Hazyblur's 2005 top-range Baroota Shiraz was not reviewed at press time, but every vintage from 2000 to 2004 received a score higher than 90 by Robert Parker Jr. Expect more of the same from this respected 2005 vintage.
KALLESKE GREENOCK SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, South Australia
39040
(XD) 750 mL $54.55
TASTING NOTE: The impressive 2005 Shiraz Greenock exhibits an inky/purple color, greater intensity, and additional roasted meat and gamy characteristics interwoven with pepper, creme de cassis, and blackberry liqueur. The oak treatment is identical to the 2004, but that component seems more subdued in the 2005. The 2005 should evolve and drink well for 10-15 years. Score - (94-96).
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
KALLESKE JOHANN GEORG SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, South Australia
53728
(XD) 750 mL $137.85
TASTING NOTE: Kalleske's top wine is the 150-case cuvee of Shiraz Johann Georg Old Vine from a 129-year-old vineyard. Named after the first Kalleske, a native of Silesia who immigrated to Australia in 1838, it offers just about everything one could want in a Barossa Valley Shiraz. Aged two years in new French and American 300 liter hogsheads, and produced from yields of one ton of fruit per acre, this cuvee is extraordinarily consistent in 2004 and 2005. In fact, it's hard to choose a favorite. This wine exhibits great intensity, an inky/ purple color, and notes of creosote, camphor, blackberries, cassis, and subtle vanillin/pain grille notes. Unbelievably unctuous and full-bodied, with stunning concentration, thrilling purity, and amazing length as well as richness, it should evolve gracefully for 15+ years.
Score - (94-96).
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
KALLESKE OLD VINE GRENACHE 2005 Barossa Valley, South Australia
53736
(XD) 750 mL $68.45
TASTING NOTE: A beauty, the 2005 Grenache Old Vine exhibits a deep ruby/ purple color as well as a sweet perfume of black and red fruits, melted licorice, subtle dried Provencal herbs, a touch of pepper, a superb attack, an opulent mouthfeel, and a long, layered finish. This brilliant Grenache should drink well for 5-6 years. Score - 93.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
MITOLO G.A.M. SHIRAZ 2005 McLaren Vale, South Australia
41111
(XD) 375 mL $27.80
TASTING NOTE: Fashioned from a McLaren Vale vineyard, the 2005 Shiraz G.A.M. (named after the Mitolo children - Gemma, Alexander, and Marco) is a deep ruby/ purple-hued effort displaying beautiful blackberry, white pepper, licorice, and toasty oak notes. Rich, full-bodied, and intense, with blueberry and blackberry flavors, sweet tannin, and excellent purity, it is a tour de force in winemaking. Enjoy it over the next decade. Score - 95.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
MITOLO SAVITAR SHIRAZ 2005 McLaren Vale, South Australia
659581
(XD) 750 mL $58.50
TASTING NOTE: Named after a mythical monster, the 2005 Shiraz Savitar emerges from rocky, low vigor soils, and was aged for 16 months in primarily new French oak barrels. Dazzling aromas of acacia flowers, blueberries, crushed rocks, graphite, licorice, and espresso roast emerge from this tightly knit but intense, fleshy, rich effort. Its multilayered palate, huge body, sweet tannin, and "monster" finish suggest this brilliant wine will be drinkable between 2008 and 2020. It is a superb example of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Score - 96.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
MITOLO SERPICO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 McLaren Vale, South Australia
659599
(XD) 750 mL $58.50
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpico (100% McLaren Vale fruit) was treated like Amarone with the grapes picked relatively underripe and green, then dried for seven weeks before they were fermented. The result is a distinctive, full-bodied Cabernet with no pruny or raisiny characteristics whatsoever. Its fresh acidity and lively backbone support a wine of enormous richness and intensity, offering up classic creme de cassis notes intermixed with white chocolate, damp forest, cedar, and toasty oak. Full-bodied, opulent, powerful, and totally dry, with a sweet, rich mid- section, it should age well for 10-15 years. Score - 94.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
