Classics Collection January 2008

The Classics Collection March 2008
Tasting notes

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France - Classics Collection - March 2008

Bordeaux
Red Wine
CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR 2004 St-Estèphe, 3^e Cru

671594 (XD) 750 mL $69

TASTING NOTE: Intense aromas of currant bush and berries that turn to roses. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a floral, leafy and fruity aftertaste. Builds on the palate. Needs time. Best after 2011. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007)

CHÂTEAU BAHANS-HAUT-BRION 2003 Pessac-Léognan

596403 (XD) 750 mL $95

TASTING NOTE: Loads of blackberry, raspberry and jam on the nose with just hints of green tobacco. Full-bodied, round and long, with fresh fruit and a clean finish. Second wine from Haut-Brion. Best after 2012. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006)


CHÂTEAU HOSANNA 2003 Pomerol

587196 (XD) 750 mL $188

TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberry, forest fruits and licorice with just a hint of spice. Full-bodied, with loads of ripe fruit and velvety tannins. Raisins, toasted oak and just a hint of dark chocolate. Best after 2010. Score - 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006)

CHÂTEAU D’ARMAILHAC 2001 Pauillac, 5^e Cru
(Baronne Philippine de Rothschild, Prop.)
71852 (XD) 750 mL $75

TASTING NOTE: Medium deep ruby/purple-colored with a sweet perfume of cedar wood, chocolate, oak, and black currants, this medium-bodied, attractive, soft Pauillac is ideal for drinking now and over the next 12-13 years. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2004)


CHÂTEAU DU TERTRE 2001 Margaux, 5^e Cru

62992 (XD) 750 mL $73

TASTING NOTE: Broad and sexy, with supple tannin, the 2001 offers beguiling notes of toast, black currant liqueur, violets, and licorice in a seductive, opulent, medium to full-bodied, accessible style. It may deserve another point or two for pure pleasure. Proprietor Eric Albada Jelgersma is doing a splendid job rebuilding this estate and producing higher and higher quality wines. The finest Du Tertre in many years was the 2000, and the 2001 is close behind it in quality. Anticipated maturity: now-2014. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2004)


CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 2001 Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé des Graves

71944 (XD) 750 mL $189

TASTING NOTE: Very complex, with blackberries, flowers and minerals. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, sweet fruit aftertaste. Refined La Mission. Beautiful. Best after 2008. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2004)


CHÂTEAU LA TOUR HAUT-BRION 2001 Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé des Graves

913962 (XD) 750 mL $79

TASTING NOTE: Fantastic aromas of minerals, blackberries and licorice follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long silky finish. A beauty. This is nearly always outstanding. The real thing. Best after 2007. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2004)


CHÂTEAU QUINAULT L’ENCLOS 2001 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
(A & F Raynaud, Prop.)
71985 (XD) 750 mL $79

TASTING NOTE: This blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc owes much of its extraordinary quality to the impeccable perfectionist efforts of Quinault’s owners, Dr. Alain Raynaud and his wife, Francoise. The 37-acre vineyard, situated within the Libourne city limits, includes some of the appellation’s oldest vines. This wine enjoys all of the state of the art, cutting edge winemaking techniques (i.e., cold fermentation, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and no fining or filtration). Yields are kept to a modest 40 hectoliters per hectare. The 2001 is a worthy rival to the 2000. Deep purple to the rim, this vibrant red boasts a gorgeous bouquet of striking minerality intermixed with raspberries, blackberries, and hints of blueberries, espresso roast, and oak. Medium-bodied, elegant, and pure, with an intense mid-palate as well as a long finish, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 12-15 years. Drink 2006-2019. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2004)


CHÂTEAU CLOS DE SARPE 1999 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

71928 (XD) 750 mL $76

TASTING NOTE: There are approximately 1,000 cases of this stunning St.-Emilion, which, since 1998 has emerged as one of the biggest, richest, fullest-bodied wines of the appellation. It can border on being rustic, but there is so much power, depth, and concentrated fruit that serious Bordeaux consumers need to give it a try. The 1999 may not compare to the other-worldly 2000, or powerful 1998, but it is a rich, deep ruby/purple-colored effort offering gorgeous aromas of black raspberries, licorice, earth, and toast. The wine is highly-extracted, rich, and full-bodied, with moderately high tannin. It is a behemoth for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2002)


CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE 1999 Pomerol
(Jean-Pierre Moueix SARL)
694604 (XD) 750 mL $158

TASTING NOTE: The dark ruby-colored 1999 is a beautifully complex, evolved, seductive style of La Conseillante. The wine exhibits sweet black raspberry and cherry liqueur notes intermixed with cedar, toasty oak, licorice, new saddle leather, and dried herbs. It is medium-bodied with no hard edges, extremely pure, and almost sweet (from ripe fruit, not sugar). This is a lush, delicious La Conseillante that merits its reputation as "a Burgundy from Bordeaux." Anticipated maturity: now-2012. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2002)


CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET 1999 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

71845 (XD) 750 mL $120

TASTING NOTE: The dense ruby/purple-colored 1999 Monbousquet exhibits a port-like bouquet of super-ripe black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with scents of coffee, tobacco, and vanilla. Tipping the scales at a whopping 14% alcohol (extremely high for Bordeaux), this wine, which spends 18 months in 100% new oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered, is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was cropped at an amazingly low 30 hectoliters per hectare. It possesses an amazing texture, a mid-palate that you could get lost in, and a sensational 40-45 second finish. The exotic aromas, incredible texture, and abundant fruit are reminiscent of Pomerol's renowned micro-cuvee, Le Pin. The 1999 is even better from bottle than it was from cask. It is a remarkable effort for the vintage, Anticipated maturity: 2005-2017. Score - 94. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2002)


CHÂTEAU MOULIN ST-GEORGES 1999 AC St-Émilion

721712 (XD) 750 mL $78

TASTING NOTE: The dense, ruby/purple-colored, elegant St.-Emilion is a sleeper of the vintage. The wine exhibits a sweet blackberry/blueberry nose with striking minerality and purity. It is medium-bodied, long, rich, and structured. This 1999 will actually benefit from several years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2002)


CHÂTEAU ROUGET 1999 Pomerol

71936 (XD) 750 mL $75

TASTING NOTE: The 1999 is an excellent, textbook Pomerol with notes of roasted coffee, mocha, cola, and black cherry liqueur. This lush, sexy, tasty, medium-bodied offering is low in acidity with plenty of ripe tannin. It is ideal for drinking over the next decade. Drink 2002-2012. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2002)


CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 1996 Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé

71894 (XD) 750 mL $246

TASTING NOTE: The 1996 La Mission-Haut-Brion was closed and backward when I tasted it in January. The wine was bottled in summer, 1998, and should have had sufficient time to overcome any suppression from going from wood to glass. It possesses considerable potential, and I would not be surprised to see it merit an outstanding score after 2-4 years of cellaring. The color is a healthy plum/purple, and the wine exhibits some of the black fruit, smoky mineral character of La Mission, but it is medium-bodied and moderately high in tannin, with notes of cedar. The finish was totally closed, with the tannin in danger of dominating the wine's fruit. This muscular, structured La Mission will take longer to come around than I originally predicted. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 1999)


CHÂTEAU LA TOUR HAUT-BRION 1996 Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé des Graves

71902 (XD) 750 mL $99

TASTING NOTE: Red-ruby. Perfumed, faintly roasted aromas of framboise, plum, tobacco and earth. Ripe and silky on the palate, with insinuating flavors of leather, tobacco and smoke. Vinous and rather elegantly styled, with a restrained sweetness. Finishes with subtle length; sweet but serious tannins strike the palate quite late. This is developing very well. Score - 90. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999)


CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-SÉGLA 1996 Margaux, 2^e Cru

71886 (XD) 750 mL $145

TASTING NOTE: Intense aromas of blackberry, chocolate and currant follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a long decadent aftertaste. Ready to enjoy.-- '95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007)


CHÂTEAU TROPLONG MONDOT 1995 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

71878 (XD) 750 mL $186

Although Robert Parker's review (see below) is ten years old, it provides an indication of his feelings at the time and it indicates that the wine is just now reaching drinkability. TASTING NOTE: Closed but immensely promising, this dark purple-colored wine exhibits a reticent but intriguing nose of underbrush, jammy black fruits, minerals, and vanillin. Deep, rich, and medium to full-bodied, with outstanding extract and purity, the wine possesses a seamless personality with sweeter, more integrated tannin than in the 1996. This is a vin de garde to cellar for another 7-8 years. It is not far off the splendid level of quality achieved in both 1989 and 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 1998)


CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE 1983 Saint-Julien, 2^e Cru

71860 (XD) 750 mL $299

In his book Bordeaux (1988), Robert Parker awarded this wine a score of 90, calling it 'big, fat, juicy, and succulent'. He suggested that it would drink well until 2010, so this is a wonderful opportunity to taste the '83 Gruaud Larose in its full glory.


Bordeaux
White Wine
S DE SUDUIRAUT 2005 Bordeaux
(ChÂteau Suduiraut)

567271 (D) 750 mL $57

"The most recent addition to the Suduiraut portfolio is a dry white, something that seems to be an increasingly desirable fashion accessory in and around Sauternes. This is S de Suduiraut (akin to Y from Yquem, and R de Rieussec I suppose), a dry white which has been made at the estate for personal consumption for many years, but only recently made for commercial purposes. It is the product of three early tries through the vineyard picking off healthy, non-botrytised grapes, and it accounts for about 10% of all production. The first vintage commercially released was the 2004 …" (Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com) The 2005 vintage is comprised of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon.


CHÂTEAU TALBOT CAILLOU BLANC 2003 Bordeaux

72025 (XD) 750 mL $39

Talbot Caillou Blanc (80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon) is a classic white Bordeaux. The wine possesses a beautiful straw-yellow hue with green accents. Its delicate bouquet is dominated by the fruity notes of ripe sauvignon along with a nicely integrated toasted oak character that enhances the wine's aromatic complexity. Dry, crisp and well-balanced with citrus notes mingling with tropical fruits and a fine minerality all of which lead to a long, pleasing finish.


Sauternes/Barsac
White Wines
CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY 2004 1^er Cru, Sauternes

62729 (S) 750 mL $69

TASTING NOTE: Offers a wonderful nose of exotic fruits, from mango to fresh pineapple, with just a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lots of fruit and a long finish. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2010. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2007)


CHÂTEAU BASTOR-LAMONTAGNE 2001 Sauternes

46789 (MS) 750 mL $54

TASTING NOTE: Possibly the finest effort I have ever tasted from this estate, Bastor Lamontagne’s light gold-colored 2001 is a tropical fruit cocktail offering abundant quantities of apricot, lychee, honeysuckle, and other tropical fruit characteristics with little evidence of oak. Excellent acidity, which provides tremendous definition, and a lusty, heady finish suggest this fun sweetie will drink well now and over the next 10-14 years. A sleeper of the vintage. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2004)


CHÂTEAU COUTET 1998 Barsac, 1^erCru Classé

71910 (S) 750 mL $70

Robert Parker Jr. awarded this wine a score of (91-93) but did not supply a written review. (www.erobertparker.com, April 2000) TASTING NOTE: Pale yellow. Subtle aromas of peach, pineapple, orange peel and honey. Very rich, concentrated and fleshy; bright acidity gives the fruit salad flavors lovely inner-mouth lift and perfume. Quite suave but also powerful. Finishes rich, sweetly oaky and long. I underrated this wine a year ago from barrel. Score - 92. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2001)


Burgundy
Côte de Nuits
Red Wines
FAIVELEY CHAMBERTIN-CLOS DE BÈZE 2005 Grand Cru

72488 (XD) 750 mL $305

TASTING NOTE: As aromatically complex as the Clos des Cortons is, the Clos de Bèze goes it one better with a dazzling array of spice, earth, mineral, fruit and subtle floral aromas that change every few seconds but continue onto the elegant, pure, transparent and vibrant flavors that possess superb power and striking depth of material on the unbelievably long finish. This is also quite firmly structured but completely balanced and the flavors are the perfect example of the term power without weight. A monument in the making but a wine for the patient. Drink: 2020+. Score - 95-97. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007)


FAIVELEY GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN LES CAZETIERS 2005 1^er Cru

72496 (XD) 750 mL $88

TASTING NOTE: Background notes of toasty oak and wood spice set off densely fruited dark berry and pungent earth aromas that complement perfectly the suave and exceptionally rich and surprisingly forward medium full flavors that tighten up quickly on the firm structured and highly complex finish that goes on and on. Drink: 2015+. Score - 91-93. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007)


FAIVELEY LATRICIÈRES-CHAMBERTIN 2005 Grand Cru

69963 (XD) 750 mL $188

TASTING NOTE: A very deftly, indeed almost invisibly oaked nose sets off the elegant earth and iron-infused red berry fruit aromas and mineral-infused, pure, understated and wonderfully vibrant flavors that are built on a base of minerality and possess superb finishing detail on the structured and hugely long finish. This is a wine for the patient and will easily last 25+ years. Drink: 2017+. Score - 92-95. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007)


