|
|
 |
|
|
$41.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
Washington
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
Enticing aromas of leather and cigar box frame scents of black fruit. Flavors of plums and blackberries are at the fore, woven with umami mushroom/soy nuances, savory herbs, black olive and spice notes. All well integrated and balanced, this wine is enjoyable now, though firm, and will just get better with a little age. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc.
Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 95 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2012 (#89)' by Wine Enthusiast: "Good enough to be a reserve, this includes just 4% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet. Smooth and supple, full of lovely toasty aromatics, it layers rich cherry against the lush barrel spice. A companionable wine, already drinking beautifully, but perfectly fine to cellar for up to a decade. Alcohol 14.8%."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$38.95
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$13.95
|
|
|
WS 89
RP 88
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $25.00
|
89 points Wine Spectator: "Shows bright, lively red and black currant fruit, with racy spice and graphite notes. Fresh and open-knit on the finish, but keeps your interest. Drink now through 2015. (2012)"
88 points Robert Parker: "[$25 list] The basic cuvee, the 2009 Arnauton, is 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits loads of crushed chalky minerality, some jammy berry fruit, good glycerin, medium body, and a clean, fresh, lively finish. It is a little less complex than I’d hoped, but still a fine effort. (Feb 2012)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$9.95
|
|
|
France
-
South of France
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Importer notes: "This dry Rose comes from Provence, the homeland of the greatest dry Rosé wines. Drinking more like a $20 bottle, the 2012 Bieler is a gem amongst pale pinks with its broad midpalate loaded with wild strawberry and bright berry fruit." 55% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cinsault.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$11.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $16.00
|
Producer notes: "This chardonnay has a fresh bouquet of green apple, citrus zest, orange blossom and mineral. These refreshing aromas continue on the palate with bright tropical and citrus flavors that finish clean with balanced acidity. This crisp chardonnay makes a nice aperitif and pairs well with light seafood dishes, especially shellfish. Aged sur lie in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation."
Not yet reviewed; 2011 vintage rated 89 points by both Wine Enthusiast and International Wine Cellar, which wrote: "Green-tinged yellow. Bright, high-pitched aromas and flavors of Meyer lemon and green apple. Gains depth with air, picking up peach pit and melon nuances and finishing smooth and clinging. Talley told me that this wine was essentially the young vines from Oliver's Vineyard, with the malo blocked."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14.95
|
|
|
W&S 89
United States
-
Pinot Noir
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $20.00
|
89 points Wine & Spirits: "[$20 list] Ethereal this is not -- as if campfires and brine were woven into its dark sour-cherry fruit. It has a pleasantly warming, sanguine quality that feels rich, and destined for grilled game birds. (Jun 2013)"
Producer notes: "2011 was an El Nino year which resulted in above average rainfall in Southern San Luis Obispo County. Though we were spared the late spring frost that affected other areas, fruit set was reduced by wet spring conditions and yields were about 30% below average. One of the coolest summers on record resulted in long hang time and grapes with high natural acidity. The resulting wines balance refreshing acidity with concentrated flavors due to the low yields. This pinot noir balances fruity aromas of cherry and raspberry, with savory hints of earth and mineral. This medium bodied wine has flavors of dark fruit and spice box followed by a long, smooth finish. Enjoy with salmon or pork tenderloin. Barrel aged 10 months in 20% new French oak."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$149.95
|
|
|
IWC 90
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(13.9% alcohol): Good bright red-ruby. Red berries and a strong eucalyptus note on the nose. Juicy, moderately ripe and classically dry, with very good definition and aromatic perfume to the red fruit, mint and licorice flavors. Showing more pliancy and length from bottle--and less obvious greenness--than it did from barrel a year ago. (May/Jun 2013)"
Owned by Chotsie and Alan Blank, grafted onto the Grace Family clone, managed by Jim Barbour and made at Grace Family by Gary Brookman, this special project shows how terroir affects a finished product. The wine displays Rutherford characteristics of sour cherry in association with the unique characteristics of this 1.8 acre plot of land. Above all, the wine exhibits the ‘hallmark’ of the Grace Family Clone: balance and complexity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$429.95