THE COLONIAL ESTATE EXPLORATEUR SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, South Australia
18648
(XD) 750 mL $28.80
TASTING NOTE: The blockbuster, inky/ruby/ purple-hued 2005 L'Explorateur Shiraz offers sweet aromas of blackberries, white pepper, licorice, and graphite. While full-bodied, powerful, and rich, it also displays striking finesse and elegance, no doubt because of its aging in French oak. It should last for 15 or more years. Score - 95.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
BURGE FAMILY CLOCHEMERLE 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia
39529
(XD) 750 mL $31.75
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Clochemerle, an Australian version of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, is a blend of 48% Grenache, 38% Mourvedre, 12% Shiraz, and a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. This extraordinarily elegant, fruity, full-bodied red offers notes of sweet cherries, licorice, and strawberry jam. Light on its feet with tremendous definition and purity as well as striking finesse and harmony, it tips the scales at only 14% alcohol, which is low for the vintage and for this area of Barossa. Consume it over the next 7-8 years. Score - 93.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
BURGE FAMILY OLIVE HILL GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia
39511
(XD) 750 mL $43.65
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Olive Hill Red Blend is composed of 48% Shiraz, 30% Grenache, 12% Mourvedre, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from young 10-year-old vines. As with all of these cuvees, its personality and soul radiate from the aromas and flavors. Sweet black currant, pepper, spice box, and loamy/earthy characteristics along with beautiful structure, rich fruit, fabulous purity, and a long finish emerge from this beauty. Enjoy this riveting example of a proprietary red blend over the next 6-8 years. Score - 92.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
CASCABEL SHIRAZ 2004 Fleurieu, South Australia
38539
(D) 750 mL $34.70
TASTING NOTE: The brilliant, inky/ruby/ purple-tinged 2004 Shiraz offers up gorgeous scents of blackberries, cassis, damp earth, truffles, and tar. Additional notes of white chocolate emerge in the mouth. This intense, dense, full-bodied, opulent Shiraz is a total hedonistic as well as intellectual turn-on. It spent 18 months in 500 liter French oak pungeons. Drink it over the next 7-10 years. Score - 94.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
CASTAGNA GENESIS SYRAH 2004 Beechworth, Victoria
53298
(D) 750 mL $94.20
TASTING NOTE: A Cornas-like shiraz of remarkable intensity and complexity. Its ethereal, exotically spicy and meaty bouquet of dark cherries, cassis and sweet oak reveals nuances of fennel and cloves, cinnamon and black pepper. Medium to full in weight, but likely to build, it's an essay in elegance and focus, with a silky palate of beautifully ripened dark fruits, spices, smoky oak and powdery tannins finishing with lingering nuances of charcuterie. Would rate even higher with more palate length. Drink 2009-2012. Score - 95.
(Jeremy Oliver,
www.jeremyoliver.com.au,
July 22, 2006)
J.J. HAHN 1914 SHIRAZ 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia
39057
(D) 750 mL $54.55
TASTING NOTE: The inky/ruby/purple-tinged, viscous 2004 Shiraz 1914 possesses soft acids, a voluptuous texture, and loads of creme de cassis fruit intermixed with smoky bacon fat, roasted meat, herb, and spice box characteristics. With terrific length as well as an unctuosity that fans of bigger-styled Australian Shiraz will adore, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-15 years.
Score - 94.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
KAY BROTHERS AMERY VINEYARD BLOCK 6 SHIRAZ 2004 McLaren Vale, South Australia
46326
(XD) 750 mL $88.25
TASTING NOTE: ... The 2004 Shiraz Block 6 is the finest example of this cuvee since the 1998. It is an awesomely concentrated Shiraz with an inky/plum/garnet/purple color and a sweet nose of roasted meats, dried herbs, ground pepper, blackberries, and cassis. This intense, full-bodied effort boasts a profound depth and richness as well as layer upon layer of awesome concentration and length. While approachable, it should hit its peak in 5-6 years, and last for two decades or more.
