Just In - New Cellar
USA - CALIFORNIA
1995 Abreu Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch 750ml - $299.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1998, 95 points: "The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch is a strikingly superb Cabernet Sauvignon. Although it includes 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot in the blend, I would never have guessed that. Aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels (as are all Abreu's wines), this wine boasts an opaque purple color, in addition to a fabulous bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, cassis, licorice, minerals, and smoky, toasty oak. The wine's aromatics soar from the glass, and in the mouth, the bouquet's promise is fulfilled. A thick, juicy, black fruit character comes across in cascades of fruit, glycerin, and extract. All of this has been buttressed by sweet tannin and good acidity. A voluptuously-textured, blockbuster, yet remarkably harmonious wine, it is one of the finest efforts of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2025."
1996 Abreu Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch 750ml - $299.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2000, 98 points: "The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch reveals a blueberry/blackberry, creme de cassis character with smoky oak, new saddle leather, licorice, dried herbs, and mineral scents. Expansive, with terrific intensity, purity, and overall symmetry, it has noticeable tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030."
1997 Abreu Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch 750ml - $649.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 2000, 100 points: "...a perfect Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been in bottle for over a year, and this wine, like all the others, has easily soaked up its aging in 100% new Taransaud barrels. It is a sumptuous, unctuously-textured, fabulously concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon that hits all the sweet spots on the palate, and puts the olfactory senses into overdrive. The wine smells and tastes perfect. It is a compelling effort that one day will be considered part of a small group of elite California Cabernets that may be rewriting the definition of greatness in Cabernet Sauvignon."
1997 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard 750ml - $249.99
Stephen Tanzer, Jun 2000, 92 points: "Full ruby-red. Expressive nose combines black raspberry, currant, black cherry, chocolate, tobacco and sandalwood. Lush and sweet but fresh, with a firm edge of acidity giving shape to the flavors. Big and mouthfilling but not at all heavy. The tannins are suave and fine. A bit dominated by the oak today. This wine is virtually always in an awkward stage about six months after the bottling, says Bart Araujo, although I recall that the '96 was atypically showy a year ago. 92(+?) points"
1986 Beaulieu Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour 6000ml - $699.99
1997 Behrens and Hitchcock Cabernet Sauvignon Ink Grade 750ml - $99.99
1997 Behrens and Hitchcock Cuvee Lola Proprietary Red Wine Proprietary Blend 750ml - $99.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1998, 90 - 93 points: "The 1997 Cuvee Lola (a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) is one of the finest Cabernet Franc-dominated wines I have tasted from northern California, ranking alongside the superb efforts turned in by Dalla Valle, La Jota, and Pride Mountain. The wine exhibits a cedary, cigar box, black currant, and raspberry-scented nose, superb ripeness, rich, fleshy, low acid flavors, and a rich but not weighty mid-palate and finish. This wine will be drinkable upon release, and keep for 12+ years. Readers are well-advised to get on Behrens and Hitchcock's mailing list as a large percentage of their small production is sold via this route. Tel. (707) 677-0346"
1997 Behrens and Hitchcock Ode To Picasso Proprietary Blend 750ml - $109.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1998, 91 - 93 points: "Named after a long deceased cat, the 1997 Ode to Picasso (a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Merlot) is far superior to the very good 1996. It reveals the winery's tell-tale aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and cassis, as well as terrific fruit intensity, a layered texture, and huge flavors. Although built like a fortress, it possesses glorious levels of fruit and plenty of power. Accessible enough to be drunk young, it will keep for 12-15+ years.Readers are well-advised to get on Behrens and Hitchcock's mailing list as a large percentage of their small production is sold via this route. Tel. (707) 677-0346"
1997 Behrens and Hitchcock Rudy's Cuvee Proprietary Blend 750ml - $59.99
1995 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $84.99
Wine Spectator, Aug 1998, 92 points: "A seductive style, with lots of spicy, vanilla-scented oak that leads to a rich, complex core of currant, black cherry, olive and plum. The tannins are smooth and polished..."
1998 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 750ml - $129.99
1994 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 750ml - $149.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1998, 95 points: "...The saturated black/purple color is followed by aromas of gorgeously pure blackberry and cassis scents. Toasty oak notes are barely discernable given the wine's bombastic display of black fruits, huge, chewy glycerin level, and sensational finish..."
