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$299.95
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WA 96
JS 95–96
RR 93–96
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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96+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Reva (Syrah) is stunningly beautiful. This is a relatively delicate, feminine Reva that impresses for its length, balance and utter purity of fruit. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and silky, saline notes wrap around the expressive fruit on the long, polished finish. A hint of truffles adds to the wine’s sensual, totally beguiling personality. In 2008, the Reva is drop-dead gorgeous. Readers should note that, in this vintage, there is no Lorraine or Seymour’s, so the 2008 is a 'super-Reva!' Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. (Aug 2012)"
95-96 points James Suckling: "Love the spice, game and dark berries, yet reserved and austere. Shows form and firmness. Long and beautiful. Should be in market in November 2012. (5/25/12)"
93-96 points Rhone Report: "The 2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard was the only Syrah produced in '08. Showing a lively, more energetic profile than the more heavy weight '06 and '07, it still doesn.t lack for structure, depth, or complexity. Showing loads of tapenade, lavender, blood, and black fruits, medium to full-body, and a beautifully focused, pure texture and finish, this elegant Syrah should still benefit from short term cellaring once released. I love the vibrancy here, and it will be interesting to see how this shows from bottle. (Dec 2011)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(raised in French oak, 80% of it new, for 44 months; 15.1% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Sexy smoke- and spice-accented aromas of candied black and blue fruits and potpourri, with a suggestion of black pepper building with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering deeply pitched but lively cassis and blueberry flavors and a suave floral pastille nuance. The spicy note comes back strong on the finish, which shows only a hint of tannins. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
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$149.95
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WA 96
JS 95–96
RR 93–96
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
6
available
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96+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Reva (Syrah) is stunningly beautiful. This is a relatively delicate, feminine Reva that impresses for its length, balance and utter purity of fruit. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and silky, saline notes wrap around the expressive fruit on the long, polished finish. A hint of truffles adds to the wine’s sensual, totally beguiling personality. In 2008, the Reva is drop-dead gorgeous. Readers should note that, in this vintage, there is no Lorraine or Seymour’s, so the 2008 is a 'super-Reva!' Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. (Aug 2012)"
95-96 points James Suckling: "Love the spice, game and dark berries, yet reserved and austere. Shows form and firmness. Long and beautiful. Should be in market in November 2012. (5/25/12)"
93-96 points Rhone Report: "The 2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard was the only Syrah produced in '08. Showing a lively, more energetic profile than the more heavy weight '06 and '07, it still doesn.t lack for structure, depth, or complexity. Showing loads of tapenade, lavender, blood, and black fruits, medium to full-body, and a beautifully focused, pure texture and finish, this elegant Syrah should still benefit from short term cellaring once released. I love the vibrancy here, and it will be interesting to see how this shows from bottle. (Dec 2011)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(raised in French oak, 80% of it new, for 44 months; 15.1% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Sexy smoke- and spice-accented aromas of candied black and blue fruits and potpourri, with a suggestion of black pepper building with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering deeply pitched but lively cassis and blueberry flavors and a suave floral pastille nuance. The spicy note comes back strong on the finish, which shows only a hint of tannins. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
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$265.00
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RP 96
IWC 95
WE 94
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
2
available