Score - 98.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
KILIKANOON COVENANT SHIRAZ 2004 Clare Valley, South Australia
674747
(XD) 750 mL $44.65
TASTING NOTE: The spectacular 2004 Shiraz Covenant, essentially declassified fruit not used for the Shiraz Oracle, spent 22 months in 80% French and 20% American 300 liter hogsheads. In fact, Kilikanoon does not use any small barrels, preferring the larger 300 liter vessels. Perhaps that accounts for the glorious levels of fruit and subtle oak influence in even the more expensive cuvees that are aged in 100% new oak. The dense, plum/purple-hued, full-bodied Shiraz Covenant exhibits notes of tapenade, blackberries, asphalt, truffles, and roasted meats. With a gorgeous texture as well as good opulence, vibrancy, and definition, it can be consumed over the next 7-10 years. Score - 94.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
KILIKANOON PRODIGAL GRENACHE 2004 Clare Valley, South Australia
927582
(D) 750 mL $28.80
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Grenache Prodigal possesses a dark ruby color as well as classic kirsch and licorice notes with a background resiny/earthy character. Full-bodied, supple, and deep, this mouthfilling wine should be drunk over the next 5-6 years. Score - 92.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
KILIKANOON TESTAMENT SHIRAZ 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia
50047
(XD) 750 mL $44.65
TASTING NOTE: From the Barossa sub-regions of Greenock and Vinevale, the fabulous 2004 Shiraz Testament exhibits this varietal's more scorched earth/volcanic side with blackberry liqueur, creosote, pepper, espresso roast, and singed leather characteristics. Opulent, with sensational fruit, a thick, unctuous attack and mid-palate, and a long finish of over a minute, this stunning Shiraz should be at its best in 3-4 years, and age for two decades.
Score - 95.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
PENFOLDS RWT SHIRAZ 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia
564278
(XD) 750 mL $123.95
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby. Expansive, seductive bouquet of red and dark berries, with sexy vanillin oak spice, floral oils and graphite adding complexity. Lush and creamy but lively too, with energetic blackberry and mulberry flavors, exotic Asian spice accents and fine-grained, harmonious tannins. Suave mocha and candied licorice appear on the long, juicy finish. This is absolutely lovely right now, with no edginess or herbal notes, but will clearly repay a decade-plus in the cellar.
Score - 93.
(Josh Raynolds,
International Wine Cellar,
July/Aug. 2007)
SUCKFIZZLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Margaret River, South Australia
53538
(XD) 750 mL $38.70
James Halliday's 2007 Australian Wine Companion gave this 'outstanding winery' its highest rating of *****, and awarded the previous vintage of this wine a score of 96. For the literary types, Suckfizzle conjures up Rabelais' infamous character of the same name. For the wine expert, Suckfizzle is a Cabernet of the highest order. No reviews were available at press time, but this wine has been turning heads with its fragrant aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and red berries, and its magnificent balance and structure.
EPPALOCK RIDGE SHIRAZ 2003 Heathcote, Victoria
52738
(D) 750 mL $44.65
TASTING NOTE: Dense colour; full-bodied, rich blackberry, dark chocolate and plum; ripe tannins; not extractive; carries the alcohol. Cork.
Score - 94.
(James Halliday,
Australian Wine Companion,
2007)
MT. BILLY ANTIQUITY SHIRAZ 2003 Barossa Valley, South Australia
47589
(XD) 750 mL $58.50
TASTING NOTE: Rich blackberry, licorice aromas, and flavours; sweet but not dead fruit; good oak and extract; 80-109-year-old shiraz vines, open-fermented, basket-pressed, French oak. Screwcap.
Score - 94.
(James Halliday,
Australian Wine Companion,
2007)
YALUMBA MENZIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 Coonawarra, South Australia
473645
(XD) 750 mL $42.65
TASTING NOTE: ... The 2003 The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon reveals gorgeous notes of creosote, blueberry liqueur, black currants, licorice, and cedar. Full-bodied with great fruit purity, real stature, wonderful sweetness (from glycerin), ripe tannin, and a long, heady finish, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years.Score - 94.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
PENFOLDS GRANGE SHIRAZ 2002 South Australia
336388
(XD) 750 mL $322.25
TASTING NOTE: Ruby-red. Initially closed on the nose but aeration brings a complicated bouquet of raspberry, wild strawberry, creme de mure, sexy oak spices, woodsmoke, tobacco, vanilla and fresh flowers. A deep, sweet but precise midweight, with energetic flavors of red and dark berries, cherry compote, cinnamon, mocha and smoked meat, all wrapped in substantial but silky tannins. Sappy and expansive on the impressively long, velvety finish. You'd be nuts to open this any time soon. Score - 94 (+?).
