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| Our expert
staff selects their favorites from among our 5,000+ item inventory on
a monthly basis. These picks span a broad range of regions, prices and
styles. One common feature is exceptional quality and value. Learn
more about our staff by clicking on their names below. |
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$59.95
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AM 93
IWC 90–93
WS 91
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or White
Pre-arrival, 12+ available, 3-bottle minimum order
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List $79.00 |
93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "The intense stoniness of this wine is immediately evident as it suffuses every aspect from nose to finish. An ultra elegant aromatic profile features notes of acacia, pear and dried rose petal before sliding gracefully into detailed, driving and explosive medium-bodied flavors that display cuts-like-a-knife precision on the almost aggressively mineral-driven finish that seems to go on and on. A study in purity and a classic Perrières. Comments: Sweet spot Outstanding. Drink: 2016+. (Jun 2010)"
90-93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(from three "very different parcels" that are always blended late) Crushed stone, spices, violet and lavender on the musky, high-pitched nose. Rich and deep in the mouth; comes across as sweeter today than the Genevrieres but there's also a pronounced stony, flinty minerality and ripe lemony acidity to give the wine shape and backbone. Quite concentrated and backward today, and ultimately harder to taste than the Genevrieres. Aging in just 20% new oak, which Prost emphasized was the highest he used for any of the Bouchard 2008s, along with the Corton-Charlemagne. (Sep/Oct 2009)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$79 list] Light toast accents the lemon, white peach and mineral flavors in this gentle white. This is a bit hard on the back end, but persistent and stony. Give it some time. Best from 2012 through 2024. 80 cases imported. (7/31/10)" |
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$10.99
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WA 89
FWR 88
France
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $15.00 |
89 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$15 list] From Chasselas grown on stony glacial scree along the shores of Lake Geneva in the northern Savoie, tourist-destination Chateau de Ripaille's 2008 Vin de Savoie Ripaille smells of fresh peaches and lime with salted, toasted pumpkin seeds; coats the palate with salty, chalky traces that it is hard not to associate literally with its terroir; and refreshes in its long finish, yet with a richness that belies its mere 11.5% alcohol. Enjoy this over the next 2-3 years. (Aug 2009)"
88 points Fine Wine Review: "From vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva. Edgy white fruit in both the nose and mouth with a cool, steely texture characterize this mountain wine. Light in texture, firm and nervy with a touch of tartness on the finish, this is a very good aperitif or opening wine, very much resembling a fine Muscadet from the other end of the country. 11.5% stated alcohol. (Issue #127; 2010)"
Producer notes: "The Château of Ripaille has a long tradition of excellence in wine making dating to the 15th Century when the vineyard was owned by the Dukes of Savoy, one of whom later became Pape Felix V, and then by Cartusian Monks. The tradition continues today with the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée 'Cru Ripaille'. This vineyard is situated along Lake Geneva which provides an ideal micro-climate and soil contions for Chasselas grapes. This wine is pale in color with an intriguing nose that combines creamy mineral notes with a touch of quinine. The wine is medium-bodied, with additional hints of lime, almond and dried peach. An excellent aperitif and delicious complement to fish and cheese." |
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$49.99
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AM 89–91
WS 90
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $63.00 |
From a 0.89 ha parcel located at the top of the slope on the Northern part of Beaune, above the Cent Vignes vineyards. The soil is thinner, so the vines suffer a bit more, yielding a wine with great minerality and structure. The vines are younger here (25 to 30 years old) but they get great ripeness and it is also the last vineyard they pick. It is the most powerful and structured wine of the range, yet maintains a rich, fleshy texture.