FAIVELEY NUITS-ST-GEORGES LES PORÊTS ST. GEORGES 2005 1^er Cru

72504 (XD) 750 mL $82

TASTING NOTE: A potent and expressive nose of almost exclusive red fruits is coupled with distinct earth and animale notes that can also be found on the very rich and ripe flavors that are also generous and full, all wrapped in a toasty and sappy finish. This really gives the sense of biting into tiny but intensely flavored cherries that last and last in the mouth. This too is a big wine and patience will be required. Outstanding! Drink: 2015+. Score - 89-92. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007)


LOUIS JADOT CHAMBOLLE MUSIGNY LES FUÉES 2005 1^er Cru

47878 (XD) 750 mL $90

TASTING NOTE: An even more elegant and higher-toned nose that is slightly cooler yet still quite ripe with really fine and pure red pinot fruit aromas that merge seamlessly into rich, full and beautifully detailed flavors that are linear but not strict and displaying plenty of the typical Fuées sense of minerality on the finale. Outstanding! Drink: 2015+. Score - 91-93. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 1, 2007)


ANTONIN GUYON GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 2004
585927 (XD) 750 mL $56

TASTING NOTE: This is an impressively elegant wine for its level with high-toned red and black fruit aromas nuanced by obvious earth and game hints that combine with forward, rich, precise and very pure middle weight flavors that are at once delicious yet serious. A first rate villages and recommended. Drink: 2008+. Score - 88-90. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 2006)


FOUGERAY DE BEAUCLAIR MARSANNAY SAINT-JACQUES 2004

42200 (XD) 750 mL $35

Marsannay is the Côte de Nuits district's northernmost appellation. It is the only appellation in all of Burgundy that enjoys AC status for its red, white and rosé wines. Allen Meadows, a leading Burgundian wine expert, notes on his website that Domaine Fougeray de Beauclair's winemaker "[Patrice] Ollivier told me that 2004 'offers great freshness and unusually good brightness with fruit aromas that run mostly to red. The wines are particularly well balanced and should provide a lot of pleasure over the short as well as medium term. We did lots of sorting for various reasons but what was left gave us the raw materials to produce a very good vintage.'" (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007)


MOMMESSIN LA FORGE MOREY ST-DENIS 2004 1^er Cru
(Mommessin)
48876 (XD) 750 mL $125

TASTING NOTE: The nose shows spice and a good core of fruit. Tasting shows a little fat and earth, interesting flavours, nice concentration and good acidity. Some tannin shows, but it's not too unruly and the finish lasts well. Worth it's 1^er Cru label. (Bill Nanson, www.burgundy-report.com, Spring 2006)


DOMAINE DE LA VOUGERAIE GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN LES EVOCELLES 2003 AC

51045 (XD) 750 mL $78

TASTING NOTE: This bursts with red and black cherry, licorice and spice aromas and flavors on an opulent profile. It has a sweet, fruit-filled center and finely meshed tannins. Fine lingering aftertaste of black cherry and licorice. An incredible village red. Best from 2007 through 2018. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2006)


Burgundy
Côte de Beaune
Red Wine
FAIVELEY BEAUNE CLOS DE L'ÉCU 2005 1^erCru, Monopole

69955 (XD) 750 mL $65

TASTING NOTE: A gentle touch of wood frames a pretty mélange of red, blue and violet aromas that sit atop slightly toasty middle weight flavors and a sweet, intense and concentrated finish. This completely coats the mouth with its generous and fleshy flavors that are easy to like if not particularly elegant plus there is plenty of aging potential. A big Beaune. Drink: 2013+. Score - 88-91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007)


FAIVELEY CORTON CLOS DES CORTONS FAIVELEY 2005 Grand Cru, Monopole

72470 (XD) 750 mL $172

TASTING NOTE: Allow me to cut through everything else and bluntly state that the '05 Clos des Corton Faiveley is quite simply the best young example of this wine that I have ever had the privilege of evaluating. A richly and densely fruited nose that is at once earthy and quite animale along with breathtaking complexity complements to perfection the big, rich and sleekly muscled flavors that are very firmly structured but again, not at all aggressive and the sheer depth of material on the palate-drenching finish is nothing short of phenomenal. To be sure, this is not and will not be a wine for even the moderately impatient and I'm not completely sure that 15 years will be sufficient to really see it at its best to buy it only with the (resolute) intention to allow it a long and comfortable cellar snooze. Remarkable. Drink: 2020+. Score - 94-96. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007)


LOUIS JADOT POMMARD RUGIENS 2005 1^er Cru

47860 (XD) 750 mL $86

TASTING NOTE: Good red-ruby. Highly aromatic nose offers redcurrant, minerals, spices and iron. The palate conveys a subtle sweetness and a light touch, with rocky, spicy flavors communicating a strong impression of site. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lovely aromatic persistence and grip. Score - 89-91. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, March/April 2007)


LOUIS JADOT SANTENAY ROUGE CLOS DE MALTE 2005

47829 (XD) 1500 mL $73

"Great vintages, such as 2005, produce wonderful wines at all levels, from the simplest Bourgogne Rouge and lesser-known village wines, such as Marsannay or Santenay, to the grand cru … Village wines, those that are usually a blend of wine from various non-premier or grand cru vineyards within a single village, such as Meursault, may lack cachet, but can offer great value when made by talented producers, such as Jadot or Latour, especially in 2005." (Michael Apstein, www.winereviewonline.com, Nov. 20, 2007) TASTING NOTE: As the prices of wines from the more prestigious areas of the Cote d'Or rise, less well-known villages, such as Santenay, are an important place to look for bargains. Jadot has purchased Clos de Malte (not a classified vineyard) there, but is making wines equal to many producers' premier crus. An attractive rustic note mixed with strawberry-like fruit and spice makes this wine an excellent introduction to the 2005 red Burgundies. And it's lovely to drink now. Score - 88. (Michael Apstein, www.winereviewonline.com, Nov. 20, 2007)


ANTONIN GUYON CORTON-CLOS DU ROY 2002 Grand Cru

715342 (XD) 750 mL $90

TASTING NOTE: At most domaines that make both a Clos du Roy and a Bressandes, I usually have a preference for the Bressandes because I like the elegance but chez Guyon, it's the opposite as the Clos du Roy is almost always their best wine and it's certainly the case in 2002. This is a big, robust and very masculine wine of considerable size and weight yet it's the superb complexity that drives this to the next level. While this is structured, it's not as tight and reserved as the Bressandes but surprisingly, it is just as precise and the sappy, rich, beautifully intense finish goes on and on. A terrific effort that will require the better part of a decade to arrive at its peak. Drink: 2010-17. Score - 90-92. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 2004)


Burgundy
Côte de Beaune
White Wine
BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET 2005 Grand Cru

14969 (XD) 750 mL $329 48108 (XD) 1550 mL $665

TASTING NOTE: A superbly elegant, stylish and high-toned orange blossom and spice-suffused nose nuanced by hints of wet stone and lime merges into slightly toasty and flavors that are built on a base of firm minerality and culminate in a rich, powerful and hugely long finish. This is always a very fine Chevalier but in '05 it's even better than usual and worth a look. Score - 94. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 1, 2007)


BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET LA CABOTTE 2005 Grand Cru

48090 (XD) 750 mL $499

TASTING NOTE: As it usually it, this is a clear step up in virtually every facet with another dimension of aromatic elegance and complexity to the very ripe and slightly exotic pain grillé-infused nose. This is borderline painfully intense, refined, focused and pure with its big, rich and sweet flavors that despite all the punch, remains in absolutely perfect balance as the density of the mid-palate buffers completely the firm acid spine. This will live for years and is one of the wines of the vintage. Highly recommended. Don't miss! Drink: 2015+. Score - 96. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 1, 2007)


BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE 2005 Grand Cru

974758 (XD) 750 mL $160

TASTING NOTE: An expressive and highly interesting nose of cool and fresh green apple surrounded by freshly baked brioche aromas leads to big, rich and sleekly muscled flavors that are quite ripe yet there is a very firm acid backbone that maintains outstanding focus on the almost painfully intense mineral-infused finish. This is a 'wow' wine that cedes nothing to the Montrachet in terms of power and weight. Don't miss! Drink: 2015+. Score - 95. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 1, 2007)


DOMAINE CHEVALIER PÈRE & FILS CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE 2005 Grand Cru

63404 (XD) 750 mL $130

TASTING NOTE: Moderate wood influence and ripe, complex and elegant green fruit and floral notes merge into rich and nicely powerful broad-shouldered flavors blessed with serious muscle and plenty of dry extract on the balanced and impressively long finale. This is relatively forward for a young Corton-Charlemagne and it will drink well earlier than usual. Drink: 2009+. Score - 89-92. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 1, 2007)


FAIVELEY CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE 2005 Grand Cru

69948 (XD) 750 mL $239

TASTING NOTE: Very pale gold color. Soil-inflected aromas of apple, spices, peat and smoky, resiny oak. Urgent and primary in the mouth, with terrific violety lift to the highly concentrated stone and iodine flavors. This boasts an almost solid impression of extract and a metallic suggestion of coiled energy, and yet there's also a deep sweetness here that speaks of the vintage. Finishes with superb thrust and power. Faiveley's Corton-Charlemagne is always difficult to taste early on, but this bottle suggests that the '05 will rank as one of the outstanding recent vintages for this cuvee. Score - 94 (+?). (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2007)


HENRI BOILLOT MEURSAULT LES CRAS 2004 1^er Cru

39248 (XD) 750 mL $107

TASTING NOTE: A fascinating nose of chalk nuance, smoke, minerals and floral hints combine with delicious, racy and driving flavors replete with excellent dry extract with even better precision and finishing intensity. Most impressive and this too is recommended. Outstanding. Score - 91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 1, 2006)


MARC COLIN CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES CHENEVOTTES 2003

25908 (XD) 750 mL $89

TASTING NOTE: A sleeker style, supple and braced with mineral, oak and baked apple aromas and flavors. It seems less evolved in this group and though open-knit midpalate, it finishes with intensity. Drink now through 2012. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2006)


MARC COLIN ET FILS CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES CHAMPS GAIN 2003 AC, 1^er Cru

25882 (D) 750 mL $89

TASTING NOTE: Loads of white flowers (lilies), chalk, talcum powder, and limestone are found in the expressive aromatics of the 2003 Chassagne-Montrachet Champs Gains (white). Its impressive character, filled with white fruits and minerals, is satin-textured, angle-free, and long. Armed with excellent depth of fruit, this effort is a candidate for drinking over the next 5-6 years. Score - 89. (Pierre Rovani, www.erobertparker.com, April 2005)


DOMAINE DOUDET CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE 2002 Grand Cru

48199 (D) 750 mL $115

TASTING NOTE: A powerful white, in a more reserved manner. It's intense, with apple, lemon cream, vanilla and mineral, all held together by a titanium structure. Focused and wrapped tightly for now, but there's energy waiting to be unleashed. Long mineral and roasted nut finish. Best from 2008 through 2020. Score - 96. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2006)


JEAN-MARC PILLOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES BAUDINES 2002 1^er Cru

33746 (XD) 750 mL $99

TASTING NOTE: Tighter still on the nose with notably pure, refined and mineral-infused aromas that merge into delicious, racy and relatively forward flavors that are more open than usual with a long and opulent finish. In short, this is a wine of contrasts with a backward nose but exuberant flavors and finish. Drink: 2006-2011. Score - 90. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 1, 2004)


JEAN-MARC PILLOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES MACHERELLES 2002 1^er Cru

33753 (XD) 750 mL $99

TASTING NOTE: Bigger and denser than the Baudines with an expressive rich orchard fruit nose and sweet, very pure full-bodied flavors blessed with solid concentration and excellent length if not quite the precision and less minerality. A fruity and forward yet entirely serious effort with plenty of appeal. Drink: 2007-12. Score - 90. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 2004)


LOUIS JADOT CORTON GRÈVES 2002 Grand Cru

63214 (XD) 750 mL $97

TASTING NOTE: Wow, this is impressively precise and pure with an intense minerality that marks the wine from nose to finish. The flavors are structured but balanced with excellent depth of extract and fine buffering material plus superb finishing complexity. The overall impression is one of an exceptionally long finish coupled with a lovely and understated sense of class. Drink: 2009-2017. Score - 89-91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 1, 2004)


CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET 2001 Grand Cru

62752 (XD) 750 mL $225

Wine Spectator has described Chartron et Trébuchet as "a small, quality-oriented Burgundy shipper that specializes in Chardonnays from the Côte de Beaune". (Per-Henrik Mansson, www.winespectator.com, Aug. 9, 2004) This Grand Cru displays a lovely bouquet of flowers and fruit with just a hint of toast. Complex and rich without the heaviness, this is the epitome of elegance. To be served, only lightly chilled, with the most refined appetizers.


