An excellent 2012 harvest is causing a conundrum for many California wineries. There isn’t enough space to store all of the wine! This is great news for you, because we just scored this unbelievably tasty Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir for pennies on the dollar from a winery that had no place to put it. Taste for yourself, this may be the best black label Point Noir we’ve ever released.
Aromas of fresh cherries and strawberries with hints of vanilla and just a touch of earthy goodness. This is a vibrant wine, possessing a hub of succulent berry fruit accompanied by a firm, yet velvety texture. This is the ultimate Saturday night Pinot Noir priced so you can enjoy it any night!
This little pearl of a Chardonnay is made from berries harvested from vineyards in the Santa Lucia mountain range which rise above California's Salinas River Valley. These highlands are a special place for growing Chardonnay that is often overlooked and undervalued. You'll be delighted by its good-natured character.
Succulent aromas of ripe pear, green apple, and quince with overtones of orange blossom and citrus. Fresh flavors will energize your taste buds and then mellow into a cozy finish that ends with a happy face. Pour a glass with seared sesame encrusted tuna, chicken and broccoli stir fry or an assortment of fresh cheeses.
Sold out at the winery! Carneros is renowned for stellar Chardonnay, and this vineyard is a gem. The selection of 100% Old Wente Chardonnay came to us as budwood from the Winery Lake and Larry Hyde vineyards. It's a charming field selection, yielding a host of aromas and flavors from classic apple to floral, including the occasional heady perfume of a musque cluster.
93ws
"Graceful and delicate, showing tremendous purity, with a core of red raspberry coulis, cherry and pomegranate juice. Whiffs of white pepper and forest floor lend this some traction. Features plush tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 483 cases made." 93ws
95ws
"Offers ebullient raspberry and black cherry flavors that are ripe and seductive, with spice, loam and sandalwood details. Notes of cassis, raspberry jam and red licorice crescendo on the long finish, with very refined tannins. Drink now through 2023. 589 cases made." 95ws
93-93rp
"Dauvissat’s 2011 Chablis Les Clos is hauntingly beautiful. It shows gorgeous precision in its aromas and flavors, with all the elements in the right place. A rich tapestry of green pears, flowers, spices and crushed rocks caresses the palate. The integration of fruit, acidity and minerality is seamless. In other words, this is textbook Clos. Anticipated maturity: 2014+." 93-95rp
"Readers in search a ‘poor man’s’ Les Clos should check out the 2011 Chablis La Forest. Nothing in particular stands out, instead the wine impresses for its nuance and pure silkiness. Floral notes wrap around an ethereal, polished finish laced with slate, citrus and oyster shell. This is a gorgeous showing from one of the most understated and refined wines in Chablis. Anticipated maturity: 2014+." 91-93rp
A blend of 70% Monastrell / 30% Syrah from the famed Hoya de Santa Ana vineyard in the appellation of Jumilla - located at 2500 feet elevation and boasting ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines over 100 years old. The resulting wine is concentrated, complex and tremendously aromatic, with juicy acidity from cool night temperatures. After a few hours of skin contact a portion of the wine is drawn off (saigneed) and finished off as this wonderful dry Rose'. Bright and crisp, with wonderfully ripe red and black fruit flavors, the Rose' is complex enough to stand up to spicy foods and friendly enough to quaff at the end of the day.
The Cabernet Franc grown to make this rosé comes from the Steele Stymie Bench Vineyard a few miles from the winery in Lake County. A forty-eight hour cold soak is how this rosé began. Beautiful pink juice is drained off by gravity and yeast is added to ferment in a separate stainless tank, in a white wine style, at a cold temperature of 50F. The result is a crisp, refreshing Cabernet Franc rosé. Crisp and refreshing, with strawberry, raspberry and citrus flavors with a slightly spicy finish. This seasonal and limited production Rosé (400cases) is not to be missed.
The 2010 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe wraps around the palate with juicy dark red fruit, spices, flowers and mint. There is a juicy, expressive quality to the fruit that is highly appealing. This is a fabulous Clos Pepe, considering so many 2010s from this site are wilted, tired and heavily marked by the heat spikes. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026." 93rp
The Loosen 2010 Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Kabinett projects pretty scents and juicy abundance of site-typical cherry and lime, with hints of crushed stone and saliva-inducing salinity that reinforce a next-sip welcoming finish. This delicate (7.5% alcohol) wine manages to handle its sweetness with poise and ought to delight for at least another 15 years.
"The 2010 Heart Stone Vineyard opens with a dark, brooding nose redolent of smoke, tar, incense and licorice. Elements of dark, inward fruit continue to build in the glass. There is an exotic element in the Heart Stone that is undeniably appealing. Layers of fruit crescendo to the huge, towering finish. The 2010 is 51% Syrah and 49% Grenache aged in small new French oak barrels, an approach that works extremely well here." 95-97rp
Billhook Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in Napa Valley from responsibly and respectfully farmed vineyards and offers flavors of dark plum, blackberry and bright cassis that will enhance any table. This distinctive wine is a classic blend of the five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot. The 2009 harvest in Napa Valley produced an excellent vintage. A mild weather pattern and late Spring showers started the vintage on the right track. Hot days in late July and early August allowed verasion (the grape’s color change from green to red) to occur quickly and provide optimal ripening and rich, balanced flavors for our red varietals.
