VINTAGES
CLASSICS
COLLECTION
FINE WINE &
PREMIUM SPIRITS
OCTOBER 2013
October 2013
CLASSICS
COLLECTION
IN THIS ISSUE
This edition of Classics includes an impressive
collection of Bordeaux from the magnificent
2009 vintage. In fact, it may very well be the largest
offering of 2009s available outside of auction,
including wines with 98, 98+, 99, 99+ and 100-point
Robert Parker scores. In his vintage report, Parker
points out that there remains “very little stock of the
2009 Bordeaux left in the world’s marketplace
(unless the wines are offered in auctions held in
London, New York and Hong Kong).”
Burgundy fans will not be disappointed as this
Classics Collection offers up an excellent assortment
of 2009s and 2010s – both good vintages.
Drop-dead gorgeous, compelling and totally
impeccable are the Barolos on offer here. The 2008
vintage is well represented and Jancis Robinson
urges lovers of Italian wines to snap them up for, as
she says, “it will be a while before a vintage of
the class of 2008 comes along again.”
The VINTAGES Classics Collection offers the highest
quality in fine wines and premium spirits from the best
producers and regions in the world. For each edition,
VINTAGES buyers seek out products that meet our rigorous
standards of excellence. Be they Grand Crus from
Burgundy or stellar vintages from the top châteaux of
Bordeaux, Italian masterpieces or the biggest and
boldest wines of California and Australia, you will find
variety, quality and excellence in the Classics Collection.
ON THE COVER: Château Lafon-Rochet in
St-Estèphe has been in operation since 1650.
OPPOSITE: Wines await the critics at a
Bordeaux tasting.
Tuscany likewise features prominently, with a rich
selection of wines in classic and modern styles.
From the New World come Australia’s Hill of Grace
and Two Hands, as well as California powerhouse
names such as Paul Hobbs, Joseph Phelps, Forman
and Shafer.
VINTAGES invites you to explore all the outstanding
discoveries in our latest Classics Collection.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BELOW: Candlelight casts a golden glow on a
barrel cellar at Château Palmer in Margaux.
TASTING NOTES
4
FRANCE
Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Alsace,
Champagne, Loire, Midi
43
GERMANY
Mosel, Nahe
45
HUNGARY
45
ITALY
Abruzzo, Friuli, Piedmont, Puglia,
Tuscany, Veneto
58
PORTUGAL
59
SPAIN
62
CANADA
Ontario, British Columbia
63
AUSTRALIA
64
NEW ZEALAND
65
ARGENTINA
65
CHILE
66
USA
California, Oregon, Washington State
70
FORTIFIED WINE
Port
71
SPIRITS
Scotch Whisky
72
PRODUCT SUMMARY
82
ORDERING INFORMATION
ONLINE AND PHONE
ORDERING DEADLINE
6:00 pm, Tuesday, October 1, 2013
VINTAGE CHART
The Vintage Chart is available on our website at
vintages.com/vintagechart
VINTAGES LOCATIONS
For a complete list of VINTAGES locations,
visit vintages.com/locations
IMPORTANT
For each Classics Collection, we do our best to
secure enough stock to satisfy all customer orders.
We regret that sometimes customer demand
may exceed supply. For opening quantities of
Classics Collection products, go to page 72 or
vintages.com/classics
2
VINTAGES
The town of St-Émilion and the bell tower of
its famous monolithic church loom over the
surrounding vineyards.
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU BARDE-HAUT 2009
AC St-Émilion
(Helene Garcin)
TASTING NOTE: Made from tiny yields
of 18 hectoliters per hectare (May
hail damage resulted in this small crop),
the opaque purple-colored 2009
reveals an extraordinary nose of mulberries, black cherries, charcoal,
barbecue smoke and forest floor. Rich,
full-bodied and opulent with silky
tannins as well as a broad, unctuous
texture, this beauty can be enjoyed
now and over the next 15+ years. It
is fashioned from a blend of 90%
Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. One
of the super values in Bordeaux is
proprietress Helene Garcin’s BardeHaut estate. (She has also done
a magnificent job with several other
Bordeaux properties, particularly
Clos l’Eglise in Pomerol and Branon
and Haut-Bergey in Pessac-Leognan,
as well as in Argentina.) Score: 94
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
RED WINE
ALTER EGO 2009
AC Margaux,
2nd wine of Château Palmer
TASTING NOTE: A second wine that
has improved dramatically is the
Alter Ego de Palmer. The 2009, a
blend of equal parts Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot, exhibits aromas
of blackberries, cassis, chocolate,
roasted espresso and a smoky/foresty
note. This hedonistic, juicy, succulent
Margaux is meant to be consumed in
its first 10-15 years of life. Score: 91
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
197608 [XD] 750 mL
$93.85
OCTOBER 2013
222489 [XD] 1500 mL $119.85
4
VINTAGES
CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY 2009
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The finest Batailley
I have had in many years, the dense
purple-colored 2009 exhibits a boatload of tannin as well as sweet,
caramelized, black currant fruit intermixed with hints of charcoal,
cedarwood and smoke, a full-bodied
mouthfeel and the aforementioned
high, but sweet, well-integrated tannin
displaying no jaggedness. Batailley
often requires considerable patience
as it can be one of the longest-lived
Pauillacs. Atypically for Batailley, the
2009 should be ready to drink in
5-7 years and keep for three decades.
Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
195529 [XD] 750 mL
$83.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU BEAU-SÉJOUR BÉCOT
2009
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: My favorite BeauSejour-Becot to date, this sumptuous,
dense blue/purple-hued 2009 reveals
a blockbuster nose of blueberry pie,
black fruits, licorice, forest floor, spring
flowers and a hint of mocha. A blend
of 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet
Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
made from tiny yields of 27 hectoliters
per hectare, this big, inky, powerful,
tannic wine is sensationally concentrated. With an unctuous texture,
full-bodied power and tremendous
levels of tannin (largely concealed
behind a cascade of rich fruit), this is
a fabulous effort from a beautifully
situated St.-Emilion premier grand cru
classe. It will need 5-8 years of
cellaring, and should keep for three
decades. Score: 94+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201459 [XD] 750 mL
$117.85
CHÂTEAU BRANE-CANTENAC
2009
AC Margaux, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: A spectacular effort
from this estate rivaling their 2005,
but more flashy/flamboyant, this dark
ruby/purple wine has a strikingly
intense nose of licorice, flowers, plums
and dark berries. Medium to fullbodied, very approachable and silky,
this suave, very sexy wine can be
drunk early on as well as aged for
20+ years. Score: 95 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201103 [XD] 750 mL
$124.85
CHÂTEAU BÉLAIR-MONANGE
2009
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: This extraordinary
terroir, now exploited by Edouard
Moueix, the son of Christian, seems
to be coming to life in a dramatic
fashion. Never a hedonistic wine, but
very intellectual, the 2009 suggests
a liqueur of crushed rocks intermixed
with black currants and black
cherries. Still somewhat closed, medium
to full-bodied, and impressive rather
than seductive, this is a structured wine
that needs to be forgotten for at least
a decade, and then drunk over the
following 30+ years. If readers are
looking for the quintessential example
of a terroir-dominated wine, this
is Lesson 101 in terroir. Score: 94+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
199448 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR 2009
AC St-Estèphe, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 has the
highest percentage of Cabernet
Sauvignon (90%) ever included in a
Calon-Segur (the rest is Merlot and
Petit Verdot). Completely different from
its St.-Estephe brethren, it is more
backward and structured with a dense
purple color, lots of black cherry,
black currant, loamy earth, forest floor
and spice notes, excruciatingly high
levels of tannin, and a wonderful inner
core of sweetness and concentration.
It could behave like the 1982, which,
at age 30, is just becoming mature.
The 2009 is an uncompromising, masculine, massive style of wine that
needs 15-20 years of cellaring even
in this luscious, flashy, flamboyant
vintage. It is super-tight and needs lots
of coaxing and aeration. Anticipated
maturity: 2025-2050+. Score: 94+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
199380 [XD] 750 mL $139.85
221275 [XD] 1500 mL $279.85
$204.85
VINTAGES
5
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU CERTAN DE MAY 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: A bruising, black/
purple-hued, full-bodied wine, the
2009 Certan de May displays notes
of charcuterie, smoked game, herbs,
black truffles, roasted meats, cassis
and black cherries. This backward,
robustly-styled Pomerol is loaded with
tannin as well as extract. Give this
full, powerful 2009 a decade of cellaring
and drink it over the following 30+
years. I’m sure it is not better than
the immortal 1982 Certan de May.
Score: 93+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU CANON 2009
AC St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: The finest Canon
since the 1982, the 2009 (75%
Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc)
reveals a dense blue/purple color
along with a classic nose of chalk dust,
blueberries, black raspberries, black
currants and a touch of wood smoke.
Medium to full-bodied, elegant and
loaded with an inner framework of
minerality and moderately high
tannins, this backward, but stylish,
concentrated Canon will benefit
from 7-8 years of cellaring and last
for three decades. Score: 94
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
OCTOBER 2013
192963 [XD] 750 mL
$148.85
CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON 2009
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: This fat, fleshy, dense
purple-colored 2009 exhibits abundant notes of creme de cassis, roasted
espresso, chocolate, berry fruit
and underling hints of high quality,
unsmoked cigar tobacco. Composed
of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44%
Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc,
Petit Verdot and a touch of Carmenere,
it reveals plenty of structure and
tannin, but the evolved aromatics offer
a deceptive view that the wine will
be drinkable early on. I do not think this
is the case as the tannins kick in
once it hits the palate. This seriously
endowed, powerful, boisterous,
muscular Pauillac should hit its prime
between 2017 and 2035. Score: 92
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
197806 [XD] 750 mL
209270 [XD] 750 mL
$224.85
CHÂTEAU CANTENAC-BROWN
2009
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: This is perfumy and
very pure, with lovely lilac and
blackberry aromas followed by plum,
cassis and black cherry fruit. The
supple finish is caressed with toast
that leaves a lingering, perfumy
feel. Best from 2013 through 2023.
Score: 92 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com, March 31, 2012)
198598 [XD] 750 mL
6
VINTAGES
$114.85
$114.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU CLOS DUBREUIL 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: From a tiny, just under
10-acre vineyard east of St.-Emilion
in the sector known as St.-Christophe
des Bardes, this wine is 90% Merlot
and 10% Cabernet Franc, tipping the
scales at 14.9% alcohol. It was
bottle unfined and unfiltered. Loads of
chocolate, roasted espresso, blackberry and blueberry fruit notes along
with some smoke and burning
embers jump from a glass of this wine,
which has terrific fruit intensity, a
massive mouthfeel, yet not a trace of
astringency or hardness. Velvety
tannins, low acidity and an extraordinary,
opulent, even sumptuous mouthfeel
make for a wine to drink over the next
10-15 years. Score: 94+ (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
200691 [XD] 750 mL
$123.85
CHÂTEAU CLOS L’ÉGLISE 2009
AC Pomerol
(Alain Reynaud)
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 is one of
the sexiest wines in Pomerol in this
vintage, offering up notes of melted
caramel, sweet mocha, blackberry
and black cherry fruit, with hints of
loamy soil and unsmoked cigar
tobacco as well as a touch of white
chocolate and some subtle toasty
oak. Round, opulent and unctuously
textured, with a full-bodied mouthfeel,
fabulous purity, and no hard edges,
this sumptuous, fleshy, lavishly rich
Pomerol can be drunk now and over
the next 25 years. Starting with the
resurrection of this property in 1998,
I have long been a huge fan of
Helene Garcin’s older vintages of Clos
l’Eglise, so I am hard-pressed to
say that the 2009 Clos l’Eglise (virtually
all Merlot, with some Cabernet
Franc) could be any better than her
brilliant efforts in such vintages
as 2000, 2001 and 2005. Score: 98
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
200469 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU CROIX LABRIE 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: Always one of
Bordeaux’s most endearing and charming wines, Croix de Labrie’s wines
generally offer an unctuous texture as
well as enormous quantities of fruit.
Made from 100% Merlot, the 2009
(about 300 cases produced) exhibits
smoky black currant and raspberry
liqueur notes intermixed with notions
of licorice, graphite and wood smoke.
Intense and unctuously textured with
low acidity as well as sweet tannin, it
is a hedonistic St.-Emilion fruit bomb
to enjoy in its first 12-15 years of life.
Sadly, it is virtually impossible to
find this head-turning claret. Score: 95
(Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
196501 [XD] 750 mL
$104.85
$299.85
VINTAGES
7
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU D’ARMAILHAC 2009
AC Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: The finest
d’Armailhac I have tasted to date, the
2009 is largely Cabernet Sauvignon
(60%) blended with a big wallop of
Merlot (25%) and the rest Cabernet
Franc and Petit Verdot. Its dense purple
color is followed by a big, sweet
kiss of asphalt, black currants, mocha,
barbecue smoke, cedar and spice.
This medium to full-bodied, well-made,
impressively endowed Pauillac should
drink well for 20+ years. Score: 92
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
CHÂTEAU D’ISSAN 2009
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: A strong effort from
proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d’Issan’s
2009 was fashioned from minuscule
yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare,
and its 13.7% natural alcohol set a
record at this estate. Composed of
62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38%
Merlot, it exhibits a classic Margaux
fragrance of acacia flowers/violets,
blueberries, cassis, licorice and
camphor. Opulent and full-bodied
with silky tannins as well as a rich,
dense style, it will be interesting to
compare the 2009 with the brilliant
2000 and 2005 over the next two to
three decades. Anticipated maturity:
2018-2035+. Score: 93 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
CHÂTEAU DESTIEUX 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: One of the finest
wines ever made by proprietor
Christian Dauriac, this big, chunky,
fleshy, corpulent St.-Emilion is
bursting with blueberry, blackberry
and raspberry fruit interwoven with
smoky charcoal and barbecue notes.
It is full-bodied and unctuously
textured, with plenty of weight as well
as very impressive concentration
and extract. There is no shortage of
glycerin (alcohol) and tannin in
this powerful St.-Emilion that should
evolve for up to two decades.
Score: 92+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
197533 [XD] 750 mL
201582 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU DU TERTRE 2009
AC Margaux, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: A seductive, opulent,
textured Margaux with notes of
licorice, black fruits, asphalt, pen ink
and truffle, this is one of the finest
du Tertres ever made. It has a hedonistic quality to it, but at the same
time, there is great class, precision
and freshness to this full-bodied,
concentrated, but very supple-textured
wine. Drink it over the next 20+
years. Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
RED WINE
$76.85
OCTOBER 2013
$104.85
CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan
TASTING NOTE: A terrific, classic
Graves with notes of subtle smoke,
black raspberries, black currants, graphite and unsmoked cigar tobacco,
this full-bodied, deep, concentrated
de Fieuzal is far more generous and
deep than most vintages of the past.
There is also a wonderful freshness
and length to this somewhat oversized
de Fieuzal while it still maintains its
elegance and class. Drink it over the
next 20-25 years. Score: 92+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
201392 [XD] 750 mL
8
VINTAGES
$64.85
196543 [XD] 750 mL
194662 [XD] 750 mL
$74.85
$64.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU
2009
AC St-Julien, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Ducru
Beaucaillou will eclipse the brilliant
wines produced in 2005, 2003 and
2000. It will be interesting to see how
the 2009 fares against the 2010
after twenty years of aging, but my
money is on the 2009. A blend of
85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15%
Merlot that achieved 13.5% natural
alcohol, this inky purple, unctuous
wine possesses classic aromas of
graphite, creme de cassis, blueberries,
violets, licorice and Christmas fruitcake. Full-bodied and intense with
Ducru’s inimitable elegance and
purity, it should firm up in the bottle
after 7-10 years of cellaring and
last for 40-50 years. Magnificent!
Score: 100 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
202820 [XD] 750 mL
$474.85
CHÂTEAU FIGEAC 2009
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: Distinctive, with atypical (for St.-Emilion) force and drive
to the black currant, roasted cedar and
maduro tobacco flavors, which are
supported by a dense, loam-tinged
structure. Terrific roasted espresso,
ganache and fig paste notes wait in
reserve. Very muscular, but with
the cut for balance. Best from 2017
through 2035 Score: 96 (James
Molesworth, winespectator.com,
March 31, 2012)
222430 [XD] 750 mL
$399.85
CHÂTEAU GRACIA 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Gracia
competes handsomely with the spectacular 2005 and 2000 vintages. A
slightly more evolved and fleshy effort,
the inky/purple-hued 2009 (75%
Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5%
Cabernet Sauvignon) is a massive,
thick powerhouse with 14.5% natural
alcohol. Proprietor Michel Gracia
often makes a wine that is similar to
that of his friend, the proprietor of
Ausone. Blueberry, blackberry, licorice,
forest floor, smoke and graphite
aromas jump from the glass of this
unctuously textured, layered, multidimensional St.-Emilion. Displaying
an inner core of extract (yields were
only 19 hectoliters per hectare) and
not a hard edge to be found, this
youthful 2009 tastes more like a barrel
sample than a finished wine. It will
benefit from 5-10 years of cellaring
and should last for 3-4 decades.
Score: 98 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
199505 [XD] 750 mL
$224.85
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAILLY 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé
(Veronique Sanders)
TASTING NOTE: A dense ruby/purpletinged color offers up notes of forest
floor, subtle wood smoke, mulberries,
black cherries, cassis and a hint of
lead pencil shavings. There is even
a floral component lurking in the
intricate aromatic profile. The wine
is medium to full-bodied with wonderful intensity that builds incrementally
and has a long, silky, luscious finish.
There is plenty of tannin, but it is largely
concealed by the wine’s beautiful
fruit and ethereal complexity. Given its
virtually perfect balance, this brilliant
Haut-Bailly should age effortlessly for
3-4 decades. This is a tour de force
in winemaking, particularly for readers
seeking the quintessential example
of a Bordeaux that combines compelling complexity and finesse with
significant flavor authority and intensity.
I suppose we could see this coming
as American owner, Robert Wilmers,
along with his winemaker/manager,
Veronique Sanders, continue to push
the envelope. Yields were extremely
low in 2009, and the final blend was
an intriguing concoction of 60%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and
3% Cabernet Franc. It came in
just under 14% natural alcohol, which
makes it among one of the more
powerful Haut-Baillys produced. However, power is not the hallmark of this
wine. This terroir is known to produce
relatively light wines, and by reducing
yields and picking riper fruit, Wilmers
and Sanders have achieved a level
of concentration and intensity that is
unprecedented for Haut-Bailly. That
said, they have not lost any of these
wines’ stunning elegance, finesse
or aromatic complexity. Score: 98+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
202713 [XD] 750 mL
$199.85
VINTAGES
9
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU L’ARROSÉE 2009
AC St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: It has been many
years since l’Arrosee made a wine
this brilliant. Always one of the more
delicate, Burgundian-styled St.Emilions, the 2009 exhibits seductive,
beautiful raspberry and black cherry
fruit intermixed with hints of minerality
as well as spicy oak. Lavishly concentrated, full and fresh, ethereal in
both its texture and weight, and light
on its feet, it can be drunk early in life
yet has the stuffing and balance to
last 20-25+ years. Score: 91 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: What a blockbuster
effort! Atypically powerful, one day, the
2009 Haut-Brion may be considered
to be the 21st century version of the
1959. It is an extraordinarily complex,
concentrated effort made from a
blend of 46% Merlot, 40% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc
with the highest alcohol ever achieved
at this estate, 14.3%. Even richer
than the perfect 1989, with similar
technical numbers although slightly
higher extract and alcohol, it offers
up a sensational perfume of subtle
burning embers, unsmoked cigar
tobacco, charcoal, black raspberries,
wet gravel, plums, figs and blueberries.
There is so much going on in the
aromatics that one almost hesitates to
stop smelling it. However, when it
hits the palate, it is hardly a letdown.
This unctuously textured, full-bodied
2009 possesses low acidity along with
stunning extract and remarkable
clarity for a wine with a pH close to 4.0.
The good news is that there are
10,500 cases of the 2009, one of the
most compelling examples of HautBrion ever made. It requires a decade
of cellaring and should last a half
century or more. Readers who have
loved the complexity of Haut-Brion
should be prepared for a bigger, richer,
more massive wine, but one that
does not lose any of its prodigious
aromatic attractions. Score: 100
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
209809 [XD] 750 mL $1494.85
10
VINTAGES
OCTOBER 2013
196154 [XD] 750 mL
$79.85
CHÂTEAU L’ÉGLISE-CLINET 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: Proprietor Denis
Durantou has produced a blockbuster Pomerol from a blend of 85%
Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc,
tipping the scales at just over 14.5%
natural alcohol. A riveting wine,
pure, elegant, but at the same time,
extremely powerful and concentrated, with stunning texture, opulence
and density, the tannins are abundant, and the wine certainly in need
of a decade of cellaring. Fabulous
creme de cassis and cherry liqueur
notes are intertwined with hints of
licorice, truffle, and graphite. Full and
rich, but still in an infantile state
of development, this wine needs to
be cellared for 10 years but should
keep for five decades or more. This
2009 is absolutely profound. Score: 99+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
204412 [XD] 750 mL
$684.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE
2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: The competition
between the 2009, 2005 and 2000
La Conseillante will be interesting
to follow over the next twenty years.
There was more of a selection
process at this estate in 2009 than
there was in 2000, resulting in a
beautiful Pomerol offering notes of
mulberries, sweet cherries, spring
flowers, raspberries and truffles. The
color is a healthy deep plum/ruby/
purple and the wine is medium to
full-bodied with silky tannins, a
broad, layered mouthfeel and wonderful freshness as well as length.
This gorgeous, complex, Burgundianstyled Pomerol will be drinkable in
4-6 years and should keep for 30-40.
(The 1970 is still alive and that
was not nearly as well made as the
2009.) Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201913 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU LA CROIX DE
BEAUCAILLOU 2009
AC St-Julien,
2nd wine of Château
Ducru-Beaucaillou
(Bruno Borie)
TASTING NOTE: The grand vin is the
result of an increasingly strict selection
process, with approximately 50% of
the production going into the final
wine and the balance used in the Croix
de Beaucaillou. The 2009 may be
the finest example of this cuvee I have
yet tasted. Up-front, precocious and
generous, it possesses a dense purple
color, a big, broad, unctuous texture
and abundant notes of creme de cassis
and black cherry fruit intertwined
with hints of wood smoke, vanillin and
earth. This nearly viscous-styled wine
can be drunk in 2-3 years or cellared
for 15+. Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201962 [XD] 750 mL
$71.85
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU LA GOMERIE 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: This wine now exhibits
the evolved, full-bodied, opulent style
for which this 100% Merlot cuvee is
renowned. Abundant mocha, cranberry liqueur, kirsch, licorice and subtle
espresso roast and smoke (from new
barriques) characteristics are found in
this attractive St.-Emilion. Some of
the concerns I had early on were not
evident in the bottle, although I do
not believe the 2009 is as flashy and
concentrated as La Gomerie’s greatest
efforts can be. Drink the 2009 over the
next 15+ years. This is one of the
St.-Emilion estates that was devastated
by hail damage in mid-May. Although
the hail storm occurred too early to
undermine the quality of the vintage,
it did reduce yields to absurdly low
levels. The result is an outstanding
2009 that has lost some of the tannic
bite it revealed from barrel. Score: 91
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
$349.85
197301 [XD] 750 mL
$94.85
VINTAGES
11
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU LA PROVIDENCE 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: Ths 100% Merlot
cuvee from Christian Moueix is
an atypically masculine, full-bodied,
muscular wine for Moueix. This
opaque blue/purple wine displays
notes of black cherries, truffles,
damp earth and licorice. Full-bodied,
very deep and powerful, it will
need 6-8 years of cellaring but should
keep for 25-30 years. It has the
potential to be the best Providence to
date. Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION
HAUT-BRION 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: A candidate for the
wine of the vintage, the 2009 La
Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one
of the most exceptional young wines
I had ever tasted from barrel, and its
greatness has been confirmed in the
bottle. A remarkable effort from the
Dillon family, this is another largescaled La Mission that tips the scales
at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal
parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
(47% of each) and the rest Cabernet
Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple
color as well as a magnificent
bouquet of truffles, scorched earth,
blackberry and blueberry liqueur,
subtle smoke and spring flowers. The
wine’s remarkable concentration
offers up an unctuous/viscous texture,
a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet,
sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors
and massive density. Perhaps a
once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-HautBrion, the 2009 will take its place
alongside the many great wines made
here since the early 1920s. The
good news is that there are nearly
6,000 cases of the 2009. It should
last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine’s
unctuosity and sweetness of the
tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years. The
final blend was 47% Merlot, 47%
Cabernet Sauvignon and 6%
Cabernet Franc. Score: 100 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
201772 [XD] 750 mL $1344.85
12
VINTAGES
OCTOBER 2013
193250 [XD] 750 mL
$138.85
CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR 2009
AC Pomerol
(Jean-Pierre Moueix)
TASTING NOTE: An absolutely
prodigious blend of 55% Cabernet
Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2009
Lafleur displays the tell-tale characteristics of this great estate. Kirsch
liqueur, licorice and floral notes are
intermixed with raspberry in a very
full-bodied, super-intense, opulent
and multi-dimensional style. Extraordinarily dense and pure, but not
heavy by any means, the intensity,
texture, and richness of the 2009
Lafleur are reminiscent of the
perfect 1982. Anticipated maturity:
2018-2040. Score: 99 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
204230 [XD] 750 mL $1774.85
CHÂTEAU LAFON-ROCHET 2009
AC St-Estèphe, 4e Cru
(Tesseron Family)
TASTING NOTE: Juicy and very lively,
with lots of briar, currant, cherry,
toasty spice and anise notes all framed
by bright floral and iron hints. The
long finish has excellent cut and drive.
Best from 2013 through 2021.
Score: 91 (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, March 31, 2012)
197228 [XD] 750 mL
$82.85
CHÂTEAU LANGOA-BARTON 2009
AC St-Julien, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Backward, tannic and
beefy, this youthful but formidable
2009 Langoa Barton exhibits a dense
ruby/purple color as well as lots of
damp earth, underbrush and black
currant aromas and flavors, medium
to full body, lively acids and, not surprisingly, massive tannins (a characteristic of all the Barton wines). The
overall impression is somewhat
incongruous, having a certain precociousness in the aromatics, but
then clamping down on the taster in
the mouth. I recommend waiting
5-7 years before opening a bottle. It
should drink well over the following
20-25 years. Score: 90+ (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
201061 [XD] 750 mL
$99.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU LASCOMBES 2009
AC Margaux, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009, which is
inky blue/purple to the rim, is a final
blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon,
48% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot at
14% natural alcohol. The wine has a
beautiful blueberry-scented nose
with hints of acacia flowers, licorice,
graphite and some subtle charcoal
and background oak. Clearly a modern
style of Margaux, it is pure, seamless,
full-bodied and opulent, and the high
glycerin and silky texture of 2009
are brilliantly displayed in this wine.
Drink it over the next 15+ years,
although it is certainly capable of lasting
well past two decades. One of the
more difficult estates to manage in
southern Margaux is the 300 acres
of Lascombes, subdivided into at least
40 to 50 separate plots, making
harvest decisions, ripening, and related
issues a strategic nightmare. Nevertheless, they seem to have hit pay dirt
frequently over the last decade plus.
Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201046 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU LE GAY 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: Tiny yields of 25
hectoliters per hectare and a
final blend of 90% Merlot and 10%
Cabernet Franc have produced
an enormously concentrated, black/
purple-colored wine exhibiting
notes of roasted meats, smoked game,
blackberries, coffee, incense and
forest floor. This distinctive, largescaled, viscous, thick Pomerol may
be as concentrated as some of this
estate’s all-time classics (1947 and
1950). I am puzzled by why I could
not see this a few years ago. In
any event, this is one of the most
profound Le Gay’s ever produced.
Forget it for at least a decade and
drink it over the following half
century. Score: 96+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201467 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU LES PAGODES DE COS
2009
AC St-Estèphe
TASTING NOTE: The brilliant 2009
Les Pagodes de Cos actually has
more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend
than the grand vin (69% versus
65%) in addition to mostly Merlot and
a small quantity of Petit Verdot. As
powerful as the Cos in terms of alcoholic
clout (14.5%), the full-bodied, round,
generous Les Pagodes de Cos exhibits
lots of creme de cassis and floral
notes intermixed with hints of wood/
barrique and spice. Juicy, succulent
and remarkably fresh and well-delineated, it merits considerable attention
from consumers. It should drink well
for 15-20 years. Oddly enough,
the second wine is superior to many
vintages of Cos in the 1960s 1970s
and 1980s! Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
$174.85
197327 [XD] 750 mL
$99.85
$164.85
VINTAGES
13
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-BARTON
2009
AC St-Julien, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Anthony Barton’s
2009 Leoville Barton is another
massive, excruciatingly rich, tannic,
potentially long-aged wine. Meant
for consumers with old fashioned tastes,
it boasts a dense opaque purple
color as well as a bouquet of licorice,
forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco
and a hint of earth. The wine reveals
tremendous denseness and richness,
a broad, savory mouthfeel and elevated
tannins in the finish. However, there
is a sweetness to the tannins and no
trace of bitterness and astringency,
always a sign of a top vintage as well
as fully mature grapes. Still a monolithic baby, this 2009 should be forgotten for at least a decade, and
consumed over the next 30-50 years.
Score: 93+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES
2009
AC St-Julien, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Leoville Las
Cases may be the most open-knit
and forward Las Cases I have tasted to
date. Analytically, it is high in tannin
and the alcohol is 13.8%, nearly a
record at this estate. This blend of
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
and the rest Cabernet Franc was
showing brilliantly at the 2009 tasting
I did in Hong Kong and at a later
tasting. It boasts an inky/purple color,
monumental concentration and lots
of sweet, jammy black currant, black
cherry and kirsch fruit intermixed
with crushed rock and mineral notes.
As always, proprietor Jean-Hubert
Delon has built a massive wine with
exceptional precision, unbelievable
purity and aging potential of 40-50
years. I was surprised by the lusciousness of this cuvee on several
occasions, and how much more
forward it is given the fact that Las
Cases can often be forebodingly
backward and in need of 10-15 years
of cellaring (at age 30, the 1982 is
still a baby in terms of development!).
The super-concentrated 2009 needs
another 5-7 years before additional
nuances emerge. This is a brilliant,
full-throttle St.-Julien. Score: 98+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
204396 [XD] 750 mL
14
VINTAGES
$524.85
OCTOBER 2013
201327 [XD] 750 mL $164.85
221267 [XD] 1500 mL $339.85
CHÂTEAU MALESCOT ST-EXUPÉRY
2009
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: An inky/purple color
is followed by notes of Asian plum
sauce, forest floor, creme de cassis,
black raspberries and a floral component that is unusual for a Margaux. A
wine of exceptional intensity and
purity with a full-bodied, sumptuous
texture, lots of fresh vibrancy and
excellent definition, this beautiful 2009
exhibits high but sweet tannin. It
is more sexy than the 2005 was at a
similar age, although their level of
extract and concentration is relatively
equal. Something about the 2009
reminds me of a Margaux version of
St.-Julien’s Leoville Poyferre ... if that
makes any sense. Anticipated maturity:
2018-2040. This is another fabulous
effort from an estate that has been
doing extraordinary work over the
last 10-15 years. I enjoyed the 2009
as much as the 2005, perhaps even
slightly more because while it has
structure, the tannins are less aggressive and there is more succulence,
flesh and texture in the 2009. Score: 96
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
201558 [XD] 750 mL
$139.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU MARGAUX 2009
AC Margaux, 1er Cru
(Paul Pontallier)
TASTING NOTE: A brilliant offering
from the Mentzelopoulos family,
once again their gifted manager, Paul
Pontallier, has produced an uncommonly concentrated, powerful 2009
Chateau Margaux made from 87%
Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with small amounts of
Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. As
with most Medocs, the alcohol here
is actually lower (a modest 13.3%)
than most of its siblings. Abundant
blueberry, cassis and acacia flower as
well as hints of charcoal and forest
floor aromas that are almost Burgundian
in their complexity are followed by a
wine displaying sweet, well-integrated
tannins as well as a certain ethereal
lightness despite the wine’s overall
size. Rich, round, generous and
unusually approachable for such a
young Margaux, this 2009 should
drink well for 30-35+ years. Score: 99
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
202325 [XD] 750 mL $1994.85
CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET 2009
AC St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé
(Gerard and Chantal Perse)
TASTING NOTE: This exuberant, flamboyant, modern-styled St.-Emilion
from Gerard and Chantal Perse is
plump, succulent and irresistible
in 2009. Yields were a low 28 hectoliters per hectare, and the blend was
a classic combination of 70% Merlot
and the rest primarily Cabernet
Franc and a tiny dollop of Cabernet
Sauvignon. The alcohol of 14.2%
is typical for a Monbousquet. Copious
notes of toasty oak, vanillin, jammy
black and red fruits intermixed with
notions of wood fire barbecue,
roasted espresso and chocolate jump
from the glass of this fleshy, exotic,
impressively endowed, full-bodied, silky
smooth, opulent 2009. It should
drink well for 15+ years. Score: 93
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
193060 [XD] 750 mL
$79.85
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD
2009
AC Pauillac, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Mouton
Rothschild has a striking label from
Anish Kapoor. The wine is a blend of
88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12%
Merlot that begs comparison as a young
wine with what the 1982 tasted like in
1985 or, I suspect, what the 1959 may
have tasted like in 1962. Representing
50% of their production, the wine has
an inky purple color to the rim and
not terribly high alcohol for a 2009
(13.2%), but that is reflected by the
high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon.
It has a remarkable nose of lead
pencil shavings, violets, creme de
cassis and subtle barrique smells. It
is stunningly opulent, fat, and superconcentrated, but the luxurious fruit
tends to conceal some rather formidable tannins in the finish. This is
an amazing wine that will be slightly
more drinkable at an earlier age
than I thought from barrel, but capable
of lasting 50 or more years. Kudos to
the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild
and the entire Mouton team, lead
by Monsieur Dalhuin. Score: 99+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
202945 [XD] 750 mL $1399.85
221390 [XD] 1500 mL $3449.85
VINTAGES
15
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: Although the 2009
Pape Clement may not be as sublime
as the 2005 or 2000, but it is very close
to those two efforts, and it will be
fascinating to compare them (as well
as the 2008 and 2010) over the
following three decades. A blend of
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45%
Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc with a
modest 13.5% alcohol, the 2009
reveals considerable structure and
tannin along with tell-tale notes
of burning embers, scorched earth,
graphite, blueberries, blackberries
and toasty vanillin, and a full-bodied
mouthfeel. This rich, full offering
is surprisingly backward. This cuvee
should drink well in 5-6 years as
one rarely has to wait a decade or
more to enjoy Pape Clement. It
should age for three decades or more.
Score: 95 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU PALMER 2009
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: One of the all-time
great Palmers (along with the 1961,
1966, 1970, 1989, 2000 and 2005),
the 2009 Palmer is a blend of 52%
Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and
a whopping 7% Petit Verdot that
came in at close to 14% natural alcohol.
An opaque blue/black color suggests
a wine with thrilling levels of concentration and intensity, and That’s
exactly what a taster gets. Subtle smoke,
incense and Asian spice (soy?) notes
interwoven with graphite, blueberry,
blackberry and cassis characteristics
lead to a full-bodied, phenomenally
concentrated, viscous, opulent wine
with plenty of sweet tannin. This sensational Palmer reveals even more
floral notes than vintages such as 2005
and 2000. It should drink well for
50 years. Score: 97 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201939 [XD] 750 mL $534.85
221515 [XD] 1500 mL $1089.85
OCTOBER 2013
202309 [XD] 750 mL
$244.85
CHÂTEAU PAVIE 2009
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (A)
TASTING NOTE: Bottled the week
before I arrived, the 2009 Pavie
appears to have barely budged since
I tasted it two years ago. Many
experts consider this phenomenal
terroir to be nearly as great as that
of Ausone. Made from a classic blend
of 60-70% Merlot, 20-25% Cabernet
Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon,
this inky/blue/purple-colored blockbuster reveals wonderful notes of blackberries, crushed rocks, roasted meats,
spring flowers, cedar, blueberries,
graphite and a hint of vanillin. With
extravagant fruit and high extract as
well as a hint of minerality, this structured, massively intense effort is
typical of all the luxurious, perfect or
nearly perfect Pavies produced under
the Perse regime (which began in
1998). While built for 40-50 years of
cellaring, the softness of the vintage
and its flamboyant style is slightly less
apparent in the 2009 Pavie than
in some of the other Perse wines.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+.
Score: 100 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobert-parker.com, Feb. 2012)
204198 [XD] 750 mL
16
VINTAGES
$468.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU PENSÉES DE LAFLEUR
2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: The Guinaudeau
family has produced what is arguably
their finest wine at Lafleur in 2009. A
blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc from a portion of the
vineyard that sits in a swale, the 2009
Les Pensees de Lafleur has terrific
purity, a serious level of concentration,
impressive notes of melted licorice
and kirsch liqueur, and a full-bodied
mouthfeel. While its tannins are soft,
the wine boasts plenty of glycerin and
leaves an impressive tactile impression. Drink it over the next 20-15 years.
Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
204248 [XD] 750 mL
$204.85
CHÂTEAU PIPEAU 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: This is one of the
most popular wines in the French
home marketplace, and no wonder.
A sleeper of the vintage, this fullbodied, decadently fruity wine has
power, fat, richness and a hedonistic
quality that is hard to ignore. However,
once past all the glossy, flamboyant
fruit, there is still a lot going on here.
Its earthy, deep, mineral-laced
flavors are sexy and full-bodied, offering
up considerable opulence. Drink
it over the next decade. Score: 91
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
195255 [XD] 1500 mL
$74.85
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2009
AC Paulliac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: An amazing wine in
every sense, this classic, full-bodied
Pauillac is the quintessential Pontet
Canet from proprietor Alfred Tesseron,
who continues to reduce yields and
farms his vineyards biodynamically –
a rarity in Bordeaux. Black as a moonless night, the 2009 Pontet Canet
offers up notes of incense, graphite,
smoke, licorice, creme de cassis
and blackberries. A wine of irrefutable
purity, laser-like precision, colossal
weight and richness, and sensational
freshness, this is a tour de force in
winemaking that is capable of lasting
50 or more years. The tannins
are elevated, but they are sweet and
beautifully integrated as are the
acidity, wood and alcohol (which must
be in excess of 14%). This vineyard,
which is situated on the high plateau
of Pauillac adjacent to Mouton
Rothschild, appears to have done
everything perfectly in 2009. This
cuvee should shut down in the cellar
and re-open in a decade or more.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2075.
Score: 100 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobert-parker.com, Feb. 2012)
200618 [XD] 750 mL
$344.85
VINTAGES
17
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU TERTRE RÔTEBOEUF
2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: Dark ruby-red. Ripe
red cherry, raspberry liqueur, coffee
and underbrush on the concentrated
nose. Then rich, dense and suave on
the palate, with a chocolatey ripeness
to the red and dark fruit flavors.
Finishes very long, with enticing juiciness and smooth tannins. This very
rich, sweet Tertre-Roteboeuf is in the
process of shutting down and actually
offers less of the exuberantly rich sweet
fruit it showed during the Primeurs,
but it has the stuffing and backbone
for a glorious mid-term life in bottle.
Score: 95 (Ian D’Agata, International
Wine Cellar, July 2012)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU ROUGET 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: This opulent, sexy
2009 Rouget is composed of
primarily Merlot blended with a touch
of Cabernet Franc. Sandy, loamy
soil notes interwoven with kirsch and
Provencal garrigue jump from the
glass of this full-bodied, opulent, rich
Pomerol. Abundant fruit on the
attack, mid-palate and finish characterize this over-achiever. Consume
it over the next 15 years. Score: 92
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
OCTOBER 2013
197285 [XD] 750 mL
194654 [XD] 750 mL
$74.85
$238.85
CHÂTEAU TROPLONG MONDOT
2009
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: It boasts an inky/
purple color along with a gorgeous
bouquet of mocha, chocolate, blackberry and cassis fruit, an unctuous
texture, a full-bodied, viscous mouthfeel and a skyscraper-like, multilayered finish. This spectacular wine is
nearly overwhelming in its richness,
thickness and intensity. Once all its baby
fat falls away, the terroir characteristics
and additional nuances will emerge.
This blockbuster, fabulous Troplong
Mondot will benefit from 10-15 years
of cellaring and keep for three decades
or more. It is not shy either, bouncing
over the palate with 15.5% natural
alcohol. The 2009 Troplong Mondot
will provide plenty of competition for
the 2010, 2005 and 2000. It comes
closest in style to the prodigious 1990
that proprietress Christine Valette produced 22 years ago. A phenomenal
effort, it unquestionably justifies its
relatively new Premier Grand Cru
St.-Emilion status. Readers should keep
in mind that the 1990, which probably
has lower acidity and not the level of
concentration found in the 2009, is
drinking incredibly well at age 22 and
reveals no signs of falling apart.
Score: 99 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201004 [XD] 750 mL
18
VINTAGES
$234.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CLOS DES JACOBINS 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: The blend for the
2009 is mostly Merlot, with some
Cabernet Franc, but hit over 14.5%
natural alcohol. This is a big, chewy
wine made under the guidance of
Hubert de Bouard. Dense ruby/
purple, with notes of blackberry and
cassis as well as some hints of
barbecue smoke, underbrush and
toasty oak, this thick, dense and
unctuously textured, low-acid wine is
a sleeper of the vintage and the best
Clos des Jacobins since the famous
1982. Drink it over the next 20-25
years. From the sector of St.-Emilion
just before the entrance to the village
near La Gomerie, Clos des Jacobins,
long-owned by the Cordier family,
sits on heavy sands above deep limestone. Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
222455 [XD] 750 mL
$69.85
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: In late 2011, I had
the last bottle in my cellar of the
1970 Domaine de Chevalier. Much to
my surprise, it was still holding on
to life and remained gorgeously complex in that ethereal Graves style.
The 2009, one of the finest Domaine
de Chevaliers yet produced, reveals
a striking bouquet of burning embers,
sweet cherry, black and red currant
fruit, spice box, cedar and lead pencil
shavings. The tannins are sweet in
this fleshy, full-bodied offering. It is built
on the notion of extraordinary harmony,
elegance and complexity. While not the
most concentrated or flamboyant
2009, its intense aromas are already
reasonably evolved and its lusciousness and balance are terrific. Made
from an interesting blend of 64%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and
6% Petit Verdot, its yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare were slightly higher
than many of its neighbors achieved.
Drink it over the next 25 years.
Score: 95 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201350 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
LA CHAPELLE DE LA MISSION
HAUT-BRION 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan,
2nd wine of Château La Mission
Haut-Brion
TASTING NOTE: The second wine,
the 2009 La Chapelle de la Mission,
is essentially an equal part blend of
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with
slightly more Cabernet Franc that
came in at 14.2% natural alcohol. It
reveals an extraordinary meaty nose
displaying hints of volcanic soils, burning embers, sweet black currants,
blueberries, plums, tobacco leaf and
wet stones. This tasty, full-bodied,
supple-textured beauty should drink
well for 15-20 years. Score: 91
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
202762 [XD] 750 mL
$164.85
$119.85
VINTAGES
19
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
LA PARDE DE HAUT-BAILLY 2009
AC Pessac-Léognac,
2nd wine of Château Haut-Bailly
TASTING NOTE: Very polished, with
an alluring incense and licorice
edge to the core of supple black cherry,
anise and plum sauce flavors. Suave
black tea and tar hints chime on the
finish, but this stays open-knit and
rounded. Drink now through 2018.
Score: 90 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com, March 31, 2012)
RED WINE
LA DAME DE MONTROSE 2009
AC St-Estèphe,
2nd wine of Château Montrose
TASTING NOTE: Over the last twenty
years, Montrose’s second wine,
La Dame de Montrose has been an
excellent buy. The 2009 La Dame
de Montrose (almost all Merlot with a
tiny bit of Cabernet Sauvignon) is a
seductive, succulent effort revealing
silky tannins, abundant blueberry
and blackberry fruit notes intermixed
with notions of damp earth, truffles
and camphor, and an appealing, luscious personality. Enjoy it over the
next 10-15 years. Score: 91 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb.
2012)
221648 [XD] 1500 mL $159.85
OCTOBER 2013
221408 [XD] 1500 mL
LE CARILLON DE L’ANGÉLUS
2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru,
2nd wine of Château Angélus
TASTING NOTE: Very chewy, with ripe
dark fruits and a mineral, spicy
character. Full and silky, with a medium
finish. Score: 88-91 (James Suckling,
winespectator.com, Web Only, 2010)
204222 [XD] 750 mL
20
VINTAGES
$94.85
$108.85
LE CLARENCE DE HAUT-BRION
2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, 2nd wine of
Château Haut-Brion
TASTING NOTE: The second wine, the
2009 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, is
almost as large a cuvee as the grand
vin. This 7,000-case cuvee is a
blend of 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet
Sauvignon and the rest small
quantities of Petit Verdot and Cabernet
Franc. Once again the burning
ember/scorched earth characteristic
that often comes from Haut-Brion
is found in the second wine, along with
more kirsch and cassis, fewer
nuances and less complexity than its
bigger sibling. The wine is full-bodied
with the minerality offered by this terroir
as well as plenty of sweet tannins.
This is the finest second wine HautBrion has produced since the
astonishing 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion.
Enjoy it over the next two decades.
Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
202705 [XD] 750 mL
$218.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: The 2009’s nearly
14% natural alcohol, exquisite ripeness, and incredible complex bouquet
of Asian spices, fruitcake, licorice,
smoke, blackberries and black currants
are to die for. A blend of 84% Merlot
and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc
and Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses
a viscous texture as well as a freshness
and vibrancy that are remarkable
given the wine’s weight, richness and
potential massiveness. This extraordinary effort is one of the finest Vieux
Chateau Certans made over the last
sixty years. It will undoubtedly shut
down in bottle, requiring a decade
or more of cellaring. It should keep for
50 years thereafter. Proprietor
Thienpont thinks it is a modern day
version of the 1948. As I wrote in my
barrel tasting notes, the 2009 ranks
alongside four of the legendary
vintages of Vieux Chateau Certan’s
ancient past, 1945, 1947, 1948
and 1950. It is undoubtedly a cleaner
wine than those older vintages,
and the selection process under proprietor Alexandre Thienpont was
far more severe in 2009 than it would
have been sixty years ago. Score: 99
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com)
202887 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU L’ÉGLISE CLINET 2008
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: A remarkable wine
in this vintage, L’Eglise Clinet’s 2008
has a color almost as dark as the barrel
sample of 2010. Classic mocha and
caramel-infused creme de cassis and
black cherry notes, with hints of
licorice and loamy soil soar from the
glass of this opaque ruby/purple,
aromatically compelling wine. Opulent,
expansive, and savory, with a broad
texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific
purity and a layered finish, this is
another big, massive wine that transcends the vintage character, and
will probably need 7-10 years of bottle
age. It should keep for 20 or more
years as well. Score: 95 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
May 2011)
136614 [XD] 750 mL
$199
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU PAVIE 2008
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: A remarkable success
in this vintage, Pavie’s 92-acre vineyard situated on the limestone soils of
the spectacular south-facing Cote
Pavie (one of the greatest terroirs of
Bordeaux) was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare. A blend of 70%
Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10%
Cabernet Sauvignon, with an atypical
(for a 2008) alcohol level of 14.5% that
is higher than in its 2010 counterpart, the opaque purple-colored 2008
exhibits sweet, smoky barbecue
notes intermixed with creme de cassis,
black cherry, toast and crushed
chalk. Deep, intense and full-bodied
with surprisingly civilized tannins
for such a young Pavie, it reveals wonderful breadth of flavor, a savory
texture and a layered mouthfeel. It
should drink beautifully in 2-4 years
and keep for 25 or more. Score: 95
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
May 2011)
138073 [XD] 750 mL
$275
$388.85
VINTAGES
21
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU CANON-LA-GAFFELIÈRE
2006
AC St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé
(Stephan von Neipperg)
TASTING NOTE: Stephan von Neipperg’s splendid 50-acre vineyard
on clay and limestone soils has once
again produced a beautifully ripe,
concentrated, textured, sensual wine
of both power and elegance. The
2006, an unfined, unfiltered blend of
55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc,
and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, reveals
sweet aromas of fruitcake, cassis,
black cherries, roasted herbs, cedar,
and spice box. This pure, textured,
forward beauty should drink well for
12-15+ years. Score: 92 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2009)
RED WINE
CHATEAU CANTENAC-BROWN
2006
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: New owner, Syrian
Simon Halabi, has instituted a severe
selection process (only 35% of the
production was utilized), resulting
in what may be the finest CantenacBrown I have ever tasted. Halabi has
given his staff carte blanche in order
to get this estate back on track after
a succession of good, but somewhat
rustic, nearly overly tannic wines.
The 2006 offers hints of lead pencil
shavings intermixed with blueberry,
blackberry, and pain grille aromas. The
wine is dense, concentrated, and
moderately tannic, with loads of pure
fruit and medium to full body.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.
Score: 90-92 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, April 2007)
351551 [XD] 750 mL
$119
OCTOBER 2013
351577 [XD] 750 mL
$119
CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET 2006
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: A blend of 60%
Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10%
Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006
possesses a dense ruby/purple color
as well as a sweet perfume of
espresso roast, damp earth, new oak,
black cherries, and black currants.
Medium to full-bodied with exceptional
purity, surprising intensity, good
texture, and sweet tannin in the finish,
this unfiltered cuvee should drink
well for 12-15 years. Score: 92 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2009)
340075 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU HAUT BERGEY 2005
AC Pessac-Léognan
TASTING NOTE: One of the finest
under-the-radar estates in PessacLeognan, Haut-Bergey’s 2005 (a blend
of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35%
Merlot) offers up aromas of scorched
earth, wet stones, burning embers,
charcoal, and copious black currant
and cherry fruit. The sumptuous bouquet is accompanied by a full-bodied
wine displaying dazzling purity, sweet
tannin, and a long, opulent finish.
This beauty will be drinkable at a
relatively early age for a 2005.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.
Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, April 2008)
351601 [XD] 750 mL
22
VINTAGES
$89
$69
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL
2005
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Very aromatic,
showing blackberry and currant aromas, with some licorice. Full-bodied,
with supersilky tannins and a rich,
decadent, fruity finish. Caresses the
palate. Stylish and opulent. Best after
2011. Score: 93 (James Suckling,
winespectator.com, March 31, 2008)
351999 [XD] 750 mL
$109
CHÂTEAU LYNCH-BAGES 2004
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
(A. Cazes, Prop.)
TASTING NOTE: As always, LynchBages comes in with an impressive
performance. It is rich, dense and ripe
with black fruit flavors. The texture
is solid, the intense fruits complemented by ripe tannins. And, to finish,
there is the freshness of currant fruit
acidity. A really fine wine. Score: 94
(Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
June 2007)
679472 [XD] 1500 mL
CHÂTEAU LAROQUE 2005
AC St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé
(Famille Beaumartin, Prop.)
TASTING NOTE: Black in color.
Gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberry, violet and dark chocolate lead
to a full-bodied palate, with powerful,
chewy tannins and loads of beautiful
fresh fruit. Very extracted, but this
should mellow with time. Best
after 2015. Score: 91 (James Suckling,
winespectator.com, March 31, 2008)
235481 [XD] 750 mL
$415
CHÂTEAU LYNCH-BAGES 2001
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Quite dark crimson.
Very rich and seductive on the nose.
Some evolution and lots of burnt mineral
aromas. Lifted and fresh on the
finish. But not angular and awkward.
Actually rather racy and refreshing
after the opulent nose. Superior to a cut
above superior. Drink: 2012-2025.
Score: 17.5 (out of 20) (Jancis Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com,
March 29, 2012)
679225 [XD] 1500 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
WHITE WINE
CHÂTEAU CLIMENS 2009
AC Sauternes, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: Here the 2009
displays a wonderful bouquet of honeysuckle, almond and a hint of creme
caramel that is beautifully defined. The
palate has a creamy entry with
patently a good deal of oak that needs
to be subsumed.The balance is just
exquisite, the line of acidity perfectly
pitched and moreover, there is that
paradoxical mixture of weight and
levity that makes Climens what it
is. The finish blossoms with quince,
almond and honey and lingers long
in the mouth. This is surely destined
to be a top tier Climens that will last
the usual decades. Drink 2014-2050.
Score: 97 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013)
200337
[S]
375 mL
$99.85
$425
$59
VINTAGES
23
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM 2009
AC Sauternes, 1er Cru Supérieur
TASTING NOTE: Tasting a legend
under blind conditions is always the
ultimate test of pedigree with everything to lose. And yet for the second
year running, the brilliance of Chateau
d’Yquem stood out. The 2009 has a
glorious bouquet with luscious honey,
lemon curd, white peach and quince
that is crystalline and utterly refined.
It demonstrates wonderful delineation
and pinpoint focus. The palate is
brilliantly balanced with life-affirming
acidity. There are notes of quince
and white peach once again, marrying
with hints of light honey and crushed
stone, finishing with convincing confidence on the composed, refined
finish. This is not quite as ethereal as
the 2001 – but it comes damn
close. Drink 2014-2050. Score: 99
(Neal Martin, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2013)
WHITE WINE
CHÂTEAU COUTET 2009
AC Sauternes, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Coutet has
a very intense nose of apricot, papaya,
honeysuckle and orange cordial that is
very well defined. Interestingly I write
the same comment as my appraisal
out of barrel in that I would prefer
just a little more vigor. However that
is a minor quibble. The palate is
very well-balanced with a rounded,
caressing entry. There is certainly
tremendous weight in the mouth and
abundant botrytis, especially upon
the unctuous finish. This has great
potential – a fantastic wine from
one of the finest Barsac estates. Drink
now-2035+. Score: 95 (Neal Martin,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013)
193094
[S]
375 mL
$69.85
CHÂTEAU DE FARGUES 2009
AC Sauternes
TASTING NOTE: What a brilliant de
Fargues this is! The nose is tightly
wound and demands coaxing from
the glass, reluctantly offering glimpses
of candied orange peel, clear honey,
quince and minerals. The palate
is well-balanced with a citrus fresh,
viscous opening infused with candied orange peel, honey and quince.