|
|
|
IWC 90
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
2
available
|
|
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(13.9% alcohol): Good bright red-ruby. Red berries and a strong eucalyptus note on the nose. Juicy, moderately ripe and classically dry, with very good definition and aromatic perfume to the red fruit, mint and licorice flavors. Showing more pliancy and length from bottle--and less obvious greenness--than it did from barrel a year ago. (May/Jun 2013)"
Owned by Chotsie and Alan Blank, grafted onto the Grace Family clone, managed by Jim Barbour and made at Grace Family by Gary Brookman, this special project shows how terroir affects a finished product. The wine displays Rutherford characteristics of sour cherry in association with the unique characteristics of this 1.8 acre plot of land. Above all, the wine exhibits the ‘hallmark’ of the Grace Family Clone: balance and complexity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$19.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Pinot Noir
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Supple tannins frame the palate of juicy cranberry, cherry and raspberries with mineral and cedar notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$9.95
|
|
|
Spain
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Saignée of 80% Garnacha, 10% Syrah and 10% Merlot. Rose-violet-medium red; fresh and aromatic, vibrant red fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberrry with a hint of herbs and spice. Medium to full-bodied and complex. Elegant glycerin sweetness. Ripe and resh; long fruity finish. Food pairing: Seafood, fish, chicken, paella, risotto, or as an aperitif by itself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$44.95
|
|
|
RP 93
WE 92
WS 90
France
-
Bordeaux
-
White
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
93 points Robert Parker: "This superb 2008 exhibits lots of fig, honeysuckle, orange zest and lemon butter notes. It should drink well for 15-20 years. (May 2011)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "A beautifully balanced wine, its acidity and green fruits, slipping easily into a more intense pear and apricot character. The tang comes back with the citrus on the finish. (Apr 2011)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "Pretty flavors of peach and beeswax are accented by grapefruit and green almond notes in this lively, medium-bodied white, with bright acidity and a fresh, minerally finish. Not complex, but delivers a lovely purity. Drink now through 2016. (4/30/11)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$17.95
|
|
|
IWC 89
Argentina
In stock,
1
available
|
|
|
89 points Stephen Tanzer (Internaitonal Wine Cellar): "(from 80-year-old vines) Good full red-ruby. Plum, mocha and herbs on the nose, with leafy and peppery nuances. Deeper and more tannic than the malbec, showing the slightly herbaceous complexity of cabernet from the Medoc. These tannins will require some bottle aging but this wine has the stuffing to support it. Michael Rolland consults for this very promising new venture... (Jan/Feb 2011)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$585.00
|
|
|
RP 98
WS 97
IWC 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
3
available
|
List $760.00
|
98 points Robert Parker: "There are nearly 1,000 cases of the 2006 Ermitage l’Ermite, another candidate for perfection in a few years. It boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a stunning bouquet reminiscent of a grand cru Musigny from Burgundy. Spring flower, crushed rock, black raspberry, and black currant scents dominate the aromatics of this incredibly pure, full-bodied wine. With laser-like precision and enormous extract and concentration, it comes across as remarkably elegant and fresh with crystal clear focus. A beautiful tour de force from the decomposed granitic soils of this site on the top of the Hermitage mountain, this amazing wine requires a decade of cellaring, and should last for 35 years. (Apr 2009)"
97 points Wine Spectator: "[$380/750ml list] This Northern Rhône red is tightly wound, but also supersleek and racy, with a terrific beam of blackberry and raspberry ganache pushed by graphite, iron and violet notes. Long and extremely precise, with a terrific mouthwatering undertow. Best from 2010 through 2026. 955 cases made. (6/15/09)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Full ruby. A roomfilling bouquet of fresh red and dark berry scents, along with smoked meat, violet, incense and minerals. Wonderfully fresh in the mouth, with vibrant raspberry and black cherry flavors. Gentle tannins rein in the expansive fruit without standing in its way. The finish is all about fruit, with late-arriving notes of black olive and smoky minerals. Extremely sexy now but balanced to age." Organic/biodynamic since 1991 (certified by Biodyvin/Demeter).