100% Dolcetto, Whole Berry Processed. Barrel-aged for one year in French Oak, 10% in new French Oak (Tonnellerie Cadus and Damy. Enjoy one of Northern Italy’s most popular varietals: Dolcetto is a lush, medium/full-bodied wine, rich with bright raspberry and cherry aromas. The intense flavors of blackberry and spice come together in a balanced wine that is a perfect compliment to meats, pasta and pizza!
95rp
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder has a soaring bouquet of smoked meats, black fruits, espresso roast, lavender, and creme de cassis. Gorgeously rich, with high tannins, high extract, and superb purity and concentration, this is a beautiful wine that may be even better than my score. The good news, I think, is that they produced nearly 1,000 cases in this vintage, and by Napa standards, this is still a decently priced Cabernet Sauvignon for such compelling quality." 95rp
95rp
"The 2007 Seleccio Especial reveals lilacs, exotic spices, incense, black cherry, and black plum aromas that inform the nose of this savory, elegant, layered, precision Priorat. Give it another 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2022.
Ferrer/Bobet is the future showplace of Priorat. No expense has been spared in the construction of a magnificent winery and in the planting of the vineyards. Sergi Ferrer-Salat is a young pharmaceutical tycoon with apparently a much greater interest in fine wine than drugs, while his partner Raul Bobet was the long-time winemaker at Torres. Ferrer-Salat makes it clear that his goal is to make the greatest wine possible without regard to whether he makes money. I’m not sure if Bobet would totally agree, but it appears that he is up for the challenge. As for the wines, they are currently made from purchased fruit as the Ferrer-Bobet vineyards are still very young. However, money talks and the winery has been able to access great old-vine Carignan and Grenache fruit, enough so that they might have some difficulty surpassing what they have already achieved when their vineyard matures. Currently two wines are made, the Ferrer/Bobet cuvee and the Seleccio Especial." 95rp
94rp
"The 2007 Ferrer/Bobet is a bit lighter in color displaying aromas of cherry blossom, spicy red fruits, incense, and red licorice. It deftly combines elegance with the power inherent in first class Priorat and will offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2022 if not longer.
Ferrer/Bobet is the future showplace of Priorat. No expense has been spared in the construction of a magnificent winery and in the planting of the vineyards. Sergi Ferrer-Salat is a young pharmaceutical tycoon with apparently a much greater interest in fine wine than drugs, while his partner Raul Bobet was the long-time winemaker at Torres. Ferrer-Salat makes it clear that his goal is to make the greatest wine possible without regard to whether he makes money. I’m not sure if Bobet would totally agree, but it appears that he is up for the challenge. As for the wines, they are currently made from purchased fruit as the Ferrer-Bobet vineyards are still very young. However, money talks and the winery has been able to access great old-vine Carignan and Grenache fruit, enough so that they might have some difficulty surpassing what they have already achieved when their vineyard matures. Currently two wines are made, the Ferrer/Bobet cuvee and the Seleccio Especial." 94rp
94rp
"The 2007 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is a star of the vintage. Dense purple-colored, it gives up an already complex aromatic array of lavender, Asian spices, incense, and an amalgam of black fruits with a hint of chocolate in the background. Plush and mouth-filling, this large-scaled Port manages an uncanny blending of elegance and power. Long and savory in the finish, it will continue to blossom for another 20+ years and drink well through its 50th birthday if not longer." 94rp
95rp
"Sandrone’s 2005 Barolo Cannubi Boschis offers up pretty notes of mint, flowers, spices and dark red berries, with sweet notes of French oak that linger on the finish. This is a decidedly slender Cannubi Boschis that lacks some of the sheer pedigree and explosiveness of the best vintages. The tannins need some time to soften, but this is a wine that has continued to grow in bottle. It could very well turn out to be one of the vintage’s surprises. In 2005 the harvest took place at the end of September and the wine was aged in 500-liter barrels (one-third new). Anticipated maturity: 2011-2020." 95rp
1.5L
98rp
"The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select has the potential to be a perfect wine in 5 to 6 years. Although it has shut down since I tasted it last year, it is unquestionably Shafer’s finest Hillside Select since the 2001 and 2002. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age and should keep for 35+ years. This selection is made from the Eisele clone of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in a choice 50-acre parcel. It takes concentration, graciousness and complexity to its highest level in Napa Valley. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of blueberries, blackberries, charcoal and subtle toast. The wine possesses fabulous concentration, a seamless/flawless personality, a textbook integration of alcohol, wood, tannin and acidity, an almost endless finish and a voluptuous texture. Exhibiting more tannin and structure than it did last year, this is a colossal wine that will still be going strong in 2050." 98+rp
98+rp
"Made from fruit coming predominantly from the Barossa Valley this year (97%) and containing 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Grange has been added to my list of favorite recent vintages. Deep garnet-purple colored, it’s still a little youthfully mute, offering notes of warm cherries, black currants, anise, coffee and toast with underlying hints of soy, yeast extract, black olives and Indian spices. Tight-knit and solidly structured on the medium to full bodied palate, the concentrated fruit is densely coiled around the firm grainy tannins and very crisp acidity at this stage, but promises something very special in the years to come. It finishes very long, complex and layered with the cedar poking though the fruit purity. Patience is required for this vintage; it should begin opening out around 2016 and drink to 2030+." 98+rp
90ws
"A rich, gutsy style, with dense, extracted currant, graphite, espresso sage and cedar flavors. Full-bodied and concentrated, finishing with firm tannins. Needs aeration. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2012 through 2022." 90ws
Beautiful shades of deep gold and amber fill the glass letting loose tropical aromas of ripe peach and pear married with subtle French oak. The entry of the wine is fully mouth-coating and offers a viscosity that leads effortlessly into an intense mid-palette with the colorful acidity of fresh pineapple. The finish of the wine is soft and subtle with great length and volume. A blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Semillon, Muscat, and Marsanne. Aged in a union of 40% new French oak, 40% neutral oak, and 20% stainless steel for 14 months.