It segues into a lovely, ripe, tense,
focused middle and finish that leaves
the mouth tingling with glee and
eager for another sip. In a word –
delicious! Drink now-2045. Score: 96
(Neal Martin, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2013)
195925
24
[S]
VINTAGES
375 mL
$118.85
OCTOBER 2013
204180
202978
[S]
[S]
375 mL $674.85
750 mL $1334.85
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION BLANC
2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: This blockbuster
blend of 62% Sauvignon Blanc and
38% Semillon has absolutely amazing texture, with superb lemon butter,
crushed rock, quince and marmalade
notes buttressed by hints of orange zest
and citrus oil. Rich and full-bodied,
with a sensational fragrance, this is an
exquisite, full-throttle white to drink
over the next 30+ years. Utterly profound! Score: 98+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
202283 [XD] 750 mL $1494.85
CHÂTEAU LA TOUR-BLANCHE
2009
AC Sauternes, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 La Tour
Blanche has a gorgeous, botrytis-rich
bouquet with lemon thyme, honey
and spice, with just a touch of alcoholic
warmth denying it the clarity it deserves. The palate is crisp and taut on
the entry with notes of apricot and
white peach emerging with a few swirls
of the glass. It offers a pleasing
viscosity and volume in the mouth,
although compared to its barrel
showing, it appears to have tightened
up more than I expected, possibly
a sign that it is a wine in for the long
haul. Drink 2017-2035. Score: 93
(Neal Martin, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2013)
195396
[S]
750 mL
$104.85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CHÂTEAU LARRIVET HAUT-BRION
BLANC 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan
TASTING NOTE: A stunningly rich
nose of melons, honeysuckle, pineapple and orange rind are followed by
a fresh, well-proportioned, medium
to full-bodied dry white Graves to drink
over the next decade or more.
Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
194530
[XD]
750 mL
$64.85
CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET BLANC
2009
AC Bordeaux
TASTING NOTE: Proprietor Gerard
Perse has backed off on the barrel
fermentation and wood aging a bit, and
the result is a more well-balanced,
less over-the-top and exotic style of
wine. Fresh melon and green apple
notes intermixed with hints of mango
and pineapple, zesty acidity and
subtle oak all make for a delicious,
full-throttle wine. Anticipated
maturity: now-2018. Score: 92 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
193052 [XD] 750 mL
$103.85
CHÂTEAU RAYMOND-LAFON 2009
AC Sauternes
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 RaymondLafon exhibits a little more oak on
the nose compared to its peers, which
tends to obscure the fruit aromatics
at the moment. The palate is much
better with a crisp, taut entry and a
superb seam of acidity that runs from
start to finish. There is a sense of
conservatism here, almost a predictable
2009 Sauternes, although it is very
well crafted and offers great clarity and
freshness on the tropical fruit-tinged
finish. This is lovely, but give it a couple
of years for the aromatics to settle.
Drink 2015-2030. Score: 93 (Neal
Martin, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2013)
195891
[S]
750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC 2009
AC Sauternes, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: The team at Chateau
Rieussec have conjured a stellar
wine in 2009. There is a little reduction
at first that fortunately blows away,
revealing thickly layered scents of
honey, Danish pastry and quince
that appear to gain vigor with every
passing sip. The palate is stunning:
very viscous in the mouth with tangy
grapefruit, honey and white peach.
It is still primal, but the acidity is
perfectly judged and there is a lifeaffirming sense of precision and
tension towards the finish. Exceptional.
Drink now-2045. Score: 97 (Neal
Martin, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2013)
193185
195321
[S]
[S]
375 mL
750 mL
$68.85
$136.85
$66.85
VINTAGES
25
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
OCTOBER 2013
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
WHITE WINE
CÔTE DE NUITS
RED WINE
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER BLANC
2009
AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: This wine has closed
down since I saw it prior to bottling.
A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and
20% Semillon from one of the great
estates in Pessac-Leognan, the wine
has notes of white currants, melon,
and flint/crushed rock with a delicate
hit of orange and lemon zest. Give
it another 4-5 years of cellaring and
drink it over the following three
decades. Score: 95+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
201368 [XD] 750 mL
$154.85
PAVILLON BLANC DU CHÂTEAU
MARGAUX 2009
AC Bordeaux
TASTING NOTE: This really sneaks up
on you, with laserlike focus to the
blanched macadamia nut, honeysuckle, white peach and creamed
yellow apple fruit flavors. Very sleek
and restrained, with a long, stoneframed finish that’s as pure as freshly
fallen snow. Best from 2013 through
2023. Score: 94 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com)
202341 [D] 750 mL
26
VINTAGES
$224.85
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS CLOS VOUGEOT
GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is really quite
aromatically refined, indeed the
expressive nose is highly perfumed
and speaks of floral, plum and
black cherry scents layered with a
subtle earthiness. The sense of
refinement continues onto the palate
as the focused, intense and sleekly
muscular flavors evidence good power
on the balanced, long and only
moderately austere finish. As Clos de
Vougeot typically goes, this is a
very refined example. Don’t miss!
Drink 2025+. Score: 94 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, April 1,
2012)
182733 [XD] 750 mL
$189
DOMAINE DANIEL RION & FILS
VOSNE-ROMANÉE LES
BEAUX-MONTS 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Ripe, oaky nose,
raspberries and cranberries. Sleek,
intense, elegant, tight and concentrated. Firm tannins underlie the fruit
but are not touch or extracted. This
has purity and complexity and a fine
texture. Very long (Stephen Brook).
Bright, attractive, open, clean, complex
and fresh; rich wine, well-rounded,
beautiful fruit concentration, fresh yet
soft, long finish (Anthony Hanson
MW). Classy bouquet. It is quite tightly
wound, with oak restraining the fruit,
though this will come right in time. The
potential is there thanks to the
impressive intensity of dark fruit. The
svelte finish is very impressive.
(Jasper Morris MW) Outstanding.
Drink: 2013-2030. Score: 95
(decanter.com, Feb. 10, 2013)
278234 [XD] 750 mL
$79
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI
GRANDS ÉCHÉZEAUX GRAND CRU
2010
AC
This wine was sourced from vines of
55+ years of age.
TASTING NOTE: Here the nose is
noticeably more reserved and while
ripe, the dense, gorgeously complex
and highly spiced aromas are rather
cool. Aggressive swirling does, if
only grudgingly, liberate the notes of
violets and rose petals, hoisin, soy
and clove along with black pinot fruit,
cassis and plum. The exceptionally
rich but brooding, intense and very
serious broad-shouldered flavors
possess outstanding middle-weight
concentration before culminating
in an energetic and palate staining
finish. This stunningly long effort is
also quite fine by the usual standards
of the appellation because while
this is certainly muscular, it’s taut and
sleek rather than forbidding. The
“problem”, if you want to call it that,
is that this lacks the depth of the
Echézeaux. I stress that I am fully
cognizant about not rushing to
judgment at such an early juncture,
particularly given this wine’s laudatory track record of outperforming
vintage in and vintage out, but at
present this is borderline one-dimensional even though all of the expected
underlying material is present. What is
clear is that this is extremely classy
juice that will require 15 to 20 years to
arrive at its full peak though what it
will be when it arrives there is less clear
than usual. Drink: 2025+. Score: 93
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
Jan. 14, 2013)
721316 [D] 750 mL
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI
LA TÂCHE GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is perhaps even
more floral than the Richebourg and
every bit as spicy on the ultra-pure,
cool and remarkably elegant mix of
red and blue pinot fruit, red currant
and wild red berries that are openly
mineral-inflected. As with all of the
DRC ’10s, the equally stony flavors
and supporting tannins are extremely
fine and while there is ample power
and vibrancy, the palate feel is all silk
and satin. To be sure, this is a big
wine with impressive concentration but
this is definitely not cut from the
same cloth as say the 2005 or 2009
versions are. I can admire both
styles but this one is seriously lovely.
Readers should note however that
while the 2010 LT is exceptionally fine
it will still require some 20 to 25 years
of cellar time before it reaches its full
majority but when it does, it will be
considered one of the all-time great
vintages for this incredibly storied
wine. If your pocketbook can stand the
damage, this is an absolute ‘do not
miss under any circumstances’ wine.
Drink: 2030+. Score: 98 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, Jan. 14,
2013)
721654 [D] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI
RICHEBOURG GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The restrained and
markedly cool nose displays an
impressive variety of floral and spice
hints that add a sense of elegance
to the stunningly complex ripe dark
berry fruit and plum aromas. While
this is almost always a muscular and
at times even robust wine young,
in 2010 it offers a truly remarkably
sophisticated mouth feel because
like the RSV, the tannins are refined
and fine-grained. Moreover, there
is the same knockout complexity that
the nose displays on the intensely
mineral-driven finish and overall, this
is a complete wine of simply fantastic length. It also offers a completely
different, and much more masculine,
experience than the RSV. I can’t wait
to try both in 15 to 20 years. Drink
2028+. Score: 96 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, Jan. 14, 2013)
737379 [XD] 750 mL
$849.00
$985.00
$529.00
VINTAGES
27
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI
ÉCHÉZEAUX GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Exuberant and ripe
spicy purple fruit also exhibits distinct
floral and warm earth nuances that
go on to suffuse the rich and finely
detailed medium-bodied flavors that
possess excellent underlying tension
before terminating in a focused,
intense and gorgeously long finish.
This is pure silk and lace but
the really impressive aspect of this
wine is just how much depth it
has. A sublime knockout, particularly
by the usual standards of this
wine. Drink: 2022+. Score: 94 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com,
Jan. 14, 2013)
DOMAINE DOMINIQUE GALLOIS
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN PETITS
CAZETIERS 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This too is admirably
fresh and bright with a bit more earth
and that particular Gevrey sauvage
influence that adds breadth to the
pure red pinot fruit aromas. There is
also good verve and outstanding
intensity to the moderately concentrated middle weight flavors that
brim with mineral nuances and are
shaped by notably fine grained
tannins on the mildly austere but
beautifully complex finish. This is
well worth a look. Outstanding. Drink
2018+. Score: 92 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, Jan. 14, 2013)
723122 [D] 750 mL
351445 [XD] 750 mL
CÔTE DE NUITS
RED WINE
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI
ROMANÉE-ST-VIVANT GRAND CRU
2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: All that I could think
when I first put my nose in the glass
was “wow!” as the airy and very cool
nose of ultra-elegant spice, floral and
herbal nuances greeted me. Add to
this plenty of attractive nuances to
the kaleidoscopically layered red currant
and plum suffused aromas and you
have something pretty special. This is,
not surprisingly, much more refined
than the Grands Ech as the supporting
tannins on the silky middle weight
flavors are extremely fine-grained yet
notably dense as the explosive finish
is quite firm. Despite the tightly wound
structure the overall impression of
the mouth feel is one of delicacy and
ultimate refinement. This should be
a particularly excellent vintage for what
has become one of the stars of this
gorgeously deep portfolio of wines.
Drink: 2025+. Score: 96 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, Jan. 14,
2013)
721399 [D] 750 mL
$865.00
OCTOBER 2013
$339.00
DOMAINE FAIVELEY CLOS DE
VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is unusually
elegant in 2010 with its refined nose
of raspberry and earth though there
are background notes of grilled
meat and smoke. The supple, mouth
coating and utterly delicious broadshouldered flavors possess a silky
texture yet there is plenty of power
and punch to the very firmly structured
finish. While there is a certain delicacy present, this will still need all of
15 years to realize its full potential.
Drink: 2025+. Score: 92-95 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com,
January 10, 2012)
722207 [XD] 750 mL
28
VINTAGES
$85
$199
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
FAIVELEY NUITS-ST-GEORGES
LES PORÊTS ST. GEORGES
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Though still compact
and firm, this red is pure, offering
cherry, berry and mineral flavors on a
well-toned frame. Balanced in an
athletic way, with a lingering aftertaste
of fruit and spice. Both intense and
elegant, this shows terrific length. Best
from 2015 through 2028. Special
designation: Collectibles. Score: 95
(Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com,
Dec. 31, 2012)
072504 [D] 750 mL
$88
LOUIS JADOT
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
LES CAZETIERS 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A wonderfully broad
nose offers up a beautiful array of
spice, earth, menthol, toast and stone
influences to the ripe yet cool aromas
of red and dark berries. There is a
distinct sauvage note to the rich,
powerful and sleekly muscular middle
weight plus flavors that ooze a very
fine minerality as well as genuinely
excellent complexity, all wrapped
in a focused, intense and austere finish.
In a word, terrific. Sweet spot. Outstanding. Drink: 2025+. Score: 91-94
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
April 2012)
745422 [XD] 750 mL
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
RED WINE
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE &
FILS BEAUNE GRÈVES VIGNE DE
L’ENFANT JÉSUS 1er CRU
AC
TASTING NOTE: Noticeable though
not overt wood influence sets off a
very ripe nose composed of liqueur of
plum, cassis and wild raspberry
aromas. There is excellent richness to
the round and relatively powerful
medium weight flavors blessed with
an abundance of dry extract that
buffers the otherwise very firm, long
and serious finish. This is also notably austere and extremely compact
at present and as such it seems
reasonably clear that it will not be a
good candidate for early drinking.
Comments: Don’t miss! Outstanding.
Drink: 2020+. Score: 93 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, April 1,
2012)
043257 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI
CORTON GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A very ripe yet fresh
nose of dark berry fruit, violets and
plum enjoy added breadth from the
presence of spice, earth and distinct
sauvage nuances. This sauvage aspect
also characterizes the remarkably
rich and full-bodied flavors that possess
a velvety texture from the copious
amounts of dry extract. The supporting
structure possesses a high degree
of phenolic maturity and outstanding
length on the ever-so-slightly warm
finish. This is relatively fine, at least
within the context of the typical
robust and chewy style of a classic
Corton. Drink: 2022+. Score: 93
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
Jan. 14, 2013)
290809 [XD] 750 mL
$275.00
$119
$95
VINTAGES
29
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE
POMMARD LES CHARMOTS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Intensely flavored,
with raspberry, macerated cherry, iron
and spice notes, this red is taut and
fused to a steely structure. The flavors linger on the finish, displaying an
essence of berry and mineral. Best
from 2016 through 2028. Score: 91
(Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com,
April 30, 2013)
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
RED WINE
DOMAINE DUBLÈRE VOLNAY
TAILLEPIEDS 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Compared to the nose
of the Pitures, here the fruit is both
redder and cooler and as one would
typically expect, even more mineralinfused as well. This stony character
continues onto the racy, intense and
satin-textured flavors that enjoy plenty
of tannin-buffering dry extract on the
energetic and tension-filled finish that
displays the classic austerity of a
young Taillepieds. In a word, impressive. Sweet spot. Outstanding.
Drink: 2018+. Score: 90-93 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com,
April 1, 2012)
316281 [XD] 750 mL
$69
DOMAINE FAIVELEY BEAUNE
CLOS DE L’ÉCU 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: An expression of
pure cherry highlights this delicate,
silky red. Vibrant and intense, with
well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish of sweet fruit, spice and
mineral. Best from 2015 through
2024. Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson,
winespectator.com, April 30, 2013)
351544 [XD] 750 mL
$59
OCTOBER 2013
351619 [D] 750 mL
$67
NICOLAS ROSSIGNOL VOLNAY
CHEVRET 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A beautiful array of
floral nuances that include rose petal,
lavender and violet adds elegance to
the restrained, airy and cool red
currant aromas. The understated and
equally restrained medium-bodied
flavors culminate in an exceptionally
pure and tension-filled finish that
is pure silk. This lacy and strikingly
beautiful effort is a classic Volnay
as the palate impression is gossamer
fine yet this will need plenty of
cellar time. Don’t miss! Outstanding!
Drink: 2018+. Score: 94 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, April 2012)
343194 [XD] 750 mL
$89
DOMAINE CHANDON DE
BRIAILLES CORTON LES
BRESSANDES GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is also very ripe
but here the cassis, violet and black
berry aromas are noticeably fresher.
The rich, intense and broad-shouldered flavors display a distinct mineral
character and better elegance to the
dense but fine tannins that shape the
hugely long finish. This has the
potential to be outstanding but it will
require the better part of two
decades to arrive at its peak. Sweet
Spot. Drink: 2024+. Score: 92-94
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
May 6, 2011)
343251 [XD] 750 mL
LOUIS JADOT CORTON-POUGETS
GRAND CRU 2009
AC
Roger Voss awarded this wine a
score of 96 points; (Wine Enthusiast,
May 1, 2012).
TASTING NOTE: This is notably more
complex than the Corton-Grèves
because even though the noses are
similar, there is more breadth here
and just a touch more evident ripeness
as well. There is excellent richness
to the velvet-textured and more obvious
mineral-driven flavors that coat the
mouth with dry extract on the satisfying, long and equally complex finish.
This is a classic Pougets in style if a bit
riper than is typical. Note too that
as grand cru pricing and value goes,
Jadot’s Pougets is consistently one
of the top bargains. Drink: 2021+.
Score: 92-94 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, May 10, 2011)
997452 [XD] 750 mL
30
VINTAGES
$125
$99
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
WHITE WINE
BITOUZET-PRIEUR MEURSAULT
CHARMES 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Moderate reduction
knocks down the nose and renders it
difficult to evaluate though there is a
beguiling freshness and punch to
the pure, detailed and racy flavors that
possess that lovely sense of tension
that makes the flavors and finish come
alive in the mouth, particularly on
the cuts-like-a-knife finish. This wellbalanced and strongly persistent
effort will need up to a decade of
cellar time before it reaches its
apogee. Outstanding. Drink: 2017+.
Score: 90-93 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, June 1, 2012)
316505 [XD] 750 mL
$79
CHANSON PÈRE & FILS CORTONCHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A cool, restrained and
airy nose features mild notes of
reduction that serve, in a sense, as a
backdrop for notes of wet stone,
white rose petal and citrus aromas.
There is a similar sense of restraint
to the big-bodied but focused, intense
and delineated mineral-driven
flavors that possess plenty of energy
and drive on the beautifully persistent finish where a touch of wood
surfaces. Drink: 2017+. Score: 92
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
June 2012)
324400 [XD] 750 mL
DOMAINE ANTONIN GUYON
CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE
GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Soft wood frames
exuberantly fresh and expressive
aromas of green fruit, green apple and
pungent stone notes. There is outstanding volume and plenty of raw
power to the tautly muscled largescaled flavors that terminate in a
focused, driving and wonderfully
persistent finish. This is a big wine
with plenty of dry extract yet absolutely no sense of undue weight.
Drink: 2018+. Score: 92-94 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, June 2012)
729400 [XD] 750 mL
$145
•
OCTOBER 2013
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS MONTRACHET
GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: As with the La
Cabotte, there is a lot of unabsorbed
sulfur present that renders reading
the nose tricky but the aromas are
clearly ripe, broad and dense. By
contrast, the massive and superbly wellconcentrated flavors are a genuinely
marvelous combination of size, weight,
tension and again, almost painful
intensity. Despite all of the muscle and
concentration, there is absolutely no
heaviness, indeed the acid support
is such that this comes across as
impeccably well-balanced on the palate
staining finish. This is a magnificent
wine, in fact this is one of the best wines
of the entire vintage and that is
obviously saying something as 2010
is very special. A “wow” wine par
excellence. Note that like the Chevalier,
should you elect to try one of these
gems young, which I would strongly
advise against, do be sure to decant
it. Don’t miss! Drink 2022+. Score: 98
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
June 1, 2012)
182329 [XD] 750 mL
$669
$145
VINTAGES
31
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC MOREY
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
LES CHAUMEES 1er CRU 2010
AC
This wine is sourced from vines of
40+ years of age.
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE F. & L. PILLOT
MEURSAULT LES CAILLERETS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Almost invisible reduction easily allows the citrus peel,
hazelnut, stone and acacia blossom
nose to shine. There is plenty of
minerality present on the succulent,
mouth coating and again, extractrich flavors that possess an attractive
sense of underlying tension, all
wrapped in a driving and lengthy finish.
This is very Meursault in character
and like several of the wines in the
range, will reward aging yet drink well
young too. Outstanding. Drink: 2016+.
Score: 92 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, June 2012)
270728 [XD] 750 mL
32
VINTAGES
$115
OCTOBER 2013
TASTING NOTE: This displays more
aromatic ripeness as here the yellow
orchard fruit aromas run toward the
exotic though the more typical floral
and citrus nuances are also present.
There is excellent richness to the
suave and round flavors that possess
plenty of mouth coating dry extract
before concluding in a balanced and
impressively persistent finish where
the sweetness of the mid-palate is
buffered by a saline element on
the finale. Score: 91 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, June 2012)
351452 [D] 750 mL
DOMAINE MARC MOREY & FILS
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
EN VIRONDOT 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Very mild reduction
reduces slightly the expressiveness
of the white flower, lemon rind and wet
stone suffused nose. There is wonderful transparency to the cool, rich
and palate coating flavors that
conclude in a mineral-inflected, dry,
clean and gorgeously intense finish
that combines both outstanding length
with superb complexity. This is the
finest example that I have ever seen
and is well worth your consideration.
Outstanding. Drink: 2016+. Score: 93
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
June 1, 2012)
248716 [XD] 750 mL
$99
$69
DOMAINE LOUIS JADOT
DOMAINE DUC DE MAGENTA
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
ABBAYE DE MORGEOT
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A pungent nose of
resin and very ripe yellow orchard
fruit aromas where there is a subtle
trace of the exotic lurking in the
background leads to suave, generous
and very round flavors that possess
an abundance of dry extract that
imparts a textured character
to the powerful and punchy finish.
Score: 90-92 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, June 1, 2012)
GUY AMIOT CHASSAGNEMONTRACHET LES VERGERS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: While not invisible
the oak regimen here is much less
prominent and allows the complex and
pungent nose of petrol, citrus zest
and acacia blossom aromas to have
center stage. The old vines are
definitely in evidence as there is a remarkable amount of palate staining
dry extract that imparts a distinctly
textured mouth feel to the impressively deep and persistent finish.
This is worth considering. Outstanding.
Drink: 2016+. Score: 92 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, Sept. 10,
2012)
333559
332023 [XD] 750 mL
[XD]
750 mL
$85
$95
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
GÉNOT-BOULANGER CHASSAGNEMONTRACHET LES VERGERS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Good pale yellow.
Peach and ginger on the spicy nose.
Supple, suave and seamless, with
terrific intensity and a saline complexity to the flavors of white peach
and pear. Pliant, concentrated
wine with a terrific combination of
sweetness and energy. I’d give
this three or four years in the cellar to
develop more complexity. Score: 93
(Stephen Tanzer, International Wine
Cellar, Sept. 2012)
326900 [XD] 750 mL
$64
JEAN-MARC PILLOT CHASSAGNEMONTRACHET LES VERGERS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Here the reduction
is quite strong and presently completely dominates the nose. There is
simply superb intensity however to
the driving and tension-filled flavors
that are strikingly well-delineated
and this sense of precision carries over
to the explosive and bone dry finish
that delivers knockout length. This is
really impressive and well worth your
attention. Outstanding. Drink: 2017+.
Score: 91-93 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, June 2012)
332015 [XD] 750 mL
$105
FLORENCE LAMY CHASSAGNEMONTRACHET LES CAILLERETS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Here too a touch of
reduction can be found that is just
enough to push the stone, citrus and
dried rose petal suffused aromas
to the background for the time being.
There is by contrast an admirable
purity to the rich but tension-filled
flavors that also exude a fine minerality on the austere, long and very serious
finish. This is an old school white
burg that will require time to fully express its full potential but it should
be well worth the wait. Outstanding.
Drink: 2017+. Score: 92 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, June 1,
2012)
318980 [XD] 750 mL
$75
•
OCTOBER 2013
CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET
MORGEOT 1er CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is firm, rich
and closed, with the fruit showing
potential richness under the tight
exterior. Packed with notes of wood,
spice and a taut texture, this is a wine
to enjoy several years down the road.
Age for at least five years. Score: 91
(Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
Nov. 2012)
332072 [XD] 750 mL
$63
DOMAINE ALAIN CHAVY PULIGNYMONTRACHET LES FOLATIÈRES
1er CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is the best of
these three Puligny 1ers as the
natural freshness, punch and minerality of a fine Folatières very much
works to its advantage in a distinctly
ripe year like 2009. A pretty and
perfumed mix of white peach, pear
and floral scents introduce round
yet reasonably well-detailed flavors that
possess a bit better acid support on
the mineral-inflected, balanced and
lingering finish. Lovely and worth
considering if your taste runs to generous yet energetic white burgundy.
Drink: 2015+. Score: 91 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com,
June 2012)
204628 [XD] 750 mL
$75
VINTAGES
33
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
OCTOBER 2013
CHABLIS
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
WHITE WINE
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE AMIOT GUY ET FILS
LES CAILLERETS CHASSAGNEMONTRACHET 1er CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: Mild reduction
compromises the expressiveness of
the nose but there is excellent
detail and underlying tension to the
dry, crisp, clean and crystalline
finish. This is really a lovely effort
with much better energy than the
average 2009 possesses. Outstanding.
Drink: 2016+. Score: 91-93 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, Feb. 1,
2011)
145631 [XD] 750 mL
•
$109
DOMAINE DES MALANDES LES
CLOS CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2011
AC
TASTING NOTE: Here too the wood
regimen is sufficiently subtle to allow
the ultra-pure and elegant aromas of
white flowers, lemon rind and mineral
reduction to shine. The rich, intense
and equally mineral-driven big-bodied
flavors are brilliantly well-delineated
before exploding into a chiseled, dry,
saline-infused, austere and hugely long
finish. This will also need plenty of
time to come together but it should be
well worth the cellar time as this is
potentially the best young Malandes Les
Clos that I have ever seen. Don’t
miss! Drink: 2019+. Score: 92-95
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
Sept. 10, 2012)
062562 [XD] 750 mL
DOMAINE D’ARDHUY CORTONCHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: Noticeable reduction
impairs an evaluation of the nose
and I would strongly advise decanting
this first if you’re going to try one
young. Otherwise, there is plenty of
energy and punch to the intense,
broad-scaled and powerful full-bodied
flavors that brim with acid-buffering
dry extract before culminating in a toasty
but hugely long finish. This is clearly
at an awkward phase at present but
there is so much underlying material
that it’s hard to see this going very far
wrong as it develops. Drink: 2015+.
Score: 93 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, Oct. 1, 2011)
123844 [D] 750 mL
$79
DOMAINE LONG-DEPAQUIT LES
CLOS CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2011
AC
(Prop. Albert Bichot)
TASTING NOTE: (35% oak): Cool
aromas of crushed stone, lime,
minerals, tarragon and lemon zest,
with the wine’s oak component
nicely absorbed. Very rich and dry,
with a light touch and enticing
spicy lift to the flavors of pineapple
and crushed stone. Finishes perfumed, pure and quite long. This
cuvee is now showing better
definition in spite of its size, noted
Mangenot, pointing out that
previously it was more Cote d’Or-like.