Chablis
White Wine
DOMAINE LAROCHE CHABLIS LES BLANCHOTS 2005 Grand Cru

69211 (D) 750 mL $79

TASTING NOTE: Complex aromas of citrus fruits, stone and toast. Supple, broad and fairly dry, with citrus and wet stone flavors showing very good ripeness, if not quite the early sweetness of the 2004, which has about three grams of residual sugar. Very young wine with a fairly fat texture. Score - 90(+?). (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2006)


DOMAINE LAROCHE CHABLIS LES FOURCHAUMES VIEILLES VIGNES 2005 1^er Cru

69310 (XD) 750 mL $46

TASTING NOTE: Quite a neutral nose but very exciting palate. Liquid somehow. Liqueur finish on palate. Fine, round, good green fruit. [Drink] 2008 to 2013. Score - 17 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson M.W., www.jancisrobinson.com, Jan. 18, 2007)


ALBERT BICHOT CHABLIS MOUTONNE 2004 AC, Grand Cru, Domaine Long-Depaquit

46706 (XD) 750 mL $92

TASTING NOTE: Pure and stony, with a grainy texture and lively structure that set the stage for honey, herb and mineral flavors. Balanced, but will integrate even better over the next few years. Decant to drink now. Best from 2009 through 2018. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2006)


JEAN ET SÉBASTIEN DAUVISSAT CHABLIS LES PREUSES 2004 Grand Cru

62968 (XD) 750 mL $77

TASTING NOTE: Very pale, green-tinged color. Cool, reserved nose suggests lime, menthol and powdered stone. Very intensely flavored, pristine and penetrating, with a near-perfect sugar/acid balance. This very young, pure, vibrant wine seems more minerally than the 2005, which is more floral and fruity by comparison. Really needs a good six or seven years of patience (the 2005 may even provide more pleasure in the early going) but should ascend slowly and gracefully in bottle. Impressive grand cru Chablis, and one for the cellar. Score - 92(+?). (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2006)


LA CHABLISIENNE CHABLIS BOUGROS 2004 Grand Cru

63248 (XD) 750 mL $70

TASTING NOTE: Subtle, with a creamy texture and lively structure framing its lemon, apple and mineral flavors. Pure and delicate, lingering nicely on the finish, where it remains persistent and picks up a flinty element. Best from 2008 through 2018. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2006)


J. MOREAU & FILS CHABLIS VALMUR 2000 Grand Cru

35451 (XD) 750 mL $78

Founded in 1814, J. Moreau & Fils is a Chablis specialist. This prestigious grand cru hails from Valmur and displays an expressive nose of mineral notes with hints of peach and almond. The palate is replete with flavours of white fruit and bitter almond. There is a refreshing acidity on the palate, typical for a young wine, that will soften with ageing. Excellent now with salmon or shellfish, but will reward cellaring.


Rhône
Northern Rhône
Red Wine
BERNARD BURGAUD CÔTE RÔTIE 2005

63099 (XD) 750 mL $77

TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby. Powerful blackberry and dark cherry aromas are brightened by exotic floral and smoky mineral qualities. Lush and creamy but with firm structure; the sweet red and dark fruit flavors end with supple tannins and a long, sappy finish. This wine's perfume grew with air, picking up sandalwood, tobacco and mocha. "Give it at least ten years," Burgaud advises. Score - 91 (+?). (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2008)


RENÉ ROSTAING CÔTE RÔTIE 2005

19752 (XD) 750 mL $123

René Rostaing is one of the great names of the Côte Rôtie. This cuvée is typically a blend of 13 different lieux-dits (Côte Rôtie boasts more than fifty) other than Landonne and Côte Blonde. In its youth, this rich and fruity wine is scented with cassis and licorice. With age, it takes on fine gamey notes.


RENÉ ROSTAING CÔTE RÔTIE CÔTE BLONDE 2005

51615 (XD) 750 mL $174

TASTING NOTE: Ruby-red. Deep cherry and creme de cassis aromas are complicated by cured tobacco, olive, licorice, espresso and minerals, along with a suave floral overtone. Deep, sweet and palate-saturating, offering intense dark berry and cherry flavors and a lovely energizing minerality that builds with air. Delivers serious flavor impact but has a compellingly graceful character, finishing with persistent sweetness and outstanding clarity. Rostaing thinks that this could easily go for 20 years, but "as usual, I'd prefer it younger than that-maybe 10 for me." Score - 94. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2008)


RENÉ ROSTAING CÔTE RÔTIE LA LANDONNE 2005

51607 (XD) 750 mL $162

TASTING NOTE: Bright ruby. Explosive dark fruits on the nose, complicated by an array of pungent floral tones. A strong boysenberry quality is complicated by a deeper and even sweeter note of chewing tobacco. Really expands on the finish, picking up a spicy, peppery quality and displaying suave, silky tannins. Score - 92-96. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2007)


ÉRIC & JOËL DURAND CORNAS EMPREINTES 2004

65813 (XD) 750 mL $46

TASTING NOTE: There's a nice chalky edge to the black cherry and tobacco flavors, with a hint of briar on the tangy finish. Drink now through 2012. Score - 90. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2007)


LES VINS DE VIENNE CÔTE-RÔTIE LES ESSARTAILLES 2004
(Les vins de Vienne, Négoc.)
33829 (XD) 750 mL $74

TASTING NOTE: Bright, with slightly crisp acidity. Yet carries the red cherry and currant fruit elegantly, with hints of mineral, licorice and coffee on the finish. Drink now through 2013. Score - 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2006)


Rhône
Northern Rhône
White Wine
CAVE DE TAIN L’HERMITAGE HERMITAGE BLANC AU COEUR DES SIÈCLES 2004

51532 (XD) 750 mL $58

TASTING NOTE: Juicy but elegant, with a focused core of mango, melon and guava flavors. Pretty floral and toast notes chime in on the lengthy, creamy finish. Nice mineral hint extends it too. Drink now through 2007. Score - 91. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2006)


Rhône
Southern Rhône
Red Wine
BOSQUET DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE À LA GLOIRE DE MON GRAND-PÈRE 2005

10405 (XD) 750 mL $55

"This top-notch estate has been producing impressive, classic examples of Chateauneuf du Pape for over 25 years. All three cuvees are noteworthy efforts." (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) TASTING NOTE: Nicely packed, showing a solid range of red and black fruits, with sweet toast, tobacco and mineral notes and a briary edge to the finish. Drink now through 2022. Score - 92. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007)


BOSQUET DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHANTE LE MERLE VIEILLES VIGNES 2005

734244 (XD) 750 mL $69

TASTING NOTE: The seriously-styled, deep ruby/plum/purple-hued 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes offers up aromas of seaweed, ground pepper, ripe cherries, black currants, figs, and spice. Full-bodied, powerful, masculine, and tannic, it will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 15 or more. Drink 2010-2022. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


BOSQUET DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE TRADITION 2005

726687 (D) 750 mL $39

TASTING NOTE: In the traditional vein, with pepper, garrigue, cherry, game, sandalwood and mineral notes that play out against supple tannins and an elegant finish. Drink now through 2017. Score - 91. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007)


CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2005

986356 (XD) 1500 mL $182 977249 (XD) 3000 mL $415

TASTING NOTE: Really dense and locked up now, this is packed with dark fig, currant and blackberry fruit shrouded by layers of tar, hot stone, bittersweet licorice and espresso. The long, dense finish has a great tug of iron buried within it. Best from 2011 through 2030. Score - 96. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007)


DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2005

62711 (XD) 750 mL $40

TASTING NOTE: The elegantly-styled 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a lovely concoction of sweet cherries, creme de cassis, licorice, and incense. Surprisingly approachable, it should evolve nicely for a decade or more. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES HAUTES BRUSQUIÈRES CUVÉE SPÉCIALE 2005

579581 (XD) 750 mL $58

TASTING NOTE: This shows some brawn, with coffee, cedar and game hints mingling with the dark cherry, tobacco and mineral notes. Braised chestnut and bittersweet cocoa frame the finish, which has solid grip. Best from 2009 through 2027. Score - 93. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)


DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE V.V. 2005

62554 (D) 750 mL $58

TASTING NOTE: Plush, with velvety tannins that carry raspberry ganache, red licorice, molten chocolate and mulled spice notes. Nice hints of sandalwood, black tea and graphite fill out the finish, which just sails on. The velvety quality makes this accessible now, but try to wait. Drink now through 2030. Score - 94. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)


LA CRAU DE MA MÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2005

941740 (D) 750 mL $40

TASTING NOTE: My favorite cuvee in almost every vintage seems to be the La Crau de Ma Mere. The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau de Ma Mere has the classic lavender, roasted Provencal herbs, and meat juices. Sexy and plush with an opulently textured mouthfeel and superb fruit, a broad, savory texture, and a heady finish, this is a beauty that can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15+ years. The three cuvees from Pere Pape will not disappoint anyone in their classic Provencal typicity. These are wines of varying degrees of kirsch, lavender, pepper, tobacco leaf, licorice, and spice box. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


PERRIN & FILS CÔTES DU RHONE-VILLAGES VINSOBRES LES HAUTS DE JULIEN 2005

673418 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: A fabulous wine is the estate-bottled 2005 Perrin et Fils Cotes du Rhone-Villages Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien. Sadly, there are only 500 cases of this sensational blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. The finest wine they have yet made from these vineyards they acquired a few years ago, the wine has a dense bluish/purple color and a gorgeous nose of incense, spring flowers, boysenberry, blueberry, and black raspberry. The wine shows some crushed rock notes, spring flowers, and sensational richness in a full-bodied palate with remarkable freshness and vibrancy. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15 years. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


PERRIN & FILS GIGONDAS VIEILLES VIGNES 2005 AC

14985 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Perrin et Fils Gigondas Vieilles Vignes has a dense ruby/purple-tinged color, relatively high acidity, and firm tannins in a backward style that suggests considerable patience will be required. Score - (88-91). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)


LA ROQUÈTE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE L’ACCENT DE ROQUÈTE 2004
65565 (XD) 750 mL $73

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Chateau La Roquete L’Accent de Roquete (80% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre and Syrah) is superb. Deep ruby in color with a glorious nose of black raspberries, kirsch, pepper, spice box, and licorice, the wine has wonderful sweetness, full-throttle density, and a full-bodied, heady mid-palate and finish with moderate tannin. Daniel Brunier told me that the alcohol was well north of 15%, as 2004 in Chateauneuf du Pape had alcohol levels similar to 2003. Look for this wine to drink well for 15 or more years. Score - (91-94). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2006)


DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHANSSAUD D’ANTAN 2003
62935 (XD) 750 mL $47

TASTING NOTE: Bigger, richer than the 2003 regular bottling, but with a similar character is the spicy, earthy 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Chanssaud d’Antan. This wine exhibits plenty of garrigue, loads of pepper, a fuller bodied, more opulent personality, sweet tannin, and a broad finish. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2006)


DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE BARBERINI 2001

63131 (XD) 750 mL $89

TASTING NOTE: The outstanding 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini (a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre aged 24 months in 40% small barrels and 60% neutral wood foudres) boasts an inky/ruby/purple color in addition to a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoke, and truffles. Full-bodied, lush, and expansively flavored, with tremendous purity as well as density, this brilliant 2001 is already starting to strut its stuff. Anticipated maturity: now-2017. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2004)


DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RÉSERVE SECRÈTE 2001

63149 (XD) 750 mL $172

TASTING NOTE: Absolutely prodigious, and unquestionably one of the vintage’s most illustrious wines, is the modern-styled 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve Secrete. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, aged 75% in small oak casks and 25% in tank, an awesome nose of creme de cassis, graphite, kirsch, licorice, and vanilla soars from the glass of this saturated ruby/purple-colored wine. With extravagant richness, a sumptuous texture, and tremendous opulence as well as purity, this stunning, modern-styled Chateauneuf du Pape retains the soul and typicity of Provence as well as Chateauneuf du Pape. One of the vintage’s greatest wines, it is a brilliant achievement. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020. Score - 96. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2004)


Rhône
Southern Rhône
White Wine
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2005

932590 (XD) 750 mL $91

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape blanc, a blend of 80% Roussanne and 20% white Grenache fermented 80% in tank and 20% in barrel, has exuberant notes of honeysuckle, rose water, and hazelnuts. It is medium to full-bodied, rich, and certainly one of the finest of the white Chateauneuf du Papes. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)


CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUSSANNE VIEILLES VIGNES 2005

596098 (D) 750 mL $133

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape blanc Vieilles Vignes is a knock-out wine in this vintage, 100% Roussanne from very old vines with 50% of it kept in tank and 50% barrel-fermented and the blend done prior to bottling. The wine has fabulous intensity, a big, sweet nose of exotic fruit, fig, marmalade, and honeysuckle, huge body, decent acidity, and an unctuous palate. It is a gorgeous wine to drink over 3-4 years or assume the risk that it is going to rebound in 10-12 years, which it most frequently does. Score - 96. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)


Alsace
White Wine
DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT GEWURZTRAMINER GOLDERT VENDANGE TARDIVE 2005 Alsace Grand Cru

70268 (MD) 375 mL $49

TASTING NOTE: Forward flavors of star fruit, lychee and honey are counterpointed by a pleasantly bitter orange peel note and zesty acidity. Full-bodied, with a touch of heat on the finish. Drink now through 2020. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)


DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT GEWURZTRAMINER HEIMBOURG SÉLECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES 2005 Alsace

70276 (D) 375 mL $135

TASTING NOTE: Mango, peach and pineapple notes are layered with hints of orange candy, cherry pit, basil and earth in this intriguing wine. The silky texture sits on a medium-bodied frame, with bright acidity for balance that leads to a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2035. Score - 95. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)


DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT PINOT GRIS CLOS JEBSAL VENDANGE TARDIVE 2005 Alsace, Monopole

