{"title":"100-Point Wines","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"veritedesire15-w","title":"Verite \"Le Desir\" Red 2015 (Sonoma County, California) - [WA 100] [JS 98] [VM 96-98]","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJess Jackson convinced Bordelais Pierre Seillan to come to California from St.-Emilion to make these wines, and Vérité has been one of the classics for well over a decade. The La Muse cuvee represents a Pomerol-styled wine, La Joie a Medoc and Le Desir a St.-Emilion. These are long-term, concentrated, tannic efforts that usually require 5-10 years of bottle age, and are meant to age for at least three decades. Seillan has crafted multiple 100 point Wine Advocate wines under the Vérité label to date!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Vérité Estate is located in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountain range at the southern tip of Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. This unique location is just north of the confluence of the Chalk Hill and Knights Valley appellations, an area know for superior soil, climate, and potential to express a strong sense of terroir.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBound by precision, elegance and grace, Le Désir is a Cabernet Franc-based blend that exudes high-toned, exotic aromatics, an iron graphite core and pronounced minerality. It is a complex symphony, at first presenting a quiet force that needs time to unveil its many delicate and mysterious layers.\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-wrapper field field--name-field-notes field--type-text-long field--label-above field__items\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field__item\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-wrapper\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hallmark of the 2015 Le Désir is its structured and precise palate. There is a line here, a balance between softness and hardness: iron-rich, rocky minerality, aromas of new leather and cigar, the clear, driving expression of bright red fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild blackberries, cherries, and crisp apple join with the signature herbal tone of Cabernet Franc. Fresh, subtle pea shoots and heirloom tomato vine, notes of red licorice and tobacco box pave the way to a linear, silky finish, resounding with a floral bouquet of lilacs and violets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em;\"\u003eComposition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-wrapper field field--name-field-composition field--type-text-long field--label-above field__items\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field__item\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-wrapper\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e64% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e27% Merlot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e5% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4% Malbec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A blend of 64% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Le Desir is a little reticent at this very youthful stage, offering glimpses at dusty soil, iron ore, black truffles and salami notes over a core of red currant jelly, black raspberries, blackberries and star anise plus a waft of roses. Medium-bodied, very firm and very elegant yet incredibly intense in the mouth, it delivers loads of red fruit and earthy layers, finishing with great length and depth. 2,500 cases produced.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Feb 2018)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Love the aromas of black cherries and blackberries, violets and roses. Stunning. Full-bodied, layered and dense with focus and precision. Full tannins, yet compressed and polished. A great cabernet franc-based red. Give this four to five years of bottle age before drinking but already beautiful to taste.\" (May 23, 2018)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96-98 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2015 Le Desir, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVérité's\u003c\/span\u003e Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.\" - Antonio Galloni (Apr 2018)\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Artisan Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":37423060648095,"sku":"(3PK)","price":409.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/veritedesir08-w-2_83151792-e5f8-4081-8f2a-2fe456bd0432.jpg?v=1614116456"},{"product_id":"valdicavabrunellorsv10-3l-w","title":"Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino \"Madonna del Piano\" Riserva DOCG 2010 [3.0L] (Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 100] [WS 96] [VM 93-96]","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ProductDetail_ProductDetails_div\"\u003eRich, succulent fruit sit first and foremost in this Brunello Riserva, but the wine's secondary notes of cigar wrapper, saddle leather, earth, baking spices and potpourri offer compelling cameos. Silky, lush and seductive, this '09 Riserva is a knockout. One of the very first single-vineyard Brunellos, the Valdicava Madonna del Piano very much set the standard for cru Brunello. Organically grown and meticulously produced, Valdicava Brunello have made a reputation for elegant, suave, velvety Brunello, wines that have won the hearts of wine-lovers around the globe. This cru Brunello Riserva is always a knockout, and the ripe, seductive 2010 vintage makes it approachable earlier than usual.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e100 Points \u0026amp; #27 Top 100 Wines of 2016 \u0026amp; \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e#8 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2016 - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A wine with superb finesse and depth. So subtle and understated yet powerful and long. The tannin intensity is amazing. It just builds like a massive wave. Superb. Give this time in the bottle. The length is endless. Better in 2018.\" (November 9, 2016)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A pure, focused style, with a beam of black cherry anchoring the leather, mineral, hibiscus tea and earth flavors. Well-struc- tured, young and fresh, presenting a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and woodsy details. Best from 2019 through 2035.\" - BS (Mar 23, 2016) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e93-96 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is shaping up to be a real beauty. Powerful and dramatic, but also remarkably polished for such a big wine, the 2010 has a lot going on. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, spices, new leather, smoke and tobacco are laced into the powerful intense finish. The 2010 is an especially finessed Madonna del Piano with a bright future.\" - Antonio Galloni (February 2015)\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"3.0L","offer_id":37423093350559,"sku":"900210","price":1399.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/ValdicavaBrunellodiMontalcino_MadonnadelPiano_Riserva_447059b9-727b-4ece-b737-b94b474707d8.png?v=1623806458"},{"product_id":"valdicavabrunellorsv10-m-w","title":"Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino \"Madonna del Piano\" Riserva DOCG 2010 [1.5L MAGNUM] (Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 100] [WS 96] [WA 95+]","description":"Ratings \u0026amp; Reviews \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points \u0026amp; #27 Top 100 Wines of 2016 \u0026amp; \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e#8 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2016 - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A wine with superb finesse and depth. So subtle and understated yet powerful and long. The tannin intensity is amazing. It just builds like a massive wave. Superb. Give this time in the bottle. The length is endless. Better in 2018.\" (November 9, 2016)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A pure, focused style, with a beam of black cherry anchoring the leather, mineral, hibiscus tea and earth flavors. Well-struc- tured, young and fresh, presenting a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and woodsy details. Best from 2019 through 2035.\" - BS (Mar 23, 2016) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Here is a big wine with lofty ambitions and an impactful presentation. The Valdicava 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano hits all the right buttons. The wine shows a profound sense of elegance and poise with subtle berry notes that blend into spice, licorice and tar. Those bright and lively aromatic components fold gracefully within the wine's tight texture, its sheer power and the silky nature of the tannins. This wine promises a long and steady aging future ahead.\" -Monica Larner (8\/30\/16)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":40872870477983,"sku":"900204","price":649.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/ValdicavaBrunellodiMontalcino_MadonnadelPiano_Riserva_cb5679a5-4f78-4bf2-a78f-7e52d89c2355.png?v=1623806583"},{"product_id":"fulignibrunello15-m-w","title":"Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 [1.5L MAGNUM] (Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 100]  [WE 98] [VM 96] [WA 95+] [WS 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 100% Sangiovese Grosso is aged partly in Slavonian oak vats of about 30hl and partly in 5hl. tonneaux of French oak, for more than 3 years, followed by about one year in the bottle before release. Bursting at the seams with plum and cherry fruit sustained by firm, full structure and polished tannins. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"width: 100%; height: 2px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The purity of fruit on the nose is perfection with cherries, crushed raspberries, mineral, pumice and citrus fruit. Dust, too. Full body. Powerful, chewy tannins. So long and muscular, yet polished and formed. Most structured Brunello I have ever had from here. A wine for decades. Try after 2022.\" - (10 Sep, 2019)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e98 Points \u0026amp; \"Editor's Choice\" - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Rose, violet, camphor, wild berry and aromatic herb aromas are front and center in this gorgeous red. It's juicy, enveloping and delicious, doling out succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and baking spice alongside velvety tannins. Thanks to the estate's vineyards north of Montalcino, it has freshness and mid-term staying power. Drink 2022-2030.\" Kerin O'Keefe (5\/1\/2020)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Vinous:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Fuligni's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and alluring, pulling me closer to the glass with each swirl, as a mix of ripe black cherry, rosemary, smoke, and moist earth lift from the glass, with sweet florals and a bit of animal musk developing over time. On the palate, it glides across the senses like silk, with ripe dark red fruits paving the way for sweet spice, as saline-minerals slowly saturate in a display that was perfectly balanced and not missing a single step. The finish is long, showing the first notes of tannic heft, with dried red fruits and minerals. The 2015 Fuligni Brunello balances its beautifully ripe fruit with classic tannins and a truly gorgeous perfumed character. It's sure to have a lot of fans, and as it youthfully closes up in the glass. I can imagine a long life ahead for it. \" - Eric Guido (Apr 2020)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"Fuligni is on a short list of the best wine estates in Montalcino. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is fragrant and delicate, showing a level of precision and elegance that pushes the limits of this terrific vintage. The wine is fresh and buoyant with ample primary fruit and acidity to carry it over multiple decades of cellar aging. The bouquet reveals a slow succession of wild berry, rose, crushed flowers and graphite-like aromas with spice and licorice. The mouthfeel is structured, firm and built to last.\" - Monica Larner (15th Oct 2020)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Ripe and polished, delivering plum, black cherry, licorice, tar and leather flavors, backed by a solid structure and revealing fine balance overall. Lacks the complexity of the best 2015s, but impressive and long nonetheless. Best from 2022 through 2039. 5,500 cases made, 2,200 cases imported.\" - BS (Jun 30, 2020)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINE WAREHOUSE","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":40872921301151,"sku":"158971","price":258.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/fuligniBrunello13-w-2_8ded903c-b9d2-4c99-add7-a306648e9bde.jpg?v=1614111962"},{"product_id":"cerbaionarossovdt-w","title":"Cerbaiona Rosso VDT (Tuscany, Italy) - [WA 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Wine:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe non vintage Cerbaiona Rosso VDT is built around declassified lots of their $200+ Brunello di Montalcino and other Tuscan grapes. Because it doesn’t spend the required time aging before release, the fruit is brighter and more lively than you would expect from a Brunello. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe blend includes 2017 and 2018 vintages and is made of 90% Sangiovese heightened with 10% Pinot Nero, which adds another dimension of lush and supple fruit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The Cerbaiona NV Rosso V.D.T. is a real beauty. This mysterious blend of what appears to be about 90% Sangiovese and 10% Pinot Nero (with no vintage declared on the label) opens to a sultry, dark appearance with some deep ruby shine that shows from within. The bouquet has elements that remind me of a classic Tuscan Sangiovese (made in a hands-off and transparent manner) on the one hand, and fragrant, blue flower elements that do in fact recall a distant Pinot Nero on the other. It also has some carbonic-adjacent aromas and a whole lot of freshness, with mint and medicinal herb. Dusty earthenware or baked terracotta also appear. The wine is certainly beautiful, and I'm excited to recommend it.\" - Monica Larner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LYRA WINE","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":37461463236767,"sku":"4GNVCROS","price":29.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/CerbaionaRossoVdTNV_800xcopy.png?v=1648485297"},{"product_id":"climenssauternes05-h-w","title":"Chateau Climens 1er Cru Classe Barsac 2005 [375 mL HALF-BOTTLE]  (Sauternes, France) - [OB 100] [WA 97] [WS 95] [VM 94+]","description":"\u003ch4\u003eThe exceptionally distinguished Château Climens is classified as a 1er Cru Classé and known as the \"Lord of Barsac\". Its history dates to the 16th century, and only six families have owned the estate from its origins. This is a rare occurrence which explains why its surface area in a continuous single vineyard has practically remained unchanged since the date of its creation. At Château Climens, only the Semillon grape variety is used. Thanks to the limestone terroir of Climens, the estate is able to produce not only unique sweet wines but also exceptional dry white wines.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Owen Bargreen:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A resounding success from this great vintage, the 2005 Chateau Climens is a world-class wine that is weightless, highly complex and absolutely scintillating to enjoy now. The gorgeous bouquet beings you back to the glass, offering intense tropical fruits alongside vanilla creme brûlée, pineapple upside down cake and shades of Meyer lemon cream. The palate is seamless and smooth, with plenty of stony minerals that meld well with passion fruit, bananas foster and toasted macadamia nut flavors. Showing beautiful weight and intensity, this has a really long life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2050\" (Nov 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Wine Advocate: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 Château Climens just soars from the glass with layers of clear honey, marmalade, nectarine and minerals all beautifully carved. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh, vibrant honeyed fruit that builds and builds in the mouth in tandem with a killer line of acidity. Even though it is a convincing, great Climens, you also have the impression that it is only just beginning to show what it is capable of. Bérénice Lurton and her team excelled in this vintage and it comes strongly recommended.\" (Jun 2015)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Toffee, dried lemon rind and tropical fruit on the nose. Full-bodied and very sweet, with a dense palate of candied fruit and a long, sweet finish. Very concentrated. The botrytis spice creeps up on the finish. Best after 2013. 2,300 cases made.\" (Mar  2008)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e94+ Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Good full golden-yellow. Musky, very fresh aromas of crystallized citrus peel, minerals and toasted bread. The palate offers incredible sappy concentration and a saline aspect, not to mention a penetrating quality rare for this fruit-driven year. In fact, this begins almost light, then builds inexorably toward the back, finishing with a tactile impression of extract and an extraordinary sweetness that almost reminded me of the Suduiraut that I tasted just before it. Should go on for decades.\" - Stephen Tanzer (Jul 2008)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"REGAL WINE COMPANY","offers":[{"title":"375 ml","offer_id":37461646508191,"sku":"0305710H","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/HED60460_JPG.webp?v=1777493056"},{"product_id":"valdicava-brunello-di-montalcino-madonna-del-piano-riserva-docg-2015-1-5l-magnum-tuscany-italy-js-100-18-of-top-100-wines-of-2020-wa-96-vm-95","title":"Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino \"Madonna del Piano\" Riserva DOCG 2015 [3.0 L] (Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 100 \u0026 #18 of TOP 100 WINES OF 2020] [WS 97] [WA 96] [VM 95+]","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout this Winery:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Valdicava property lies on a high plane close to Montalcino. Wines from this area have as their signature characteristics a great balance between body and perfume. The winery dates back to 1953 when Bramante Abbruzzese was offered the opportunity to return to the property in Montalcino where his ancestors were sharecroppers centuries before. Today grandson Vincenzo Abbruzzese runs the show, producing up to 6000 cases each year with no chemical pesticides or fertilizers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne of the very first single-vineyard Brunellos, the Valdicava Madonna del Piano very much set the standard for cru Brunello. Organically grown and meticulously produced, Valdicava Brunello have made a reputation for elegant, suave, velvety Brunello, wines that have won the hearts of wine-lovers around the globe. This cru Brunello Riserva is always a knockout, and t\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehis is a wine about which reviewer James Suckling has said \"Valdicava’s single vineyard Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano is one of the great wines of Tuscany, if not Italy. It is a wine completely based on great soil and climate, not to mention fabulous viticulture from owner Vincenzo Abbruzzese. The wine always shows dark fruits and a fresh porcini character, both young and old. It’s structured and tannic yet polished and reserved. It is an archetypal Brunello di Montalcino for me.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points \u0026amp; \u003cspan style=\"color: #953734;\"\u003e#27 Top 100 Wines of 2016 \u0026amp; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #953734;\"\u003e#8 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2016 \u003c\/span\u003e- James Suckling: \u003c\/b\u003e\"Spectacular aromas of crushed fruit, plums, sous bois, porcini and black truffles. Decadent year, but fresh. Full-bodied, dense and linear on the palate, yet so much in balance and refined with incredible depth and consistency. The savory and juicy finish, with vivid acidity and fruit, is eye-opening. Greatest ever. Best after 2025, but can’t wait to try it again.\" (4 Nov, 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-single__description rte\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"is-initialized is-ready\" data-station-tabs-product=\"valdicava-brunello-di-montalcino-madonna-del-piano-riserva-docg-2015-tuscany-italy-js-100-18-of-top-100-wines-of-2020-wa-96-vm-95\" data-station-tabs-app=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tablist\" class=\"station-tabs mod-hide-focus is-ready\" id=\"station-tabs-0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"st-link-ratings-reviews_0-1\" id=\"st-ratings-reviews_0-1\" class=\"station-tabs-content is-active\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"station-tabs-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Cherry, berry and wild herb flavors mark this linear red, which is pure and vibrant, with refined tannins and bright acidity underlying it all. The mineral-tinged finish is fresh and long, with fine harmony in the end. Best from 2024 through 2049. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.\" — BS (Jun 2021)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eValdicava\u003c\/span\u003e 2015 Brunello \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003edi\u003c\/span\u003e Montalcino Riserva \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eMadonna\u003c\/span\u003e del Piano is a lovely wine that finds nice balance between power and elegance. You get the character of the fruit with dried cherry, cassis and cranberry and delicate nuances of grilled herb, cola and blue flower. The bouquet also shows lots of balsam intensity with root beer and rosemary oil. These two sides of the wine reach equilibrium, and the only thing needed here is more cellar aging time. There is a point of youthful tannic astringency that needs to unwind and integrate. I would not recommend opening this 25,000-bottles release before the 10-year mark.\" - Monica Larner (Nov 2020)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95+ Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"There’s a mentholated freshness to the 2015 \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eMadonna\u003c\/span\u003e del Piano Riserva which draws you in, as a seductive display of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, sage and sweet white smoke holds your attention firm. It’s silky in feel yet far more lifted than expected, with wave after wave of tart wild berries and savory spices which drench the palate in concentrated fruit, as if you can feel the skins, pips and all. Just when you think that the 2015 will release you from its structured clenches, its coating of grippy tannins comes forward, and it remains throughout the tension-filled and purple-tinged finale. This will require many years of cellaring to reveal its charms, coming across as far more structured than most other Brunello Riservas from the vintage; yet there’s plenty of fruit to keep pace throughout the wine's evolution.\" - Eric Guido (Nov 2020)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-1-6808701698207-6808701698207\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cform class=\"contact-form\" id=\"contact-6808701698207-6808701698207\" action=\"https:\/\/qf2w0flv1ge5box2-48189407391.shopifypreview.com\/contact#contact-6808701698207-6808701698207\" method=\"post\" accept-charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/form\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"3.0L","offer_id":40097523663007,"sku":"","price":1424.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/ValdicavaBrunellodiMontalcino_MadonnadelPiano_Riserva_035471da-ba21-4430-8e02-816407478303.png?v=1624409979"},{"product_id":"valdicava-brunello-di-montalcino-madonna-del-piano-riserva-docg-2015-tuscany-italy-js-100-18-of-top-100-wines-of-2020-wa-96-vm-95","title":"Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino \"Madonna del Piano\" Riserva DOCG 2015 (Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 100 \u0026 #18 of TOP 100 WINES OF 2020] [WS 97] [WA 96] [VM 95+]","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"ProductDetail_ProductDetails_div\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout this Winery:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Valdicava property lies on a high plane close to Montalcino. Wines from this area have as their signature characteristics a great balance between body and perfume. The winery dates back to 1953 when Bramante Abbruzzese was offered the opportunity to return to the property in Montalcino where his ancestors were sharecroppers centuries before. Today grandson Vincenzo Abbruzzese runs the show, producing up to 6000 cases each year with no chemical pesticides or fertilizers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points \u0026amp; \u003cspan style=\"color: #953734;\"\u003e#27 Top 100 Wines of 2016 \u0026amp; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #953734;\"\u003e#8 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2016 \u003c\/span\u003e- James Suckling: \u003c\/b\u003e\"Spectacular aromas of crushed fruit, plums, sous bois, porcini and black truffles. Decadent year, but fresh. Full-bodied, dense and linear on the palate, yet so much in balance and refined with incredible depth and consistency. The savory and juicy finish, with vivid acidity and fruit, is eye-opening. Greatest ever. Best after 2025, but can’t wait to try it again.\" (4 Nov, 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Cherry, berry and wild herb flavors mark this linear red, which is pure and vibrant, with refined tannins and bright acidity underlying it all. The mineral-tinged finish is fresh and long, with fine harmony in the end. Best from 2024 through 2049. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.\" — BS (Jun 2021)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eValdicava\u003c\/span\u003e 2015 Brunello \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003edi\u003c\/span\u003e Montalcino Riserva \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eMadonna\u003c\/span\u003e del Piano is a lovely wine that finds nice balance between power and elegance. You get the character of the fruit with dried cherry, cassis and cranberry and delicate nuances of grilled herb, cola and blue flower. The bouquet also shows lots of balsam intensity with root beer and rosemary oil. These two sides of the wine reach equilibrium, and the only thing needed here is more cellar aging time. There is a point of youthful tannic astringency that needs to unwind and integrate. I would not recommend opening this 25,000-bottles release before the 10-year mark.\" - Monica Larner (Nov 2020)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95+ Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"There’s a mentholated freshness to the 2015 \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eMadonna\u003c\/span\u003e del Piano Riserva which draws you in, as a seductive display of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, sage and sweet white smoke holds your attention firm. It’s silky in feel yet far more lifted than expected, with wave after wave of tart wild berries and savory spices which drench the palate in concentrated fruit, as if you can feel the skins, pips and all. Just when you think that the 2015 will release you from its structured clenches, its coating of grippy tannins comes forward, and it remains throughout the tension-filled and purple-tinged finale. This will require many years of cellaring to reveal its charms, coming across as far more structured than most other Brunello Riservas from the vintage; yet there’s plenty of fruit to keep pace throughout the wine's evolution.\" - Eric Guido (Nov 2020)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ATHERTON WINE IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":40097536835743,"sku":"","price":289.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/ValdicavaBrunellodiMontalcino_MadonnadelPiano_Riserva_e926c2d9-d14e-4563-a66a-a8eecb6fc26c.png?v=1623805987"},{"product_id":"marques-de-murrieta-castillo-ygay-gran-reserva-especial-2010-rioja-spain-js-99-rp-97-vm-97-ws-96-1-of-top-100-of-2020-we-94","title":"Marques de Murrieta \"Castillo Ygay\" Gran Reserva Especial 2010 (Rioja, Spain) - [FS 100] [JS 99] [WA 97] [VM 97] [WS 96 \u0026 #1 of Top 100 of 2020] [WE 94]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Winery: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe story of the Marqués de Murrieta winery is inextricably intertwined with the history of Rioja wine. The winery's founder, the Marqués de Murrieta, imported production techniques into Spain from Bordeaux. In 1852 he produced his first wine in Logroño, moving into the \u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYgay\u003c\/span\u003e Estate in the late 1870s. Located at the heart of La Rioja, the estate is home to \u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYgay\u003c\/span\u003e Castle, headquarters of the Marqués de Murrieta wineries. The castle is surrounded by 300 hectares of vineyards. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cebrián-Sagarriga family, who in 1983 acquired the Marqués de Murrieta winery, established in 1852, has a distinct winemaking philosophy that is founded in the pursuit of quality and excellence through tradition and innovation.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOnly the finest vintages from the 741-acre Ygay Estate are used to make Castillo Ygay. This Gran Reserva Especial is made from tempranillo and mazuelo from vineyards located at 485 meters above sea level. Limited in production and sought after all over the world, it is the worthy choice for the winery's emblematic Castillo Ygay label. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe grapes were first carefully destemmed and squeezed and then fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 11 days with daily remontage and pigeage processes to help develop the wine's personality. These processes ensured maximum color and aroma without producing excessive tannin. The wine spent 24 months in 225-liter American and French oak barrels, and then three years in the bottle before being released to the market.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe grapes are manually harvested from an 80-year-old single-vineyard called La Plana, located at the highest peak within the Ygay Estate which surrounds the winery in the southern point of the Rioja Alta wine subzone. Fermentation takes around two weeks, during which we pump over and punch down the cap in order to extract aromas and poliphenols slowly and naturally. The tempranillo was harvested on October 6th and the mazuelo on October 21st.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePairs beautifully with wood pigeon braised in red wine, cocoa, black pepper and Iberian ham fat; wagyu sirloin tartare, capers jam and soufflé potatoes; pil pil hake cheeks, codfi sh crispy skin and candied crystal pepper; Moliterno cheese with black truffles, sour cherry jam and Castillo Ygay red wine. Decanting the wine for 20 minutes is recommended. Best enjoyed between 64o- 66oF.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTECHNICAL INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVarietals: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWine Alcohol: 14%\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAging: 24 months in 225-litre American and French oak barrels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Falstaff Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle shine on the edges. Fine mint, black cherries, fine herbs, fresh cherries, minerals and a multifaceted young bouquet. Juicy, complex, elegant texture with sweet extract, fine and well-rounded tannins, ripe cherries, tender nougat, enormous ageing capacity. Buy it now while you still can.\" – Peter Moser\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e99 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Marvelous aromas of crushed berries, tobacco, cedar and mushrooms. Some dried cheese. Then turns to flowers. Very complex. Full and intense with fantastic depth and power. It goes on for minutes. It is a wine that exudes tradition but gives a sense of modernity with precise winemaking. Two years in oak, one in concrete and three or four in bottle. Drink on release and age onwards.\" (4 Jul, 2019 )\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I had very high expectations for the 2010 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, and the wine delivered as expected. 2010 was one of the finest vintages in Rioja in recent years, and this blend of Tempranillo with 15% Mazuelo (Cariñena) has to be one of the finest modern day Castillo de Ygays. The grapes come from a plot planted in 1966 at 485 meters in altitude, the highest in the estate, and the vines yielded 3,500 kilos per hectare. The two varieties fermented separately in stainless steel for 11 days, and the wine spent 26 months in a mixture of American and French oak barrels. I tasted the 2009 next to this 2010, and I had also had a bottle two nights before. So, I was able to compare this with the 2009, which was a very different year, as 2010 was a cooler year and a priori a more adequate year for long-aging wines like this Gran Reserva. The difference was the vegetative cycle, as the vinification and élevage was the same. This is sleeker and sharper, less developed and livelier than the 2009, which already shows some signs of \"old wine\" with aromas that remind me of the old classical Rioja reds. It has greatness and finesse and is a very attractive wine with all the stuffing and balance that is needed for a long (and positive) aging in bottle. This is one of the finest modern day vintages of Castillo Ygay. This is going to develop in the direction of the classical bottlings from yesteryear. 130,853 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2015.\" - Luis Gutiérrez (Jun 2019)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Brilliant ruby. A hugely perfumed bouquet evokes spice-accented red and dark berry preserves, potpourri, pipe tobacco and vanilla, and violet and mineral accents emerge as the wine stretches out. Palate-staining blackberry, cherry-vanilla, cassis, fruitcake, mocha and candied licorice flavors show superb depth and clarity while hints of floral pastilles and Moroccan spices add complexity. Gains weight with air, with no loss of energy, showing powerful, spicy thrust on a strikingly long, gently tannic and floral-driven finish.\" - Josh Raynolds (Apr 2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points \u0026amp; \u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e#1 OF TOP 100 OF 2020\u003c\/span\u003e - Wine Spectator Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Maturing well, this round red is a lovely example of the traditional style. Orange peel, dried cherry, forest floor, vanilla and black tea flavors mingle harmoniously over round tannins and citrusy acidity. Generous but gentle, lively, balanced and harmonious. Tempranillo and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2030. 680 cases imported.\" - TM (Sep 30, 2020)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Earthy cherry, plum and cassis aromas are dry and complex, while this feels integrated and balanced. Cherry, red plum and cocoa flavors remain young and vibrant on the palate, while this pedigreed gran reserva offers its usual depth and length on the finish. Ten years in and this still has more in waiting. Drink through 2045.\" Michael Schachner (8\/1\/2020)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"WINEBOOK","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":40324111204511,"sku":"968341","price":359.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/1608199240408.jpg?v=1790188454"},{"product_id":"chateau-leoville-las-cases-saint-julien-grand-cru-2018-bordeaux-france","title":"Chateau Leoville-Las Cases Saint Julien Grand Cru 2018 (Bordeaux, France) - [JD 100] [WA 99] [JS 99] [DC 99] [WS 97] [WE 97] [VM 97]","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e~2nd Classified Growth~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne of the oldest Medoc estates, Domaine de Léoville belonged to some of the wealthiest and most influential noble French families before it was acquired by the Las Cases family. The estate was split up between 1826 and 1840 as a result of the French Revolution. (Expropriation of emigrants' property and constitution of egalitarian redistribution). Château Léoville Las Cases was created, thanks to a kind of birthright, from 3\/5 of the original estate and the heart of the domain. The Grand Vin's current terroir has therefore been at the historic heart of the original terroir since the 17th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePierre Jean, Adolphe and Gabriel de Las Cases were successive heirs to the property until 1900, when Théophile Skawinski purchased a share in the estate and became its manager. Léoville Las Cases has now been managed by the same family since the late 19th century and is today represented by Jean-Hubert Delon, sole owner of the Château and proprietor of Château Potensac in the Medoc and Château Nénin in Pomerol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Vintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn the Saint-Julien terroirs, budburst began slowly. This was followed by rapid vegetative growth, due to humid and hot conditions. After a hot and dry summer, the harvest was spread over three weeks, without any worry or precipitation, giving a perfect maturity. The wines of the 2018 vintage offer a beautifully accomplished maturity and stand as promises of a very long ageing potential. They are powerful, exceptionally structured and full bodied, complex and opulent but perfectly balanced, with an outstanding freshness and a glorious finesse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTechnical Data\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVarietal Composition:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHarvest Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18th September to 10th October 2018\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eABV:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e14.9%\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTotal Acidity:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e3.54\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epH:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e3.65\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Pure magic and one of the finest expressions of this estate I could imagine, as well as a perfect wine, the 2018 \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLéoville Las Cases\u003c\/span\u003e comes from a mix of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc that spent 19 months in (I believe) all new French oak. Its dense purple color is followed by a profound wine loaded with notions of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, melon, crushed stone, tobacco, and violets. Full-bodied, concentrated, and massive on the palate, yet also incredibly well delineated and precise, it has a wonderful mix of seemingly ripe, sunny fruit from a warm year yet the minerality, purity, and precision of a cooler year. This wine is going to be just about immortal; however, do your best to hide bottles for a solid 10-15 years.\" (3\/11\/2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2018 \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLéoville Las Cases\u003c\/span\u003e is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot, harvested September 15 to October 4 with yields of 35.5 hectoliters per hectare, it has 14.49% alcohol and was aged in 90% new barriques. Deep purple-black colored, it needs a fair bit of coaxing to reveal striking scents of blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries and redcurrant jelly, giving way to notions of crushed rocks, lavender, Indian spices, unsmoked cigars and black truffles, plus a provocative waft of rose oil. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, accented by bright, lively red berry and floral sparks. It has a rock-solid frame of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing very long and wonderfully minerally. The tannins are so beautifully approachable even at this youthful stage, making it delicious to drink now, but afford it 5-6 years in bottle to allow those finer nuances to emerge and drink it over the next 40+ years.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (3\/31\/2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"An elegant, complex nose of blackberries, blueberries and herbal and spice notes with dark-chocolate and earthy undertones. Violets, flowers and graphite, too. Itâ€™s full-bodied with firm, layered tannins and a crushed-stone undertone throughout the fresh, velvety and layered palate. Very complex, muscular and formed. The finish is endless. Lowest percentage of press wine ever in this. So deep. Try after 2027.\" (1\/12\/2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"This has such a textured, ripe, plump and poised black fruit character that is clear from the aromatics alone. Mouthfilling with huge texture and density, full of licorice root, black chocolate shavings and cocoa pod with creme de cassis edging. This is delicious and has chewy tannins that you can pick up with a shovel. One of the 'wines of the vintage'. Only 2% of press wine (unusually low, as it can go up to 15% in some years). It grips on tight to the finish - extremely impressive.\" Jane Anson (11\/2020)\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Reserved, even reticent, at first, but like a cold fireplace brought back to life it slowly reveals beautifully handcrafted notes of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry puree along with hints of charcoal, warm cast iron and sweet bay leaf. A violet note chimes on the seriously long finish, adding a tantalizing treble note. A precise, regal, terroir-driven wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2028 through 2042. 10,000 cases made.\" - JM (3\/31\/2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"It is the tannins that mark out this powerful wine, presenting a fine balancing act between a firm structure and rich dark fruit flavors. It is the epitome of elegant Saint-Julien, with a welcome mix of weight and freshness.\" - Roger Voss (4\/1\/2019)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2018 \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLéoville Las Cases\u003c\/span\u003e is a very sensual wine. Silky and nuanced, the 2018 exudes extraordinary finesse from start to finish. The 2018 is a bit closed in on itself at first, but then again, that is Las Cases. At the same time, the tannins are nowhere as brooding as they once were. Inky dark fruit, creme de cassis, mocha and a whole range of savory Cabernet nuances run through a dense, packed Las Cases that is all class. The 2018 is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot and that spent 21 months in oak, 90% new. One of the recent developments at Las Cases has been a decease in the use of press wine, about 2.7% for the 2018 versus the average of 5-10% and the 15% or so that was the norm in the 1980s. I imagine that, plus the ripeness that is common these days, goes a long way towards explaining the seductive quality of many recent vintages. This is a fabulous effort from proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon and his team.\" - Antonio Galloni (3\/2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOOK","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":40370828968095,"sku":"","price":374.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/LeovilleLasCases.png?v=1624579771"},{"product_id":"casanovabrunellotenuta16-w","title":"Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino \"Tenuta Nuova\" DOCG 2016 (Tuscany, Italy) - [FS 100] [JS 99] [WA 97+] [DM 97] [VM 96] [JD 96] [WS 95]","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTenuta Nuova is a pioneering and visionary vineyard project emboding the belief and passion of Casanova di Neri. Tenuta Nuova means new property; Tenuta Nuova is a place where nobody planted Sangiovese before; Tenuta Nuova is the will of Casanova di Neri to produce a powerful yet drinkable Brunello with a high ageing potential. The project began with the study of varied local microclimates and their optimal exposures. Through a cautious and passionate research Casanova di Neri has used the most sophisticated scientific investigations to determine the clones, rootstocks, cultivation practices, plant density per hectare and every possible particular to obtain excellent Sangiovese grapes. \u003cbr\u003e\u003chr style=\"width: 100%; height: 2px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Falstaff:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePowerful, bright ruby. Impressive nose with rich notes of wild raspberry, ripe, tree-fresh plum, in addition some liquorice, exciting. Salty and juicy on the palate, shows a lot of red berry fruit, then opens with fine-meshed tannin, polished and exceedingly long.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e99 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Aromas of blackberries, cherries, violets and bark with mahogany. Its full-bodied and chewy with intense tannins that are layered and focused. The fruit is pure and purposeful, yet not over done. Wonderful strength and purity to this. Class is the word. Try it after 2024.\" - (9 Nov, 2020 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e97+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"This is one of my sweetheart wines from Montalcino. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova offers a long list of aromas on an ever-shifting and fluid bouquet. You get bright cherry, rose potpourri, black truffle, caramel, butterscotch, sandalwood, road pavement and chalky mineral. In fact, each time I come back to this wine, that mineral element seemed to grow in intensity and scope. The wine offers a grounded fruit side that is contrasted nicely against a grounded oak component. The mouthfeel is creamy and long, and the wine shows terrific tannic integration. When you come back hours later, you might find black olive, bresaola and licorice.\" - Monica Larner (30th Nov 2020)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Tenuta Nuova is Casanova di Neri’s southern expression of Brunello. Vines were planted in 1989 and Gianlorenzo Neri says they are now hitting their stride, giving wines with more persistence and depth than earlier vintages. The 2016 clearly demonstrates both of these attributes. It is not as immediate as the white label but unfolds decorously with earth, tar, leather, black currants and cinnamon. The tannins are refined, clinging to the palate with a clayey texture. Pristine and polished with masses of personality, the briny undertow cleanses the mouth brilliantly. Balsam and orange carry the finish.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Vinous:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova drawing you in with a display of exotic brown spice, mint and cedar dust. Further coaxing unlocks depths of cherry, plum, hints of dark chocolate and roses. It coasts along a medium-bodied frame with velvety richness, complemented by polished red and black fruits while contrasted by brisk acids and hints of sour citrus. This coats the teeth in concentration, as if you can feel the pulp, seeds and skins of its fruit, while a layer of fine tannin slowly grounds you back to earth. The Tenuta Nuova already has so much to give, yet it will be many years before it reaches its apex. Wow. Thinking back to my tasting of the 2015, I can't say that the 2016 is necessarily a better wine, just a little less immediate. Either way, both wines are beautiful expressions of vintage. \" - Eric Guido (Nov 2020) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: initial;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The 2016 Tenuta Nuova has layered aromatics of black raspberry, menthol, baking spice and cedar. The palate is intensified and has another gear, with mouth-filling cherry fruit, tobacco, and a balanced but powerful structure. Enjoy a couple of the 2016 Brunello while you wait for this one in the cellar for 3-5 years and drink 2025-2041.\" (3\/4\/2021)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A bright, pure version, boasting raspberry, black cherry and blackberry flavors married to a fluid profile. The structure is present, yet both the lively acidity and fine-grained tannins are in harmony. The focus is really on the fruit here, with accents of graphite, earth, tobacco and underbrush. Best from 2023 through 2045.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Artisan Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":40434158796959,"sku":"748789900035","price":159.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/exec-8d08c108-42c2-4ed5-8d35-f55ce460bd9a.png?v=1787423875"},{"product_id":"fontodi-flaccianello-della-pieve-igt-2018-1-5-l-tuscany-italy","title":"Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2018 [1.5L] (Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 100] [WA 98] [DM 96] [WS 96] [JS 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Estate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFontodi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico precisely in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano and is called the “Conca d’Oro” (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape. A genuine and characteristic “Terroir”, famous for centuries for its tradition of quality wine cultivation, thanks to a unique combination of high altitude, calcareous clay schist soil, lots of light, and a fantastic micro-climate – warm and dry with a marked difference in day and night-time temperatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWinemaking:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll Fontodi wines are produced from grapes coming from their own vineyards, picked by hand, chosen with care and vinified in a way that exalts the character of the vines and the territory. The Fontodi Oil “Bio” is produced from its own olives which are delicately pressed the same day as the harvest in order to preserve all the freshness and the fragrance of the fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe process of vinification and ageing in wood takes place in the modern cellar, built on descending levels to take advantage of gravity, guaranteeing the most respect possible for the natural integrity of the grape, in order to exalt the character and elegance of the wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppellation: Colli Toscana Centrale IGT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrapes: Sangiovese 100%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVineyards: Selection of the best vineyards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDensity: 6.000 vines per hectare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraining: Guyot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation: In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least 3 weeks. Malolactic in barrels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAging: In new Tronçais and Allier barrels for at least 18 months\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAverage: 60.000 bottles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings and Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Vinous Media:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.\" - Antonio Galloni (Sep 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98+ Points - Luca Gardini:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"One of the most famous so-called ‘Super Tuscan’ from 100% pure Sangiovese. A stunning vineyard selection, then aged in small oak barrels for 24 months. Small red fruits of undergrowth at the nose, raspberry, and red currant, then scents of eucalyptus and nutmeg at the end. The mouthfeel is breathtaking: crispy, dense, intense, vertical with salty tannins. Great persistence with a fruity-salty taste returning.\" (May 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Generally speaking, I have reservations concerning the 2018 vintage that saw intermittent periods of hot and cold with some rain thrown in at the end of the growing cycle. The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve blasted straight through any lingering doubt and is the result of a deft winemaking hand. This is a phenomenal and proudly confident vintage of the estate's top Sangiovese, which represents a blend of organic fruit from the best parcels. The wine's personality reveals brooding darkness and austerity, and these impressions are reinforced by savory tones of cigar smoke and earthy leather. The core of the wine is tight and richly concentrated with generous blackberry and plum. The velvety tannins are integrated but still youthful and grippy. You'll definitely need to give this elegant wine more time in the bottle.\" - Monica Larner (Oct 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Produced since 1981, Flaccianello was a single-vineyard wine up to 2003, then a selection of the best grapes of the estate. Guyot-trained Sangiovese is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least three weeks, then racked in barrels for the malolactic fermentation. It ages for 24 months in barrels. An enticing aroma unfolds its Mediterranean character in the glass with liquorice stick, bergamot, helichrysum, raspberry and cherry in depth. On the palate it shows extremely good volume for the 2018 vintage. Firm and youthful with refined tannins and crisp acidity, this is a wine of straight elegance.\" - Aldo Fiordelli (Nov 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"Ripe black cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit is beautifully displayed on the harmonious structure in this red. Violet, iron and juniper notes add depth, while the aftertaste gets lift from the lively acidity and dusty tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043. 4,000 cases made, 1,600 cases imported.\" - BS (Web Only - 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is a solid red with plenty of fruit and a dense, intense palate with hints of wood and spice. Full-bodied and very structured. Plenty of tannins here. Needs three to four years to soften and come together. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2024.\" (Aug 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":40595078217887,"sku":"","price":494.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/jGNV1lZ9Qs-65nJyR4bVPQ_pb_x600_865c74a1-9894-4685-9bcd-ec37f337a05b.png?v=1626727508"},{"product_id":"concha-y-toro-don-melchor-cabernet-sauvignon-2018-maipo-chile-js-100","title":"Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Maipo, Chile) - [JS 100] [VM 96] [W\u0026S 96] [WS 95] [WA 95] [WE 94]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eConcha y Toro’s history begins in 1883 with our founder’s -Melchor Concha y Toro- dream to create the best wines. A tradition persevered over time, inspiring us to work with passion and excellence in our brands.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConcha y Toro is today the most admired wine brand in the world. Our wines deliver rewarding and unique experiences to our consumers around the world. We are present in over 130 countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Vineyard:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePuente Alto is a privileged terroir, determined by the singular combination of soil, climate conditions, the vineyard, and a delicate human touch to craft vintages that are a faithful expression of this special place. Located at the foot of the Andes, 650 metres above sea level, the Don Melchor winery is set on the north bank of the Maipo River and has long been a keystone in the history of Chilean wine. Ever since French pre-phylloxera vines were imported in the mid-19th Century, this part of the Maipo Valley has been growing in prestige and quality, building on a past rich in tradition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vineyard today consists of 127 hectares, carefully divided into seven parcels, of which roughly 90 per cent hold Cabernet Sauvignon vines, with 7.1 per cent Cabernet Franc, 1.9 per cent Merlot and the final one 1 per cent growing Petit Verdot grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines average more than 30 years of age and correspond to a selection originally brought over from Bordeaux at the end of the 19th Century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2018 is one of the greatest vintages in the history of Don Melchor. A highly expressive wine, with great personality and complexity. the wine shows lots of expression and complexity of small red fruits, as well as floral notes displayed as a whole. On the palate, the wine is full of flavor and dominated by elegance and balance, as well as a great texture of the tannins, with a long, refined finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRed meats, especially lamb, and wild game: baked, stewed, or prepared with red wine sauces, mushrooms, rosemary and tomatoes. Different terrines and pâtés, like turkey with truffles. Cow and goat cheeses; dry and mature cheeses, or creamy cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTechnical Data\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Don Melchor Vineyard, D.O. Puente Alto, Alto Maipo Valley.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, the Don Melchor Vineyard is located along the north bank of the Maipo River, at an altitude of 650 m.a.s.l. It is composed of 127 hectares: 90% dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon; 7.1% to Cabernet Franc, 1.9% to Merlot, and 1% to Petit Verdot. To date, the vineyard's vines are over 30 years old on average.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e By hand. Between March 20 and May 11, 2018. The vineyard yielded 5.0 tons\/ha.