Score: 91-93 (Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar, July 2012)
351627 [XD] 750 mL
DOMAINE PINSON FRÈRES LES
CLOS CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2011
AC
TASTING NOTE: The oak influence
is a bit more restrained than I typically
find with this wine as it does not
interfere with the appreciation of the
complex and beautifully layered
nose of mineral reduction, seaweed,
rose petal and soft spice nuances.
There is excellent power, punch, intensity and detail to the large-scaled
flavors that brim with palate soaking
dry extract before terminating in an
explosive, linear and tightly focused
finish. This is bone dry and will
clearly need a few years of cellar time
but at this early stage is appears
exceptionally promising. Don’t miss!
Drink 2018+. Score: 92-94 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, Sept. 10,
2012)
$159
209049 [XD] 750 mL
34
VINTAGES
$79
$75
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
DOMAINE SERVIN BLANCHOT
CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is also very floral
with pear and white peach aromas
receiving added complexity from the
mineral reduction nuances that can
also be found on the silky yet wonderfully intense flavors that, like the
Montée de Tonnerre, are overtly salty
on the impressively persistent
finish. This too is really quite good.
Drink 2016+. Score: 91-93 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, Oct. 2011)
351502 [XD] 750 mL
$65
BILLAUD-SIMON VAUDÉSIR
CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: The estate’s 2009
Chablis Vaudesir is one of the more
understated selections in this lineup.
It is less minerally intense than
some of the other wines, but makes
up for that with its generous fruit
and warm, radiant personality. This is
another excellent choice for nearer
term drinking, although I don’t exclude
the possibility that it may also age
quite well given the freshness of the
finish. Anticipated maturity: 20122019. Score: 93 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)
328336 [XD] 750 mL
$79
•
OCTOBER 2013
DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON
VIEILLE VIGNE MONT DE MILIEU
CHABLIS 1er CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Chablis
Mont de Milieu is a decidedly extroverted, flashy wine. Here the aromas
and flavors come close to a tropical,
exotic dimension of expression. Layers
of fruit are woven together beautifully
in the open, textured finish. This is
likely to be a relatively early-maturing
wine, but it will deliver plenty of enjoyment over at least the next few
years. The Mont de Milieu was aged
in stainless steel. Anticipated
maturity: 2012-2021. Score: 93
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)
DOMAINE SERVIN BOUGROS
CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Chablis
Bougros is a captivating, beautiful
wine that impresses for its sensual
personality. Mineral notes appear on
the finish, adding layers of freshness
and texture. The Bougros reveals
exceptional balance and polish to
match its generous, enveloping
personality. The wine was vinified and
aged in 100% neutral oak until
August, 2010, when 50% of the wine
was racked into steel, an approach
that works beautifully here. Anticipated
maturity: 2014-2024. Score: 91-93
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Aug. 2011)
328344 [XD] 750 mL
145623 [XD] 750 mL
$49
$65
DOMAINE SERVIN LES PREUSES
CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: An elegant and admirably pure nose of green fruit, iodine
and sea breeze introduces the rich,
intense and focused flavors with a
real flourish, all wrapped in a linear,
texture and palate coating finish.
This is lovely stuff with the Zen-like
harmony of a classic Preuses. Don’t
miss! Drink 2016+. Score: 91-93 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, Oct. 1,
2010)
145615 [XD] 750 mL
$65
VINTAGES
35
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – RHÔNE
DELAS FRÈRES SAINTE-ÉPINE
SAINT-JOSEPH 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: The blockbuster
2009 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine exhibits
an opaque purple color as well as a
remarkable nose of black fruits, graphite, ink, incense and subtle barbecue
smoke. Elegant yet massive and rich,
with an unctuous texture and good
underlying acidity (although less than
in 2010), this deep, full-bodied,
powerful 2009 should drink well for
two decades or more. Score: 96
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
NORTHERN RHÔNE
RED WINE
DELAS FRÈRES LES BESSARDS
HERMITAGE 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The uber-impressive
2010 Hermitage Les Bessards ranks
alongside the perfect 2009. The strikingly intense powdered stone/granite
minerality is apparent in this wine of
great intensity, prodigious, almost
skyscraper-like texture, massive body
and high tannins. It is only for true
connoisseurs who have a cold cellar
as well as the patience to wait a
minimum of a decade for it to round
into drinking form. Filled with potential, it is one of the single greatest
Hermitages I have ever tasted. There
is no hint of its 100% new oak aging!
Score: 100 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)
092205 [XD] 750 mL
$165
OCTOBER 2013
328245 [XD] 750 mL
$74
DELAS FRÈRES SEIGNEUR DE
MAUGIRON CÔTE-RÔTIE 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Cote Rotie
Seigneur de Maugiron exhibits lots
of spice, raspberry, cassis, licorice,
incense, Christmas fruitcake and
fried bacon notes. The smokiness,
seductiveness, lusciousness and
medium to full-bodied, round, generous texture make for an endearing,
sexy Cote Rotie to enjoy over the next
10-15 years. There is not much of
the Cote Rotie La Landonne (approximately 500 cases produced), but it
ranks alongside the great La Landonnes
made by Marcel and Philippe Guigal.
Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2011)
091645 [XD] 750 mL
$75
M. CHAPOUTIER L’ERMITE
ERMITAGE ROUGE 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: Conservatively, the
2009 Ermitage l’Ermite (702 cases)
needs 25-30 years of cellaring. Another
monumental effort from Michel
Chapoutier, it possesses copious notes
of smoky asphalt, black truffles, pen
ink, graphite and blackberry liqueur
intermixed with hints of flowers and
crushed rocks. Extremely full-bodied
with abundant sweet tannins, amazing penetration on the palate and a
long finish, this historic effort should
age effortlessly for 50-100+ years.
Drink: 2011-2111. Score: 98+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
328260 [XD] 750 mL
ROMAIN DUVERNAY HERMITAGE
2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: Youthful nose of
concentrated red and black fruit and
spice. The oak is restrained on the
palate. Ripe tannins and a mineral
finish. Lovely, rich fruit. Long.
Score: HHHHH (Decanter World
Wine Awards, 2011)
325043 [XD] 750 mL
36
VINTAGES
$499
$69
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
SOUTHERN RHÔNE
WHITE WINE
RED WINE
FRANÇOIS VILLARD LES
TERRASSES DU PALAT CONDRIEU
2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Shows ripe, almost
gutsy notes of marmalade and
apricot, but stays fresh and racy, with
peach pit, bitter almond and star
fruit notes coursing through the long,
mouthwatering finish. A lovely combination of weight and zip. Drink now
through 2015. Score: 94 (James
Molesworth, winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2012)
209254 [XD] 750 mL
$65
M. CHAPOUTIER LE MÉAL
ERMITAGE BLANC 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: An intense and
gorgeous wine, with a rich yet remarkably racy core of star fruit, fennel,
anise, white peach and chamomile
flavors that course along, followed
by a finish of salted butter and blanched
almond. There’s lots of flesh, but
also invigorating, almost crunchy acidity
buried deeply. Drink now through
2027. Special Designation: Collectibles.
Score: 98 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com, June 30, 2012)
328252 [XD] 750 mL
DOMAINE DE LONGUE TOQUE
HOMMAGE À GABRIEL MEFFRE
GIGONDAS 2010
AC, Gabriel Meffre Domaines
TASTING NOTE: The blockbuster 2010
Gigondas Hommage a Gabriel Meffre
is dominated by Grenache, but includes
some Syrah and Mourvedre in the
blend. It spends 20 months in small
oak casks. It possesses an opaque
purple color as well as lots of blackberry jam, white flower and crushed
rock notes intermixed with whiffs of
licorice, camphor and incense.
This full, deep, impressively endowed
Gigondas should evolve effortlessly for 15 or more years. Score: 94
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2012)
328237 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
DOMAINE MONPERTUIS
SECRET DE GABRIEL
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
AC
(Vignobles Paul Jeune)
TASTING NOTE: (90% grenache from
vines planted in the 19th century, and
5% each of mourvedre and cinsault):
Saturated ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented
aromas of cherry pit, black raspberry
and potpourri, with a hint of star anise
in the background. Juicy and incisive
on the palate, with powerful red fruit
liqueur flavors that pick up spiciness
and minerality with air. The mineral
and spice notes repeat on the very long,
pure, focused finish. This should
age slowly and well. Score: 93-95 (Josh
Raynolds, International Wine Cellar,
Jan./Feb. 2012)
342261 [XD] 750 mL
$79
$59
$299
VINTAGES
37
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – RHÔNE
M. CHAPOUTIER CROIX DE BOIS
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DE-PAPE 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: There are 535 cases
of the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape
Croix de Bois (100% Grenache from
110-year-old vines planted on the
famed small rocks called Galets Roules).
It is a classic Chateauneuf with lots
of roasted herb, licorice, cedar, resiny
pine forest, kirsch liqueur and black
raspberry characteristics. It possesses
a deep plum/garnet color as well as
full body, 15+% natural alcohol and
15 years of drinkability. Score: 95
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2011)
SOUTHERN RHÔNE
RED WINE
LA FERME DU MONT
CÔTES CAPELAN
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The prodigious 2010
Chateauneuf du Pape Cotes Capelan
boasts abundant notes of acacia flowers
interwoven with blackberries, black
raspberries, licorice, incense and a
touch of graphite. The wine hits
the palate with tremendous authority,
impressive purity, a skyscraper-like
texture and a full-bodied, layered finish
that lasts for nearly 50 seconds.
This remarkable Chateauneuf du Pape
has a natural yet seductive feel.
Drink it over the next two decades.
Drink: 2012-2032. Score: 98
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2012)
078857 [XD] 750 mL
38
VINTAGES
$69
OCTOBER 2013
328286 [XD] 750 mL
$135
DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE
RÉSERVE SECRÈTE
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007
AC
TASTING NOTE: A wine that seems to
bridge the gap between a full international style (such as the Barberini) and
a traditional style (such as the Cornelia
Constanza) is the 2007 Chateauneuf du
Pape Reserve Secrete, which was
aged in small barrels (65%) and tanks
(35%). A blend of 55% Syrah and
45% Grenache, it boasts a deep ruby/
purple hue, massive, powerful flavors
of black fruits, licorice, acacia flowers,
and a hint of toast, full body, and a
singular, dense personality. It needs
3-4 years of bottle age, and is meant
for 20+ years of cellaring. Score: 95+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2009)
063149 [XD] 750 mL
$165
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
FRANCE – ALSACE
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE BARMÈS BUECHER
ROSENBERG GEWURZTRAMINER
2011
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: Bright yellow.
Lavender, celery seed and smoked
pork complement yellow plum on
the nose. Sweet, rich and velvety, with
ripe peach and pear jelly flavors
lifted by star fruit and lime. Turns
slightly smoky and minerally on
the back end, showing a rising floral
quality on the long, refined finish.
Less obviously tropical than many
other gewurzes. Score: 93(+?) (Ian
D’Agata, International Wine Cellar,
Nov./Dec. 2012)
161935 [D] 750 mL
$35
DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT
BRAND TURCKHEIM VIEILLES
VIGNES RIESLING 2010
AC Alsace Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: A lush and lightly
mouthcoating white, balancing mango,
pineapple, honey and guava flavors
with finely focused, mouthwatering
acidity. Features a base of minerally
salinity, with tangerine, rose petal and
spice accents that linger on the finish.
Drink now through 2025. Score: 94
(Alison Napjus, winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2012)
271866 [D] 750 mL
DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT
HEIMBOURG TURCKHEIM PINOT
GRIS 2010
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: Mouthwatering, with
lovely notes of honey and orchard
blossoms accenting flavors of dried
apricot and papaya, orange zest,
cantaloupe and smoke. Pure and focused, with a lingering echo of minerality.
Drink now through 2025. Score: 92
(Alison Napjus, winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2012)
•
OCTOBER 2013
RENÉ MURÉ CLOS SAINT
LANDELIN VORBOURG
PINOT GRIS 2010
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: Tangy acidity enlivens
fleshy flavors of apricot, ripe peach,
orange granita, ground ginger and
bees-wax, while a smoky mineral
undertow lingers on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2022.
Score: 91 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2012)
969345 [D] 750 mL
051888 [M] 750 mL
DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT
VIEILLES VIGNES VENDAGE
TARDIVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER
2010
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: Mouthwatering and
lacy in texture, this offers a zesty
base note of minerality, with wellmeshed flavors of lychee, green
melon, pink grapefruit and spun honey,
joined by accents of jasmine and
ground pink peppercorn and ginger.
Drink now through 2022. Score: 93
(Alison Napjus, winespectator.com,
Nov. 15, 2012)
340067 [M] 375 mL
$39
$54
$37
DOMAINE BARMÈS BUECHER
STEINGRÜBLER
GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2009
AC Alsace Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: A rich white, just offdry, with exotic notes of jasmine,
cardamom and lychee, as well as layers
of ripe yellow peach, cantaloupe and
orange granita. This is lightly honeyed,
but retains a sense of freshness
thanks to racy, mouthwatering acidity
and undercurrents of saline and
mineral, which provide an intriguing
counterpoint to the ripe fruit flavors.
The finish is long and smoky. Drink
now through 2029. Score: 93 (Alison
Napjus, winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2011)
115170 [XD] 750 mL
$39
$89
VINTAGES
39
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – ALSACE
MARCEL DEISS GRUENSPIEL
2007
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: From a red marlgravel above Ribeauville, the 2007
Gruenspiel is another of what Deiss
calls his “white red wines,” and,
indeed, there the blend is one third
each Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer,
and Riesling. Green tea, red currant
jelly, and overtly chalky and alkaline
mineral suggestions on the nose all
remind me a bit of a top-notch
Chassagne Morgeot. An exchange of
peach, musk melon, red currant, and
lemon underlain by chalk on a dense
palate offers energy and impressive
grip, and this finishes with its sweetness restrained by strong, almost
ineffable minerality and red wine-like
though fine tannin. It should be
tremendously fascinating to follow over
at least the next 10-12 years, and
absolutely devilish to present to the
unsuspecting wine sophisticate blind.
Drink: 2010-2022. Score: 93 (David
Schildknecht, erobertparker.com,
April 2010)
WHITE WINE
KUENTZ-BAS CUVÉE CAROLINE
VENDANGE TARDIVE PINOT GRIS
2009
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: Off-dry and creamy,
offering a smoky baseline and
honeyed flavors of pear gelée, quince
paste and candied lemon zest,
with a hint of graham cracker. A lush
white, lightly mouthcoating, with a
spice-tinged finish. Drink now through
2019. Score: 91 (Alison Napjus,
winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2011)
316638 [M] 750 mL
$59
JOSEPH CATTIN VENDANGES
TARDIVES PINOT GRIS 2007
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: Though clearly lateharvest in style, firm, finely honed
acidity helps the concentrated fruit
flavors follow a range of dry fruit –
apricot, papaya, candied citrus peel –
that’s neither too honeyed nor overly
sweet. Deftly done, with a fine balance,
showing hints of smoke, candle
wax, dried herbs and sea salt that add
complexity. This vibrant wine has
many layers to it, with a long finish
that shows a hint of crushed pine.
Drink now through 2027. Score: 93
(Alison Napjus, winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2011)
332056 [M] 750 mL
40
VINTAGES
$39
OCTOBER 2013
316471 [XD] 750 mL
ROLLY GASSMANN VENDANGES
TARDIVES PINOT GRIS 2005
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: This floral and openknit white features juicy acidity to
accent flavors of green melon, papaya,
toasted almond, candied grapefruit
zest, kumquat and ground spice. Elegant, with a mouthwatering finish of
white truffle. Drink now through 2025.
Score: 93 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2012)
331868 [XD] 750 mL
$45
ROLLY GASSMANN STEGREBEN
DE RORSCHWIHR
GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2002
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: A hint of mushroom
accents orange peel, honey and rose
petal notes. This is rich, with live-wire
acidity and hints of grapefruit and
smoke that linger on the long finish.
Has impeccable balance. Drink
now through 2018. Score: 92 (Bruce
Sanderson, winespectator.com,
April 30, 2008)
$57
331876 [XD] 750 mL
$39
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE
JACQUESSON CUVÉE NO. 736
BRUT CHAMPAGNE
AC
TASTING NOTE: I also tasted the
NV Brut Cuvee No. 736, which JeanHerve Chiquet disgorged ‘a la volee,’
which means the wine is not technically
finished, hence the score in parentheses. The 736 is based on the 2008
vintage, a year that yielded pure,
racy Champagnes built on energy and
tension, a style I personally like
quite a bit. The 736 presents incredible
aromatic nuance and layers of finely
sculpted, chiseled fruit. An intense,
saline and citrus-laced finish rounds
things out in style. This is shaping up
to be a great 700-series Champagne
from Jacquesson, perhaps the best yet.
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.
Score: 90-92 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Nov. 2012)
234120 [XD] 750 mL
$69
BLIN’S ÉDITION LIMITÉE EXTRA
BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002
AC
TASTING NOTE: Tight acidity
dominates this top cuvée from Blin,
and between that and its strong
citrus character, it needs time to
breathe before drinking. Then it
fills out with delicious, refreshing
acidity, followed by a crisp finish.
Score: 92 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2012)
328328 [XD] 750 mL
$85
CHARLES ELLNER SÉDUCTION
BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002
AC
TASTING NOTE: Racy acidity frames
the creamy bead and flavors of
baked peach, Key lime pie and pastry
dough in this powerful version with
hints of marzipan and kumquat. Very
expressive, with a fine bead and a
zesty finish. Drink now through 2030.
Score: 93 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2012)
106583 [D] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
GUY CHARLEMAGNE LA CUVÉE
MESNILLÉSIME GRAND
CRU BLANC DE BLANCS
BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002
AC, Mesnil sur Oger
TASTING NOTE: This wine really needs
some coaxing to bring the aromas
forward, revealing only subtle sniffs of
buttered croissant, fresh limes and
grapefruit plus a hint of wet pebbles.
The palate is very tightly knit but fine
indeed, providing a great intensity of
green apple and citrus fruit flavours
complimented by fresh bread and lots
of minerals. Crisp acidity and very
fine bubbles. Long finish. Needs a
further 6-18 months in bottle but
should develop into something truly
special. Tasted March 2009. Score: 93
(Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, July 2009)
163360 [XD] 750 mL
$99
$74
VINTAGES
41
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE
FLEURY BLANC DE NOIRS
BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1988
AC
TASTING NOTE: Another drop-dead
gorgeous Champagne, the 1988
Extra Brut Millesime Blanc de Noirs
covers every inch of the palate with
tons of depth and pure richness. All
the elements are simply in the right
place. Sweet red berries, autumn
leaves, tobacco and sweet spices
come to life in the glass. At once fully
mature yet wonderfully vivid, the
1988 is totally expressive today. Hints
of incense and licorice develop in
the glass, adding a dimension of exoticism that is beguiling. The raciness
of the Pinot Noir comes through in
spaces on the long, resonant finish.
Readers who enjoy fine, mature Blanc
de Noirs will find much to admire.
Disgorgement date: July 6, 2011.
Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.
Score: 93 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Nov. 2012)
CHAMPAGNE
R & L LEGRAS SAINT-VINCENT
BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT
CHAMPAGNE GRAND CRU 1996
AC
TASTING NOTE: Julian Barbier says
this is their best vintage so far of
this wine that is made only in the best
vintages. Much less open on the
nose than the 2002, still deep in flavour
and full in the mouth. Much better,
tighter, fresher and still a great length
and fresh. Much better definition
than the 2000. A cut above superior.
Drink: 2005-2015. Score: 18 (out
of 20) (Julia Harding, MW, jancisrobinson.com, March 16, 2012)
999458 [XD] 750 mL
$129
FLEURY SIÈCLE D’OR BRUT
CHAMPAGNE 1990
AC
TASTING NOTE: Mouthwatering, with
a lovely balance between intense
focus and the finely woven blend of
crystallized honey, toasted almond,
dried pineapple, marmalade, brioche
and fleur de sel flavor. A hint of
oyster shell lingers on the finish. Drink
now through 2022. 20 cases made.
Score: 95 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2012)
332049 [XD] 750 mL
42
VINTAGES
$136
OCTOBER 2013
332031 [XD] 750 mL
$169
FRANCE – LOIRE
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE VACHERON LES
ROMAINS SANCERRE 2011
AC
TASTING NOTE: Tasting several barrels
and the foudre of Vacheron 2011
Sancerre Les Romains as well as an
approximation to the final assemblage finds them collectively caressing,
at times even creamy, with coriander,
mint, and subtle suggestions of bittersweet floral perfume accenting
lush and luscious Persian melon and
pineapple that mingle with toasty
nut oils and saliva-inducing shrimp
shell reduction in a soothing finish.
And that crustacean savor was especially evident in the portion tasted
from wooden upright, which represents
far and away the majority of this
wine’s total volume. This richly fruitforward yet already complexly
nuanced and enticingly mineral and
carnal rendition of its site – as fine
as any I’ve tasted (and there are few
if any other 2011s about which I’d
be tempted to make such a claim) –
is going to be gorgeous on release and
should show well for at least 3-4 years
thereafter. Score: 91-92 (David
Schildknecht, erobertparker.com,
June 2012)
318154 [XD] 750 mL
$49
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
FRANCE – MIDI
GERMANY – MOSEL
RED WINE
WHITE WINE
L’OUSTAL BLANC GIOCOSO
MINERVOIS 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: From tank, the l’Oustal
Blanc 2009 Minervois Giocoso –
incorporating some Cinsault along
with its usual Grenache, Syrah,
and Carignan – is redolent of incense,
freshly-baked ginger cookies, and
confitured cherry and black raspberry.
Thickly and seamlessly rich, it displays, surprisingly, no greater sense
of superficial sweetness than the
corresponding 2008 (the leavening or
fluxing effect of the Cinsault perhaps
decisive in this regard). For all of its
high-alcohol richness this also evinces
an uncanny sense of finishing buoyancy
of a sort that growers are quick to
attribute to the magic of chalk and clay.
There is terrific grip and lingering
spice here yet without any objectionable
heat, while a sustained sense of
salinity serves for saliva inducement.
This ought to superbly for at least
6-8 years. Score: 92-93 (David
Schildknecht, erobertparker.com,
June 2011)
WEGELER
WEHLENER SONNENUHR
RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2010
Prädikatswein
TASTING NOTE: Focused and racy,
with an intense core of green apple,
peach and Bosc pear flavors that burst
with plenty of lively acidity. Long and
lush, with a snap of gooseberry and
glazed citrus on the finish. Drink
now through 2035. Score: 93 (Kim
Marcus, winespectator.com, Web
Only, 2012)
155325 [XD] 750 mL
087452 [MS] 750 mL
$33
•
OCTOBER 2013
JOH. JOS. PRÜM GRAACHER
HIMMELREICH RIESLING
KABINETT 2008
Prädikatswein
TASTING NOTE: The Prum 2008
Graacher Himmelreich Riesling
Kabinett smells of green tea, fresh
apple, honeysuckle, and acacia;
offers boundless refreshment and
gravity-defying buoyancy with
pungent invigoration of citrus peel
and apple skin; and finishes with
its pure fruit and effusive, persistent
inner-mouth floral perfume allied
to saline, stony, smoke, iodine-like
and remarkably savory manifestations of things mineral. It will reward
20-25 years of cellaring for the few
who put that claim to the test – or
who are already convinced by their
past experience with Prum Rieslings.
Score: 91 (David Schildknecht,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2010)
333021 [MS] 750 mL
$35
$33
VINTAGES
43
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
GERMANY – MOSEL
WEGELER BERNKASTELER
DOCTOR RIESLING AUSLESE
2010
Prädikatswein
TASTING NOTE: Luscious sweetie,
with concentrated peach, apricot
and ripe pear flavors that ooze honey
and cream. Very lush, with plenty
of butter and spice on the long, rich
finish. Excellent balance and structure supports it all. Drink now through
2040. Score: 95 (Kim Marcus,
winespectator.com, Web Only, 2012)
WHITE WINE
VON HÖVEL OBEREMMELER
HÜTTE RIESLING AUSLESE 2007
Prädikatswein
TASTING NOTE: A hint of lanolin lifts
the peach and spice aromas, while
the palate is defined by pure peach
and mineral notes. It’s all supported
by a vibrant structure that propels the
flavors to a long aftertaste. Best
from 2011 through 2038. 250 cases
made. Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson,
winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2009)
316596
[S]
750 mL
$39
BOLLIG-LEHNERT PIESPORTER
GOLDTRÖPFCHEN RIESLING
BEERENAUSLESE 2006
Prädikatswein
TASTING NOTE: Elegant and graceful,
exhibiting lime, vanilla cream, piecrust and latent mineral aromas and
flavors. This is defined by the vibrant
structure, keeping it coursing through
the finish. There’s terrific harmony
and length. Drink now through 2048.
50 cases made. Score: 96 (Bruce
Sanderson, winespectator.com, Web
Only, 2009)
293878
44
[S]
VINTAGES
375 mL
$37
OCTOBER 2013
599373 [MS] 375 mL
$54
GERMANY – NAHE
WHITE WINE
HEXAMER MEDDERSHEIMER
RHEINGRAFENBERG RIESLING
SPÄTLESE 2010
Prädikatswein
TASTING NOTE: A nectarous amalgam of pear, white peach and
grapefruit, Hexamer’s 2010 Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg Riesling
Spatlese is lusciously lingering, its
richness enhanced by an undertone of almond extract and with no
less intriguing and delightful a
sense of shimmering minerality nor
less lift than the corresponding
Kabinett. This should leave you licking your lips over the course of at
least the next 12-15 years if you can
keep your corkscrew out of some
bottles for that long. Score: 92 (David
Schildknecht, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
336164 [M] 750 mL
$35
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
OCTOBER 2013
HUNGARY
ITALY – ABRUZZO
ITALY – FRIULI
WHITE WINE
RED WINE
RED WINE
ALANA TOKAJ 6 PUTTONYOS
TOKAJI ASZÚ 2005
LA VALENTINA BELLOVEDERE
MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
2007
DOC
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Bellovedere is
one of the more exotic Montepulcianos
I tasted this year. Big, rich and
sensual, the Bellovedere shows plenty
of intensity and delineation in its
black fruit. With time in the glass the
wine’s inner perfume emerges,
framing the fruit nicely to a polished,
bright finish. Anticipated maturity:
2014-2022. Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, June 2011)
MEROI VIGNA DOMININ MERLOT
2009
DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Dominin
is explosive from the very first taste.
The 2009 is an unsual Dominin in that
it is 100% Merlot rather than a
Merlot/Refosco blend, as has been
the case in the past. In 2009 the
Refresco vineyards were too adversely
affected by the heat, so Meroi opted
to make the Dominin only from Merlot,
a decision that paid off handsomely.
Layers of super-ripe opulent fruit saturate the palate as the 2009 opens
up in the glass. An exciting melange
of raspberry jam, flowers, licorice
and spices comes to life in the 2009
Dominin. There is no question this
is a big, full-throttle wine, yet all of the
elements are beautifully balanced
throughout. This is a showstopper from
Meroi. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.
Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
TASTING NOTE: Pure and silky, this
dessert wine has an spicy, grassy
edge to its honey, apricot, orange
candy and passion fruit notes.
