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$22.99
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France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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Not yet reviewed. 2007 vintage was Los Angeles Times 'Wine of the Week': "A beautiful floral Alsatian Gewürztraminer like this one can hold its own with the myriad flavors... Spicy and a touch sweet, the 2007 Albert Mann Gewürztraminer has a lithe acidity and a fresh, delightful finish. This inexpensive beauty comes from one of Alsace's top estates and a family of winegrowers whose history goes back to the 17th century. (11/25/09)"
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$15.99
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WE 87
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] A lovely Merlot, soft and supple. Shows a fine balance of cherry fruit, herbs and sweet oak, with modest alcohol and dusty tannins. Very nice and elegant. (Dec 2009)"
Producer notes: "Anyone who thinks Merlot is a lightweight has never tried this one. The 2007 is a well-structured wine with the kind of characteristics often ascribed to Cabernet. Those characteristics are the result of the unique qualities of the five vineyards on the valley's southern end that provided the fruit for the 2007. The heavier soils in each of the vineyard sites allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and develop a wide range of flavors. What you will find here is a lush Merlot with aromas of black cherry, plum, blackberry and cassis. In the glass are big flavors of plum, vanilla and dark cherry. On those occassions when you are about to reach for a Cab to serve with a particular dish, try this Merlot. You'll be surprised how good a partner it is."
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$15.99
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United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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Producer notes: "The 2007 is a classic Alexander Valley Zinfandel. In the glass, you'll find generous aromas of black cherries, blueberries, vanilla and spice. The big fruit notes are apparent right at the front end. The hefty flavors of cherries and plums carry this wine right through the mid-palate, paving the way for a lengthy finish, where a touch of spicy oak rears its head."
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$8.99
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Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Santa Cristina was originally introduced in 1946 asa Chianti Classico by Piero Antinori’s father, Niccolò. However, with the passage of the 1984 DOCG laws - spearheaded by Piero Antinori- requiring lower vineyard yields, Chianti Classico grapes became so complex and rich that they required more aging than this fruity fresh wine should have to maintain its style and character. Therefore, with the 1987 vintage Santa Cristina moved away from the Chianti Classico designation, and with the 1994 vintage Antinori began including 10% Merlot to the blend to add soft, open fruit nuances to the wine.
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$54.99
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WS 95
WA 92
WE 91
United States
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Sparkling
In stock,
6
available
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95 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2009 (#18)', Wine Spectator: "Elegant, with very fine bubbles and complex spice, coffee, pear and toast aromas and flavors that are poised against lacy acidity and refined structure, letting the flavors sail on and on with finesse. Drink now. 1,115 cases made. (12/15/09)"
92 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "Light gold-colored, this lively, vibrant effort has tons of flavor and exceptional length. Drink it over the next 3 years. (Oct 2009)"
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Argyle's Extended Tirage benfits from all the extra bottle age. It's far and away the smoothest and toastiest of the winery's current sparkling wine releases, lavishing toasted hazelnut and toasted coconut flavors along with dried apple, papaya and lemon rind. Complex yet still nicely fruity. Editors' Choice. (Apr 2010)"
67% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir.
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$21.99
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WA 90
United States
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Pinot Noir
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Oregon
In stock, 12+ available
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List $28.00
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90 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$28 list] The 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is medium ruby-colored with an enticing bouquet of toast, cinnamon, rose petal, cherry, and cranberry. Sweet and seamless on the palate, this elegant effort has a bit of structure, excellent concentration, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 6 years. (Oct 2009)"
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$17.99
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RP 90
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Robert Parker: "One of the finest values in the Central Coast is their Cuvee Le Bec, and the 2007, a blend of 44% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, and 8% Counoise, is one of the two great Cotes du Rhone look-alikes of the Central Coast (the other being the 2007 Cotes de Tablas). This is the type of wine that California can do so well, but rarely does. Part of the reason may be due to the difficulty of trying to convince consumers that a proprietary blend, available at a much lower price, can ultimately be better than some single varietal wines. The super 2007 Cuvee Le Bec is a sexy, delicious concoction of red and black cherries, black currants, pepper, spice box, and fruitcake. Medium to full-bodied and pure with supple tannins and a fleshy, lush personality, it will provide immense pleasure over the next 3-4 years. (Aug 2009)"
Producer notes: "This wine has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the great marriages of quality and value in California winemaking, consistently earning rave reviews with nods to its exceptional pricing. With its nose of blueberry, grenadine, licorice, lavender and smoke, and its sweet tannins and opulent Grenache-infused fruit flavors, we think the 2008 vintage is our best Cuvée Le Bec to date."
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$19.99
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CG 87
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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87 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$25 list] Nicely concentrated and exhibiting a well-composed mix of ripe berries, spice and complementary oak, this medium-full-bodied youngster counts vitality as a real plus. While its energy comes at the cost of a bit of cramping last-minute acidity, it is not an especially tannic wine, and it should relax if allowed a few years of quiet cellar aging. (Mar 2010)"
Producer notes: "Following in the footsteps of the exceptional 2007 vintage, our 2008 Estate Syrah offers another compelling expression of Syrah from our estate vineyards. Crafted to offer a broader take of how this varietal expresses itself in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley, this is a lushly textured wine that highlights the rich diversity of our Syrah plantings. The aromas are deep and enticing, with layers of plum, blackberry, dark chocolate and spice elements--all of which are echoed on the palate. We are extremely pleased with this wine, and think that it makes a phenomenal go-to Syrah."