|
|
|
|
|
|
$13.95
|
|
|
WS 88
New Zealand
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
88 points Wine Spectator: "[$16 list] Vividly juicy, with a core of grapefruit and green papaya, revealing nuances of peach, lime and herb. Aromatic and juicy on the finish. Drink now. (5/31/13)"
Producer notes: "New Zealand’s cooler than normal growing season shows up as crisp, pungent gooseberry flavors in our 2012 Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc. Aggressive aromas of fresh mown grass and bright lemon jump from the glass. Flavors of zesty lime mingle with stony minerals and herbs with just a hint of the classic bright grapefruit flavors in the background. The finish is tangy and juicy with bright acidity. A classic poolside quaff, Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc is delicious with pungent cheese drizzled with honey or a seared tuna salad with wasabi dressing."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$54.95
|
|
|
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Dark ruby. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, boysenberry and candied flowers, with a bright mineral overtone. Shows very good energy and picks up spiciness with air. Lithe and precise, with excellent finishing clarity and slow-mounting tannins. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$94.95
|
|
|
IWC 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Bright ruby. Impressively complex, expressive nose offers a seductive bouquet of cherry-cola, cassis, violet, smoky bacon and minerals. Spicy black and blue fruit flavors show noteworthy depth and energy, with a floral pastille quality emerging in the glass. Stains the palate and displays a suave blend of richness and energy, finishing with superb lift, cut and sweet persistence. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$7.95
|
|
|
RP 88
France
-
Rhone
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $12.50
|
88 points Robert Parker: "[$25/750ml list] The 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne, a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, exhibits a deep ruby color as well as lots of loamy soil notes intermixed with underbrush, sweet cherries and raspberries. There is an earthy, spicy element to this medium-bodied, elegant effort. It should drink nicely for 4-5 years. This estate is owned by Robert Charavin, who is also the president of the Syndicat des Vignerons de Rasteau. These are always consistently well-made wines that over-deliver. (Oct 2012)"
From 40- to 60-year-old vines, this wine shows a powerful nose of wild myrtle, cherry and plum. Full-bodied yet with some finesse, this wine is great with any sort of roasted meat. It will age gracefully for four to six years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$13.95
|
|
|
RP 88
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $25.00
|
88 points Robert Parker: "[$25 list] The 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne, a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, exhibits a deep ruby color as well as lots of loamy soil notes intermixed with underbrush, sweet cherries and raspberries. There is an earthy, spicy element to this medium-bodied, elegant effort. It should drink nicely for 4-5 years. This estate is owned by Robert Charavin, who is also the president of the Syndicat des Vignerons de Rasteau. These are always consistently well-made wines that over-deliver. (Oct 2012)"
From 40- to 60-year-old vines, this wine shows a powerful nose of wild myrtle, cherry and plum. Full-bodied yet with some finesse, this wine is great with any sort of roasted meat. It will age gracefully for four to six years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$89.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Producer notes: "The Collina Dalla Valle, a special cuvee produced mainly from the younger vines on the estate, is amazingly exuberant, aromatic, and densely concentrated. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine captures the character of our unique terroir. 2010 was a relatively mild year, but with several spikes of heat that helped to give great density and concentration to the fruit. Immediately after opening, complex aromas of ripe black fruits, Chinese five-spice, incense, and roasted meat captivate you. The texture is incredibly silky and soft, and the fruit flavors rush across the palate with a sweet, supple impression. While Collina Dalla Valle 2010 is accessible upon release, it will definitely be long-lived, continuing to develop over the next 12-15 years. 350 cases produced."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$38.95
|
|
|
AM 90
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A mild touch of sulfur knocks down the transparency of the floral and wet stone suffused nose though I doubt that this problem will persist beyond a few months. As one might reasonably expect, this is both bigger and more complex than the Combottes with better mid-palate concentration along with slightly better length on the explosive, mouth coating and very, very dry finish. Good juice and worth your interest. Drink: 2016+. (Jun 2012)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$29.95
|
|
|
WA 90–92
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
90-92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Pouilly-Fuisse En Vergisson emerges from the glass with crisp green apples, pears and white flowers. It, too, possesses marvelous energy, delineation and balance. This is another highly promising wine from Deux Montille. Anticipated maturity: 2013+. (Sep 2011)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$79.95
|
|
|
IWC 92
WA 90
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or White
