TASTING NOTE: French winemaker J-L Groulx, Niagara's most experienced crafter of Bordeaux-style red, blends six estate-grown, red grape varieties to create this one wine. It hits the palate like a river of silk, a lazy yet manicured flow of currant-raspberry fruit, vanilla, mocha custard and gently spicy flavours. Its charm and grace almost underplay its complexity and depth. Decant if serving soon; should age gracefully through 2012.
Score - 96.
(David Lawrason,
www.torontolife.com, March 2007)
HENRY OF PELHAM CABERNET/ MERLOT UNFILTERED 1999 VQA Niagara Peninsula
45302
(XD) 750 mL $54.55
TASTING NOTE: Another fine red for the cellar is Henry of Pelham Cabernet Merlot 1999, a full-bodied Bordeaux-styled blend showing classic flavours of black currant, blackberry and herbs and a solid layer of fine tannins.
(Beppi Crosariol,
The Globe and Mail, Nov. 1, 2003)
HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2004 VQA Niagara Peninsula
616466
(XD) 750 mL $38.70
TASTING NOTE: A rich aroma suggesting orange cream and roasted plantain serves as a stunning introduction to this beautiful Chardonnay. The medium- to full-bodied wine is intense and will grow on you with each passing sip. Drinking nicely now, this has the capacity to evolve nicely over the next three to five years.
Score - **** 1/2 (out of 5).
(Zoltan Szabo,
Vines, March/ April 2007)
STRATUS WHITE 2004 VQA Niagara Peninsula
660704
(XD) 750 mL $43.65
TASTING NOTE: (a blend of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Riesling given two years in oak) Deep gold colour; ripe spicy white peach, fennel and toast on the nose; full-bodied, tangerine, peach, apricot with a grassy note; lovely mouth feel, beautifully balanced with great length to a dried apricot finish. ([Winemaker] J.-L. [Groulx] says it has a seven-year ageing potential. Maybe. Certainly the best Stratus white I've tried so far.)
Score - ***** (out of 5).
(Tony Aspler,
www.tonyaspler.com, Nov. 27, 2006)
SANFORD Winery SANFORD & BENEDICT VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005 Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
562
(D) 750 mL $54.55
The Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir is made with fruit sourced from vines planted in 1971. Aged for 18 months in new French oak, this wine is chock full of vibrant raspberry and cherry fruit aromas with lovely wisps of lavender and white pepper. Flavours of ripe cherry fill the palate and are framed admirably by a bright acidity and supple tannins. This will age beautifully.
SANFORD LA RINCONADA PINOT NOIR 2005 Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
724104
(D) 750 mL $52.60
TASTING NOTE: This is a superb vineyard and Pinots I have had from here have been outstanding and very age worthy. This wine is no exception. Fabulous aromatics of spice and bright ripe cherries, meaty flavors of toasty Pinot fruits highlighted with licorice, and a finish that leaves you asking for more. There is a certain pedigree to the fruit here (the vineyard is adjacent to Sanford & Benedict Vineyard) and this wine struts a certain charisma that is other-worldly.
(Rusty Gaffney,
www.princeofpinot.com
www.princeofpinot.com,
July 23, 2007)
CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
14217
(XD) 750 mL $54.55
TASTING NOTE: Plush and concentrated, yet elegant and stylish, with vivid black cherry, blackberry and black currant fruit that provides a tight, ripe focus. Picks up nice loamy earth and cedary oak character on the finish, where the flavors are pure and persistent. Drink now through 2014.
Score - 92.
(James Laube,
www.winespectator.com,
Sept. 30, 2007)
DUCKHORN THREE PALMS MERLOT 2004 Napa Valley
34785
(D) 750 mL $98.20
Duckhorn's Three Palms Merlot is a Bordeaux-style blend (75% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec) and a cult favourite. Aged for 20 months in French oak, this concentrated wine has a velvety texture, bright acidity, and firm, well-integrated tannins. The bouquet is layered with red fruit, dried herbs, allspice, vanilla bean, and a hint of dust. On the palate, the flavours are dominated by dark red fruits, including ripe strawberries and dried cherries, with inviting accents of toasted oak, chocolate, and spice. An obvious cellar candidate.
GOLDENEYE PINOT NOIR 2004 Anderson Valley
659854
(XD) 750 mL $68.45
TASTING NOTE: Exhibits dusty berry, cola and wild raspberry flavors in a complex, well-focused style. Ripe and tannic, this shows nice fruit on the finish, where the tannins provide traction. Drink now through 2011.
Score - 91.