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVinification:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe alcoholic fermentation is carried out in stainless steel tanks for 10 days at 25 to 26°C and is pumped over 4 to 6 times a day. Once the fermentation is complete, the tank is hermetically sealed for an 8-day maceration at 23 to 25°C, for a greater extraction and smoother tannins. At the end of the maceration period, each tank is devatted, tasted and selected by the Don Melchor vineyard and winemaking team. Then, all of the wines are tasted and selected for the final blend, which is later transferred to the barrels. aging 15 months in French oak barrels, (72% new, 28% second-use)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAging Potential:\u003c\/strong\u003e Over 35 years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points \u0026amp; #1 of Best Wines of Chile 2020 - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is amazing. The vibrancy and energy in this wine is stunning. The complexity of aromas are breathtaking with flowers, blackcurrants, raspberries and peaches. Full-bodied, yet ever so refined and polished with impeccable texture and beauty. The length is marvelous. This is a testimony to balance, harmony and transparency in a great red. Drink after 2023.\" (Jan 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor is a combination of a proven style – the blend also includes 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot – and a particularly good harvest in the Puente Alto region in Maipo. Made by Enrique Tirado and aged for 15 months in French barrels, it is garnet red in the glass, with a very complex expression that unfolds in layers, beginning with black currant and sour cherry notes, followed by mint, cedar and pepper and a faint whiff of red pepper. Juicy in the mouth with fine-grained tannins and a concentration that centers the wine, channeling and stretching out the fruity backdrop, this is an unusually harmonious and delicious Bordeaux blend.\" - Joaquin Hidalgo (May 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine \u0026amp; Spirits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Long produced from its own 314-acre vineyard, a prime site on the third alluvial terrace above the north bank of the Maipo River, Don Melchor is now established in its own estate winery. Enrique Tirado, who started making Don Melchor in 1997, considers the 2018 season one of the most vine-friendly he has worked, with plenty of rain in winter, optimal weather during flowering, no heat spikes in summer and cool nights through harvest. The fruit of the vines shows the freshness of the season, as well as the ripeness, allowing Tirado and consultant Eric Boissenot to include both early ripening merlot and late-ripening petit verdot in this 2018 (in most years, they limit the blend to cabernets sauvignon and franc). The purity of that fruit is completely Andean—neither green nor dimpled, but precisely tuned in both the flavor and texture of its tannins. The wine has a quiet, gracious power, reflecting its Chilean character (there’s nothing either bold or austere about it; this is a wine of a place, without cabernet preconceptions). Its black currant and tart red cherry flavors have the crunch of walking through Andean snow, even as the sunniness of the fruit is cool, not at all cold, leaving a gracious impression. Great Andean cabernet has the capacity to age and develop for decades. If you’ve never invested in Chilean wine, this is the place to start.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Powerful and well-structured, with vibrant acidity backing a lively blend of dark fruit and fresh-crushed cooking spice flavors. Cedary and savory notes in the midpalate, with a long finish filled with underbrush accents. Drink now through 2027. 14,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.\" - KM (May 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I tasted two vintages of the top Cabernet Sauvignon, and even if the two years were quite different, the wines showed very good regularity. My preference was for the 2018 Don Melchor, from a cooler and rainier vintage that produced a very complete and balanced wine with the aid of 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. It has power and finesse, integrated 14% alcohol and a classical profile with the ingredients to develop nicely in bottle. It's tasty and has polished tannins. 156,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2019 and early January 2020.\" – Luis Gutierrez (Aug 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points \u0026amp; Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Smooth aromas of leather, cassis and plum come with a side note of savory grilled beef. This is a deeply built Cabernet from an excellent vintage. Blackberry and cassis flavors are supported by a dash of peppery spice, while this is lightly toasted on a long finish. Drink from 2022–2028.\" – Michael Schachner (Apr 2022)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":40664100470943,"sku":"","price":264.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/DonMelchor2018.png?v=1627416255"},{"product_id":"thierry-allemand-cornas-reynard-2018-cornas-northern-rhone-france-vm-95-96-dm-95","title":"Thierry Allemand Cornas \"Reynard\" 2018 (Cornas, Northern Rhone, France) - [JD 100] [DM 97] [VM 97]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, there is no more unique figure in the Northern Rhône than Cornas’ Thiérry Allemand. Though not yet in his 50s, he has been mythologized in much the same way as past greats like Noël Verset, Marius Gentaz and August Clape. He created his domaine from scratch, inheriting nothing from his ancestors. And because he also didn’t have a family fortune behind him, much of his domaine was assembled by laboriously restoring abandoned parcels in great terroirs.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinally, while deeply rooted in the past, Thiérry’s approach to winemaking is uniquely his. He began in the early 1980s by learning at the knees of two Cornas legends, Joseph Michel and Noël Verset, but has gone on to apply a quarter century of personal experience. He has arrived, finally, at a philosophy that, while squarely in the traditional camp, produces wine whose purity and expression of grape variety and place are unrivalled by anyone in Cornas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCornas Reynard brings together the fruit from the domaine’s oldest and best vines, based on Noël and Louis Verset’s ancient vines in Reynard, but including Geynale, Pigeonners and even old vines in Chaillot.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTechinical Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Syrah \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVine Age:\u003c\/strong\u003e 34-90 yrs \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decomposed Granite\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Area:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.02 ha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViticulture \u0026amp; Vinification:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Farms organically, working steep, terraced vineyards all by hand (no tractor!)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Dense plantings naturally reduce yields (\u0026lt; 30 hectoliters per hectare)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• All wines are fermented in stainless steel and open-top wooden vats\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Stems left on cluster during fermentation\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Punch-downs by foot\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• All wines are vinified separately\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Wines aged in foudres and barriques for 24 months before final blending and bottling\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Finished wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Very low doses of sulfur, sometimes none at all\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"On another level, the 2018 Cornas Reynard is a tour de force and up there with the finest Cornas to ever pass my lips. Deep purple-hued, with a gorgeous perfume of crème de cassis, blackberries, powdered granite, violets, and peppery spice, it’s full-bodied and brings another level of elegance in its tannins as well as density on the palate. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with ultra-fine tannins, I can’t imagine a better Cornas, nor a Cornas that holds onto such a classic representation of the appellation paired with purity, elegance, and finesse.\" (Feb 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Greater depth and tannic finesse than this producer's 2018 Chaillots, with violets, raspberries, blackberries and rosemary all crowding for attention at this stage. Very smooth and velvety mouthfeel, displaying no heaviness, but with a robust tannic structure that's very Cornas. Long finish, with a big, mineral undertow. Drinking Window: 2027-2045.\" - Matt Walls (Oct 2020)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Deep magenta. Highly perfumed dark berry, violet, smoky mineral and olive aromas show superb clarity and a touch of spiciness. Offers sweet, palate-staining blackberry, cherry-cola, succulent herb and floral pastille flavors that deepen slowly and take on a licorice nuance with aeration. Rich but lively as well, finishing with emphatic back-end cut, building tannins and impressively persistent floral, mineral and exotic spice notes. Drinking Window: 2028-2038.\" - Josh Raynolds (Dec 2022)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KERMIT LYNCH","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":41193148121247,"sku":"","price":399.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/AllemandChaillots_a05f61e6-896b-488f-87f4-af6ad8252fb3.jpg?v=1633135734"},{"product_id":"chateau-margaux-premier-grand-cru-1990-margaux-bordeaux-france-rp-100-ws-98-st-98-dc-98","title":"Chateau Margaux Premier Grand Cru 1990 (Margaux, Bordeaux, France) - [RP 100] [WS 98] [ST 98] [DC 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Margaux is one of only four estates to be granted First Growth status in the famous Bordeaux classification of 1855. This famous estate dates back almost 1,000 years, and is recognized as producing one of the greatest wines in the entire world. Chateau Margaux is one of the few vineyards to have remained relatively unchanged for centuries, too: today the vineyards are almost the same size with 80 planted hectares of vines, as there were in 1700 (75 hectares). And the winery had impressive fans even then: Thomas Jefferson placed an order for Margaux in 1794 on which he wrote, “There couldn’t be a better Bordeaux bottle.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChateau Margaux is the only Bordeaux wine to bear the name of its appellation (making it a bit confusing). It is also one of the few billion-dollar wine businesses to be headed by a woman, Corinne Mentzelopoulos. (Her father André bought the chateau in the 1970s for just 72 million francs (about $17 million at the time). When he passed away in 1980, Corinne took over at age 27; her own daughter Alexandra is slated to succeed her when the time comes.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChateau Margaux vineyard is planted to 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc for the red wine grapes, divided into 80 parcels. The style of wine produced by Chateau Margaux at its best blends elegance, purity of fruit, harmony and finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe harvest lasted almost a month, as the Cabernets ripened much later than the Merlot. We even interrupted the picking for 10 days at the end of September to let the Cabernet finish ripening. Luck was on our side, as the weather was exceptionally good. 1990 was the third in a run of very fine vintages, with 1988 and 1989. After the classic 1988 and the rich, opulent 1989, the 1990 immediately caused great excitement with its charm and great finesse. It is hard to believe that two years with quite similar vine growing conditions produced two wines with such different characteristics! But maybe these conditions were not as similar as they appeared. Who knows what influence a few days’ heatwave may have, or what an apparently unwelcome shower or a lengthy period of drought can do? The wines of the 1990 vintage, whether Merlot, Cabernets or Petit Verdot, were immediately outstandingly attractive, rich and tender, tight-grained but soft, with enticing fruit flavours. Today, all the aromas and flavours already mingle sweetly together into this wine, whose perfect harmony conceals a power comparable with 1989. It is enjoyable now, as it was, in fact, shortly after its bottling. It will surely continue to be so over the next twenty or thirty years. What more can we ask? (May 2010)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"I had this wine both in Seoul, Korea in February, and from my cellar in December, 2008, and it was remarkable how identical the wines smelled and tasted. It offers an extraordinary aromatic display of spring flowers, camphor, sweet red and black fruits, a hint of licorice, and no evidence of its 100% new oak cask aging. Round and generous with low acidity, but an opulent, full-bodied richness that is fresh with laser-like precision, this stunning wine is just beginning to reach its plateau of full maturity, where it should remain for another three decades. A sensational effort, it is one of the legendary wines made at Chateau Margaux. \" - Robert Parker (June 2009)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Full-bodied, yet racy and refined, with blackberry and licorice character. Long. It keeps getting better and better. Hard not to drink now. In fact, I would, but it will age well for decades. '89\/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Drink now.\" –JS (Feb 28, 2005)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Full ruby-red. Wonderfully perfumed nose combines redcurrant, plum, mocha, minerals and rose petal. Plush, fat and rich, with great sweetness and class. This has utterly compelling mouthfilling richness. Finishes smooth and endless, with great breadth. This wine showed fabulous potential from barrel, but this is the first truly outstanding bottle I've had. Drink 2005 through 2035.\" - Stephen Tanzer (Jul\/Aug '02)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"A brilliant wine, still star bright in colour, and full of flesh and fruit. Opens with smoky cigar notes, touches of figs, blackberries, cedar, fine tannins as well as violet and peony aromatics even at 30-plus years old. This wine took home the audience award during the 67 Pall Mall tasting, and it certainly stays with you long after the glass is finished. 100% new oak. Owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos was celebrating 10 years at the helm at this point, with Paul Pontallier just promoted to managing director, after arriving at the property in 1983.\" (2\/21)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CONSIGNMENT","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":41248058146975,"sku":"","price":1999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/margaux1995-w-2_ca99722f-d6be-4d2e-a827-a5afab00fdb3.jpg?v=1633580143"},{"product_id":"fontodi-flaccianello-della-pieve-igt-2018-3-0l-tuscany-italy-vm-100-ws-96-js-95","title":"Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2018 [3.0L] (Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 100] [WS 96] [JS 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Estate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFontodi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico precisely in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano and is called the “Conca d’Oro” (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape. A genuine and characteristc “Terroir”, famous for centuries for its tradition of quality wine cultivation, thanks to a unique combination of high altitude, calcar clayschist soil, lots of light, and a fantastic micro-climate – warm and dry with a marked difference in day and night-time temperatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWinemaking:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAll Fontodi wines are produced from grapes coming from their own vineyards, picked by hand, chosen with care and vinified in a way that exalts the character of the vines and the territory. The Fontodi Oil “Bio” is produced from its own olives which are delicately pressed the same day as the harvest in order to preserve all the freshness and the fragrance of the fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe process of vinification and ageing in wood takes place in the modern cellar, built on descending levels to take advantage of gravity, guaranteeing the most respect possible for the natural integrity of the grape, in order to exalt the character and elegance of the wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppellation: Colli Toscana Centrale IGT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrapes: Sangiovese 100%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVineyards: Selection of the best vineyards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDensity: 6.000 vines per hectar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraining: Guyot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation: In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least 3 weeks. Malolactic in barrels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAging: In new Tronçais and Allier barrels for at least 18 months\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAverage: 60.000 bottles\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings and Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Vinous Media:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.\" -Antonio Galloni (9\/21)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98+ Points - Luca Gardini:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"One of the most famous so-called ‘Super Tuscan’ from 100% pure Sangiovese. A stunning vineyard selection, then aged in small oak barrels for 24 months. Small red fruits of undergrowth at the nose, raspberry, and red currant, then scents of eucalyptus and nutmeg at the end. The mouthfeel is breathtaking: crispy, dense, intense, vertical with salty tannins. Great persistence with a fruity-salty taste returning.\" (5\/2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Ripe black cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit is beautifully displayed on the harmonious structure in this red. Violet, iron and juniper notes add depth, while the aftertaste gets lift from the lively acidity and dusty tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043. 4,000 cases made, 1,600 cases imported.\" - BS (Web Only - 2021)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis is a solid red with plenty of fruit and a dense, intense palate with hints of wood and spice. Full-bodied and very structured. Plenty of tannins here. Needs three to four years to soften and come together. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2024.\" (Aug 2021)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"3.0 L","offer_id":41361830674591,"sku":"","price":1199.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/jGNV1lZ9Qs-65nJyR4bVPQ_pb_x600_76abfe6e-5265-4625-bf53-1e8d07656bab.png?v=1634775303"},{"product_id":"chateau-leoville-poyferre-saint-julien-2018-bordeaux-france-jd-100-ws-97-rank-8-top-100-of-21-we-97-vm-97-wa-97-js-97-dm-96","title":"Chateau Leoville-Poyferre Saint Julien 2018 (Bordeaux, France) - [JD 100 \u0026 #1 Top 100] [WS 97 \u0026 #7 Top 100] [WE 97] [VM 97] [WA 97] [JS 97]","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/collections\/wine-spectators-top-100-wines-all\" title=\"Click here to see all of the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines we have available!\"\u003eClick here to see all of the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines we have available!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChateau Léoville Poyferré was created in 1840 and included as a Second Growth in the famous 1855 Classification. \u003c\/span\u003eOwned by the Cuvelier family since 1920, Léoville Poyferré shares a building with its perhaps better-known cousin Léoville Las Cases, though the two estates are markedly different. Poyferré’s vineyard lies across the road, with its 148 acres of vines situated on more clay-based soils that result in a broad, fleshy wine. Sara Cuvelier is the current generation to head the estate, taking over from her cousin Didier during the 2018 vintage. Winemaker Isabelle Davin and consultant Michel Rolland crafted Poyferré’s modern-style \u003cem\u003egrand vin\u003c\/em\u003e from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all aged in 80 percent new oak.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Vintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn the Saint-Julien terroirs, budburst began slowly. This was followed by rapid vegetative growth, due to humid and hot conditions. After a hot and dry summer, the harvest was spread over three weeks, without any worry or precipitation, giving a perfect maturity. The wines of the 2018 vintage offer a beautifully accomplished maturity and stand as promises of a very long ageing potential. They are powerful, exceptionally structured and full bodied, complex and opulent but perfectly balanced, with an outstanding freshness and a glorious finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVarietal Composition:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Every bit as good as the 2009, and I think better than the 2010 and 2016, the 2018 Château Léoville Poyferré is a total thrill that tops out my scale. Based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, its dense purple hue is followed by an incredible, full-bodied monster of a wine that, despite massive amounts of fruit, tannins, and extract, still stays weightless and ethereal, with incredible purity. Loaded with notions of crème de cassis, spring flowers, tobacco, violets, charcoal, and cedar pencil, it's extraordinarily concentrated, flawlessly balanced, and has a finish that won't quit. This is a legendary wine in the making. Give bottles 7-8 years, a decade would be even better, and it will keep for 40-50 years. Hats off to the Cuvelier family for another extraordinary wine!\" (3\/11\/2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97 Points \u0026amp; Rank #7 Top 100 of 2021 - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Waves of warmed cassis, mocha and warm tar aromas lead the way, while the core of macerated plum, blackberry and blueberry fruit waits its turn, showing admirable breadth and depth when it arrives, with roasted apple wood, bramble and cast iron buried deeply through the finish. This is a powerfully rendered wine with a cashmere scarf as accent. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. 15,000 cases made.\" - JM (Mar 2021)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRichly dense and impressively concentrated, this is a powerful wine. Swathes of black fruits show off the Cabernet structure and dark, ageworthy character of this wine. Drink the wine from 2027. – Roger Voss (5\/1\/2021)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Léoville-Poyferré is sensational in 2018. There's not much more to say than that. A wine of explosive power and intensity, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. To be sure, the 2018 is racy and opulent, but all the elements come together so effortlessly. Bright red-toned fruit, mocha, pine and wild flowers all open with a bit of coaxing. The new oak is a bit prominent at this stage, but that will be less of an issue over time.\" – Antonio Galloni (Mar 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 80% new oak barriques, the 2018 Léoville Poyferré comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of Morello cherries, plum preserves and blackberry pie, giving way to nuances of cedar chest, unsmoked cigars, vanilla pod and sassafras, plus a waft of crushed rocks. The palate is full-bodied, rich and decadent, delivering hedonic black fruits and lots of spicy accents with a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and satisfyingly savory. This is a very impressive showing that is delicious out of the gate but has the backbone to give a good 30 years or more of pleasure.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (3\/31\/2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Dark cherry, plum, spice and cacao with earthy notes and wood undertones. Cloves, too. Full-bodied, yet in control and poised. Balanced, complex and flavorful. Firm tannins and a long, precise finish. It goes on and on. Structured is the word. Try after 2025. (Jan 2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"One of the darkest in colour, with an inky ruby that stains the glass. Even on the nose you feel the texture of this wine. Clear damson and chocolate shavings, cocoa beans and liquorice. This is young and extremely good-quality - straying into gold territory, and will age for ages. Still extremely young, the tannins are multiplying as it stays in the mouth, popping up from all over the place, with a slow slate finish that I love. I couldn't wait to find out what this was. It is one that should be left for 10 to 15 years but has ageing potential. – Jane Anson (Nov 2020)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DUCLOT","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":41485140131999,"sku":"","price":164.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/original_2.png?v=1697302417"},{"product_id":"copy-of-bodega-catena-zapata-white-bones-3-pack-2018-mendoza-argentina","title":"Bodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 100-Point Collection 3-Pack (Mendoza, Argentina) - [WA 100] [JS 100]","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis set contains three bottles all rated 100 points:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1 x Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2018 - JS 100\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1 x Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2016 - RP 100\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1 x Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2017 - JS 100\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1) Catena White Bones Chardonnay 2018:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is really exuberant at this stage with fantastic aromas of honeysuckle, salt, chalk and dried apples and pears. Full body. Dense, vivid fruit with a linear frame of wonderful, energetic acidity. The energy and length just goes on for minutes. Soulful white. Argentina’s answer to Montrachet. Stares you straight in the eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2) Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2016:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt shows detailed and nuanced, with subtle aromas of violets, spices, tobacco and wet chalk. It has a velvety texture with ultra refined, fine-grained tannins. It is precise in the acidity and on the palate, with the textbook chalky tannins and a sapid, almost salty finish. This is serious, austere, mineral, long, compact, harmonious and concentrated, yet it feels light and has that somewhat contradictory powerful elegance. This has to be the best wine ever produced at Catena. RP\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e3) Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2017:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncredible aromas of blackberries, hot stones, wet earth and flowers. Full-bodied, it floats across the palate with ultra-fine tannins that melt into the wine. Superb, long finish of subtle fruit and terroir-defined subtleties. JS\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"3 x 750 mL Bottles","offer_id":41526414704799,"sku":"","price":799.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/8994361671710.webp?v=1656998123"},{"product_id":"fontodi-flaccianello-della-pieve-igt-2018-melchoir-1800-ml-tuscany-italy-vm-100-ws-96-js-95","title":"Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2018 [18-Liter Melchior] (Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 100] [WS 96] [JS 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Estate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFontodi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico precisely in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano and is called the “Conca d’Oro” (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape. A genuine and characteristc “Terroir”, famous for centuries for its tradition of quality wine cultivation, thanks to a unique combination of high altitude, calcar clayschist soil, lots of light, and a fantastic micro-climate – warm and dry with a marked difference in day and night-time temperatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eVinification\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAll Fontodi wines are produced from grapes coming from their own vineyards, picked by hand, chosen with care and vinified in a way that exalts the character of the vines and the territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe process of vinification and ageing in wood takes place in the modern cellar, built on descending levels to take advantage of gravity, guaranteeing the most respect possible for the natural integrity of the grape, in order to exalt the character and elegance of the wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppellation: Colli Toscana Centrale IGT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrapes: Sangiovese 100%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVineyards: Selection of the best vineyards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDensity: 6.000 vines per hectar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraining: Guyot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation: In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least 3 weeks. Malolactic in barrels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAging: In new Tronçais and Allier barrels for at least 18 months\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAverage: 60.000 bottles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings and Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Vinous Media:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.