1993 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 750ml - $119.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1996, 93 points: "Although closed, the 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon is crammed with so much sweet, blackcurrant fruit that it does not take a genius to figure out what this wine is all about. It offers an opaque garnet/purple color, a moderately intense, cassis, smoky, herb, and earthy nose, fabulous concentration, good muscle, and a boatload of sweet tannin. While drinkable, it needs another 4-5 years of cellaring. It will easily last for 20 years. The 1993s and 1994s are in bottle, and the 1993s, which were released several months ago, are disappearing before any bottles hit the retail shelf. Readers who could neither afford nor find the Cabernet Sauvignon or Maya Proprietary Red, will have to wait another ten months for the release of the 1994s. Production at Dalla Valle has dropped, largely because of the phylloxera damage to the vineyard, and the consequent replanting. For example, the production in 1993 was 40% less than that in 1992. The quantities of wine in 1994 will be equally small. Not until the late nineties is production expected to return to its former level."
1994 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 750ml - $129.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1997, 94 points: "The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon, which I have drunk with great pleasure despite its backwardness, possesses a full-bodied, multi-layered personality, with plenty of tannin, but sufficient earthy, black currant/plum-like fruit to balance out the wine's structure. With an opaque purple color, a high tannin level, and gorgeous layers of fruit and intensity, it will be at its peak after 4-6 years of cellaring, and will last for 20-25 years. I don't think I need to reinforce the fact that these offerings are extremely difficult to find, but isn't that the way it always is with such extraordinary wines?"
1995 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 750ml - $129.99
Wine Spectator, Nov 1998, 94 points: "This is a dark, sharply focused, richly flavored wine, brimming with pure cherry, currant, mineral, sage and spice. Has the tannic strength to age..."
1997 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 750ml - $174.99
Wine Spectator, Sep 2000, 96 points: "Tremendous flavor, dark, ripe, rich and packed with black cherry, currant, anise, cedar and spice. Finishes with firm but deliciously well-integrated tannins..."
2000 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 750ml - $69.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 2003, 90 points: "The dark ruby/purple-colored, medium-bodied, stylish 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon offers sweet, loamy, earthy notes along with pure cassis, licorice, and spice box. It is best consumed over the next decade."
1996 Dotto, Del Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $49.99
Wine Spectator, Oct 1999, 92 points: "Revs up with lots of complex flavors--pretty black cherry, currant, plum and spicy, toasty oak that fold together nicely, revealing depth, richness and concentration. Best from 2001 through 2010. 498 cases made. JL"
1997 Dotto, Del Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $59.99
2002 Dumol Chardonnay Chloe 750ml - $59.99
Wine Spectator, Mar 2005, 94 points: "Takes the Dumol Chardonnays up a notch, with an added dimension of depth and complexity. Like the other 2002s, this is laden with rich, opulent, creamy pear, fig, hazelnut and vanilla flavors, which pour through on the long, luxurious finish..."
2004 Dumol Chardonnay Chloe 750ml - $69.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 2006, 95 points: "This beautiful offering is capable of lasting 5-6 years. The 2004 Chardonnay Chloe, largely from the Ritchie Vineyard, is made from an old Mt. Eden clone of Chardonnay, and spends time in 62% new French barrels. There are 900 cases of this stunning white. An exceptional bouquet of wet stones, white currants, white peaches, and orange liqueur is followed by a wine with super acids, full body, a singular presence as well as fruit, and a stunningly long finish of over 30 seconds. This is a killer Chardonnay to drink over the next 4-6 years."
