DOmaINE ZIND HUMBRECHT Gewurztraminer Clos Saint Urbain 2005
Rangen De Thann, AC Alsace Grand Cru  
51904    (M)            750 mL    $90   

TASTING NOTE: Bright golden-orange color. Deeply pitched but pure aromas of spices, smoked meat and flint. Supersweet, thick and powerful, conveying a chewy impression of soil without coming across as rough-edged or phenolic. This has VT richness. Fine acidity and a powerful spice character give shape and lift to this unctuous, silky wine. Humbrecht says the r.s. here is less than 50 grams per liter. Score - 93. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Hengst 2005
Wintzenheim, AC Alsace Grand Cru  
716084    (MS)            375 mL    $46   

TASTING NOTE: Bright yellow. Mirabelle, marzipan and nutmeg on the expressive nose. Sweet, dense and highly concentrated, with real generosity and freshness to its fruit flavors. There's a spiciness here from botrytis. Finishes tactile and powerful. With its 14.4% alcohol and 48 g/l r.s., this could hardly be more different in its balance from the dry and somewhat topheavy 2004, which is 16.2%, with just 4 grams of sugar. It would be a shame to drink this too soon. Score - 93. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Muscat Goldert 2005
Gueberschwihr, AC Alsace Grand Cru  
952259    (MD)            750 mL    $57   

TASTING NOTE: This juicy white shows concentrated flavors of blood orange, red grapefruit and orange blossom, with fresh, tangy acidity. There's a hint of exotic spice on the moderate finish. Drink now. Score - 88. (Alison Napjus, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Saint Urbain 2005
Rangen de Thann, AC Alsace Grand Cru  
958918    (MD)            750 mL    $90   

TASTING NOTE: This delicious white is big, lush and warm, with apricot, grapefruit and spice flavors that are easy to cozy up to as it glides to a long, smoky finish. There's plenty of power in reserve, with a dry sensation on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. Score - 93. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Heimbourg 2005
Turckheim, AC Alsace  
51888    (M)            750 mL    $55   

TASTING NOTE: … Pale gold. Like a fruit syrup on the nose, with a distinctly honeyed nuance and suggestions of dried fruits. Then rich, broad and silky yet light on its feet, with harmonious ripe acidity leavening the wine's moderate (about 25 g/l r.s.) sweetness. Impressively horizontal wine that really coats the palate. The superripe fruit flavors are complemented by a note of marzipan. Humbrecht notes that the wine's firm acids are a function of small yields and an element of noble rot. He recommends holding this for eight to ten years and then pairing it with Peking duck, kidneys in mustard sauce, or glazed pork roast. Score - 93. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rotenberg 2005
Wintzenheim, AC Alsace  
51896    (M)            750 mL    $55   

TASTING NOTE: … Yellow-gold. Reticent nose opened to show apricot nectar and a toasty nuance that Humbrecht says is not from the barrel. Sweet (34 g/l r.s.), highly concentrated and chewy, with exotic apricot, marzipan and spice flavors. This is downright unctuous in texture, and also on the high side in alcohol at 14.9%. From a very low crop level. Score - 91. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes 2005
AC Alsace  
978742    (M)            750 mL    $50   

TASTING NOTE: Sweet, tart and spicy play off one another as pomegranate is accented by rose petal and honey notes. Lively acidity and a racy streak of minerality lead to a lingering white pepper-laced finish. Drink now through 2020. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling Brand 2005
Turckheim, AC Alsace Grand Cru  
51938    (D)            375 mL    $46   

TASTING NOTE: An expressive style, this is very accessible, with a diaphanous frame and smoke and mineral notes that mingle with citrus peel and dried apricot. A dry white of complexity and depth. Drink now through 2018. Score - 93. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling Clos Häuserer 2005
Wintzenheim, AC Alsace  
686477    (XD)            750 mL    $54   

TASTING NOTE: A big, powerful Riesling, with the stamp of place. Smoky, with dried pineapple aromas, honey and a fireworks of mineral. Concentrated, with a firm structure, this has a resonant energy that pumps it up on the long finish. Drink now through 2020. Highly Recommended. Score - 94. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007)