(Josh Raynolds,
International Wine Cellar,
July/Aug. 2007)
YALUMBA OCTAVIUS SHIRAZ 2001 Barossa Valley, South Australia
449017
(XD) 750 mL $94.20
TASTING NOTE: A blockbuster, structured Shiraz with oodles of personality/soul, it offers a sumptuous bouquet as well as flavors of chocolate, white flowers, black- berry and cassis liqueur, prunes, figs, roasted meats, and burning embers. This full-bodied, hugely extracted, monster Shiraz has amazing balance and symmetry for its large-scaled style. It needs another 1-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 12-20 years, based on the longevity of some earlier examples ... Score - 98.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2004)
KATNOOK ESTATE ODYSSEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1990 Coonawarra, South Australia
46466
(XD) 750 mL $163.60
Katnook Estate senior winemaker Wayne Stehbens says his aim with Odyssey is to "not only capture the essence of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon but to define it". (www.katnookestate.com.au) Katnook's Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon is their long-standing flagship wine, and this 1990 vintage is a great place to start exploring mature Coonawarra Cabernets.
MOUNT HORROCKS CORDON CUT RIESLING 2006 Clare Valley, South Australia
52555
(M) 375 mL $29.75
TASTING NOTE: Floral, tea-leaf and caramel aromas of shriveled grapes, plus honey and crème brûlée notes. There is some acid firmness and a little bitterness to conclude, which helps give it a clean finish. Lively and delicious.
Score - 93.
(Huon Hooke,
Gourmet Traveller Wine,
June/July 2007)
BROKENWOOD INDIGO VINEYARD VIOGNIER 2005 Beechwood, Victoria
683953
(D) 750 mL $35.70
Look for typical Viognier characteristics of apricot, floral, and pear in this full-bodied southern hemisphere rival to the Rhone's Condrieu. This is full, aromatic, lengthy on the finish - and ready to drink now. Perfect for a crisp fall evening in front of a fire.
PENFOLDS YATTARNA CHARDONNAY 2004 South Australia
558643
(XD) 750 mL $88.25
TASTING NOTE: Pristine aromas of tangerine, melon and grapefruit overlie slightly dusty, nutty, waxy and mineral nuances, with subliminal suggestions of wheatmeal and vanilla. Round and smooth, its juicy core of citrus and melon flavour is neatly trimmed by an underlying powdery minerality and a tangy, lemony acidity. Long, austere and shapely, finishing taut and stylish, it finishes with lingering a lemon sherbet-like aspect. Very classy, and made without a single barrel of new oak. Score - 96.
(Jeremy Oliver,
www.jeremyoliver.com.au,
Jan. 5, 2007)
YALUMBA MUSEUM RESERVE MUSCAT Rutherglen, Victoria
963488
(S) 375 mL $24.80
TASTING NOTE: The non-vintage Museum Reserve Muscat boasts a medium deep amber hue as well as stunning aromas and huge flavors oozing with glycerin, sweetness, honeyed figs, jammy berries, and notions of tea, molasses, and prunes. This wine does not improve in the bottle, but it will last for many years. Score - 96.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
SACRED HILL RIFLEMANS CHARDONNAY 2005 Hawkes Bay, North Island
39503
(XD) 750 mL $49.60
TASTING NOTE: Light gold with fragrant, nutty sweet oak aromas, this gorgeous, harmonious, sweet-fruited wine is endowed with everything that makes good chardonnay great. It's silky smooth in texture and there exactly the right amount of savoury winemaking influences to complement the delicious nectarine, stonefruit and tropical fruit. Hard to believe it has 100% new oak but that's the quality of the fruit. We tasted it three weeks ago and it was sensational in the standard XL5 tasting glass. Even better tonight in the Zerrutti tasting glass. A class act. 14% alc.
(Sue Courtney,
www.wineoftheweek.com,
March 14, 2005)
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2005 Franschhoek, WO Western Cape
656512
(XD) 750 mL $41.65
TASTING NOTE: Aptly named, given hedonistic (but serious) 05's spiced dark choc notes amongst much more. Intense, warm & sensuous, but fresh, with light touch to fully express its make up of syrah, grenache, cinsaut, cab & viognier (44 /24/14/14/4). Already irresistible but better still in 5-6 yrs. 15 mths 600L Fr oak, 40% new. Score - **** 1/2 (out of 5).