It’s concentrated and remains stylish,
thanks to the steely acidity. Terrific
length. Best from 2012 through 2035.
Score: 95 (Bruce Sanderson,
winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2010)
268672
[S]
500 mL
$165
167445 [XD] 750 mL
$64
343228 [XD] 750 mL
$119
VINTAGES
45
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
ITALY – FRIULI
ITALY – PIEDMONT
WHITE WINE
RED WINE
SCHIOPETTO SAUVIGNON 2010
DOC Collio
TASTING NOTE: The 2010
Sauvignon is beautifully balanced from
start to finish. Varietal aromatics meld
into juicy apricots and peaches in this
expressive, nuanced white. The
typical Capriva bouquet is present, but
where so many Sauvignons tend
towards the green end of the spectrum,
Schiopetto’s Sauvignon shows lovely
richness and depth in its fruit. The wine
could use another few months to fully
come together, but it is beautiful, even
today. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.
Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
AZELIA SAN ROCCO BAROLO
2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo San
Rocco bursts from the glass with an
exciting melange of dark fruit, mocha,
tar, smoke and licorice. The San
Rocco is much more full-bodied and
overtly intense than the Margheria
in what is a very classic expression
of this Serralunga site. Dark fruit,
smoke, licorice and tar wrap around
the building, muscular finish. In
2008 the San Rocco is big, dark and
flat-out delicious. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. Score: 95 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com,
April 2012)
165027 [XD] 750 mL
OCTOBER 2013
$39
268839 [XD] 750 mL
$85
BROVIA ROCCHE BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: An open, floral nose
announces the 2008 Barolo Rocche.
This is a surprisingly steely, intense
Rocche with little of the early appeal
this wine usually offers. Instead, readers
will find a structured, inward Barolo
that should develop handsomely for
at least two decades. A hint of feminine, Rocche sensuality emerges on
the finish, but readers are best
served cellaring this beauty for at least
a handful of years. Anticipated
maturity: 2018-2028. I can’t say enough
good things about the Brovia family
and what they have accomplished over
the years, but especially over the last
decade or so, which has seen them
jump into the upper echelon of
Barolo producers. The 2008s had just
been bottled when I tasted them in
November 2011. Now that the wines
have been in bottle a little longer,
it is clear they are fulfilling all of their
early promise. Score: 96 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012)
064055 [XD] 750 mL
46
VINTAGES
$87
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CONTERNO FANTINO SORÌ
GINESTRA BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo Sori
Ginestra is the most complete of
these 2008s. An exotic melange of
plums, black cherries, menthol,
spices and licorice takes shape in the
glass. The 2008 Ginestra impresses for its textural depth, richness and
aromatic nuance. Layers of fruit
build towards the sweeping finish in
this multi-dimensional, textured
Barolo. Ginestra is one of the great
sites in Barolo. The 2008 captures
all of the magic. This is the most refined, polished young Sori Ginestra
I have ever tasted. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028...The ConternoFantino Baroli used to be tannic beasts
when young, but the 2008 Baroli
are surprisingly accessible at this stage.
I imagine the wines will close down
at least somewhat over the coming
months, but even if they do,
these Baroli stand out for their finesse.
Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
105502 [XD] 750 mL
SILVIO GRASSO GIACHINI
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Giachini offers up freshly cut flowers,
dark cherries, tar, French oak,
minerals and mint. It possesses lovely
aromatic complexity and the utter
refinement that is the signature of the
year. Sweet, silky tannins frame
the polished finish. This is a highly
representative wine from one of La
Morra’s great vineyards. Anticipated
maturity: 2016-2026. Score: 92+
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
April 2012)
020438 [XD] 750 mL
$67
•
OCTOBER 2013
DOMENICO CLERICO CIABOT
MENTIN BAROLO 2008
DOCG
Bruce Sanderson (winespectator.com)
gives this wine a score of 92,
and suggests a drinking window of
2016-2035.
TASTING NOTE: (Clerico is no longer
using Ginestra on the label as of
2007: a change in the law recognized
numerous crus, including Ginestra,
but since many other growers use
Ginestra on their labels, Clerico
decided to name this wine after his
own parcel): Medium red. Deeper
and richer on the nose than the Pajana,
with scents of redcurrant, mocha,
dried flowers and earth. Wonderfully
deep, layered and sweet; lush but
with good limestone lift. This floods the
palate with flavor and lingers with
exceptional purity and persistence.
Score: 96 (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Oct./Nov. 2011)
327783 [XD] 750 mL
$99
$99
VINTAGES
47
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
ITALY – PIEDMONT
FRATELLI REVELLO GATTERA
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Gattera shows lovely depth in its dark
red fruit, flowers and spices. The
Gattera boasts gorgeous transparency
in its fruit, fabulous length and great
overall balance. Today it is an infant,
but the future appears to be very
bright. This is the only Revello Barolo
aged in cask. In 2008 it is a stunner. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.
Score: 93+ (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
RED WINE
E. PIRA E FIGLI CANNUBI
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
(Chiara Boschis, Prop.)
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Cannubi sweeps across the palate
with layers of dark red fruit, flowers,
subtle French oak, mint, licorice
and spices. This is an especially pliant,
generous 2008 laced with expressive
fruit and fabulous overall balance. The
south-facing Cannubi yields a juicier
more fruit-driven style than Via Nuova.
The 2008 impresses for its inner
perfume and overall sense of harmony.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
250332 [XD] 750 mL
$95
E. PIRA E FIGLI VIA NUOVA
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
(Chiara Boschis, Prop.)
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo Via
Nuova is round, seamless and totally
impeccable. Dark red cherries, flowers,
mint and spices are some of the
nuances that emerge from the supersexy, refined Via Nuova. The integration of oak, fruit and structure is
fabulous. Bright red berries, minerals
and freshly cut flowers add considerable brightness on the polished,
totally refined finish. I especially like the
energy and sense of focus in the Via
Nuova this year. This is a lovely effort
from the charismatic Chiara Boschis.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
250324 [XD] 750 mL
48
VINTAGES
$89
OCTOBER 2013
182436 [XD] 750 mL
$65
MARCARINI BRUNATE
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Brunate is gorgeous. An open,
beguiling bouquet redolent of
Christmas cake, plums, menthol and
licorice melds into an expressive core
of dark fruit. The mystery and allure
of Brunate is on full display. The
2008 was quite open just after bottling, but it has begun to shut down
since then. Both times I have tasted
it, the wine has been translucent,
weightless and yet powerful at the
same time; in other words, the
embodiment of what makes Barolo
such a fascinating and complex wine.
Simply put, this is textbook Barolo
from one of La Morra’s top vineyards.
The 2008 Brunate is steeped in
class, but readers will have to be
patient. Anticipated maturity: 20182028. Score: 94+ (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, April 2012)
167494 [XD] 750 mL
$57
MARCARINI LA SERRA
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo La
Serra comes across as soft, fragrant
and feminine. Sweet red berries, mint,
rosemary and licorice develop in the
glass, adding further complexity and
nuance. The La Serra is deceptively
medium in body, yet it boasts fabulous
length. The finish turns just a bit
fleeting, but not enough to detract from
the wine’s terrific overall balance.
The La Serra will appeal most to readers
who enjoy the delicate, feminine side
of Barolo. It is a striking Barolo from
Marcarini. Anticipated maturity:
2016-2028. Score: 93 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, April 2012)
007807 [XD] 750 mL
$65
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
PARUSSO MARIONDINO
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Mariondino is graced with exquisite
depth and definition in its dark raspberries, flowers, mint and licorice.
Fleshy and radiant, the Mariondino is
endowed with considerable finesse
and elegance. Freshly cut flowers, mint
and sweet spices add complexity
and nuance on the delineated finish.
The Mariondino is a head-spinning
Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 20162028. Marco Parusso is one of
the most adventurous producers in
Piemonte. Never content, Parusso is
willing to take more risks in the pursuit
of greatness than the vast majority
of his colleagues. A visit here is always
fascinating because so many things
are in motion. In recent years, Parusso’s
biggest experiments have been with
whole cluster fermentation, which is
common in Burgundy, but rarely
seen in Piemonte. The 2008 harvest
was one of the latest on record. The
fruit was brought in between October 15
and the end of the month. Score: 94
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
April 2012)
105114 [XD] 750 mL
$59
PIRA MARENCA BAROLO 2008
DOCG, Serralunga d’Alba
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Vigna Marenca boasts a center of
bright red berries that is surprisingly
supple and elegant. Sweet red
cherries, freshly cut flowers, spices
and mint take shape in the glass
as the 2008 shows off a refined, hightoned register that is rarely found
in this wine. The 2008 boasts striking
inner perfume and a long, chalky
yet seamless finish that is the essence
of harmony. A hint of dried roses
and sweet cherries linger in the empty
glass. This is another dazzling
showing. The Marenca was aged in a
combination of cask and tonneaux.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, April 2012)
343236 [XD] 750 mL
$79
PIRA VIGNA RIONDA
BAROLO 2008
DOCG, Serralunga d’Alba
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Vigna Rionda possesses striking inner
perfume and sweetness as it wraps
around the palate. Raspberries, hard
candy, flowers, mint and sweet spices
are some of the many notes that flow
from this effortless, sensual Barolo.
Silky tannins are present, but they are
nearly covered by the pure sensuality
of the fruit. Today the Rionda is supple,
sweet and totally inviting. The finish
is intense and totally haunting. This is
an exceptional, hugely promising
Barolo from Giampaolo Pira. Anticipated
maturity: 2016-2028. Score: 95+
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
April 2012)
343244 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
SILVIO GRASSO TURNÈ
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Turne is drop-dead gorgeous. Dark
red berries, rose petals, mint and
spices flow effortlessly from this midweight, gracious Barolo. The long
maceration time and aging in cask
seems especially well-suited to the
personality of the vintage. This is one
of the most impressive Baroli I have
ever tasted from Grasso. The 2008 is
classy, elegant and first-rate. The
Turne is completely different from the
other Grasso Baroli because of the
traditional approach to vinficiation and
aging, but it is striking in 2008.
Ethereal floral notes underpinned by
veins of chalky minerality support
the long, brilliant finish. Anticipated
maturity: 2016-2028. Score: 94
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
April 2012)
316497 [XD] 750 mL
$69
$115
VINTAGES
49
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
ITALY – PIEDMONT
MICHELE CHIARLO CEREQUIO
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Barolo
Cerequio is the freshest and most
vibrant of these 2007 Baroli. Sweet
dark cherries, menthol, pine, mocha
and spices are some of the notes that
are woven together in this rich, textured Barolo. Here, too, the balance
of fruit and structure is terrific.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.
Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)
RED WINE
GIGI ROSSO ARIONE
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Pungent with tar,
licorice, soy and black cherry aromas
and flavors, this is a dense, saturated
red with a brawny structure. The finish
is long, showing all elements in
balance. A terrific combination of fruit,
texture, structure and place. Best
from 2014 through 2028. Special
designation: Highly Recommended.
Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2012)
337279 [XD] 750 mL
$55
GIOVANNI ROSSO CERRETTA
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Simply compelling
from start to finish, exhibiting raspberry, cherry and floral aromas and
flavors that are pure and focused,
with support from the solid yet ripe
tannins. This shows fruit and a silky
texture up front, with structure on the
back end, coming together on the
long, fruit- and spice-tinged aftertaste.
Best from 2015 through 2032.
Score: 95 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, April 30, 2012)
318147 [XD] 750 mL
$79
OCTOBER 2013
316521 [XD] 750 mL
$77
PAOLO SCAVINO CANNUBI
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Barolo
Cannubi is a massive, imposing wine,
as so many Baroli from this site are
in 2007. This is a remarkably primary
unevolved Barolo that impresses
for its seamless fruit and breathtaking
richness. With time in the glass,
the wine’s aromatic nuances finally
emerge, giving a brief glimpse of
what is to come over the following
years. This is a totally complete,
mesmerizing Barolo from Scavino.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.
Score: 96 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011)
212803 [XD] 750 mL
$99
PAOLO SCAVINO ROCCHE
DELL’ANNUNZIATA RISERVA
BAROLO 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Barolo
Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata
is compelling in its open-knit, floral
bouquet of freshly cut roses, cherries and raspberries. Sweet, round
and perfumed, the wine possesses
an appealing combination of elegance
wedded to power. Layers of inner
perfume continue to develop in the
glass, showcasing the unique qualities of one of Piedmont’s top sites. This
is an immensely promising Barolo
from Scavino with several decades of
fine drinking ahead. Today the 2006
comes across as more muscular than
the decidedly refined 2004. Anticipated
maturity: 2016-2031. Score: 97
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2010)
212811 [XD] 750 mL
PIETRO RINALDI MONVIGLIERO
BAROLO 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Fresh-smelling,
featuring floral, cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus and black tea aromas and
flavors, with a dense carpet of tannins
lending support. Balanced and
assertive, in a quietly confident way,
with fine length. Best from 2014
through 2030. Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, April 30,
2012)
331926 [XD] 750 mL
50
VINTAGES
$175
$85
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
TRAVAGLINI TRE VIGNE
NEBBIOLO GATTINARA 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Gattinara
Tre Vigne is made in a richer, deeper
style than the straight Gattinara. There
is plenty of richness and body here,
but the juicy style has been achieved
with some loss of varietal and regional
character. In my view the oak is a bit
heavy-handed. Anticipated maturity:
2012-2021. Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)
035329 [XD] 750 mL
$49
NEGRETTI BRICCO AMBROGIO
BAROLO 2004
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: This exhibits fresh
cherry and black currant flavors, and
there’s a meatiness to its texture. The
firm grip of tannins sweeps in on the
finish, which echoes fruit, along
with eucalyptus and spice notes. Best
from 2014 through 2032. Score: 93
(Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com,
Nov. 30, 2011)
332007 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
ITALY – PUGLIA
ITALY – TUSCANY
RED WINE
RED WINE
RIVERA PUER APULIAE
NERO DI TROIA 2007
DOC Castel del Monte
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Nero di
Troia Puer Apuliae explodes from the
glass with blackberries, blueberries, tar,
smoke, licorice and violets. Mint
and flowers wrap around the intense,
building finish. The tannins are big
and bold today, but should begin to melt
away in another few years. Rivera
gives the Puer Apuliae 14 months in
new French oak. My sense is the
wine could be even better with less oak
influence given the striking purity of
the fruit. Regardless, the Puer Apuliae
is one of the handful of wines of southern Italy imbued with true pedigree.
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027.
Score: 93+ (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2011)
TUA RITA PERLATO DEL BOSCO
2010
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Perlato del
Bosco explodes from the glass with
the energy and sheer power that is
typical of the year. Dark red berries,
licorice and smoke are some of the
many notes that take shape in the
glass. There is a sense of underlying
tension here that is palpable, and that
gives the wine much of its focus. This is
a great vintage for Perlato del Bosco.
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.
Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2012)
328302 [XD] 750 mL
$37
324608 [XD] 750 mL
$49
FONTODI FLACCIANELLO DELLA
PIEVE 2009
IGT Colli Toscana Centrale
Ranked #25 in Wine Spectator’s Top
100 of 2012.
$75
TASTING NOTE: The first impression
of this red is purity and finesse, as
black currant, raspberry and violet
aromas and flavors stay focused and
persistent. An earthy leather element
and mineral notes chime in on the
finish, backed by a vibrant structure.
Sangiovese. Best from 2015 through
2032. Special designation: Collectibles.
Score: 96 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2012)
963744 [XD] 750 mL
$99
VINTAGES
51
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
ITALY – TUSCANY
MONTEVERTINE 2009
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Montevertine comes across as more classic
than the Pergole Torte. Firm yet wellintegrated tannins support expressive
sweet red cherries, freshly cut flowers
and mint. The 2009 is a highly
attractive, pointed Montevertine that
oozes class and elegance. Clean,
saline notes inform the beautifully
pointed, delineated finish. This is
far from an easygoing 2009. The wine
still needs time to fully come together. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.
Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2012)
RED WINE
FONTODI VIGNA DEL SORBO
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2009
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Chianti
Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is
impressive. The overtness of the year
is nicely balanced by the inherent
freshness and acidity of Sangiovese.
Hints of tobacco, cedar, licorice and
spices are layered into the insistent
finish. This is a terrific showing. I
very much like the energy, length and
focus of the fruit. I can’t wait to see
how this develops over the coming
years. The Vigna del Sorbo is a bit
overlooked in the Fontodi stable, but
it is often striking, especially after a
few years in bottle. This historic vineyard is planted to 90% Sangiovese
and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The
Sorbo has an element of freshness
that the Flaccianello doesn’t have. I
will not be surprised if over time it
enjoys a more gradual and finessed
evolution in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Score: 94+ (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2012)
963827 [XD] 750 mL
52
VINTAGES
$75
OCTOBER 2013
167742 [XD] 750 mL
ORMA 2009
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Orma is
gorgeous. Espresso, mocha, sweet
red cherries, grilled herbs and plums
wrap around the palate in this sensual
wine from the Tuscan coast. The 2009
doesn’t quite have the exuberance or
sexiness of 2007 or 2008, but it comes
very close. Firm tannins frame a
vibrant, energetic finish layered with
graphite, smoke and mocha. This
is a very beautiful wine from Antonio
Moretti and long-time consulting
oenologist Carlo Ferrini. Anticipated
maturity: 2014-2024. Score: 93
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
June 2012)
$57
260984 [XD] 750 mL
$64
MONTEVERTINE LE PERGOLE
TORTE 2009
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Le Pergole
Torte is flat-out great. Layers of fruit
wrap around the palate in this flashy,
seductive Pergole Torte. There are
no hard edges to be found. Sweet red
cherries, roses, spices and mint are
layered into the silky, radiant finish.
The 2009 is a wine of extraordinary
elegance. Today the 2009 comes across
as a smaller scaled version of the
2007. This is also the first year of biological farming at Montevertine. Despite
the heat wave in August, Martino
Manetti waited until October 12 to bring
the Sangiovese in. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2039. Score: 96 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com,
June 2012)
POGGIO SCALETTE
IL CARBONAIONE 2009
IGT Alta Valle della Greve
(Vittorio Fiore)
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Il Carbonaione has elegance to burn. Polished,
silky tannins frame layers of fruit as this
harmonious, totally finessed wine
blossoms in the glass. The 2009 is
simply glorious from the very first
taste. A kick of Sangiovese acidity gives
the wine its lift and vibrancy on the
finish. This is a great showing. Carbonaione is 100% Sangiovese (Lamole
clone) grown on the hillsides of Greve.
The wine spent 15 months in 350-liter
oak barrels, 50% new. Anticipated
maturity: 2016-2029. Score: 94+
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
June 2012)
316604 [XD] 750 mL
719872 [XD] 750 mL
$125
$60
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
POLIZIANO ASINONE VINO
NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
2009
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Vino Nobile
di Montepulciano Asinone is very
young. Ripe dark cherries, flowers,
menthol, licorice and spices burst
from the glass in this exuberant yet
well-balanced Asinone. Sweet roses,
tobacco and new leather appear later,
adding further complexity. The 2009
impresses for its compelling inner sweetness and fabulous sense of harmony.
This is a great version of one of Montepulciano’s true icons. Anticipated
maturity: 2014-2029. Score: 93+
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
June 2012)
952473 [XD] 750 mL
$55
RENIERI RE DI RENIERI 2009
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: Complex yet subtle
aromas of licorice, minerals, blueberries
and Indian spices. Full body, with
super racy tannins and a gorgeous
finish. It goes on for minutes. Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Fantastic
red. Better in 2015. Score: 95
(James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Aug. 29, 2012)
104653 [XD] 750 mL
$44
TENUTA DI GHIZZANO NAMBROT
2009
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Nambrot
is striking. Today it comes across
as impossibly young and dense. The
bouquet still needs time to develop,
but it is impossible to miss the depth
and finesse of the fruit. Firm yet well
balanced tannins support a gorgeous,
inviting finish laced with blackberries,
tar, smoke, licorice and violets. I can’t
wait to taste this in a few years.
Nambrot is 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet
Franc and 20% Petit Verdot aged
in French oak barrels. Anticipated
maturity: 2014-2024. These are
the most impressive wines I have ever
tasted from Tenuta di Ghizzano. The
wines are made in a fairly non-interventionalist style, starting with
organically farmed grapes. For the
top wines, the grapes are crushed
by foot and fermentations are done in
open-top wood and cement vats,
using only indigenous yeasts. Score: 94+
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
June 2012)
103226 [XD] 750 mL
$44
•
OCTOBER 2013
VIGNAMAGGIO CASTELLO DI
MONNA LISA CHIANTI CLASSICO
RISERVA 2009
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Chianti
Classico Riserva Castello di Monna
Lisa is a big wine.The inclusion of 5%
Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
give the Monna Lisa a slightly modern feel, but without robbing the wine
of its essential Sangiovese driven
personality. Firm tannins support a
finish laced with ripe red fruit,
tobacco, grilled herbs and licorice.
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021.
Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2012)
930651 [XD] 750 mL
$39
LE MACCHIOLE MESSORIO 2008
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Messorio
is simply marvelous in this vintage.
Layers of dark fruit take shape beautifully in the glass as this reticent
Messorio shows off its pedigree. The
2008 is a decidedly inward wine that,
once again, stands apart from some
recent vintages. The 2008 is a midweight, refined Messorio endowed with
tons of balance and sheer finesse. It
will be a fascinating wine to follow in
the coming years. The 2008 Messorio
was aged for 14 months in the standard
French oak barrique (75% new), a
move away from the smaller barrels
that had been used in past years.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
Score: 97 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)
316612 [XD] 750 mL
$235
VINTAGES
53
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
ITALY – TUSCANY
MANDRONE DI LOHSA 2008
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Mandrone
di Lohsa (Cabernet Sauvignon) is
striking. Mocha, grilled herbs, plums,
smoke and black cherries meld
together in this rich, sumptuous wine.
Firm tannins frame the fruit through
to the imposing, structured finish. The
intensity and sheer power are a
marvel to behold. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Score: 91 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com)
LISINI BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Brunello
di Montalcino is very beautiful in this
vintage. Sweet dark cherries, flowers,
mint and licorice take shape as the
wine opens up in the glass. This is an
especially voluminous wine endowed
with tons of richness and nuance. A
finessed, seamless finish laced
with sweet hints of tobacco and wild
flowers rounds things out in style.
This is a terrific showing. Lisini gave
the Brunello three years in cask.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.
Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, April 2012)
331959 [XD] 750 mL
105395 [XD] 750 mL
RED WINE
$44
MARCHESI TORRIGIANI
GUIDACCIO 2008
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Guidaccio
is Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon. The bouquet is classic
Sangiovese, while the French varieties add mid-palate presence and
depth as this gorgeous red opens up
in the glass. Firm yet well-integrated
tannins support layers of menthol,
leather, licorice and spices on the inviting finish. In its best vintages Guidaccio can challenge wines that cost twice
as much, and also has the pedigree
to develop beautifully in bottle. The
blend is 50% Sangiovese, followed
by 25-30% Cabernet Sauvignon and
the rest Merlot. Anticipated maturity:
2016-2026. Score: 92+ (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com,
June 2012)
674499 [XD] 750 mL
54
VINTAGES
$49
OCTOBER 2013
PODERE BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: A beautifully composed and well-constructed Brunello,
with bright berry tones of cassis and
cherry backed by ethereal notes of
root beer and eucalyptus. The wine
shows a clean, crisp and structured
sensation in the mouth – with a touch
of bitter almond on the close –
that revives and refreshes the palate.
Score: 95 (Monica Larner, Wine
Enthusiast, May 2012)
331967 [XD] 750 mL
$74
$72
MOLINO DI SANT’ANTIMO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
DOCG
Ranked #27 in Wine Enthusiast’s Top
100 of 2012.
TASTING NOTE: Well stitched together
with a broad, wide assembly of dark
fruit, spice and cola-like aromas. All the
wine’s elements sing loud as a single
chorus; bold, plush, chewy. Ends with
ripe fruit, rum cake, pipe tobacco
and dark espresso bean. Firm, great
length. Special designation: Editor’s
Choice. Score: 94 (Monica Larner, Wine
Enthusiast, May 2012)
339515 [XD] 750 mL
$49
STELLA DI CAMPALTO BRUNELLO
DI MONTALCINO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Brunello
di Montalcino is ripe, flashy and
seductive. It shows lovely juiciness and
fleshiness to match its generous
personality. It is only with the passage
of time that the wine’s structure
begins to emerge. Ripe red fruits, rose
petals, spices and licorice wrap
around the subtle yet engaging finish.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.
Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
156893 [XD] 750 mL
$115
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
VALDIPIATTA VIGNA
D’ALFIERO VINO NOBILE DI
MONTEPULCIANO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Vigna
d’Alfiero shows the dark, opulent side
of Sangiovese. It boasts gorgeous
richness and power, with waves of
fruit that saturate the palate from
start to finish. French oak barrels give
the wine much of its volume and
overall shape, but there is more than
enough fruit to stand up to the cooperage. This is another terrific showing from Valdipiatta. Anticipated
maturity: 2014-2027. Score: 93 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, June
2012)
332098 [XD] 750 mL
$54
VITANZA TRADIZIONE BRUNELLO
DI MONTALCINO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Sinewy and muscular,
this red delivers a core of cherry
and plum flavors, hinting at mint and
licorice. Stiff tannins corral everything on the moderately long finish. Best
from 2014 through 2026. Score: 92
(Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com,
Aug. 31, 2012)
265546 [XD] 750 mL
$49
ALTESINO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: A fine expression of
place, this intense red exhibits wild
underbrush, iron and raw meat notes
complemented by cherry, raspberry
and leather. There’s a firm backbone
of acidity and tannins, but this
stays balanced, with a long aftertaste
of mineral and spice. Best from
2014 through 2030. Special designation: Collectibles. Score: 95 (Bruce
Sanderson, winespectator.com,
Sept. 30, 2012)
008011 [XD] 750 mL
$105
ANGELINI VIGNA SPUNTALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG
Antonio Galloni (erobertparker.com)
gave this wine a score of 92,
and suggests a drinking window
of 2016-2026.
TASTING NOTE: This full-bodied
wine opens with compelling aromas
of black fruit, smoked bacon, leather,
cinnamon and crushed clove. There’s
a sassy, spicy characteristic here
that is further underlined by the wine’s
natural sweetness and roundness.
Score: 94 (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, May 2012)
•
OCTOBER 2013
BARBI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Brunello di
Montalcino Riserva bursts from the
glass with dark red fruit, flowers, mint
and licorice. The 2006 is a powerful,
intense Riserva, yet at the same time
there is more than enough depth in
the vibrant dark fruit to provide balance. This intense, rich, structured
Brunello is built for cellar. It should be
forgotten until at least age ten, and
even that may prove to be a conservative estimate of the wine’s early
approachability. Anticipated maturity:
2016-2026. Score: 94+ (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
705434 [XD] 750 mL
CAMIGLIANO GUALTO RISERVA
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Ripe plum, cherry,
licorice and leather aromas and flavors mark this rich, juicy red.
Harmonious and expressive, with a
fine finish of leather and balsamic.
