95+, WINE

Cabernet/Bordeaux Blends from Napa Valley, California

[ 96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): The 2014 Ovid has really come together nicely since I last tasted it a few months ago. From the beginning, the 2014 has had a slightly raw, unevolved feel that has gradually resolved itself, allowing the wine's pure power and gravitas to come through. Plush, dark and somewhat somber, the 2014 shows the clear effects of the drought in its inward personality. I would prefer to give the 2014 at least another few years in the cellar. Drink: 2020-2029. (Mar 2018) ] 96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): The 2014 Ovid has really come together nicely since I last tasted it a few months ago. From the beginning, the 2014 has had a slightly raw, unevolved feel that has gradually resolved itself, allowing the wine's…

Syrah/Shiraz from Côte-Rôtie, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France

[ 100 points Robert Parker: The 2010 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is perfection. In this vintage, Ogier cut back the barrel aging time from 32 months in largely new oak casks to 18 months. Ogier s remarkable flexibility depending on vintage conditions and the quality of the fruit is admirable. He thinks this may be the greatest bottle of wine he has ever made, and it s hard to disagree. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of pen ink, graphite, forest floor, licorice and abundant black and blue fruits. There is little evidence of new oak because of the extravagant richness and wealth of ripe fruit. The tannins, acidity, alcohol and wood are perfectly integrated into this exceptional wine. It will benefit from 5-6 years of cellaring and keep for 25-30+ years. (Dec 2012) ] 100 points Robert Parker: The 2010 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is perfection. In this vintage, Ogier cut back the barrel aging time from 32 months in largely new oak casks to 18 months. Ogier s remarkable flexibility depending on vintage conditions…

Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California

[ 96+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): The 2014 Pinot Noir SWK Vineyard is the most reticent of these Pinots, as it was last year. Intense fruit and structure come together, but the wine is not at all ready to give everything it has. Dark red and purplish fruit overtones are lifted by the wine's bright acidity and tannic underpinnings. This nervous, taut Pinot needs a few years to settle down, but it has tremendous promise. Drink: 2019-2029. (Mar 2017) ] 96+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): The 2014 Pinot Noir SWK Vineyard is the most reticent of these Pinots, as it was last year. Intense fruit and structure come together, but the wine is not at all ready to give everything it has. Dark red and…

Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy

[ 96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): ...Intensely sweet and perfumed, the 2013 reminds me of some of the most profound Barolos and Barbarescos I have tasted. Ripe red cherry, pipe tobacco, mint, dried rose petal, orange peel and anise are some of the endless nuances that seem to develop in the glass. The 2013 is a wine of depth, pedigree and class. It should provide thrilling drinking for a number of years. This is a regal wine in every way. Don't miss it. Drink 2023-2043. (Oct 2017) ] 96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): ...Intensely sweet and perfumed, the 2013 reminds me of some of the most profound Barolos and Barbarescos I have tasted. Ripe red cherry, pipe tobacco, mint, dried rose petal, orange peel and anise are some of the…

Non-Vintage Rosé Sparkling Wine from Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France

[ 95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): (2010 base; 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir, 30% meunier; full ML fermentation; 9g/L dosage)... As precise and pretty as ever... gorgeously restrained rose petal, red cherry and strawberry hull fruit... lees age contributes great texture and mouthfeel, without diminishing purity or freshness... it carries with grace and poise amidst fine chalk mineral texture, taut acid focus, impeccably pure persistence and a fine, creamy bead. Enjoy it in its ravishing youth. (2018/2019) ] 95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): (2010 base; 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir, 30% meunier; full ML fermentation; 9g/L dosage)... As precise and pretty as ever... gorgeously restrained rose petal, red cherry and strawberry hull fruit...…

Rhone Blends - Red from Rasteau, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France

[ 96 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): Nearly as great as the Fleur, the 2016 Rasteau Cuvee Confiance is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Raspberry and mint notes appear on the nose, followed by a full-bodied, rich, velvety wine with a never-ending finish. Despite the incredible richness and concentration, the wine remains fresh and fragrant, lithe and agile, turning silky and lingering. It's another tremendous effort from the Romero family. Drink: 2019-2030. (Oct 2018) ] 96 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): Nearly as great as the Fleur, the 2016 Rasteau Cuvee Confiance is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Raspberry and mint notes appear on the nose, followed by a full-bodied, rich, velvety wine with a never-ending…

Rhone Blends - Red from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France