\" -Antonio Galloni (9\/21)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98+ Points - Luca Gardini:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"One of the most famous so-called ‘Super Tuscan’ from 100% pure Sangiovese. A stunning vineyard selection, then aged in small oak barrels for 24 months. Small red fruits of undergrowth at the nose, raspberry, and red currant, then scents of eucalyptus and nutmeg at the end. The mouthfeel is breathtaking: crispy, dense, intense, vertical with salty tannins. Great persistence with a fruity-salty taste returning.\" (5\/2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Ripe black cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit is beautifully displayed on the harmonious structure in this red. Violet, iron and juniper notes add depth, while the aftertaste gets lift from the lively acidity and dusty tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043. 4,000 cases made, 1,600 cases imported.\" - BS (Web Only - 2021)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis is a solid red with plenty of fruit and a dense, intense palate with hints of wood and spice. Full-bodied and very structured. Plenty of tannins here. Needs three to four years to soften and come together. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2024.\" (Aug 2021)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"18 L","offer_id":41797835194527,"sku":"","price":6989.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/jGNV1lZ9Qs-65nJyR4bVPQ_pb_x600_44753be6-c214-4854-ad67-7640340ec420.png?v=1643320060"},{"product_id":"conti-costanti-brunello-di-montalcino-riserva-docg-2016-tuscany-italy-we-100-vm-98-dm-98-wa-95","title":"Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 Tuscany, Italy) - [WE 100] [VM 98] [DM 98] [WS 97] [WA 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe noble Costanti family goes all the way back to the fifteenth century. One of several famous counts, Tito Costanti was a lawyer and winemaker, and was one of the very first to use the name Brunello for the celebrated Montalcino red. At present, the sole living descendant of the Sienese family, Andrea Costanti, carries the torch, strengthening the family’s reputation for making top wines with great innovation. His aim has always been to create elegant, complex and long-lasting wines that bring out the best of the terroir. Andrea achieved this by relying on his own excellent instinct for wine, and an in-depth knowledge of the terrain’s geological components. From vineyards located near the town of Montalcino, about 310 and 440 meters (1,020-1,445 feet) above sea level above sea level with southwestern exposure and galestro soil. The location, microclimate, power and intensity of Montalcino are combined with the elegance of these elevated vineyards. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFermentation takes place on the skins in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks, lasting approximately two weeks. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAndrea’s Brunello ages eighteen months in Slavonian oak barrels, eighteen months in French tonneaux and at least twelve months in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eDeep ruby with brilliant garnet reflections, the bouquet is rich, ample and intense with notes of brushwood, berry fruit, plums, violets, spices and vanilla confirmed on the palate; luxurious structure, layered flavors and great concentration and depth, good acidity and silky, smooth tannins. Powerful and elegant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eA wonderful accompaniment to red meat\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTechnical Data\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eGrape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation container: Stainless steel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength of alcoholic fermentation: 14 days\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAging containers: Tonneaux; barrels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContainer size: 900 L and\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType of oak: Allier and Slavonian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAging before bottling: 36 months\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAging in bottle: 24 months\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points \u0026amp; Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This perfumed wine opens with layers of scents, including violet, woodland berries, new leather, forest floor and warm spices. Smooth and elegantly structured, the savory palate boasts juicy black-skinned berry, blood orange, licorice, tobacco and the barest hint of coffee bean alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2046.\" – Kerin O’Keefe (4\/1\/2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"A deeply sensual bouquet of freshly sliced plums, crushed violets, mentholated herbs and Tuscan dust rises up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. This is deeply textural while also cool-toned and refined, with mineral-tinged red and black berries cascading across a core of brisk acidity. Tension builds throughout, as grippy tannins mount toward the close, nicely contrasted by a burst of sour citrus. There’s a crystalline structure to the 2016 that tempts the imagination as to what the future will bring, and it tapers off long, youthfully poised, yet also remarkably fresh. Time will only increase the depths of the 2016 Riserva, a wine that I seriously look forward to tasting again in five to ten years.\" – Eric Guido (Dec 2021)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Andrea Costanti believes resolutely that 2016 was a year to make a Riserva. His is confidently extracted by a skilled hand and demonstrates the formidable structure, profundity and length to ride out well over a couple of decades. Even on the nose you sense the depth as coffee, leather, wet soil and tobacco intertwine. Filling every corner of the mouth, it stretches out with a tactile chalkiness. Dark earthy nuances are brightened by blood orange and red plum. That pleasant bitter citrus peel echoes on the finish. This is commanding rather than seductive at the moment. Harvested on 1 Oct, there were 8,000 bottles produced – compared to 20,000 for Costanti’s annata bottling.\" – Michaela Morris (Nov 2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePacked with plum, black cherry and blackberry flavors, this solid red is a bit closed today, despite its freshness. Floral, earth, wild herb and mineral accents chime in as this follows through on the resonant finish. All the components are in the right place. Best from 2025 through 2043. 1,000 cases made, 170 cases imported.\" – BS (web only 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is darkly saturated and quite rich; however, this classic vintage also delivers an enhanced level of sharpness and focus too. Dark cherry, plum and other black or purple fruits cede to pretty acidic freshness and a sense of tight buoyancy and vitality, which are among the best qualities of this vintage.\" – Monica Larner (Feb 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINE WAREHOUSE","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":41985343258783,"sku":"","price":224.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/Costanti-Brunello-Riserva_BS_7245cb85-5954-42c2-8643-0506d17afbf2.jpg?v=1647465112"},{"product_id":"conti-costanti-brunello-di-montalcino-riserva-docg-2016-1-5-l-magnum-tuscany-italy-we-100-vm-98-dm-98-wa-95","title":"Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 [1.5 L Magnum] (Tuscany, Italy) - [WE 100] [VM 98] [DM 98] [WA 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe noble Costanti family goes all the way back to the fifteenth century. One of several famous counts, Tito Costanti was a lawyer and winemaker, and was one of the very first to use the name Brunello for the celebrated Montalcino red. At present, the sole living descendant of the Sienese family, Andrea Costanti, carries the torch, strengthening the family’s reputation for making top wines with great innovation. His aim has always been to create elegant, complex and long-lasting wines that bring out the best of the terroir. Andrea achieved this by relying on his own excellent instinct for wine, and an in-depth knowledge of the terrain’s geological components. From vineyards located near the town of Montalcino, about 310 and 440 meters (1,020-1,445 feet) above sea level above sea level with southwestern exposure and galestro soil. The location, microclimate, power and intensity of Montalcino are combined with the elegance of these elevated vineyards. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFermentation takes place on the skins in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks, lasting approximately two weeks. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAndrea’s Brunello ages eighteen months in Slavonian oak barrels, eighteen months in French tonneaux and at least twelve months in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eDeep ruby with brilliant garnet reflections, the bouquet is rich, ample and intense with notes of brushwood, berry fruit, plums, violets, spices and vanilla confirmed on the palate; luxurious structure, layered flavors and great concentration and depth, good acidity and silky, smooth tannins. Powerful and elegant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eA wonderful accompaniment to red meat\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTechnical Data\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eGrape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation container: Stainless steel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength of alcoholic fermentation: 14 days\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAging containers: Tonneaux; barrels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContainer size: 900 L and\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType of oak: Allier and Slavonian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAging before bottling: 36 months\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAging in bottle: 24 months\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points \u0026amp; Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This perfumed wine opens with layers of scents, including violet, woodland berries, new leather, forest floor and warm spices. Smooth and elegantly structured, the savory palate boasts juicy black-skinned berry, blood orange, licorice, tobacco and the barest hint of coffee bean alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2046.\" – Kerin O’Keefe (4\/1\/2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"A deeply sensual bouquet of freshly sliced plums, crushed violets, mentholated herbs and Tuscan dust rises up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. This is deeply textural while also cool-toned and refined, with mineral-tinged red and black berries cascading across a core of brisk acidity. Tension builds throughout, as grippy tannins mount toward the close, nicely contrasted by a burst of sour citrus. There’s a crystalline structure to the 2016 that tempts the imagination as to what the future will bring, and it tapers off long, youthfully poised, yet also remarkably fresh. Time will only increase the depths of the 2016 Riserva, a wine that I seriously look forward to tasting again in five to ten years.\" – Eric Guido (Dec 2021)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Andrea Costanti believes resolutely that 2016 was a year to make a Riserva. His is confidently extracted by a skilled hand and demonstrates the formidable structure, profundity and length to ride out well over a couple of decades. Even on the nose you sense the depth as coffee, leather, wet soil and tobacco intertwine. Filling every corner of the mouth, it stretches out with a tactile chalkiness. Dark earthy nuances are brightened by blood orange and red plum. That pleasant bitter citrus peel echoes on the finish. This is commanding rather than seductive at the moment. Harvested on 1 Oct, there were 8,000 bottles produced – compared to 20,000 for Costanti’s annata bottling.\" – Michaela Morris (Nov 2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is darkly saturated and quite rich; however, this classic vintage also delivers an enhanced level of sharpness and focus too. Dark cherry, plum and other black or purple fruits cede to pretty acidic freshness and a sense of tight buoyancy and vitality, which are among the best qualities of this vintage.\" – Monica Larner (Feb 2022)\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"WINE WAREHOUSE","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":41985350369439,"sku":"","price":675.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/Costanti-Brunello-Riserva_BS_c36d18dc-7bf5-4249-bd3e-17fed248a662.jpg?v=1647465686"},{"product_id":"dominus-estate-proprietary-red-2019-napa-valley-california-xxx","title":"Dominus Estate 2019 (Napa Valley, California) - [TWI 100] [VM 98+] [WA 98] [JS 98] [WS 96]","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe historic Napanook Vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville, was planted in 1838. This vineyard was the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines. Estate-bottled in the spirit of the Bordeaux châteaux, Dominus Estate is dry-farmed to allow natural stress and good concentration of fruit. Grape clusters are crop-thinned to allow sun and air to pass in between, helping to achieve full maturation and soften the tannins. Only 20% to 40% new French oak barrels are used in order to limit the extraction of oak notes. To express the unique terroir, the classic Bordeaux grape varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted with different root stocks best suited for the varying soil composition of gravel, heavy clay and loam.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWinemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoying a temperate climate, the vineyard’s volcanic, well draining soils are specifically suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux varietals which compose the Dominus Estate wines. The soil is gravelly and clay loam. Meticulous efforts are made throughout the seasons to produce grapes of the highest quality for Dominus Estate wines.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the winter season, precise cane pruning ensures ideal cluster spacing for optimal fruit ripening. Dry farming relies on a deep root system to take advantage of natural water sources from rain and underground supplies. Cluster thinning optimizes quality through yield regulation.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRinsing the grapes 10 to 15 days before harvest removes dust and enhances the purity of the fruit. Handpicking with small French shears instead of harvest knives minimizes bruising and vine damage. Small harvest baskets preserve the integrity of the clusters as they are transported to the winery. The sunny side of the vines is picked a few days before the shady side respecting perfect maturity.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMinimal intervention and restraint throughout the process of grape berry selection, fermentation and aging preserve the character of the fruit. The resulting wines convey the very personality of the vineyard. Dominus winemaking includes separate lot-by-lot fermentation. Cluster sorting by hand is complemented by an optical berry sorting system. Gentle pumping-over extracts aromas, color and tannins. Vertical wine press at low pressure delicately releases components from the skin. Racking barrel to barrel in 100% French oak removes sediment and assures clarification of the wine during aging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietals:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Oak:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e40%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - The Wine Independent (Former Editor-in-Chief of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Dominus was harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose slowly unfurls to unveil beguiling floral notes of candied violets and rose oil over a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, giving way to notions of licorice, Indian spices, iron ore, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, intertwined with gorgeous floral and exotic spice accents, and framed by firm, finely grained tannins with seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. Tightly coiled with so much latent energy waiting to explode, this is a spectacular expression of the vintage and Napanook vineyard. Still tightly coiled, give it a good 6-7 years in the cellar before broaching, and allow it a few hours in a decanter if consumed before 2032. 3500 cases were made, to be released in May 2022.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98+ Points - Vinous:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2019 Dominus is shockingly primary. A wine of tremendous density and power, the 2019 is also a wine for readers who can be patient, as it won't be ready to drink for another 10-15 years! Dark fruit, leather, tobacco, incense, dried herbs and scorched earth lend striking complexity. The 2019 is a huge wine that needs time to come into its own. This is impressive, to say the least.\" -Antonio Galloni (2\/23)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 2019 Dominus is blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new French oak. Impressively dark-hued in the glass, it yields scents of cherries and cassis on the nose—or is it black cherries and redcurrants? Subtle notes of mocha, pencil shavings and almost Graves-like earthiness wind through the concentrated, medium to full-bodied palate, giving it a sense of savory gravitas, while the finish is silky and long, leaving a lingering residue of soft tannins and mouthwatering freshness.\" - JC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (5\/2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLots of crushed stone, lead pencil and licorice aromas that are extremely aromatic and bright. Black cherries, cloves and purple fruit, too. Full body and a round and ripe center-palate with a juicy interior. It opens at the end with a savory and juicy finish. Layered and beautiful. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.\" (Mar 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points  - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"A loaded wine, though reserved in style, with waves of dense cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserves moving through authoritatively, while sweet bay leaf, warm loam and tobacco accents fill in the background. The long cast iron spine is deeply buried in the fruit, and this has superior cut and drive. Built for serious cellaring, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. From California. 3,500 cases made.\" - JM (Aug 2022)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN \/ AMERICAN \/ PACIFIC WINE \u0026 SPIRITS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":42152839413919,"sku":"","price":379.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/Dominus-NV-5024-1649704260.png?v=1651827196"},{"product_id":"dominus-estate-proprietary-red-2019-1-5-l-magnum-napa-valley-california-js-98","title":"Dominus Estate 2019 [1.5 L Magnum] (Napa Valley, California) - [TWI 100] [VM 98+] [WA 98] [JS 98] [WS 96]","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe historic Napanook Vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville, was planted in 1838. This vineyard was the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines. Estate-bottled in the spirit of the Bordeaux châteaux, Dominus Estate is dry-farmed to allow natural stress and good concentration of fruit. Grape clusters are crop-thinned to allow sun and air to pass in between, helping to achieve full maturation and soften the tannins. Only 20% to 40% new French oak barrels are used in order to limit the extraction of oak notes. To express the unique terroir, the classic Bordeaux grape varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted with different root stocks best suited for the varying soil composition of gravel, heavy clay and loam.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWinemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoying a temperate climate, the vineyard’s volcanic, well draining soils are specifically suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux varietals which compose the Dominus Estate wines. The soil is gravelly and clay loam. Meticulous efforts are made throughout the seasons to produce grapes of the highest quality for Dominus Estate wines.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the winter season, precise cane pruning ensures ideal cluster spacing for optimal fruit ripening. Dry farming relies on a deep root system to take advantage of natural water sources from rain and underground supplies. Cluster thinning optimizes quality through yield regulation.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRinsing the grapes 10 to 15 days before harvest removes dust and enhances the purity of the fruit. Handpicking with small French shears instead of harvest knives minimizes bruising and vine damage. Small harvest baskets preserve the integrity of the clusters as they are transported to the winery. The sunny side of the vines is picked a few days before the shady side respecting perfect maturity.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMinimal intervention and restraint throughout the process of grape berry selection, fermentation and aging preserve the character of the fruit. The resulting wines convey the very personality of the vineyard. Dominus winemaking includes separate lot-by-lot fermentation. Cluster sorting by hand is complemented by an optical berry sorting system. Gentle pumping-over extracts aromas, color and tannins. Vertical wine press at low pressure delicately releases components from the skin. Racking barrel to barrel in 100% French oak removes sediment and assures clarification of the wine during aging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e100 Points - The Wine Independent (Former Editor-in-Chief of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Dominus was harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose slowly unfurls to unveil beguiling floral notes of candied violets and rose oil over a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, giving way to notions of licorice, Indian spices, iron ore, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, intertwined with gorgeous floral and exotic spice accents, and framed by firm, finely grained tannins with seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. Tightly coiled with so much latent energy waiting to explode, this is a spectacular expression of the vintage and Napanook vineyard. Still tightly coiled, give it a good 6-7 years in the cellar before broaching, and allow it a few hours in a decanter if consumed before 2032. 3500 cases were made, to be released in May 2022.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98+ Points - Vinous:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The 2019 Dominus is shockingly primary. A wine of tremendous density and power, the 2019 is also a wine for readers who can be patient, as it won't be ready to drink for another 10-15 years! Dark fruit, leather, tobacco, incense, dried herbs and scorched earth lend striking complexity. The 2019 is a huge wine that needs time to come into its own. This is impressive, to say the least.\" -Antonio Galloni (2\/23)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 2019 Dominus is blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new French oak. Impressively dark-hued in the glass, it yields scents of cherries and cassis on the nose—or is it black cherries and redcurrants? Subtle notes of mocha, pencil shavings and almost Graves-like earthiness wind through the concentrated, medium to full-bodied palate, giving it a sense of savory gravitas, while the finish is silky and long, leaving a lingering residue of soft tannins and mouthwatering freshness.\" -JC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (5\/2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLots of crushed stone, lead pencil and licorice aromas that are extremely aromatic and bright. Black cherries, cloves and purple fruit, too. Full body and a round and ripe center-palate with a juicy interior. It opens at the end with a savory and juicy finish. Layered and beautiful. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.\" (Mar 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e96 Points  - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A loaded wine, though reserved in style, with waves of dense cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserves moving through authoritatively, while sweet bay leaf, warm loam and tobacco accents fill in the background. The long cast iron spine is deeply buried in the fruit, and this has superior cut and drive. Built for serious cellaring, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. From California.\" - JM (Aug 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN \/ AMERICAN \/ PACIFIC WINE \u0026 SPIRITS","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":42152845115551,"sku":"","price":774.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/dominus-nv-jeroboam-high-res.jpg?v=1651827060"},{"product_id":"louis-roederer-cristal-brut-champagne-2008-1-5l-champagne-france-js-97-we-97-jd-97-dm-97-wa-95-vm-95-ws-95","title":"Louis Roederer \"Cristal\" Brut Champagne 2008 - 1.5L Magnum - (Champagne, France) - [JS 100] [JD 100] [WE 100] [VM 99] [WA 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Domaine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLouis Roederer has been synonymous with the world's great Champagnes since 1776, and it is one of the rare family owned companies, which is still managed by the Roederer family today. They are also one of the only French champagne producers to own nearly 75% of the grapes in the most desirable vineyards in the Champagne. The property is located on 450 acres in the finest villages of Montagne de Reims, Cotes des Blancs, and Valle de la Marne. Each region is selected to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the elegance needed for perfectly balanced champagne. The Louis Roederer vineyards rate an average 98% based on France's statutory 100-point classification scale..\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Cristal:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChampagne Louis Roederer's \"Cristal\" was created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II as the first \"Prestige Cuvee\" and it remains as such to this day.  These are the best grapes from the best sites in the best vintages.  The Champagne, a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, spends an average of five years \u003cem\u003esur lie\u003c\/em\u003e, and is notable for its richness. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCristal is an all-estate Champagne, from 50 hectares of vines: the best, oldest and chalkiest parts of Louis Roederer's vineyards.  They farm these plots, which are roughly 1\/3 from the Cotes de Blancs, 1\/3 from the north-facing side of the Mountain de Reims and 1\/3 from Ay, differently from the rest of the estate, intentionally working the land for lower yields and higher quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Making:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis wine’s energy has been tamed by an unusually long period of bottle aging: Cristal 2008 was in fact aged for 10 years before its release on the market. A first! Cristal 2008 was bottle-aged for eight years before being left to rest for at least eight months after disgorging in order to attain perfect maturity. The dosage is 8 g\/L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAmber hue with green and orange tints. Fine, even and lively sparkle. The wine is powerful, full yet tight, on entry to the palate. The 2008 is undeniably well-structured in a particular way: the wine’s almost saline concentration has not been created by the sun, but is derived from the dryness of the chalk soil in a particularly cool summer. The result is a smooth, almost liquorous, mouthfeel that coats the palate with a powerful yet soft texture. This gives way to an incredible finish, underpinned by freshness and an impression of absolute purity with a taut and very saline character. Complex and intense bouquet disclosing candied citrus, yellow fruit, Williams pear, pollen and toasted almond. The delicately seductive bouquet shows intensity and well-honed precision. The Cristal 2008 is deep, intense and masterful. It offers the quintessential reflection of its chalk soils which lend it is velvety texture and delicate tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e100 Points – James Suckling:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“OMG. A masterpiece. A benchmark. Tight and structured, with fantastic precision and structure. Sharp line of acidity throughout, with fine and tight bubbles. Pineapple, lemon, white apricot, seashell, biscuit, blanched almond and a hint of chamomile. Vertical and mineral. Dosage 7g\/L. \u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSpecial release in magnum\u003c\/b\u003e and aged two or three years longer on the lees than the normal bottling. I can’t go higher than this. Even better in a few years.”  - James Suckling (June 2022\u003ci\u003e)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Disgorged October 2016 and will be the first Cristal to be released ten years from harvest when it is offered in 2018. 35 parcels used from a possible 45 in this vintage. The assemblage is 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. This is so fresh and tense and mineral with extremely exuberant chardonnay notes on the nose of white peach, lemon and yellow grapefruit, and hints of almost brambly sous bois aromas. The yeast characters are also super fresh, and there are subtle woody notes, with a hint of vanilla bean and light spices. The palate is super long, and very pure, powerful and focused. It drives deep and taut. Pinot noir is a strong core and the chardonnay sits at the edge offering lemon and white nectarine sorbet flavors. Staggeringly concentrated, yet the balance makes it seem airy and light. Acidity is perfectly positioned, and the power is intense and long. This is an ultra-precise Cristal, finishing with a mere suggestion of savoriness and warmth to come. Impressive on release, this will be at its best drinking from 2025.” - James Suckling (Jan 2018)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2008 Cristal is a perfect wine, and Champagne simple does not get any better. This incredible wine offers a beautiful perfume of clean, crisp fruits, layers of complexity in its toasted spice and white flowers, and an utterly seamless, yet powerful style on the palate. This is a rich, decadent expression of Cristal yet it’s still crystalline and elegant, with no sensation of weight, and it just glides over the palate. Haut Couture at its finest and this majestic, profound, legendary Cristal can be drunk anytime over the coming 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2018-2038)\" - Jeb Dunnuck (Dec. 2018)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e100 Points – Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“This latest incarnation of the famous brand is a superb wine. It is on par with, maybe even better than, the already legendary 2002. Its balance is impeccable: Apple and citrus flavors working with the tight minerality to give a textured yet fruity wine. Produced from Roederer's own vineyards which are mainly biodynamic, the wine has its own intense purity and crispness. It has amazing potential and is likely to age for many years. Drink from 2020.”  - Roger Voss (December 2017)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"The 2008 Cristal is one of the most complete, most dazzling Champagnes I have ever tasted. A stunning wine from any and all perspectives, the 2008 simply has it all. Spherical in construction, with superb persistence. The 2008 takes hold of all the senses and never gives up. One of the many things that makes the 2008 special is a combination of ripe fruit and bright, piercing acidity. Marzipan, lemon confit, dried flowers and orchard fruit all build into the explosive, resonant finish. “We learned from the mistakes of 1996, when we picked more on acid than ripeness, as was the norm in Champagne back then” Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon told me recently. “In 1996, the best fruit turned out to be the last picks, where the fruit was physiologically ripe. Today, we aim to pick all our fruit with that criteria.” - Antonio Galloni (Dec. 2019)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e98 Points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Disgorged in September 2017 with 7.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Cristal was produced from 37 of the 45 parcels that are candidates for inclusion in this cuvée—some 40% of which were farmed organically back in 2008—and it's a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The finest young Cristal in decades, the wine wafts from the glass with a pure and vibrant bouquet of crisp orchard fruit, clear honey, warm brioche, citrus zest and white flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, intense and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, searingly chalky finish. Pristinely balanced, there are some 500,000 bottles of this legend-in-the-making.” - William Kelley (March 2020)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOOK","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":42466941993119,"sku":"","price":1199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/t-E5B8C9B779C2308A1FD0F032A4C54DA2.jpg?v=1664560169"},{"product_id":"penfolds-grange-shiraz-2018-south-australia","title":"Penfolds \"Grange\" Shiraz 2018 (South Australia) - [JS 100, #57 Top 100 of '22] [TWI 100] [WA 99] [VM 98] [WE 98] [WS 98]","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFounded by a young English doctor in 1844, they are one of the oldest of New World wines and lay claim to some of the oldest ungrafted Cabernet vines in the world, as Australia's sandy soils repelled the phylloxera bug. Penfolds has indisputably led the development of Australian fine wine in the modern era. The introduction of Penfolds Grange in 1951 forever changed the landscape of Australian fine wine. Since then, a series of standout wines, both white and red, have been released under the Penfolds masthead. Under the direction of master winemaker, Peter Gago, Penfolds is now found in every major wine market in the world. Extraordinary wines such as Block 42 and Bin 60A have also been released during his tenure. Penfolds wines are now widely celebrated for their diversity and quality across many price-points. The strength of Penfolds is that the wine comes first. Penfolds' range of table wines is utterly Australian, evoking a generosity of spirit and the beauty of the Australian landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinery Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, Grange is arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted utilizing fully ripe, intensely flavoured and structured shiraz grapes, the result is a unique Australian style that is now recognized as one of the most consistent of the world’s great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951, Grange clearly demonstrates the synergy between shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eGRAPE VARIETY 97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eVINEYARD REGION Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWINE ANALYSIS Alc\/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 7.0 g\/L, pH: 3.56\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eMATURATION 18 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePeak drinking: 2028-2068\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVintage Notes: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNear long-term winter rainfall ensured the vines reached spring with full soil moisture profiles. Elevated spring temperatures, driven by higher than usual lows, indicated an early start to the growing season. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout most of spring, providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. The Barossa Valley experienced a dry summer, only recording 50% of the longterm average rainfall. The region experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C during summer, while to the south, McLaren Vale experienced 17 days greater than 35°C. This warm and dry pattern also prevailed in Clare Valley with only one significant rain event in early December. The hot spells slowed grape phenology, delaying harvest by a couple of weeks. Milder conditions in autumn provided optimal conditions for ripening grapes to their fullest potential. An outstanding vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eColor: Radiant deep red, on rim, black core.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eNose: Instantly, an assault of piercing V.A., a portal of pulsating formics. Conveying what is then revealed via waves of lingering, layered aromatics:\u003cbr\u003e• First the fruit - ripe blackberries\/blackcurrant reduction, laced with spices – notably fennel and anise.\u003cbr\u003e• Then a sprinkle of dark chocolate and cocoa-powder.\u003cbr\u003e• Unabashed scents akin to charcoaled lamb fat, and raw wagyu carpaccio (amid caper berries) arise to authenticate shiraz DNA.\u003cbr\u003e• Conceded, the presence of an ever-so-subtle yet complexing higher-tone mahogany\/piano-polish\/ lacquer – no doubt derived from the earth, not oak.\u003cbr\u003e• A trepidant tension unfolds – youthful fruitiness wrestling an inky and dense powerhouse.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePalate: \u003cspan\u003eFamilial flavors of a deconstructed Black Forest Cake\/trifle – chocolate, custard, bright wild raspberry; redcurrant. So many other less-obvious flavour ‘distractions’ - mushroom pâté\/duxelles, replete with a beefy accompaniment. Notes of sarsaparilla whirled into the mix. Also, an assortment of fresh red and black liquorice – ‘straight out of the bag’. Mouthcoating - a confluence of tannin\/acidity\/oak\/fruit – all joyously meshed together. A convex mid-palate that generously supports upfront palate grip and a continuum of delight all the way to lengthy, lingering finish. Truly ‘alive’, Upon sitting and with air, all transforms. A second revised tasting-note, however, can definitely wait. There will be ample opportunity over the next half-century!\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points, #57 Top 100 of 2022 - James Suckling:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"A robust Grange from a lauded vintage, this wields sheer power with such compelling prowess. Uncompromising Grange. There are rich blackberries and plums on offer, together with brazen oak and abundant notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, charcoal, cola and hard brown spices. So fiery and intense. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder armomas and flavors here, too. The tannins are polished and long, extruding deep into the finish and holding endlessly. Dark chocolate, black cherry, dark plum and more. Impressive. Brazen. One of the greatest Granges that will drink magnificently for decades to come.\" (Jun 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Composed of 97% Shiraz with a 3% splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Grange was sourced from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley. It was aged for 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads (slightly larger than the classic Bordeaux barriques). It sports an opaque purple-black color, while the nose begins as an impenetrable wall of blueberry pie and blackberry preserves. Patience and vigorous swirling eventually unlock an underlying perfume of Indian spices, cedar chest, sassafras, fragrant soil, and cracked black peppercorns, with slowly emerging wafts of licorice, charcuterie, and rose oil. The assertive, full-bodied palate is taut and muscular, featuring very firm, super tight-knit tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long, long, long. Undoubtedly one of the great modern era Granges, this 2018 is like a hypothetical blend of the concentrated, powerful 2013, albeit with the latent expressiveness of the fabulously opulent, flamboyant 2008. Try to keep your hands off this multifaceted powerhouse for 10-15 years and then drink it over the next 50 years+ or bequeath it to your favored next of kin.\" - LPB (7\/20\/22)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"This wine comes with high expectations—as does the vintage. The 2018 vintage across South Australia (and cheekily, we could probably extend the accolade to all of Australia) was excellent. It was warm, but without incident, and responsible for powerfully ripe, serious wines. Many producers made some of their best wines in this vintage. So here, to the 2018 Grange: there is spiced raspberry, lashings of salted licorice, red curry paste, layers of forest berries, rendered lamb fat and crushed pink peppercorns to start. In the mouth, the tannins close around the fruit with the same polish and seamlessness as the 2008, possibly the 2004? Very different vintages, but there is a textural similarity for me. This is polished and glossy and so very pretty. It contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon this year, and 69% Barossa, 18% McLaren Vale and the balance from Clare Valley. Each of the regions brings with it its own characteristics. Barossa brings the red dirt, blood, deli meat and rust. McLaren Vale brings the plush purple fruits with a side of meat and licorice. Clare brings the polish, the opulence and the velvet texture. With their powers combined, this is an extraordinary Grange. One of the true greats, which will only get better as it ages.\" - Erin Larkin (Jul 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Inky, bright-rimmed violet. A kaleidoscopic, penetrating bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruit preserves, espresso, cola, incense, coconut and Moroccan spices, along with a smoky mineral topnote. Shows superb clarity and mineral lift to the sweet, deeply concentrated black currant, bitter cherry, dark chocolate, fruitcake and mocha flavors, which are sharpened by a spicy element. A vein of juicy acidity adds support and drives a wonderfully long, smoky finish that leaves a suave floral note behind. (Drink between 2030-2045)\" - Josh Raynolds (Sep 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points, Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The latest release, from the warm '18 vintage, of Penfolds's most iconic wine delivers on all it promises. Even sans decanting, it promptly fills the nose with a multitude of aromas, from black cherry and lightly grilled plums to dark chocolate and cracked black pepper; from roasting herbs and spices (think bay leaf, rosemary, thyme and dried mint), to a polished glean of well-integrated oak. The palate is powerful, in a dignified way, with a sculpted shape, fine, chalky tannins and persistent flavor. Decades of age await, but if well decanted and well paired, it's drinking remarkably beautifully now. \" - Christina Pickard (Mar 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"A remarkable wine, bursting with complexity and intensity but on a polished, mouthcoating and juicy frame, which makes this easy to enjoy now. Features chicory, sarsaparilla, dark chocolate and salted caramel notes that mingle with ripe black cherry, framboise and huckleberry flavors, backed by hints of almond paste and savory details of cured meat and fresh-crushed rosemary that linger on the epic finish. Drink now through 2045. 426 cases imported.\" - MW (Dec 2022)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - The Vintage Journal:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Deep color. Beautiful and classic, with intense blackberry, blackcurrant dark chocolate espresso aromas and wax polish, roasted chestnut, malt notes. Superbly concentrated wine with deep-set inky blackberry, blackcurrant, dark plum, dark chocolate mocha flavors, fine chocolatey\/velvety tannins, underlying espresso, malt, oak notes and hints of aniseed. Finishes chocolatey firm with superbly integrated acididty and mineral length. A glorious year for Grange. This will last 50 years at least. Wonderful. One of the greatest vintages of all time, highlighting a superb growing season, marvellous vineyard management, the fidelity of the Penfolds house style and generations of imagination and effort.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Wine Pilot:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"A much-awaited vintage that fulfills expectations and then some. It has all the elements that you come to expect but still you have to sit back and marvel that so much can be going on inside one wine. Firstly, it simply ain't Grange unless it is wearing its traditional American oak coat, and this iteration isn't going to shy away from that. But perhaps it is the generosity across the board of South Australia's 2018 vintage that gathers in 18 months of barrel maturation, puts shape to it broad-shouldered dark fruits, turns oak notes into chocolate and sasparilla characters on one side of the brain and beef and mushroom braise in the other. All in all, it is a fabulous balance of inputs: big fruit, classically prominent oak, all its structural tannins and acidity fitting cleverly into one exceptionally complex and engaging being. Palate length is indefinite, perhaps suggesting similar cellaring potential well into the second half of the 21st century. Magnificent.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"RNDC (Young's Market)","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":42745124126879,"sku":"","price":899.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/1350613x_3bacf392-3f2a-4a38-832d-c8945487e9b1.jpg?v=1741987021"},{"product_id":"chateau-haut-brion-2019-bordeaux-pessac-leognan-france-jd-98-vm-98-js-94-de-98","title":"Chateau Haut-Brion 2019 (Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan, France) - [JS 100] [VM 99+] [JD 98+] [WA 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery beautiful, deep, garnet-red color. The nose is ripe and concentrated. After swirling in the glass, it becomes more complex with hints of very ripe – but not excessively so – red and black fruit. There are also liquorice nuances and a soupçon of clove. The wine starts out with a very soft mouth feel and immediately shows tremendous volume and depth in every respect, with flavors reminiscent of ripe fruit and cocoa beans. The long aftertaste features mocha and slightly bitter coffee nuances. Barrel ageing will undoubtedly bring out more of this wine's greatness and confirm its place among the finest vintages of Château Haut-Brion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlend: 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The black cassis comes out of the glass, together with iodine, sandalwood and subtle moss and wet-bark undertones, then turning to violets. The palate is mind-blowing, with a cashmere texture that unravels on the palate and continues on for minutes. It’s full of superbly complex, ethereal character and mouth-feel, One of the wines of the vintage. As glorious as it may be to taste now, this is one for your deep cellar. Try in 2029.\" - JS (Feb 2022)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99+ Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The 2019 Haut-Brion has an ethereal degree of transparency on the nose, perhaps the most delineated of all the 2019s, fabulous precision and detail considering the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with fine bone tannins, unerring symmetry and poise. Cohesive from start to finish with an extraordinarily persistent and compelling closing. Off the charts. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2028-2065)\" - Neal Martin (Feb 2023)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\"The Grand Vin 2019 Château Haut-Brion checks in as a classic blend of 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc. Its deep purple hue is followed by a stunning bouquet of ripe black cherry and currant-like fruit as well as classic Graves cold fireplace, burning embers, tobacco, and cedar pencil. More regal, firm, and classically structured on the palate, this full-bodied beauty has a deep, concentrated mid-palate, building tannins, background oak, and a great, great finish. It's very much in the focused, elegant, yet still concentrated and powerful style of the vintage. It will need a solid decade of cellaring, but it’s a brilliant wine. (Drink starting 2032)\" - JD (Apr 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, burning embers and creamy new oak, the 2019 Haut-Brion is full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a textural attack that segues into an ample and enveloping core of fruit, concluding with a long, expansive finish. Broad-shouldered and muscular, its rich, powdery tannins are already seamlessly integrated; and though it's labeled at 15% alcohol, far higher than the great vintages of yesteryear, it avoids any sense of over-ripeness.\" - William Kelley (Apr 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOOK","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":42847913607327,"sku":"CV1011923","price":899.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/20151011247-ms_4ea110e9-75de-4e43-a712-6edad3c2c5fb.jpg?v=1670534470"},{"product_id":"copy-of-chateau-cheval-blanc-rouge-2019-375-ml-saint-emilion-bordeaux-wa-100-vm-100-js-100-jd-99-dm-98-ws-97-we-97","title":"Chateau Cheval Blanc Rouge 2019 - 375 mL Half-Bottle - (Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux) - [WA 100] [VM 100] [JS 100] [TWI 100] [JD 99] [DM 98] [WS 97] [WE 97]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAbout This Wine:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this vintage, the expressions of the 3 different terroirs of Cheval Blanc stand out perfectly. Although rich and powerful at 14.4% the early picking of the Merlot helped to preserve freshness, purity and tension. The slower ripening of the Cabernet helped the grapes to reach ideal phenolic maturity. This is reflected in the wines which have a remarkable tannic presence. This vintage combines freshness and complexity, power and precision, balance and density. Aromatic complexity dominates from the first nose and this wine expresses the elegance brought to it by optimal weather conditions. The significant proportion of Merlot brings particularly intense aromas of red and black fruit. The impressive nose is pure and precise with notes of raspberry, cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant embalmed in balsamic and subtle sweet aromas of pastries. The generosity and complexity of the nose dominate. Clean, pure and precise, this wine is lush and juicy reflecting perfectly the traits of the fresh fruit when it is tasted directly in the vineyard. A full, attractive attack is redolent of the Merlot of this vintage which is unctuous, round and mouth filling. The Cabernet Franc lends a lovely freshness to the mid-palate and gives the wine length on the finish. This wine is both dense and powerful whilst at the same time soft, unctuous and round. Depth, length and balance are the hallmarks of this vintage and form the identity of this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend: 58% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003eOne of the unequivocally great wines of the vintage is the 2019 Cheval Blanc, a stunning young Saint-Émilion that wafts from the glass with aromas of wild berries and plums mingled with notions of lilac, pipe tobacco, violets, raw cocoa, licorice, crushed mint and burning embers. Full-bodied, layered and enveloping, it's deep and intense, with beautifully rich, powdery tannins and vibrant flavors. Concluding with a long, saline finish, this rivals the 2016 as the finest Cheval Blanc of the decade, and in many respects it might be thought of as the latter vintage's sun-kissed cousin. Bravo to Pierre-Olivier Clouet and his team!\" - William Kelley (Apr 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"The 2019 Cheval Blanc is a stunning, riveting wine. There is simply nothing like a great Cheval in all of Bordeaux. Soaring aromatics are immediately alluring. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, espresso and dried herbs build in a Cheval that possesses tremendous layers and exceptional balance. Clean, mineral notes lend tension and drive. The 2019 is a bit strict today and not ready to show all its cards, but it is very clearly a special, special wine in the making. In 2019, the Grand Vin represents 82.5% of the estate's production, a very high amount by any measure. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. The 2019 is an eternal Cheval Blanc.\" - Antonio Galloni (Feb 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlackcurrants, cassis, graphite and earth on the nose, then changing to roses, violets and berries. Full-bodied with incredible energy of fine tannins and lively acidity. It grows on the palate and escalates to the summit of perfect wine. Very powerful at the end. Holding back and a great finish. Quantity and quality. Menthol. Cool. One of the greatest young Cheval Blancs I have ever tasted. 58% merlot, 34% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon. Great finish. Give it time. Try after 2028.\" (Feb 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\"The 2019 Cheval Blanc is a blend of 58% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. 41 out of 53 blocks have had a part to play this year, representing 10 different soil types. The Grand Vin in 2019 represents 82% of production. Deep purple-black in color, it needs a lot of swirling to shake loose fragrant scents of Indian spice, potpourri, star anise, and cardamom, over a core of preserved plums, boysenberries, and charcoal with touches of wood smoke and cracked black pepper. Full-bodied, rich and immediately impactful in the mouth, the layered nuances slowly expand, beautifully framed by ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with cascading savory and earth flavors and lots of lingering mineral notes.\" (5\/9\/22)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Reminding me slightly of the 1990, the 2019 Château Cheval Blanc is a brilliant, brilliant wine from this estate that’s up there with the true greats. It shows the purity, finesse, and elegance of the vintage beautifully yet backs it up with density, concentration, and depth, revealing a stunning nose of red and black currants, tobacco leaf, new saddle leather, and spring flowers, with absolutely perfect ripeness. As complex and nuanced as only Cheval Blanc can be, even at this young age, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, abundant opulence, fat, and sweetness, polished tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's almost in a class all its own. It deserves at least 5-7 years of bottle age and will shine for 30+ years. Hats off to Pierre-Olivier Clouet, who continues to keep this estate at the top of the pyramid in Saint-Emilion!\" (4\/11\/2022)\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003eExtremely precise floral and berry aromatics build out of the glass and this sense of construction continues through the palate. On the attack you get a whoosh of powerful blueberry and blackberry, with sage, woodsmoke and crushed stone, all cut cleanly through, exposing juicy minerality and a feel of different elements layering on top of each other. 82% 1st wine in this vintage. Harvest from September 10, picking only in the mornings for two weeks (the only three plots of Merlot that were brought in after the September rains are in Petit Cheval). Biodiversity is blooming at Cheval right now - 40 brebis goats and sheep since October 2019, alongside pigs, 200 Bresse chicken, 40 egg-laying chickens and 16 beehives. They have planted 850 fruit trees this winter among the vines, and no longer work the soils. Less Cabernet Franc in the vineyard until 2022 due to replanting.\" - Jane Anson (May 2020)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\"This has loads of dark currant, fig and blackberry preserve notes that are supported by dense waves of loam and warm gravel, all hallmarks of the 2019 growing season. But there's an extra dimension here, thanks to its remarkably lush and fine-grained texture, with endless ripples of tobacco, bay and singled sandalwood and balsam wood through the finish. In the end, it's the combination of power, refinement and expressing an essentially unharnessable vintage that sets this red apart from the pack. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2025 through 2045. 10,000 cases made.\" - JM (Mar 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe wine has power. It is dense but with such concentration along with a fine perfumed character from the Cabernet Franc in the blend. The wine's richness is impressive while leaving plenty of room for fruit. This fine wine will age well. Drink from 2026.\" - Roger Voss (Oct 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"WINEBOOK","offers":[{"title":"375 mL","offer_id":42848017055903,"sku":"CV3011915","price":499.