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96+ points Robert Parker: "No wimpy wine, the 2006 Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard (76% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, and 6% Grenache) has over 16% alcohol. It possesses phenomenal texture, stunning purity, and remarkable freshness, which, again, is attributable to the limestone soils as well as the proprietor’s brilliant hands-off winemaking philosophy. A complex perfume of roasted meats, black fruits, spring flowers, charcoal, and spice is followed by a wine of enormous richness (yet it is neither overweight nor heavy). Beautiful freshness permeates the wine’s black fruit flavors and full-bodied power and length. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. This 2006 should evolve for 12-15+ years. (Aug 2009)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(76% syrah, 18% mourvedre and 6% grenache) Inky ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet of red berries, fruitcake, Asian spices and white flowers. Impressively fresh, with vibrant raspberry, blackcurrant and floral pastille flavors. Zesty minerality adds urgency to the deep, almost sweet fruit, with fine-grained tannins adding grip. The endless finish strongly echoes the spice and minerality of this suave knock-out. (Nov/Dec 2008)"
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Erupts in aromas of spices, grilled meat and black pepper. In the mouth, it turns lush, with massive flavors of cherries, blackberries, black raspberries and mocha. Three-fourths new oak adds elements of vanilla, smoke and butter. Tremendous, and a great success for the vintage. Now-2012. (Oct 2009)"
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$295.00
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RR 97
WA 94
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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97 points Rhone Report: "The 2009 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 57% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre, and 12% Grenache that was fermented with partial stem inclusion and aged for close to 30 months in barrel. More round and supple than the James Berry Vineyard, it really shows its Syrah component and delivers gorgeous aromas of black fruits, smoked meat, charcoal, and hints of chocolate on the nose. This is followed by a full-bodied, decadent wine that is brilliantly balanced, has fantastic purity, and a structured finish. It will benefit from short term cellaring and keep for 15+ years. (Jun 2012)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Bone Rock is a round, enticing red laced with sweet, succulent dark cherries, plums, flowers and spices. It shows remarkable intensity and fabulous balance. Bone Rock is made from the first blocks planted in the James Berry vineyard and is predominantly Syrah, while the James Berry Vineyard (the wine) is Grenache focused. In 2009 the blend was 57% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Grenache. The Syrah component was vinified with 100% stems and saw a maceration lasting 50 days. The wine was aged in 60% new oak. Smith bottled the 2009 in May 2011, earlier than the norm (around 30 months), as he wanted to preserve the freshness he had in the tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. (Aug 2011)"
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$139.95
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RR 96
IWC 94
WA 92–94
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
9
available
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96 points Rhone Report: "Even more perfumed and upfront aromatically, the 2010 Saxum Broken Stones is a brilliant effort. A multi-vineyard blend of 63% Syrah, 19% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache, and 3% Petite Sirah that was aged mostly in new French oak, it offers up a gorgeously pure array of black raspberry, charcoal, licorice, lavender, and assorted floral qualities on the nose. This flows to a full-bodied, deft, and elegant palate that has no hard edges, a weightless feel, and masses of fine, yet firm tannin on the finish. Give bottles another year or three, and then drink over the following 12-15 years. (Dec 2012)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(63% syrah, 19% mourvedre, 15% grenache and 3% petite sirah; 15.3% alcohol): A complex, smoky bouquet evokes red and dark berry liqueur, candied flowers and Asian spices. Supple and juicy on the palate, with zesty acidity giving spine and lift to the powerful black raspberry and mulberry flavors. The smoky note comes back on the strikingly long, mineral-driven finish, which is focused, sweet and extremely long. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
92-94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "A rush of dark Syrah fruit announces the 2010 Broken Stones. Menthol, tar and sweet spices develop with time in the glass, adding considerable complexity and nuance. This is a seriously rich, intense wine endowed with deep layers of fruit and a huge, muscular finish. Here, too, I sense the wine is a bit tight, but it should be ready to go in another 6 months or so. The blend is 63% Syrah, 19% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache and 3% Petite Sirah. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. (Aug 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Deceptively understated, offering a profile of crushed rock and mineral joined by dark berry and spice, with a beefy note on the finish. Firmly tannic. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2024. 1,500 cases made. (3/31/13)"