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$16.99
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WE 89
Italy
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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89 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$25 list] Rosso di Verzella is a rich expression from Mt. Etna with luscious aromas of barbecue smoke, bacon, wild berry and slate roof. The wine is elegant and powerful at the same time and offers a fine berry texture in the mouth. (Dec 2009)"
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$29.99
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Italy
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Sicily
In stock,
11
available
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A beautiful red wine from Mount Etna in Sicily, made from a blend of the native Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grape varieties. Light-medium red Pinot-like color; aroma of red and black fruits, with balsamic hints; medium weight on the palate but very flavorful and long on the finish, excellent balance. This wine has far more weight and complexity than you'd expect from the relatively pale color. It shows an almost Burgundian combination of finesse and substance, leaving a wonderful lingering impression on the palate.
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$29.99
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WS 91
Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock,
6
available
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List $38.00
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91 points Wine Spectator: "[$38 list] Shows plenty of crushed blackberry and cherry, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins that turn to vanilla and raspberry on the finish. Drink now through 2014. (9/30/08)"
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$21.99
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WS 93
Italy
In stock, 12+ available
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'Top 100 Wine of 2009 (#10)' and 93 points Wine Spectator: "There's wonderful intensity of fruit in this wine, with crushed raspberry and blackberry and hints of coffee and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, soft-textured finish that shows loads of fruit. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. Smart Buys. (10/31/09)"
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$56.99
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United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock,
9
available
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Producer notes: "This spectacular and challenging site consistently delivers fruit that we find particularly compelling and difficult to describe. Very steep slopes of botella clay, diatomite and limestone planted to a quintet of pinot noir clones with diverse spacing. Black mission fig, dried strawberry and graphite aromas followed by flavors of black tea, black cherry and carbon. Maintains an incredible synergy of tender assertiveness in the mouth. 916 cases produced."
Not yet reviewed, but 2007 vintage rated 95+ points by Robert Parker: "...cuts a stylistic path between the rich, fruit-driven Melville and the more earthy, barnyardy, terroir-driven Clos Pepe. The Mount Carmel offers plenty of blue and red fruits intermixed with hints of smoke, roasted herbs, earth, pomegranate, and underbrush. The sweetness of the tannins, beautiful full-bodied mouthfeel, and good acidity all reflect another brilliant Pinot Noir from this exceptionally talented duo. It should drink well for 10-15 years."
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$11.99
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IWC 89
Spain
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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List $14.00
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89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$14 list] Light, bright yellow. Lively lemon and lime aromas are complemented by melon, pear and salty minerals. Juicy and focused, offering brisk citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a late note of smoky herbs. Gains sweetness with air and finishes with an appealing note of fresh pineapple. I like this wine's blend of sweetness and cut. (Sep/Oct 2009)"
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$27.99
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WE 92
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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Washington
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Firm and juicy, this old vine Cabernet is loaded with black fruits. With just 1% Merlot in the blend, it’s a generous mouthful of almost-pure Cabernet, layered with licorice, mineral, and intense fruit flavors of currant and cherry. (12/31/09)"
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$21.99
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WA 89
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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89+ points Jay MIller (Wine Advocate): "Deep crimson-colored, the nose displays plenty of spice notes along with a slight herbal component. Full-bodied on the palate, this smooth-textured, savory effort has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. Drink it through 2018. (Oct 2009)"
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$13.99
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WA 89
WS 89
United States
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Pinot Noir
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Oregon
In stock, 12+ available
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List $16.00
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89 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$32/750ml list] The entry level (5500 cases) 2007 Pinot Noir 3 Vineyards. Medium ruby-colored, it offers up a fragrant nose of spice box, earth notes, cherry, and cranberry. Medium-bodied, it has a solid core of savory fruit, some ripe tannin, excellent balance, and 1-2 years of aging potential. It will provide pleasure through 2017. (Oct 2009)"
89 points Wine Spectator: "Firm in texture, with a light grip to the dark berry and cherry flavors, turning toward mineral and chalk as the finish lingers. Needs time. Best from 2011 through 2014. (12/31/09)"
TWO STARS, San Francisco Chronicle: "Perfumed with mushroom, forest and cherry, strawberry and cranberry aromas; very nice nose. Substantial tannins and structure with core of delicate fruit. (10/3/08)"
Producer notes: "An intense, red-fruited pinot with hints of black tea, smoke, and warm brown spices such as clove, nutmeg, and cardamom. High-toned fruit, edgy bright acid, fine tannin, and mineral length lead to a clean and succulent finish. This is an elegant, sweet-fruited pinot with exceptional aging potential. Cool indeed!"