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling Clos Saint Urbain 2005
Rangen de Thann, AC Alsace Grand Cru  
716035    (D)            750 mL    $90   

TASTING NOTE: Dry and intense. There's an impression of higher acidity to this, marshaling the pure grapefruit, peach, spice and mineral notes to a long conclusion, with a dry, mineral salt aftertaste. Best from 2008 through 2020. Score - 93. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling Clos Windsbuhl 2005
Hunawihr, AC Alsace  
716068    (D)            750 mL    $72   

TASTING NOTE: Cinnamon, honey and pineapple notes are well-delineated by the vibrant acidity. The lasting impression is ripe apple and mineral as this glides to the succulent finish. A dry style. Drink now through 2015. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) 

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling Herrenweg de Turckheim Lot 144 2005
AC Alsace  
706697    (MD)            750 mL    $44   

TASTING NOTE: (Lot 144; from an early harvest but finished sweeter than the cuvee made from fruit picked six or seven days later) Pale bright yellow. Stone, ginger and suggestions of dried fruits on the nose. Juicy and only slightly sweet, with vibrant flavors of apple, pear, peach and spices given grip by lemon pith and crushed stone. This went through malolactic fermentation, notes Humbrecht, and thus it's "less Calvinist" than the Lot 148. Quite tactile on the back, with a lingering note of ripe apple. Score - 89. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 

ChÂteau d'Yquem 1998
AC Sauternes  
686519    (MS)            375 mL    $197   

46813    (MS)            750 mL    $399   

In April 2005, Robert Parker gave this wine a score of 91 but did not include a review.

TASTING NOTE: The 1998 Chateau Yquem was released several months ago. This estate does not allow tasting from cask (where the wine spends 42 months), and it is not released until five years after the vintage. … The 1998 Yquem is a great success. Made in an elegant style, it is not a blockbuster such as 1990, 1989, and 1988. It is well-delineated, with wonderfully sweet aromas of creme brulee, pineapples, apricots, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it is not as sweet as the biggest/richest Yquem vintages, but it is gorgeously pure, precise, and strikingly complex. Already approachable, it should evolve for 30-50 years ... without a doubt. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2003)

In April 2005, Robert Parker Jr. gave the 1999 Château d'Yquem a score of 92, but did not publish any written commentary.

ChÂteau d'Yquem 1996
AC Sauternes  
46839    (S)            750 mL    $449   

TASTING NOTE: Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality. There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem. However, patience will be a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2060. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2003) 

ChÂteau Gilette CrÈme de TÊte1985
AC Sauternes  
(Julie Gonet-Médeville, Vitic.)

This wine was not reviewed. The cult winery, Château Gilette, is unique in the techniques they use to make Sauternes. For full information on those techniques, please see the note attached to the 1954 vintage (48942).

49031    (S)            375 mL    $125   
48991    (S)            750 mL    $249   

ChÂteau Gilette CrÈme de TÊte 1983
AC Sauternes  
(Christian Médeville, Prop.)

This wine was not reviewed. The cult winery, Château Gilette, is unique in the techniques they use to make Sauternes. For full information on those techniques, please see the note attached to the 1954 vintage (48942).

49023    (S)            500 mL    $210   
48983    (S)            750 mL    $312   

ChÂteau Gilette CrÈme de TÊte 1982
AC Sauternes  
(Christian Médeville, Prop.)

This wine was not reviewed. The cult winery, Château Gilette, is unique in the techniques they use to make Sauternes. For full information on those techniques, please see the note attached to the 1954 vintage (48942).

49015    (S)            375 mL    $141   
48975    (MS)         750 mL    $289   

ChÂteau Gilette CrÈme de TÊte 1979
AC Sauternes  
(Christian Médeville, Prop.)

This wine was not reviewed. The cult winery, Château Gilette, is unique in the techniques they use to make Sauternes. For full information on those techniques, please see the note attached to the 1954 vintage (48942).

