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$52.95
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WE 96
RR 94
IWC 93
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
11
available
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96 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2012 (#68),' Wine Enthusiast: "This winery gives its wines extra years in bottle prior to release, and it pays off with powerful, muscular, densely structured that have been polished to a fine luster. This Syrah emphasizes fruit, not funk, with opulent flavors of black fruit, dried cherry, fig and plum. The 30 months it spent in two-thirds new French oak adds dark streaks of coffee and cocoa. It shows tremendous depth, and it could be cellared for another few years--but why wait? Alcohol 15.4%. 313 cases produced. (Dec 2012)"
94 points Rhone Report: "Coming all from the Stillwater Vineyard that's located on the Royal Slope in the Columbia Valley, the 2007 Corliss Estates Syrah is a ripe, layered wine that was aged in 65% new French oak for a total of 30 months. It offers up aromas of vanilla-laced black fruits, baking spices, roasted meats, truffle, flowers, and creamy licorice that flow to a decidedly rich, borderline decadent Syrah that has a stacked mid-palate, layers of fruit and texture, and a beautifully fresh, clean finish. It's certainly big and rich, but it.s oh so well done and stays remarkable light on the palate for a wine of this size. It's superb now, and I see no reason to hold off; it should drink well through 2020. (Jun 2012)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(blended with 2% roussanne; aged 32 months in 63% new French oak) Bright, full ruby-red. Blackberry, black cherry, pepper and licorice on the nose, with a distinctly wild quality and a hint of white fruits; more Old World in style than the 2006 version, which included 17% grenache. Juicy, penetrating and precise, with lovely floral lift to the dark berry and pepper flavors. This boasts terrific cut and life, as well as a serious tannic spine for aging. Finishes long and perfumed. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
Producer notes: "The 2007Corliss Syrah shows of aromas of black fig, plum, tar and cassis on the nose with underlying exotic spices, dried cherry, violet and jasmine. A soft entry to the palate immediately leads to density and opulence with juicy black fruit flavors, dried cherry and rhubarb, plum and cocoa. Fine, mouth-filling tannins continually build, drawing out the palate to a long, lingering finish. Barrel aged 30 months in 100% French oak (65% new). Alcohol 15.4%. 313 cases produced."
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$89.95
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
5
available
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David Fulton’s bottling is an example of the heights Petite Sirah can reach. The wine is fairly new (the first release was the 1999 vintage) but the vineyard is old...very old. In fact, these are purportedly the oldest Petite Sirah vines in Napa Valley (and possibly California). Founded by David Fulton in 1865, the vineyard and winery are located just a short walk from downtown St. Helena. Handed down generation
by generation, the land exists today as the oldest continuously owned and operated family vineyard in California. The current dry farmed, head trained vineyard is recognized today as an ‘old-vine’ varietal super-site. No doubt about it, this is an intense wine. The pour is inky black displaying dark reds with a deep purple rim. The wine is aged in half new and half two year old French oak barrels. Rising up from a swirling glass are fresh, massive, pure black fruit aromas with hints of blackberry and loganberry, fragrances elegantly revealed in a way rarely seen in this variety. The flavors match the aromatics yet divulge even more with cassis, licorice, and well-integrated oak notes. The texture is a multilayered
coating of round and supple black cherry. At the end of each sip follow rich and mature tannins. The wine allows for current consumption for those who can't wait yet graceful aging for those who prefer patience.