2004 Dumol Chardonnay Isobel Green Valley 750ml - $69.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2006, 94 points: "From the Heintz Vineyard, the 2004 Chardonnay Isobel Green Valley is a 500-case cuvee aged 18 months in barrel. It reveals crisp acidity, a steely structure, and beautiful honeysuckle, orange blossom, and subtle smoky characteristics. As I said last year, DuMol is one of my favorite wineries, primarily because of the passion and commitment to quality of owner Kerry Murphy and his winemaker, Andy Smith.Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Chloe (94+), 2003 Chardonnay Isobel (94), 2003 Pinot Noir Finn (93), 2003 Pinot Noir Ryan (90+), 2003 Syrah Eddie's Patch (95).Tel. (925) 254-8922; Fax (925) 254-8942"
2003 Dumol Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 750ml - $69.99
Wine Spectator, Dec 2005, 92 points: "Fragrant rose petal, spice, berry and dark fruit aromas are well-defined and focused on the palate, with a mix of understated elegance woven through a fabric of rich cherry and berry fruit. Excellent acidity, it succeeds in delivering an intense yet delicate style with firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2010. 2,518 cases made. JL"
2004 Dumol Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 750ml - $69.99
Wine Spectator, Feb 2007, 92 points: "Very charming, supple and harmonious, with layers of plum, black cherry and raspberry fruit that's fresh and refreshing. Finishes with a burst of dark fruit flavors, turning delicate. Drink now through 2009. 2,450 cases made. JL"
2005 Dumol Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 750ml - $74.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2006, 90 - 92 points: "The 2005 Pinot Noir Russian River (2,500 cases) had recently been moved to tank and was awaiting bottling when I tasted it. It is a medium-bodied effort displaying plenty of berry fruit, dried herbs, lavender, spicy oak, and roasted meat characteristics. Savory with good acidity, it is a strong Russian River cuvee to drink over the next decade. As I said last year, DuMol is one of my favorite wineries, primarily because of the passion and commitment to quality of owner Kerry Murphy and his winemaker, Andy Smith. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Chloe (94+), 2003 Chardonnay Isobel (94), 2003 Pinot Noir Finn (93), 2003 Pinot Noir Ryan (90+), 2003 Syrah Eddie's Patch (95).Tel. (925) 254-8922; Fax (925) 254-8942"
2002 Dumol Pinot Noir Ryan Green Valley 750ml - $74.99
Wine Advocate, Feb 2005, 91 points: "The 2002 Pinot Noir Ryan comes across as a classic premier cru from Gevrey-Chambertin with its Allspice, beet root, cola, and earth-like personality as well as its dry, tannic, austere style. Plum, berry, and forest floor notes are also found in this complex, French-styled Pinot..."
2003 Dumol Syrah 750ml - $54.99
Wine Advocate, Jun 2005, 89 - 91 points: "This wine was recommended, but no tasting note was given."
2005 Dumol Syrah 750ml - $79.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2006, 90 - 93 points: "Aromas of black fruits, tapenade, ground pepper, and spice box emerge from the 2005 Syrah Russian River (1,400 cases). There is some herbaceousness underneath the fruit, but the wine is full-bodied, rich, complex, and comes across like a Crozes-Hermitage on steroids. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. As I said last year, DuMol is one of my favorite wineries, primarily because of the passion and commitment to quality of owner Kerry Murphy and his winemaker, Andy Smith.Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Chloe (94+), 2003 Chardonnay Isobel (94), 2003 Pinot Noir Finn (93), 2003 Pinot Noir Ryan (90+), 2003 Syrah Eddie's Patch (95).Tel. (925) 254-8922; Fax (925) 254-8942"
2002 Dumol Syrah Eddie's Patch 750ml - $84.99
Wine Spectator, Feb 2005, 95 points: "This is a delicious Syrah, pure, rich, intense and concentrated, with a wonderful core of zesty black cherry, blackberry, wild berry and pretty fresh earth scents. Just when you think the flow of flavors is about to slow down then the light, toasty vanilla oak flavors fold it, giving it yet another added dimension of flavor. Best from 2006 through 2012. 350 cases made. (JL)"
1993 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 750ml - $89.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1996, 95 points: "The 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain reveals an opaque black color, huge tannin, terrific purity, and density, a broad, heavyweight mouthfeel, and gobs of ripe tannin. It is a massive Cabernet Sauvignon that requires a decade of cellaring - at the minimum."
1994 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 750ml - $94.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1997, 96 points: "The 1994s might be ready to drink within 10-15 years. It is hard to believe these wines spend 30 months in oak casks before bottling as they are incredibly unevolved and backward when released. Look out for the behemoth 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. This black/purple-colored wine adds a few more nuances (minerals, licorice, and floral scents) to the lavish display of creme de cassis. Full-bodied, with a blockbuster level of extract and density, this is an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon for readers with patience, good genes for longevity, or the foresight to purchase it for their children. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030."
1995 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 750ml - $109.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1998, 96 points: "The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is similar in all respects to the Napa Valley, but somewhat heavier in the mouth, with an aggressive tannic bite, and more length. It possesses mineral-tinged blackberry and cassis fruit, massive body, and extraordinary purity and length..."
1996 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 750ml - $109.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2000, 96 points: "...The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain possesses a black/blue/purple color, and a texture of unctuosity and thickness. Greatness is suggested by a wonderfully sweet mid-section, gorgeous purity, and this humongous wine's overall symmetry. It also possesses sumptuous layers of concentration, remarkably sweet tannin, low acidity, and a 40+ second finish..."