70250 (MD) 375 mL $58

TASTING NOTE: (from fruit picked at SGN ripeness) Pale yellow-gold. Wonderfully sappy aromas of tangy apricot and fresh herbs; youthfully tight and bracing. Supersweet but with powerful structural underpinning; the wine's acidity is initially hidden by its sweetness but comes out as the wine opens in the glass. The long, honeyed, tactile aftertaste is as chewy as a solid. If you're tempted to open a bottle of this anytime soon, give it extended aeration. Humbrecht told me this has similar numbers to the '04, which is 14% alcohol with 68 g/l r.s. Score - 94. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007)


DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT PINOT GRIS CLOS WINDSBUHL VENDANGE TARDIVE 2005 Alsace, Monopole

70235 (MD) 750 mL $111

TASTING NOTE: Beautifully textured and lacy, with nuances of orange, apricot, honey and buttery pastry. Elegant yet concentrated, with a grapefruit peel lift on the finish. Harmonious and approachable, yet should age well. Drink now through 2030. Score - 95. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007)


DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT PINOT GRIS HEIMBOURG SÉLECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES 2005 Alsace

597716 (S) 375 mL $105

TASTING NOTE: (from grapes picked at 155 °Oechsle) Medium gold. High-toned, utterly vibrant aromas of apricot liqueur and honey. Spectacularly tangy and rich, combining nectar-like stone fruit and honey flavors with saline soil tones. A classic nobly rotten combination of huge sugars (actually more than 200 g/l r.s.) and bracing acidity. Finishes with palate-saturating length and great verve. Score - 96. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007)


DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER GEWURZTRAMINER CUVÉE CHRISTINE VENDANGES TARDIVES 2004 Alsace

63115 (MD) 750 mL $78

TASTING NOTE: This elegant wine offers a panoply of flavors, with peaty earth and coffee notes underscoring dried apricot and bergamot, with a hint of basil. Off-dry, with well-integrated acidity and a tinge of grapefruit on the finish. Drink now through 2020. Score - 93. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)


JOSMEYER PINOT GRIS HENGST 2001 Alsace Grand Cru

12526 (M) 750 mL $62

TASTING NOTE: This is not an intensely sweet wine, more one that is rich. It has great floral aromas, flavors of peaches and apricots, balanced with a great freshness, acidity and delicacy. Give it 3–4 years before drinking. Score - 89. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2006)


LOUIS SIPP PINOT GRIS KIRCHBERG DE RIBEAUVILLÉ VENDANGES TARDIVES 2001 Alsace Grand Cru

62786 (M) 750 mL $64

TASTING NOTE: Bright pear, quince paste and candied lemon peel notes prevail in this rich, off-dry VT. Velvety and beautifully balanced, with a lingering, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2018. Score - 94. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006)


HUGEL RIESLING SÉLECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES 2000 Alsace

39164 (MS) 375 mL $117

TASTING NOTE: Thick and intense. Packed with caramel, baked apple, pine and spice aromas and flavors, balanced by lively acidity. Concentrated and opulent, yet finishes clean. Long aftertaste of apricot and honey. Drink now through 2040. Score - 98. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006)


LOUIS SIPP RIESLING KIRCHBERG DE RIBEAUVILLÉ VENDANGES TARDIVES 2000 Alsace Grand Cru

63388 (MS) 750 mL $73

One of only three Grand Gold Medal winners at the 2003 Riesling du Monde international wine competition in Strasbourg. TASTING NOTE: More about subtlety than power, this exudes apricot, baking pastry, quince and mineral aromas and flavors with a supple, harmonious presentation from start to finish. Very long, complex aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. Score - 93. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2004)


HUGEL GEWURZTRAMINER SELECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES 1998 Alsace

950675 (MS) 375 mL $58

TASTING NOTE: Aromatically, the 1998 Gewurztraminer "Hugel" Selection de Grains Nobles is unbelievably spicy. This youthful wine is intensely rich and thick. Oily layers of raspberries and creamy yellow fruits (mostly apricots) are found in its dense personality. Intricate, yet forward, complex, and generous, this opulent wine should be at its finest between 2005-2015. Score - 94. (Pierre Rovani, www.erobertparker.com, June 2000)


PIERRE SPARR TOKAY PINOT GRIS SÉLECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES 1996 Alsace

62869 (MS) 375 mL $46

TASTING NOTE: Beautifully wrought. Huge, smoky and intense, this is the real deal. Thick and packed with truffle, caramel, orange, vanilla and beeswax, all displayed on a vivid, opulent structure, with lingering aftertaste of green tea and caramel. Drink now through 2010. Score - 97. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, June 15, 2002)


PIERRE SPARR RIESLING SÉLECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES 1989 Alsace

62851 (MS) 750 mL $100

A Riesling Sélection de Grains Nobles is indeed rare in the wine world and this late-harvested wonder is typically made with a high proportion of botrytized grapes. Pierre Sparr has crafted a medium-sweet offering that is stuffed full of honey, mineral, and dried-fruit flavours. Elegant, complex and endowed with a lively acidity and good structure, this wine was built for ageing and is only now entering its prime. Enjoy with foie gras and other rich dishes.


Champagne
2003 BY BOLLINGER BRUT

66902 (XD) 750 mL $137

This is a special 'one-off' bottling by the Bollinger house. TASTING NOTE: The 2003 vintage was challenging in Champagne; many houses have opted not to produce Vintage Champagnes in a year marked by both torrid heat and thunderstorms, which destroyed much of the crop. It was also the earliest harvest in Champagne (the end of August) since 1822! Bollinger selected grapes from two of its best grand cru Pinot Noir vineyards and one premier cru Chardonnay vineyard and produced a small quantity of '2003 by Bollinger.' It is not called 'Grande Année' (the customary name of Bollinger's Vintage Champagne) because its style is atypical for Bollinger. It has a fine, lively mousse, which was still very lively an hour after being poured. Its color is medium gold, slightly lighter than Bollinger's other Champagnes. The 2003 is fresh tasting, with delicious pear and apple fruit flavors, but lacking Bollinger's characteristic earthiness. After an hour of aeration, it started to take on more of the biscuity flavors typical of Bollinger. I found the 2003 to be very enjoyable, although definitely different from other Bollinger Champagnes. The many fans of Bollinger will enjoy discussing it, as a curiosity. Score - 91. (Ed McCarthy, www.winereviewonline.com, Jan. 8, 2008)


TAITTINGER BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002

989905 (XD) 750 mL $73

Taittinger produces a vintage Champagne only when the quality of the harvest has been outstanding. It's marketed only after several years of ageing in the cellars, thereby allowing the aromas to mature slowly and the length and complexity of the wine to develop. This is an exceptional Champagne with intensity, complexity and superb balance. An ideal aperitif, it also makes an exquisite accompaniment to pan-seared veal medallions in a French morel sauce.


VILMART & CIE CHAMPAGNE BRUT COEUR DE CUVÉE 1999

65128 (D) 750 mL $112

TASTING NOTE: Barrel fermentation adds depth and complexity to this harmonious Champagne. Vanilla, spice, kirsch and a hint of coffee blend nicely with the silky mousse. Stays fresh on the long, coffee-tinged aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. Score - 94. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)


GASTON CHIQUET SPECIAL CLUB BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1998

63776 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: Pale gold. Youthful, focused and bright, with brisk citrus and mineral scents. Clean, tightly wound lime and grapefruit flavors unfold slowly, picking up pear and green apple character while maintaining their juiciness and grip. Fresh and brisk on the impressively focused, very long finish. This is lovely. Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2006)


TAITTINGER BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CHAMPAGNE COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE 1998

722850 (XD) 750 mL $160

TASTING NOTE: A Champagne in shades of green. Mint and basil notes, with loads of graphite, introduce this lively bubbly. Balanced and fine, with a lingering aftertaste of honey. Drink now through 2020. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)


BOLLINGER R. D. EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1996

8078 (XD) 750 mL $179

TASTING NOTE: A powerhouse. Big and sophisticated, combining lemon and grapefruit notes with candied fruits, roasted nuts and coffee. Fresh, dry and finely detailed, with finesse and a lingering finish driven by acidity. Drink now through 2020. Score - 94. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2006)


KRUG BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE CLOS DU MESNIL 1996

68403 (XD) 1500 mL $2499

TASTING NOTE: Offers fine depth and complexity, showing aromas of coffee, mushroom and candied citrus. This is laserlike on the palate, focusing its citrus, honey and mineral flavors and corralling them to a long finish. Still a baby, with great length and potential. Best from 2010 through 2030. Score - 96. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, July 31, 2007)


KRUG BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1996

68395 (XD) 750 mL $365

Ranked #10 on Wine Spectator's 'Top 100 Wines' list of 2007. TASTING NOTE: A powerful, majestic Champagne. Deep and compelling, with aromas of whole-grain toast, coconut and dried citrus that draw you in. Lean and racy on the palate, with a creaminess that's yet to be integrated. A classic '96, with ripe, exotic aromas and a steely structure. Still a baby, with the long, resonant finish confirming its potential. Best from 2009 through 2040. Score - 99. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, July 31, 2007)


POL ROGER BRUT CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL 1996

958678 (XD) 750 mL $185

TASTING NOTE: The structure of the 1996 vintage is softened by a fine, silky mousse in this intensely wrought bubbly. Fresh, with citrus, berry, nut and coffee aromas and flavors and a rounded finish. Drink now through 2015. Special Designation: Collectibles. Score - 93. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2006)


KRUG BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1995

38695 (XD) 750 mL $335

Ranked #26 on Wine Spectator's 'Top 100 Wines' list of 2006. TASTING NOTE: A very youthful '95. Delicate. Intense aromas of ginger, citrus, candied berry and multigrain bread turn to honey, roasted almonds and graphite on the palate. It's all underscored by a precise structure and creamy texture. Its structure keeps it persistent through the long finish. A picture of precision and intensity. Drink now through 2025. Special Designation: Collectibles. Score - 98. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, July 31, 2006)


MOËT & CHANDON DOM PÉRIGNON BRUT CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE OENOTHÈQUE 1993

69765 (XD) 750 mL $392

TASTING NOTE: Seductive graphite, candied citrus and mineral aromas and flavors, with hints of hazelnut and coffee, mark this complex, soft Champagne. Supple, caressing the palate and ending with a ginger and hazelnut aftertaste. Drink now through 2012. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, June 15, 2007)


MOËT & CHANDON CUVÉE DOM PÉRIGNON OENOTHÈQUE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1992

69757 (XD) 750 mL $392

"One of the many innovations that [cellar master Dr. Richard] Geoffroy has instituted at Moët & Chandon is the creation of a library collection of mature Dom Pérignon vintages, called Oenotheque, in which Moët & Chandon releases three vintages of perfectly-aged Dom Pérignon to the market, when Geoffroy has determined these vintages have developed the secondary characteristics that make them particularly attractive to drink. … The one overriding truism of any great prestige cuvée Champagne, such as Dom Pérignon, is that it must be given aging to truly appreciate its greatness. Only time (a minimum of ten years, but often 15 to 20 years or more) allows the complex flavors of prestige cuvées to really develop." (Ed McCarthy, www.winereviewonline.com, July 25, 2006)


CATTIER CLOS DU MOULIN BRUT

703249 (XD) 750 mL $99

This top-of-the-line, single-vineyard, non-vintage Champagne is typically a blend of three fine vintages. TASTING NOTE: A creamy-rich delight that will add biscuity finesse to its already complex and elegant fruit. Score - 90. (Tom Stevenson, www.wine-pages.com, 2004)


GASTON CHIQUET BLANC DE BLANCS D’AŸ BRUT CHAMPAGNE Grand Cru

63768 (D) 750 mL $47

TASTING NOTE: There's a nice earth and mineral component to this Champagne, with honey, truffle and a citrus edge on the finish. Stays vibrant and focused, with an aftertaste of honey. Drink now. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)


RUINART BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CHAMPAGNE

62984 (XD) 750 mL $78

TASTING NOTE: Delicate and floral, with citrus blossom, apple and ginger notes. Nicely balanced, picking up some textural detail on the finish. Ideal as an aperitif. Drink now through 2010. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2007)


VILMART & CIE CHAMPAGNE GRAND CELLIER

65110 (XD) 750 mL $63

TASTING NOTE: Aromas of exotic spices and a hint of coconut flavor make this distinctive. Shows notes of flowers and orange peel, with a firm, tactile structure. Has lovely harmony. Drink now through 2009. Score - 91. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)


Loire
Red Wine
DOMAINE VACHERON SANCERRE ROUGE BELLE DAME 2005

982942 (XD) 750 mL $60

TASTING NOTE: Definitely a more serious Sancerre with ageing potential. Good, deep colour. Ripe cherry spectrum with integrated oak adding spicy notes. Firm but fine tannic structure. 2008-14. Score - (out of 5). Decanter, Feb. 2007)


Loire
White Wine
CHÂTEAU DE SURONDE QUARTS DE CHAUME 2003

65474 (MS) 750 mL $96

TASTING NOTE: A magnificent wine, compared to the 97. The nose is complex. The mouth is silky and very ethereal. The finish is extremely graceful. Lovely length. It can be drunk now, but will keep until 2020 or 2030. Score - 94-95. (Jean-Marc Quarin, www.quarin.com, Feb. 15, 2006)


DOMAINE DES BAUMARD SAVENNIÈRES CLOS DU PAPILLON 2003

673335 (XD) 750 mL $35

TASTING NOTE: Remarkably bright and lacy for the vintage, with a fine minerally veil over the green apple, floral and quince flavors. Transparent and long on the flinty finish. Let this put on some weight in the cellar. Best from 2007 through 2012. Score - 92. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2006)