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$179.95
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RP 93
WS 93
IWC 92
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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93 points Robert Parker: "A blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Grenache, and 26% Mourvedre, the 2006 Heart Stone Vineyard offers up scents of flowers, lavender, black cherries, raspberries, blackberries, underbrush, and forest floor. Justin Smith uses a lot of whole clusters in his fermentation, which seems to give his wines structure as well as nuance. This is the most French-like of Saxum’s 2006s, and it comes across like a restrained, northern Rhone-like effort that is only hinting at its ultimate potential. It will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 10-15 years. (Aug 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Intense and powerful, with ripe, focused plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit that's shaded by pepper and nutmeg flavors. Full-bodied, dense and chewy, with pleasantly earthy tannins. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2014. 390 cases made. (3/31/09)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(an 82/18 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot) Good full ruby. Sappy aromas of black raspberry, 38% syrah, 36% grenache and 26% mourvedre) Bright red. Sexy, strongly floral aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and candied flowers, with a suave Christmas spice quality. Sappy and sweet, with vivid red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a seductive overlay of cinnamon and mace. Bright minerals add lift and cut to the sappy finish. This was fermented with about 35% whole clusters. (Nov/Dec 2008)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Fabulous aromatics on this blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. About one-third inclusion of the stems during fermentation gives it a spiciness, and also some grippy tannins. Underneath are bright red and black stone fruits and berries. Very exotic and compelling. (Oct 2009)"
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$139.95
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United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
2
available
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$445.00
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RP 98
RR 98
WS 97
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "The 2008 James Berry Vineyard (52% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre, and 17% Syrah) saw some of its Grenache aged in the concrete eggs that are now catching on among some of the top producers on California’s Central Coast. With strong minerality from the limestone soil, this exuberant, fleshy, full-bodied wine is already drinking well. (I believe it was actually bottled just a day or two before my visit, which makes its performance that much more remarkable.) Dense purple, with sweet notes of barbecue smoke and meats as well as roasted herbs, extravagant black cherry, black currant, and blackberry fruit are all present in this wine, but there is plenty of underlying structure that comes from both the minerality and the Mourvedre component. Pure, full-bodied, but again, impressively elegant and nuanced, this is a tour de force and another prodigious example of this extraordinary vineyard site. (Aug 2010)"
98 points Rhone Report: "More refined and elegant than the '07, the 2008 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, a blend of 52% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre, and 17% Syrah, was aged in a combination of puncheons and smaller barrels for 19 months. It exudes class on the nose, possessing brilliant aromas of cherry and raspberry fruits, garrigue, flowers, licorice, and roasted meats. Every bit as good on the palate, the wine is full bodied with an ethereal, full, yet light texture, beautiful acidity, perfect balance, and a very long, seamless finish. It was enlightening to taste this side by side with the '07, and whereas the previous vintage has a touch more richness and heft to the fruit, the '08 shines on its complexity and seamless nature. This will most likely drink well for two decades. (Nov 2010)"
97 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2011 (#52),' Wine Spectator: "Riveting aromas of fresh raspberry, mineral, wilted rose and wild berry turn firm and spicy, full-bodied and concentrated on the finish, yet the flavors dance with acidity. The purity of the crushed rock and snappy berry flavors is rivaled by the elegance and finesse evident in the texture, balance and length. Ends with a subtle touch of toasty oak and black licorice. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 580 cases made (2/28/11)"
95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(52% grenache, 31% syrah and 17% mourvedre; 15.8% alcohol) Glass-staining ruby. A drop-dead bouquet displays red and dark berry preserves, potpourri, incense and smoky minerals. Sweet, sappy and penetrating, with open-knit raspberry and blackberry flavors complemented by notes of candied rose and violet. The palate-staining finish is broad, spicy and extremely persistent. This wine is approachable now but really deserves a good five more years of age. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