The best-kept secret here just may be the Rosé. Made from three grapes, it is a blend of 50% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, and 42% Syrah. The Cinsault & Syrah are kept 3 to 4 hours on the skins, before being slowly pressed – a technique known as pressurage directe. The Grenache is fermented for a short time and then saignée, or bled off, and blended in tank. The l’Instant Rosé has beautiful pink color, lovely aromatics, and fully dry palate. Serve well chilled!
91rp
"The 2007 Red Wine is a pure, slightly denser colored wine, with more richness but not the aromatic dimensions of the Cabernet Franc. I believe it just needs some time, as there is a firm, almost Bordeaux-like structure to the wine. Medium to full-bodied, flavors of black currant and graphite notes intermix with some background oak. Tight and in need of several years of cellar time, it should evolve for at least 15 more years." 91rp
91ws
"A dense, rich, full-bodied style, offering tiers of herb, ripe berry fruit, spice and licorice flavors, at points both rich and delicate. There's lots of room to improve. Drink now through 2017. 175 cases made." 91ws
This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers juicy flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh, fruity and fun. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day, this bright and cheerful bottling is sure to capture your heart.
The 2009 Pinot Noir, one of the best vintages for Pinot Noir in recent history, was made with fruit exclusively from Durell Vineyard. Though the vineyard has over 125 acres planted, Three Sticks made just 253 cases of this wine, allowing them to select only the finest blocks from the vineyard and use truly the best barrels when assembling the final blend. This Pinot Noir opens up with warm inviting aromas of juicy black cherries and dark rose, followed by black raspberry and spice. The mouth is juicy and full with fresh plum, berries and a vibrant full texture, finishing seamlessly with a smooth burst of lush fruit. The wine was aged for 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
92rp
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder has a dense ruby/purple color and a sweet nose of blueberries, black currants, and spring flowers. It is medium to full-bodied and very juicy, with pure, concentrated fruit, sweet tannin, a hint of graphite and a long finish. It's a beauty. Drink it over the next 10-14 years."
91rp
"The 2009 Pinot Noir Estate Seven Springs Vineyard received a similar elevage with the wine bottled without fining or filtration. Expressive aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry inform the nose of a satin-textured, round, succulent, nicely proportioned wine that has exceptional concentration and depth for the vintage."
"Located in the heart of the Sonoma Coast AVA with western-facing slopes, our picturesque vineyard overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Roughly 1800' in elevation, our vineyard is cooled by the marine fog that rolls in daily over the King Ridge; and our pinot usually ripens perfectly by the end of September. The clone is 828, which is known for excellent color and an aromatic profile. Our 2010 Pinot Noir possesses an expressive bouquet of spring flowers and black raspberries. The palate consists of hints of fresh porcini mushrooms, dark cherries, black currant and cream, underlined by spicy notes. It displays great balance of structure and richness as well as abundant tannin. 250 cases produced." - Winemaker Kent Jarman
92rp
Medium-deep ruby purple colored, the 2009 Pinot Noir displays intense black cherry, black raspberry and red currant notes over earth, cinnamon, black truffles and underbrush. Medium-full bodied with medium level of silky tannins, the palate lends very good concentration and crisp acid, finishing long and earthy. Drink this one 2012 to 2017+."
One of the biggest drinks industry success stories in 2011 now expands to wine. Skinnygirl has introduced three low-calorie California wines: a red blend made primarily with Syrah, a white blend made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, and a rosé blend featuring Grenache and Syrah. Each of the 2011 vintage wines will check in at 12 percent alcohol and 100 calories per 5-ounce serving.
One of the biggest drinks industry success stories in 2011 now expands to wine. Skinnygirl has introduced three low-calorie California wines: a red blend made primarily with Syrah, a white blend made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, and a rosé blend featuring Grenache and Syrah. Each of the 2011 vintage wines will check in at 12 percent alcohol and 100 calories per 5-ounce serving.
Produced by James Hall of Patz & Hall, this wine was crafted using 100% Chardonnay from a selection of top Sonoma County vineyards. To highlight its bright, pure fruit flavors, 85% of the wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel, with the remaining 15% fermented in small French oak barrels for eight months to add depth and nuance. All the wine was aged sur lie (on the yeast) and underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. The 2009 Joya Sonoma County Chardonnay is dry and full-bodied, with vibrant stone fruit and citrus notes that begin in the aromas and carry through on the palate. The fruit is supported by crisp, food-friendly acidity, with oak-inspired layers of vanilla and spice adding texture and richness. Enjoy this wine with grilled fish, roast chicken, or aged cheese. Russell Joy is the GM/President of Patz & Hall and this wine was produced under his family’s label.