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$57.95
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CG 95
RR 93
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.) 95 points Connoissuers' Guide: "Generous and intensely spicy in tone with solid blackberry, gamy and black pepper credentials to its aromas, this full-bodied, tightly constructed wine comes with both depth and structure to spare. Its ripeness plays second fiddle to its fruit, and its flavors, despite their volume, have yet to begin their inevitable unwinding into greater layering and accessibility. At every turn, this exceptionally balanced effort sets strength upon strength and impresses that its only need is time in the bottle. (Nov 2011)"
93 points Rhone Report: "A classy Syrah that stands up to the single vineyard releases, the 2009 DuMOL Syrah Russian River Valley exhibits copious amounts of pure, crunchy black fruits (purity of fruit is a hallmark of this estate), bacon fat, pepper, and touches of coffee that lead to a medium to full-bodied, balanced wine. It.s very well balanced, has loads of poise and class, and should drink well for a decade or longer. (Dec 2011)"
Producer notes: "Dark purple/black color. Aromatic kaleidoscope: floral, macerated cherry, black raspberry then dusty cocoa, fresh herbs, citrus zest, smoked meat, a whiff of pepper. Chewy, mouthfilling palate but never heavy or cumbersome. Cassis, blackberry, white pepper, anise, tobacco and dark chocolate. Rich, full tannins bring focus and definition. Great purity and dimension - packed with flavor. Coats the palate then a gripping savory finish. Brilliant! Decant for an hour in its youth and drink between 2011 and 2020."
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$92.95
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WA 95
RR 95
CG 92
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
5
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "DuMol’s 2010 Syrah Eddie’s Patch Hoppe-Kelly Vineyard is beautifully centered. Savory herbs, licorice, graphite, menthol and blackberries all jump from the glass. Vibrant and totally alive, the 2010 stands out for its focus and sheer verve. Another year or two in bottle should only help the 2010 show even better. Layers of fruit build to the explosive, intense finish. Simply put, this is dazzling juice. Wow! Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Apr 2013)"
95 points Rhone Report: "Slightly more mineral-laced and focused, with brilliant purity of fruit, the 2010 DuMOL Syrah Eddie's Patch (100% Syrah aged 17 months in 43% new French oak hogsheads) is easily one of the top Russian River Valley Syrahs being made today. Full-bodied, rich, and powerful, yet also incredibly elegant, pure, and fresh, it possesses thrilling aromatics of smoked blackberry fruit, wet stone like minerality, hints of chocolate, liquid flowers, and peppered meat-like nuances that continue to develop and gain in intensity and richness over the evening. While reasonably approachable today, with plenty of ripe tannin, it will be better in 2-3 years, and drink beautifully for over a decade after that. (Dec 2012)"
92 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Fully ripe, very outgoing and very much showing the kind of generous fruit and oaky richness that we have come to expect from DuMOL, this year's Syrah from 'eddie's patch' is a big, slightly viscous, decidedly concentrated offering that is ever so slightly hushed in specific varietal spice. That said, it earns fine marks for its juicy volume and insistence, and its hard-to-ignore tannins serve as an important reminder that its best lies some years ahead. (Mar 2013)"
91 points California Grapevine: "Dark purplish ruby; attractive, intense, plummy, ripe, red and black fruit aroma with hints of dried herbs, mint, and cola; full body; big, rich, extracted, very ripe, dark berry fruit flavors with hints of tobacco and black pepper; full tannin; slightly tart and a bit gripping on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Needs a few more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 14.2% alcohol; 415 cases; 100% Syrah; released November 2012. (Dec 2012)"
'Good,' PinotFile: "14.2% alc., 1,050 cases. Released June 2012. A 3-vineyard blend from Hoppe-Kelly, Greywacke and Gregori vineyards. Clone 7, 8776, Estrella and Alban. Yield 2.5 tons per acre from vines that are 5 to 13 years old. Harvest Brix 24.4º. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak. Dense purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of blackberries, prune, and forest floor. Full-bodied flavors of spicy plum and dark berries with a base of iron-driven minerality and earth. Balanced dry tannins and some persistence on the finish. As a Pinot Noir lover, it doesn’t match up, but is a nicely crafted wine. (2/28/13)"
Producer notes: "Saturated purple color. Initially fresh and bright: cola, raspberry, cherry and mint then darker olive, blackberry, game and dried herbs. Sweet and savory flavors intertwine nicely on palate - blackcurrant, black pepper, sweet tobacco leaf - drier than the nose suggests. Maintains floral inner mouth perfume. Elegantly framed structure, expanding nuanced finish. Cellar for a year and decant off the sediment for an hour before serving. Drink between 2013 and 2024. Native yeast and malolactic fermentations then aged 17 months in French oak hogsheads, 43% new. 415 cases produced."
