints of plum eau de vie and red licorice. The finish is polished and creamy. A new project from Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine de Cristia. Drink now through 2021. (2/29/12)"
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$49.95
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RP 94
RR 94
IWC 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
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94 points Robert Parker: "The dark ruby/garnet-colored 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Sablons reveals a powerful, intense bouquet of sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with pepper, raspberries, seaweed and loamy soil notes. Undeniably sexy, opulent and voluptuously textured with full body and no hard edges, it is a glorious tour de force in old vine Grenache from sandy soils. Drink it over the next 15+ years. (Oct 2012)"
94 points Rhone Report: ""The entry level wine that is made from second press juice from the single plot cuvees, the 2010 Chapelle St. Theodoric Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sablons is nevertheless a rocking 2010 that is loaded with southern Rhone character and charm. All Grenache from sandy soils and fermented with 100% whole cluster, it exhibits fantastic aromas of herbs de Provence, spice-box, and flowers that are all supported by a core of wild strawberry and kirsch-driven fruit. Full-bodied and rich on the palate, with an overriding elegance, as well as excellent concentration and plenty of fine tannin, this knockout value will shine for 12-15 years. While the single vineyard wines are slightly more impressive, the value buy is this one. (Sep 2012)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby. Sexy raspberry and Asian spices on the highly perfumed nose, with notes of lavender and sandalwood adding complexity. Sweet, sappy and precise, offering juicy red and dark berry liqueur flavors and a velvety texture. Graceful and seamless Chateauneuf, finishing with seductively sweet notes of candied red fruits and harmonious tannins. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$43.95
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WS 93
RR 93
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $55.00
|
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Plush and enticing, with delicious layers of plum sauce, fig bread, black tea and mulled spice notes that pump through the velvety, dark finish. Fresh, well-embedded acidity stretches it all out. Drink now through 2027. 1,665 cases made. (10/15/09)"
93 points Rhone Report: "Almost always the most forward and fruit driven of the Cuvées, the single vineyard 2007 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix comes from the south east part of the Appellation and the Mourre des Perdrix lieu-dit. A blend of 69% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and dash of Cinsault, it delivers an upfront, fruit-driven profile with black cherries, raspberries, melted licorice, violets, sappy underbrush, and roasted meat like qualities literally soaring from the glass. Full-bodied and thrillingly rich and decadent on the palate, with a seamless, polished texture, beautiful freshness, and a classic finish, this is drinking beautifully, with an easy 12-15 years of total evolution. It will be interesting to see if this ever shuts down; at the moment, it needs an hour of air to truly shine and is a real treat. (Mar 2012)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$55 list] Saturated ruby. Sexy dark berry and kirsch aromas, along with notes of potpourri, fruitcake and garrigue Broad, palate-staining blackberry and boysenberry flavors are framed by velvety tannins and pick up suave floral pastille and Asian spice character with air. The very fresh finish leaves vibrant berry skin and spice notes behind. (Jan/Feb 2010)"
91+ points Robert Parker: "The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Mourre des Perdrix exhibits plenty of pepper, lavender, raspberry, black currant, and floral characteristics. Full-bodied with moderate tannin, superb depth and purity, and a broad, compelling, 40-second finish, it requires 2-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for 15-20 years. (Oct 2009)"
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$39.95
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WS 92
IWC 92
RR 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
1
available
|
List $75.00
|
92 points Wine Spectator: "This is on the red fruit side of the spectrum, with cherry, currant and pomegranate notes, but they're well-stitched, with nicely grippy tobacco, mineral and spice notes that add length on the finish. Well-knit for the vintage. Best from 2012 through 2020. 600 cases imported. (2/28/11)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays cinnamon-accented red berries and cherry, with a sexy floral overtone. Spicy and incisive on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a hint of baking spices. The spicy notes linger on a long, silky finish. Showing lots of complexity right now but this is also balanced to age. (Mar/Apr 2011)"
92 points Rhone Report: "One of the top wines in a challenging vintage and showing even better than a year ago, the 2008 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape is perfumed and complex, possessing loads of black cherry, garrigue, licorice, lavender, peppered steak, and olive notes, medium body, perfect balance, and an overall savory, clean, fresh profile. There's good tannin and structure here, and this should continue to shine for another decade. Don.t let the vintage scare you off as this is an outstanding wine that will put a smile on anyone.s face. (Sep 2011)"
90 points Robert Parker: "[$75 list] The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is a sexy, medium to full-bodied effort with far more depth, richness and seductive powers than most Chateauneuf du Papes in this vintage. A classic blend of 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre, Syrah and Vaccarese has resulted in a deep plum/ruby-hued 2008 displaying loads of kirsch, pepper and licorice notes. The fruit is sweet, the tannins silky and the wine very seductive and evolved. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. (Oct 2010)"
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$19.95
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WS 90
RR 89
IWC 89
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Wine Spectator: "Stylish, with dark tea, mulled spice and fleshy black cherry fruit aromas and flavors all gliding through the sandalwood-tinged finish. Perfumy and lengthy. Drink now through 2012. 675 cases imported. (10/15/11)"
89 points Rhone Report: "Laurent.s Cotes du Rhone is always a solid value and this vintage is no exception. The 2009 Le Poutet would be a perfect candidate for a house red and shows loads of black fruits, ripe herbs, meat, and olive characteristics, medium body, solid structure, and a clean, crisp style. It should be consumed over the coming 5-8 years. (Sep 2011)"
89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby. Pungent aromas of strawberry and raspberry preserves, plus a hint of white pepper. Focused and dry, offering incisive red fruit flavors and a sexy floral pastille quality. A spicy note carries through the brisk, delineated finish. As usual, this wine punches above its weight. (Aug 2011)"
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$31.95
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WS 94
RR 94
France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $55.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Offers a wide range of dark, exotic fig, boysenberry and blackberry cobbler notes, with blueberry paste, pastis-drenched plum and smoky black tea flavors, all weaving deftly through the very silky finish. Shows ample concentration, but this is all guile and grace. Best from 2014 through 2032. 2,500 cases made. (10/15/12)"
94 points Rhone Report: "Showing notably better from bottle than from barrel, the stunning 2010 Château de la Font du Loup Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault that is aged in a combination of tank, barrique, and demi-muid for 18 months. Gorgeously perfumed, with a knockout bouquet of sappy garrigue, white pepper, wild strawberries, and loads of floral qualities, this beauty flows onto the palate with an elegant, finesse-driven profile that has nothing out of place, a seamless, silky texture, and incredibly polished tannin that frame the finish. More than a little impressive and representing a brilliant value, this classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape will drink well for 10-12 years, if not longer. (Sep 2012)"
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