89-91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Noticeable reduction knocks down the nose though the medium-bodied flavors are cool, reserved and detailed and ironically, quite fresh as well with more minerality on the detailed and tension filled finish that displays excellent cut and focus. I like this as it's an elegant Beaune based on its minerality. Comments: Sweet spot Outstanding. Drink: 2013+. (Apr 2009)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$63 list] A lively, focused red, showing red currant, cherry and spice aromas and flavors. Elegant and balanced, with a sweet fruit, licorice and mineral aftertaste. Best from 2011 through 2020. 90 cases imported. (7/14/10)" |
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$49.99
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AM 92
WS 90
WN 90
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $65.00 |
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "($65 list; an 80/20 pinot and chardonnay blend with 80% of the fruit from ’05 and 20% from ‘04). A gorgeously complex and elegant nose that is classy and restrained yet not shy with notes of brioche, lemon rind and rose petal aromas that introduce fresh, racy, detailed and moderately effervescent flavors that carry as much depth as the nose hints at, all wrapped in a sappy and lingering finish. The bead is not especially fine but the character and overall harmony is impressive. Lovely stuff. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$65 list] The rich texture offers a haven for graphite, citrus and vanilla flavors, while the firm structure keeps it all focused and drives the lingering finish. Drink now through 2011. (10/15/09)"
90 points Wine News: "Honeyed aromas of stone fruit cobbler, minerals, butterscotch and mixed grains. A pleasing oxidized note frames flavors of apple, red fruit, beer and pecan. Long, mature close. (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)"
Wall Street Journal ("Alice Feiring's Top Champagne Picks"): "[$60 list] A small grower champagne (they only produce about 2000 cases a year), this is a heavy pinot noir based champagne and a brilliant apertif. With shy bubbles, this is like a girl in a maillot reaching into the feedbag for a sun warmed green pear. (9/12/09)" |
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$13.95
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France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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| Domaine de Piaugier is situated in and around the village of Sablet, which stands proudly at the feet of the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail in the Vaucluse department of the Southern Rhône. The domaine has two great advantages. First, the domaine is composed of a large number of small plots and therefore various soils, including sandy decalcified red clay, flint, clay, silt, chalk and gravel. The second advantage is the age of the vines - - as they are between 20 and 45 years old, they are in their full, rich, plentiful prime. This wine is approximately 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, from sand, clay and silt soil. 25 year old vines with a 40 hl/ha yield. 21-day fermentation period, with the Grenache in cement tank and the Syrah in 3-4 year-old barrels. |
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$17.99
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W&S 91
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00 |
| 91 points Wine & Spirits: "[$24 list] Half of the fruit for this juicy blend comes from young vines, half from old-vine Carinena and Garnacha. The fruit is delightfully red, prettier and more accessible than what has become typical in Priorat. There's refinement to the acidity that lends the wine its nerve. For roast partridge. (Oct 2009)" |
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$14.99
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IWC 89
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00 |
| 89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($24 list; 55% garnacha and 45% carinena) Deep red. Seductive, mineral-driven aromas of red berries, pencil lead, spicecake and dried flowers. Light-bodied, sweet red fruit flavors are firmed by dusty tannins and lifted by blood orange and white pepper. Graceful and brisk Priorat wine with a firm, minerally quality to the finish. (Sep/Oct 2009)" |
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$44.99
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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| Not the most famous 1er cru in Beaune, Pertuisots means a "hollow on the slope". The vineyard sits next to the Clos des Mouches, on the Southern part of Beaune, closer to Pommard where more serious Beaunes are made. Croix owns two blocks in this vineyard for a total of 0.53 hectare. This is a deep, fleshy, concentrated wine. Fruit is getting darker compared to the Cent Vignes but the "Beaune elegance" is still there. Meadows' quote on this wine is that it is "unusually good". |
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$17.99
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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| A special deal from the vintage just came along that represents as good of a value in Napa Cabernet as we've seen in a long time. Firm, ripe and accessible now, with blackberry, cherry and violet aromas. Full bodied, with ripe berry, espresso and cocoa notes. Round and well structured. Chewy tannins to a long, silky finish. The fruit comes from Pritchard Hill, St. Helena and Mt. Veeder, which are home to some of the most sought after (and expensive) vineyards in Napa Valley. So how do we explain the low price? It's simple, inventories on finished wine have been backing up, so many wineries have backed out on grape contracts. That in turn has created unique buying opportunities for small, boutique wineries that purchase fruit and make their wine at custom crush facilities (such as JRE). In 2007, JRE owner John Robert Eppler was able to purchase some amazing, passed-over fruit at exceptional pricing. We've sold the JRE wines over the years to great fanfare, as they've always represented great value. However, this 2007 is far and away the best wine John has crafted and through a special bulk purchase, we're able to offer it at this crazy low price... |