DOMAINE D’ORFEUILLES VOUVRAY RéSERVE D’AUTOMNE 1997

660803 (MS) 750 mL $38

TASTING NOTE: Aromatically, the 1997 Vouvray Reserve d'Automne offers loads of ripe quince and candied lemons. This is a medium-bodied dessert wine, filled with caramelized minerals, red fruits, candied nuts, and sweet lemons. In no way is it heavy-handed, rather it is detail-oriented, subtle, pure, and extremely flavorful. Projected maturity: now-2015+. Score - 92. (Pierre Rovani, www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 1999)


Midi
Red Wine
GÉRARD BERTRAND CHÂTEAU L’HOSPITALET 2003 Coteaux du Languedoc, La Clape

62901 (D) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: A massive, concentrated red, with a meaty, decadent aroma and loads of dark plum, dark cherry, blackberry and cassis flavors. There's plenty of structure to this wine as well, with medium-grain tannins and a rich, spicy finish. Begs for a fine porterhouse. Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2008. Score - 94. (Kim Marcus, www.winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2005)


CHÂTEAU DE LANCYRE GRANDE CUVÉE 2003 Coteaux du Languedoc, Pic Saint Loup

65755 (D) 750 mL $27

TASTING NOTE: Savory spiced aroma, with concentrated flavors of dark plum, mocha and spice. Impressive structure as well, with plenty of elegance and a powerful finish filled with baker's chocolate notes. Drink now through 2012. Score - 92. (Kim Marcus, www.winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2006)


Southwest
Red Wine
CLOS TRIGUEDINA CAHORS PRINCE PROBUS 2003

7260 (D) 750 mL $44

TASTING NOTE: Taut structure, with concentrated minerally notes framed by loads of lush boysenberry flavors and tar. Rich, intense flavors of chocolate and licorice fill the powerful finish. Beautiful expression of Malbec from France. Best from 2007 through 2012. Score - 93. (Kim Marcus, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2006)

Other Europe - Classics Collection - March 2008

Germany – Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

White Wines

DR. FISCHER RIESLING BEERENAUSLESE 1994
QmP, Ockfener Bockstein, Estate Btld.

49874 (MS) 375 mL $52

Dr. Fischer’s 1994 Riesling Beerenauslese (BA) is indeed a rarity, especially at this price. Only a very small quantity of this BA was produced, therefore samples were not sent to wine publications for review. While 1994 was a good but heterogeneous vintage, the long dry period in autumn gave the estate enough time to do meticulous berry selection in the Bockstein vineyard. The result of these strict methods is this mineral-loaded, firmly structured wine with rich, concentrated flavours. This BA was built-to-age and continues to mature. While its low alcohol makes it a lovely aperitif, this medium-sweet but well-balanced white will also pair beautifully with equally rich pâtés, foie gras, or blue-veined cheeses.

Germany – Rheingau

White Wines

SCHLOSS JOHANNISBERG RIESLING SPÄTLESE TROCKEN 2005
QmP, Grünlack, Estate Btld.

33449 (M) 750 mL $49

TASTING NOTE: With hint of botrytis, citrus, mango, pineapple, medium bodied, juicy, great lasting finish. Score - 90. (Zoltan Szabo, www.jancisrobinson.com, May 24, 2007)

Hungary

White Wines

KIRÁLYUDVAR TOKAJI ASZÚ 6 PUTTONYOS 2000

687590 (S) 500 mL $90

"Királyudvar Winery is a new creation … the work of New Yorker Anthony Hwang … .Revived in 1997, Királyudvar — "the king's court" — supplied the Hungarian royal court as far back as the 11^th century. Mr. Hwang rebuilt the 16th-century winery, and today owns 185 acres of vines from which he makes several stunning, traditionally rich Tokaj wines …" (Matt Kramer, www.nysun.com, Oct. 31, 2007)

"While other winemakers have been doing their part to get the region back on its feet after the Communist rot, [Királyudvar winemaker] István Szepsy has been the most tireless, and his wines, while sometimes hard to get a hold of, are second to none." (www.chew.hu, Jan. 9, 2007)

PUKLUS TOKAJI MUSCOTÁLY ASZÚ ESZENCIA 1999

63578 (S) 500 mL $77

János Puklus founded this concern in 1974, using his great-grandfather's vineyards. His wines a re aged, in cellars over 300 years old, in traditional oak 'Gönci' barrels for up to six years. Puklus' Aszú Eszencia features attractive Tokaji characteristics: rich red/orange tones, aromas of citrus and almond, and lip-smacking flavours of orange, minerals, and honey. One of the world's great dessert wines, which 19^th-century Hungarian poet Sándor Petöfi described as 'a golden flame locked up within a bottle'. Discover the poetry of Tokaji.

ROYAL TOKAJI WINE COMPANY TOKAJI ASZÚ 6 PUTTONYOS NYULÁSZÓ 1996

958009 (S) 500 mL $80

TASTING NOTE: This single-vineyard wine, from a plot classified as a "First Growth" in 1700, is so smoky and earthy it's almost peaty, like a Scotch. Its dark, warm flavors are edged in burnt orange notes, lemonlike acidity adding lift. It feels perfectly balanced between light and dark, sweet and savory; both weighty and ethereal, it's ready to age another ten years or to savor now with foie gras. Score - 95. (www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Dec. 2006)

Spain

Red Wines

ALVARO PALACIOS FINCA DOFI 2004
DOCa Priorat

730184 (XD) 750 mL $88

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Finca Dofi offers an upgrade. It is sourced from a single vineyard on the estate of which 60% is Grenache and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Carignan aged in 100% new French oak. Deeper in color than Les Terrasses, and more reticent aromatically, with coaxing, scents of toast and smoke, minerals, violets, blueberries, and chocolate emerge. Full-bodied and harmonious, there is an opulence to the fruit which is breathtaking. It should drink well for 10-15 or more years. Score - 95. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)

FINCA ALLENDE CALVARIO 2004
DOCa Rioja

63206 (XD) 750 mL $129

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Calvario is sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1945 and is composed of 90% Tempranillo, 8% Grenache, and 2% Graciano. The wine was aged for 14 months in 100% new French oak and bottled unfiltered. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up an expressive nose of toast, vanilla, spice box, floral elements, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur which leaps from the glass. This is followed by a mouth-filling wine with oodles of flavor, great definition, and plenty of ripe tannin leading to a finish lasting nearly a minute. Still an infant developmentally, the wine begs for another 6-8 years in bottle. It should last for at least 25 years. Score - 95. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)

MELIS 2004
DOCa Priorat

41293 (D) 750 mL $129

TASTING NOTE: From the same team that brings you the Central Coast’s superb Sea Smoke Pinot Noirs comes Melis, a splendid example of what can be achieved in Priorat. The 2004 Melis, from an outstanding vintage, is a blend of 63% Grenache, 16% Carignan, 14% Syrah, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged for 15 months in several sizes of 100% new Burgundian oak before being bottled without fining or filtration. Purple-colored, it exhibits sweet aromas of vanilla spice, toast, mineral, wild blueberry and blackberry. Full-bodied (a nicely concealed 15.5% alcohol) with a velvety palate-feel, layers of opulent black fruit flavors, ripe tannins, and a long, pure finish, this large-scaled wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 15-20 years. Bravo! Score - 94. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)

MARQUES DE VARGAS RESERVA 2003
DOCa Rioja

62745 (XD) 750 mL $32

TASTING NOTE: … The 2003 Reserva [is] a wine composed of 75% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 5% Garnacha, and the balance a field blend. It spent 23 months in a mix of French, Russian, and American oak. Dark ruby purple-colored, it has a fine nose of earth, vanilla bean, tobacco, black currant, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied with excellent focus for this vintage, the wine has ample fruit, complex flavors, and excellent balance. Drink it now and over the next 6-8 years. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)

TILENUS MENCIA PAGOS DE POSADO RESERVA 2001
DO Bierzo

65037 (D) 750 mL $47

TASTING NOTE: The single vineyard 2001 Pagos de Posada was fashioned from 75-100 year old Mencia vines planted on the slate hillsides and aged in 70% new French oak. Reminiscent of a Pinot Noir on steroids, it boasts a raspberry, flower, and stony-scented bouquet, layers of fruit, medium to full body, and superb purity as well as delineation. Red Burgundy fanatics should give this stunning, distinctive, singular effort a try. It should drink well for 5-7 years or longer. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2005)

MASIA DUCH BRESSOL 2000
DOCa Priorat

52506 (XD) 750 mL $56

This wine won a Silver Medal at the Sélections Mondiales des Vins 2007 in Quebec in February 2007. Aged separately in a combination of French and American oak for a period of 12 months, this Garnacha (Grenache) and Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers fruity notes of cherry in eau de vie along with attractive smoke notes. The palate is complex but lively with soft, well-integrated tannins and a long finish. An excellent value to come out of Priorat.

Spain

White Wines

R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA RESERVA WHITE 1989
DOCa Rioja

356352 (XD) 750 mL $76

TASTING NOTE: The light-gold color is still bright and the flavors still vivid in this traditional white, which is firm and lean, with layered flavors of hazelnut, orange peel, beeswax and dried apple. A meditation wine, this is distinctive and impressive, but thinning a bit with age. Viura and Malvasia. Drink now through 2010. Score - 90. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)

Italy - Classics Collection - March 2008
Piedmont
Red Wines
CERETTO BAROLO BRUNATE 2003 DOCG

936591 (XD) 750 mL $86

TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Barolo Brunate is sweet, pure and beautiful in its expression of dark fruit, tobacco, menthol and toasted oak. This poised, nuanced Barolo reveals outstanding length, well-integrated tannins and a judicious use of French oak, with a long, lingering finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


ELIO ALTARE BAROLO BRUNATE 2003 DOCG

51151 (XD) 750 mL $129

"Elio Altare’s wines represent the finest of the artisanal tradition, so it can hardly be surprising that he has once again produced some of the vintage’s most compelling Barolos. In fact, with his 2003 Barolos Altare shows just how far ahead of the pack he is." (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) TASTING NOTE: Elio Altare has produced another gem in his 2003 Barolo Brunate. It is a contemplative, meditative wine that possesses an enviable amount of clarity and precision in a vintage where those qualities were very hard to come by. Black cherries and the darker balsamic menthol and eucalyptus notes for which Brunate is so famous all emerge from the wine’s weighty frame in a stunning display of purity, elegance and power. While the 2003 may not be the best vintage of this wine, it amply demonstrates why Elio Altare is in a class with few peers. I consider Altare’s Barolo Brunate one of Italy’s greatest wines. It is one of the few Barolos that is a must-purchase in every vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Score - 94. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


ELIO ALTARE BAROLO VIGNETO ARBORINA 2003 DOCG

51144 (XD) 750 mL $122

TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Barolo Arborina presents a livelier color than the normale, along with gorgeous red fruit, menthol and spice overtones that carry through to the finish. This elegant, refined Barolo offers superb balance in a style that captures the essence of the vintage in its additional weightiness, but without compromising the integrity of the vineyard Altare has single-handedly made among the most recognized in Barolo. It is one of the highlights of the vintage, but will require a few years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


FRATELLI REVELLO BAROLO 2003 DOCG

51235 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: Full, velvety and round, with lots of ripe tannins and vanilla, berry and chocolate character. Powerful. Needs time. Very well done for the vintage. Best after 2011. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)


FRATELLI REVELLO BAROLO VIGNA CONCA 2003 DOCG

51243 (XD) 750 mL $73

TASTING NOTE: Shows dried cherry and plum character, with hints of citrus fruit. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and bright acidity. A little tight, but very well done. Best after 2010. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)


RENATO CORINO BAROLO ARBORINA 2003 DOCG

51250 (XD) 750 mL $66

TASTING NOTE: Fresh aromas of strawberry and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a medium finish. Lacks a little midpalate. Clean and focused. Best after 2009. Score - 89. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)


AZELIA BAROLO RISERVA VOGHERA BREA 2001 DOCG

51284 (XD) 750 mL $100

TASTING NOTE: The estate’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Voghera-Brea is surprisingly open for a Serralunga Barolo in this vintage. Made in a sweet, ethereal style, this medium-bodied wine presents a lovely purity and sweetness in its stewed prunes, plums, leather, scorched earth and coffee beans. Judging by the lack of intensity in color as well as its relatively advanced aromas and flavors, this is not likely to be an extremely long-lived wine, but it is delicious today. The flavor profile is almost that of a more traditionally-made Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


BROVIA BAROLO ROCCHE 2001 DOCG

64055 (XD) 750 mL $80

TASTING NOTE: Good full red. Reticent nose hints at roasted, liqueur-like red fruits, lifted by notes of licorice and mint. Then bright, spicy and firmly built, with high-pitched dark berry, cocoa powder and menthol flavors and a fine-grained texture. More primary and austere-not to mention much more classic-than the 2000. According to Elena [Brovia], this vineyard's finer, sand-based soils are particularly sensitive to vintage variation, and 2001 benefited from some well-timed precipitation in late summer. But although the Rocche is quite variable according to vintage and can lack color in average years, with aging the differences shrink, Elena maintains. Score - 92-93. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2004)


CA’ ROME’ ROMANO MARENGO BAROLO VIGNA CERRETTA 2001 DOCG

455 (XD) 750 mL $76

TASTING NOTE: Very complex aromas with coffee, plum and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Loads of ripe fruit and character here. Very fine indeed. Excellent wine from here. Best after 2007. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2005)


MANZONE BAROLO LE GRAMOLERE RISERVA 2001 DOCG

51326 (XD) 750 mL $97

TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Barolo Riserva Le Gramolere reveals the superior pedigree of its vintage in a gorgeous portrait of ethereal sweet dark fruit, cocoa, herbs, licorice and toasted oak. It is a richly-textured yet nuanced Barolo with notable complexity, polish and finesse, particularly for Monforte. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


DANTE RIVETTI BARBARESCO BRICCO RISERVA 2000 DOCG

62687 (XD) 750 mL $45

In this catalogue, we offer you the chance to conduct a mini-vertical tasting of Dante Rivetti's Barbaresco Bricco: we have this 2000 and the 1999 vintage (62679) available.