(James Laube,
www.winespectator.com,
June 15, 2007)
JANZEN CLOUDY'S VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Napa Valley
53769
(XD) 750 mL $108.10
Cloudy's Vineyard sits atop the Vaca mountain range overlooking the Napa Valley. This small, two-acre vineyard gets its name from the nickname given to Claus ('head in the clouds') Janzen. As one would expect from this elevation, the wine presents a bolder, more masculine character that is typical of mountain grown fruit. Aged for 21 months in new French oak barrels, this full-bodied, very expressive Cabernet displays lovely aromas of plum, cassis, and blackberry with hints of vanilla and fresh mint that resound admirably on the palate. Enjoyable now but will reward short- to mid-term cellaring.
VON STRASSER CABERNET SAUVIGNON ESTATE VINEYARD 2004 Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley
53751
(XD) 750 mL $84.30
TASTING NOTE: Deep, rich and expansive, with mouthcoating layers of earthy currant, cedar, herb, sage and mineral. A big- shouldered wine that's firm and tannic, yet has a seam of elegance and finesse. Decant. Drink now through 2013. Score - 92.
(James Laube,
www.winespectator.com,
April 30, 2007)
CAIN FIVE 2003 Napa Valley
727925
(XD) 750 mL $98.20
Cain Vineyard overlooks St. Helena from the top of Spring Mountain in the western hills of Napa Valley. The estate vineyard is planted to the five classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. This wine is Cain's signature blend and employs all of its varietals: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, 19% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. This is a firmly structured wine. The nose is subtle, a very pure cassis is hiding in the background, and sings a quiet, clear note all the way through to the end. The full, sweet entry fills out to a satisfying mid-palate, leading to a long, smooth finish. It will drink well now and in the next few years, and it should also show well 10 to 15 years from now.
TASTING NOTE: Offers a mix of herb-laced currant and berry, with hints of anise, sage and cedar. Gets more complex and interesting on the finish, where the flavors fan out and show their depth. Firmly tannic. Decant. Drink now through 2012. Score - 88.
(James Laube,
www.winespectator.com,
May 15, 2007)
DUCKHORN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 Napa Valley
921361
(XD) 750 mL $118
TASTING NOTE: Medium-dark ruby; attractive, forward, intense, cedary, blackberry and black raspberry fruit aroma; full body; forward, rich, textured, cedary, slightly jammy, ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit flavors with good depth and concentration; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Appealing to taste now though deserving several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. Score - 90.
California Grapevine,
Feb./March 2007)
DUCKHORN HOWELL MOUNTAIN MERLOT 2003 Napa Valley
733329
(XD) 750 mL $94.20
This Howell Mountain bottling is well-structured, mouth-filling, with integrated tannins, and a lingering finish. The bouquet offers layered aromas of cassis, leather, dried fruit and molasses, with subtle hints of jasmine. On the palate, the flavours display rich black cherry, currant, pomegranate, and plum notes, complemented by elements of maple, vanilla, and spicy black pepper.
KEENAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE 2003 Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley
47910
(XD) 750 mL $108.10
TASTING NOTE: Notes of graphite, blackberries, blueberries, and cassis emerge from the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve along with underlying sweet earthiness and licorice. It possesses exceptional elegance, a flowery, fragrant bouquet, and gorgeously long, concentrated, intense flavors. Drink this beauty over the next 15 years. Score - 95.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2005)
KEENAN MERNET RESERVE 2003 Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley
47365
(D) 750 mL $98.20
TASTING NOTE: A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, the fruity 2003 Mernet Reserve offers hints of white flowers, blueberries, licorice, cassis, espresso, and truffles. Displaying beautiful fruit on the attack, medium to full body, deep penetration as well as surprising finesse and balance, this is a superb example of high elevation Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink it over the next 12-15 plus years. Score - 94.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2005)
PAHLMEYER PROPRIETARY RED 2003 Napa Valley
739565
(XD) 750 mL $148.75 50963
(XD) 1500 mL $318.30
TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Proprietary Red (86.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels) is a killer. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a big, smoky, fragrant nose of creme de cassis, smoked meats, plum, and licorice, it boasts great intensity, rich, full-bodied, powerful flavors, decent acidity, moderate tannin, and tremendous persistence. It has put on weight since I tasted it last year out of barrel, and should drink well for 15 or more years. Score - 94.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2005)
ANAKOTA HELENA DAKOTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Knights Valley, Sonoma County
10769
(XD) 750 mL $203.30
TASTING NOTE: The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota offers pretty raspberry/floral notes with a Chateau Margaux-like finesse and complexity. Medium to full-bodied with a more elegant, restrained style than its younger sibling, it possesses a Bordeaux- like structure, beautiful fruit, firm tannin, and a long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024.