Domaine Marc Morey is located in the heart of the Côte d’Or, in the center of the village of Chassagne-Montrachet. Although the Morey family name can be traced back for more than five generations in Chassagne, it was in the 1950’s that Marc Morey established this domaine. He constructed the original cellar beneath the family’s 100 year-old home and began vinifying his own wines. His daughter Marie-Jo and her husband Bernard Mollard are the current proprietors. They now own almost 25 acres of Villages, Premier and Grand Cru vineyards and have twice expanded the domaine and modernized the vinification equipment. Bernard and Marie-Jo’s daughter is studying oenology and has joined her parents to work the estate.
1.5L
"Pale yellow. Flamboyantly aromatic bouquet displays kiwi, passion fruit, poached pear and smoked meat, with bright baking spices adding vibrancy. Impressively lively and precise on the palate, where the repeating pear and smoky meat qualities are joined by a refreshingly bitter lemon pith flavor on the finish. I love this smoky, dry style." 92st
Gold Medal Winner at the 2012 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition.
Crisp, clean and refreshing, with bright strawberry and cherry flavors. Slightly spicy finish with typical Cabernet Franc fruit.
94+rp
"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful wine. Freshly cut flowers, dark red berries, mint and crushed rocks are some of the nuances that flow from this highly articulated, engaging red. Despite its richness and obvious size, the 2009 retains remarkable freshness, clarity and precision. This is a terrific showing. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024. I have been following Plumpjack since first visiting the winery nearly a decade ago. This is a stunning set of wines from winemaker Tony Biagi, who has succeeded in achieving both astonishing richness and finesse pretty much across the board." 94+rp
Let The Fearless Rider be your venture into Malbec, the crown jewel of Argentina’s wine country. This wine was sourced from two great regions around Mendoza, with the Uco Valley providing hillside conditions to create a unique varietal. Forward and approachable, The Fearless Rider is an easygoing Malbec and has plenty of juicy fruit to offer. The aromas are bright and fruity, with roses and cherries. The mouth feel is soft with a lasting finish of black pepper, raspberries, and red cherries. Malbec’s spice notes make the wine great to pair with meat and pasta, or a traditional Argentinean asado- what we in America call a barbeque.
This glorious Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a family vineyard originally planted in the late 1700s. An aromatic melody of black currant, cherry and cassis rises above a harmonious backdrop of tobacco, mocha and toasty oak. On the palate, juicy, dark berry fruit cascades across your tongue followed by a trickle of sweet spice and savory plums. Serve with grilled rib eye, portabella mushrooms and well aged cheeses.
91st
"Dark ruby with a pale rim. Superripe aromas of blueberry, sweet spices, balsamic vinegar and cocoa offer unusual depth and complexity. Very fresh, smooth and dense on entry, then rich in the middle, with a very ripe black cherry flavor complicated by shoe polish and tomato paste. Finishes impressively long. Extremely successful Valpolicella Ripasso that is basically a baby Amarone (check out these numbers: 33grams per liter dry extract, 4 g/l residual sugar and 6.3 g/ total acidity) that, for all its ripeness, manages to remain light on its feet. You won't notice the alcohol either, a pretty neat trick." 91st
Kosher Sangria!
The Three Sticks winemaker is Don van Staaveren, creator of Cinq Cepoages from Ch St Jean.
Polished and sophisticated, this Sonoma bottling has a generous core of cassis and supple red and black fruit. Tiers of cedar, tobacco, minerals and spice add layers of multidimensional complexity to this medium bodied blend. Rich and silky in texture, the long finish is satiny smooth and lengthy. Stylistically combines the best of Sonoma and Bordeaux with great success at a most reasonable price.
$19.99
"Serves up a pleasing mix of ripe, vibrant watermelon, supple black and red licorice, wild berry, grilled meat and sanguine flavors. Full-bodied, complex and layered, with lots of berry flavors on the finish. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Drink now through 2018." 91rp
"From 50 year old vines planted on thier own rootstock. The wine has the distinct aroma of ripe blackberry, with hints of mineral, herbs and wildflowers. It's hard not to love the charming forwardness of the 2010 vintage, but newly bottled Zinfandel that is light and fruity has a special place in my heart. I can't help but drink a bottle of this wine and think of the Zinfandel bottlings I enjoyed when Barbara and I first arrived in San Francisco in the early 1970's." Bruce Neyers
Gold Medal Winner at the 2012 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
From Texas
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot Production: 610 cases
The 2007 vintage was influenced by a growing season that included spring heat that resulted in a slightly earlier bloom. Continuing into an ideal August, with Napa's signature hot days and cool nights, the weather contributed to an outstanding harvest of ripe and flavorful grapes. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is made in our house style, seeking to marry complexity with balance to produce a wine that is rich, lush and concentrated. Most importantly, this Cabernet Sauvignon pairs incredibly well with food. An extra year of bottle aging insures that this wine is ready to drink now, or can certainly be cellared and enjoyed at a later date.
1.5L
Fantastic blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah aged in Amercian and Hungarian Oak. A medium to full bodied red wine showing varietal characters of red fruit, spice, clove, herbal tea, and bramble with approachable aromatics that open quickly. The aromatics are complex, and move from red fruit to green herb and some kind bramble, some toasted oak, to citrus transitions occur fairly quickly. A supple mouth-feel shows bright fruit flavor transitioning into an accentuated finish with bright acidity and some spice.