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$429.00
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RR 98
WA 98
WS 97
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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98 points Rhone Report: "A blend of 57% Grenache (60% aged in concrete), 31% Mourvedre, and 12% Syrah, the borderline perfect 2009 Saxum James Berry Vineyard is a more lithe, focused version of the blockbuster '07 and '08 and shows soaring aromas of creamy raspberry, black raspberry, flowers, licorice, and sappy underbrush like qualities on the nose. Both rich and brilliantly fresh on the nose, it maintains this same classy profile on the palate, where the wine is both full-bodied and concentrated, yet also beautifully balanced and poised. With air, a core of sweet fruit emerges and this has perfectly integrated acidity, rock solid structure, and a classically styled, focused finish. Given the overall balance and depth, give bottles another 2-4 years in the cellar, and then plan on consuming over the following 15+ years. More than a little impressive and this will stand toe to toe with the best wines in the world today. (Jun 2012)"
98 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Simply put, the 2009 James Berry Vineyard is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted from California, or anywhere for that matter. Bright, floral aromatics lead to expressive red fruit in this impossibly elegant, dazzling wine. A melange of rose petals, mint and licorice follows as the James Berry shows off its breathtaking clarity and finesse. Fine-grained, chalky tannins frame the exceptional finish. Frankly, I am surprised this is the first wine of the tasting. Where does one go from here? The 2009 James Berry is a bit of departure from previous vintages. This is the highest percentage of Grenache ever used in the blend, and a large portion of the Grenache was aged in concrete, an approach Smith has borrowed from producers in the Rhone. Originally Smith had intended to age less of the Grenache components in concrete, but the low yields of the vintage forced him to age about two-thirds of the Grenache in concrete. Call it a happy coincidence, but it certainly looks like things turned out well. Readers should do whatever they can to taste this fabulous wine. In 2009 the James Berry Vineyard is 57% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. (Aug 2011)"
97 points Wine Spectator: "Strikingly complex, openly rich and fruity and beautifully proportioned, with an initial burst of red berry fruit that echoes red and black licorice. It quickly gains traction and depth, with firm, layered tannins that give the spicy berry flavors a perfect foundation. Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 820 cases made. (11/9/11)"
97 points James Suckling: "Beautiful aromas of violets and sandalwood. Bright fruit too, with citrus, zest and mineral notes. Full, yet compacted and dense. Long and spicy yet minerally and fruity. Warm finish. So wonderful now but will age beautifully. Amazing elegance. The bulk of the Grenache was aged in concrete vats of about 17.8 hectolters. 57% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre, and 12% Syrah. (10/3/11)"
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$2,499.00
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United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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Grenache The Line:
97+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Grenache The Line explodes onto the palate with a rush of dark fruit, licorice and leather. It is a plush, muscular wine endowed with endless layers of flavor that build towards the multi-dimensional, eternal finish. I especially like the way the wine gains freshness and vibrancy as it sits in the glass. This is a striking, breathtaking wine from Sine Qua Non. The 2008 is a bigger, more powerful wine than its 2009 equivalent. In 2008 the blend is 87.5% Grenache, 11% Syrah and 1.5% Viognier. Roughly 21% of the wine (Grenache only) was fermented with whole clusters. The vineyard sources are 68% Eleven Confessions, 20% Cumulus, 9% Bien Nacido and 3% White Hawk. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Aug 2011)"
Syrah B 20:
95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Syrah B-20 is a cool, inward wine graced with layers of beautifully delineated, chiseled fruit. This is a distinctly mineral, precise style relative to the more outgoing 2009, but both are striking. Floral notes add lift as the finish turns explosive with a burst of dark fruit, tar, licorice and crushed rocks. This is one of the more understated wines readers are likely to come across from Sine Qua Non. It is gorgeous when given the time to open up. The B-20 is predominantly Syrah, with 6% Grenache and 2% Viognier. About half of the Grenache was fermented with whole clusters and the wine was aged in French oak (60% new) for 26 months. The vineyard sources are 52% Eleven Confessions, 18% Cumulus, 18% Bien Nacido and 12% White Hawk. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. (Aug 2011)"