GIOVANNI MANZONE BAROLO LE GRAMOLERE RISERVA 2000 DOCG

51334 (XD) 750 mL $92

TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberry, cherry and tobacco follow through to a full-bodied palate, with racy tannins and a long finish. Integrated and balanced. Best after 2008. Score - 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2006)


MARCHESI DI BAROLO BAROLO RISERVA 2000 DOCG

12518 (XD) 750 mL $76

TASTING NOTE: This shows lots of licorice and tar with a fruity undertone. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Mouthpuckering. Built for aging. This is very impressive for this producer. Best after 2008. Score - 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2005)


AZELIA BAROLO BRICCO FIASCO 1999 DOCG

51300 (XD) 750 mL $80

TASTING NOTE: Medium ruby. The Bricco Fiasco displays an open, perfumed nose followed by dark red fruit, mineral and tobacco nuances on a medium to full-bodied frame of classic structure and length. It is somewhat less generous on the palate than the San Rocco, and its more advanced aromas and flavors suggest it is also closer to maturity, although it should drink well to age 20. Drink after 2007. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, May 2006)


DANTE RIVETTI BARBARESCO BRICCO RISERVA 1999 DOCG

62679 (XD) 750 mL $45

Aged up to two years in oak casks and a further 12 months in bottle, this wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes that are grown in the estate's historical vineyards of Bricco di Neive hill. This Barbaresco's intense bouquet of floral and licorice aromas is followed up by a dry, medium-full body with fine balance and structure. Match this beauty with braised meat and game dishes.


SILVIO GRASSO BRICCO LUCIANI BAROLO 1998 DOCG

21394 (XD) 750 mL $78

TASTING NOTE: Earthy and chewy, with cedary, spice box, and black cherry scents and flavors, the full-bodied, moderately tannic 1998 Barolo Bricco Luciani displays the vintage's notable fragrance, outstanding purity, and beautiful symmetry among its component parts. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2015. Score - (90-92). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2001)


DANTE RIVETTI BARBARESCO BRICCO DE NEUEIS RISERVA 1997 DOCG

62661 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: Very spicy aromas, with cloves, cinnamon and bright berries. Full-bodied and chewy, with lots of velvety tannins and a long, succulent, juicy, rich aftertaste. Best after 2004. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2001)


DANTE RIVETTI BARBARESCO BRICCO DE NEUEIS RISERVA 1996 DOCG

62653 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: Decadent aromas of wild berries, meat and wood. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. There's a wonderful texture to this wine.--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Drink now. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007)


CASETTA BARBARESCO RISERVA 1990 DOCG

63560 (XD) 750 mL $67

The Casetta family has lived in Vezza d'Alba since 1725. The present day Casetta winery is the work of Ernesto Casetta, now assisted by his nephews Bruno and Pierangelo. Casetta practices organic cultivation methods, green harvesting, and hand-picking to arrive at their juicy, full-bodied Barbaresco, which just begs for rare roast beef rubbed with garlic and rosemary.


Tuscany
Red Wines
CA’MARCANDA MAGARI 2005 IGT Toscana
(Gaja)
71811 (XD) 750 mL $65

TASTING NOTE: Offers beautiful aromas of currant, blackberry and Indian spices, with a perfumed floral undertone. Full-bodied, balanced and refined. Very long and pretty. Gaja continues to improve here every year. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2010. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007)


BIBI GRAETZ TESTAMATTA 2004 IGT Toscana

41277 (D) 750 mL $123

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Testamatta (85% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo), Graetz’s top red, presents gorgeous aromatics and deeply expressive layers of sweet dark fruit in a highly individualistic display of elegance, with superb length and fine tannins on the finish. The new oak tannins are still very much present and this wine is in need of some bottle age, but it has all the ingredients of a truly special wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022. Score - 94. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, June 2007)


GAGLIOLE PECCHIA 2004 IGT Colli della Toscana Centrale
40436 (D) 750 mL $124

TASTING NOTE: Subtle aromas of plum, sweet tobacco and cedar. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and subtle fruit on the thick, powerful finish. A great wine. So layered and structured. Sangiovese. Best after 2008. Score - 95. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006)


CAMPO ALLA SUGHERA ARNIONE BOLGHERI SUPERIORE 2003 DOC

65300 (XD) 750 mL $65

TASTING NOTE: The deeply-colored 2003 Bolgheri Arnione is a dazzling effort that is not to be missed. Made in restrained style for the vintage and the region, it is an exceptionally elegant and refined wine that offers very attractive notes of blueberry jam, smoke, minerals, licorice and sweet toasted oak on a full-bodied frame with notable concentration and balance. Still vibrant, it should drink well to age 12-15. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, and aged 15 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Score - 93. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)


CASANUOVA DELLE CERBAIE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2001 DOCG

673293 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: Very wonderful nose of fresh flowers, berries and oak. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, long finish. Refined yet structured. Best after 2006. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2006)


CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA RIPE AL CONVENTO 2001 DOCG
51441 (XD) 750 mL $122

This wine was #26 on Wine Spectator's list of the 'Top 100 Wines of 2007'. TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberry, licorice and tar. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, great mouthfeel and a caressing finish that's long and exciting. Builds and builds on the palate. Very close to the legendary 1997. Best after 2010. Score - 97. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2007)


CASTELLO DI BOSSI GIROLAMO 2001 IGT Toscana

63586 (XD) 750 mL $73

TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Girolamo, 100% Merlot, is sheer pleasure from start to finish, sweet, smoky, and luscious on the nose, broad, velvety, and sumptuous on the palate. One of best Merlots now available in Chianti Classico, it will drink well for another dozen years. Score - 93. (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com, April 2006)


CERBAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO VIGNA CERBAIA 2001 DOCG

62919 (XD) 750 mL $57

TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas of blackberry, light vanilla and cherry follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Refined and subtle. Best after 2008. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2006)


CONTI COSTANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2001 DOCG

63222 (XD) 750 mL $132

TASTING NOTE: Costanti’s 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva presents a very elegant style that reconciles modern and traditional styles with unusual grace and beauty. A translucent red, it reveals terrific detail and purity in its tobacco, ripe red cherries, tar, smoke and spices. This medium-bodied Brunello will benefit from another two years or so of bottle age and should drink well for another decade. It is a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Score - 95. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


MICHELE SATTA CAVALIERE 2001 IGT Toscana

709972 (D) 750 mL $44

TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Cavaliere (100% Sangiovese) is another terrific effort from Satta. Made from the estate’s best fruit it sees 20 day's maceration prior to being aged in barrique for 12 months. It presents the darker, brooding side of Sangiovese in its notes of scorched earth, tar, backward dark cherry fruit and well-integrated oak. Powerful and authoritative on the palate, the amply structured Cavaliere should offer rewarding drinking to age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)


GAJA PIEVE SANTA RESTITUTA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RENNINA 2000 DOCG

744607 (XD) 750 mL $122

TASTING NOTE: Gaja’s 2000 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina opens with a floral nose followed by sweet red fruit with slight signs of over-ripeness on an open, soft-textured frame of much finesse. The slightly advanced color suggests this won’t be a terribly long-lived wine, but it is a great choice for drinking today and over the next 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006)


PIEVE SANTA RESTITUTA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO SUGARILLE 2000 DOCG

71829 (XD) 750 mL $150

TASTING NOTE: The 2000 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is dark in color as well as fresh in its aromas and flavors. It exudes a deep palate packed with smoke, tar, underbrush, tobacco and vibrant dark fruit in a style that marries power with finesse. A few years of cellaring are suggested, after which this wine will drink beautifully to at least age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006)


ROCCA DELLA MACÌE SER GIOVETO 2000 IGT Toscana

974964 (D) 750 mL $38

TASTING NOTE: A big and rich Sangiovese, with loads of fruit and velvety tannins. Full-bodied and very long. Fresh and exciting. An excellent red. Best after 2004. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2003)


ROCCA DELLE MACÌE ROCCATO 1999 IGT Toscana

964130 (XD) 750 mL $44

TASTING NOTE: Lots of mineral, berry and currant character in this solid red. Full-bodied, with firm yet refined tannins and a long, succulent finish. A beauty. Always well-done. Sangiovese and Cabernet. Best after 2004. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2002)


CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 1995 DOCG

683490 (XD) 750 mL $52

TASTING NOTE: Ruby-violet. Pronounced vanilla, cherry and raspberry aromas, with a floral overtone; quite fine if not quite traditional. Medium-full body. Palate-coating, dense fruit flavors from entry to finish. Sweet cherry, licorice and vanillin oak predominate. Very fresh and vital on the finish, with ripe tannins and lowish acidity giving the wine a velvety texture rare for Chianti Classico. The oak does not overwhelm the strong fruit. A modern style of wine, and very well done. Score - (out of 3). (Joel Butler MW, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 1998)


CARPINETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 1990 DOCG

47159 (XD) 750 mL $108

TASTING NOTE: Still dark in color, albeit with some bricking evident, and still a bit tannic on the finish. Still, this is very good, combining earth and tobacco with plums and cherries. Big in the mouth, with a velvety feel, but also a touch of warmth from alcohol. Drink now or hold. Score - 89. Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 2006)


Italy – Veneto
Red Wines
MACULAN FRATTA 2004 IGT Veneto

708321 (XD) 750 mL $72

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Fratta (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is almost as outstanding. It reveals a more herbal profile, along with masses of jammy fruit and a powerful structure that cries out desperately for bottle age and patience. In time it might rival the Crosara Breganze. Anticipated maturity: 2009- 2019. Score - 93. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


BERTANI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 1999 DOC, Classico

362277 (XD) 750 mL $99

The 2007 Gambero Rosso Italian Wines guide awarded this Amarone its highest honour of Three Glasses. TASTING NOTE: Here is a beautifully aged Amarone that shows profound grace and elegance on all levels. The nose is expertly weaved with cherry, licorice, white truffle, caramel and butterscotch nuances. A tight, fine grain texture characterizes the mouthfeel, and bolsters the wine’s enormous intensity and persistency of flavor. It is aged six years in oak casks. Score - 94. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 1, 2007)


QUINTARELLI AMARONE 1998 DOC, Classico Superiore

986109 (D) 750 mL $405

TASTING NOTE: The 1998 Amarone reveals a gorgeous nose along with ripe red cherries, cough syrup, spices and minerals on a medium-bodied frame. Made in a sweet, inviting style, it offers excellent length as well as purity in a very classic style. It also appears to have enough fruit to compensate for the volatile acidity which is present. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. Score - 93. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


BERTANI AMARONE RECIOTO DELLA VALPOLICELLA 1986 DOC, Classico Superiore

63172 (MD) 750 mL $135

Marco Sabellico and Daniele Cernilli wrote in their book, The New Italy: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Italian Wine (2001), that: “Bertani is an historic name in the Veneto. Its wineries are among the few in the world to store thousands of bottles from long-ago vintages in perfect drinkable conditions.” The Gambero Rosso Italian Wines guide (2005) praised the wines of Bertani: "Valpolicella. No other term exists that so perfectly expresses the essence of Bertani, a winery, a tradition, and a certainty in the continually changing world of wine. This is Bertani: 150 years of growing Verona wines and making local wine history. Bertani means tradition, as the leading producer of a wine that has never been drastically altered: at the most it has been slightly revised, but with one eye firmly on the past. Bertani also means the future, because the taste of today's wine is drawing closer to its roots." Here is a mini-vertical of Recioto Amarones from one of the finest producers in Veneto.
BERTANI AMARONE RECIOTO DELLA VALPOLICELLA 1967 DOC, Classico Superiore

63156 (MD) 750 mL $305


Italy – Veneto
White Wines
MACULAN ACININOBILI 2003 IGT Veneto

944652 (S) 375 mL $79

TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Acininobili is utterly mind-blowing in its expression of candied apricots, orange peel and cinnamon. Constantly changing in the glass, it reveals superb intensity and a stunningly gorgeous purity, with superb length and phenomenal poise. Acininobili is a selection made from botrytised Torcolato fruit. It is aged for two years in new French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. Score - 96. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)

New World - Classics Collection - March 2008
New Zealand
Red Wines
VALLI GIBBSTON VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2006 Central Otago, South Island