Just in time for Passover
Gold Medal Winner at The 2012 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition.
Gold Medal Winner at the 2012 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition (oficial results won't be released until March 28th).
A blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura from Portugal. Clean and minerally, but with surprisingly mouth feel and grip - almost oily in texture. Very well balanced, but bright and persistent with a lemony finish.
Jasper
Perrone’s Bigaro (a blend of Moscato and Brachetto) is one of Italy’s finest dessert wines. Citrus, rose petals and spices wrap around the long, expansive finish. Sweet, but well balanced with great acidity.
94rp
"The 2006 Melbury has a dense plum/purple color and a big, sweet, scorched earth, creme de cassis and blueberry nose, with hints of charcoal, spice box, and graphite. Rich, well-made, and showing exceptionally well from bottle, it is a wine that will certainly evolve for 25 or more years." 94rp
Double Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition. Texas wine produced in Burleson.
94rp
"Each year Trapiche selects their top three growers of the vintage and honors them with a special bottling. These wines have proven over the past few years to be among the finest values in high-class Malbec. All three of the wines were aged in new French oak for 18 months. The 2007 Malbec Single Vineyard Vina Fausto Orellana de Escobar was sourced from a 61-year-old vineyard. It is broader, sweeter, and richer than its colleagues. Nicely structured, elegant, and lengthy, it will offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2022." 94rp
Brisk, clean and fresh. Aligote is the traidtional Burgundian wine used in a Kir, but you would hate to add anything to this one. From one of the most respected names in Burgundy.
Jasper
93-95rp
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, which is not yet in bottle, may turn out to be nearly as good. It exhibits a full-bodied power as well as lots of black fruit, licorice, damp earth and spice characteristics. Textured and rich with sweeter tannin and more upfront appeal than the 2007, the long, impressive 2008 should age for 20-25 years." 93-95rp
93rp
"The 2010 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan shows the pedigree these hillside sites planted in 1984 and 1998 are capable of. This is a beautifully balanced, harmonious wine that captures the exuberant side of Chardonnay in its expressive tropical fruit, buttery notes and spices, while never losing its essential minerality, focus and drive. The 2010 shows fabulous freshness all the way through to the finish. I loved it. This is yet another great showing from Calera. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018" 93rp
"The 2010 Aligote is a fabulous wine for the money. Crisp green apples and white peaches are some of the nuances that emerge from this vibrant, intriguing wine. The Aligote boasts fabulous textural elegance and sheer finesse. Proprietor Josh Jensen crafts his Aligote from estate grown fruit. The wine is aged in French oak barrels and sees full malolactic fermentation. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. These five 2010 whites from Calera are superb. The entry-level bottlings offer tremendous value, while the higher-end selections are every bit as compelling in their respective categories. These fabulous, unique wines are well worth seeking out." Robert Parker
92-95rp
“The 2009 Echezeaux flows across the palate with layers of gracious, elegant fruit. It is a supremely silky wine with plenty of intensity but no heaviness whatsoever. This is classy and refined all the way. Meo’s parcel is in Le Rouge du Bas. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034.” 92-95rp
92-94bh
“from a .44 ha parcel of 50+ year old vines located in Les Rouges du Bas. A highly-spiced nose of purple and cassis is sprinkled with warm earth and anise notes that leads to rich, intense and quite generous broad-shouldered flavors that brim with seemingly buckets of tannin-buffering dry extract that culminate in a palate staining and strikingly persistent finish. I very much like the balance and while this is certainly firm, it's not hard or aggressive.” 92-94bh
94rp
"The 2009 Continuum comes across as much more understated. It has plenty of silkiness and finesse, but less of the size and shape of its older sibling. Dark cherries, espresso, exotic spices and licorice are woven together in a fabric of notable elegance and harmony. The 2009 Continuum is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, 82% of which came from estate-grown fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
I was super-impressed with the wines I tasted from Continuum Estate, Tim Mondavi’s new venture on Pritchard Hill, not far from Chappellet and Bryant. Mondavi is gradually moving towards 100% estate fruit, but these early vintages include some fruit from vineyards in Oakville and Stags Leap. Continuum is distinguished by a fairly large presence of Cabernet Franc. This is one of the most exciting new properties in Napa Valley."
90rp
"The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Syrah Napa is a darker, denser effort displaying notes of blackberries, black currants, cherries, spice and earth along with broad, rich, medium to full-bodied flavors, lovely richness, a seamless integration of acidity, tannin and alcohol, and a bold, dramatic mouthfeel and finish. It should drink nicely for 6-8 years." 90rp
This Syrah is made from fruit grown in the Santa Ynez valley along the central coast of California, a region much cooler in climate than Napa Valley. This produces a beautiful medium-bodied Syrah with very enticing lifted aromas of strawberry rhubarb pie and ripe, plum-like fruit. The wine has a soft, supple, yet vibrant mouthfeel; good body, but quite smooth. It is lush, yet juicy, chock full of spicy, red fruit character, cranberry and a touch of smokiness.