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/8_c7c5b8ea-5b6c-4b9b-aba0-b5f1c07e992b.webp?v=1782078340"},{"product_id":"gaja-barbaresco-horizontal-collection-6-bottle-collectors-set-2013","title":"Gaja Barbaresco Horizontal Collection - 6 Bottle Collector's Set (2013)","description":"\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAbout this Set:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAn incredible collection, this set includes two 750ml bottles of each of three single vineyard Barbarescos from the 2013 vintage:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e2 bottles each of the following:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2013 Sori San Lorenzo - [JS 100] [VM 98] [WA 97] [WS 94] [WE 93]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2013 Sori Tildin - [VM 97] [JS 97] [WA 95+] [WS 95] [WE 93]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2013 Costa Russi - [JS 98] [VM 98] [WA 95]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis wine made history when it became one of the earliest single-vineyard bottlings of Nebbiolo in Piedmont with the 1967 vintage. Sourced from the GAJA winery's top growing site, San Lorenzo, located just south of the village of Barbaresco in the famed cru Secondine, the wine is made with 95% Nebbiolo grapes and 5% Barbera. This practice hails back to the earliest era of Barbaresco, when the lighter-bodied Barbera was traditionally blended into the tannic Nebbiolo to temper its power and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCosta means slope in Italian and is often used in the names of vineyard designated wines. In wine-growing parlance, it denotes the side of a hill that faces the sun. Russi was the nickname of the previous estate owner, who oversaw the vineyard management of this historic and privileged growing site. This 10-acre vineyard which lies in the township of Barbaresco was purchased in the winery's 1967 expansion of its vineyard holdings. GAJA's Costa Russi is known for the elegance and refinement of its aromatic character and likes its single-vineyard counterparts, will age gracefully for 40 years of more in outstanding vintages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSan Lorenzo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points \u0026amp;\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan color=\"red\"\u003e#3 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e- James Suckling:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Majestic aromas of crushed berries, meat and orange peel. Full body, lots of powerful yet ripe tannins and exquisite fruit. Amazing depth and density. They said they macerated a little more than normal because the fruit was perfect. A classic nebbiolo that reminds me of the great 1996. About 30% less production. Don’t touch for five to 10 years. A celebratory wine for Gaja’s return to the Barbaresco appellation.\" (Nov 2016)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSori Tildin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97 Points \u0026amp; \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" color=\"red\"\u003e#40 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2016 \u003c\/span\u003e- James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe perfumes are fabulous here with strawberry, walnut and porcini mushrooms. Mountain herbs. Full body, tight and integrated tannins and a long finish. Refined and beautiful. Hard not to drink now.\" (Nov 2016)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCosta Russi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points \u0026amp;\u003cspan color=\"red\" style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e#43 Top 100 Italian Wines of 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e- James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium ruby color. The class, strength and finesse to this wine are ever present with berry, dark-chocolate and walnut character. Full-bodied, dense and chewy. Very fresh. Chocolate, mango and ripe-strawberry flavors herald a bright finish. Needs four or five years to soften. Classic tannins. Better in 2021.\" (Nov 2016)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN","offers":[{"title":"6x 750 ml","offer_id":42909580918943,"sku":"","price":4869.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/BARBARESCO-GAJA-CON-CASSETTA.jpg?v=1674090948"},{"product_id":"chateau-margaux-premier-grand-cru-2000-bordeaux-france-jd-100-dm-100-wa-99-vm-99-ws-98","title":"Chateau Margaux Premier Grand Cru Classe 2003 (Bordeaux, France) - [JL 99] [WA 98] [JS 98] [DM 97] [TWI 97] [WS 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Margaux is one of only four estates to be granted First Growth status in the famous Bordeaux classification of 1855. This famous estate dates back almost 1,000 years, and is recognized as producing one of the greatest wines in the entire world. Chateau Margaux is one of the few vineyards to have remained relatively unchanged for centuries, too: today the vineyards are almost the same size with 80 planted hectares of vines, as there were in 1700 (75 hectares). And the winery had impressive fans even then: Thomas Jefferson placed an order for Margaux in 1794 on which he wrote, “There couldn’t be a better Bordeaux bottle.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChateau Margaux is the only Bordeaux wine to bear the name of its appellation (making it a bit confusing). It is also one of the few billion-dollar wine businesses to be headed by a woman, Corinne Mentzelopoulos. (Her father André bought the chateau in the 1970s for just 72 million francs (about $17 million at the time). When he passed away in 1980, Corinne took over at age 27; her own daughter Alexandra is slated to succeed her when the time comes.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChateau Margaux vineyard is planted to 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc for the red wine grapes, divided into 80 parcels. The style of wine produced by Chateau Margaux at its best blends elegance, purity of fruit, harmony and finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - The Wine Cellar Insider:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"One of the success stories of the vintage. Not overblown, too ripe, hot or out of balance, this is a beauty. Aromatically it's packed with blackberries, dried flowers, violets and spice, while the lush, voluptuous palate gently coats your taste receptors with creamy tannins and layers of sweet ripe fruits. Drink from 2026-2045.\" -Jeff Leve (Jul 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This was the finest performance by this wine that I have seen since it was released. It is a beautiful, dark plum\/purple-tinged effort with sensational aromatics, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a youthfulness, precision and freshness that belie what one generally associates with this vintage. It can be drunk now and over the next 15-20 years. Kudos to Chateau Margaux.\" -Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Aug 2014)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is a wonderful surprise. Showing an amazing nose of dried raspberries, strawberries, and flowers. On the palate this wine is full bodied, with pretty framed fruit and silky tannins. This wine is deep and wonderful, with scores of complexity... fascinating stuff. This is drinking like an old classic right now, but could still use five years in the bottle. Don't pull the cork until at least 2015 to see it's true glory.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This monumental wine boasts a super-ripe bouquet of fig, plum and blackberry fruit, with cedar, pepper and earth notes. The spice from the cask ageing is present but integrated. The body is rich, the texture is firmly tannic but not unapproachable, and a well-proportioned sense of balance suggests this will age for decades to come. An ample demonstration that torrid years such as 2003 can produce wines of lasting beauty. Drinking Window: 2023-2070.\" -Charles Curtis MW (Jul 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2003 Chateau Margaux has a deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It springs from the glass with surprisingly spritely notes of blackcurrant jelly, baked plums, and star anise, giving way to an undercurrent of Sichuan pepper, kirsch, unsmoked cigars, cedar, dried roses, and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is completely filled with ripe, expressive black fruits and perfumed floral and exotic spice layers, framed by very firm, sturdy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy. “In 2003 we were tempted to correct, but we didn’t,” commented current managing director Philippe Bascaules, who was working with the late managing director Paul Pontallier in 2003. “I think it is better not to help nature but to permit.” This 2003 is delicious now, yet it has the stuffing to cellar for another 20+ years.\" -Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Nov 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Shows a note of torréfaction typical of the vintage, but uses it to its advantage, coupling it with accents of ganache and dark tobacco leaf along with rich plum, currant and fig compote flavors. The finish is slightly firm, with alder and plum skin details, but this has pretty impressive composure considering the vintage. -- Blind '01\/'03\/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Drink now through 2035.\" (Feb 2018)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":44451484434591,"sku":"","price":699.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/exec-251acf52-0642-49c4-80c6-b8c482ccd1d9.png?v=1787517423"},{"product_id":"g-b-burlotto-barolo-monvigliero-docg-2019-750mlpiedmont-italy-jd-99-vm-99-de-98","title":"G. B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero DOCG 2019 750mL (Piedmont, Italy) - [WA 100] [JD 99] [VM 99] [DM 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBurlotto is a family winery was born in Verduno, a historic commune in Barolo, 170 years ago.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarina, with her husband Giuseppe Alessandria, and their children Fabio and Cristina, represent the fourth and fifth generations at the helm of Burlotto and continue to produce the classic wines of the Alba Langa.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Vineyard:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe symbolic vineyard of Verduno, a bulwark of elegance in Barolo. Our interpretation gathers the testimony of an ancient way, a refined taste, to be rediscovered. The luxury, calm, and voluptuousness of Baudelaire’s texts is imprisoned here, in its lyrical intonation, in the aromas of a Levantine smokehouse and in the rich and light flavor, whose salty trail traces a finale image of clear purity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTechnical Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeography:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe most northern vineyard of the Barolo area, not far from the Tanaro river, which has a significant influence on the microclimate of this important Verduno vineyard. The soil is made up of fossilized Marls of Sant’Agata called laminate or balanced agglomerates of silt, clay and sand arranged like sheets a few millimeters thick layered over each other. Active limestone around 11.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVinification:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe harvest is carried out by hand, in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit and to allow for, when necessary, a selection of the grapes which are then transported to the cellar in 20 kg boxes. Whole cluster vinification is used (with grapes not destemmed) in open French oak vats, followed by two months of submerged cap maceration. In order to not damage the stalks, the grapes are still foot pressed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalolactic fermentation takes place in Slavonian and Allier oak barrels of 35-50 hectoliters followed by subsequent maturation for about 3 years. Bottling is usually carried out in the summer without fining or filtration and then the wine rests in the cellar for at least 9 months before being marketed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptimal serving temperature between 16 and 18 ° (60-65F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e100 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"This wine feels like a delicate whisper in the ear that tickles and taunts but gets its message across. The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2019 Barolo Monvigliero definitely spoke to me thanks to its immediate complexity that transcends wild strawberry, aromatic herb, white pepper, orange peel, hazelnut, truffle essence, autumnal leaf, cinnamon and pencil shaving. I could go on. The first vintage made was 1982, and Monvigliero famously sees whole cluster fruit to add to those spicy and herbaceous aromas that are so delicate and fleeting. Fabio Alessandria's other important Barolos, like Castelletto and Acclivi, are made with destemmed grapes, but whole cluster fermentation fits in with the characteristics of the Monvigliero cru. Fabio explains that the use of full bunches is not about gaining structural power per se; it's about obtaining complexity. The 2019 vintage is all about energy and tension, and although the nature of the vintage is a bit closed in its youth, this wine is poised for long aging. 2025-2060.\" - Monica Larner (Aug 2023)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is produced entirely from whole clusters and is a pale ruby, with a spicy and lifted perfume revealing layers of cinnamon, red berries, tarragon, and white pepper. Medium-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long finish, this is highly refined, with a Burgundian aesthetic of purity and beautiful concentration. A singular and exceptional wine, drink it over the next few decades. (Drink between 2023-2043)\" - Audrey Frick (May 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is a knock-out. What a wine. Rich and layered in the glass, with striking textural intensity, the 2019 unfurls beautifully with a bit of coaxing. All the elements are so well put together for a young wine. Crushed rose petal, mint, sage, rose petal and sweet pipe tobacco lend striking nuance to this dynamic, vibrant Barolo. The 2019 is quite simply magnificent. Its splendor only grows over time. (Drink between 2029-2049)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003e - Antonio Falloni (Jan 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is produced entirely from whole clusters and is a pale ruby, with a spicy and lifted perfume revealing layers of cinnamon, red berries, tarragon, and white pepper. Medium-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long finish, this is highly refined, with a Burgundian aesthetic of purity and beautiful concentration. A singular and exceptional wine, drink it over the next few decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"At the northernmost tip of Barolo, GB Burlotto's Monvigliero 2019 was harvested around 20 October. Fermented in big oak casks with its own yeasts and whole cluster grapes, it displays the typically elegant style of the MGA. A scented nose of sweet violets, cinnamon, rhubarb and bark of cinchona is fully focused on rooty and earthy notes before a fresh, delicate fruit character of wild strawberry and orange emerges. There's great concentration on the palate, with super-crisp acidity and elegant velvety tannins. The finish is lifted and refined. Chiselled to perfection. (Drink between 2023-2050)\" - Aldo Fiordelli (Feb 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ELEVAGE","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":44473511903391,"sku":"","price":649.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/monvig.webp?v=1693007008"},{"product_id":"domaine-jean-louis-chave-hermitage-rouge-2020-rhone-france","title":"Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge 2020 (Northern Rhone, France) - [VM 99] [JD 98+] [DM 98] [WS 97]","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eGenerally 100% destemmed, as the Hermitage is meant to be about the expression of the individual vineyards and soils and Jean-Louis believes that stems have a tendency to level out the differences. Fermentation in wood tonneaux and stainless steel tanks. Aged in barriques for 30 months.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"width: 100%; height: 2px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e98+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Moving to the reds from bottle, both these 2020s have incredibly concentrated, pure, focused styles that remind me of 2010. The 2020 Hermitage is inky hued, with sensational notes of red, blue, and black fruit as well liquid rock, graphite, burning embers, saddle leather, and hints of candied orange zest. It's a massive, concentrated, powerful wine, yet it stays balanced, has a good sense of freshness, building tannins, and a great finish. As with most great vintages here, it's going to need a decade of bottle age to shed its baby fat and will be a classic Hermitage to enjoy over the following 30 years or so.\" (Mar 2024)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhat you find in the whites, you find in the reds,' says Jean-Louis Chave, alluding to the natural freshness and balance in the 2020 Hermitage lieux-dits. This shows a good sense of finesse, with discreet, elegant tannins and intensity without great power. It is a concentrated but restrained vintage of elegance and great precision. (Drink between 2030-2050)\u003c\/span\u003e“ - Matt Walls (Oct 2021)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e97-99 Points - Vinous:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTasted in components, before the final blending and rest before bottling, this wine is shaping up to be monumental, and it's from a domaine that has made far more than a few remarkable wines. There's intense dark fruit, suave floral and exotic spice character and a deep, energizing core of minerality, plus hints of olive, botanical herbs, licorice and smoked meat. But ultimately, it mainly focuses on powerful, vibrant fruit and floral qualities, making it a particularly elegant rendition of the appellation. I can't wait to see the bottled result.\u003c\/span\u003e\" - Josh Raynolds (Dec 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEnchanting and complex, with stunning textural purity. Offers black cherry enveloped by mulling spices, gently toasted sandalwood and warm iron, with mocha and cigar box accents. Shows a pleasing chewiness as this builds in concentration and lushness toward the long, salty, mineral-rich finish. Just approaching perfect harmony, this will continue to evolve in gorgeous ways for years. Outstanding. Best from 2025 through 2042.\u003c\/span\u003e\" - Josh Raynolds (May 2018)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"GRANDES PLACES SELECTIONS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":44702551965855,"sku":"","price":389.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/hermitager.jpg?v=1701289938"},{"product_id":"continuum-proprietary-red-2021-oakville-california","title":"Continuum Proprietary Red 2021 (Oakville, California) - [JS 99] [TWI 98-100] [VM 94+]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e Founded by brother and sister team Tim and Marcia Mondavi in 2005, \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe name Continuum alludes to the continuation of the family’s winemaking legacy. Located at the top of Pritchard Hill, next door to Colgin IX Estate and Ovid, apart from the view over Oakville’s valley floor from an altitude of around 1,500 feet, the sheer scale of the operation is impressive. Of the 170+ acres owned by the estate, 62.85 acres are planted: 37.51 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.07 acres of Cabernet Franc, 6.84 acres of Petit Verdot, and 3.43 acres of Merlot, with another 4.07 acres of viable vineyard land. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eContinuum is the realization of our dream for a terroir driven, estate grown wine. Our Sage Mountain Vineyard is located high above Oakville along the eastern ridge of Napa Valley with rocky, volcanic soils. Planted to vines with diverse elevations and exposures, Continuum Estate grows wine with great depth of character, complexity and nuance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 vintage marked the second consecutive year of drought through an otherwise moderate growing season. Careful attention to soil health, in both tilth and microbiome was given for the purpose of improving vine resiliency and longevity. Our team’s attentive and thoughtful care, paired with the innate resiliency and wisdom of our mountain vines allowed exceptional quality and balance to shine through in the fruit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA vintage set apart for its perseverance and resilience, 2021 Continuum is one of refined concentration -a resounding expression of both measured intensity and enduring vibrancy. This is a multi-layered magnificent vintage that reveals floral notes, with black cherry and wild foraged mixed berries throughout. One can perceive the chemise, sage, and bay giving a gorgeous savory expression, reflective of the natural environment that surrounds our Sage Mountain Vineyard. 2021 is a wine of incredible complexity and nuance- a wine for the ages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e99 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is so aromatic with blackcurrant, blackberry, graphite, iron, pine bark and orange peel. Hints of wild sage and peppermint. Seductive perfumes. Full-bodied with extremely well-integrated tannins that have great length. Elegant firmness at the finish. The quality of the tannins is some of the best I have had in a young Continuum. Seamless silk. Great finish. 45% cabernet sauvignon, 35% cabernet franc, 11% merlot and 9% petit verdot. Best after 2027.\" (Feb 2024)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e98-100 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This note is written before the final blend of the 2021 Continuum. Deep purple-black in color, it hits the ground running with an intense nose of red and black currant preserves, lilacs, baker's chocolate, and graphite, leading to an undercurrant of black olives and red loam. On the medium to full-bodied palate it is very lively, grainy and super-concentrated, finishing long and shimmery.\" - LPB (Jun 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e94+ Points - Vinous Media: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is a heady, bombastic wine with a huge fruit profile and equally imposing tannins. In so many vintages, Continuum can be quite racy and seductive, but 2021 is not one of those years. Readers will have to be especially patient here. Lavender, mocha, crème de cassis and cloves build into the substantial, resonant finish. The blend is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. It will be interesting to see if the tannins soften. Today, the 2021 is a brute. Let's see what time brings.\" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Continuum","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":45127625572511,"sku":"","price":319.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/rzxugspfy70nrmaeaae4_8f602011-c9e6-4cc9-87f1-b89744c16f44.jpg?v=1710872082"},{"product_id":"haynes-vineyard-chardonnay-corazon-2020-coombsville-napa-valley-california","title":"Haynes Vineyard Chardonnay \"Corazon\" 2021 (Coombsville, Napa Valley, California) - [JS 100] [TWI 99] [DM 98] [WA 96] [VM 96] [WS 94]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHaynes Vineyard is\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea single-vineyard, single-estate winery, owned by the Lawrence family - only the third family to own the vineyard, having purchased it from the Whitford\/Haynes family, who bought it from Napa City founder Nathan Coombs in the late 19th century. In 1967, the Haynes family granted André Tchelistcheff permission to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, now the oldest in Napa Valley. The three expressions of Chardonnay from the site reflect its terroir, its story, and the people who define its character: what we grow – Vigneron, what we make – Forgeron, and what we love – Corazon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe crown jewel of the Haynes Vineyard, the Corazon Chardonnay is sourced from the oldest vines in the vineyard. Intensely aromatic wine with minerality and density similar to great Burgundy, it is crafted from the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Napa Valley. Modeled after Burgundy of the late 80s and 90s, the wine is the ultimate expression of the vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical Data:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eVARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Chardonnay, Old Vine\u003cbr\u003eAVA: Coombsville\u003cbr\u003eVINE AGE: 55 years\u003cbr\u003eCLONE: Wente clone planted on St. George rootstock\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSOIL: A mixture of volcanic ash, alluvial, and Diatomaceous Earth, a prime characteristic of Coombsville\u003cbr\u003eABV: 13.01%\u003cbr\u003eECO FARMING INITIATIVES: Certified CCOF and Biodynamic\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Flint, dried apples, honey blossom, stone, mineral, and dried flowers. Full-bodied and so layered with great depth and sincerity. The fine tannins are very vertical and shows so many layers. Aged in large Stockinger casks for 20 months. Unique. Made from the best vines of old Wente clones planted in 1967. About 12% alcohol. You shouldn’t really drink this now but hard not to.\" (Nov 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e99 Points - TWI \u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Chardonnay Corazon comes from the heart of the vineyard, the tete de cuvee from the best old vines. It slowly unfurls to reveal scents of honey nut, fresh apricot, pear tart, and orange blossom plus hints of wet pebbles, brine, and baking bread. The medium-bodied palate delivers the most incredible satiny texture and supe-intense, tightly wound citrus and chalky flavors, finishing with epic length and depth. OMG, that is good Chardonnay! Only 100 cases were made.\" – LPB (Aug 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e98 Points - DM \u003cbr\u003e\"From vines planted in 1967 to the oldest Old Wente Chardonnay vines on the ranch in Coombsville, the Corazon is the most intense of the three Chardonnay wines in 2021. It exhibits impressive density, purity of fruit, and a firm spine of juicy acidity, framing its bright, focused character. Medium-bodied, with a gentle kiss of tension-filled tannin, adds to this Chardonnay's structure and depth. Nuances of apricot, white peach, and grapefruit layer over the already present lemon and lemon oil, with even a hint of tangerine, as this is the ripest wine in the lineup. A riveting expression of Napa Valley Chardonnay. Winemaker Nico Cueva employs the same process for the three Haynes Vineyard Chardonnays (Vigneron, Forgeron, and Corazon): whole-bunch pressing, sur lie ageing in 500–2,000-litre neutral casks for 21 months of élevage, and native yeast fermentation. The wines are unfined and unfiltered. Cueva explains the meaning behind the names: \"Vigneron is what we grow. Forgeron is what we build (out of a barrel selection), and Corazon is what we love.\" – Jonathan Cristaldi (Feb 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e96 WA \u003cbr\u003e\"Marked by more obvious smoky oak and notions of roasted nuts, the pineapple and lime-scented 2021 Chardonnay Corazon comes from the heart of the vineyard—all Old Wente selection, planted between 1967 and 1969. It's medium to full-bodied and generous on the palate yet also nicely focused, with a long, chiseled finish of citrus zest. Bravo.\" – Joe Czerwinski (Jul 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e96 Points - VM \u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Chardonnay Corazon is mostly from the center part of the vineyard, where old vines are planted on a blend of volcanic soils and diatomaceous earth—a mix that works so well. The aromatics alone are beguiling. Soaring and vibrant, with striking finesse, the 2021 is all class. Bright acids punctuate the finish. This is another impressive wine from Haynes and winemaker Nico Cueva.\" – Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e94 Points - WS \u003cbr\u003e\"Complex and intriguing, offering notes of flint, honeysuckle and litsea oil up front. Crunchy, juicy acidity brightens the core of almond paste, pear, lime zest, lemon curd and lemon blossom flavors, with a touch of fresh green notes including lemongrass and freshly grated ginger. Drink now. 144 cases made.