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$53.95
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WA 90
CG 90
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
7
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
'Terrific!' PinotFile: "14.7% alc., 375 cases. Released November 2011. A 3-vineyard blend from Dutton-Gregori, Hoppe-Kelly and Trenton Station vineyards. Clone 1. Yield 1.75 tons per acre from vines that are 7, 9 and 12 years old. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented in 20% new and 70% neutral French oak barrels, and 10% stainless steel barrels. Aged on lees for 9 months. Medium straw color and clear in the glass. Quite aromatic, with scents of tropical fruits including dried mango and guava, lemon curd, ginger and brioche. An Alsatian style wine with a delicious core of tropical fruits including grilled pineapple with an appealing sidecar of toast, honey, nuts and vanilla. Slightly creamy in texture, finishing with aplomb and focus. (2/28/13)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Viognier Lia is a pretty wine, laced with expressive tropical fruit, lychee, white flowers and aromatic spices. This attractive, mid-weight Viognier is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. (Feb 2012)"
90 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Viognier takes on a little more structure here, and, though the wine steers to typical tropical fruit, it is less-candied and shows more solidity than its softer and simpler cousins. It smacks a bit of sweet barrel spice and coarsens up with scant heat coming on at the finish, but this is no simple, light-hearted quaffer and will do just fine when it is teamed up with comparatively rich foods such as garlicky chicken braised in white wine or a classic Marseilles Bouillabaisse. (Mar 2012)"
Producer notes: "Pale yellow color; crisp, mineral citrus notes then deeper peach, apricot and exotic lychee richness. Sea spray freshness and lemongrass/ginger/chamomile notes add complexity. The palate follows the aromas with immediate minerality then broader quince and honeyed fruits. Notable thrust and laser-like focus to the back end and lingering lemongrass note to finish. As with all our whites, serve at no cooler than 55 degrees to allow full flavor development. Best consumed within five years of release. Barrel fermented in 20% new and 70% neutral (5 years+) French oak and 10% stainless steel barrels. Aged on the lees for 9 months. 375 cases produced."
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$64.95
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RR 94
WA 92–94
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
94 points Rhone Report: "A big step up from the Estate Blend, the 2010 Ingenuity is a knockout effort that checks in as a mix of 62% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache, and 12% Petite Sirah that was aged in 61% new French oak. Gorgeous all around, with a lively, yet decadent bouquet of grilled beef, black fruits, licorice, mineral, violets, and earth, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, rich texture, notable freshness, and a clean, energetic finish. Already delicious and approachable, it nevertheless has the concentration, acidity, and tannin to evolve gracefully for 7-8 years. (Dec 2012)"
92-94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Epoch’s 2010 Ingenuity bursts from the glass with massive dark fruit and a rich, powerful personality. Provencal herbs, mint and tobacco develop later, adding considerable complexity and nuance. Still, this remains a massive, virile wine endowed with tons of structure and heft, some of which comes from the use of Petit Verdot, which is not commonly found in Paso. The blend in 2010 is 62% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache and 12% Petite Sirah. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017. (Aug 2012)"
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$64.95
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RR 95
WS 94
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
95 points Rhone Report: "The estate's take on a southern Rhone blend and a mix of 69% Grenache, 23% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah, and 4% Counoise, the 2010 Veracity is a beauty. Fermented in a combination of concrete and stainless steel, and aged for 18 months in 41% new French oak barrels and Puncheons, it offers up a full-bodied, rich, yet structured profile with sweet black and red fruits, chalk, lavender, and subtle Herbs de Provence like aromas and flavors. Beautifully put together, with solid mid-palate depth and a chewy, broad finish that highlights ripe tannin, it will shine for 7-8 years, possibly longer. It needs a decant if drinking anytime soon. (Dec 2012)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "Presents a complex, graceful mix of blackberry, black licorice and boysenberry pie scents, yet for all its apparent ripeness this remains elegant and ends with a more subtle, nuanced finish, right down to the crushed rock earthiness. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Syrah. Drink now through 2022. 588 cases made. (2/28/13)"