92rp
"The 2009 Pirate TreasuRed is deeper, silkier and a touch more seductive than the 2008. Here the fruit profile tends towards redder fruit, with hints of flowers, mint and tobacco that add complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 92rp
Using seven varieties, the "treasure of the seven seas" is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, and Petite Sirah. Pirate TreasuRed will arrive properly in a six-bottle treasure chest box. The bottles resemble rum bottles with the label an old map of the Napa Valley. The wine is bold and Cab-like with the other varietal flavor profiles overlapping, showing off the magic of the blend.
Unlike almost every other Muscat wine available, this is NOT a dessert wine, but rather a dry white table wine to be enjoyed alone or with unique cuisine. Bottled in beautiful blue, the singular essence of this wine will awaken your palate for any special occasion. Equally delicious as a summer wine served chilled, or paired with holiday fare in the cooler months, our Moscato Azul is winning many fans with its flair, flavor, and finesse.
93rp
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, from a vineyard on Pritchard Hill, is a gorgeous wine layered with black plums, cherries, smoke, camphor and licorice. The 2008 is a gracious, understated Cabernet that impresses for its balance, class and harmonious finish. The wine keeps getting better in the glass, as hints of tar, smoke and licorice flow through to the dense finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018." 93rp
Full-bodied and lush, yet never heavy, Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay shows off flavors of ripe pear and melon with butterscotch and hazelnut notes balanced by oak spice and bright acidity. This is a wildly expressive wine that will reward a few years of patient cellaring. The grapes are fermented using only indigenous or "wild" yeast cultures found on the skins of the grapes themselves, in the vineyards and within the walls of the winery. Barrel Aging: 14 months in 70% new French oak
92st
" Blackberry, cassis and boysenberry aromas complemented by licorice, violet, menthol and bitter chocolate. Juicy, intensely flavored and quite fresh but a bit youthfully disjointed, with a firm tannin/acid spine supporting the crushed dark berry and menthol flavors. The wine's substantial tannins will need time to knit, but this wine retains good aromatic freshness." 92 Steve Tanzer
1.5L
"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity bursts from the glass with an exciting array of dark red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding brightness and lift. This gorgeous, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017." 92rp
Special Vertical case from Ch Montelena - 2 bottles each of
2002 95+rp
2003 93-95rp
2004 93st
"Stefano Perrone makes a number of delicious wines, but truly excels with his Moscati and other sweet wines. I always try to have a few bottles on hand." Robert Parker
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Quarry Vineyard reveals gorgeous depth in an understated, cool style. The Quarry is all about delineation and subtlety, both of which it has in spades. Mint, violet and cassis are some of the nuances that come to life in the glass as this elegant, finessed wine shows off its class and pedigree. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028." 94rp
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Rock Cairn Vineyard impresses for its plush, dark fruit and open, inviting personality. The balance of fruit and tannins is exceptional here, and renders the wine immensely pleasing, even at this early stage. A voluptuous, sexy finish rounds things out in style. The Rock Cairn is one of the more feminine, graceful wines in this line up of rich Cabernets. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024." 93rp
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Branding Iron Vineyard is one of the more brooding wines in this lineup. Iron, dark cherries, tobacco and incense are some of the nuances that emerge from this taut, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows terrific length and follow-through to the virile, potent finish. This is a decidedly focused, structured wine that needs time for the tannins to start melting away. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028." 93rp
At Orin Swift we purchase Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for Mercury Head and Papillon. Every year we buy more grapes than we need for the two blends. We do this so we always have multiple vineyards and corresponding wine characteristics to choose from. We also experiment with different grape maturity levels, French barrel producers, and fermentation techniques. This is done to try to learn more with each vintage and create a wine with greater complexity and balance. These multiple lots either add something to the final blend or become their own parts, parts we consider to be separate among equals. We blended these separate but equal parts together in a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Palermo.
Tasting Notes - Aromas of dark, brooding fruit with subtle French oak in the background lead into a smooth entry of ripe cherry and fig. The mid-palate is subtle and stretches with loads of bright acidity and candied cassis. Layers of stone fruit and ribena lead into a round, supple, lingering finish of integrated soft tannins that roll on and on. This wine is amazing now and has another 8 to 10 years in it at least!
78% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Merlot 4% Cabernet Franc
Hillside, well-drained vineyards from the Napa Valley
15.5% Alc. Aging: 16 months in French Oak, 30% new
2009 Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon
Mercury Head is the slang term for the authentic Liberty Dime which serves as the wine's "front label". As a kid Dave Phinney collected these dimes. Years later, after getting one with some change, he was reminded how striking they are.
Tasting Notes - Ripe aromas of cassis, violet and boysenberry lead into a lush mouth-coating entry. The mid-palate has hints of dark cherry amd bramble fruit framed by bright acidity and subtle structure. The finish is soft and extremely long with chains of ripe tannins.
95% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Merlot
Morisoli and Taplin Vineyards 15.5% Alc./Vol.
Aging: 18 months in French oak, 30% New
Colby Groom is now 13 years of age. Just prior to his 10th birthday he underwent back to back open heart surgeries. He is now a seasoned volunteer with the American Heart Association and was inspired to raise money for heart research through creating a wine with his Dad,notable winemaker Daryl Groom and Colby Red was born. Colby Red is a flavorful California cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot & Petite Sirah.