1999 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 750ml - $89.99
Wine Spectator, Nov 2002, 93 points: "Dark and intense, with a tight, compact, tightly wound band of earth, anise, leather, game meat, currant and blackberry, revealing layers of complexity and concentration before the tannins and cedary oak clamp down. Best from 2005 through 2014. 2,000 cases made. (JL)"
1995 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon 14th Anniversary 750ml - $94.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1997, 94 points: "A monster, the tannic 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon 14th Anniversary Release is unquestionably a huge, mountain-styled Cabernet. It exhibits a black/purple color and a reticent but promising nose of minerals, smoke, black currants, and underbrush. Although full-bodied and excruciatingly tannic, there is enough fruit to balance out the wine's structure. It may be as backward as the Cabernet Sauvignon made by Dunn on another Howell Mountain slope; this wine needs 5-8 years of cellaring."
1996 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon 15th Anniversary 750ml - $94.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1998, 96 points: "The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon 15th Anniversary Release (1,050 cases produced) boasts an opaque purple color, as well as beautiful aromas of smoke, blackberries, Asian spices, charcoal, and subtle truffle-like scents. Huge, massive, and full-bodied, with phenomenal flavor extraction, and beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, this flamboyant, exceptionally well-endowed wine continues the succession of titanic wines made under this label. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2027."
1996 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon 15th Anniversary 1500ml - $199.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1998, 96 points: "The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon 15th Anniversary Release (1,050 cases produced) boasts an opaque purple color, as well as beautiful aromas of smoke, blackberries, Asian spices, charcoal, and subtle truffle-like scents. Huge, massive, and full-bodied, with phenomenal flavor extraction, and beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, this flamboyant, exceptionally well-endowed wine continues the succession of titanic wines made under this label. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2027."
1997 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon 16th Anniversary 750ml - $94.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2000, 93 points: "...emerging aromas of charcoal, blackberries, cassis, and minerals are promising. The wine is intense, ripe, with a layered, expansive richness, and exotic notes of Asian spices, beef blood, and assorted black fruits..."
1998 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon 17th Anniversary 750ml - $74.99
1997 Martinelli Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard 750ml - $79.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2000, 93 points: "1997 Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve is performing terrifically from bottle. In a recent blind tasting with some of America's finest Pinot Noirs and three of my favorite Burgundy grand crus from the 1990 vintage, it was the group's (not mine) favorite. It overloads the olfactory senses with kirsch, plum, black cherry fruit, and smoky oak. Full-bodied, heady, and lush, it should be drunk over the next 5-8 years. Tel. (707) 525-0570; fax (707) 525-9463"
1996 Martinelli Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve 750ml - $79.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1998, 94 points: "A rating was given for this wine in the review, without a tasting note. I suppose it is no longer a secret that Helen Turley is the Martinelli winemaker."
1996 Michael Winery, Peter Les Pavots Proprietary Red Wine Proprietary Blend 750ml - $164.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2000, 96 points: "The powerhouse, opaque purple/blue-colored 1996 Les Pavots is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. The nose offers up blackberry, licorice, cassis, and pain grille aromas. The superb extract, well-defined personality, and smoky, licorice, Asian spice, and blackberry flavors provide a thrilling tasting experience. It was bottled with neither fining nor filtration..."
1995 Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 750ml - $79.99
Wine Spectator, Jul 1998, 94 points: "Ripe, dark, dense and earthy, with a rich core of currant, mineral and spice. Shows off pretty, toasty, spicy oak too, all the while maintaining a tremendous sense of elegance and finesse..."
1997 Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 750ml - $99.99
Wine Spectator, Sep 2000, 93 points: "Packed with currant, black cherry, plum, cedar and spice nuances, finishing long and complete, this Mondavi reserve is a dark, immense, deeply concentrated and sharply focused red..."