(Angela Lloyd,
John Platter South African Wines,
2007)
GRAHAM BECK THE ANDREW CABERNET SAUVIGNON/PETIT VERDOT/MERLOT 2005 Barrel Selection, WO Coastal Region
52753
(XD) 750 mL $25.80
First produced in 2003, Graham Beck's 'The Andrew' is the cellar's first Bordeaux-style blend and Ontario is the very first commercial market to receive this highly acclaimed wine. This brand continues the winery's tradition of naming their greatest blend wines after Graham Beck's grandsons. Made from a strict selection of their finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot and matured for 14 months in French oak, this classy, elegant red exhibits savoury flavours of cassis and spice, seamless integration, and a lengthy finish.
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF SYRAH 2004 WO Coastal Region
52076
(XD) 750 mL $58.50
TASTING NOTE: Solidly ripe, but in more of a Rhône style, with lots of grilled herb, pepper, briar and black currant aromas and flavors, with a structured, minerally finish. Drink now through 2009.
Score - 91.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
May 31, 2007)
DELHEIM GRAND RESERVE 2003 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
35394
(XD) 750 mL $35.70
TASTING NOTE: 03 includes 6% merlot ... Whiffs mulberry, gentle mint, makes inter- esting comparison with [2004 Cabernet Sauvignon]: similarly dark berried but GR hiding much while cab more accessible. Tannins firm. Will keep 10 yrs ... 18 mths French oak, 79% new. Score - **** (out of 5).
(Irina von Holdt,
John Platter South African Wines,
2007)
BONNE NOUVELLE 2002 WO Stellenbosch
39628
(XD) 750 mL $54.55
TASTING NOTE: This impressive South African offering is a blend of 58% Merlot, 25% Pinotage (a varietal I generally do not find too impressive), and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits a Bordeaux-like personality with notes of dried herbs, loamy soil, black cherries, and tobacco. Smoky, medium-bodied, elegant, pure, and complex, there are approximately 1500 cases of this stylish proprietary red. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Score - 90.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2004)
TASTING NOTE: A subtle aroma of persimmon gives way to a ripe palate of tangerine, blood orange and almond notes backed by fine acidity. A nice waxy edge caresses the finish. Could put on some weight with modest cellaring. Drink now through 2008. Score - 90.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
May 31, 2007)
TASTING NOTE: Big and bold, with tar, loam and bittersweet cocoa holding the upper hand for now on a core of black currant and plum fruit. Yet plenty of ripe, imbedded tannins and fine acidity to carry through until it resolves itself fully. Flashy, and pulls it off. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2007 through 2014. Score - 93.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
Sept. 30, 2006)
CATENA ALTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Mendoza
959965
(XD) 750 mL $54.55
The 2004 Catena Alta Cabernet presents a dark, opaque violet hue with blackish tones. The wine shows intense aromas of ripe dark fruit and hints of tobacco, cedar and fresh mint. The palate is full and rich with a concentrated core of cassis and black currant flavours with accents of clove, espresso bean, and pencil lead. The finish is well-structured, with finely grained tannins and a bright acidity.
CATENA ZAPATA NICOLÁS 2003 Mendoza
662072
(XD) 750 mL $74.40
Produced only in outstanding vintage years, this is Nicolás Catena's flagship wine. Aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, this stylish blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) and Malbec (28%) displays exceptionally concentrated dark fruit flavours, a supple texture and excellent structure. The first Nicolás Catena Zapata burst onto the scene in 1997 and was compared then to the likes of Château Latour, Haut-Brion, Solaia, Caymus and Opus One in a series of blind tastings held in the USA and Europe. It placed either first or second in every tasting. While reviews were not yet available for this vintage, Robert Parker Jr. has been effusive in his praise of previous releases, bestowing scores in the mid-90s upon this iconic red.
CHEVAL DES ANDES 2002 Mendoza
8516
(XD) 750 mL $116.05
Cheval des Andes is a joint effort between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes.
