Other European Wines - Classics Collection

TASTING NOTE: Pale golden yellow. Aromas of white peach, acacia blossom and lemon waft over the brown spice botrytis. Rich and glossy in texture, with creamy mirabelle fruit tinged by vanilla and cinnamon and driven by extremely vibrant citric acidity. Boasts a tad more depth, balance and length than the auslese #9. Score - 95. (Joel B. Payne, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2008)

EGON MÜLLER RIESLING KABINETT 2006
QmP, Scharzhofberger, Estate Btld.

720201 (MD) 750 mL $52

Egon Müller wines are famed for their pure varietal expression. The 2006 Riesling Kabinett is no exception, vividly displaying the minerality and slate from which it was sourced, in addition to complex aromas and flavours of lemon zest, honey, peach, and lime cordial. The wine is impressively balanced with a lingering seam of acidity.

DR. LOOSEN RIESLING BEERENAUSLESE 2005
QmP, Ürziger Würzgarten, Estate Btld.

62778 (S) 375 mL $162

TASTING NOTE: A 2005 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese represents this year's only Loosen B.A. Confectionary aromas of strawberry and vanilla icing suggest Eiswein. In the mouth, this is incredibly rich, with an oily, nearly-buttery texture and flavors that bespeak a true super-concentrate of tiny, ennobled berries. Enveloping honey and icing-like sweetness dominate the finish for now, but distinct strawberry jam, butter cream and salt elements are present and the sheer length, breadth, and richness on exhibit here hold the promise of something sensational at points in time 15 to 30 years from now. Score - 94. (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)

MARKUS MOLITOR RIESLING AUSLESE 2005
QmP, Zeltinger Deutschherrenberg, Estate Btld.

74013 (S) 750 mL $48

TASTING NOTE: Tasted from cask, the "two star" 2005 Zeltinger Deutschherrenberg Riesling Auslese** - from a site next to Urziger Wurzgarten with which this was my first acquaintance - marks a change in personality from the wines that went before, for possessing high (9.4 grams) acidity and having been harvested under the influence of noble rot. Aromas of mandarin orange, pineapple, and peach lead to a sweet but ingratiatingly juicy, faintly oily palate impression. The finish here is very long and sweet and colorful in its combination of citrus, pit and tropical fruits, all accented with brown spices and smoky overtones of botrytis. Gaudy this may be, but it is impossible not to be impressed, and Molitor would have us believe that this is a 30-year wine. Score - (90-92). (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)

MARKUS MOLITOR RIESLING BEERENAUSLESE 2005
QmP, Zellinger Himmelreich, Estate Btld.

73940 (S) 375 mL $99

TASTING NOTE: Fine purity and a weightless quality make this intense dessert Riesling taste light, despite its sweetness and vivid flavors of lime, peach and mineral. Shows very clean botrytis character, with balance and harmony, all ending with a trace of dried citrus and tropical fruit. Drink now through 2040. Score - 98. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2007)

DR. LOOSEN RIESLING BEERENAUSLESE 2004
QmP, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Estate Btld.

62760 (S) 375 mL $99

TASTING NOTE: This is breathtaking in its balance and finesse, with extraordinary detail and focus. It's heady and tooth-rattlingly dense, yet its acidity keeps the wine racy and sleekly elongated, allowing the flavors to expand on the palate in three-dimensional complexity. It finishes with complex aromas and a palate-staining length, not showy, but quietly dazzling with understated elegance. Score - 96. www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Dec. 2005)

DR. LOOSEN RIESLING AUSLESE 2003
QmP, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Estate Btld.

63198 (S) 375 mL $42

TASTING NOTE: Clean, focused and packed with apricot, lime and mineral aromas and flavors, this '03 auslese shows harmony and length. A little tightly wound at this point, but patience will be repaid about 12 to 15 years on. Drink now through 2028. Score - 94. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2005)

MARKUS MOLITOR RIESLING AUSLESE 2002
QmP, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, Estate Btld.

74005 (S) 750 mL $42

TASTING NOTE: Racy and intense, this grabs your attention with its aromas and flavors of apricot, lime and slate, all fused onto its sleek frame. Seemingly lighter than air, with a terrific lingering mineral aftertaste. Drink now through 2018. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2004)

Pfalz
White Wine
MÜLLER-CATOIR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2006 QmP, Herrenletten, Estate Btld.