"A ripe, juicy style, with lots of green almond, fig and pear notes backed by more quince and melon on the rounded, opulent finish. Almost sticky in feel, but the underlying acidity keeps it all fresh and pure. The finishes drives on, with added length as this airs in the glass. Drink now through 2025. 700 cases made." 94ws
“Bright and expressive, offering a velvety mouthful of raspberry, cherry, blackberry and sage flavors, finishing with a hint of smoke. Shows depth and persistence. Drink now through 2018.” 91ws
Lush fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry mix with a core of spice and dried herb notes in this fresh and silky red, which has lightly chewy tannins, followed by lingering hints of dark chocolate and cardamom on the finish. Drink now through 2016. Wine Spectator Top 100 #54.” 92ws
“Sean Larkin’s main project is producing these two brilliant wines that seem to score highly no matter what the vintage.More chocolate, espresso roast, toast and earth jump from the glass of the opaque ruby/purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Although still somewhat primary, it is a full-bodied, powerful, impressive Cabernet that should drink well for 15-20 years.” 92rp
“This is gorgeous, with notes of ginger, orange, clementine, white peach and green fig all bouncing off one another, but working harmoniously through the richly detailed finish. A lingering green tea note hangs on for added length as this puts on weight with air. Drink now through 2025. 760 cases made. Wine Spectator Top 100 #3.” 96ws
“The impressive, dense purple-colored 2005 E Pluribus offers up aromas of spring flowers, camphor, incense, crushed rocks, graphite, and blueberry as well as blackberry liqueur. Stylistically, it is closest to the Melbury (even though that vineyard is on the other side of Napa Valley). This beauty should be at its peak between 2011-2030+.” 96rp
From the Wahluke Slope of Washington state, where Charles Bieler (a Frenchman who has made roses in Provence, France, since 1992) and Charles Smith (of Washington's K Vintners, Magnificent Wine Co. and Charles Smith Wines) made their rose from grapes grown in the slope's Talcott Vineyard. This light-copper wine has aromas of berries and summer fruit. The delicate fruit has a nice tang and then goes bone dry -- very refreshing. It's a great sipper if you prefer a dry style.
This new project form uber-value winemaker Michael Pozzan represents some of the best flavor for the money that we have seen in a long time.
The texture of the wine is impressive with somewhat rustic tannins that stand up on the palate with a cascading flush of fruit on the backend as it pushes through to the finish. There is no doubt that this is a unique vineyard that warrants special attention. These special qualities are a function of the wonderful combination of not only soil and climate but also of the great care, attention and passion that goes into caring for the grapes.
We have been eagerly awaiting the new release ever since we depleted the 2008. Intense red and violet colors. Seductive aromas of berries, vanilla and candies. Harmonious and full bodied. Long finish with well structured tannins. 100% Malbec."
These fantastic cult wines from Washington have not been for sale in Texas in over a decade!
"Gary Figgins and son, Chris, keep tweaking things in the vineyards and cellar as they move toward totally biodynamic farming. As usual, their wines are benchmarks against which others must be measured." Robert Parker
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Verdot, 11% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
Ratings History - 2007-96rp, 2006-97rp, 2005-97rp, 2004-97rp, 2003-97rp
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Carmenere, 3% Malbec
Ratings History - 2007-94rp, 2006-95rp, 2005-94rp, 2004-95rp, 2003-96rp
“We were able to get this old vines fruit from the Firestone family’s vineyards planted in the ‘70’s. It was 75% stainless steel fermented and 25% barrel fermented. We are just plain giddy about this wine. We picked these grapes just as ripeness was near; there was a tad of botrytis and a few raisins in the tight clusters to balance the high acid, lean, and gripping wine that emerged right after fermentation. With proper élevage, some barrel age, and a little time, we coaxed this beauty into the bottle. Everyone who has tasted it spends an inordinate amount of time smelling and tasting the nuances and elegant grape essences the wine presents. “ Doug Margerum
“Rostaing’s grand vin, 2007 Coteaux du Languedoc is a completely different animal from its “vassal,” and not just on account of the inclusion of Grenache. Beef marrow and lightly-cooked cherry and blueberry tinged with cinnamon, nutmeg, resin, and toasted pecan set the carnal and spicy tone here, although there are also hints of resinous scrub. Sleek and refined, with a flattering creaminess and the subtle spice of oak seamlessly allied to the spice of fruit, this finishes with lift and invigoration yet at the same time imposing richness and lip-smacking salinity. It should evolve interestingly for 4-6 years.” 91-92rp
“Top 30 Pinot Noir Wineries : "Monterey County is one of the most exciting outposts on the California Pinot Noir frontier, and one of its most impressive producers is ROAR." The Wine Spectator
“Rough-hewn, dense and chunky, exhibiting intense, concentrated flavors of mineral, blackberry, wild berry, cedar and gravel. Full-bodied and backward, this offers a muscular presentation that's best given plenty of air or cellar time. Best from 2011 through 2017.” 90ws
“Complex, rich and full-bodied, with layers of ripe fig, melon, honeysuckle, and spice, unfolding gracefully, gaining depth and nuance and finishing with a cleansing aftertaste. Drink now through 2014. 450 cases made.”93ws
“Alvaro Palacios established his namesake winery in 1989. Finca Dofi and L’Ermita vineyards are farmed biodynamically. All of the wines are bottled without filtration. The 2007 Finca Dofi ups the ante. It is sourced from a single vineyard with a cepage of 60% Garnacha and 40% Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot aged in 100% new oak. It displays a more expressive nose of mineral, Asian spices, smoke, espresso, black cherry, and licorice. On the palate it is dense but approachable. It merits several years of cellaring, and its optimal drinking window extends from 2013 to 2022.” 93rp