1998 Ojai Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard 750ml - $69.99
1997 Ojai Syrah Cuvee Henry Daniel 750ml - $89.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2000, 95 points: "The 1997 Syrah Cuvee Henry Daniel (named after one of Adam Tolmach's children) is a prodigious Syrah. Seventy-five percent emerged from the Bedford Thompson Vineyard and the rest from the Bien Nacido. Opaque purple-colored, with a huge, smoky, blackberry liqueur-scented nose, this fabulously concentrated wine exhibits abundant sweet tannin, an unctuous texture, well-integrated new oak (about 50% new wood was utilized) and a layered, deep, compelling finish. A compelling Syrah, it should evolve beautifully for 10-15+ years. This wine is only available in 6-packs as production was limited to just over 300 cases. Tel. (805) 649-1674; Fax (805) 649-4651"
2002 Ojai Syrah Melville Vineyard 750ml - $69.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2004, 95 points: "The inky/blue/purple-colored 2002 Syrah Melville Vineyards boasts a stunning perfume of crushed rocks, white flowers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, a viscous texture, good underlying acidity that provides vibrance as well as delineation, and a spectacularly rich, multidimensional mid-palate and finish. This formidable Syrah is approachable, but will benefit from 1-2 more years to develop further. It should last through 2016+. One cannot say enough about the commitment to excellence exhibited year after year by Adam Tolmach.(Release date 4/05)Tel. (805) 649-1674"
1998 Ojai Syrah Roll Ranch EH 750ml - $79.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2002, 94 points: "There are 200 cases of the 1998 Syrah Roll Ranch E.H. A special bottling, it tips the scales at a whopping 15% alcohol, and is the only Syrah Adam Tolmach puts in a Bordeaux-shaped bottle. The "EH" denotes that it was made from a specific clone (Estrella). This unique offering possesses extraordinary sweetness, an unctuous texture, and high tannin levels. Ripe, with roasted black fruit notes intermixed with asphalt, camphor, meat, and cassis/blackberries, this structured, backward wine requires 2-3 years of cellaring and should last for two decades.(Not yet released)Tel. (805) 649-1674"
1998 Ojai Syrah Thompson Vineyard 750ml - $59.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2002, 94 points: "The dense black/purple-colored 1998 Syrah Thompson Vineyard (300 cases) displays tell-tale notes of creosote, cassis, blackberries, scorched earth, and smoke. Although it exhibits tannin, there is more than enough richness to balance it out. Full-bodied, mouth-filling, and impressive, it should drink well for 12-15 years. Although 1998 can be a high acid year, there is no tartness. Tel. (805) 649-1674"
1995 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Wine Proprietary Blend 1500ml - $274.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1997, 95 points: "...Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated (usually 80-85%) with small portions of Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot...It is unquestionably among the top dozen 1995s. The wine boasts an explosive blackberry/blueberry/cassis-scented nose that has completely soaked up all the new oak in which it has been aged for the last 22 months. Purple/black in color, it exhibits fabulously extracted, layered black fruit flavors that coat the palate, offering a seamless texture and voluptuous impression."
1997 Paloma Merlot 750ml - $79.99
Wine Advocate, Aug 1999, 92 points: "...attractive, spicy, oaky notes intermixed with smoke and black cherry jam. Full-bodied, with low acidity, outstanding concentration and purity, and moderate tannin in the impressively-endowed finish..."
1995 Phelps, Joseph Insignia Proprietary Red Wine Proprietary Blend 750ml - $159.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 1998, 97 points: "The 1995 Insignia may be slightly better than the 1994 - as hard as that is to believe. The final blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. The 1995 exhibits a character similar to the 1994 - cassis, fruitcake, cedar, herbs, coffee, and black fruits intermixed with smoke - but the 1995 is slightly longer in the mouth. It is a wine of extraordinary extraction, full body, and marvelously pure fruit. Moreover, it has managed to soak up the 100% new oak aging, leaving only subtle pain grille notes. The tannin may be slightly more noticeable in the 1994, but my instincts suggest the 1995 is even richer and longer than the 1994..."
1996 Phelps, Joseph Insignia Proprietary Red Wine Proprietary Blend 750ml - $129.99
Wine Spectator, Aug 1999, 93 points: "Ripe and polished, with deep, complex currant, herb, blackberry, cherry, sage, tea and spice flavors, all sharply focused and built on a frame of supple tannins. Tasty already..."
1997 Phelps, Joseph Insignia Proprietary Red Wine Proprietary Blend 750ml - $179.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 2000, 96 points: "Joseph Phelps' flagship wine is their fabulous Insignia, a wine with a tremendous track record back to the debut vintage of 1974. It is produced in significant quantities (18,000-20,000 cases) for a wine of such quality. The prodigious 1997 Insignia (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 3% Petit-Verdot) lives up to its pre-bottling promise. Tasted on three separate occasions, every bottle has hit the bull's eye. The color is a saturated thick-looking blue/purple. The nose offers up explosive aromas of jammy black fruits, licorice, Asian spices, vanillin, and cedar. Full-bodied as well as exceptionally pure and impressively endowed, this blockbuster yet surprisingly elegant wine cuts a brilliant swath across the palate. A seamless effort with beautifully integrated acidity, sweet tannin, and alcohol, it is still an infant, but can be drunk with considerable pleasure..."