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$23.99
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Switzerland
In stock, 12+ available
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| Producer notes: "Chasselas. The Saint-Saphorin - Sous les Rocs is noted for its heady and energetic character. Its exciting aromas bring to mind stone fruit varieties or an aged eau de vie. Rich, with a velvety texture, charming and sensual in the mouth, it has a long-lasting finish. The full-bodied Saint-Saphorin - Sous les Rocs is a wonderful accompaniment to a carpaccio of scallops, raw or marinated fish, boiled chicken or a cheese soufflé." |
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$39.99
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Italy
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Veneto
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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| Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2005 Primofiore is a fresh, vinous red loaded with perfumed red fruits, spices and sweet herbs. This medium-bodied offering is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. (Oct 2008)" |
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$26.99
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PG 93
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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| 93 points Peñín Guide: "(tinto fino [tempranillo] 95%, cabernet sauvignon 5%) Colour: dark-red cherry, garnet rim. Nose: fruit expression, elegant, balanced, cocoa bean, creamy oak. Palate: flavourful, fruity, rich, toasty. (2009)" |
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$49.99
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France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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| 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay. From the coolest name for a town in the wine biz, Dizy. Many of you are familiar with this producer's "regular" brut, which is by far our best selling bubbly in the store, but this bottling is much less known for the simple reason it's never been imported here before. We talked the local importer into bring some in for us, so it's finally here. A serious, salmon colored rosé loaded with strawberry and cherry. |
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$29.99
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AM 88–90
France
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Burgundy
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Macon/Chalonnaise
In stock, 12+ available
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| 88-90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A very primary, indeed borderline raw nose combines with zesty, intense and mineral-driven flavors that deliver excellent depth and a racy, palate staining and balanced finish. 2008+. (Oct 2006)" |
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$20.99
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WA 94
IWC 94
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00 |
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$50/750ml list] The 2004 Fontalloro (100% Sangiovese) comes across as fresher and brighter than the Rancia. Light on its feet, this graceful, delicate wine opens with sweet, perfumed aromatics that meld into raspberries, flowers, spices and a touch of sweet oak that lingers on the finish. It offers remarkable clarity and precision in a pure, focused style, with superb balance and finessed tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019.
There is not too much more I can say about the wines of Felsina and proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin, except that they are reference point wines for anyone who wants to discover the essence of contemporary Sangiovese from Chianti Classico. This is a compelling set of new releases from Mazzocolin and long-time consulting oenologist Franco Bernabei, one of the giants of modern Tuscan oenology. Even better, the wines remain very fairly priced. I was amused when another producer complained to me recently about Felsina’s prices. They were far too low, he insisted. (Jun 2008)"
94 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "(100% sangiovese) Good full ruby. Richer and even more minerally on the nose than the '04 Rancia, offering plenty of orange zest, lily and pleasantly tart red cherry aromas. Lush, very ripe red fruit flavors and a salty edge give this immediate appeal, but make it a bit less refined than the Rancia in '04. The tannins, though, are smoother and slide effortlessly along the very long finish. (Jul/Aug 2007)" |
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$18.99
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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| Sylvain Pataille is a consulting enologist to some of the biggest names in the Côte d'Or (Christophe Roumier is among his clients) and recently began his own domaine. His approach in the vineyards and the cuvérie is to make wines as naturally as possible. From village vines averaging over 50 years of age, this is quite possibly the best under-$20 Pinot Noir in all of Burgundy! Lightish in body, this is all about freshness and drinkability. An exceptional value, this is a wine to consider buying by the case, as all of Pataille's 2007s are now sold out at the domaine. |
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$7.99
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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| Made from 80% old vine Colombard (native to the region) Gros Manseng and Ugni Blanc grapes. The nose explodes with grapefruit and lilac and the palate shows crisp lime and mineral character. Friendly at the table, or perfect as a quenching aperitif. |
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$9.99
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France
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Bordeaux