Still needs a few years to absorb its
dense tannins. Best from 2014
through 2030. Score: 94 (Bruce
Sanderson, winespectator.com, Sept.
30, 2012)
213108 [XD] 750 mL
588624 [XD] 750 mL
$79
$79
$82
VINTAGES
55
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
ITALY – TUSCANY
LUPICAIA ROSSO 2006
IGT Toscana
(G.A. Rossi di Medelana)
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Lupicaia
is a highly promising effort. A melange
of black fruit, leather, licorice, tar, cassis
and minerals sits on a massive, brooding frame. Sage, rosemary and violets
develop in the glass, adding further
complexity. The Lupicaia reveals gorgeous depth and striking purity
in its fruit. As is often the case, it is
painfully young at this stage, but all
that is required is a few more years in
bottle. Lupicaia is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that spent
18 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Score: 94+
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2010)
RED WINE
CAMPOGIOVANNI IL QUERCIONE
RISERVA BRUNELLO
DI MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG
(San Felice)
TASTING NOTE: Plenty of perfumed
sandalwood and incense aromas
presage this powerhouse red, which
is bright and fluid, with some stiff
tannins on the back end. Really blossoms after about an hour and a half
in the glass. Best from 2014 through
2028. Score: 95 (Bruce Sanderson,
winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2012)
062703 [XD] 750 mL
OCTOBER 2013
$135
243915 [XD] 750 mL
075747 [XD] 750 mL
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI
RISERVA BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: A savory style, with
salty licorice, cherry, plum, herb and
underbrush aromas and flavors. Big,
yet balanced in its oversized way,
with a terrific aftertaste of saline and
licorice. Best from 2015 through
2030. Score: 95 (Bruce Sanderson,
winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2012)
107508 [XD] 750 mL
56
VINTAGES
$85
SESTI BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG, Unfiltered
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Brunello di
Montalcino is beautiful and understated in its soft red fruit, tobacco,
rosemary, underbrush and crushed
flowers.This is a delicate, pretty Brunello
that impresses for its overall balance and sense of harmony. There is
an element of quirkiness that I find
fascinating. Sweet red cherries, flowers
and licorice linger on the textured
finish. The estate’s Brunello spent a
full 36 months in oak prior to being
bottled unfiltered. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. Score: 92 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com,
May 2011)
RENIERI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI
MONTALCINO 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: A shaft of pure cherry
is surrounded by tobacco, earth and
spice flavors in this fresh, elegant red.
Displays ample muscle in the form
of its solid tannic structure, with a lingering, tobacco- and tea-infused
aftertaste. Best from 2015 through
2032. Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson,
winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2012)
328229 [XD] 750 mL
$85
$159
$69
TESTAMATTA 2006
IGT Toscana
(Bibi Graetz)
TASTING NOTE: Offers beautiful
blackberry, coffee bean and chocolate
aromas, with toasty oak undertones.
Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins
and a finish that lasts for minutes,
featuring loads of milk chocolate and
fruit character. So layered. This is
mind-blowing. A fabulous pure Sangiovese that shows the great quality
of the vintage. Best after 2011. Special
designation: Highly Recommended.
Score: 98 (James Suckling, winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2008)
141945 [XD] 750 mL
$199
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
ITALY – VENETO
WHITE WINE
LANCIOLA LE MASSE DI GREVE
VIN SANTO DEL CHIANTI
CLASSICO 2007
DOC Occhio di Pernice
TASTING NOTE: This displays a mix
of iodine and caramel in the aromas,
followed by buttery caramel, nuts and
orange rind notes to highlight this
intense, sweet white. Vibrant, lingering
beautifully with a sequel to the
nut and caramel flavors. Drink now
through 2025. Score: 95 (Bruce
Sanderson, winespectator.com, Oct. 31,
2012)
328310 [MS] 500 mL
$59.00
RED WINE
TEDESCHI CAPITEL MONTE OLMI
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO 2007
DOC
TASTING NOTE: Deep, opaque inky
ruby. Still closed nose hints at ripe
blackberry, dark plum, sage and nutmeg. Smooth and dense on entry,
with rich flavors of cocoa and tar framing ripe red cherry and cassis fruit.
Very smooth and long on the finish. One
of the best Capitel Monte Olmis
of recent memory; it also holds the
advantage over many Amarones
that it is very well balanced and easy
to drink. Score: 92(+?) (Ian D’Agata,
International Wine Cellar, March/April
2012)
964403 [D] 750 mL
$69
FASOLI GINO LA CORTE DEL
POZZO AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA 2006
DOC
TASTING NOTE: Dry and spicy, with
juicy acidity focusing rich layers of
flavor, including dried black currant,
crème de cassis, wood smoke and
dark chocolate shavings, with a touch
of balsamic. Displays a muscular
frame, but is elegant and refined overall. Mouthwatering finish. Drink
now through 2026. Score: 92 (Alison
Napjus, winespectator.com,
Aug. 31, 2012)
318212 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
LENA DI MEZZO SCARNOCCHIO
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO 2006
DOC
(Monte del Frá)
TASTING NOTE: This lively version
offers bright, tangy acidity and flavors
of dried cranberry and cherry, tea
fruit, red licorice and date. Elegant and
leans towards the traditional style,
with chewy tannins and accents of grilled herb, spice and vine clippings.
A ripe fruit note echoes on the finish.
Best from 2014 through 2024.
Score: 92 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2012)
316489 [XD] 750 mL
$70
MAZZI VIGNETO CASTEL
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO 2006
DOC
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Amarone
della Valpolicella Classico Vigna
Castel caresses the palate with dark
fruit chocolate, spices and licorice.
It is a bit plusher and deeper than the
Punta di Villa. The wine freshens
up nicely in the glass, as the initially
reticent bouquet becomes expressive.
I would prefer to enjoy this juicy, forward Amarone sooner rather than
later. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.
Score: 93 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
337865 [XD] 750 mL
$64
$74
VINTAGES
57
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
PORTUGAL
QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA
SENHORA DO CARMO GRANDE
RESERVA TOURIGA NACIONAL
2009
DOC Douro
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 GRANDE
RESERVA “TOURIGA NACIONAL”
was aged in a mixture of new and old
French oak. It is the all Touriga
counterpart to the winery’s “Classico”
Grande Reserva blend. It is quite
aromatic, showing its oak a bit, but
also very focused and elegant, with
the promise of grace and harmony to
come. There is nothing overbearing
about this wine in this big vintage, but
it changes dramatically in an hour or
so, becoming purer and more impressive, showing its fruit and structure
rather than its oak. Its balance seems
ultimately impeccable, while it nonetheless displays a backbone, needing
a couple of years to show better.
For every 30 minute interval that I had
this open, the score ticked up. This
is pretty hard to resist and it should
improve with cellaring. The price
point may scare many off, but divorced
from that, the wine is pretty fine.
There were 5,300 bottles produced.
Drink now-2023. Score: 92 (Mark
Squires, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
RED WINE
CASA FERREIRINHA
QUINTA DA LEDA 2009
DOC Douro
(Sogrape Vinhos)
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 QUINTA
DA LEDA (CASA FERREIRINHA) is a
familiar icon in the region. It is a blend
of 50% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga
Franca and 10% Tinta Roriz, aged in
a 50/50 mixture of new and old oak.
In this array of specialty wines from
Sogrape, this most iconic and traditional label is the least expensive and
easily my favorite. This is a lovely
vintage here. The wine has purity and
it is expressive, becoming slightly
earthy as the ripe fruit integrates. It is
also a bit steely while remaining rich
and fragrant. There are certainly some
powerful tannins here, more and
more apparent with air. It needs to be
cellared, but ultimately it should
be beautifully balanced and quite harmonious. It is a lovely effort that
should be a consensus favorite. Although harmonious enough to be
almost approachable now, it is hardly
at peak. Don’t waste your bottles.
You would be well advised to put it
away for a few years to give it a
chance to settle down and evolve. Come
back around 2016, give or take.
There were 30,000 bottles produced.
Drink 2014-2029. Score: 94
(Mark Squires, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2012)
683128 [XD] 750 mL
58
VINTAGES
$54
OCTOBER 2013
318899 [XD] 750 mL
$79
QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA
SENHORA DO CARMO REFERÊNCIA
GRANDE RESERVA 2009
DOC Douro
TASTING NOTE: ... a blend of 80%
old vines (80+ years) and 20% Tinta
Roriz, aged in a mixture of 85%
new French and Hungarian oak for
18 months... this would be my pick,
although by a hair only, for its structure,
balance and potential complexity. As
with all of them, the oak is a bit too
obvious in its youth, but it should
calm down with a little time and cellaring and I saw plenty of evidence
that it would integrate in the several
hours (also retasted the next day)
that I had this open... the structure is
beautiful, supporting the mid-palate
well. It has a rich, meaty note up front,
while retaining its balance perfectly. I
suspect this has a pretty good chance
of closing down for a couple of years.
It becomes rather intense on the finish
with aeration. Even if it seems approachable now, sock it away – come back
in 2014 or so. Tasted the next day
again – even better after being open
for 90 minutes – it was pretty fine,
showing more complexity, flavor and
breeding, having become more elegant while retaining its persistence.
There were 5,300 bottles produced.
Drink now-2024. Score: 94 (Mark
Squires, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
331934 [XD] 750 mL
$89
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
QUINTA DA FALORCA OLD VINES
GARRAFEIRA 2007
DOC Dão
(Quinta Vale das Escadinhas)
TASTING NOTE: The 2007
GARRAFEIRA QUINTA DA FALORCA
“OLD VINES” is gorgeous. It is a
fine representation of the region. Where
once the word “Garrafeira” (which
simply indicates holding the wine back
in bottle a specified time for late
release) had considerable cachet, indicating something special, it is not
much of a guarantor of quality these
days – except where individual
wineries still intend it to be special, as
here. This is likely the best wine I’ve
had from Falorca. I’m still being a bit
conservative with it given its pure
power, but it most certainly will improve
further in the cellar over the next
several years. Sweet and delicious, yet
with fine structure and a bit of a hard
edge, this has precision and focus, lovely mouthfeel and a long life ahead.
Falorca certainly had a fine 2007 vintage
from everything I’ve seen. This looks
like a star – but don’t buy it unless you
have some patience and a cellar.
I suspect it will not be at peak until
around 2020. This was scheduled to
be released about the same time as
this article, but was unreleased
as of this writing. Drink 2015-2030.
Score: 95 (Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)
SPAIN
RED WINE
ALONSO DEL YERRO MARÍA 2009
DO Ribera del Duero
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Maria,
tasted from a barrel sample, is
more brooding than the Alonso, a bit
denser, richer, and more structured.
It is an exceptionally promising effort
that displays the greatness of the
2009 vintage. Score: 92-95 (Jay Miller,
erobertparker.com, June 2010)
326892 [XD] 750 mL
BODEGAS MAS ALTA CIRERETS
2009
DOCa Priorat
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Cirerets
sports a more expressive bouquet
with a complex array of minerals, violets, tobacco, incense, tapenade,
black cherry, and blackberry. Rich and
dense on the palate with succulent fruit, outstanding volume, and a
very long finish, it will benefit from
4-6 years of additional cellaring and
offer a drinking window extending
from 2015 to 2029. Score: 94 (Jay
Miller, erobertparker.com,
May 2011)
324913 [XD] 750 mL
339184 [XD] 750 mL
$89
•
OCTOBER 2013
FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ PARCELA
NO. 1 2009
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Finca
La Emperatriz Parcela No.1 is a pure,
unadulterated Tempranillo from a
5.5-hectare plot of old vines. It has a
lifted, floral bouquet with superb
freshness and vitality, a heady violet
and lavender perfume that almost
dissuades you from tasting the wine!
The palate is medium-bodied
with succulent, fleshy tannins that
are extremely well-defined. There
is a wonderful sense of symmetry here,
a crescendo of flavors that leads
to a sumptuous finish of cassis and
blackberry that lingers long in the
mouth. This is excellent, modern Rioja.
Drink now-2020. Score: 94 (Neal
Martin, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)
343095 [XD] 750 mL
$63
$54
$95
VINTAGES
59
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
SPAIN
SIERRA CANTABRIA COLECCIÓN
PRIVADA 2007
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Sierra
Cantabria Coleccion Privada was
aged for 18 months in new French
and American oak. It offers up a
sexy, kinky, exceptionally perfumed
nose of sandalwood, incense,
violets, truffle, and wild black berries.
Opulent and succulently-fruited
on the palate, this already complex
wine will blossom over the next
5-6 years and offer a drinking window
extending from 2015 to 2027 if
not longer. Score: 94 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2010)
FÉLIX CALLEJO FAMILY RESERVE
2006
DO Ribera del Duero
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Felix Callejo
Family Reserve was sourced from
70+-year-old vines and aged for 15
months in new French oak in contact
with its lees. Purple/black colored, it
presents an outstanding aromatic
array of toasty new oak, pencil lead,
truffle, blackberry, and plum. Dense,
packed, and promising, this classy
effort will continue to improve with
another 5-7 years of cellaring and
should be at its best from 2015 to
2031. Score: 94 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010)
195735 [XD] 750 mL
110544 [XD] 750 mL
RED WINE
TERROIR AL LÍMIT L’ARBOSSAR
2009
DOCa Priorat
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 L’Arbossar
comes from a single 1.6-hectare
north-facing vineyard of 89-year-old
vines in Torroja del Priorat. Once
again, it has life-affirming delineation
and clarity on the nose with dark
berries, garrigue, rose-mary and thyme.
The well-defined palate possesses
crisp tannins and great minerality,
everything finely controlled with an
earthy, sandalwood finish that abides
by the maxim that “less is more.”
Drink 2014-2028. Score: 95 (Neal
Martin, erobertparker.com,
April 2012)
112334 [XD] 750 mL
$82
CLOS DOMINIC VINYES ALTES
2007
DOQ Priorat, Porrera
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Vinyes Altes
is made up of 75% Carinena and
25% Garnacha sourced from centennial vines and aged for 16 months
in new French oak. Liquid mineral,
exotic spices, lavender, tapenade,
licorice, and black cherry aromas compose the bouquet of this weighty,
voluptuous wine. Give it 4-6 years to
fully blossom and drink it through
2027. Score: 95 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, May 2011)
318162 [XD] 750 mL
60
VINTAGES
$59
OCTOBER 2013
$55
VIÑEDOS DE PÁGANOS EL
PUNTIDO 2007
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 El Puntido
is in bottle but not yet released.
Deep purple in color, it is a denser,
more structured wine than the
2008. It gives up an aromatic array of
mineral, Asian spices, smoke,
balsamic, and blackberry. Succulent
and already becoming complex,
this lengthy offering should evolve
for another 3-4 years and have a
20-25 year lifespan. Score: 93 (Jay
Miller, erobertparker.com, June
2010)
195768 [XD] 750 mL
$63
$95
SAN VICENTE 2006
DOCa Rioja
(Señorio de San Vicente)
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 San Vicente
is a glass-coating purple/black color
offering up a brooding bouquet of wood
smoke, pencil lead, licorice, plum,
and blackberry. Opulent and rich on
the palate with layers of succulent
fruit, it has 6-8 years of aging potential
and should be at its best from 2016 to
2026. Score: 93 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2010)
334284 [XD] 750 mL
$65
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
FINCAS DE GANUZA RESERVA
2005
DOCa Rioja
(Bodegas Fernando Remirez
de Ganuza)
TASTING NOTE: (85% tempranillo,
10% graciano, 3% garnacha and
2% “others”) Vivid ruby. Flamboyant
aromas of candied red fruits, incense
and spicecake, with slow-building floral
and mineral qualities. Silky in texture
and deep in sweet raspberry and cherry
flavors, picking up a zesty blood
orange note with aeration. Very precise,
with outstanding clarity to its spicy,
tenacious finish. Definitely put this one
away. Score: 93 (Josh Raynolds,
International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec.
2010)
344259 [XD] 750 mL
LEGÓN PREMIUM 2005
DO Ribera del Duero
(Valtostao)
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Premium
is sourced from the estate’s oldest
vines, some of them over 100 years.
Malolactic fermentation was in
new French oak followed by aging in
another set of new barrels for over
24 months. A glass-coating opaque
purple color, it offers up a superb
perfume of exotic spices, sandalwood,
herbs, lavender, and assorted black
fruits. Dense, rich, and plush on the
palate, this large-scaled, powerful
effort will benefit from anther 5-6 years
of cellaring and will offer prime
drinking from 2016 to 2030. Score: 94
(Jay Miller, erobertparker.com,
June 2011)
$55
270645 [XD] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
MIGUEL MERINO GRAN RESERVA
2004
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Grand
Reserva is Tempranillo blended with
4% Graciano from three vineyards,
two planted in 1931 and a third, “La
Loma,”planted in 1946 near Briones.
It is matured for 26 months in Allier
and American barrels. It has a very
harmonious bouquet with dark plum,
singed leather, sous-bois and game
that is very well-defined and classic in
style. The palate is medium-bodied
with elegant, fine tannins matched with
well-judged acidity, the finish is a
little dry and savory with hints of cocoa
on the long aftertaste. This is an excellent Gran Reserva. Drink now-2020.
Score: 92 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)
$50
339507 [XD] 750 mL
$50
O. FOURNIER TINTA DEL PAIS
2005
DO Ribera del Duero
TASTING NOTE: Licorice, mineral and
sanguine notes frame a core of
currant fruit in this firm, sinuous red.
This is expressive and intense,
but remains balanced and focused.
Drink now through 2018. Score: 93
(Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com,
Aug. 31, 2010)
218784 [D] 750 mL
$89
VINTAGES
61
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
SPAIN
CANADA – ONTARIO
RED WINE
RED WINE
T D’ANGUIX RESERVA 2004
DO Ribera del Duero
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 T D’Anguix
Reserva was sourced from older
estate vineyards and spent 15 months
in French and American oak. A
glass-coating opaque purple color, it
exhibits an enthralling bouquet of
sandalwood, exotic spices, incense,
potpourri, black cherry, and blackberry. Velvety and layered on the palate,
it offers up superb volume, concentration, and length as well as 4-5 years
of aging potential. Drink this exceptional value from 2014 to 2029. It
admirably displays the greatness of
the 2004 vintage in Ribera del Duero.
Score: 93 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2011)
COYOTE’S RUN RARE VINTAGE
PINOT NOIR 2010
VQA Four Mile Creek,
Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: Produced from
5 barrels of the estate’s finest Pinot
Noir, this lovely wine offers rich,
spiced fruit aromas with hints of vanilla,
dried herbs and smoke. Dry, satiny
in texture and medium bodied, the
palate delivers depth of red cherry/
berry fruit, a nuance of smoky spice
and a lovely touch of warmth on
the tangy finish. There’s good depth of
flavour, fine balance and structure.
Purchase for mid-term cellaring or enjoy
with your favourite duck recipe.
Score: HHHHJ (Susan Desjardins,
winecurrent.com, Oct. 10, 2012)
HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK
FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR
2009
VQA Short Hills Bench,
Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: I first tried this wine
at a retrospective tasting of Ontario
Pinot Noirs. It was tight and young
when we tasted it and now, a year
later, it is starting to open up. I would
still, however, recommend decanting
for a good hour before tasting. It has
a bold expression of cherry, bramble,
blueberry, roasted meat, currants and
layered spice notes on the nose. It’s
still tightly wound at the moment,
with firm structure, tannins and
vibrant acidity but showing red and
black fruits, mocha-clove spices and
a smooth texture through the finish.
A treat, and one to tuck away in the
cellar for many years to come. Score:
91 (Rick VanSickle,
winesinniagara.com, Nov. 9, 2013)
118216 [XD] 750 mL
296863 [XD] 750 mL
657874 [XD] 750 mL
$45
OCTOBER 2013
$49.95
ROTLLAN TORRA AMADIS 2003
DOCa Priorat
TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Amadis is
a blend of 30% Grenache, 35%
Carignan, 20% Syrah, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was fermented
in foudres and then aged in new French
oak for 12 months. Nearly black in
color with scents of hot tar as well as
cassis, black raspberries, and floral
nuances, this full-bodied beast needs
3-5 years of cellaring and should drink
well for a decade thereafter. Score: 94
(Jay Miller, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2007)
SOUTHBROOK VINEYARDS
POETICA RED 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: A blend of Cabernet
Sauvignon (51%), Cabernet Franc
(31%), Merlot (15%) and Petit Verdot
(3%) from the warm 2010 vintage,
this needs cellaring for three or four
years. Right now, it’s fairly taut, with
tight (ripe) tannins. Underneath, the
fruit is big, broad and deep and,
as they emerge, this will prove to be
a stellar wine. Score: HHHHH
(Rod Phillips, winepointer.com,
Aug. 2, 2012)
334136 [XD] 750 mL
355859 [XD] 750 mL
$75
$55
TAWSE VAN BERS VINEYARD
CABERNET FRANC 2009
VQA Creek Shores, Niagara
Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: This is settling into
the prime of its life, and is achieving
more elegance than one expects
from 90% of the cab francs in
Niagara. It’s mid-weight, fairly
smooth, fragrant and penetrating with
classic raspberry, currant, tobacco,
leather and gentle wood smoke
flavours that are very nicely integrated. The texture is almost silky; the
focus and length are excellent. Just a
bit oaky on the finish, but stylish
nonethelesss. Best now to 2015.
Score: 91 (David Lawrason,
winealign.com, March 2013)
355867 [XD] 750 mL
62
VINTAGES
$40
$49.95
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
CANADA –
BRITISH COLUMBIA
WHITE WINE
CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING
2004
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: On New Year’s Day
I found myself face-to-face with
a bottle of Cave Spring 2004 Estate
Bottled Riesling. Since the calendar
had switched over we could “technically” call it a bottle of 7 year old
wine. The nose was petrol, green apple
and peach pit with a touch of mineral
stoniness. On the palate mineral and
limeade went hand-in-hand with
some nice biting acidity on the finish
and over ripe green apple notes. The
acidity softened the longer it remained
open and in the glass – good thing
it was not in the glass too long. Lost &
Found Rating: Treasure. (Michael
Pinkus, owrlostandfound.blogspot.ca,
Jan. 2011)
355875 [XD] 750 mL
$45
•
OCTOBER 2013
AUSTRALIA
RED WINE
RED WINE
BLACK HILLS NOTA BENE 2010
Product of Canada
TASTING NOTE: As usual, this blend
is anchored with Cabernet Sauvignon,
at 57%, with Merlot at 32% and Cabernet Franc at 11%. The Cabernet
Sauvignon contributes a touch of mint
to the aroma and flavour, complementing the cassis aroma.The wine has
luscious flavours of black currant
and plum, with long, ripe tannins. The
wine finishes with a polished elegance. Score: 92 (John Schreiner,
johnschreiner.blogspot.com,
April 26, 2012)
333864 [XD] 750 mL
$50
TWO HANDS MAX’S GARDEN
SHIRAZ 2010
Heathcote, Victoria
TASTING NOTE: Fresh and vibrant, a
juicy mouthful of blackberry, black
cherry and graphite flavors that keep
singing as the finish rolls on and on.
Shows deft balance and refinement,
plus length. Drink now through 2020.
Score: 92 (Harvey Steiman, winespectator.com, Web Only, 2012)
060293 [XD] 750 mL
$66
TWO HANDS ZIPPY’S BLOCK
SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2010
Maranga, Barossa Valley,
South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Inky purple. A highly
complex bouquet evokes candied
dark berries, Indian spices, olive and
smoked meat, with a bright overlay of
candied flowers. Lush, palate-staining
blackberry and boysenberry flavors
show impressive power and energy,
with peppery spices adding bite.
Finishes sweet and very long, with
resonating florality and spiciness.
Score: 94 (Josh Raynolds, International
Wine Cellar, July 2012)
089516 [XD] 750 mL
$107
VINTAGES
63
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
AUSTRALIA
TWO HANDS ARES SHIRAZ 2009
Barossa Valley/McLaren Vale,
South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Supple, subtle and
succulent, delivering an open-textured mouthful of rich red berry, black
cherry, black tea and dusky spice
character. Finishes with great clarity
and transparency. Shiraz. Drink
now through 2020. Score: 98 (Harvey
Steiman, winespectator.com,
July 31, 2012)
RED WINE
MITOLO SAVITAR SHIRAZ 2009
McLaren Vale, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Aged 14 months in
100% new oak (90% French / 10%
American), the 2009 Savitar Shiraz
has a deep garnet-purple color and
an earthy/savory nose with notes of tree
bark, meat, tobacco and black
truffles with a warm mulberry and black
plum core plus a fragrant hint of
sandalwood. Full bodied with plenty of
mouth-filling savory and blackberry
flavors, it’s well supported with very
crisp acid and a medium level of
chewy tannins, finishing long. Still a
little tight, it should drink best 2013 to
2020+. Score: 93+ (Lisa Perrotti-Brown,
MW, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
659581 [D] 750 mL
$54
MOSS WOOD CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 2009
Moss Wood Vineyard,
Margaret River, Western Australia
TASTING NOTE: Deep garnet in color,
the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
displays aromas of warm cassis and
black plums with underlying nuances of espresso, anise, leather, tar
and black olives. Medium to fullbodied, it offers a generous amount of
mouth-filling black fruit and earthy
flavors supported by a medium to firm
level of finely grained tannins and
balanced, enlivening acid, finishing
long. Drinking well now, it should
cellar gracefully to 2022+. Score: 93+
(Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)
327684 [XD] 750 mL
64
VINTAGES
$119
OCTOBER 2013
064816 [XD] 750 mL
$159
HENSCHKE HILL OF GRACE
SHIRAZ 2006
Eden Valley, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: A gorgeous wine,
smooth, polished, silky and seductive,
teeming with licorice and exotic
spice-tinged blackberry, cherry and
roasted meat flavors. Exquisitely
balanced, sporting a finish that keeps
undulating for minutes on end.
Magnificent stuff. Shiraz. Drink now
through 2020. Score: 98 (Harvey
Steiman, winespectator.com,
Dec. 31, 2011)
709212 [XD] 750 mL
$770
NEW ZEALAND
RED WINE
PYRAMID VALLEY ANGEL FLOWER
PINOT NOIR 2010
Canterbury, South Island
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of roses and
sweet plums with strawberry. Full
body, with super fine tannins and beautiful fruit. Silky and fine with such
beauty. This is insane with a rust and
iron character. Fascinating. Drink
or hold. Score: 95 (James Suckling,
jamessuckling.com, Dec. 28, 2012)
337105 [XD] 750 mL
$84
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
ARGENTINA
CHILE
RED WINE
RED WINE
ACHAVAL FERRER FINCA BELLA
VISTA MALBEC 2010
Mendoza
Ranked #10 in Wine Spectator’s Top
100 of 2012.
TASTING NOTE: Dark and powerful,
yet elegant, with a delicious core
of crushed raspberry, blackberry and
damson plum notes tightly woven
with silky tannins. The minerally finish
lingers on with layered flavors of
wildflowers, melted licorice and spice
box. Drink now through 2020.