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $106.00
|
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright yellow. Vibrant aromas of citrus peel and botanical herbs. Silky and sweet on entry, showing the gentle side of 2010, then juicy and brisk on the back half, with limey minerality and firm acidity making their presence felt. The persistent finish boasts excellent cut. (Sep 2012)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$106 list] The 2010 Puligny-Montrachet Champ Gains is another round, harmonious wine well-suited for near-term drinking. Light floral notes develop in the glass, giving the 2010 an extra dimension of volume and texture that flows through to a gracious finish supported by insistent veins of minerality. This is another utterly delicious wine with plenty of 2010 vintage character. Anticipated maturity: 2012+. (Sep 2011)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$79.89
|
|
|
FWR 92–95
JG 93
WA 91–93
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $110.00
|
92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "Drouhin’s flagship Beaune-Clos des Mouches is round and powerful with incipient butter notes in the nose. The mouth shows good energy to go with minerality, lemon zest, and white pepper flavors. This wine, too, is very long. (Issue #137; 2013)"
b>93+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2010 Clos des Mouches is going to be a great wine in the fullness of time, and having just drunk the magical 1978 a few years ago, it certainly seems like the second coming of that wine is embodied in this beautiful 2010. The red fruity bouquet is deep, pure and very primary, offering up a classy mix of cherries, a bit of beetroot, woodsmoke, herbs, coffee, a very complex base of soil and a touch of new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure on the attack, with a refined, but reserved style, a sappy core and outstanding length and grip on the focused and ripely tannic finish. A great Clos des Mouches in the making. 2018-2050+. (Nov/Dec 2011)"
91-93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$110 list] Drouhin's 2010 Beaune Clos des Mouches is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable depth and richness. Suave tannins provide the backdrop for the fruit in this layered Clos des Mouches. Today the aromas and flavors are a bit reticent; instead it is the wine's texture than stands out most. I will not be surprised if the 2010 ends up considerably better than this note suggests. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. (Feb 2012)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Moderately saturated bright medium red. Pretty aromas of red raspberry, flowers and crushed stone. Juicy and very pure but youthfully imploded, with a penetrating minerality contributing to the impression of inner-mouth tension. Lovely delicacy and finesse here. The very long, sappy, echoing finish perks up the taste buds. Still a baby, and wonderfully light on its feet. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Reductive aromas of smoke and earth give way to bright cherry and spice flavors in this red, with lovely texture. Though not powerful, there's a density and texture to the tannins that bodes well for the future. Best from 2016 through 2035. 500 cases imported. (6/15/13)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "This 35-acre, mid-slope holding in the Clos des Mouches has been part of the Drouhin family domaine since the 1920s. Half pinot noir, it had been farmed organically since 1990, prior to being converted to biodynamics. The vineyard gave a deep, saturated red in 2010; its black cherry flavors have the meatiness of roast squab. Scents of kelp and crushed seashells brighten the wine, bringing out the spicy dynamism in its flavors. Built to cellar. (Oct 2012)"
91 points and 'Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A ripe and highly complex nose of floral, earth, spice and discreet wood notes all add breadth to the very fresh dark berry fruit aromas. There is good volume to the lush, round and intense medium-bodied flavors that possess a moderately firm tannic spine as well as excellent depth and length. This should require 6 to 9 years of cellar time but be more than capable of holding for years to come. Drink: 2017+. (Apr 2012)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14.95
|
|
|
New Zealand
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $17.00
|
|
Producer notes: "Light straw color. Lifted aromas of ripe passionfruit and citrus. The palate is rich and mouthfilling, with passionfruit characters supported by citrus notes. Good length and juicy acidity complete a wine of excellent structure and balance. Food Pairing: A fantastic apéritif or an ideal accompaniement to light seafood and chicken dishes."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$15.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Sauvignon Blanc & Aromatic Whites
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
Producer notes: "The 2012 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris has sweet and unctuous aromatics while showing crispness on the palate with vibrant citrus and grapefruit. True to Elk Cove Vineyards’ style, a rich mouthfeel leads to a full and satisfying balanced finish. Drink this lovely white wine as an aperitif or with a variety of food pairings from salmon and main-course salads to Asian and Thai influenced dishes."
Not yet reviewed; 2011 vintage rated 89 points by Wine & Spirits: "Hints of lemon, green apple and chalk all mingle in this lean gris’s aromatics; the flavors are racy, reflecting the vintage, with a salty zest to the finish that would pair well with prawns roasted in salt."
|
