Wines
34 Items Found
- Carpineta Fontalpino Dofana 2007 Product #26283 (In Stock)
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Very limited
"Fabulous on the nose, with dark fruits and smoky, meaty undertones. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. There's a lovely richness and slight decadence to this. Equal parts Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. Best after 2012. 400 cases made."Wine Spectator 93 points
- Dom Drouhin-Laroze Grand Cru Chambertin Clos De Beze 2004 Product #25632 (In Stock)
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"Serious, dense, savoury wine. For thoughtful ascetics rather than hedonists. Real long-term stuff and so much the better. Pure, dense and deep – smooth textured but one for the long term. Drink 2010-2020" Jancis Robinson 18.5/20
"A spicy and notably ripe dark pinot fruit nose that offers black cherry and a touch of cassis that continues onto the tightly wound, earthy, rich and austere but amply powerful flavors that are impressively backward and dense, particularly for the vintage and this too is going to require the better part of a decade before it really gets rolling. I like the style and the definition, particularly on the superbly long and intense finish. Drink 2014+"Allen Meadows 90-93 points
- Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello Di Montalcino Pianrosso 2007 Product #25459 (In Stock)
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A terrific young Pianrosso, this single vineyard Brunello comes from 30+ year-old vines. After fermentation in stainless steel, it ages 3 years in large, neutral, oak casks and then for at least 8 months more in bottle. Even after all of that, it's an intense, powerful, young wine that will need a couple of years of cellaring to really strut its stuff.
"Complex aromas of red fruits, flowers and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and intense fruit and bright acidity. Goes on for a long, long time. So juicy and fruity. Hints of bitter lemon rind. Give this two or three years more of bottle age." James Suckling 96 points - Relic Artefact Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Product #26633 (In Stock)
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Case price applies to orders for 12 or more bottles of any Relic wines (mix/match). Note that your mix/match Case savings will NOT show on your web site receipt. Don’t worry – we’ll adjust the prices when we pull the wines in the store and before your card is charged.
Artefact remains Relic’s most powerful, muscular, wine but the 2009 edition gets a tad more elegant and aromatic than the blockbuster 2008. Some of that is due to a change in blend. As always, this is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon from a stunning site just above Harlan Estate. But, the Syrah in the 2008 blend has been replaced by nearly 20% Cabernet Franc from the gravelly Jim and Jeanne Frediani Vineyard. Even better purity than last vintage, but still a big wine that needs decanting and a steak today or – better yet – 2 years rest in your cellar.
“A dense, gutsy effort, rich and extracted, with dark berry, spice, mineral and cedar. Offers chewy tannins but also purity and a measure of finesse that will reward short-to medium range cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2026. 425 cases made.”Wine Spectator 93 points
- Fontodi Vin Santo 2001 (375ml) Product #23109 (In Stock)
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Fontodi always makes one of Tuscany's very best Vin Santo wines, and the 2001 may be the best yet. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti makes Vin Santo for the family and releases just a little to the market. Nutty and complex, a perfect wine to drink cool after dinner (or before!).
"Tea leaves, prunes, burnt sugar, figs and spice cake are some of the nuances that emerge from Fontodi’s 2001 Vin Santo, a wine that walks a line between the fresher and more exotic expressions of this famous Tuscan dessert wine. The finish is long and creamy. There is gorgeous weight here, but the wine comes across as well balanced and not excessively heavy or ponderous. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016."Wine Advocate 92 points
- Vieux Telegraphe Ch-du-pape La Crau Rouge 2009 Product #25202 (In Stock)
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Always one of the Rhone's best, the 2009 VT is something special. Air it out now or cellar for a decade.
"(65% grenache, 15% each of mourvedre and syrah, and the rest all the other varieties; aged in a combination of foudres and concrete): Bright ruby. Intense red fruit and potpourri aromas show excellent precision and a suave, spicy character. Licorice and lavender nuances add complexity to juicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, with the wine putting on weight in the glass. Finishes taut and youthfully tangy, with echoing licorice and spice notes."International Wine Cellar 93 points
"This is crammed with fruit, spice and structure, as braised fig, plum skin, cassis and anise notes wrestle with roasted apple wood, melted red licorice and tar for now. The embedded grip should carry the finish until this assimilates fully. Best from 2014 through 2024."Wine Spectator 94 points
- Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2006 Product #26707 (In Stock)
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The silver-label Alexander Valley Cab is Silver Oak’s biggest production wine, but the flagship black-label Napa Valley Cabernet is a big, big, step up in intensity, polish, flavor – and, usually, price. So, when you have a chance to get Silver Oak Napa for the same price (or less!) and the Alexander Valley wine? That’s what we call “a buying opportunity”!