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$675.00
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RP 100
IWC 94
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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100 points Robert Parker: "A dead-ringer (at least aromatically) for Guigal’s single vineyard Cote Rotie La Mouline, the 2002 Just For The Love of It is the greatest California Syrah I have yet tasted. A one-thousand case blend of 96% Syrah, 2% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, it is nearly equal parts Alban, Bien Nacido, and Stolpman fruit with a small amount from both Shadow Canyon and White Hawk. It boasts a provocative perfume of creme de cassis, toast, blackberries, licorice, barbecue spice, and exotic floral scents. Extremely full-bodied, with fabulous intensity, great purity, awesome length, and a finish that lasts over a minute, this classic is a must purchase. Already accessible, it will drink well for 10-15 years. (Aug 2004)"
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$450.00
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RP 96–99
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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2 x 375ml bottles Mr. K The Nobleman (Viognier)
1 x 375ml bottle Mr. K The Strawman (Semillon)
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Nobleman (Viognier) California 2000
96 points Robert Parker: "This is an absolutely amazing wine, and must be tasted to be believed. The 2000 The Noble Man botrytis wine is 12.2% alcohol, 22.7% residual sugar, and 100% Viognier from the Alban Vineyard. It was harvested at 42o brix. (Aug 2003)"
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Strawman Vin de Paille Santa Ynez Valley 2000 (Semillon)
99 points Robert Parker: "This is an absolutely amazing wine, and must be tasted to be believed. The 2000 The Straw Man Vin de Paille is 7% alcohol with 44.9% residual sugar. The grapes were air-dried for two months, and pressed at an amazing 56% sugar. It is 100% Semillon from the Brander Vineyard. A remarkable elixir, it competes favorably with the world’s greatest nectars. (Aug 2003)"
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$450.00
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RP 97
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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2 x 375ml bottles Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay)
1 x 375ml bottle Mr. K The Strawman (Semillon)
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay) California 2001
97 points Robert Parker: "While richer, sweeter, and more unctuous than the Iceman, 2001 Mr. K The Noble Man (Chardonnay), a Trockenbeerenauslese look-alike, possesses nervy, vibrant acidity that is hard to imagine in a wine of this mass and richness. The residual sugar is 255 grams per liter, with an amazing 11.1 grams per liter of acidity, and 11.7% finished alcohol. (Aug 2004)"
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Strawman Vin de Paille Santa Ynez Valley 2001 (Semillon)
97 points Robert Parker: "The 2001 Mr. K The Straw Man is a 100% Semillon made in the style of a vin de paille. There is an astonishing 371 grams per liter of residual sugar, with 8.63 grams per liter of total acidity, and a finished alcohol of 10%. It is a wine of extraordinary richness, honeyed complexity, and a finish that lasts over 60 seconds. (Aug 2004)"
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$450.00
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RP 94–98
IWC 96–98
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
2
available
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2 x 375ml bottles Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay)
1 x 375ml bottle Mr. K The Strawman (Semillon)
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay) California 2002
94 points Robert Parker: "The 2002 Mr. K The Noble Man (321 grams per liter of residual sugar and 10.25 grams per liter of acidity) is made from 100% botrytised Chardonnay. Its medium gold color is followed by a wine with honeyed complexity, and huge body, sweetness, and thickness. This effort is never as complex or focused as its siblings, but it is still a phenomenal sweet wine that can stand on its own merits against any great sweet wine made in the world. (Jun 2005)"
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Strawman Vin de Paille Santa Ynez Valley 2002 (Semillon)
98 points Robert Parker: "The virtually perfect 2002 Mr. K. The Straw Man boasts astounding statistics. Aged 30 months in barrel, with only 7.2% alcohol, it carries 482 grams per liter of residual sugar (half the wine), and 7.8 grams per liter of acidity. It is simply off the charts. Sexy, eye-popping, palate-staining stuff, it is like liquefied honey with extraordinary complexity, aromatics yet freshness and delineation. I simply do not understand how this wine was made given the technical numbers and its amazing sugar. It is neither heavy nor cloying, and is a remarkable tour de force created by two Austrian geniuses. (Jun 2005)"