49007    (S)            500 mL    $200   
48967    (S)            750 mL    $306   

Château Gilette is very unique amongst Sauternes producers in that they age their wines for many years, sometimes decades, only in concrete vats before they are bottled. Current owner/winemaker Julie Gonet-Médeville continues this tradition begun by her grandfather, René Médeville, more than 70 years ago. René couldn't afford the expense of oak barrels during the 1930s, so he chose to age his wines in vats. He discovered the wines matured more evenly than in wood and developed more complex aromas and flavours than those he formerly aged in oak. The vat permitted the wines to breathe so slowly that the winery was content to allow the wines to age there for up to 20 years before bottling. In fact, the youngest wine in this collection (1985) is just about to have its 23rd birthday. Most of these wines are not reviewed as most vintages are limited to only 5000 bottles and snapped up upon release. With previously reviewed vintages, critics such as Robert Parker Jr. have commented on the incredible youthfulness of wines that were already over 20 years old. Five vintages, starting with this 1954, are included in this release. Some are available in various sizes (375, 500 and 750 mL)

Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot Monopole 2004
AC, 1^er Cru  
51128    (XD)            750 mL    $105   
51094    (XD)          1500 mL    $218   

TASTING NOTE: There's density and depth to match the oak, with lemon candy, orange peel and apple notes adding mineral and spice shadings for a complex mouthful of Chardonnay. Balanced, with a fresh, cleansing finish. Drink now through 2012. Score - 91. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007) 

Domaine de la Vougeraie Clos de Vougeot 2004
AC, Grand Cru  
51110    (XD)            750 mL    $138   

TASTING NOTE: Dense and unyielding now, with a core of cherry, blackberry and earth notes, but also a floral accent. Turns more elegant by the finish, with fine overall balance. Best from 2009 through 2018. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2007)

Domaine de la Vougeraie Clos de Vougeot 2003
AC, Grand Cru  
51102    (XD)            750 mL    $171   

TASTING NOTE: Very ripe, this displays hints of raisin and fig notes augmenting its plum and blackberry. There's also spice from new oak, all allied to firm, ripe tannins and succulent texture. A little square today, but with density and personality. Best from 2009 through 2025. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2006)

Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot Les Cras 2002
AC, 1^er Cru  
51037    (XD)            750 mL    $100   

TASTING NOTE: Forward and elegant, very ripe, bordering on plum with cherry and cassis notes rounding out the flavor spectrum. Structure emerges after the initial wave of fruit, so give this time to settle down. Lovely balance and harmony. Best from 2007 through 2105. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2005) 

Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot Les Cras 2003
AC, 1^er Cru  
51029    (XD)            750 mL    $100   

TASTING NOTE: Very ripe, exuding blackberry and plum notes, but lacks integration today between the lush fruit and firm tannins. It comes back on the finish with licorice and oak spice, so give it some time to come together. Best from 2007 through 2018. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2006) 

Camp Gros Martinenga Barbaresco 1999
DOCG  
(Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy)
46094    (XD)            750 mL    $127   
46110    (XD)            1500 mL    $255   

TASTING NOTE: Very silky, with plum, berry, leather and cherry character. Full-bodied, with fine yet chewy tannins and a long, tannic finish. Ripe and thick. Needs time. Best from 2006 through 2010. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2003) 

Camp Gros Martinenga Barbaresco 1996
DOCG  
(Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy)
46078    (XD)            750 mL    $132   

TASTING NOTE: Very pretty aromas of rose, berry and cherry, with a hint of pipe tobacco. Full-bodied, with refined tannins and a dried cherry and cedar aftertaste. Stylish. -- 1996 Piedmont retrospective. Drink now. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007) 

Camp Gros Martinenga Barbaresco 1998
DOCG  
(Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy)
46045    (XD)            750 mL    $118   

TASTING NOTE: The Camp Gros '98 os a paragon of its kind and earns Three Glasses. Garnet ruby tinged with orange at the edge, it has a seductive, eloquent nose of liquorice, liqueur cherries and tobacco. The palate has backbone, assertive but aristocractic tannins and an austere finish that lingers endlessly. One for the cellar. Score - (out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2003) 