[ 98 points Jeb Dunnuck: Deep ruby-colored and offering a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, toasted spiced, cured meats, licorice, and cured meats, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combes des Fous is awesome on the palate, with a silky, seamless profile that just keeps on going. Possessing ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges, and a huge finish, it s a phenomenal bottle of wine. The fact that it was bottled just one month ago makes this showing even more impressive. (8/28/18) ] 98 points Jeb Dunnuck: Deep ruby-colored and offering a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, toasted spiced, cured meats, licorice, and cured meats, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combes des Fous is awesome on the palate, with a silky, seamless…

Riesling from Nahe, Germany

[ 95 points John Gilman: ...The bouquet... is stunning, soaring from the glass in a fine blend of pink grapefruit, a hint of gooseberry, plenty of smokiness, gorgeous minerality, wild yeasts, a hint of mossiness and a topnote of lime peel... pure, full-bodied and beautifully light on its feet, with a rock solid core, bright, seamless acids and stunning length and grip on the very, very elegant and perfectly balanced finish... one of the most beautiful dry Rieslings I tasted on this trip. 2020-2050+. (Mar/Apr 2016) ] 95 points John Gilman: ...The bouquet... is stunning, soaring from the glass in a fine blend of pink grapefruit, a hint of gooseberry, plenty of smokiness, gorgeous minerality, wild yeasts, a hint of mossiness and a topnote of lime peel... pure, full…

Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California

[ 96 points Wine Enthusiast: This is comprised of fruit from two coastal sites, but it does not hold back on flavor or complexity. A juicy entry of spicy red and blue fruit is surrounded by moderate structure and an imprint of rose petal. Lasting in intensity and acidity, it's dotted in citrus and polished tannins. Alcohol 14.5%. (Jul 2018) ] 96 points Wine Enthusiast: This is comprised of fruit from two coastal sites, but it does not hold back on flavor or complexity. A juicy entry of spicy red and blue fruit is surrounded by moderate structure and an imprint of rose petal. Lasting in…

Tempranillo/Tinto Fino from Rioja, Spain

[ 96 points Luis Gutierrez (Wine Advocate): ...Tempranillo with 10% Graciano... The nose is very balsamic with notes of camphor, hints of mint, leather and hung game wrapped around a core of cherries in liqueur. Together it is balanced, subtle, truly elegant and classical. The palate is only medium-bodied but with great concentration of flavors that are very tasty, mineral, almost salty and framed by ultra-fine tannins and smashing balance. A great classic... At this quality level this is a bargain. (Apr 2015) ] 96 points Luis Gutierrez (Wine Advocate): ...Tempranillo with 10% Graciano... The nose is very balsamic with notes of camphor, hints of mint, leather and hung game wrapped around a core of cherries in liqueur. Together it is balanced, subtle, truly…

Cabernet/Bordeaux Blends from Sonoma County, California

[ 97+ points Robert Parker: The 2014 La Joie has a spicy black purple color and a big, sweet kiss of camphor, black truffle, pen ink, blackcurrants and unsmoked cigar tobacco, followed by layers of fruit and glycerin in an opulent, beautifully savory, pure and multidimensional wine. The final blend Seillan produced in 2014 was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This is a compellingly great effort once again. It should be given 2-5 years of bottle age, then drunk over the following three decades. Drink: 2018-2048. (Oct 2016) ] 97+ points Robert Parker: The 2014 La Joie has a spicy black purple color and a big, sweet kiss of camphor, black truffle, pen ink, blackcurrants and unsmoked cigar tobacco, followed by layers of fruit and glycerin in an opulent, beautifully savory,…

Syrah/Shiraz from Wahluke Slope, Washington

[ 100 points Jeb Dunnuck: One of the inkier, blacker colored wines in the lineup, the 2015 Syrah The Hidden is a profound Syrah and as good as it gets. Blackcurrants, smoked meats, graphite, and tapenade notes all emerge from this seriously badass, deep, rich, balanced beauty. Concentrated, thick, and huge, yet with no weight on the palate, building tannin, and incredible elegance, it needs to be tasted to be believed. It s unquestionably one of the greatest Syrah from this team. Drink: 2020-2032. (4/5/18) ] 100 points Jeb Dunnuck: One of the inkier, blacker colored wines in the lineup, the 2015 Syrah The Hidden is a profound Syrah and as good as it gets. Blackcurrants, smoked meats, graphite, and tapenade notes all emerge from this seriously badass,…