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$21.99
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WS 90
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Wine Spectator: "Firm, focused and juicy with dark berry and floral aromas and flavors, lingering on the ripe, toasty, refined finish. Drink now through 2014. (2/28/10)"
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$59.95
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France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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Produced from holdings of younger vines and from parcels not located on the St. Andelain hill, this is Dagueneau's "entry level" cuvée. Dagueneau's aim here is for the most direct, pure expression of the Sauvignon from a typical Pouilly Fumé vineyard. Minerals, citrus and some floral components are dominant and weight is only secondary. Low in alcohol (11.5%), this wine is packed full of chalky, flinty minerals opening up to citrus and melon fruit aromatics after breathing. The texture in the mouth is pure Dagueneau. Lean initially, but more and more beguiling with each taste.
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$89.95
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France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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Arguably Dagueneau's most popular cuvee, this wine is produced primarily from a vineyard north of Saint Andelain called La Folie. The soil here is deeper clay with some chalky limestone. There is virtually no silex in the soil. The vineyard is gently sloped and has perfect south/southeast exposure. Some smaller plots on the Saint Andelain hill occasionally make it into this cuvee. Barrel fermented and aged mostly in 450 and 600 liter barrels, some of Dagueneau's famous cigar barrels are used as well. This barrel, designed by Didier, is 350 liters and agressively elongated. He seems to prefer these barrels after they've been used once or twice. Once again, the brilliant, tight structure of high acidity and mineral core dominate the wine initially upon opening. Crystilline and almost gritty, after several minutes of air the wine begins to shine. The high-toned texture remains, but aromatics of citrus, quince and fine minerals begin to waft from the glass. The balance in the mouth is ethereal, but follow through is intense, long and mouth puckering.
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$107.95
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France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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This is Dagueneau's Grand Cru if you will. Produced only from plots high on the slopes of Saint Andelain, and only from vineyards that possess high amounts of silex. Vines here range from 15-50 years of age and are cropped to lower yields than in some other vineyards. Before Didier's tragic death in September, he described this wine as perhaps his favorite of all vintages. For him, the incremental changes made in both the winery and vineyards over the years had come together with a vintage that could best express what he was trying to say. Aromatic ripeness without high alcohol. Massive mineral concentration that will yield over time and marry perfectly with the high-toned fruit components and barrel and bottle complexity that seem in perfect harmony. The most young and backward of the bunch (as usual), this wine has massive acidity that provides the perfect balance to the mineral profile that is so prevalent in the mouth. No shortage of fruit, but for the time being, this wine is all about structure and potential. Those familiar with older vintages of Silex will attest to the fact that if given the time in bottle, it will always rise above the rest.
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$39.99
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United States
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Sauvignon Blanc & Aromatic Whites
In stock,
6
available
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Producer notes: "Honeysuckle, jasmine and citrus fruit aromas leap from the glass, introducing a vibrant and succulent mouthfeel of juicy peach and cantaloupe balanced by the bright acidity of Fuji apple and lemon zest. The 2008 Viognier finishes with lingering notes of white nectarine, nutmeg and vanilla bean. Aged 7 months sur-lies in 15% new French oak, Burgundy cooperage. 1,950 cases produced."
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$29.99
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RP 91
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Robert Parker: "The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Zinfandel Todd Brothers Ranch reveals an attractive bouquet of white chocolate, briery fruit, spice box, and a Provencal/garrigue-like character. Full-bodied, rich, and heady, this gorgeous Zin possesses both elegance and power. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years. (Feb 2010)"
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$79.99
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WN 94
CG 93
WS 91
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $95.00
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94 points Wine News: "Deep black-garnet hue. A bouquet of blueberry, plum and chocolate under an umbrella of menthol. Supple, jammy flavors of plum and blueberry with remarkable ripeness and purity of fruit. Fine tannins surface in the finish along with dusty mineral accents; however, the hedonistic sweetness continues. (Oct/Nov 2008)"
93 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$95 list] High in ripeness, high in extraction and high in oak, this deep, plushy textured Cabernet is designed to please the hedonist in us all. For all of its billowy bounty, the wine is keen on discreet varietal fruit, and its inviting themes of cherries and cassis are lifted in richness by plentiful sweet oak. Although fairly tight at the finish and firmed by lots of young tannins, it is on track for improvement and promises to only get better over the next five to ten years. (Dec 2008)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A ripe, zesty expression of Cabernet, with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit that's clean, focused and refreshing, ending with an elegant mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2014. 1,903 cases made. (10/15/08)"
Organic/biodynamic (certified by CCOF in July 2008).
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$22.99
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RP 89
WE 89
United States
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Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Robert Parker: "Aromas of orange marmalade, honeyed lemon blossoms, and baked apples emerge from the fruity, medium to full-bodied 2007 Chardonnay. It possesses fresh acidity, a heady finish, and no obvious oak. Drink it over the next 1-3 years. (Feb 2010)"
89 points Wine Enthusiast: "A fine Chardonnay, which Ferrari-Carano can usually be depended on to produce. Shows crowd-pleasing flavors of pineapple jam, butterscotch, crème brûlée and vanilla custard. (Aug 2009)"
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