1996 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon Founders Reserve 750ml - $174.99
1999 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $69.99
Wine Spectator, Feb 2002, 92 points: "...Well-oaked, with creamy, mocha-scented flavors leading to a ripe, supple, complex core of currant, black cherry, anise, spice and mineral. Turns sleek and elegant on the finish, with a long, lively aftertaste..."
1995 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 750ml - $299.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1998, 98 points: "The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has come of age now that it is in the bottle. This is the essence of North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, offering port-like thickness and richness, a superb black currant, mineral, cedar, and pain grille-scented nose, full-bodied flavors of extraordinary intensity and overall balance, and a long, moderately tannic, multidimensional finish. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025. Shame on me for underestimating this beauty! This is a limited production offering from Pride Mountain Vineyards. Tel. (707) 963-4949"
USA - WASHINGTON
1996 Leonetti Cellar Merlot 750ml - $79.99
1995 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $149.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1998, 92 points: "The dark ruby-colored 1995 Quilceda Creek contains 12% Merlot, a high figure for this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine. It reveals an expressive, ripe, and violet-laced nose as well as wonderful layers of blackberry, red currant, cassis, and floral flavors. This medium-to-full-bodied, elegant and refined wine is intensely concentrated and flavorful, but certainly not on the level of the blockbuster 1994. In its youth this silky-textured wine is quintessential Golitzen, polished, precise, focused, and gracefully exhibiting highly-defined sweet fruit. It is certainly ageworthy, but I predict it will attain its peak of maturity earlier than its older sibling. Projected maturity: 2003-2010+. Bravo!"
1997 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $149.99
Wine Advocate, Feb 2001, 94 points: "...a boisterous rosemary and black fruit-scented nose. Big, broad, and chewy, this medium to full-bodied wine is packed with black fruits, spices, and hints of tar. It is masculine, concentrated, and in need of cellaring..."
1998 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $149.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 2002, 96 points: "Blackberry jam, juniper berries, and spices can be found in the rich aromatics of the stunning, dark-colored 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine of awesome breadth, width, concentration, and power, this full-bodied beauty is crammed with lush layers of blackberries, plums, and cassis. This offering's prodigious fruit envelopes its copious silky tannin. Additionally, it displays an extraordinarily long finish..."
1999 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $174.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 2002, 98 points: "...mouth-watering aromas of highly expressive blackberries awash in toasted oak and roasting spices. Medium to full-bodied, thick, concentrated, and exquisitely balanced, this mouth-coating tour de force is densely packed with jammy black fruits and cassis liqueur. It combines elegance with power...magnificent depth of fruit, a profound personality, and the requisite structure for long-term cellaring. Bravo!..."
2000 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $99.99
Wine Advocate, Dec 2002, 94 points: "The dark ruby-colored 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose reminiscent of a blackberry-flavored Yoplait yogurt laced with roasted oak and hints of licorice. A full-bodied wine of power and structure, it is crammed with black currants, blackberries, and spices. Its dense fruit is matched blow for blow with a muscular, firm structure..."
2001 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $199.99
Wine Advocate, Aug 2004, 98 points: "...spectacular wine explodes from the glass with loads of flowers (mostly violets), cassis, black cherries, blackberries, and underlying fresh herbs. Feeling like liquid satin on the palate, it is broad, densely-packed, and has stupendous depth. A refined effort, its medium to full-bodied personality is crammed with highly-detailed black fruits and loads of exquisitely ripe tannin...This blockbuster has it all!..."
2002 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $274.99
Wine Advocate, Apr 2006, 100 points: "Unlike some minuscule production "cult" wines or luxury cuvees culled from a winery's primary product that have earned perfect scores over the years, Quilceda Creek's Cabernet Sauvignon is the winery's raison d'etre and is produced in significant quantities (3,400 cases in 2002, 3,425 in 2003). For accomplishing this feat the Golitzens should be doubly proud. Dark ruby-colored and sporting a nose of violets, sweet blueberries, dark cherries, and slight undertones of asphalt, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon blossoms on the palate to expose a wine of ethereal delicacy yet immense power. Medium to full-bodied, it expands to reveal concentrated layers of cassis, blackberries, red cherries, raspberries, violets, spices, and touches of candied plums. This rich, exquisitely balanced, sweet, and broad wine is harmonious, graceful, and awesomely long. Projected maturity: now-2022. Congratulations Alex and Paul, welcome to the big leagues."