63362 (MS) 750 mL $37

Müller-Catoir is located at the foot of the scenic Haardt mountains in the Pfalz region and is a premier estate that has been crafting complex off-dry wines, like this Herrenletten Riesling Spätlese, since the 18th century. "Since the arrival of young Mosel-born Martin Franzen at this great estate so long associated with the wisdom and artistry of Hans-Gunter Schwarz's 36-year tenure as cellar master, I have been struck by a degree of qualitative continuity and stylistic affinity with the ancient regime that other commentators seem not to have noticed." (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2005) Though the 2006 vintage has yet to be reviewed, past vintages of this wine have received 90+ scores from The Wine Advocate.

Rheingau
White Wine
SCHLOSS JOHANNISBERG RIESLING AUSLESE 2006 QmP, Estate Btld.

73593 (MS) 750 mL $195

TASTING NOTE: This wines pure, concentrated flavors of mango, tangerine and Asian pear are honeyed and intense, while its fine balance gives this a remarkable clarity and grace. With all the opulent ripeness of the vintage, that balance lifts the flavors, making them seem almost weightless. Score - 92. (Wine & Spirits, Dec. 2007)


ROBERT WEIL RIESLING KABINETT 2006 QmP, Estate Btld.

71217 (MS) 750 mL $33

TASTING NOTE: Pale yellow with a greenish hue. Musky, floral aromas with a hint of peach. Succulent tropical fruit flavors on the palate. The bright, crisp texture is enlivened by refreshing acidity. A well-balanced thirst-quencher. Score - 88. (Joel B. Payne, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2008)

Greece

Red Wines

ALPHA ESTATE XINOMAVRO 2004
Amydeon

75119 (D) 750 mL $32

TASTING NOTE: Medium red. Peppery cherry and red berry aromas complicated by tobacco, dark chocolate and pungent herbs. A chewy, medium-bodied wine with zesty cherry and redcurrant flavors framed by fine tannins. Finishes on a sweet note of fresh red berries, with excellent length. I'd give this some time to unwind. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan. 2007)

PAPAIOANNOU MIKROKLIMA SINGLE VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO 2001
Nemea

62588 (XD) 750 mL $57

TASTING NOTE: (70 year-old Agiorgitiko vines) Densely concentrated, firm, intense. Drink with spit-roasted lamb. (John Szabo M.S., www.dine.to)

Portugal
Red Wines
CHRYSEIA 2005 DOC Douro

69674 (XD) 750 mL $75

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 "CHRYSEIA" was the result of a strict selection, bottling only 25,000 liters of 200,000 kg vinified. There were a little more than 2,500 cases produced. In 2005, the winery leaned to Touriga Nacional (70%) in its blend, a higher percentage than normal, with the rest mainly Touriga Franca. Unlike in the Post Scriptum, Touriga Nacional flavors dominate this wine, throwing off ripe, plum nuances that are particularly succulent on Day 2. Like many '05s, it is graceful and elegant, and seems a bit understated compared to the previous two vintages, particularly at first. With air, the wine asserts itself somewhat, expands in the glass and shows off the fine fruit flavors it has. There are refined, well integrated tannins around the edges that become more prominent with air. The wine is velvety, suave and harmonious, its balance impeccable. It grows on you, and becomes more and more interesting. It drank best on Day 2, despite being quite approachable early on. Drink 2009-2020. Score - 92. (Mark Squires, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007)


FERREIRA DOURO RESERVA 1997 DOC Douro

683631 (XD) 750 mL $65

Produced only in vintage years of exceptional quality, this is considered one of the most exciting of Douro's red table wines. A blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Tinta Barroca, this full-bodied red displays remarkable structure and finesse. Aromas of spice, tobacco, cherry and red plum on the nose give way to flavours of spicy oak and dried fruit, with a slightly sweet, tangy finish. The fine tannins will let this wine age gracefully for another five years.

Spain
Red Wine
BODEGAS Y VINEDOS O. FOURNIER SPIGA 2004 DO Ribera del Duero

74740 (D) 750 mL $38

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Spiga underwent malolactic fermentation in new barrels and was aged for 13 months in French and American oak before being bottled unfiltered. Opaque purple in color, the wine exhibits expressive aromas of mineral, tobacco, scorched earth, black currant and blackberry jam. Medium-bodied, the wine offers intense, spicy, black fruit flavors, layers of fruit, and a long finish. It should continue to evolve with 2-3 years in the cellar and drink well through 2024. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)


CLOS FIGUERES 2004 DOCa Priorat

14787 (D) 750 mL $85

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Clos Figueres, from the vineyard's older vines, is a knockout starting with its saturated purple color, intense nose of vanilla, spice box, blackberries and blueberry liqueur, and layered, concentrated flavors. Full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a very long finish, this showy effort should evolve splendidly for 5-7 years and drink well for 10-15 years thereafter. Score - 93. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)


HACIENDA MONASTERIO RESERVA 2004 DO Ribera del Duero

664862 (D) 750 mL $79

This wine is deep red in colour with an enticing floral nose, exhibiting flavours of licorice, mocha and cherry. Powerful and well supported by fine tannins, this is a silky wine whose finesse matches its structure. Though the 2004 is yet to be reviewed, the 2003 vintage scored 93 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar.