55657 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: Deep boysenberry red, almost opaque. Tight and closed on first opening with subtle cherry in the grainy textured palate. It needs some coaxing and swirling to bring out its spicy oak and complex, sweet-fruited flavours that are so much obvious the next day. Ripe black cherry, plum, hints of violets, a touch of mocha, bitter chocolate and creamy oak with firm, velvety textured tannins and dried herbs on the earthy, savoury finish. Long and expansive. Just needs to integrate a little more. (Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com, Aug. 19, 2007)


White Wines
CLOUDY BAY TE KOKO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004 Marlborough, South Island

598854 (XD) 750 mL $43

TASTING NOTE: Funky wild yeast aromas, rich and powerful. Pineapple, melon, lovely mellow French oak, a touch of caramel, strawberry, lovely fruit sweetness - long and lasting - a yummy wine to drink. Next day: Gorgeous nose of very ripe pineapple and smoky mellow oak. Creamy texture, sweet peach, melon and tropical finish, savoury, almost salty finish. Fantastic wine. Even the teenagers loved it - pity they can't afford it. (Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com, June 1, 2007)


Australia
Red Wines
CONNOR PARK THE HONOUR SHIRAZ 2004 Bendigo, Victoria

60582 (XD) 750 mL $42

TASTING NOTE: Dense colour; the alcohol is immediately apparent in a massively lush and opulent wine ranging through prune, cassis and blackberry. Aged in French oak. From 1960s planting; a pity it wasn't picked earlier; 200 cases. Drink [until] 2014. Score - 90. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Nov. 2006)


CORIOLE LLOYD RESERVE SHIRAZ 2005 McLaren Vale, South Australia

904052 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 “Lloyd Reserve” Shiraz comes from a single vineyard that was planted in 1919. It was aged for 22 months in French oak. Opaque purple, it offers a splendid perfume of coffee, cocoa, damp earth, plum, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, sweet, and ripe, the wine has layers of fruit, terrific density and an opulent personality. Give it 6-8 years to evolve and drink it through 2030. Score - 93. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


FOX GORDON EIGHT UNCLES SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, South Australia

683276 (XD) 750 mL $29

TASTING NOTE: Inky purple. Highly expressive blackberry and candied plum aromas display good clarity and are deepened by notes of cured tobacco and mocha. Lush and round but the dark fruit flavors have an appealing restraint and focus, too. Soft tannins build on the long, velvety finish. This has the balance to age. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007)


GLAETZER AMON-RA SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Unfiltered

58032 (D) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: The profound 2005 Shiraz Amon Ra is fashioned from a dry grown, 100- to 110 year-old vineyard, and spends 14 months in a combination of 100% new French and American barrels as well as 300-liter hogsheads. A saturated purple color is followed by scents of creme de cassis, incense, licorice, black raspberries, graphite, and sweet wood. It unfolds beautifully on the palate to reveal terrific richness, full-bodied power, great definition, and lovely elegance. This exquisite Shiraz is still young, but it possesses a degree of accessibility. It should age for two decades. It is a superb example of cutting edge winemaking being utilized on ancient Shiraz vines in the Barossa. Drink 2006-2026. Score - 98. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)


HEWITSON THE MAD HATTER SHIRAZ 2005 McLaren Vale, South Australia

55608 (D) 750 mL $42

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Shiraz “The Mad Hatter” is opaque purple in color with glass-coating glycerin. It offers aromas of cedar, smoke, scorched earth, tar, espresso, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with gobs of fruit, a plush texture, layers of flavor, ripe tannins, and a lengthy finish. Give it 5-7 years in the bottle and drink it through 2030. Score - 92. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)


KILIKANOON ATTUNGA 1865 SHIRAZ 2005 Clare Valley, South Australia

54742 (XD) 750 mL $219

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Shiraz “Attunga 1865” is sourced from ungrafted vines planted in the Clare Valley in 1865. It spent 25 months in 100% new French oak hogsheads and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Opaque purple/black, it reveals an ethereal bouquet of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, espresso, mocha, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to a powerful, intense, yet elegant wine with a very long, seamless finish. This beautifully balanced effort will excite tasters over the next 25 years. Score - 97. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)

KILIKANOON PRODIGAL GRENACHE 2005 Clare Valley, South Australia 927582 (D) 750 mL $ 34 Tasting Note: The 2005 Grenache "Prodigal" was sourced from vineyards with 48- and 68-year-old Grenache bush vines and aged for 24 months in older oak. Medium ruby-colored, it offers an exotic perfume of mineral, damp earth, kirsch, wild raspberry, and licorice. Velvety-textured, deep, and long, it will drink well over the next 8-10 years. Kilikanoon's winemaker is the talented Kevin Mitchell. The house specialty is Shiraz but Mitchell does equally well with Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)
KILIKANOON THE DUKE GRENACHE 2005 Clare Valley, South Australia

55319 (XD) 750 mL $65

Winemaker Kevin Mitchell named his flagship Grenache after his maternal grandfather, Maurice Duke, who was an early grape-grower and winemaker in Clare Valley. Made traditionally in small quantities, the Duke is hand-picked from old vines and aged for two years in French and American oak, and bottled without filtration. Very tasty now or can be aged for 10+ years.


SCHILD ESTATE BEN SCHILD RESERVE SHIRAZ 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia

58727 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: This is a big, lush, lavishly oaked wine that nonetheless pulls it all together with balance and elegance. Inky black in color, it leads with a blast of toasty, mentholated oak on the nose, backed by waves of blueberries and mint. Then the flavors call to mind dark chocolate and coconut, accented by almonds and the recurring blueberries. It’s creamy-textured and finishes long, with supple tannins that deftly dry your palate; they’re almost unnoticeable yet still provide structure. Drink now–2012, maybe longer. Score - 94. (Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 15, 2006)


ST. HALLETT OLD BLOCK SHIRAZ 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia

728477 (XD) 750 mL $49

Here is your chance to compare two consecutive vintages of St. Hallett's Old Block: this catalogue also contains the 2003 vintage (68411).


ST. HALLETT OLD BLOCK SHIRAZ 2003 Barossa Valley, South Australia

68411 (XD) 750 mL $52

TASTING NOTE: Medium red-purple; a complex, multifaceted wine, very good red fruits for the vintage; elegant, long and fine; good tannins. Drink [until] 2013. Score - 94. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Sept. 2006)


THE WILLOWS BONESETTER SHIRAZ 2003 Barossa Valley, South Australia

55368 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Shiraz Bonesetter (I love the name) is a bigger, more structured effort than the regular bottling, with an intense black/purple color, a full-bodied bouquet of blackberries, cassis, smoked herbs, and roasted meats, and a reasonably powerful (14% alcohol), rich, multilayered personality. While this Shiraz will not mend any broken bones, it will relax the spirit, and please both the palate and the intellect. Score - 94. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)


South Africa
Red Wines
CAPAIA 2006 WO Philadelphia
(A. & I. Baron von Essen)
265 (XD) 750 mL $35

This Bordeaux-style blend (55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc) is the jewel in Capaia's crown. Aged for 15 months in new French oak barriques, it displays aromas and flavours of bright berry fruit (cherry and blackcurrants) mixed with spice, roasted nuts and dark chocolate. All is in balance with its deliciously ripe and rich palate wrapped in superfine tannins. Enjoy with lamb or game such as pheasant.


CLOOF CRUCIBLE SHIRAZ 2004 WO Darling

5058 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: Similar concentration, flavour & oaking to showstopper 03. Spicy red fruit even more focused by bright acidity & lower sugar (2.2 vs 5.6g/L) & alc (14.8 vs 15.5%). Still powerful & well crafted with sustained sappy finish; loads of potential. Score - 1/2 (out of 5). (Meryl Weaver, John Platter South African Wines, 2007)


DE TOREN FUSION V 2004 WO Stellenbosch

59238 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: Features a good solid beam of raspberry and fig fruit, with fig, mocha and cocoa notes. Nice length, with a vibrant, minerally spine on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2009. Score - 91. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007)


KANONKOP PINOTAGE 2004 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

987537 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: Lovely, pure-fruited aromas/flavours on 04, complicated but unspoilt by wood (16 mths mostly new Fr). Big 14.9% alc, but in balance with ripe, sweet fruit. Gd acid, well restrained tannic structure. Charm & power for long haul. Score - 1/2 (out of 5). (Tim James, John Platter South African Wines, 2007)


RUSTENBERG PETER BARLOW 2004 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

55574 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: (100% cabernet sauvignon from a single vineyard; aged in 75% new oak) Deep ruby-red. Pure, perfumed aromas of cassis, minerals, licorice and flowers. Extremely primary wine, entering the mouth with subtlety, then building inexorably in silky texture, concentration and power. Wonderfully spicy and penetrating, finishing with noble, sweet tannins and superb persistence. A great wine in the making, but still an infant. Score - 93(+?). (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, March/April 2007)


Chile
Red Wines
ALMAVIVA 2005 Maipo Valley

70508 (XD) 750 mL $95

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Almaviva is dark ruby-colored with a classy nose of smoke, violets, mineral, pencil lead, espresso, black currants, and blackberry. This is followed by a supple-textured wine with layers of sweet fruit, excellent depth and concentration, and well integrated oak, tannin, and acidity. There is enough structure to support 5-7 years of further evolution in the bottle and it should continue to drink well through 2037. Almaviva is a partnership of Bordeaux first-growth Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Concha y Toro. Made in the style of top of the line Pauillac, the blend is typically 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22-23% Carmenere (a very close relative of Merlot), and 4-5% Cabernet Franc. It spends 18 months in new French oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Drink 2007-2037. Score - 94. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, June 2007)

Canada and USA - Classics Collection - March 2008
Ontario
Red Wine
LE CLOS JORDANNE LA PETITE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005 VQA Niagara Peninsula

33944 (XD) 750 mL $35

TASTING NOTE: The lightest of the single-vineyard wines from a sandier block east of the main holdings. Moderately deep, ruby-garnet colour. Nose is lifted, very spicy and savoury with ripe sour cherry (not big black cherry) and a touch of earthy beetroot character. Feels lighter to mid-weight, firm, almost tart and sour, with grip on the finish. There is considerable, slightly green tannin. Nice focus, some finesse; very good to excellent length. Sour. Best 2010 to 2013. Score - 88. (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, Nov. 23, 2007)


LE CLOS JORDANNE LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005 VQA Niagara Peninsula

33902 (XD) 750 mL $35

TASTING NOTE: This site is producing very elegant, quite powerful wines similar to Le Grand Clos if with less depth. Fairly deep colour—youthfully ruby. Quite ripe sweet cherry and raspberry, cedar, leather, smoke, and sour currant, cranberry, beetroot character. Medium-full weight, open entry with a some fruit sweetness, but generally quite tense, sour and tannic. Powerful. Excellent to outstanding length. Best 2011 to 2016. Score - 90. (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, Nov. 23, 2007)


LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR 2005 VQA Niagara Peninsula

34553 (XD) 750 mL $60

TASTING NOTE: The step up in price is clearly measurable in the finesse and very long, lingering finish. And, this bottle is clearly the best of the vintage’s portfolio. This is a gorgeous pinot noir in waiting. Again, there is some sourness, but there is also a wonderful sense of finesse and completeness, with generous sweet aromas of black cherry, currant, cedar, meat, mint and some chocolate. Medium-full, smooth, vibrant, dense and elegant with fine, dry tannin and outstanding length. Best 2011 to 2020. Score - 92. (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, Nov. 23, 2007)


Ontario
White Wine
LE CLOS JORDANNE LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2005 VQA Niagara Peninsula

33910 (XD) 750 mL $35

TASTING NOTE: Quite a deep and intense yellow with a touch of gold. Shows a generous sweet, cool, fruit-oriented nose of peach-pear, cedar spice, hazelnut and a background of vanilla and smoke. Medium weight; creamy, mellow and elegant with a firm acid core that dries the finish with lemon and hazelnut. Some heat. Excellent length. You will enjoy it now, but another year will soften the finish a bit. Score - 91. (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, Nov. 23, 2007)


LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY 2005 VQA Niagara Peninsula

34561 (XD) 750 mL $55

TASTING NOTE: Lovely and indeed a grand chardonnay. Same bright yellow-gold colour of others in the portfolio. Very intense, gorgeous, sensuous and sweet, creamy nose of vanilla, peach-pineapple, hazelnut and peat smoke. Medium-full bodied; rich, seductive palate, with wonderful buttery crème brûlée flavours and smoothness. Finish slims down to vibrant acidity and minerality with lovely spice on the finish. Excellent to outstanding length. Score - 94. (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, Nov. 23, 2007)


British Columbia
Red Wine
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE OCULUS 2004 VQA Okanagan Valley

9316 (XD) 750 mL $70

TASTING NOTE: Dark in colour, the 2004 Oculus presents aromas of black currants and vanilla that surge from the glass. On the palate, this is a full and generous wine, with flavours of plums and currants. The notes of cedar and cigar box maintain Bordeaux lineage of earlier vintages. Yet without a doubt, this is the richest, most lush Oculus to date. Score - 94. (John Schreiner, wine.appellationamerica.com, Sept. 3, 2007)


California
Red Wine
ARROWOOD RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Sonoma County, Unfined and Unfiltered

64568 (XD) 750 mL $135

TASTING NOTE: Dick Arrowood does not receive the credit he deserves for his top-flight Cabernet Sauvignons from Sonoma, which are among the finest made in that county. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale, which spent 23 months in French and American cooperage, reveals a dense ruby/purple color along with a classic nose of loamy soil, creme de cassis, vanilla, and spice. It possesses purity, grace, concentration, power, and finesse. Firmly structured and tannic, but rich and full, it needs another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2005)