2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $224.99
Wine Spectator, Jun 2007, 95 points: "Velvety and generous. A supple, insinuating style, with coffee and bittersweet chocolate accents around a beautifully contained core of ripe currant, plum and cherry fruit. Has great presence, balance and harmony. The finish expands impressively against a veil of firm tannins and well-integrated oak flavors. Best from 2010 through 2020. 3,400 cases made. HS"
1997 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard 750ml - $129.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2001, 91 points: "The medium to dark ruby-colored 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard displays creamy, sweet, Connecticut white corn, and black cherry aromas. Medium to full-bodied and satin-textured, it is an intense, blackberry and dark cherry-flavored wine. This expressive, flavorful offering has outstanding follow-through from its attack to its long, seamless, and focused finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2008. Tel. (360) 568-2389."
2001 Quilceda Creek Red Wine Proprietary Blend 750ml - $199.99
Wine Enthusiast, Sep 2004, 92 points: "Quilceda's second wine is gorgeous, supple and sweet with lovely Cabernet cassis and smooth hints of licorice and chocolate. Though not as concentrated as the Cabernet, it is immediately delicious, and would put to shame most wines in its price category."
AUSTRALIA - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
1994 Elderton Shiraz Syrah 750ml - $34.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1999, 92 points: "The 1994 Command Shiraz is possesses slightly high alcohol (14.5%). It possesses massive fruit extraction, tons of new American oak, low acidity, and layers of chewy, glycerin-imbued, concentrated fruit. It should drink well for another decade. I suspect This wine will become more civilized and less exuberant with bottle age. Elderton's wines are not for tasters seeking subtlety and elegance. This is an outrageously oaky, flamboyantly-styled offering with immense hedonistic appeal."
1998 Fox Creek Shiraz Reserve Syrah 750ml - $94.99
Wine Advocate, Feb 2000, 98 points: "Nearly perfect...powerful, naturally-textured, super-rich wines that are big and chewy. Exceptionally rich and explosive, with great purity as well as remarkable symmetry and overall balance for such massiveness, this blockbuster can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years. Make no doubt about it, this Shiraz will elicit more than a few "wows" in any tasting - blind or otherwise."
1996 Greenock Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $65.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1999, 94 points: "The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon (from 10-year old vines) may only have a "modest" 13.9% alcohol, yet it is a sensational wine. Its opaque saturated purple color is followed by copious amounts of cassis, earth, and spice aromas. There is superb concentration, huge body, outstanding purity, and a multi-dimensional, thick, viscous, concentrated finish. It is a blockbuster Cabernet Sauvignon that will be drinkable young because of low acidity, but will evolve for two decades. Importer: Dan Phillips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283"
1997 Greenock Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $129.99
Wine Advocate, Feb 2000, 98 points: "...This low acid, formidably endowed blockbuster must be the most concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine I have tasted in many a year. An opaque black/purple color is followed by a fabulous nose of black fruits, cedar, Asian spices, licorice, and truffle. The wine hits the palate with layer upon layer of highly-extracted, super-jammy, ripe fruit. Low acidity gives the wine an accessibility and sumptuousness that redefine the word "hedonism." The finish lasts for more than a minute. This is an exhilarating, teeth-staining Cabernet Sauvignon that, remarkably, can be drunk now or cellared for 20-30+ years. An astonishing wine!"
1997 Noon Eclipse Proprietary Blend 750ml - $59.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 1999, 94 points: "The opaque purple-colored 1997 Eclipse (900 cases of a 65% Grenache, 35% Shiraz blend, from 35-60-year old vines) somehow manages to hide its 16.3% alcohol. The wine offers up cherry/blackberry liqueur-like aromas and flavors, an unctuous texture, and despite its ripeness, size, and richness, does not taste like a heavyweight, late-harvest, pruny wine. It seems to me that vineyards in this viticultural area (Langhorn Creek) can achieve an extraordinarily high degree of alcohol without the pruny flavors often associated with less alcoholic wines. This unfiltered beauty is extremely intense, yet should evolve into a civilized, spectacular Shiraz/Grenache blend that will age well for 10-15+ years. A name to watch for is Drew Noon, who has taken over his father's winery, and apparently hit the bull's eye with everything I tasted in 1997. Noon's wines taste like the essence of their respective varietals, pushing concentration and extract to the limit, although I did not sense that they were over the top. These are wines of extraordinary depth and richness, with amazing upside potential in the bottle."