LAN EDICION LIMITADA 2004 DOCa Rioja

581652 (XD) 750 mL $53

This wine was ranked #18 on Wine Spectator's 'Top 100 Wines' list of 2007. TASTING NOTE: This powerful red is rich and thick on the palate, even syrupy, with ripe flavors of blueberry and cassis and plenty of espresso-scented oak. But it's not jammy. Fresh and balanced, this carries its considerable alcohol with grace. Not traditional in style, but impressive. Drink now. Score - 96. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007)


TORRE MUGA 2004 DOCa Rioja

719609 (XD) 750 mL $92

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Torre Muga is 75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, and 10% Graciano. It is aged for 3 months in large wood vats before spending 18 months in new French oak. Inky purple-hued, it exhibits a superb nose of wood smoke, pencil lead, spice box, scorched earth, and blackberry. This leads to a layered, opulent wine with 5-7 years of aging potential. It has great balance and should drink at its best from 2015 to 2025. Score - 96. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008)


UVAGUILERA PALOMERO 2001 DO Ribera del Duero

74559 (D) 750 mL $115

TASTING NOTE: The profound 2001 Palomero boasts an opaque ruby/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of sweet saddle leather, smoke, herbs, blackberries, creme de cassis, truffles, and graphite. One of the most prodigious Ribera del Dueros I have tasted, it offers great precision, fabulous concentration, and a long, 40+ second finish. Anticipated maturity: now - 2016. Score - 96. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2005)


JEAN LEON CABERNET SAUVIGNON GRAN RESERVA 1999 DO Penedès

77206 (XD) 750 mL $45

Vinya La Scala boasts the first-ever Cabernet Sauvignon made in Spain. Produced only in vintages when the weather provides exceptional conditions, the Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva spends two years in French oak and three years cellar-ageing in bottle before its release. Complex and well-balanced, the wine displays intriguing flavours and aromas of spice, oak, and dark fruit. The labels for this wine traditionally feature artwork by well-known Catalan artists; the design for the 2006 vintage is titled 'Aragó' by Josep Ma Siera.


MIGUEL TORRES GRANS MURALLES 1999 DO Conca de Barberà

973446 (XD) 750 mL $65

TASTING NOTE: Alluring and elegant. A modern-style wine with distinctive regional flavors. Smoky chocolate notes from new oak frame intriguing notes of wild berry, mountain herbs and minerals. Focused and still fresh. Drink now through 2009. Score - 93. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, July 31, 2005)


MIGUEL TORRES MAS LA PLANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1997 DO Penedès

70433 (XD) 750 mL $49

TASTING NOTE: Ripe blackberry and cherry fruit and classy oak team up to deliver the goods in this palate-pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon. There's plenty of tobacco and earth, and in style and weight it's somewhere between Bordeaux and California, with a heavier nod to the former. Already delicious, this will hold well through the decade, maybe longer. It is an apt demonstration of why weight and density are less important than flavor, texture and balance. Take that, extraction junkies. Drink now through 2008 and beyond. Cellar Selection. Score - 92. (Michael McNeil, Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2002)


MIGUEL TORRES MAS LA PLANA GRAN CORONAS 1994 DO Penedès

315838 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: Bordeaux-like aromas of currant, cedar, tar, tobacco and spicy oak. Very intense, tart-edged tobacco and smoke flavors are distinctly claret-like and suave. Finishes very long and firm, with tongue-dusting but even tannins. Grew richer and deeper with time in the glass. Like the Cabernet Sauvignon, strong for this wine, and worth cellaring. Score - 91(+?). (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 1998)


MIGUEL TORRES MAS LA PLANA GRAN CORONAS GRAN RESERVA 1991 DO Penedès

997890 (XD) 750 mL $65

Gran Coronas Mas La Plana is one of Spain's great wines. Sourced from only 29 ha of grapes, which undergo a rigorous selection process, and made in very limited quantities, this multi-award winner is a serious wine for collectors and connoisseurs.