\" – MaryAnn Worobiec (Jul 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN \/ AMERICAN \/ PACIFIC WINE \u0026 SPIRITS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":45232867836063,"sku":"","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/haynes-corazon-cropped.png?v=1788744118"},{"product_id":"philip-togni-estate-spring-mountain-cabernet-sauvignon-2021-napa-valley-california","title":"Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2021 (Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, California) - [DM 100] [VM 99, 2024 Wine of the Year] [WA 98+] [WI 97+] [WS 96]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are few winemakers still living with the kind of history that Philip Togni has under his belt. Long before his eponymous winery was even conceived, he was crafting some of the most iconic wines in California. After a year at Mayacamas (1959), he became the founding winemaker for Chalone, worked at Inglenook for a year, became the founding winemaker for Chappellet (producing the acclaimed 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon that is still regarded as one of the greatest ever produced in California), and finally at finished out the 1970’s at Cuvaison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1981, while still employed at Cuvaison, Philip began planting his own vineyard on Spring Mountain and it is here that he has cemented his legacy. Starting with the 1983 vintage he has produced an unbroken string of world class wines; age-worthy, classic, and incredible. Although Philip is still very involved, since 2007, his daughter Lisa has taken the lead more and more. The good news is that she shares her father’s gift for winemaking and shows no interest in changing anything at this venerable estate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Estate vineyard at Togni is 10.5 acres (divided into 20 blocks) planted to 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vines are co-planted and the wine is co-fermented. The soils are a mix of rocky volcanic and clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom this single vineyard Philip and Lisa produce three wines: the flagship Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a second label Cabernet Sauvignon, Tanbark Hill, and a rare dessert wine, Ca’ Togni. The Cabernet Sauvignons are made using barrel selection and are otherwise handled exactly the same. All fruit is 100% destemmed, fermented in stainless steel and aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak. At this point the decision is made of which lots are blended into the “Estate Cabernet” and the “Tanbark Hill”. The Ca’ Togni is a wine unique to Napa, made from Black Hamburgh, Togni’s quarter acre of vines produce an aromatic, concentrated, sweet red wine unlike anything else we have come across. A true estate, the wines are made, bottled, and stored just feet away from the vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilip Togni Vineyard Cabernet is a very ageworthy Margaux-type blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet franc and Petit Verdot. The vineyard and winery are at 2000 feet elevation near the top of Spring Mountain in the western hills of the Napa Valley.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"pipProdMakerNote\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProdMakerNote_copy\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eForty years ago, we made our first wine from our vineyard near the top of Spring Mountain.  The 1983 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is still a vibrant confirmation of the merits of our soil and microclimate.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eNow we are happy to offer our 2021 Cabernet. After the disappointment of not releasing wines from 2020 because of smoke taint, and after the very real challenges of recovering from the Glass fire which burned some of our land, we’re pleased to be able to offer the excellent 2021, a wine made very much in the tradition of our past wines - elegant, food friendly and very long lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eBlend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTasted with Lisa and Philip Togni in their winery atop Spring Mountain in February of 2024. An absolutely riveting Cabernet showing a deep ruby-purple colour. Gorgeously fragrant at the cork's pull with terrific violets and loads of black currants and dark dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with chiselled, precise tannins that build and build on the palate. At this early stage, the wine is full of ripe blackberry and black currant fruits that harbour impressive clarity of flavours, growing even more expressive with beautiful sagebrush nuances. Philipp Togni remarked that this vintage reminds him of St. Julien. Indeed, it is incredibly aromatic, elegant, and structured, and it is also a complete and seamless wine. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon is joined by 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet France, and 1% Petit Verdot. - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e99 Points, Rank #1 Top 100 Wines of 2024 - Vinous:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is an outrageously beautiful wine and also one of the wines of the year. A soaring, exotic bouquet makes a strong opening statement. Pliant and creamy, with mind-blowing textural finesse, the 2021 dazzles from start to finish. Hard candy, mint, lavender, Kirsch and spice linger on the close. The 2021 possesses mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse.\" Drink 2031-2051. - Antonio Galloni (December 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e98+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"Possibly the best wine produced here since the terrific 2001 or 1991, Togni's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes across as rather cool and fresh, with gentle grace notes of mountain sage lending nuance to the predominantly red-berried fruit, tinged with cassis, mint and cedar. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and firm, with silky tannins and refreshing acids providing ample structure and amplifying the lingering, elegant finish. 2027-2050.\" -JC (7\/3\/24)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97+ Points - The Wine Independent:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 15% Merlot and traces of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold notions of blackcurrant jelly, juicy black plums, and wild blueberries followed by hints of crushed rocks, cardamom, licorice, and tar plus a fragrant touch of violets. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with black fruit and mineral layers, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long with loads of ferrous and earthy sparks. Drink 2027-2050.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDensely packed and reserved in style, offering a tightly coiled core of red and black currant fruit wrapped in a sheath of iron and backed by savory, menthol, rose petal and iris notes. The seriously grippy finish shows taut but fine-grained tannins working in unison alongside fresh acidity. Will need considerable time to unfurl, rewarding those with patience and a love of this mountain-hewn, old-school style. Best from 2029 through 2045. 1,020 cases made.\" - James Molesworth (April 2024)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GRANDES PLACES SELECTIONS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":45254351519903,"sku":"","price":228.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/togni2021_129019bd-1e8c-43ef-9e58-032b7c476c42.png?v=1776298300"},{"product_id":"dominus-estate-2021-napa-valley-california","title":"Dominus Estate 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [JD 100] [TWI 100] [DM 100] [JS 99] [WA 98+] [VM 98] [WS 96]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDominus Estate is the Napa Valley property of Bordeaux producer Christian Moueix. The wine is bottled from the historic Napanook Vineyard. Located at the foothills of the Mayacamas, the vineyard was planted in 1838 and continues to evolve under the stewardship of Christian Moueix. The estate’s Bordeaux varietals benefit from the Yountville microclimate where temperatures are moderated by cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The resulting wine is a uniquely refined expression of this special terroir.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEnjoying a temperate climate, the vineyard’s volcanic, well draining soils are specifically suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux varietals which compose the Dominus Estate wines. The soil is gravelly and clay loam. Meticulous efforts are made throughout the seasons to produce grapes of the highest quality for Dominus Estate wines. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe resulting wines convey the very personality of the vineyard. Dominus winemaking includes separate lot-by-lot fermentation. Cluster sorting by hand is complemented by an optical berry sorting system. Gentle pumping-over extracts aromas, color and tannins. Vertical wine press at low pressure delicately releases components from the skin. Racking barrel to barrel in 100% french oak removes sediment and assures clarification of the wine during aging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe vintage was characterized by a dry winter and spring, 2021 was the second consecutive year of a drought that started in January 2020. Temperatures were constantly warm over the growing season, moderately higher than the historical average and remained consistent throughout the ripening period. The weather conditions in 2021 favored an early hydric constraint which promoted production of small berries with high levels of phenolic compounds and deeply intense aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eVoluptuous and vibrant, dense evergreen forest floor, incense, profound depth, rich plum and an extremely long finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietals:\u003c\/strong\u003e 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Oak:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn't get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.\" (Dec 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"The 2021 Dominus, 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, is opaque purple-black in color. It needs a lot of coaxing to lure out scents of freshly crushed blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, stewed plums, and boysenberries giving way to subtle nuances of violets, licorice, and tar plus a touch of cedar in the background. The full-bodied palate is taut with densely laden, muscular black fruits framed by a firm grainy texture and well-played tension, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. A stunning vinous record of time and place, this is a 50-year+ Napa Cabernet to be experienced across generations. 3,700 cases were made. Drink 2026-2075\" -Lisa Perrotti-Brown (May 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Superbly aromatic, polished, and balanced. Tannins are plump, pliant, and extremely long, with a beautiful velvety quality. Ripe blackberry, spiced plums, and black cherry fruits are super-expressive and imbued with this spicebush note, which is a shrub bush that grows near the vineyard and, when crushed in the palm of your hand in the thick of summer, reveals a high-toned minty-citrusy note, which is very present on the palate. The minerality is perfectly expressed as iron and stone, and the finish is exceedingly long, nuanced by mocha, loamy earth, and wildflowers, and resolves with tremendous freshness. Just splendid.\" - Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The purity of the cabernet fruit is so enticing, with blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles and subtle graphite. Touches of terra cotta and licorice. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are wonderfully polished, giving a cashmere texture that is really luxurious to taste at this early stage. It is quenching and so delicious already. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs three to four years to come around but already a joy to taste.\" (Feb 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 Dominus is a 3,700-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, with 40% of the wine matured in new French oak. Black cherries and cassis lead the way, accented by scents of crushed stone and pencil shavings. It's full-bodied, rich and concentrated, dark and intense, with ample tannins, but those tannins are ripe and well-rounded without being overly soft or creamy, gliding easily into a long, mocha-tinged finish. As a whole, the wine exhibits wonderful balance, even if it will benefit from 5 or 10 years in the cellar.\" - Joe Czerwinski (Feb 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Vinous Media:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2021 Dominus is a powerful, tightly-coiled wine that is holding back quite a bit of reserve. There's real depth and resonance waiting to emerge as the wine matures. Floral overtones and bright acids confer energy to a core of red\/bluish fruits. Readers will find a Dominus built more on linear precision rather than opulence. It is hugely impressive in this tasting, with a long chalky finish.\" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA restrained style, this offers a focused beam of red and black currant fruit lined with warm stone, tobacco and savory accents and allied to a long iron spine. Marries density and freshness through the finish. A wine of precision that feels as if it will expand with time in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2042. 3,700 cases made.\u003c\/span\u003e\" - JM (Oct 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN \/ AMERICAN \/ PACIFIC WINE \u0026 SPIRITS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":45466405503135,"sku":"","price":394.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/dominus2021_72a361f8-f952-4c32-a14a-f0e5a55a1787.png?v=1717106260"},{"product_id":"dominus-estate-2021-1-5-liter-napa-valley-california-jd-100-js-99-vm-95-copy","title":"Dominus Estate 2021 - 1.5 Liter Magnum - (Napa Valley, California) - [JD 100] [TWI 100] [DM 100] [JS 99] [WA 98+] [VM 98] [WS 96]","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-single__description rte\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-station-tabs-app=\"\" data-station-tabs-product=\"dominus-estate-2021-napa-valley-california\" class=\"is-initialized is-ready\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"station-tabs-0\" class=\"station-tabs mod-hide-focus is-ready\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"station-tabs-content station-tabs-default-tabpanel is-active\" id=\"st-description_0-0\" aria-labelledby=\"st-link-description_0-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"station-tabs-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDominus Estate is the Napa Valley property of Bordeaux producer Christian Moueix. The wine is bottled from the historic Napanook Vineyard. Located at the foothills of the Mayacamas, the vineyard was planted in 1838 and continues to evolve under the stewardship of Christian Moueix. The estate’s Bordeaux varietals benefit from the Yountville microclimate where temperatures are moderated by cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The resulting wine is a uniquely refined expression of this special terroir.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEnjoying a temperate climate, the vineyard’s volcanic, well draining soils are specifically suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux varietals which compose the Dominus Estate wines. The soil is gravelly and clay loam. Meticulous efforts are made throughout the seasons to produce grapes of the highest quality for Dominus Estate wines. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe resulting wines convey the very personality of the vineyard. Dominus winemaking includes separate lot-by-lot fermentation. Cluster sorting by hand is complemented by an optical berry sorting system. Gentle pumping-over extracts aromas, color and tannins. Vertical wine press at low pressure delicately releases components from the skin. Racking barrel to barrel in 100% french oak removes sediment and assures clarification of the wine during aging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe vintage was characterized by a dry winter and spring, 2021 was the second consecutive year of a drought that started in January 2020. Temperatures were constantly warm over the growing season, moderately higher than the historical average and remained consistent throughout the ripening period. The weather conditions in 2021 favored an early hydric constraint which promoted production of small berries with high levels of phenolic compounds and deeply intense aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eVoluptuous and vibrant, dense evergreen forest floor, incense, profound depth, rich plum and an extremely long finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietals:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Oak:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e40%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn't get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.\" (Dec 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"The 2021 Dominus, 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, is opaque purple-black in color. It needs a lot of coaxing to lure out scents of freshly crushed blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, stewed plums, and boysenberries giving way to subtle nuances of violets, licorice, and tar plus a touch of cedar in the background. The full-bodied palate is taut with densely laden, muscular black fruits framed by a firm grainy texture and well-played tension, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. A stunning vinous record of time and place, this is a 50-year+ Napa Cabernet to be experienced across generations. 3,700 cases were made. Drink 2026-2075\" -Lisa Perrotti-Brown (May 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Superbly aromatic, polished, and balanced. Tannins are plump, pliant, and extremely long, with a beautiful velvety quality. Ripe blackberry, spiced plums, and black cherry fruits are super-expressive and imbued with this spicebush note, which is a shrub bush that grows near the vineyard and, when crushed in the palm of your hand in the thick of summer, reveals a high-toned minty-citrusy note, which is very present on the palate. The minerality is perfectly expressed as iron and stone, and the finish is exceedingly long, nuanced by mocha, loamy earth, and wildflowers, and resolves with tremendous freshness. Just splendid.\" - Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The purity of the cabernet fruit is so enticing, with blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles and subtle graphite. Touches of terra cotta and licorice. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are wonderfully polished, giving a cashmere texture that is really luxurious to taste at this early stage. It is quenching and so delicious already. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs three to four years to come around but already a joy to taste.\" (Feb 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 Dominus is a 3,700-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, with 40% of the wine matured in new French oak. Black cherries and cassis lead the way, accented by scents of crushed stone and pencil shavings. It's full-bodied, rich and concentrated, dark and intense, with ample tannins, but those tannins are ripe and well-rounded without being overly soft or creamy, gliding easily into a long, mocha-tinged finish. As a whole, the wine exhibits wonderful balance, even if it will benefit from 5 or 10 years in the cellar.\" - Joe Czerwinski (Feb 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Vinous Media:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2021 Dominus is a powerful, tightly-coiled wine that is holding back quite a bit of reserve. There's real depth and resonance waiting to emerge as the wine matures. Floral overtones and bright acids confer energy to a core of red\/bluish fruits. Readers will find a Dominus built more on linear precision rather than opulence. It is hugely impressive in this tasting, with a long chalky finish.\" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eA restrained style, this offers a focused beam of red and black currant fruit lined with warm stone, tobacco and savory accents and allied to a long iron spine. Marries density and freshness through the finish. A wine of precision that feels as if it will expand with time in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2042. 3,700 cases made.\u003c\/span\u003e\" - JM (Oct 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN \/ AMERICAN \/ PACIFIC WINE \u0026 SPIRITS","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":45466408485023,"sku":"","price":799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/dominus-nv-jeroboam-high-res_3121774a-971f-494c-afc8-0d289ceb4350.jpg?v=1716510289"},{"product_id":"chateau-pichon-longueville-baron-pauillac-2016-bordeaux-france-3-0l-d-magnum-dm-100-js-99-twi-98-wa-97-jd-97-we-97-ws-96-8-top-100-vm-96","title":"Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron Pauillac 2016 - 3.0 Liter Double Magnum - (Bordeaux, France) - [DM 100] [JS 99] [TWI 98] [WA 97] [JD 97] [WE 97] [WS 96, #8 Top 100] [VM 96]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Chateau:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eChâteau Pichon Longueville Baron or Château Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville (commonly referred to as Pichon Baron) is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Pichon Longueville Baron is also the name of the red wine produced by this property. The wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis great 73 hectare vineyard has been producing top class Pauillac since the late 1980's when Jean-Michel Cazes of Lynch Bages took control and re-vitalised the property. In recent years, under the ownership of AXA insurance, Englishman Christian Seely has been in charge and quality continues to rise. The vineyard is planted with 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The Grand Vin is now made only from fruit produced in the original vineyard that is opposite Latour and next to Lascases. Two second labels are now produced - Les Griffons (from the younger vines) and Les Tourelles de Longueville (from a specific parcel of mostly Merlot vines). Latour-like in style, it is consistently a star performer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Pichon Baron 2016 is a riveting, classy wine, richly aromatic and expressive from the start with a complex bouquet of black cherry, liquorice, graphite, menthol and subtle spices. The palate combines fleshy texture and linearity. The fine-grained tannins have the laser-like precision that Christian Seely likes so much, and contribute to the overall impression of crystalline purity so conducive to the terroir expression of this benchmark wine destined to reach new heights over the next 20 to 30 years. Magnificent wine.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e99 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The concentration and largesse of the 2016 Pichon Baron is apparent from the get-go with incredibly alluring, ripe and expansive fruit aromas in the blackberry, dark-cherry, mulberry and plum zone. Espresso and cedar, as well as a slate-like, stony mineral edge add complexity. The palate has incredible depth, drive and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction. So fresh and vivacious, this is the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989 and has a long future. Try from 2024.\" (Jan 2019)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e98 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, the 2016 Pichon Baron is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of swirling to uncover notes of blackcurrant cordial, chocolate-covered cherries, and boysenberry preserves, plus suggestions of cedar chest, tapenade, and clove oil, with a touch of iron ore. The medium-bodied palate shimmers with energy, featuring layers of black fruits and minerals, supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and earthy. This is so beautifully pure and intense. Drink 2025-2055.\" -LPB (12\/8\/22)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2016 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron is beauty and is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that was brought up in 80% new French oak. Tasting like a hypothetical mix of the 2009 and 2010, its deep purple color is followed by a powerful yet sensationally pure bouquet of crème de cassis, blackberries, lead pencil shavings, and graphite, and is just about as quintessentially Pauillac as it gets. Full-bodied, fleshy and even a touch flamboyant, it has sweet tannins and a monster texture that coats the palate. Count me in as a huge fan. This fabulous wine will be relatively approachable in just 3-5 years but will age for 30 years or more. (Drink between 2022-2052)\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Robert Parker:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron offers a suave and seductive nose of warm red and black currants, black plum preserves, truffles, tapenade and rose hip tea with touches of sandalwood and Chinese five spice plus a waft of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, firmly structured and packed with mineral and exotic spice-laced black fruits, it finishes very long with compelling herbal sparks.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Nov 2018)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs often with this estate, this wine combines opulent richness and an elegant structure. It is a bold wine, ripe and full of black fruits. But it holds together impressively, with nothing in excess. The wine will age well; drink from 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points \u0026amp;\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#8 Top 100 Wines of 2019\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e- Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"This gushes with dark fig and black currant compote flavors backed by lively sweet tobacco and singed alder edges. Very fleshy in feel, though there's ample grip to keep this red grounded, echoing with tar and humus accents through the finish. A thumper. Best from 2025 through 2040. 13,500 cases made.\" —JM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron electrifies the olfactory sense with a stunning bouquet of intense blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas that are quintessential Pauillac. Over a few minutes, it blossoms in the glass, gaining more and more depth. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly tarry black fruit, cedar and truffle, dovetailing into a saline, peppery finish that leaves the tongue tingling. Christian Seely and his team have imbued recent vintages of this Pauillac with unerring symmetry, and the 2016 can be added to the canon of triumphs.\" - Neal Martin (Jan 2019)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisan Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"3.0 L","offer_id":45909707391135,"sku":"","price":1589.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/1439541x_4491df05-989c-48bf-80b7-62558912bbcf.webp?v=1757199613"},{"product_id":"charles-heidsieck-blanc-de-millenaires-1983-champagne-france","title":"Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 2017 (Champagne, France) - [JS 100] [DM 96] [WA 95+]","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe winery was founded in 1851 by 28-year-old \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eCharles\u003c\/span\u003e-Camille \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eHeidsieck\u003c\/span\u003e. The very next year he took the unusual step, at that time, of journeying to the United States to sell his Champagne. In fact, he was the first Champagne producer to visit the U.S.A. \"Champagne Charlie\", as he became known, was a gracious gentleman and a born salesman, personally selling 300,000 bottles of his Champagne in the U.S. in one year! With a beginning like that, you would think that \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eCharles \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eHeidsieck\u003c\/span\u003e would be a big-selling, well-known Champagne in the U.S. and throughout the world. But it is not.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe winery has undergone a number of changes of control during the 20th century and in 1985, Rémy Martin Cognac (a.k.a. Rémy-Cointreau) purchased both Champagnes \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eCharles\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eHeidsieck\u003c\/span\u003e and Piper-\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eHeidsieck\u003c\/span\u003e(it had purchased Champagne Krug previously). Rémy-Cointreau's first move was to re-hire the brilliant Daniel Thibault in 1986 to be Chef de Caves for \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eCharles\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eHeidsieck\u003c\/span\u003e. Régis Camus joined \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eCharles\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eHeidsieck\u003c\/span\u003e as assistant winemaker in 1994 and has been the head winemaker of the House since 2002, since the untimely death of Daniel Thibault. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eIn 2011, the winery was sold to the privately-owned French luxury goods group EPI founded by Christopher Descours (of Ralph Lauren fame).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the early 1980s, the Charles Heidsieck Cellar Master decided to reserve the very best Chardonnays for a cuvée named Blanc des Millénaires. Across forty years, only nine Blanc des Millénaires have ever been produced; 1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2014. The House’s exacting requirements for quality and ageing potential show how exceptional the Chardonnays from these harvests were.