CALERA JENSEN VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004 Mt. Harlan

968776 (XD) 750 mL $69

TASTING NOTE: This venerable winery, which has thirty years of history (long by California standards), has turned out a bevy of new releases. The dark ruby/purple-tinged, spicy, full-bodied 2004 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard reveals a stunningly complex nose of roasted meat, sweet red and black currants, cherries, earth, and spice. With excellent structure, acidity, and length, it should be another terrific example of this vineyard. Exceptionally long and rich, it should be cellared for 2-3 years and enjoyed over the following 15. Score - 94. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2007)


CALERA MILLS VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2003 Mt. Harlan

716407 (XD) 750 mL $55

TASTING NOTE: Exhibits vivid dusty blackberry and wild berry fruit that's tight, focused and deftly balanced, revealing layers of concentration and complexity. Drink now through 2012. Score - 92. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007)


CALERA SELLECK VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004 Mt. Harlan

968735 (XD) 750 mL $89

TASTING NOTE: Medium red. High-pitched cherry and licorice scents are impressively pungent and focused. Suave red fruit flavors are gently supported by silky tannins and carry through the finish with excellent persistence. Leaves a sappy, sweet impression but retains focus and energy. Score – 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar , Nov./Dec. 2007)


CALERA REED VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004 Mt. Harlan

58958 (XD) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: Medium red. Exotic, herbal red berry and bitter cherry aromas offer great floral complexity and focus. Tart berry and licorice flavors are juicy and dry but filled in; finishes with excellent grip and lift. I like this pinot's complexity and grown-up personality. Score - 91. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2007)


CALERA RYAN VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004 Mt. Harlan

58966 (XD) 750 mL $55

TASTING NOTE: Light-medium red. Oak-spiced red berry and pomegranate on the nose, with a kiss of exotic orange peel. Sharply focused and bright, offering energetic raspberry and tangy cherry flavors and finishing with fine-grained tannic grip. Grew sweeter with air but maintained admirable focus. Pretty suave stuff. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2007)


CHIMNEY ROCK RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2001 Stags Leap District, Napa Valley

70789 (XD) 750 mL $99

TASTING NOTE: A great Cab showcasing everything good about Napa’s fabulous ’01 Cabs. It’s rich, vibrant and complex, with layers of cassis, cocoa and roasted coffee flavors, and a deft touch of smoky oak. The tannins are sweet, ripe and subtle. Doesn’t clobber you sideways with fruit, but offers elegant, sophisticated drinking. Score - 93. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2005)


JANZEN ESTATE TO KALON VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Napa Valley

55715 (XD) 750 mL $99

TASTING NOTE: A sleeper selection from Claus Janzen is his 300-case cuvee of 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Janzen To-Kalon Vineyard, a beautifully opulent wine displaying the wonderful cedar, spice box, black currant, and earthy personality of an Oakville Cabernet. Flashy, rich, full-bodied, pure, and deep, it should drink well for 10-15 years. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006)


ROSENBLUM MONTE ROSSO VINEYARD RESERVE ZINFANDEL 2005 Sonoma Valley

55665 (D) 750 mL $59

TASTING NOTE: The outstanding, deep ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard possesses a beautiful minerality along with loads of crushed pepper, raspberry, black cherry, loamy soil, and graphite characteristics. This deep, rich, full-bodied, impressive 2005 can be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007)


ROSENBLUM SNOWS LAKE VINEYARD ZINFANDEL 2005 Lake County

55301 (D) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: An impressive effort is the 2005 Zinfandel Snows Lake. A blend of 87% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, and 4% Syrah from, of all places, Lake County, it boasts a dark ruby/purple hue along with floral, blueberry, and boysenberry characteristics interwoven with black currant, camphor, earth, and oak notes. With crisp acidity, sweet tannin, and a long, heady finish, this elegant beauty is filled with substance. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007)


WHITEHALL LANE CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE 2003 Napa Valley

55541 (XD) 750 mL $85

TASTING NOTE: Toast, nutmeg and cinnamon spice. Rich, dark berry fruit, fresh attack, rounded tannins. Intense dark fruits, extra long finish. Drink 2009-12. Score - (out of 5). Decanter, 2005)


White Wine
California
ARROWOOD RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE CHARDONNAY 2004 Sonoma County, Unfined

64543 (XD) 750 mL $55

TASTING NOTE: Arrowood’s top Chardonnay, the 2004 Reserve Speciale, is a 357-case offering that represents a selection from three separate vineyards, and receives the same treatment as the Alary Vineyards cuvee. Copious quantities of orange blossom, pineapple, and other tropical fruits are accompanied by good definition, refreshing acidity, and a full-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006)


CALERA VIOGNIER 2006 Mt. Harlan

968875 (XD) 750 mL $35

TASTING NOTE: Bright golden straw color. Ripe nectarine and Meyer lemon aromas follow through to a silky entry and a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with a subtle creamy vanilla note. Tangy ripe citrus finish with a touch of peppery spice and slate. Nice texture and acidity for the table. Score - 89. www.tastings.com, Oct. 3, 2007)


ROBERT YOUNG CHARDONNAY 2005 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

670430 (XD) 750 mL $45

TASTING NOTE: From the famed Robert Young Vineyard in the Alexander Valley (the basis for so many great Chateau St. Jean Chardonnays), this estate wine shows a nice buttery, white currant note intermixed with some honeyed citrus, roasted nuts, and a touch of smoky oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied and shows good weight, richness and depth. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007)

Fortified Wines - Classics Collection - March 2008
Port
QUINTA DO ESTANHO VINTAGE PORT 1996

63255 (S) 750 mL $81

Quinta do Estanho is one of a minority of Port producers who still crush their grapes in the traditional way, by foot in granite presses, and their commitment to tradition is understandable: the house appeared in the first Port demarcation in 1757. This delightful port won Gold Medals at the 2000 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the 9th Concours International des Vins de Montagne in Italy.


RAMOS PINTO QUINTA DO BOM RETIRO 20 YEARS OLD TAWNY PORT

642652 (S) 750 mL $76

TASTING NOTE: From its vineyard in the hot Torto Valley, Ramos-Pinto has produced a rich, densely sweet, lightly burnt wine. It’s deliciously attractive, very smooth and flavored with perfumed dried apricots. Score - 91. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 1 2006)
KOPKE VERTICAL
Roy Hersh, one of the leading Port experts in the USA, notes on his website that: "Kopke holds a very special place in the history of the Port trade. It was founded in 1638, three decades before any other Port firms were established … Kopke is one of my ultimate favorites when it comes to Colheita producers and fortunately I reside in close proximity to the USA's West Coast importer, so I have enjoyed many of them over the years." (www.fortheloveofport.com, Dec. 31, 2007) Unlike most Port producers, who export the lion's share of their product to overseas markets, Kopke's Ports are largely consumed within Portugal and the rest of Europe. For this reason, this incredible selection of Ports is extremely rare in our market. With centuries of tradition under their belt, Kopke offers some of the most authentic expressions of Colheita Ports today, making this collection perfect for the connoisseur or those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.
KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1997 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63750 (S) 750 mL $30

Score - 91. (Roy Hersh, www.fortheloveofport.com, May 14, 2007)


KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1996 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63743 (S) 750 mL $33



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1984 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

726877 (S) 750 mL $55

Score - 91. (Roy Hersh, www.fortheloveofport.com, May 14, 2007)



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1983 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63289 (S) 750 mL $59



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1981 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63727 (S) 750 mL $67



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1980 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63719 (S) 750 mL $69



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1979 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63933 (S) 750 mL $75



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1976 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63701 (S) 750 mL $79



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1974 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

671214 (S) 750 mL $99



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1967 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63693 (S) 750 mL $169

Score - 93. (Roy Hersh, www.fortheloveofport.com, May 14, 2007)



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1965

63685 (S) 750 mL $199



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1952 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

68171 (S) 750 mL $345



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1941 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63669 (S) 750 mL $640



KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1938 Matured in Wood, Btld. 2007

63644 (S) 750 mL $690

Spirits - Classics Collection - March 2008
Scotch Whisky
BRUICHLADDICH 20 YEARS OLD ISLAY SINGLE MALT Third Edition

60335 700 mL $199

TASTING NOTE: Nose: Rounded, rich and elegant with a lightly charred nose. Burnt raisin, light prune, fruit cake with a hint of clove, walnut. Good concentration. Palate: Well-rounded. A sweet, mellow quality with an intriguing burnt edge. Beech nut. Very soft and subtle with gentle, deep plummy fruits. Starts slightly muted, then the flavours are slowly revealed and keep building. Subtle and elegant. Finish: It is, isn’t it? Treacle toffee and cold tea. Comment: Old and gentle with a broad smile. Score - 8 (out of 10). (Dave Broom, www.whiskymag.com, Dec. 2006)


BRUICHLADDICH DOUBLE MATURED IN GAJA BOLGHERI CASK 14 YEARS OLD ISLAY SINGLE MALT 1993 Non Chill-filtered, The Italian Collection

60350 700 mL $95

Bruichladdich is one of a few distilleries that is at the forefront of wine-cask finishing. Their Italian Collection offers a unique flavour profile, one that is perfect for those looking for something off the beaten path. Doubled-matured, this limited-release Islay single malt is first aged in traditional Bourbon casks but then spends additional time in Merlot/Syrah wine casks that hail from the famous Gaja estate in Bolgheri. As a result, this rare bottling displays flavours of cranberry, strawberry, black cherry, citrus and vanilla and offers a refreshing alternative to traditionally made Scotches.


BRUICHLADDICH DOUBLE MATURED IN SASSICAIA FRENCH OAK 14 YEARS OLD ISLAY SINGLE MALT 1993 Non Chill-filtered, The Italian Collection

60343 700 mL $95

This uniquely matured Scotch is part of Bruichladdich's 'Italian Collection'. First it sees ageing in traditional Bourbon casks and then it undergoes additional maturation in select French oak wine casks that once upon a time were responsible for ageing that King of Super Tuscans, Sassicaia. The resulting non chill-filtered, Islay single malt is full of juicy pomegranate, cranberry, red grape and citrus flavours. This limited-release, double-matured single malt is indeed a rare bottling that would make a delicious divertimento for the Scotch lover with everything.


CAPERDONICH LONACH CASK STRENGTH 37 YEARS OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 1969
(Duncan Taylor & Co. Ltd.)
55624 700 mL $175

Caperdonich is only available as a single malt through independent bottlers like Duncan-Taylor. After 25 years or so, some casks may lose some alcoholic strength and fall below the 40% alc./vol. that is legally required of any Scotch whisky. The traditional industry solution is to blend these fragile older casks with younger, higher-strength casks. Thanks to their vast stock of old whiskies, Duncan-Taylor is able to blend any ageing whisky with another cask of the same whisky from the same year; by doing this, the purity of these venerable single malts is preserved. Mature whiskys bottled from these mixed casks are labelled the Lonach Collection. This 37-year-old displays lovely aromas and flavours of honey, apple, cloves, peat as well as a raisin-nutty note.


GLENROTHES CASK STRENGTH 37 YEARS OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 1968 Non Chill-filtered, Btld. 2006
(Duncan Taylor & Co. Ltd.)
55632 700 mL $299

Connoisseurs know that Glenrothes is synonymous with exceptional quality. This amber-coloured, 37-year-old beauty displays a vanilla-creamy sweetness with a touch of toffee on the nose. There is more creaminess on the palate along with a hint of spice and citrus fruits. Silky sweet and aged to perfection, this single malt would make a very special gift for Scotch fans.


HIGHLAND PARK CASK STRENGTH 40 YEARS OLD ORKNEY ISLAND SINGLE MALT 1966 Btld. 2006
(Duncan Taylor & Co. Ltd.)
55616 700 mL $799

Highland Park, the great Orcadian distillery, is one of the finest in all of Scotland. This extremely rare, 40-year-old Scotch is a classic single malt with an island twist. Its nose speaks of honey and glycerin with sweet bramble notes. The palate bursts with zesty flavours and lingering spicy oak that eventually yield to a finish that is long lasting with lightly spicy end notes. An exceptional Scotch that makes a beautiful counterpoint to Islay single malts.


Armagnac
ARMAGNAC DE MONTAL 1958

55590 700 mL $299

In 1958, Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's was published, Canada's Avro Arrow made its debut flight, and this distinguished Armagnac began its first of fifty long years of ageing. A half-century later, it sports an orange-sepia hue and has mellowed to perfection; its bouquet is filled with lovely aromas of raisin, apricot, and old oak and the smooth, harmonious palate displays flavours of pear, rancio and oak. This Armagnac would make the perfect gift for that special 50-year-old friend of yours or for those celebrating a 50th anniversary.


ARMAGNAC DE MONTAL 1948

55269 700 mL $549

In 1948, Louis St. Laurent became Prime Minister, the Calgary Stampeders won their first Grey Cup, and Arthur Miller wrote Death of a Salesman. De Montal did its part that year by creating this classic Armagnac. Smooth, round and mellow, this Armagnac offers appealing aromas of walnut, cacao and leather; notes of plum and quince surface on the palate, which add even greater complexity to this pedigreed spirit, and the finish is appropriately long and soft. Travel 60 years back in time with this meditative libation.

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