From the winery: "The 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex and refined wine that develops beautifully in the glass to reveal multilayered nuances of aromas. It has a dark ruby color and an enticing nose of cassis, black truffles and violets. On the palate, the wine has an elegant attack and bursts with flavors of fresh forest fruit, potpourri and Asian spices. It has a long finish with smooth, well-integrated tannins. With proper cellaring, it should give drinking pleasure through 2026. Composition: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot." - Dow's Vintage Port 2011 Product #27173 (In Stock)
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Tasting the 2011 Dow’s takes concentration – the wine is so delicious, you have a tendency to just sit back and let it wash over you. A compelling floral, tobacco-scented, nose with intense black fruit at the core. At first sip, intense black cherry, black plum and dark chocolate dominate but then fruit blossom, licorice, violet, tobacco and green plum notes emerge. Astonishing texture, full and velvety, and an endless finish with fine acidity and plenty of grip. A “wow” wine.
“Wow. What a sexy nose with aromas of crushed berries, wet earth and pebbles. Full body, medium sweet with an intense and powerful finish. A vintage Port that leaves an impression. 5,000 cases produced of this mechanically trodden wine. Try in 2023.” James Suckling 96 points
“Tobacco nose and then the most extraordinary texture. So voluptuous and I could love it tonight! So appetising and beautifully balanced. Long. So complete. Tea leaves. So exciting. Such intensity than the tannins are barely perceptible. Lip smacking.” Jancis Robinson 18.5/20 points
Pre-sale orders due May 31, 2013 and wines arrive Sept/Oct 2013. Order 3 bottles or more for sale prices or 6 bottles or more for 6 Bottle price. - Warre's Vintage Port 2011 Product #27175 (In Stock)
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One of my favorites at the Symington tasting, this opens with aromas of black fruit, berry blossom, and licorice. Bold and intensely flavored with dried black fruits, black tea, sweet chocolate, and a here-and-gone sense of orange blossom. The texture is fantastic, with the ripe, dense, flavors offset by bright acidity and firm minerality. Masses and masses of grip, but the tannin is fully ripe and velvety. Hard to resist right now.
“Extremely floral and fruity with hints of lilacs and crushed fruit. Full body with refined tannins integrated with a solid core of fruit, and a rich, round texture. This is lightly sweet and follows through to a long, long finish. 3,000 cases produced of this mechanically trodden wine. Try in 2022.” James Suckling 96 points
“More open, much looser and more obviously spicy than Graham. Rich and broad and chocolate wrapped prunes. Lots of fun and appeal. Finishes dry.” Jancis Robinson 18/20 points
Pre-sale orders due May 31, 2013 and wines arrive Sept/Oct 2013. Order 3 bottles or more for sale prices or 6 bottles or more for 6 Bottle price. - Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain 2011 Product #26997 (In Stock)
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Another fine release from one of California's best Chardonnay and Pinot estates. From the winery: "Produced since 1986. Just shy of 1800 feet in elevation, in a small bowl on the western edge of the Mayacama mountains lies the original Kistler planting. Thirty year old vines grow dry farmed in deep red volcanic ash, producing a wine with an intense sense of the mountain heritage of the delicate stone fruit that is lifted, like its McCrea cousin, yet firmer, and with a stronger core and added layers of richness."
- Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Product #26126 (In Stock)
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In 2009, Cakebread turned out their usual classic Napa Cabernet with just a touch more of everything you like. Smoky, campfire, aromas with notes of black currant, olive, and berry jam. Layered flavors of black currant, olive, smoke and spice and a clean, focused, firm, finish. Fine for steak now and will improve for 8+ years.
- Guillon Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru La Petite Chapelle 2008 Product #23711 (In Stock)
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Burghound “Sweet Spot Outstanding”
All of Jean-Michel’s 2008s merit your attention, but if you’re only buying one, this is it. Petite Chapelle approaches Grand Cru levels of concentration, depth, and complexity but at a price that’s very reasonable even for a 1er Cru. And the finish this year sails on and on and on…“From 50+ year-old vines in 100% new oak but with lower toast levels. Visible but not bothersome wood sets off bright, elegant and fresh red pinot fruit aromas trimmed in subtle wet stone notes that complement well the refined and sophisticated middle weight flavors that culminate in a cool, balanced and wonderfully long finish. This is also a lovely effort with a beguiling mouth feel of precision and tension that is clean and dry without leaning toward the commercial. Sweet Spot Outstanding.”Allen Meadows 90-92 points
- Barthod Chambolle Musigny 2009 Product #26375 (In Stock)
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Again, very limited.
"Barthod’s 2009s are just as impressive from bottle as they were from barrel. Barthod and her husband Louis Boillot told me they moved up their harvest date by four days in 2009 because the fruit was ripening quickly. That turns out to have been a very wise choice. The Barthod 2009s have wonderful energy to match the radiance of the year. Readers can’t go wrong with any of these superb 2009s. The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny is a hugely pleasing wine laced with dark red fruit, mint, minerals and flowers, all of which come together with notable persistence. A weightless, effortless wine, the Chambolle impresses for its impeccable balance and lovely sense of harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019." Wine Advocate 88-90 points
- Guillon Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Champonnets 2010 Product #26703 (In Stock)
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Always one of Jean Michel's richer 1er Cru Gevrey wines, this is long and powerful in 2010.