Score: 95 (Nathan Wesley, winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2012)
ERRÁZURIZ DON MAXIMIANO
FOUNDER’S RESERVE 2009
Aconcagua Valley
TASTING NOTE: (80% cabernet
sauvignon, 10% carignan and 5% each
petit verdot and cabernet franc):
Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed bouquet of candied cherry, cassis, vanilla
and mocha, with sexy floral and spice
nuances building with air. Supple
and deep but lively too, offering intense
red and dark berry flavors that stain
the palate. Closes silky and long, with
resonating florality and fully integrated
tannins. Score: 92 (Josh Raynolds,International Wine Cellar, May 2012)
178103 [XD] 750 mL
501247 [XD] 750 mL
$102
•
OCTOBER 2013
CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003
Puente Alto, Maipo Valley
Ranked #4 in Wine Spectator’s Top
100 of 2006.
TASTING NOTE: With a great nose of
currant confiture and cocoa powder,
this full-scale Cabernet sports dark fig,
currant and blackberry fruit layered
with loam, cedar, tobacco, mineral and
coffee. Long and authoritative finish
just sails on thanks to rather regal tannins. Best from 2007 through 2016.
Special designation: Highly Recommended. Score: 96 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2006)
255422 [XD] 750 mL
$120
$80
VINTAGES
65
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
USA – CALIFORNIA
FORMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2010
Napa, North Coast
(Ric Forman)
TASTING NOTE: Just as impressive
from bottle as it was from barrel, the
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon jumps from
the glass with an exotic, beguiling
melange of violets, cassis, spices and
menthol. Layers of fruit supported
by vivid, beautifully articulated tannins
cover every inch of the palate. Rich
and powerful, the 2010 never abandons
its classic sense of structure. Today,
the 2010 is a bit compact, but time
should prove to be very beneficial
in releasing the wine’s true potential.
There is absolutely nothing out of
place in this majestic Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are virtually
imperceptible, as is the new oak. The
long growing season produced a
wine that is among the finest of the
vintage. This is an unforgettable
wine from Ric Forman. Anticipated
maturity: 2016-2035. Score: 98
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2012)
RED WINE
DIAMOND CREEK VOLCANIC HILL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
Napa Valley
Al Brounstein founded Diamond Creek
in 1968, creating California’s first
exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
Vineyard. On his 70-acre parcel of
land on Diamond Mountain he identified
three distinct vineyard blocks: the
seven-acre Red Rock Terrace; the fiveacre Gravelly Meadow; and the
eight-acre Volcanic Hill, from which he
began to craft his iconic single vineyard wines. A true Napa pioneer, he
predated the rise of the cult wineries
by decades. Brounstein passed away
in 2006, and the winery is now run
by his wife, Boots Brounstein, assisted
by his son Phil and winemaker Phil
Steinschreiber. They have maintained
Al’s philosophy and continue to produce intensely tannic, powerful and
long-lived wines. The wines from the
Volcanic Hill vineyard are the longest
lived of all their wines, a fact excellently articulated by Antonio Galloni of
erobertparker.com when reviewing
the 2009 vintage: “The Volcanic Hill is
the most powerful and tannic of the
2009s, not to mention a clear stand out.
The 2009 is loaded with energy and
tension, all of which will require many
years to fully resolve. Readers
will need to be exceptionally patient.
Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049.”
Galloni awarded the 2009 a score of
96 points. This highly praised and
iconic Cab’s position as one of the foundational wines of Napa winemaking
remains incontrovertible.
700203 [XD] 750 mL
66
VINTAGES
$199
OCTOBER 2013
143925 [XD] 750 mL
$104
JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA 2010
Napa Valley
(Ashley Hepworth)
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Insignia is
striking. Cool, mineral notes frame a
core of blue and black fruit, licorice,
spices, smoke, and melted road tar
as this stunning wine opens up in the
glass. Totally alive in the glass, the
2010 captures the essence of this cold,
late harvest. Hints of menthol, violets
and crushed rocks all flow through to
the incisive, vibrant finish. My sense
is that the 2010 is still holding back
much of its significant potential. The
2010 is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%
Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 2%
Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 20172030. Score: 93-95 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)
737346
[D]
1500 mL
$549
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA 2009
Napa Valley
(Ashley Hepworth)
TASTING NOTE: A gorgeous, totally
voluptuous wine, the 2009 Insignia
bursts from the glass with exuberant
blue and black fruit, grilled herbs,
cloves and cassis. In 2009, the Insignia
is silky and polished, yet there is
considerable underlying tannin that
needs time to soften. Layers of fruit
flow effortlessly to the huge, structured
finish. I imagine the 2009 Insignia
will enjoy a broad drinking window. It
is striking today, but also clearly has
the stuffing to age for many, many years.
The 2009 is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)
710400 [D] 750 mL
$239
LOKOYA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2009
Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Cabernet
Sauvignon Diamond Mountain (from
the Von Strasser Vineyard) is a gorgeous wine. It bursts onto the palate
with an exciting melange of dark red
fruit, mint and licorice. It is an intensely spicy, focused wine with plenty
of Diamond Mountain tannins that
come through. Tar, smoke and licorice
are some of the notes that inform the
energetic, vibrant finish. Anticipated
maturity: 2019-2029. Score: 94
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
960567 [D] 750 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
NEELY HIDDEN BLOCK SPRING
RIDGE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR
2009
Santa Cruz Mountains
(Bob and Jim Varner)
TASTING NOTE: Readers will find a
wine of extraordinary textural finesse
and elegance in the 2009 Pinot Noir
Hidden Block. Sweet dried cherries,
flowers, mint and hard candy are some
of the notes that take shape in the
glass. The finish turns a bit ethereal,
but there is more than enough depth
in the fruit to make me think the 2009
will drink well for a number of
years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.
Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)
$445
337139 [XD] 750 mL
LOKOYA MOUNT VEEDER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Cabernet
Sauvignon Mt. Veeder (from Veeder
Peak) flows onto the palate with layers
of dark, mineral-infused fruit. Graphite,
cassis, blackberries, spices and new
leather are some of the nuances that
take shape in the glass. This is at once
open and approachable, but also
quite intense and mineral. Anticipated
maturity: 2017-2029. Score: 93
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
010751 [XD] 750 mL
$445
$54
POETRY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2009
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: Cliff Lede’s 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is showing
beautifully today. It, too, is rather
statuesque and towering. Layers of dark
red fruit, flowers, crushed rocks and
cloves inform this powerful wine. The
2009 has plenty of sweetness and
depth, but it needs a few years for the
tannins to soften. Regardless, it is
striking. Hints of mocha, licorice and
incense add complexity on the finish.
The 2009 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot,
5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)
014209 [XD] 750 mL
$208
VINTAGES
67
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
USA – CALIFORNIA
SILVERADO VINEYARDS SOLO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: In a good vintage,
which 2009 was, Silverado’s Solo
bottling is always worthy of aging. It
would be a tragedy to open this
100% Cabernet before 2018, and even
then it might be too early. Dry and
full bodied, this offers complex blackberry and cassis flavors, with a
grounding herbal quality suggestive
of sage. The tannins are profound,
making the wine tight now. Score: 95
(Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast,
Nov. 2012)
RED WINE
SEGHESIO CORTINA ZINFANDEL
2009
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Zinfandel
Cortina is beautifully balanced from
start to finish. Sweet scents of pipe
tobacco, dried flowers and licorice
meld into an expressive core of dark
fruit in this silky, sexy Zinfandel. There
is an understated freshness that informs
the finish, giving the wine a sense
of nuance that is striking. Seghesio
makes the Cortina from two sites in
Dry Creek Valley. The Cortina shows
better balance and more integration
between its fruit and structural components than the Rockpile, which
is also from Dry Creek. Anticipated
maturity: 2014-2021. Score: 90
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2010)
200840 [D] 750 mL
$50
OCTOBER 2013
089482 [XD] 750 mL
$119
WIND GAP GRIFFIN’S LAIR SYRAH
2009
Sonoma Coast
TASTING NOTE: Inky purple. Exotic
bouquet combines wild dark berry,
cherry compote and licorice, lifted by
notes of potpourri and cracked
pepper. At once dense and juicy, with
a compelling sweetness to its intense blackberry, boysenberry and violet
pastille flavors. Bright acidity and a
deep Moroccan spice quality give this
wine energy and aromatic persistence.
The blue fruits continue on the finish,
which refuses to let up. Score: 95
(Stephen Tanzer, International Wine
Cellar, May/June 2011)
327676 [XD] 750 mL
$69
GROTH RESERVE CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 2008
Oakville, Napa Valley
Ranked #60 in Wine Enthusiast’s
Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2012.
TASTING NOTE: A huge Cabernet, in
the best sense of the word. It wasn’t
the easiest vintage, as 2007 was, but
meticulous winemaking did the job,
resulting in this amazingly rich, impressively ripe wine that’s drinkable now
and will develop for many years. The
fruits veer toward blackberries, cherries and cola, and the tannins are soft
and refined. One hundred percent new
French oak isn’t at all heavy, lending
nuances of buttered toast and sweet
wood tannins. Will easily age for 15
years. Score: 96 (Steve Heimoff,
Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2012)
247312 [XD] 750 mL
JC CELLARS EAGLE POINT RANCH
PETITE SIRAH 2008
Mendocino County
TASTING NOTE: An intriguing,
smoky, mahogany, almost-bacony
note weaves in and out of the rich
dark fruit flavors, featuring a spicy,
tobacco edge. Thick, dense tannins give this plenty of body, with a
slight charry finish. Drink now
through 2018. Score: 89 (MaryAnn
Worobiec, winespectator.com,
Web Only, 2011)
327551 [D] 750 mL
68
VINTAGES
$123
$55
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
PAUL HOBBS CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 2008
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard,
Oakville, Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: Not surprisingly, the
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer
To-Kalon Vineyard is reminiscent of
a great first-growth Pauillac. One
of Napa’s true first-growth vineyards,
Hobbs obtains just about everything
one could want from this extraordinary
site. The phenomenal 2008 boasts
sweet, juicy creme de cassis, incense,
blackberry, toasty oak, licorice and
spice box characteristics. Deep and fullbodied with great intensity, freshness,
laser-like precision, copious tannin and
a 60+ second finish. This cuvee is
best forgotten for 2-4 years and drunk
over the following three decades. It
comes close to rivaling the 2007 and
the virtually perfect 2002 (which I
recently drank and was blown away
by). Score: 97+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)
228858 [XD] 750 mL
$250
SHAFER HILLSIDE SELECT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: Muscular and tightly
wound, yet beautifully focused
and proportioned, dense and chewy,
delivering rich layers of dried currant, blackberry, spice and licorice
flavors. Demands cellaring. Best
from 2014 through 2028. Special designation: Collectibles. Score: 96
(James Laube, winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2012)
735712 [XD] 750 mL
$285
WURTELE VINEYARD TERRA
VALENTINE CABERNET
SAUVIGNION 2007
Spring Mountain District,
Napa Valley
This wine was rated #28 on the
Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar
Selections 2011.
•
OCTOBER 2013
USA – OREGON
RED WINE
EVENING LAND LA SOURCE
PINOT NOIR 2010
Eola-Amity Hills
TASTING NOTE: This red is remarkable for its array of vivid flavors on
a sleek, airy frame, shading its juicy
raspberry and cherry fruit with a
streak of wet rock, crushed rose petal
and white pepper, all of it put
together seamlessly. The finish just
doesn’t quit. Drink now through
2020. Special Designation: Highly Recommended. Score: 95 (Harvey
Steiman, winespectator.com, Dec.15,
2012)
239996 [XD] 750 mL
$80
TASTING NOTE: A well-made wine,
showing lots of terroir in the mineralinfused blackberry, black currant,
chocolate and anise flavors. The tannins
are structurally superb, while the
finish is dry and complex. A very fine
wine that should gather momentum
for at least a decade. Score: 95 (Steve
Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, June
2011)
327692 [XD] 750 mL
$80
VINTAGES
69
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
USA – WASHINGTON STATE
FORTIFIED WINE
RED WINE
PORT
DUNHAM XIV
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
Columbia Valley
TASTING NOTE: Instantly seductive,
this forward and open wine is a bit
of a departure for the Roman Numeraldesignated Dunham Cabs. The lush
new oak scents and flavors envelop
and beguile – coconut, toast,
cracker – while the firm cherry fruit
anchors the wine and shows excellent concentration. Special designation:
Cellar Selection. Score: 93 (Paul
Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2012)
DELAFORCE VINTAGE PORT 1992
DOC Douro
TASTING NOTE: Fresh and cool, with
raspberry and mineral aromas.
Full-bodied and medium sweet, with
a tight, firm, tannic structure and
a medium to long finish. Still closed.
Leaves me slightly cold. ’91/’92
Port retrospective. Best after 2005.
Score: 90 (James Suckling, winespectator.com, May 31, 2005)
287185 [XD] 750 mL
TAYLOR FLADGATE VINTAGE PORT
1997
DOC Douro
TASTING NOTE: Saturated black/
purple-colored, with stunning aromatics
of blueberries, blackberries, licorice,
and iron, this spectacular vintage port
is one of the stars of the vintage.
Extremely full-bodied, with silky tannin,
spectacular concentration and purity,
multiple flavor levels, and an evolved,
forward personality, this is an exquisite yet precocious 1997 vintage port.
Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Jan. 2000)
$57
PEDESTAL MERLOT 2008
Long Shadows, Columbia Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Pedestal
Merlot is fashioned by the peripatetic
Michel Rolland. Made up of 81% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, with
the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit
Verdot, it was aged for 22 months
in 85% new French oak. It reveals a
nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense,
cassis, and black currant. Structured
and savory on the palate with spicy
black fruit flavors, it has the balance to
evolve gracefully for 2-3 years and
will offer prime drinking from 2013 to
2023. Score: 93 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)
064782 [XD] 750 mL
70
VINTAGES
$59
OCTOBER 2013
337709
702357
[S]
[S]
750 mL
750 mL
$64
$339
TAYLOR FLADGATE VINTAGE PORT
1977
DOC Douro
In his 1989 review, Robert Parker Jr.
awarded this port a score of 96
points, stating, “...It is a mammoth,
opaque, statuesque vintage port of
remarkable depth and power, but is
should not be touched before 2000.”
In James Suckling’s 2008 review (below), he identifies that though this
will continue to “improve for decades,”
it can be enjoyed now.
TASTING NOTE: Good ruby color still.
The nose is fresh, with lots of crushed
berry and plum, with a hint of piecrust.
Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a
caressing texture. This delivers loads of
complex fruit and spiciness. Mediumsweet. A beauty. Will improve for decades, but why wait? ’77/’85/’97 blind
Port retrospective. Drink now. Score: 97
(James Suckling, winespectator.com,
Web Only, 2008)
985606
[S]
750 mL
$375
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
SPIRITS
SCOTCH WHISKY
DUN BHEAGAN CAOL ILA
22 YEARS OLD ISLAY
SINGLE MALT 1990
TASTING NOTE: Vintage dating is a
fairly new phenomenon for Scotch. To
the uninitiated it may appear that the
practice is counterintuitive given that,
unlike wine, Scotch is neither subject to
vintage variation nor continuing development once bottled. Traditional, nonvintage Scotch bears an age statement
that declares the age of the youngest
whisky in the blend, and traditional
Scotch aims to achieve a consistency
of style from bottling to bottling, what is
termed the “house style,” and one that
distinguishes it from its peers. When
one considers that vintage-dated
Scotch, by definition, does not include
whiskies from another year, what you
get is the opportunity for a truly unique
expression. Vintage-dated Scotch,
though utterly recognizable, allows for
subtle variations on the house style to
appear in individual years as articulated
in the particular ageing of particular
vintages of Scotch. These variations
would normally be “corrected” through
blending to maintain the house style.
The nuanced distinction offered by the
vintage-dated expressions makes them
must-haves for collectors and connoisseurs.
327478
700 mL
$219
DUN BHEAGAN CLYNELISH
15 YEARS OLD
HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT 1997
Unchill Filtered, Btld. 2012
Clynelish has long been a favourite
distillery of connoisseurs. Indeed, its
reputation was such that it was once
available only to private customers.
One of the distinguishing features of
the whiskies produced here is that
they show an intriguing and highly
desirable combination of North
Highland and Maritime influence; it
has been said that the whiskies of
Clynelish allow you to taste the sea air.
Not surprising, considering that
Clynelish is located adjacent to the
famously tempestuous North Sea.
Noted whisky expert Michael Jackson
has said, “The most coastal-tasting
mainland whiskies are those from Clynelish, between Inverness and Wick.
They typically have seaweedy, salty
and mustard-like aromas and flavours.” This vintage-dated example
offers a pinpoint expression of
one of Scotland's most celebrated
regional whiskies.
341453
700 mL
•
OCTOBER 2013
THE BALVENIE 30 YEARS OLD
SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT
TASTING NOTE: Nose: Has kept its
character wonderfully, with a real mixture of varied fruits. Again the smoke
is apparent, as is the panting oak.
Astonishing that the style should have
been kept so similar to previous
bottlings. Taste: Big, full delivery first
of enigmatic, thick barley, then a
gentle eruption of controlled, warming
spices. Finish: Much more oaky
involvement but such is the steadiness
of the barley, its extraordinary confidence, no damage is done and the
harmony remains. Balance: Rarely
have I come across a bottling of a
whisky of these advanced years
which is so true to previous ones. Amazing. Score: 92 (Jim Murray, Whisky
Bible, 2013)
665091
700 mL
$899
$110
OLD PULTENEY 40 YEARS OLD
HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT
TASTING NOTE: On first nose, a little
tight: needs time to unloosen. When
it does there is enough cloves to stock
a dentist’s for a month; the delivery
is eye-watering in its oaky intensity:
virtually pure [tannin]. Thankfully,
the malt is intact, following behind like
a faithful St Bernard’s dog, dispensing
molassed sugars at essential moments;
a gorgeous chocolate pecan tart,
where the chef has gone a little heavy
on the salt; a malt just waiting to
wilt and keel over. However, its survival
instinct is strong, while its complexity
at the death is scrumptious! Score: 88.5
(Jim Murray, Whisky Bible, 2013)
333922
700 mL
$3536
VINTAGES
71
PRODUCT SUMMARY
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
RED WINE
ALTER EGO 2009
750
197608
$93.85
RP 91
194
CHÂTEAU BARDE-HAUT 2009
1500
222489
$119.85
RP 94
117
CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY 2009
750
195529
$83.85
RP 94
41
CHÂTEAU BEAU-SÉJOUR BÉCOT 2009
750
201459
$117.85
RP 94+
38
CHÂTEAU BRANE-CANTENAC 2009
750
201103
$124.85
RP 95
29
CHÂTEAU BÉLAIR-MONANGE 2009
750
199448
$204.85
RP 94+
104
CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR 2009
750
199380
$139.85
RP 94+
92
CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR 2009
1500
221275
$279.85
RP 94+
40
CHÂTEAU CANON 2009
750
209270
$224.85
RP 94
52
CHÂTEAU CANTENAC-BROWN 2009
750
198598
$114.85
WS 92
26
413
CHÂTEAU CERTAN DE MAY 2009
750
192963
$148.85
RP 93+
CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON 2009
750
197806
$114.85
RP 92
14
CHÂTEAU CLOS DUBREUIL 2009
750
200691
$123.85
RP 94+
158
CHÂTEAU CLOS L’ÉGLISE 2009
750
200469
$299.85
RP 98
116
CHÂTEAU CROIX LABRIE 2009
750
196501
$104.85
RP 95
212
CHÂTEAU D’ARMAILHAC 2009
750
197533
$76.85
RP 92
101
CHÂTEAU D’ISSAN 2009
750
201582
$104.85
RP 93
284
CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL 2009
750
201392
$64.85
RP 92+
70
CHÂTEAU DESTIEUX 2009
750
196543
$74.85
RP 92+
59
CHÂTEAU DU TERTRE 2009
750
194662
$64.85
RP 92
105
CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU 2009
750
202820
$474.85
RP 100
35
CHÂTEAU FIGEAC 2009
750
222430
$399.85
WS 96
80
CHÂTEAU GRACIA 2009
750
199505
$224.85
RP 98
68
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAILLY 2009
750
202713
$199.85
RP 98+
23
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 2009
750
209809
$1494.85
RP 100
20
CHÂTEAU L’ARROSÉE 2009
750
196154
$79.85
RP 91
53
CHÂTEAU L’ÉGLISE-CLINET 2009
750
204412
$684.85
RP 99+
23
CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE 2009
750
201913
$349.85
RP 96
69
CHÂTEAU LA CROIX DE BEAUCAILLOU 2009
750
201962
$71.85
RP 91
119
CHÂTEAU LA GOMERIE 2009
750
197301
$94.85
RP 91
47
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 2009
750
201772
$1344.85
RP 100
46
CHÂTEAU LA PROVIDENCE 2009
750
193250
$138.85
RP 94
239
CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR 2009
750
204230
$1774.85
RP 99
65
CHÂTEAU LAFON-ROCHET 2009
750
197228
$82.85
WS 91
443
CHÂTEAU LANGOA-BARTON 2009
750
201061
$99.85
RP 90+
512
SCORES We have included scores from the following sources:
BH
DEC
DL
IWC
JO
JR
JS
burghound.com
decanter.com
David Lawrason, wineaccess.ca
International Wine Cellar
Jeremy Oliver, jeremyoliver.com.au
jancisrobinson.com
jamessuckling.com
JSC
KW
MA
OWR
RP
WB
WC
johnschreiner.blogspot.com
kenswineguide.com
maltadvocate.com
owrlostandfound.blogspot.ca
erobertparker.com
Whisky Bible
winecurrent.com
WE
WP
WN
Wine Enthusiast
winepointer.com
Rick VanSickle,
winesinniagara.com
W&S wineandspiritsmagazine.com
WS
winespectator.com
Due to circumstances beyond our control, opening inventory quantities are subject to change without notice.