“The stunning 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot) is the finest Cabernet this estate has yet produced from their Howell Mountain holdings. A dense purple color to the rim as well as an exquisite bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, camphor, creme de cassis, smoke, and crushed rocks are followed by sweet fruit, gorgeous density, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a layered, multidimensional mid-palate and length. With no hard edges, this flawless wine should drink well for 20-25 years.” 95rp
“Built for comfort as much as speed, the 2008 vintage is packed with fruit and ready to roll, reminding us of our outstanding 2002 Reserve Cabernet. Like the rich interior of a Ferrari GTB, the nose is showy, ripe and rustic with black currant, clove, tar and exotic oak spices. Under the hood this blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot shows plenty of extract and fleshy fruit delivering seamless power and expansive mouth feel. Moderate, chocolaty tannins engage mid-palate to gradually tighten the chassis and bring a lively quality to the ride.” Randy Lewis
This Cote du Rhone comes from a vineyard only a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea. Grenache and Syrah grapes thrive in this hot and dry climate and produce wines that are hardy in style but seductive in taste. In the nose, you'll find concentrated aromas of wild cherry and blackberry fruit alongside more exotic flavors of anise, white pepper, cocoa, and fig. Full but firm in texture with a burst of berries and spice on the palate. This wine is an ideal match for juicy roasts, savory stews, and even mom's meatloaf. If there was such a thing as comfort wine, this would be it!
A perfect blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec sourced from a world class vineyard located at an elevation of 2,000 ft on the Sonoma Valley side of Mount Veeder. The steep, southern-facing slopes result in small, concentrated grapes with pure flavors and a pronounced sense of place. This wine offers rich flavors of cassis and mocha enhanced by smoky notes. The velvety mouthfeel and long, elegant finish add style to this classic Cabernet Sauvignon, which is perfect for pairing with herb-crusted roasted rack of lamb, grilled rib eye steak and hearty cheeses. Fire up the grill and open a bottle!
This delicious Washington Cabernet has been out of stock for a while as the wholesaler waited for the next vintage.
Declassified Barbaresco from the world’s best grower’s co-op.
“The 2009 Langhe Nebbiolo is made from the coop’s youngest vines and given a relatively short six months in large neutral oak. This mid-weight, juicy Nebbiolo is sleek and refined in its floral red fruit and spices, with good intensity and terrific overall balance. It is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years.” Robert Parker
“A strong personality, with firm, rich tarry berry, mineral, sage and underbrush flavors that are tightly wound and slow to unfold, though as they do they reveal greater depth and concentration, offering a promising future. Best from 2010 through 2017. 890 cases made.” 91ws
No Reserve wines were produced in 2006 so this bottling contains all of the production from the single vineyard Crus.
“The 2006 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, generous Barbaresco loaded with ripe dark fruit. This is an especially harmonious, refined Barbaresco from the Produttori that is also somewhat unusual for its dark, brooding personality. Licorice, leather and tar linger on the powerful finish. Today the wine is remarkable for its depth and concentration, while the aromatic complexity will develop in bottle. Simply put, this is a marvelous effort. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2031.” 92rp
Mia Klein of Selene is the winemaker here – 715 cases made. 10% of the profits from this wine go to Coprodeli, a non-profit that builds schools, clinics and housing in the most impoverished areas of Peru.
“Fruit and oak combine in this young, sensuous wine to make for immediate drinkability, but it’s agreeable. Floods the mouth with ripe, forward flavors of blackberry pie with the smoky-sweet crust, and there are notes of cola, black currant liqueur and Indian spices. This is a very fine, elegant Cabernet, with superfine tannins. It should age well throughout the decade.” 94we
This is the first release from a new vineyard source from this legendary Chardonnay producer .
Only 5 6-packs of this wine are available. The 2008 has not been rated. 2007-98rp , 2006-96rp, 2005-95rp.
“This appropriately named wine is the project of Tim Mondavi, whose father, Robert, was the great visionary of high quality for Napa Valley's wines. After the shocking sale of the flagship Robert Mondavi Winery, Tim set up shop high on Pritchard Hill, not far from Bryant Family Vineyard and Colgin. The new project continues to display exceptional promise. Kudos to Tim Mondavi for continuing the legacy of his family.” Robert Parker
“Sean Larkin’s main project is producing these two brilliant wines that seem to score highly no matter what the vintage.More chocolate, espresso roast, toast and earth jump from the glass of the opaque ruby/purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Although still somewhat primary, it is a full-bodied, powerful, impressive Cabernet that should drink well for 15-20 years.” 92rp
Lush fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry mix with a core of spice and dried herb notes in this fresh and silky red, which has lightly chewy tannins, followed by lingering hints of dark chocolate and cardamom on the finish. Drink now through 2016. Wine Spectator Top 100 #54. 92ws
“Bright and expressive, offering a velvety mouthful of raspberry, cherry, blackberry and sage flavors, finishing with a hint of smoke. Shows depth and persistence. Drink now through 2018.” 91ws