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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$9.99
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France
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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| 60% Colombard, 20% Ugni Blanc and 20% Gros Manseng. Nice herbal aromas lead to crisp flavors and overall pungency reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. |
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$36.95
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AM 93
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $46.00 |
| 93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A beautifully complex nose reflects notes of brioche, yeast and baked apple trimmed in a bit of citrus that gives way to crisp, intense and utterly delicious flavors that also possess fine depth and in contrast to some versions of this genre, while there is good fruit, it's a background element but as the category suggests, the finish is very dry. I very much like this because while it is quite dry with seriously copious effervescence, there is nothing aggressive about it. Drink now with pleasure or age for a few years if your taste runs to well-aged Champagne. This is well worth considering. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)" |
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$15.99
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WS 89
France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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List $21.00 |
89 points Wine Spectator: "[$21 list] Bright and fresh, with sappy concentration to the red and black cherry, black tea and violet notes that glide seamlessly through the enticing finish. Gamay. Drink now. 800 cases made. (5/31/10)"
Gamay-based red wine from the Loire Valley with rich color and flavors marked by black fruits such as black cherries and blackcurrants. Complex and fine. |
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$13.99
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IWC 88
France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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| 88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$18 list] Pale yellow-gold. Subtle aromas of orange, pear and honeysuckle, with a subtle mineral undertone. The fresh, supple palate conveys a restrained sweetness, good intensity, and a light touch, with little in the way of varietal herbacity. A smooth, easy-going rendition of sauvignon blanc, with good finishing breadth and sneaky length. (May/Jun 2010)" |
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$15.99
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New Zealand
In stock, 12+ available
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| Producer notes: "A vibrant example of Sauvignon Blanc showing a glorious medley of ripe aromas - passionfruit, persimmon, pear, honeysuckle and a hint of ruby grapefruit. It is rich and finely textured, with great drive through the palate. Aiming for a more restrained, food-friendly style, a small portion was fermented in older barrels to enhance mid palate weight. As wine-writer Tyson Stelzer noted last year 'Helen Masters’ ideal sauvignon is neither herbaceous nor tropical, but strikes a balance in between.'" |
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$15.99
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IWC 91
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
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List $21.00 |
| 91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "($21 list; a 50/50 blend) Bright red-ruby. Subtle, fresh and wonderfully aromatic nose offers complex scents of redcurrant, blueberry, strawberry, tobacco, mocha, graphite, leather and cedar. Penetrating and claret-like, with superb delineation to the redcurrant and tobacco flavors. Perfectly integrated acidity and an intriguing herbal nuance give this wine a light touch. Finishes with tactile, dusty tannins and lovely lift and persistence. Offers compelling complexity and class for the price. This is actually the second wine issued by this joint venture between Lafite-Rothschild and Nicolas Catena: the 2007 flagship bottling had not yet arrived in the market at press time. (Jan/Feb 2010)" |
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$15.99
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Greece
In stock, 12+ available
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| The only high quality Retsina available in the market today. Ritinitis is made from the Roditis grape variety that is harvested in the Aegialia region of the North-eastern Peloponnese. Once the grapes are destemmed and crushed, only the free-run must is kept for the Ritinitis production. During fermentation, a carefully calculated quantity of resin from the Pinus Halepensis pine tree is added to the must. After fermentation, the wine is clarified with bentonite. Tartrate precipitation is controlled by a cool stabilization of the wine at -4C and then bottled. Overall, Ritinitis is a well-made white wine with a hint of mint and eucalyptus on the nose. This wine pairs extremely well with salty foods and Indian cuisine. |
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$19.99
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Ruby red. Intese bouquet of plums, very ripe fruit and violets. Reveals powerful structure and soft tannins,along with long finish and aftertaste."
Two Glasses Gambero Rosso: "The Cerretta area of Serralunga hosts Sergio Germano's cellar, the headquarters, as it were, of a wine operation that has made a quantum leap forward in the last few years... (2010)" |
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$24.99
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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The late Sheldon Wasserman said it all in his magnum opus (co-authored by wife Pauline) Italy's Noble Red Wines: "Bruno Giacosa is without question one of Italy’s -- make that the world’s finest winemakers." Giacosa's "baby" Barolo (or Barbaresco), if you will. From a vineyard in the Roero zone, it paradoxically embodies both a slight austerity and a certain feminine softness, even elegance.