72
VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
OCTOBER 2013
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
CHÂTEAU LASCOMBES 2009
750
201046
$164.85
RP 94
23
CHÂTEAU LE GAY 2009
750
201467
$174.85
RP 96+
212
CHÂTEAU LES PAGODES DE COS 2009
750
197327
$99.85
RP 94
156
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES 2009
750
204396
$524.85
RP 98+
68
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-BARTON 2009
750
201327
$164.85
RP 93+
21
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-BARTON 2009
1500
221267
$339.85
RP 93+
10
CHÂTEAU MALESCOT ST-EXUPÉRY 2009
750
201558
$139.85
RP 96
30
PRODUCT
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
CHÂTEAU MARGAUX 2009
750
202325
$1994.85
RP 99
20
CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET 2009
750
193060
$79.85
RP 93
44
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 2009
750
202945
$1399.85
RP 99+
13
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 2009
1500
221390
$3449.85
RP 99+
18
94
CHÂTEAU PALMER 2009
750
201939
$534.85
RP 97
CHÂTEAU PALMER 2009
1500
221515
$1089.85
RP 97
14
CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT 2009
750
202309
$244.85
RP 95
17
CHÂTEAU PAVIE 2009
750
204198
$468.85
RP 100
41
CHÂTEAU PENSÉES DE LAFLEUR 2009
750
204248
$204.85
RP 91
30
CHÂTEAU PIPEAU 2009
1500
195255
$74.85
RP 91
190
CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2009
750
200618
$344.85
RP 100
15
164
CHÂTEAU ROUGET 2009
750
194654
$74.85
RP 92
CHÂTEAU TERTRE RÔTEBOEUF 2009
750
197285
$238.85
IWC 95
23
CHÂTEAU TROPLONG MONDOT 2009
750
201004
$234.85
RP 99
202
CLOS DES JACOBINS 2009
750
222455
$69.85
RP 93
170
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 2009
750
201350
$119.85
RP 95
117
LA CHAPELLE DE LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 2009
750
202762
$164.85
RP 91
44
LA DAME DE MONTROSE 2009
1500
221648
$159.85
RP 91
119
LA PARDE DE HAUT-BAILLY 2009
1500
221408
$94.85
WS 90
187
LE CARILLON DE L’ANGÉLUS 2009
750
204222
$108.85
WS 89-91
71
LE CLARENCE DE HAUT-BRION 2009
750
202705
$218.85
RP 92
74
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2009
750
202887
$388.85
RP 99
109
CHÂTEAU L’ÉGLISE CLINET 2008
750
136614
$199.00
RP 95
14
CHÂTEAU PAVIE 2008
750
138073
$275.00
RP 95
31
CHATEAU CANTENAC-BROWN 2006
750
351551
$119.00
RP 90-92
119
CHÂTEAU CANON-LA-GAFFELIÈRE 2006
750
351577
$119.00
RP 92
119
CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET 2006
750
340075
$89.00
RP 92
359
CHÂTEAU HAUT BERGEY 2005
750
351601
$69.00
RP 92
179
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL 2005
750
351999
$109.00
WS 93
239
CHÂTEAU LAROQUE 2005
750
235481
$59.00
WS 91
479
CHÂTEAU LYNCH-BAGES 2004
1500
679472
$415.00
WE 94
CHÂTEAU LYNCH-BAGES 2001
1500
679225
$425.00 JR17.5 (out of 20)
25
CHÂTEAU CLIMENS 2009
375
200337
$99.85
RP 97
26
CHÂTEAU COUTET 2009
375
193094
$69.85
RP 95
55
30
FRANCE – BORDEAUX WHITE WINE
CHÂTEAU DE FARGUES 2009
375
195925
$118.85
RP 96
110
CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM 2009
375
204180
$674.85
RP 99
89
CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM 2009
750
202978
$1334.85
RP 99
35
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION BLANC 2009
750
202283
$1494.85
RP 98+
27
CHÂTEAU LA TOUR-BLANCHE 2009
750
195396
$104.85
RP 93
47
CHÂTEAU LARRIVET HAUT-BRION BLANC 2009
750
194530
$64.85
RP 92
53
VINTAGES
73
PRODUCT SUMMARY
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET BLANC 2009
750
193052
$103.85
RP 92
CHÂTEAU RAYMOND-LAFON 2009
750
195891
$66.85
RP 93
81
CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC 2009
375
193185
$68.85
RP 97
128
PRODUCT
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
FRANCE – BORDEAUX WHITE WINE (CONT’D)
110
CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC 2009
750
195321
$136.85
RP 97
30
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER BLANC 2009
750
201368
$154.85
RP 95+
26
PAVILLON BLANC DU CHÂTEAU MARGAUX 2009
750
202341
$224.85
WS 94
13
750
182733
$189.00
BH 94
54
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE NUITS RED WINE
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS CLOS VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2010
DOMAINE DANIEL RION & FILS VOSNE-ROMANÉE LES BEAUX-MONTS
1er CRU 2010
750
278234
$79.00
DEC 95
119
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI GRANDS ÉCHÉZEAUX GRAND CRU 2010
750
721316
$529.00
BH 93
36
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI LA TÂCHE GRAND CRU 2010
750
721654
$985.00
BH 98
42
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI RICHEBOURG GRAND CRU 2010
750
737379
$849.00
BH 96
30
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI ROMANÉE-ST-VIVANT GRAND CRU 2010
750
721399
$865.00
BH 96
30
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI ÉCHÉZEAUX GRAND CRU 2010
750
723122
$339.00
BH 94
DOMAINE DOMINIQUE GALLOIS GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN PETITS CAZETIERS
1er CRU 2010
750
351445
$85.00
BH 92
DOMAINE FAIVELEY CLOS DE VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2010
750
722207
$199.00
BH 92-95
60
FAIVELEY NUITS-ST-GEORGES LES PORÊTS ST. GEORGES 1er CRU 2010
750
72504
$88.00
WS 95
119
LOUIS JADOT GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN LES CAZETIERS 1er CRU 2010
750
745422
$95.00
BH 91-94
119
119
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE BEAUNE RED WINE
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS BEAUNE
GRÈVES VIGNE DE L’ENFANT JÉSUS 1er CRU 2010
750
43257
$119.00
BH 93
167
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI CORTON GRAND CRU 2010
750
290809
$275.00
BH 93
18
DOMAINE DUBLÈRE VOLNAY TAILLEPIEDS 1er CRU 2010
750
316281
$69.00
BH 90-93
89
DOMAINE FAIVELEY BEAUNE CLOS DE L’ÉCU1ER CRU 2010
750
351544
$59.00
WS 93
89
MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE POMMARD LES CHARMOTS 1er CRU 2010
750
351619
$67.00
WS 91
179
NICOLAS ROSSIGNOL VOLNAY CHEVRET 1er CRU 2010
750
343194
$89.00
BH 94
119
DOMAINE CHANDON DE BRIAILLES CORTON LES BRESSANDES
GRAND CRU 2009
750
343251
$125.00
BH 92-94
119
LOUIS JADOT CORTON-POUGETS GRAND CRU 2009
750
997452
$99.00
BH 92-94
119
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE BEAUNE WHITE WINE
BITOUZET-PRIEUR MEURSAULT CHARMES 1er CRU 2010
750
316505
$79.00
BH 90-93
179
CHANSON PÈRE & FILS CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2010
750
324400
$145.00
BH 92
60
119
DOMAINE ANTONIN GUYON CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2010
750
729400
$145.00
BH 92-94
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS MONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2010
750
182329
$669.00
BH 98
12
DOMAINE F. & L. PILLOT MEURSAULT LES CAILLERETS 1er CRU 2010
750
270728
$115.00
BH 92
119
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC MOREY CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
LES CHAUMEES 1er CRU 2010
750
351452
$69.00
BH 91
119
DOMAINE LOUIS JADOT DOMAINE DUC DE MAGENTA
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET ABBAYE DE MORGEOT 1er CRU 2010
750
333559
$85.00
BH 90-92
119
DOMAINE MARC MOREY & FILS CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET EN VIRONDOT
1er CRU 2010
750
248716
$99.00
BH 93
119
GUY AMIOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES VERGERS 1er CRU 2010
750
332023
$95.00
BH 92
119
GÉNOT-BOULANGER CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES VERGERS
1er
750
326900
$64.00
IWC 93
239
JEAN-MARC PILLOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES VERGERS 1er CRU 2010
750
332015
$105.00
BH 91-93
119
FLORENCE LAMY CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES CAILLERETS 1er CRU 2010
750
318980
$75.00
BH 92
179
74
VINTAGES
CRU 2010
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
OCTOBER 2013
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET MORGEOT 1er CRU 2009
750
332072
$63.00
WE 91
239
DOMAINE ALAIN CHAVY PULIGNY-MONTRACHET LES FOLATIÈRES
1er CRU 2009
750
204628
$75.00
BH 91
239
PRODUCT
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
DOMAINE AMIOT GUY ET FILS LES CAILLERETS CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
1er CRU 2009
750
145631
$109.00
BH 91-93
119
DOMAINE D’ARDHUY CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2009
750
123844
$159.00
BH 93
60
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CHABLIS WHITE WINE
DOMAINE DES MALANDES LES CLOS CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2011
750
62562
$79.00
BH 92-95
119
DOMAINE LONG-DEPAQUIT LES CLOS GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2011
750
351627
$79.00
IWC 91-93
119
DOMAINE PINSON FRÈRES LES CLOS GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2011
750
209049
$75.00
BH 92-94
179
DOMAINE SERVIN BLANCHOT GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2010
750
351502
$65.00
BH 91-93
179
BILLAUD-SIMON VAUDÉSIR GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2009
750
328336
$79.00
RP 93
119
DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON VIEILLE VIGNE MONT DE MILIEU
1er CRU CHABLIS 2009
750
328344
$49.00
RP 93
179
DOMAINE SERVIN BOUGROS GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2009
750
145623
$65.00
RP 91-93
179
DOMAINE SERVIN LES PREUSES GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2009
750
145615
$65.00
BH 91-93
149
FRANCE – RHÔNE – NORTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE
DELAS FRÈRES LES BESSARDS HERMITAGE 2010
750
92205
$165.00
RP 100
89
DELAS FRÈRES SAINTE-ÉPINE SAINT-JOSEPH 2009
750
328245
$74.00
RP 96
59
DELAS FRÈRES SEIGNEUR DE MAUGIRON CÔTE-RÔTIE 2009
750
91645
$75.00
RP 93
89
M. CHAPOUTIER L’ERMITE ERMITAGE ROUGE 2009
750
328260
$499.00
RP 98+
30
ROMAIN DUVERNAY HERMITAGE 2009
750
325043
$69.00
DEC HHHHH
119
FRANÇOIS VILLARD LES TERRASSES DU PALAT CONDRIEU 2010
750
209254
$65.00
WS 94
179
M. CHAPOUTIER LE MÉAL ERMITAGE BLANC 2009
750
328252
$299.00
WS 98
30
750
328237
$59.00
RP 94
119
DOMAINE MONPERTUIS SECRET DE GABRIEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
342261
$79.00
IWC 93-95
239
LE FERME DU MONT CÔTES CAPELAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
78857
$69.00
RP 98
839
M. CHAPOUTIER CROIX DE BOIS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009
750
328286
$135.00
RP 95
60
DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE RÉSERVE SECRÈTE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007
750
63149
$165.00
RP 95+
60
750
161935
$35.00
IWC 93(+?)
119
DOMAINE ZIND-HUMBRECHT BRAND TURCKHEIM
VIEILLES VIGNES RIESLING 2010
750
271866
$89.00
WS 94
119
DOMAINE ZIND-HUMBRECHT HEIMBOURG TURCKHEIM PINOT GRIS 2010
750
51888
$54.00
WS 92
179
FRANCE – RHÔNE – NORTHERN RHÔNE WHITE WINE
FRANCE – RHÔNE – SOUTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE
DOMAINE DE LONGUE TOQUE HOMMAGE À GABRIEL MEFFRE GIGONDAS 2010
FRANCE – ALSACE WHITE WINE
DOMAINE BARMÈS BUECHER ROSENBERG GEWURZTRAMINER 2011
DOMAINE ZIND-HUMBRECHT VIEILLES VIGNES VENDANGE TARDIVE
GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2010
375
340067
$37.00
WS 93
179
RENÉ MURÉ CLOS SAINT LANDELIN VORBOURG PINOT GRIS 2010
750
969345
$39.00
WS 91
119
DOMAINE BARMÈS BUECHER STEINGRÜBLER GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2009
750
115170
$39.00
WS 93
299
KUENTZ-BAS CUVÉE CAROLINE VENDANGE TARDIVE PINOT GRIS 2009
750
316638
$59.00
WS 91
179
JOSEPH CATTIN VENDANGES TARDIVES PINOT GRIS 2007
750
332056
$39.00
WS 93
179
MARCEL DEISS GRUENSPIEL 2007
750
316471
$57.00
RP 93
179
ROLLY GASSMANN VENDANGES TARDIVES PINOT GRIS 2005
750
331868
$45.00
WS 93
179
ROLLY GASSMANN STEGREBEN DE RORSCHWIHR GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2002
750
331876
$39.00
WS 92
179
VINTAGES
75
PRODUCT SUMMARY
PRODUCT
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE
JACQUESSON CUVÉE NO. 736 BRUT CHAMPAGNE
750
234120
$69.00
RP 90-92
BLIN’S ÉDITION LIMITÉE EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002
750
328328
$85.00
WE 92
269
89
CHARLES ELLNER SÉDUCTION BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002
750
106583
$74.00
WS 93
299
GUY CHARLEMAGNE LA CUVÉE MESNILLÉSIME GRAND CRU
BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002
750
163360
$99.00
RP 93
95
R & L LEGRAS SAINT-VINCENT BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CHAMPAGNE
GRAND CRU 1996
750
999458
$129.00
JR 18 (out of 20)
59
FLEURY SIÈCLE D’OR BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1990
750
332049
$136.00
WS 95
149
FLEURY BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1988
750
332031
$169.00
RP 93
89
750
318154
$49.00
RP 91-92
179
750
155325
$33.00
RP 92-93
299
FRANCE – LOIRE WHITE WINE
DOMAINE VACHERON LES ROMAINS SANCERRE 2011
FRANCE – MIDI RED WINE
L’OUSTAL BLANC GIOCOSO MINERVOIS 2009
GERMANY – MOSEL WHITE WINE
WEGELER WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2010
750
87452
$33.00
WS 93
359
JOH. JOS. PRÜM GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING KABINETT 2008
750
333021
$35.00
RP 91
155
VON HÖVEL OBEREMMELER HÜTTE RIESLING AUSLESE 2007
750
316596
$39.00
WS 94
299
BOLLIG-LEHNERT PIESPORTER GOLDTRÖPFCHEN RIESLING
BEERENAUSLESE 2006
375
293878
$37.00
WS 96
179
WEGELER BERNKASTELER DOCTOR RIESLING AUSLESE 2010
375
599373
$54.00
WS 95
95
750
336164
$35.00
RP 92
167
500
268672
$165.00
WS 95
72
750
167445
$64.00
RP 92
179
750
343228
$119.00
RP 95
239
750
165027
$39.00
RP 92
119
AZELIA SAN ROCCO BAROLO 2008
750
268839
$85.00
RP 95
179
BROVIA ROCCHE BAROLO 2008
750
64055
$87.00
RP 96
239
CONTERNO FANTINO SORÌ GINESTRA BAROLO 2008
750
105502
$99.00
RP 95
209
SILVIO GRASSO GIACHINI BAROLO 2008
750
20438
$67.00
RP 92+
239
DOMENICO CLERICO CIABOT MENTIN BAROLO 2008
750
327783
$99.00
IWC 96
179
E. PIRA E FIGLI CANNUBI BAROLO 2008
750
250332
$95.00
RP 95
179
E. PIRA E FIGLI VIA NUOVA BAROLO 2008
750
250324
$89.00
RP 95
179
FRATELLI REVELLO GATTERA BAROLO 2008
750
182436
$65.00
RP 93+
179
MARCARINI BRUNATE BAROLO 2008
750
167494
$57.00
RP 94+
359
MARCARINI LA SERRA BAROLO 2008
750
7807
$65.00
RP 93
119
GERMANY – NAHE WHITE WINE
HEXAMER MEDDERSHEIMER RHEINGRAFENBERG RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2010
HUNGARY WHITE WINE
ALANA TOKAJ 6 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2005
ITALY – ABRUZZO RED WINE
LA VALENTINA BELLOVEDERE MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2007
ITALY – FRIULI RED WINE
MEROI VIGNA DOMININ MERLOT 2009
ITALY – FRIULI WHITE WINE
SCHIOPETTO SAUVIGNON 2010
ITALY – PIEDMONT RED WINE
76
VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
OCTOBER 2013
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
PARUSSO MARIONDINO BAROLO 2008
750
105114
$59.00
RP 94
PIRA MARENCA BAROLO 2008
750
343236
$79.00
RP 95
299
PIRA VIGNA RIONDA BAROLO 2008
750
343244
$115.00
RP 95+
179
SILVIO GRASSO TURNÈ BAROLO 2008
750
316497
$69.00
RP 94
179
GIGI ROSSO ARIONE BAROLO 2007
750
337279
$55.00
WS 94
239
GIOVANNI ROSSO CERRETTA BAROLO 2007
750
318147
$79.00
WS 95
239
MICHELE CHIARLO CEREQUIO BAROLO 2007
750
316521
$77.00
RP 94
239
107
PRODUCT
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
209
PAOLO SCAVINO CANNUBI BAROLO 2007
750
212803
$99.00
RP 96
PAOLO SCAVINO ROCCHE DELL’ANNUNZIATA RISERVA BAROLO 2006
750
212811
$175.00
RP 97
89
PIETRO RINALDI MONVIGLIERO BAROLO 2006
750
331926
$85.00
WS 94
179
TRAVAGLINI TRE VIGNE NEBBIOLO GATTINARA 2006
750
35329
$49.00
RP 90
299
NEGRETTI BRICCO AMBROGIO BAROLO 2004
750
332007
$75.00
WS 93
179
750
328302
$37.00
RP 93+
299
ITALY – PUGLIA RED WINE
RIVERA PUER APULIAE NERO DI TROIA 2007
ITALY – TUSCANY RED WINE
TUA RITA PERLATO DEL BOSCO 2010
750
324608
$49.00
RP 94
359
FONTODI FLACCIANELLO DELLA PIEVE 2009
750
963744
$99.00
WS 96
299
FONTODI VIGNA DEL SORBO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2009
750
963827
$75.00
RP 94+
239
MONTEVERTINE 2009
750
167742
$57.00
RP 94
89
MONTEVERTINE LE PERGOLE TORTE 2009
750
316604
$125.00
RP 96
95
ORMA 2009
750
260984
$64.00
RP 93
119
POGGIO SCALETTE IL CARBONAIONE 2009
750
719872
$60.00
RP 94+
599
POLIZIANO ASINONE VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2009
750
952473
$55.00
RP 93+
209
RENIERI RE DI RENIERI 2009
750
104653
$44.00
JS 95
479
TENUTA DI GHIZZANO NAMBROT 2009
750
103226
$44.00
RP 94+
239
VIGNAMAGGIO CASTELLO DI MONNA LISA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2009
750
930651
$39.00
RP 90
419
LE MACCHIOLE MESSORIO 2008
750
316612
$235.00
RP 97
60
MANDRONE DI LOHSA 2008
750
331959
$44.00
RP 91
209
MARCHESI TORRIGIANI GUIDACCIO 2008
750
674499
$49.00
RP 92+
179
LISINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
105395
$72.00
RP 94
359
MOLINO DI SANT’ANTIMO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
339515
$49.00
WE 94
299
PODERE BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
331967
$74.00
WE 95
179
STELLA DI CAMPALTO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
156893
$115.00
RP 94
179
VALDIPIATTA VIGNA D’ALFIERO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2007
750
332098
$54.00
RP 93
179
VITANZA TRADIZIONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
265546
$49.00
WS 92
299
ALTESINO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
8011
$105.00
WS 95
149
ANGELINI VIGNA SPUNTALI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
588624
$82.00
WE 94
119
BARBI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
705434
$79.00
RP 94+
299
CAMIGLIANO GUALTO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
213108
$79.00
WS 94
239
CAMPOGIOVANNI IL QUERCIONE RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
62703
$135.00
WS 95
209
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
107508
$85.00
WS 95
299
LUPICAIA ROSSO 2006
750
75747
$159.00
RP 94+
89
RENIERI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
328229
$69.00
WS 93
239
SESTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
243915
$85.00
RP 92
179
TESTAMATTA 2006
750
141945
$199.00
WS 98
179
VINTAGES
77
PRODUCT SUMMARY
PRODUCT
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
500
328310
$59.00
WS 95
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
ITALY – TUSCANY WHITE WINE
LANCIOLA LE MASSE DI GREVE VIN SANTO DEL CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007
59
ITALY – VENETO RED WINE
TEDESCHI CAPITEL MONTE OLMI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO 2007
750
964403
$69.00
IWC 92(+?)
119
FASOLI GINO LA CORTE DEL POZZO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2006
750
318212
$74.00
WS 92
239
LENA DI MEZZO SCARNOCCHIO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO 2006
750
316489
$70.00
WS 92
179
MAZZI VIGNETO CASTEL AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2006
750
337865
$64.00
RP 93
179
PORTUGAL RED WINE
CASA FERREIRINHA QUINTA DA LEDA 2009
750
683128
$54.00
RP 94
239
QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO GRANDE RESERVA
TOURIGA NACIONAL 2009
750
318899
$79.00
RP 92
89
QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO REFERÉNCIA
GRANDE RESERVA 2009
750
331934
$89.00
RP 94
119
QUINTA DA FALORCA OLD VINES GARRAFEIRA 2007
750
339184
$95.00
RP 95
119
ALONSO DEL YERRO MARÍA 2009
750
326892
$89.00
RP 92-95
89
BODEGAS MAS ALTA CIRERETS 2009
750
324913
$54.00
RP 94
269
FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ PARCELA NO. 1 2009
750
343095
$63.00
RP 94
179
TERROIR AL LÍMIT L’ARBOSSAR 2009
750
112334
$82.00
RP 95
119
SPAIN RED WINE
CLOS DOMINIC VINYES ALTES 2007
750
318162
$59.00
RP 95
179
SIERRA CANTABRIA COLECCIÓN PRIVADA 2007
750
195735
$55.00
RP 94
239
VIÑEDOS DE PÁGANOS EL PUNTIDO 2007
750
195768
$63.00
RP 93
119
FÉLIX CALLEJO FAMILY RESERVE 2006
750
110544
$95.00
RP 94
119
SAN VICENTE 2006
750
334284
$65.00
RP 93
179
FINCAS DE GANUZA RESERVA 2005
750
344259
$55.00
IWC 93
119
LEGÓN PREMIUM 2005
750
270645
$50.00
RP 94
299
O. FOURNIER TINTA DEL PAIS 2005
750
218784
$89.00
WS 93
119
MIGUEL MERINO GRAN RESERVA 2004
750
339507
$50.00
RP 92
119
T D’ANGUIX RESERVA 2004
750
118216
$45.00
RP 93
395
ROTLLAN TORRA AMADIS 2003
750
334136
$75.00
RP 94
143
750
296863
$49.95
WC HHHHJ
59
CANADA – ONTARIO RED WINE
COYOTE’S RUN RARE VINTAGE PINOT NOIR 2010
SOUTHBROOK VINEYARDS POETICA RED 2010
750
355859
$55.00
WP HHHHH
59
HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2009
750
657874
$40.00
WN 91
59
TAWSE VAN BERS VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2009
750
355867
$49.95
DL 91
59
750
355875
$45.00
OWR Treasure
59
750
333864
$50.00
JSC 92
239
CANADA – ONTARIO WHITE WINE
CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING 2004
CANADA – BRITISH COLUMBIA RED WINE
BLACK HILLS NOTA BENE 2010
AUSTRALIA RED WINE
TWO HANDS MAX’S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2010
750
60293
$66.00
WS 92
119
TWO HANDS ZIPPY’S BLOCK SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2010
750
89516
$107.00
IWC 94
59
78
VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
PRODUCT
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
•
OCTOBER 2013
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
MITOLO SAVITAR SHIRAZ 2009
750
659581
$54.00
RP 93+
383
MOSS WOOD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
750
327684
$119.00
RP 93+
179
TWO HANDS ARES SHIRAZ 2009
750
64816
$159.00
WS 98
71
HENSCHKE HILL OF GRACE SHIRAZ 2006
750
709212
$770.00
WS 98
12
750
337105
$84.00
JS 95
179
750
178103
$102.00
WS 95
149
ERRÁZURIZ DON MAXIMIANO FOUNDER’S RESERVE 2009
750
501247
$80.00
IWC 92
299
CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003
750
255422
$120.00
WS 96
119
DIAMOND CREEK VOLCANIC HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
750
700203
$199.00
FORMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
750
143925
$104.00
RP 98
671
JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA 2010
1500
737346
$549.00
RP 93-95
29
JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA 2009
750
710400
$239.00
RP 95
239
LOKOYA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
750
960567
$445.00
RP 94
30
LOKOYA MOUNT VEEDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
750
10751
$445.00
RP 93
30
NEELY HIDDEN BLOCK SPRING RIDGE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2009
750
337139
$54.00
RP 94
179
POETRY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
750
14209
$208.00
RP 94
209
SEGHESIO CORTINA ZINFANDEL 2009
750
200840
$50.00
RP 90
335
SILVERADO VINEYARDS SOLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
750
89482
$119.00
WE 95
119
WIND GAP GRIFFIN’S LAIR SYRAH 2009
750
327676
$69.00
IWC 95
359
NEW ZEALAND RED WINE
PYRAMID VALLEY ANGEL FLOWER PINOT NOIR 2010
ARGENTINA RED WINE
ACHAVAL FERRER FINCA BELLA VISTA MALBEC 2010
CHILE RED WINE
USA – CALIFORNIA RED WINE
30
GROTH RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
750
247312
$123.00
WE 96
287
JC CELLARS EAGLE POINT RANCH PETITE SIRAH 2008
750
327551
$55.00
WS 89
239
PAUL HOBBS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
750
228858
$250.00
RP 97+
60
SHAFER HILLSIDE SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
750
735712
$285.00
WS 96
209
WURTELE VINEYARD TERRA VALENTINE CABERNET SAUVIGNION 2007
750
327692
$80.00
WE 95
359
750
239996
$80.00
WS 95
167
DUNHAM XIV CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
750
287185
$57.00
WE 93
299
PEDESTAL MERLOT 2008
750
64782
$59.00
RP 93
299
USA – OREGON RED WINE
EVENING LAND LA SOURCE PINOT NOIR 2010
USA – WASHINGTON STATE RED WINE
FORTIFIED WINE PORT
DELAFORCE VINTAGE PORT 1992
750
337709
$64.00
WS 90
179
TAYLOR FLADGATE VINTAGE PORT 1997
750
702357
$339.00
RP 96
83
TAYLOR FLADGATE VINTAGE PORT 1977
750
985606
$375.00
WS 97
60
SPIRITS SCOTCH WHISKY
DUN BHEAGAN CAOL ILA 22 YEARS OLD ISLAY SINGLE MALT 1990
700
327478
$219.00
60
DUN BHEAGAN CLYNELISH 15 YEARS OLD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT 1997
700
341453
$110.00
35
OLD PULTENEY 40 YEARS OLD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT
700
333922
$3536.00
WB 88.5
3
THE BALVENIE 30 YEARS OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT
700
665091
$899.00
WB 92
30
VINTAGES
79
Save V I N TA G E S
the
date! a u c t i o n
OCTOBER 18 & 19
VINTAGES’ 12th annual auction begins Friday, October 18
with a four-course dinner and reception featuring 100-point
wines from France and the USA!
PRE-AUCTION
PRIVATE DINNER
AUCTION SCHEDULE
Friday, October 18, 2013
Trump International
Hotel & Tower
Session 1 – Friday, October 18 at 8 pm
Trump International Hotel & Tower
325 Bay Street, Toronto
Reception: 5 pm
Dinner: 6 pm
Tickets: $325 per person
Limited quantity!
Session 2 – Saturday, October 19 at 10 am
Waddington’s Auction House
275 King Street East, Toronto
To purchase Dinner tickets,
call helloLCBO at 416-365-5767
or toll free 1-800-266-4764,
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6 pm,
Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm.
Open to the public. No tickets required.
All sessions to be held under the direction
of Waddington’s Auction House. Online bidding
available via: www.artfact.com
For more details, visit
vintages.com/auction.
17858
Wines poured at this event will be measured and some wines may run out.
Due to printing lead time, we cannot guarantee tickets will be available. All ticket sales are final.
2011 Vintage Port
SPECIAL ONLINE OFFER
... I have never been as excited by the launch
of a clutch of vintage ports. The quality
of the best examples... is truly outstanding.
– Jancis Robinson, MW, May 2013
The Douro Valley’s top Port houses were unanimous in declaring
the spectacular 2011 vintage – the first generalized declaration for
vintage Port since 2007.
Sale starts Friday, November 1 at 8:30 a.m.
Visit vintages.com/port2011 for a complete list of products and ordering details.
Be the first to know
To receive advance notice about offers like this,
and other VINTAGES programs, sign up for our
VINTAGESLatest e-mail at vintages.com/sign_up
VINTAGES Events
ORDER
TICKETS
TODAY
VINTAGES hosts many exciting events throughout the
year, ranging from small structured tastings and
intimate dinners to large-scale, walk-around tastings.
Napa Valley Rocks!
Seminar & Walk-around Tasting
Monday, October 21
Royal Ontario Museum
Seminar: 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Walk-around Tasting: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Seminar & Walk-Around Tasting: $125 per person
Walk-Around Tasting Only: $95 per person
Call 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764
Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 6 PM,
Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM (excluding holidays)
Visit vintages.com/events for more about our exciting tasting events, or sign up for
VINTAGES Latest e-newsletter for notification of upcoming events. Due to the printing
lead-time for this booklet, we cannot guarantee that tickets will still be available.
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
OCTOBER 2013
ORDERING INFORMATION
ONLINE AND PHONE ORDERING DEADLINE
6:00 pm, Tuesday, October 1, 2013
ORDERING DETAILS
Orders received any time before Tuesday, October 1,
6:00 pm EST will be processed by random selection.
We will confirm your order by phone or e-mail before
post-deadline ordering begins on October 11.
DIRECT SALES ONLINE FORM
Submit your order and make payments online using our
VINTAGES Direct Sales Online form. Sign up for your
Online Direct Sales account at vintagesshoponline.com.
You will need to provide your customer number
(printed on the back cover of your mailed Classics
Collection catalogue, or call 416-365-5767, or
toll-free 1-800-266-4764).
PHONE
Submit your order before the deadline by calling
helloLCBO at 416-365-5767 or toll free 1-800-266-4764,
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PER-CUSTOMER LIMITS
We strive to secure enough stock to satisfy all customer orders,
but regret that sometimes customer demand may exceed
supply and products may sell out. In order to distribute products
equitably among customer orders, any over-sold products in
this offer are subject to per-customer limits.
PAYMENT NOTE
To ensure adherence to per-customer limits and maximize
distribution of limited products to our customers, individual
credit cards may only be applied to one order.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
DELIVERY
Upon confirmation and payment of your order, please allow up
to 4-6 weeks for delivery to the LCBO store of your choice.
A store representative will contact you when your order is ready
for pick-up. Please provide your mailed final receipt as proof
of purchase at pick-up. Orders not picked up within 30 days of
notification are subject to cancellation.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE
Please note, we are no longer accepting faxes for Classics orders.
POST-DEADLINE TELEPHONE ORDERING
Starting 8:30 am, Friday, October 11, 2013
After initial processing of online form and phone
orders, general telephone ordering begins at 8:30 a.m.,
Friday, October 11, 2013.
Call VINTAGES at 416-365-5767 or toll-free at
1-800-266-4764 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Remember, not all products will be available by the time
general telephone ordering begins. All phone orders are filled
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attention CLASSICS Customers
We will be moving soon to a new online format for our Classics Collection.
Once that happens, we will no longer produce printed catalogues. Look for
updates at vintages.com/classics.
82
VINTAGES
Buildings and fences at Château Canon in
St-Émilion were built from the same
limestone in which the grapevines thrive.
ON THE BACK COVER: A barrel cellar at
the legendary Château d’Yquem.
Please enjoy responsibly.
17696
CLASSICS COLLECTION
Department #907
55 Lake Shore Blvd. East
Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1A4