"A similar but slightly more deeply pitched and complex nose precedes attractively rich and round flavors that are delicious but don't quite have the same energy or refinement on the suave and mouth coating finish. To be sure, this is balanced and altogether lovely. Sweet Spot Outstanding"Allen Meadows 90-93 points
- Forman Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2009 Product #26827 (In Stock)
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From a Napa Valley original, the 2009 Forman Cab is a bit more lush than usual, but just as fine as ever. Needs a long decant now to show its best - or, better, a couple of years in cellar.
"Good deep, bright red-ruby. Bitter cherry and violet on the vibrant nose. Svelte and suave on the palate, with cool dark cherry and cassis fruit complicated by fresh herbs, flowers and a whiff of meat. Spicy minerality builds on the persistent, refreshing finish. I underrated this wine a year ago from barrel as it was extremely tight then, but I should note that the finished wine quickly went into a shell in the glass. I look forward to following this elegant, European-styled cabernet over the next 10 to 15 years."International Wine Cellar 93 points
"Ric Forman is arguably Napa Valley’s first superstar winemaker. Although sometimes overlooked today, there is little question Forman has had a profound influence on a number of younger winemakers who still speak of him with great reverence. In 2012 Forman celebrated his 46th harvest. Today, Forman counts on the assistance of his son Toby, in running this small, family-owned jewel of an estate. As for the wines, they are superb, but, best of all, remain realistically priced for the consumer who wants to drink top-flight Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon without having to take out a second mortgage. The Chardonnay is made in the non-malo style Forman pioneered in the 1970s. Forman’s Cabernet is one of the classic masterpieces of Napa Valley.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon appears to have clamped down a bit since I tasted it last year. An unusually up-front, juicy wine from Forman, the 2009 is laced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, mint, cinnamon, licorice and menthol. There is a softness and suppleness to the 2009 that is impossible not to love. Layers of fruit continue to build on the juicy, silky finish. The 2009 looks to be one of the more accessible wines of the vintage, but it also needs at least several years to lose some of its baby fat and primary notes. The 2009 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029."Wine Advocate 95 points
- Vinedos De Ithaca Odysseus Black Label 2007 Product #24900 (In Stock)
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Odysseus Tinto Black Label is produced only in top vintages and is a blend of 40% Garnacha, 23% Carinena, with the balance Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak for 14 months. As always, it's a sexy, powerhouse, of a wine that opens with lush black fruit, crushed stone, lavender and spice aromas. In the mouth, full-bodied and powerful with loads of lush fruit balanced by fine minerality and dusky tannin. Good now, better after 2014.
- Marie Bernard (Marc Morey) Puligny 1er Les Referts 2008 Product #25224 (In Stock)
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Labeled for us under the Marie Bernard name to comply with Virginia's restrictive distribution rules, this is the exact same wine sold under the Marc Morey label in France and the rest of the USA.
“Outstanding. Here there is a completely different aromatic expression with its nose of white peach, spiced pear and vague suggestion of the exotic that merges into textured and highly seductive flavors that possess a satiny mouth feel on the pure and energetic finish. This is a really wonderful effort with laser-like focus and a beguiling sense of overall harmony.” Allen Meadows 91 points
- Dom Louis Michel Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles 2010 Product #26235 (In Stock)
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"This is perhaps ever-so-slightly riper still than the Vaudésir, yet the expressive nose remains cool and fresh with aromas of white flowers, tidal pool and citrus nuances that merge gracefully into full-bodied and overtly muscular broad-shouldered flavors that also possess plenty of acid-buffering dry extract on the tight, intense and highly enduring finish. Excellent cellar potential."Allen Meadows 92-94 points
"The 2010 Chablis Grenouilles, on the other hand, is much more closed down. Today it is the wine’s crystalline minerality that comes through most clearly. Hints of jasmine, green pears and apples develop in the glass, but this is a wine that needs time before its full personality begins to emerge. It is above all else a wine of finesse and, at times, an almost feminine vulnerability. Anticipated maturity: 2014."Wine Advocate 94+ points
- Dom Louis Michel Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2010 Product #26236 (In Stock)
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"Hints of sulfur reduce the present attractiveness of the otherwise complex and well-nuanced nose that displays notes of oyster shell, white pepper and dried flowers. Like the Grenouilles, this is also very tight and backwards with its beautifully detailed and borderline painfully intense flavors that culminate in a serious, linear and palate staining finish. This impeccably well-balanced effort should also amply reward 6 to 10 years of development."Allen Meadows 92-94 points
"Michel’s 2010 Chablis Les Clos comes across as big, rich and powerful. It is rather viscous on the palate, as there was a touch of botrytis in the vineyard. In 2010, it is the vintage that speaks most loudly. I can’t say this is an especially typical Les Clos, but it is a beautiful wine if taken on its own terms. Nectarine, peaches, exotic flowers and anise meld together on the textured finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013+."Wine Advocate 93 points
- Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2010 Product #26713 (In Stock)
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A classic, classy, big-gun Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Limited.
A tour de force, with layers of rich, smoky oak, fig, honeydew melon and baked, glazed apple, this weaves together a broad range of flavors, yet for all its size remains elegant and delicate. A roasted marshmallow aftertaste marks the finish. Drink now through 2019. 1,600 cases made."Wine Spectator 94 points