Not yet reviewed. 2007 vintage rated 90 points by Wine Spectator: "Strawberry and cedar aromas follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a ripe fruit aftertaste. Like a baby Barolo. A better value from Giacosa. Best from 2010 through 2014. 1,200 cases made." |
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$16.99
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France
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Other
In stock,
3
available
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| From the Altesse varietal, Jacquin's Roussette de Savoie Marestel is another delicious, thirst-quenching wine from Savoie, this time with more body than Jacquère or Chasselas, and more subtle aromas than Roussanne. Quince, flowers, apricot and a touch of honey rise from the medium-bodied palate, which finishes with just a hint of mountain tonic. A wonderful match for light to medium-bodied white fish, cold chicken salads, shrimp dim sung, and crab fritters. |
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$27.99
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Portugal
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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| Producer notes: "From the Baga grape planted in chalky-clay soils from vines with an average age of forty years. Vinified in stainless steel vats for ten days, it was matured in used casks (650 litres of capacity) for fifteen months. To be dished up with gamey meats as well as other red meat dishes. It will last more than fifteen years." |
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$9.99
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Austria
In stock, 12+ available
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| Exotically delicate aromas of apple and spicy herbs. Good body, balanced and sappy through the finish. Great value! |
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$14.99
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WA 90
WS 89
Austria
In stock, 12+ available
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List $40.00 |
90 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "From vines he planted himself in one of the highest, steepest places on the schistic, quartzite- and iron-rich Eisenberg, plus fruit from neighboring parcels, Schiefer’s 2005 Blaufrankisch Szapary suggests Sichuan pepper and black tea in its smokiness, and loads the nose and palate with pure, fresh blackberry fruit, then offers a complex and scintillating inner-mouth display of crustacean minerality, subtly bitter-sweet florality, and pungent spice. What’s more, this represents an exceptional value in red wine by any standards. (Jun 2008)"
89 points Wine Spectator: "[$40 list] Very stylish and rich, with well-sculpted flavors of raspberry, plum pudding and spice. Pure, minerally and juicy, with pepper, mint and chocolate on the fresh finish. Drink now through 2014. 50 cases imported. (2009)" |
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$19.99
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W&S 90
Portugal
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00 |
| 90 points Wine & Spirits: "[$25 list] Intriguing notes of red fruit add depth to this wine's lime-citrus flavors. It's youthfully acidic, but also impressively ripe, almost tropical, with hints of guava. Give this six months to a year and it should evolve well, to serve with prawns roasted with lemon and garlic. (Aug 2010)" |
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$18.99
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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| Produced from the native Calabrian red grape Magliocco, this wine is ruby red in color, with a bouquet of red ripe fruit, wild strawberries and sweet spice aromas. Soft and balanced body. Excellent accompaniment to lamb chops. |
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$18.99
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Other countries
In stock, 12+ available
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| Like most single-owner Croatian wineries, the story of Toreta on Korcula is all about a family history of winemaking that stopped during Communism and is now working to produce again. In this case, the man who has taken up the helm is the very young Frano Banicevic, who, at 25 has begun to run the winery that his great-grandfather built at the turn of the 20th century. Like most of the new generation in Croatia that are taking over from their parents or grandparents, they are full of ideas and ways to get their wines more well-known. One of the biggest examples of this is that fact that there are actually signs to the Toreta winery and it is quite easy to find in Smokvica. Others are a little more subtle like a gradual change in the design of the bottle labels. The one thing that really doesn't change is the commitment to producing good wines. The 2007 Posip has a nose of fresh sage, cut grass, white flowers and lychee perfume give way to golden apples and Asian pear. Minerality notes show salt/petrol, oil, with a hint of almond. |
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$14.50
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Spain
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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| Producer notes: "This light and crisp wine is bottled with residual carbon to give it its signature natural spritz. Bright briny sea salt combined with limey fruits. Fresh and eminently quaffable. 90% Hondarribi Zuri and 10% Hondarribi Beltza." |
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$79.99
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JG 92
WA 90