FRANCE - BORDEAUX
2003 Cos d'Estournel Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $199.99
Wine Advocate, May 2007, 99 points: "From Robert Parker's Hedonist's Gazette, May 2007. Please note, although scored 99 points by Robert Parker himself, this is NOT an official score. It was given at an informal tasting of 13 different 2003 Bordeaux wines he participated in at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, PA. "The unbelievable 2003 Montrose (rated 100) and Cos d'Estournel (rated 99) are two of the greatest St.-Estèphes I have ever tasted. Montrose is the more backward, and the Cos is more precocious, but both wines will benefit from 8-10 years of cellaring, and should last for 30-40 years.""
2003 Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend 1500ml - $799.99
Wine Advocate, Apr 2006, 95 points: "The blockbuster 2003 Haut-Brion (13% alcohol) possesses extremely high tannin, but that component is well-concealed by a cascade of mulberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum-like fruit. There is even a hint of figs under the blue and red fruit spectrum. While broad and ripe with a sweet, glyceral mouthfeel as well as a long, powerful, persistent finish, it retains its elegance and nobility. A wine of both power and finesse, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 25-30."
2004 Leoville-Barton Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $51.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2006, 90 - 92 points: " A very successful vintage at this estate, the 2004 Leoville Barton offers a dense, opaque purple color, a big, deep, meaty nose of dried herbs, new saddle leather, licorice, a hint of toasty barrique, and plenty of black currant fruit. It is pure, ripe, slightly austere and tannic, but also substantial in a vintage that rarely produced wines of this size and power. This will be a wine for patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025."
2004 Lynch Bages Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $49.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2007, 89 points: "Attractive cassis aromas jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004. While elegant, medium-bodied, soft, and broad in the mouth, it is slightly superficial, without the broodingly deep, backward, muscular personality of this estate's wines prior to 2001. Given its flavor profile and softness, the 2004 will have wide consumer appeal if drunk over the next 10-14 years."
1991 Margaux, Chateau Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $249.99
2003 Pavie Bordeaux Blend 3000ml - $824.99
Wine Advocate, Apr 2006, 98 points: "This 92-acre vineyard, which enjoys an impeccable southern orientation, is composed of limestone on the upper slopes, clay and limestone in the middle, and sand and clay at the base. Proprietor Gerard Perse, who has done a brilliant job since acquiring the estate in 1998, continues to push the envelope of quality to higher and higher heights. Planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes receives kid glove treatment with hand-harvesting into small plastic lugs, two triage tables, and aging for 28 months in 100% new oak that is purchased in advance, then air-dried and coopered according to Perse's specifications. In short, the man is a perfectionist, and the quality of all the estates he owns has soared dramatically."
1995 Pontet-Canet Bordeaux Blend 750ml - $74.99
Wine Spectator, Jan 1998, 94 points: "This is the best Pontet-Canet I have ever tasted. Dark ruby-colored, offering berry, raspberry and dark chocolate character. Full-bodied and very fruity, with big, velvety tannins. A glorious red, this goes on and on on the palate, displaying wonderful structure and fruit. Best after 2002. 23,000 cases made. (JS)"
FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY
2005 Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume Chenin Blanc 750ml - $59.99
Wine Spectator, May 2007, 98 points: "A jaw dropper, with orange blossom, persimmon, fig and quince flavors that remain remarkably bright and light thanks to riveting acidity and a superfine, minerally finish. Pure and perfectly balanced, this refuses to break down in the mouth. The best since the monster 1995. Drink now through 2032. 1,200 cases made. JM"
SPAIN - RIOJA
2004 Benjamin Romeo Contador Tempranillo 750ml - $379.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2007, 100 points: "The 2004 Contador is even better than the 2003 if that is possible. More expressive aromatically (a characteristic of 2004) this wine is more tightly wound and backward than the 2003. Unlike the 2003 it demands a minimum of a decade of cellaring and could well last for 75-100 years if well stored. Collectors will have a blast tasting these two wines side-by-side."
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