Score - 92.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2005)
KENWOOD CABERNET SAUVIGNON ARTIST SERIES 2002 Sonoma County
735738
(XD) 750 mL $78.35
TASTING NOTE: 4% Malbec; 3% Merlot; 2% Cabernet Franc. This polished and very carefully measured working eschews exaggerated ripeness and oak in favor of proportion and clearly defined varietal fruit, and, while it may lack the bluster and drama that is the latter-day norm for high-ticket Cabernet, it wins the nod for precision, balance and grace. It is not excessively tannic, yet it is also not a wine that will want drinking soon, and its combination of depth and slight finishing hardness lead us to think in terms of five to ten years when considering age.
Score - 90.
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines,
April 2007)
ROBERT YOUNG SCION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Alexander Valley
670422
(XD) 750 mL $64.50
TASTING NOTE: The Youngs produce a stunning Cabernet from their vineyard on the eastern benchlands of the valley. This Cab is the polar opposite of Napa, and defines the alternative possibilities. Soft, intricate and herbal-earthy, it has beautiful black cherry, cocoa, tobacco and new oak flavors, and it's thoroughly dry. Drink now through 2015. Score - 95.
(Steve Heimoff,
Wine Enthusiast,
Sept. 2006)
DUNN VINEYARDS HOWELL MOUNTAIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1997 Napa Valley
50880
(XD) 1500 mL $395.65
TASTING NOTE: The enormous 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a super-powerful, fabulously-concentrated, 50-year wine. Aromas and flavors of blackberry/ cassis jam, minerals, and subtle oak are found in this extravagantly rich, gargantuan Cabernet Sauvignon that should age effortlessly for half a century. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050. Score - 95.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2000)
This vertical of Chateau Montelena includes all vintages from 1998 to 2002. Due to space constraints, we've included only Robert Parker Jr.'s scores for all the wines. The full reviews can be found on Parker's website.
BRANDER SAUVIGNON BLANC PURISIMA MOUNTAIN 2006 Santa Ynez Valley
52712
(D) 750 mL $32.75
TASTING NOTE: A Women & Wine favorite, this Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of estate fruit and the best of the varietal grown in other vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley. We enjoy its bouquet of floral aromas and its crisp, dry flavors. This wine is a true expression of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. Order in some spicy Asian fare, open a bottle and smile.
(Julie Brosterman & Sharon Boorstin,
www.womenwine.com)
FAR NIENTE CHARDONNAY 2005 Napa Valley
539130
(XD) 750 mL $62.50
Far Niente Chardonnays are classically structured wines that are lush and round on the palate, while displaying the typical intensity of fruit and spicy oak aromas that have become synonymous with their "house style". The 2005 vintage offers luscious aromas of ripe melon and fig, layered with notes of spice, earth, hazelnut and toasted almonds. On the palate, the wine is rich and smooth with intriguing tropical/guava notes and a touch of minerality, ending in a long, toasty finish.
MARIMAR ESTATE DON MIGUEL CHARDONNAY 2004 Russian River Valley, Sonoma
53009
(XD) 750 mL $38.70
TASTING NOTE: Marimar Torres, sister of Miguel, represents the Californian outpost of the Torres wine empire, but she has chosen to avoid using the Torres name on the label of her wines: instead, they are labelled Marimar Estate ... Marimar began planting the Don Miguel vineyard on land she had owned for a while in 1986. 30 acres were planted to Chardonnay, and shortly after another 30 acres of Pinot Noir went into the ground. The location she chose was in the Russian River Valley ... By Californian standards, this is cool climate. Viticulture followed a European model, with a planting density of some four times the Californian standard, at 2000 plants per acre, on a low hanging vertical trellis. Marimar also opted for a mix of clones in pursuit of complexity. Chardonnay is Rued, Spring Mountain and See ...
ROBERT MONDAVI HUICHICA HILLS CHARDONNAY 2001 Carneros, Napa Valley
687368
(D) 750 mL $54.55
TASTING NOTE: Complex nose melds white plum, spices, mint and smoke. Dense, rich, dry and flavorful, with soft citrus and orange fruit complicated by subtle baking spices. Very smooth, silky wine with impressive palate presence. Wears its new oak more gracefully than the reserve bottling. Quite harmonious on the long, resounding finish. Score - 90.
(Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar,
May/June 2003)