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "(2005 release) I have a good friend in Germany that likes to age his non-vintage Billecart bottlings for several years prior to serving, as he believes that these wines are now released quite a bit younger than was the case a generation ago, and that the additional bottle age is mandatory to really enjoy Billecart at its apogee. It is hard to argue with his results, as this bottle of non-vintage Blanc de Blancs was just lovely three years out from its release, as it offers up a fine nose of green apple, pink grapefruit, bread dough, lovely chalky soil tones and a gentle topnote of yeastiness. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, crisp and complex, with fine balance, tiny bubbles, bright acids and fine length and grip on the blossoming and serious finish. This is still young days for this wine and another year or two should add a nice note of brioche to the flavors and even more generosity on the palate. A classy Blanc de Blancs. 2008-2018. (May/Jun 2009)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Blanc de Blancs (from vineyards in the Cote des Blancs) emerges with firm, chalky notes that frame a highly individualistic expression of Chardonnay. The wine possesses striking depth and clarity, along with a graceful, elegant finish. This is another very strong effort from Billecart-Salmon. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. (Dec 2009)" |
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$11.99
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France
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Burgundy
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Beaujolais
In stock,
8
available
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| Domaine de Colette is in the small village of Lantignié, regarded as the top village in the Régnié cru, and is owned by Jacky and Evelyne Gauthier. The soils at Colette are worked organically in an effort to promote healthy and vigorous root systems. They limit vine treatments during the year and intervene only when completely necessary. A green harvest is performed to give more concentrated grapes. This wine is fabulous with chicken, veal, roast pork, sausages, terrines and hot hors d'oeuvre, cheeses and mushroom-based vegetarian dishes. |
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$41.99
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France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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| This non-vintage Champagne is three-quarters grand and premier cru juice from the excellent 2004 vintage. About one-third of the wine was aged in oak without undergoing malolactic fermentation. Further complexity was imparted by the addition of 25% reserve wines. After four years aging sur-lees, the Extra Brut Passion was disgorged and topped off with an ultra low dosage. It is fresh and complex, honeyed (not toasty) and is impeccably dry without being the least bit austere. |
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$14.99
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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| Blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Limpid salmon pink in color. Flattering bouquet of citrus fruits and red fruit. Fresh and smooth on the palate, evoking the juiciness of apricots and grapefruit. |
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$26.99
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WA 88
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or White
In stock, 12+ available
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List $30.00 |
From the walled vineyard right in front of the Château inside the village of Puligny-Montrachet, this over-achieving Bourgogne Blanc is stellar year in and year out. It definitely shows the floral and mineral notes in the nose that make the village famous. Good length and buttery, citrus fruit make this a great wine at any price, but this "little" wine from an estate with an embarrassing array of riches can stand up to the best of them.
88 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$30 list] The penetrating clarity and fresh lemon scents and flavors of his 2007 Bourgogne Clos du Chateau certainly points to health and purity of fruit, although there is more than enough sense of stuffing to go along with the wine's brightness. Nectarine and white peach add succulence and a suggestion of sweetness, while chalky and herbal inflections lend invigoration to a spirited finish. This displays considerable polish for its appellation, and should remain a pleasure to drink over the next 3-4 years. (Dec 2009)"
The 2005 vintage of this wine was named "Wine of the Week" by the Los Angeles Times (1/21/09), which wrote: "...crisp and cool, with accents of citrus, flowers and white pepper, and a gorgeous buttery texture. Since Etienne de Montille took over as wine director, Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet is finally living up to its potential. The vineyards are now organic and most of them are biodynamic. He's introduced changes in the cellar, too, and the results are dramatic. A pretty great value for the quality -- and a real indulgence. A white Burgundy like this is a great basic to have on hand all the time, to drink with steamed shellfish, crab or lobster, seafood stews and chowders. It also makes a fine aperitif with a little smoked trout or salmon." |
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$15.99
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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| Producer notes: "Syrah 44%, Petite Syrah 39%, Cabernet Sauvignon 9%, Petit Verdot 8%. The grapes for this wine were harvested from 3 mature vineyards located in northern Sonoma County. The wines were fermented separately and aged in new French and American oak barrels for 17 months. 278 cases made." |
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$21.99
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WS 90
Italy
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Piedmont
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Barbera
In stock,
11
available