Camp Gros Martinenga Barbaresco 2000
DOCG  
(Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy)
46037    (XD)            750 mL    $109   

TASTING NOTE: Wonderful perfumes of strawberries, berries and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very silky indeed. Layers of tannins, yet very refined. Lovely wine. Best after 2007. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2005) 

Camp Gros Martinenga Barbaresco 2001
DOCG  
(Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy)
46029    (XD)            750 mL    $109   

TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Barbaresco Camp Gros, from a sub-plot of Martinenga bordering Rabaja, is a huge, massive wine. A deep ruby, it offers layers of dark ripe fruit and menthol on a large, strapping frame. Though pretty shut down today, it should be excellent in a few years and drink well until age 15. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)

Gaiun Martinenga Barbaresco 1999
DOCG  
(Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy)
46086    (XD)            750 mL    $127   
46136    (XD)            1500 mL    $255   

TASTING NOTE: A reserved, almost intellectual wine. Very complex character, with ripe berry, meat, toasty oak and hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Exciting. Best after 2005. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2003)

Gaiun Martinenga Barbaresco  1996
DOCG  
(Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy)
46060    (XD)            750 mL    $132   

TASTING NOTE: The superb 1996 Barbaresco Gaiun Martinenga boasts a dark ruby/purple color as well as a gorgeous, Musigny-like nose of flowers, minerals, and black fruits. It is impeccably made, with great elegance, medium body, terrific fruit intensity, and no sense of heaviness. Drink this stylish, harmonious Barbaresco over the next 10-12 years.
Score - (90-91). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 1999) 

Rocca Delle MacIe Chianti Classico Reserva 1998
DOCG  
55152    (XD)            750 mL    $32   

TASTING NOTE: Here is a popular winery that just keeps on producing attractive, well-priced wines. This Riserva 1998 manages to combine soft, quaffable fruit with generous, almost opulent richness. There’s something brooding about the firm tannins and tarry flavors, but the fruit is just deliciously ripe. Score - 90. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 2002)

Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Reserva 1997
DOCG  
52886    (XD)            750 mL    $37   

TASTING NOTE: The cherry aroma of this smooth and well-balanced wine is graced by tobacco, spice, orange and cedar accents. Black-tea flavors mark the palate, and it closes dry and spicy, with firm tannins. Will improve over the next two or three years. Score - 89. (Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 2001) 

Rocca delle MacIe Chianti Classico Riserva di Fizzano 1997
DOCG  
50617    (XD)            750 mL    $48   

TASTING NOTE: Ripe black-cherry aromas with cedar and clove accents open this big yet supple wine. A mouthful of licorice and plum, wrapped in toasty menthol oak, follows. Bright acidity keeps the supple texture from becoming flabby. Full tannins and tart black-plum flavors on the finish promise a great life. Best held for two or three years. Score - 90. (Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 1, 2001) 

Rocca Delle MacIe Roccato 1997
IGT Toscana  
50609    (XD)            750 mL    $57   

TASTING NOTE: Medium garnet. Explosive aromas of truffle, wet earth and saddle leather, a bit selvatico Tobacco, anise and wild mushroom flavors are supported by plump, ripe tannins, and the texture is dense and sweet. The finish is long and racy. Score - 92. (Edward Beltrami, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2002)

Pintia Tinto 2004
DO Toro  
22954    (XD)            750 mL    $53   
22988    (XD)            1500 mL    $140   
50542    (XD)            3000 mL    $275   

TASTING NOTE: Bodegas Pintia is owned by the famous estate, Vega Sicilia. The 2004 Pintia comes from a superior vintage. Similarly styled to its older sibling, it is simply more flamboyant and opulent. The temptation is to drink this heady effort now but those who can delay gratification for a few years will be amply rewarded. Score - 95. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)

Lustau Emperatriz Eugenia Very Rare Oloroso  
Solera Gran Reserva  
747576    (D)            750 mL    $46   

TASTING NOTE: The non-vintage Oloroso de Jerez “Emperatriz Eugenia” ratchets up the intensity. Because it is relatively dry, it is also a good match with savory foods. Score - 92. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007)