Cecile's Wine Cellar

For reasons described below, Wine Spectator had to accellerate the release of the rest of the Top 10 list for 2010.  Here it is:

3) Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille 2008 (97 points) - we have 24 bottles availabe at $99.99 each.

2) Two Hands Shiraz Bella's Garden 2008 (94 points) - we've sold out of this in the past but may get a little more; if so, it'll be about $70.

1) Saxum James Berry Vineyard 2007 (97 points) - a Chateauneuf-type blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) from California; not available locally.

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Perhaps it was just wishful thinking – I was right that there would be at least 2 California Cabs on the list, but I thought WS would go for some of the bigger names that made great wines in 2007.  Instead, they’ve chosen two lesser known estates:

#5) Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (96 points - $85)  -

#4) Revana Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena 2007 (97 points, $125)

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Well, now I'm nicely confused.  Number 7 was what I thought would be number 10 but Number 6 came out of left field.

7) Schild Shiraz Barossa 2008 (94 points)  -- This wine isn't really in the US in any quantity right now as the importer is trying to sell off his remaining 2007s.  When it arrives, don't expect to see it at the Wine Spectator quoted price of $20, either - it'll sell for at least $27 and possibly higher.  We'll let you know if/when this shows up.

6) Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River 2008 (94 points) - I have six cases of this arriving tomorrow; price is $54.99 (vs. $45 quoted in WS - sorry!).  I didn't see this one coming at all, but I think this is combination of respect for this particular wine, the quality delivered in the vintage, and Paul Hobbs overall body of work.  Here's what WS said:

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And, the first 3 wines on the WS Top 10 list for 2010 are:

10)  Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape White 2009  - 95 points

9) CARM Douro Reserva 2007 – 94 points

8) Fontodi Flaccianello 2007 – 95 points

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As we get ready for our big Fall Burgundy Festival in the store this weekend – 10 great Burgundies plus handmade chocolates from Double Premium Confections! –  I thought it would be worthwhile to share a few quick impressions from our annual Burgundy dinner last week at Michel Richard’s Citronelle in Georgetown. The dinner featured five stunning dishes from Chef Richard paired with the wines of Domaine Albert Grivault,

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