96-98 points Stephen Tanzzer (International Wine Cellar): "(from semillon that was air-dried for 57 days) Deep yellow-gold. Initially extremely closed, then hinted at high-toned pineapple, maple syrup, lime and vanillin oak; gives up its perfume like a tree yields its sap. This pours, and tastes, more like a solid than a liquid. Incredibly thick, honeyed, clinging wine that's virtually impossible to spit. This elixir is not especially aromatic and yet it's not particularly heavy either. In fact, this is amazingly wine-like for a semi-liquid that's nearly 50% sugar (482 grams per liter). Find a loved one and get out the rubber sheets: maybe this one should have been called Inamorata. (Jul/Aug 2005)"
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$450.00
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RP 94–97
IWC 95–96
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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2 x 375ml bottles Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay)
1 x 375ml bottle Mr. K The Strawman (Semillon)
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Nobleman (Chardonnay) California 2003
94 points Robert Parker: "The 2003 Mr. K. The Noble Man, a 100% Chardonnay made from botrytised fruit, possesses 278 grams of residual sugar per liter and 9.9 grams of acid per liter. There are a whopping 537 cases of half bottles. While deep golden-hued and honeyed, with brilliant unctuosity, thickness, and richness, it takes third place when ranked against its two sweet siblings. Readers should think of it as a Chardonnay Trockenbeerenauslese. (Aug 2006)"
95-96 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(from Alban Vineyard) Medium gold. Knockout nose offers pure botrytis aromas oforange oil, apricot, clove, marzipan, chocolate and mocha. Extraordinarily thick and honeyed but with bracing acids leavening the flavors of marzipan, coconut, brown sugar andorange rind. Higher-toned than the gewurztraminer, with a spirity suggestion of Gran Marnier. Krankl was about to bottle this. I have rarely tasted such thoroughly botrytized chardonnay. This was picked in three passes in late November. Check out these numbers: 321 grams per liter of sugar, 10.25 grams of acidity, and 10.1% alcohol. (Jul/Aug 2005)"
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Strawman Vin de Paille Santa Ynez Valley 2003 (Semillon)
97 points Robert Parker: "The 2003 Mr. K. The Straw Man, a 100% Semillon vin de pays, boasts ... get this ... 435 grams of residual sugar per liter and 9.2 grams of acidity per liter. The grapes were picked in mid-September and then air-dried until early November (approximately 50 days) before fermentation began. A monumental wine of great intensity, richness, aromatic complexity, and a honeyed sweetness and balance that are almost beyond belief. Frankly, I don’t know how elixirs such as this can be made, but they demand unreal patience as well as meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and the winery. Like all SQN wines, what one confronts is brilliant singularity and individuality that provide us - mere mortals - the opportunity to watch and experience a genius play with our senses of pleasure and intellect. Whether we ever fully comprehend them is irrelevant - it is the challenge and fun of the quest that is damn fun! (Aug 2006)"
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$134.95
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RP 96
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
4
available
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96 points Robert Parker: "The days of the Mr. K wines are gone forever with the tragically premature death of Austrian Alois Kracher, who had partnered with Manfred Krankl in this intriguing homage to sweet nectars. Krankl continues on his own, and in Spring, 2011, he will release the 2008 Jinete Bajo Roussanne Vin de Paille, which is named after his wife's favorite horse. Made from 100% estate fruit, with a finished alcohol level of 11.8%, a whopping 240 grams per liter of residual sugar, and 8.7 grams of acidity, this is a pure nectar of honeyed marmalade, waxy, syrupy honeysuckle, exotic creme brulee, and citrus. The remarkable acidity cuts through the extraordinary sweetness, so the impression is fresh and vibrant. Krankl has pulled off a marvelous balancing act with this cuvee. How long will it last? I have no idea - maybe 50-100 years, but given the fact there are only 235 cases of half bottles, most of it will be consumed before 2020. (Aug 2010)"
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$229.95
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WS 91
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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91 points Wine Spectator: "Dark, ripe, intense and spicy, with a minty edge to the smoky, meaty currant, berry and cedary flavors. Turns complex and leathery on the finish. 600 cases made. (11/30/96)"
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