TASTING NOTE: This is a finely sculpted wine, with a ripe, focused core of red currant, plum and blackberry fruit balanced by vanilla bean, coffee and smoke notes. Long and plush, with fine-grained tannins carrying the finish. Tastes more like Bordeaux than Argentina though. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2008. Score - 92.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
Dec. 31, 2004)
O. FOURNIER ALFA CRUX TEMPRANILLO/MALBEC/MERLOT 2002 Uco Valley, Mendoza
52704
(D) 750 mL $38.70
# 86 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2006.
TASTING NOTE: A very flashy, modern-style wine, with layers of mocha and spice-infused toast leading the way for boysenberry, blackberry and fig fruit. Shows additional tar, mineral, graphite and even violet notes through the rich but racy finish. Tempranillo, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2010.
Score - 93.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2006)
POESIA 2002 Mendoza
38463
(XD) 750 mL $57.55
TASTING NOTE: Made from the usual blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2002 Poesia offers elegant yet powerful aromas of black fruits, mocha, chocolate, and new oak. In the mouth, it reveals a seamless integration of acidity, wood, and tannin as well as a long, medium to full-bodied, heady finish. Score - 91.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2005)
The Catena Alta Chardonnay is made from a special lot, rows 5 through 38, of the Adrianna Vineyard. At almost 5,000 feet elevation in the Andean foothills, the Adrianna vineyard's pebble-covered soils and cool climate are ideal for growing Chardonnay, producing a purity of flavours and a minerality unlike anywhere else in Mendoza. The 2004 vintage is showing ripe, white fruit flavours with lovely, light floral notes and hints of yeasty bread. The palate shows ripe pear, apple and fig flavours with a slatey, mineral character. The finish is long and complex with a refreshing crisp acidity.
TASTING NOTE: Offers nice alluring aromas of cocoa powder, cedar and currant preserve. This is admirably ripe for the vintage, with well-structured plum sauce, graphite, loam and spice flavors moving through the fine-grained finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Drink now through 2013.
Score - 93.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
May 31, 2007)
ALTAIR 2003 Cachapoal Valley
38430
(XD) 750 mL $62.50
TASTING NOTE: Terrific Chilean red wine; seductive and succulent, with a beautiful burgundy hue matched by pure, ripe Bordeaux-like flavors. Deep and satisfying, and smooth as silk. If ever a Chilean red ranked as world class, this is it.
Score - 94.
(Michael Schachner,
Wine Enthusiast,
Nov. 2005)
CONCHA Y TORO CARMÉNÈRE PEUMO CARMÍN DE PEUMO 2003 Rapel Valley/Maipo Valley
52209
(XD) 750 mL $89.25
TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Carmenere "Carmin de Peumo", the flagship Carmenere, is a blend of the best parcels in the Peumo Vineyard. It spent 20 months in new French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Black/purple colored, it offers a mammoth perfume of toasty oak, vanilla, scorched earth, leather, espresso roast, and blueberry jam. This is followed by an extravagantly rich, nearly over-ripe, slightly over-the-top, layered wine that goes on and on to its pure finish. Can there be too much of a good thing? It's a gamble but with a big up-side. Score - 97.
(Jay Miller,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2007)
CASA LAPOSTOLLE BOROBO 2002
39263
(XD) 750 mL $94.20
TASTING NOTE: Mature, but has good flesh and weight, with raisin, spice, incense, licorice and plum sauce. A raisined note lingers on the finish, but this shows nice range. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Drink now. Score - 89. (James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
May 12, 2007)
QUEBRADA DE MACUL DOMUS AUREA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Maipo Valley
906123
(XD) 750 mL $41.65
TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas and flavors of loam and mint, with notes of dark currant, fig and cigar smoke. Plush texture, but with deceptive strength on the finish. Just now hitting its stride, but should develop further. A beautiful rendition of cool-climate Cabernet and a star of the vintage. Drink now through 2014. Score - 93.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
Web Only, 2006)
VIÑA CARMEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON GOLD RESERVE 2002 Maipo Valley
941609
(XD) 750 mL $49.60
TASTING NOTE: Traditional style, with lilting mint and cocoa powder aromas leading the way for ripe black currant and blackberry fruit. Loamy, but with a soft texture. Fine-grained tannins provide all the support it needs. Drink now through 2012. Score - 92.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
Nov. 30, 2006)