Producer notes: " 69% Grenache, 23% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah, 4% Counoise. Aged for 18 months in 41% new French oak barrels and puncheons. Epoch’s 2010 Veracity is a juicy, layered Grenache based GSM grown on the slopes of our limestone-studded Paderewski Vineyard. With its Grenache component fermented mostly in concrete, this wine’s minerality is subtly juxtaposed next to lush red fruit, citrus and white flowers -- quite enticing. Many of the lots that make up this blend were expressive co-fermentations of Syrah with Grenache and Mourvedre. Counoise also makes an appearance for the first time to add spice and bright strawberry elements. Don’t let Grenache wines fool you -- they age just as well as Syrah and need time to open up. 588 cases produced."
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$69.95
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IWC 94
JS 92
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
2
available
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94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(40% each of syrah and grenache, with 20% mourvedre; 15.9% alcohol) Opaque ruby. Very sexy aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, apricot pit, licorice and violet. Wonderfully precise and vibrant, with terrific cut to its creamy flavors of dark berry compote and candied violet. Round and sweet on the back end, finishing with excellent clarity, length and a lingering note of floral pastilles. Asseo called this wine 'a bit of a prostitute, but a very nice one.' (Nov/Dec 2010)"
92 points James Suckling: "This is full-bodied, with loads of spicy, chocolate and meaty character. A mouthful, but freshness too. Loads going on. Very supple and voluptuous. Ready and long. 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre. Drink now or hold. (10/3/11)"
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$86.95
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IWC 94
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
7
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Inky purple. Explosive aromas of candied dark berries, incense, violet and patchouli, with woodsmoke, olive and Asian spice nuances adding complexity. Lush, palate-coating black and blue fruit compote flavors are energized by bright spice and mineral notes. Picks up candied violet and licorice notes on the sweet, impressively long finish, which is given grip by late-arriving tannins. With its suave marriage of power and energy, this is built for the long haul. There's no way I'd have guessed that this wine clocked in at 15.2% alcohol save for its fruit intensity. I had the chance to revisit the outstanding 2008 Lillian and was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it is showing right now. I'll bet that it will be even better in another five years but I couldn't fault anyone for drinking it now, especially if they've got a decent stash in reserve. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
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$59.95
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WA 90–92
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
2
available
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90-92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Grenache is less expressive than the 2009, at least at this stage. Tobacco, smoke, new leather and dark red fruits are woven together nicely in this medium-bodied Grenache. The long finish shows attractive hints of saline vibrancy, but the 2010 still needs time to come together. The 2010 was vinified with 100% stems. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. (Dec 2011)"
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$69.95
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WA 93
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Petite Sirah The Other is rich, structured and totally beautiful. It shows gorgeous persistence and fabulous overall balance in a rich, seamless style for this variety. The wilder qualities of Petite Sirah are mostly tamed in this fruit-driven, gorgeous wine. Tar, mint, licorice and smoke add complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Dec 2011)"
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$89.95
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
2
available
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$59.95
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IWC 91
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated ruby. Pungent aromas of briary blackberry, chocolate, pepper and spices. High-toned, fruity and rich but not over the top, with dark berry and chocolate flavors dominating. This has none of the chalkiness or dryness of many petite sirahs; in fact, in texture it's more syrah-like. Finishes round, rich, palate-saturating and long, with fairly light tannins. This is the last vintage for this bottling, says Foley. (May 2012)"
Producer notes: "Effusively ripe aromas of blackberry pie and briar introduce this inky dark Petite Sirah. A flood of rich sweet fruit and expansive flavors coat the palate. The balance of natural acidity, alcohol, and extract resolve with the fine tannins in the finish. The magic of the wine is the combination of its fundamental power and liveliness."