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List $27.00 |
| 90 points Wine Spectator: "[$27 list] A bright and fruity red, with fresh raspberry and blackberry tart aromas. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit and soft, velvety tannins. Long and delicious. Drink now. 8,400 cases made. (12/15/08)" |
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$16.99
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France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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| Wine Enthusiast: "A soft, almond-flavored wine packed with sweet strawberries. There is good acidity balanced by some caramel and softness, which make this a good bet as an apéritif wine." From 100% Pinot Noir. |
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$23.99
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IWC 92
WA 92
RR 92
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $30.00 |
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(100% garnacha) Opaque violet. Sexy aromas of red and dark berries, sandalwood, spicecake and fresh rose. Spicy, concentrated raspberry and blackberry flavors are given spine by zesty minerals and pick up a smoky quality with air. Impressively lively for such a rich wine, with strong finishing spiciness and lingering notes of licorice and red berries. (Sep/Oct 2009)"
92 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The entry-level 2007 Veraton is 100% estate-grown Garnacha aged for 17 months in new French and American oak before bottling without filtration. Deep crimson-colored, it has a sexy nose of smoke, spice box, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry that wafts from the glass. Full-bodied on the palate with layers of succulent red and black fruit, it is balanced, pure, and lengthy. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. The vocal low-alcohol crowd will have disdain for this wine; those who enjoy big, powerful, in-your-face wine will love it. (Apr 2010)"
92 points Rhone Report: "A stunning wine, the 2007 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja Veraton (100% Garnacha) is jam packed with blackberry liqueur, coffee, smoke, vanilla and new oak nuances that while exuberant and ripe, stop short of being over the top. The palate is full bodied with gobs of ripe, sweet fruit, beautiful balance, a firm, edgy feel and a long, clean finish. If you.re oak adverse, give this a year or two in the cellar, otherwise, drink this stunning value over the next 10 to 12 years. (Feb 2010)" |
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$39.50
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Italy
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Umbria
In stock, 12+ available
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| From Montefalco in Umbria. Produced from approximately equal parts of Sagrantino, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. Organic/biodynamic (not certified). |
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$71.99
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AM 91
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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| 91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from purchased fruit in Sentiers and Les Carrières and released under the Maison Virgile Lignier label). A very gentle touch of wood frames an open, airy and almost diaphanous mix of notably ripe red and blue pinot fruit with plum and warm earth hints that precede round, rich and generous flavors that are delicious, powerful and serious with a vibrant and driving finish. An excellent showing and a wine for the medium term. 2012+. (Jan 2008)" |
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$18.99
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WA 89
PG 89
Spain
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Red
In stock,
3
available
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89 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate). No tasting note given, but following note is by Wine Advocate on the 2004 vintage: "Serious efforts are being made to elevate quality in La Mancha and this is one signpost. The 2004 Pago Florentino is an estate bottled wine composed of 100% Tempranillo from young vines. It was aged for 12 months in new and used French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it offers up attractive fruity aromas of plums, blueberry, and licorice with smoky, toasty notes in the background. This is followed by a lush, medium to full-bodied wine with a supple texture, ripe fruit, and good flavors in an easy-drinking, user-friendly style. Drink this hedonistic effort over the next 2-3 years. (Feb 2008)"
89 points Peñín Guide: "(Tempranillo 100%) Deep cherry colour, powerful aroma, very toasted (roasted), spicy, earthy, candied fruit, flavourful palate, fat, roasted finish, ripe tannins. (2008)" |
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$59.99
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RP 93
IWC 92
France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
11
available
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93+ points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige is a classic. Full-bodied, powerful, dense, with a complete personality, it exhibits terrific peppery, licorice-infused, black currant and kirsch-like fruit, a broad, savory, expansive mouthfeel, and a powerful, long finish with sweet but not very noticeable tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. (Oct 2007)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Bright red. Explosively perfumed aromas of vivid, mineral-dominated redcurrant, strawberry and tangy blood orange; smells like Burgundy. Tangy red fruit flavors offer impressive clarity and flavor impact, with no excess weight. Fresh, precise and persistent on the strikingly sweet, clinging finish. (Jan/Feb 2008)" |
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