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$69.95
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WE 94
RR 91–94
WS 91
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a big, voluptuous and unbelievably concentrated wine. The blend is Grenache, Syrah and Viognier, grown in two great vineyards, Thompson and Bien Nacido. It dazzles with intense cherry and raspberry purée flavors that are blanketed in sweet, smoky, vanilla-scented new oak. The alcohol is high, but the wine wears it well. Drink now. Alcohol 15.6%. (Feb 2013)"
91-94 points Rhone Report: "A blend of 65% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and a touch of Viognier, the not yet bottled 2009 Sanguis Levity will be aged 12-14 months in a combination of mostly older barrique and 500-liter barrels. Seeing lots of lees stirring in its first 12-months in barrel, it delivers a tight, reserved bouquet at first, yet opens up in the glass to show solid Grenache flair with kirsch, sappy underbrush, exotic flowers, and licorice all showing. Supple and seamless on the palate, with beautifully polished tannin, layers of fruit, of an overall meaty, savory profile, this promising blend will be approachable on release, yet should benefit from short term cellaring, and drink well for over a decade. (Jun 2012)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Builds complexity, combining ripe, spicy and earth-laced dark berry character with firm, fine-grained tannins that tighten the peppery boysenberry and wild berry flavors. Grenache, Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2021. 325 cases made. (3/31/13)"
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$51.95
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WA 93–95
RR 93–95
CGV 92
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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93-95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "In this vintage, the 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel is decidedly huge. An exciting array of dark red fruit, black cherries, incense and tar come together beautifully. At first large-scaled and sweeping in personality, the wine finds more refined registers on the finish, where floral notes add a measure of lift and finesse. Today, the 2010 is a baby, though. The blend is 45% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 4% Counoise. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Aug 2012)"
93-95 points Rhone Report: "Firm, structured, and showing the coolness of the vintage beautifully, the 2010 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel (45% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah, and 4% Counoise) is a fresh, focused, and balanced red that has loads of crushed berry like fruit, licorice, sappy underbrush, and floral nuances, as well as superb underlying minerality, all emerging from the glass. Quite tight and firm on the palate, with excellent purity, juicy acidity, and a youthful, energetic feel, this will most likely require 3-5 years of bottle age once released, and have 15+ years of total longevity. (Jun 2012)"
92 points California Grapevine: "Medium ruby; attractive, fragrant, forward, earthy, red and black fruit aroma with hints oflicorice, black tea, and forest floor; medium-full to full body; somewhat tight, rich, herbal, textured, blackberry fruit flavors with a silky entry and bright acidity; medium-full tannin;
lingering aftertaste. Very nicely balanced and should reward several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol; a blend of 45% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah, and 4% Counoise; released October 2012. (Nov 2012)"
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$72.95
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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List $90.00
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2009 vintage rated 97+ points by Rhone Report: "Absolutely unique and captivating on the nose, with an exotic array of black and blue fruits, eucalyptus, crushed flowers, ground pepper, and a pot roast like mix of beef and root vegetables, the inky colored 2009 Sean Thackrey Orion Rossi Vineyard is a field blend from vines planted in 1905. Seamless, impeccably balanced, and with no hard edges, this powerful, yet ethereal red opens up in the glass, has incredible freshness, and awesomely polished tannin on the finish. One of those wines that would easy to pick out in a blind tasting, this singular beauty is brilliant now due to its texture and balance, yet will be even better in 3-5 years and have over a decade after that of prime time drinking."
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