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2017 vintage signals the latest iteration of Charles Heidsieck's 100% Chardonnay cuvée, called Blanc des Millénaires. Two varieties compose it: chardonnay and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn from a remarkable year, this vintage is the result of 7 years of anticipation and harmonious ageing in the thousand-year-old Crayères, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf every cuvée is the exclusive product of great chardonnays from iconic terroirs, exceptional for their incomparable texture, aromatic complexity and ability to mature, each one will develop its own personality, linked to the organoleptic profile of its vintage year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe year 2017 was a contrasting year, yet one that ultimately showcased the strengths of the Côte des Blancs, unveiling a blend of great purity for Blanc des Millénaires 2017.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBLEND: 100% Chardonnay \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDOSAGE: 9g\/l\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A very precise Blanc de Millenaires with subtle aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, stones, steel, chalk, watercress and some white peaches. Medium- to full-bodied with transparency and clarity that come through clearly and go on and on, The first year they used wine from the grand cru village of Chouilly. Complete and unique. Refined and structured at the same time. Drink or hold.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Chardonnay in the well-drained chalk soils of the Côte des Blancs performed so well in torrid 2017 that Charles Heidsieck produced only the fifth vintage of Blanc des Millénaires in 30 years, hailing predominantly from the grand cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger alongside surrounding grand and premier cru Chardonnay. With a moderate yield, some early season heat and a good retention of acidity, the 2017 is both aromatically inviting and reassuringly ageworthy. With orange citrus, jasmine, sweet toasted almond and richer pear tart flavours building, this ultra fine blanc de blancs is cut with a dash of smoky, charry energy and citrus syrup length, already expressive yet bound to ramp up the nutty, toasty headiness with further time. This will prove itself one of the wines of the vintage. Drinking Window: 2026-2040.\" -Tom Hewson (Mar 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2017 Blanc de Blancs Blanc des Millénaires—disgorged in 2025 with a dosage of nine grams per liter—continues to develop nicely, unfurling in the glass with aromas of almond paste, brioche and pear mingled with notes of orange oil and burnt buttered toast. Full-bodied, broad and nicely concentrated, the palate is built around a deep, generous core of fruit, complemented by ripe yet lively acidity that carries through to a long, saline finish. Darker and more concentrated than several of its immediate predecessors, it is also more structured, representing a considerable success in the context of this rain-soaked vintage, which fortunately turned dry around harvest time. Drinking Window: 2027-2046.\" -Kristaps Karklins\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e18.5+\/20 Points - The Finest Bubble:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBdM 2017 I tasted in Lehmann Synergy 60cl and it really brought forward the recent disgorgement; bundles of citrus, ripe lemon, grapefruit and hints of lychee all wrapped around a pronounced chalky core. The palate brings more citrus forward, some pithy grapefruit and hints of fresh pineapple. No shortage of freshness and a bundle of salinity give this a great finish. Super long flavours showing well for a champagne 7 months post disgorgement. FYI: 30% of the grapes are from Mesnil-sur-Oger and just over 20% from Vertus, which helps explain the mineral core of Mesnil and richness from Vertus.” Drinks well now, will benefit from at least 5 years ageing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":51656628437357,"sku":"","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/heidsieckmill.png?v=1787095196"},{"product_id":"champagne-piper-heidsieck-cuvee-rare-brut-2012-champagne-france","title":"Champagne Piper Heidsieck \"Cuvee Rare\" Brut 2012 (Champagne, France) - [JS 100] [JD 98] [DM 97] [OB 97] [VM 96] [WS 96] [WA 95+] [WE 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003ePiper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Heidsieck was founded in 1785 by F. L. Heidsieck, a German who fell in love with a girl from Champagne - and the wine as well. Following his death in 1828, his nephew took over with help from cousin H. G. Piper; the Piper name was added in 1838.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003etete de cuv\u003cspan\u003eé\u003c\/span\u003ee,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e top of the line bubbly, is the Cuv\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eé\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ee \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eRare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This wine is only made \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eonly made in years when weather conditions are considered perfect for what cellarmaster Regis Camus calls 'an extraordinary cuvée',\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e when the grapes receive enough heat to become truly lush. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eRare \u003c\/span\u003evintage was made in 1976 after an incredibly intense heatwave. Since then, there have only been nine more \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eRare\u003c\/span\u003e cuvées: 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2006, and with the 2007, their first-ever rosé - followed by the 2008 and now the 2013.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eRare Millésime 2012 is just as iconic as Rare Millésime 2002. In a warm yet precise and lively combination, the spiced aromas, floral accents and tropical notes create vivacious minerality. Like an ode to joy, its radiant personality shines through its exceptional length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend: 70% Chardonnay \u0026amp; 30% Pinot Noir\u003cbr\u003eChardonnay: Villers Marmery, Vertus, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly, Avize\u003cbr\u003ePinot noir: Verzy, Ay, Verzenay, Ambonnay, Villedommange\u003cbr\u003eFull malolactic fermentation\u003cbr\u003eDosage: 8g\/l\u003cbr\u003eTime aged on lees: 10 years minimum\u003cbr\u003eTime aged following disgorgement: 6 months minimum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse show\" id=\"collapseTwo2013\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVintage Notes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThere was a mixed start to 2012: the vintage looked to be challenging with winter and springtime frosts, rainfall and hailstorms. Temperatures rose suddenly in mid-July, bringing hot, dry weather - perfect conditions for ripening. Although the yield of the harvests was low, the quality was exceptional.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse show\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse show\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe pale gold colour of Rare Millésime 2012 gleams in the glass. Its bubbles are elegant and fine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rich aromas of the first nose suggest delicious overtones of brioche, almond, mango, guava and bergamot. After a hint of heady florals (lilac), the nose develops spiced notes (honey, black tea, white pepper, incense and smoke).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe delicious mouthfeel is tangy and juicy. Citrus fruits emerge through an extremely silky texture. The exceptional length of the saline, mineral finish seems infinite.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eVeal and langoustine surf and turf tartare with a citrus veil, fresh marigolds, almond oil\u003cbr\u003eToasted pain de campagne, Saint-Malo Bordier butter, grated white Alba truffle\u003cbr\u003eMilk-fed veal fillet, gnocchi, hazelnut and white truffle sabayon\u003cbr\u003ePoached rhubarb on a bed of tangy yogurt, Sicilian pistachio ice cream\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"One of the best 2012s released. This so fresh and transparent, with superb clarity and brightness. Subtle aromas of mangoes, apples, some pie crust and crushed stones that follow through to a medium body with a tight palate and an endless ﬁnish. Precise on every level. Haute couture. Sophisticated. What a great Champagne can be. Disgorged February 2025. Drink or hold.\" (Jul 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2012 Champagne Millésime is showing beautifully from magnum, combining the toasty character associated with Rare with greater refinement and focus. Composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir from 11 crus, it offers passion fruit, lime, and refreshing citrus zest, with a brighter, more crystalline personality than the richer vintages around it. Full-bodied, it has a creamy, rounded texture countered by a stony chalkiness, while a pinpoint mousse and focused salinity bring remarkable precision and length. Powerful and finessed at the same time, this is an exceptionally balanced vintage with tremendous aging potential. It spent 13 years on its lees and was finished with 8 grams per liter dosage. Drink 2026-2057.\" - Audrey Frick (Nov 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Owen Bargreen:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2012 Rare Champagne is a world-class follow up to the stunning 2013 edition. outstanding ’08 edition. Aged for more than a decade on the less, this is composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir (sourced from Verzy, Verzenay, Aÿ, Ambonnay, and Villedommange). It is marvelously leesy on the nose with buttered brioche notes alongside shades of banana, cardamom dusted walnut and ginger accents. The palate has amazing volume and texture, as the silky and refined mousse deftly greets you. The length is downright glorious here, as this is a big, broad-shouldered edition of Rare that is just starting to hit its stride. Be sure to give this at least 20 minutes of air before consuming. Drink 2025-2052-\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2012 vintage pattern differed from those of 2008 or 2014 – but still demanded both patience and fortitude. April frosts were cruel this year, and for those whose vineyards jumped that hurdle, the cold spring weather that followed was unencouraging. Late summer, though was very dry, and just warm enough to create the nervy ripeness blenders love. You can almost smell that tension in the aromatic restraint of this Champagne, but keep looking and you’ll find much to relish, too, including flowers from the Chardonnay and root spice from the Pinot. Age mingles the two seamlessly. Once in the mouth, this is a Champagne of structure and proportion, and it’s here, too, that you can see the skill and restraint with which all the elements have been chamfered and jointed into place.\" (Jan 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Vinous Media:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2012 Brut Millésime blends 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay mainly from Montagne de Reims and a small portion from Côte des Blancs, giving it a slightly unusual yet eternally sleek Chardonnay bent. It spent a decade on the lees. Its nose is a smoky wonder, combining ripe, almost tropical fruit with a gorgeous toasty sense of grilled almonds. An overtone of candied orange peel flashes up momentarily. The palate brings wonderfully golden plum fruit, ripe yet fresh, juicy and utterly aromatic, verging on apricot and always surrounded by a toasty, warming frisson of grilled nuts, pervaded by a streak of finest freshness. This is immensely youthful, captured with brilliantly pure fruit and lasting expression that rings long in a toasty umami echo. Dosage is 8 grams per liter.\" - Anne Krebiehl (Feb 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A graceful Champagne that waltzes across the palate, with a fine, plush mousse carrying a lovely range of ripe black cherry, pureed raspberry, candied ginger, Mandarin orange peel, grilled nut and pastry flavors enlivened by a vibrant spine of lemony acidity. To a certain extent, the precision and elegance belies the focus and breadth on display, so sip this slowly and enjoy as it opens in the glass and expands on the palate, echoing on the finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2040. - Alison Napjus (Dec 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"One of the greatest hits from Rare Champagne, the 2012 Rare Millésime is produced from fruit harvested between September 10 and 26. Disgorged in November 2023 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, it is a rich and flamboyant wine that harnesses the season’s maturity to its advantage. It unfurls in the glass with a complex bouquet of crisp pear, freshly baked bread and white flowers, mingling with roasted pineapple, caramelized sugar and a deft touch of smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, muscular, ample and textural, with a simultaneously generous but elegant expression of fruit underpinned by succulent yet vibrant acidity and concluding with a long, saline finish tinged with toast. Concentrated but harmonious, it is dangerously drinkable now yet promises a long window of pleasure. The blend is the classic 70% Chardonnay (predominantly from Villers-Marmery) and 30% Pinot Noir.\" - Kristaps Karklins (Oct 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel-body\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"With Chardonnay dominant in the blend, this is a stylish, impressive Champagne. With its white flower aroma and poise between white fruits and maturity, it is ready to drink.\" (Dec 2024)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":51668808499565,"sku":"","price":219.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/rare2012.png?v=1788119415"},{"product_id":"m-chapoutier-ermitage-le-meal-rouge-2021-cotes-du-roussillon-france","title":"M. Chapoutier \"Ermitage Le Meal\" Rouge 2021 (Northern Rhone, France) - [JS 100] [DM 95] [WS 95] [WA 93-95] [JD 93] [VM 92]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name Chapoutier occupies a storied place in the history of the Rhône Valley, beginning 1808, when the family first settled in the Rhône Valley.\u003cspan\u003e Throughout the 19\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e century and well into the next, M. CHAPOUTIER and its eponymous winery grew steadily, producing wine from esteemed vineyard sites such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, 1990 was a watershed moment for the winery, with the arrival of Michel Chapoutier. Under his leadership, the maverick winemaker established bold initiatives. For example, the introduction of Single Vineyard Selection that express the unique terroir of a site, or wine labels embossed in braille for the visually impaired. In each instance, Michel’s decisions were, and continue to be, driven by a deep respect for the soil, climate, and his fellow human beings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine is only produced with grapes coming from the Méal hillside. This slope is composed of high terraces of shingles and clay. The vines are approximately 50 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes are hand-harvested at maturity. The harvest, totally destemmed, is vinified in a small cement vat. High temperature maceration enables a good extraction of grape potential, to obtain soft and stable tannins, compulsory to keep the wine for a very long time. Only the free-run juice is used in this single vineyard. Wine is matured in new or one year old cask. Maturing lasts between 14 and 18 months. The clarification is natural.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Syrah\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13.5% ABV\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery deep garnet red. The nose displays ripe fruits and smoky aromas. Powerful and velvety with tannins and blackberry jam on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Hypnotic nose of the perfectly ripe wild berries and the most aromatic wild herbs plus the smoke from autumn bonfires. Already the first impression on the expansive and extremely dynamic palate is extraordinary, but then the mineral turbo ignites and this just blows you away in the incredibly long, bright finish. Limited production. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.\" (Apr 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Very immediate and fruity in style and a touch balsamic. Quite sappy acidity -- really intense in fact. Fairly introverted at the time of tasting, but the tannins are bold and powerful and demand long ageing. Vines are around 50 years old, and the wine is fermented in concrete, then aged in recently used oak barrels for around 14 months.\" - Matt Walls (Oct 2022)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A sultry red, with a pronounced sanguine, meaty character, this offers a well-seasoned and harmonious mix of earthy, leafy elements matched to supple plum and cherry leather, with eucalyptus and refreshing mint notes. Profoundly minerally, with meaty accents and incense smoke echoing on the long, salty and texturally beautiful finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 10 cases imported.\" - KB (Dec 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93-95 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Chapoutier's 2021 Ermitage le Méal, like a couple of the other parcel selections this vintage, seems just a bit cedary compared to other recent vintages. Red raspberries and ripe cherries lead the way in this medium to full-bodied effort. It's silky and refined, with some drying wood tannins and crisp, cranberry-ish acids on the finish. It requires a palate realignment after the past few years.\" - Joe Czerwinski (May 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Ermitage Le Méal is a solid step up over the Les Greffieux, with more density and richness, although it's still firmly in the more elegant, pretty, medium-bodied style of the vintage. All destemmed and raised in 20% new oak, it has a perfumed nose of black raspberries, sandalwood, white pepper, and spice. I love its overall balance, and while it’s not massive, it shines for its purity and elegance. Drink bottles over the coming 15-20 years.\" (Mar 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Red-fruited and discretely marked by cedar and vanilla, the medium-bodied 2021 Ermitage Le Méal shows more moderate flavor concentration than other recent vintages. Polished and refreshing, it concludes with a pleasant finale.\" - Nicolas Greinacher (Mar 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC (Young's Market)","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":51726994735469,"sku":"","price":374.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/m-chapoutier-le-meal-rouge-nv-bottle-scaled.jpg?v=1734376404"},{"product_id":"ovid-proprietary-red-2021-napa-valley-california-jd-100-dm-100","title":"OVID Proprietary Red 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [DM 100] [JD 100] [JS 98] [VM 97] [JD 96-98] [WA 95+]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOVID Napa Valley is a singular, dynamic and continuous experiment in terroir, nestled at an elevation of 1,500 feet on a secluded mountaintop in the western reaches of Pritchard Hill. Here, iron-rich volcanic soils, abundant sunshine and chaparral flora alchemize to reveal focused, long-lived wines that celebrate their source.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur four estate wines are sourced from our organically farmed fifteen acre vineyard, planted in one-acre blocks with rootstock and clonal combinations of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Each year, we also release a small selection of Experiment wines – never to be made again – yet foundational to understanding the soul and ethos of our estate wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Vintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 OVID Napa Valley oers notes of fresh mulberry, kola nut, blackberry, black cherry, flint and bay laurel that are striking in purity. Broad and enveloping, this wine  delivers undeniably delicious power and will continue to tell its vivid, seamless story for decades to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Each year, the blend of Ovid wines varies depending on the vintage. Winemaker Austin Peterson prefers not to pre-plan the blend, instead approaching each vintage with a fresh perspective. Often, the wine needs more Cabernet Sauvignon to qualify as a Napa Valley varietal wine. The vineyard features an abundance of Clone 4, planted across four of its 17 blocks within the 6ha site. This clone contributes a distinctive savoury character and polish, evident in the 2021 vintage with its flinty minerals, green tobacco, and mulberry fruit, reminiscent of Napa Cabernets from the 1970s. Comprising 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine is aged 20 months in 66% new French oak. It is full-bodied with ripe, chewy tannins that assert themselves on entry but gradually soften, revealing a beautifully layered wine with mineral-infused mulberry fruit and green tobacco aromas. The wine exhibits notable tension, supported by a pH level 3.78, ensuring vibrancy and freshness. It is a pedigreed wine characterised by balance, intensity, and complexity.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (May 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoving to the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, it's 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the balanced 7% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Insanely pure, it offers kaleidoscope-like aromatics of black and blue fruits, spring flowers, chocolate, burning embers, and bouquet garni. Full-bodied on the palate, it doesn't get any better, and it's concentrated, has building tannins, and a monster of a finish. Offering more generosity and opulence than just about every other wine in the vintage, this is a killer bottle of wine! It will make your eyes roll back in your head today, yet will ideally be given 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve gracefully over the following two decades. Bravo!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The purity of fruit and class to this wine is really impressive, with roses, lavender, violets and blackcurrants and a sweet lift. Medium- to full-bodied with very long and racy tannins. They go from the front of your palate to the back. This is so beautiful and graceful yet structured. Give this at least four to five years. Best after 2028.” (Jan 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The 2021 Ovid is another exceptional wine in this range. Dark shades of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit open first, followed by hints of leather, lavender, spice, tobacco and incense that lend complexity. Deep and structured, with notably finessed tannins for a young mountain wine, the 2021 delivers the goods. This is quite impressive in the early going, especially with time in the glass.” – Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96-98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Pure Cabernet Sauvignon notes of blue fruits, fresh tobacco, chocolate, and violets emerge from the 2021 OVID, another full-bodied, rich, concentrated red from 2021. As with the Hexameter, the purity of fruit is incredible, and it's flawlessly balanced.” (Feb 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Like the 2021 Hexameter, Ovid's 2021 Red Wine combines red and black fruits, bright acids and ripe tannins. Hints of redcurrants accent black cherries, joined by mocha and baking spices on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and framed by dusty tannins, finishing long and fresh. If I've been conservative in my rating of this blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, it's just because it comes across as a bit edgy, in need of several years of cellaring for it to show its best.” - Joe Czerwinski (Oct 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":51863128932717,"sku":"","price":399.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/703826.png?v=1744827320"},{"product_id":"giacomo-conterno-barolo-riserva-montfortino-docg-2019-piedmont-italy-wa-100-dm-100-vm-99-jd-98-100-js-98","title":"Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva \"Monfortino\" DOCG 2019 (Piedmont, Italy) - [WA 100] [DM 100] [VM 99] [JD 98-100] [JS 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe Conterno crown jewel, Monfortino, is not only arguably the greatest Barolo; it was also the very first Barolo made in what has come to be known as the classic style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the time that Giovanni Conterno’s father Giacomo served in World War I, Barolo was generally sold in either cask or demijohn, meant for early drinking. But when Giacomo returned from the war, he decided to create a Barolo with immense aging potential. His first wine was a 1920 Barolo Riserva, and he soon adopted the name Monfortino in honor of his home village Monforte d’Alba.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the next 54 years, Giacomo—and then his son Giovanni—made Barolo in much the same way. Two Barolos were made, always from purchased grapes, the main distinction being fermentation technique and time in cask.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, including 1964, 1971, 1978, 1985, 1990, 1996, 1999 and 2001. But possibly his greatest legacy was to hand over his important work to his gifted son Roberto. A brilliant winemaker in his own right, Roberto not only shares his father’s gifts but is equally determined to uphold his family’s traditions. He could have followed other young Langhe winemakers into modernism, but he never will. In his words, the wines of Giacomo Conterno will always belong to the generations that came before him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonfortino, the product of wild temperature swings during fermentation and 6 to 8 years in barrel, is the most perfect expression of the Nebbiolo grape. It is only produced in the finest of vintages (the most recent was 2015).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade from a \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eselection of the very best Nebbiolo grapes from the Francia and - since 2019 - Arione vineyards. \u003c\/span\u003eFermented about \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4 weeks in wooden vats with regular breaking of the caps. No temperature control. Aged for a minimum 7 years in large cask.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points – Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“It's been a while, alas. The last vintage of this legendary wine was 2015. Skipping forward to a year of natural richness and concentration, the Giacomo Conterno 2019 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is a magnificently executed wine. It carefully reins in the soaring power of Nebbiolo and whittles it down to extreme finesse and precision. This is the essence of the grape with no extra bells or whistles. Roberto Conterno tells me he chose not to make Monfortino in 2016 because he considered 2015 to be a superior vintage. (There is an image problem with 2015, he concedes, because 2016 was more consistent overall than 2015; however, his experience with 2015 is better.) The 2017 vintage was a contender for Monfortino, but the wine was not made. The 2018 vintage also came close to production, but a lack of diurnal temperature shifts at the end of the growing season disqualified it, Roberto Conterno explains. His heart settled on 2019, a vintage that reminds him of the tension and energy found in 2013. However, the DNA of the 2019 vintage is slightly different because this edition sees 27% fruit blended from Arione. This site adds finesse and elegance. The rest of the blend represents a special selection from Francia, and that is where this wine gets its power and age-worthy tannins. The 2019 will be released in October 2025.” - Monica Larner (Jan 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points – Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“To be released no earlier than 2025 as a Riserva, this is the very first preview of Monfortino 2019 following three years without being produced. Still in barrel, where it has been fermented, this is the final blend between the Arione and Francia MGAs. ‘The 2013 tasted at the same time,’ commented Roberto Conterno, ‘was not so round.’ Restrained, polite and elegant, it has sweet violet aromas with earthy balsamic minerality, watermelon, subtle cinnamon candy, and aromatic herbs. There's also yellow citrus in depth and a hint of chocolate. The attack is firm, crisp and thick, with sweet and super-ripe tannins. The 15% alcohol is extremely well balanced. The signature of this Barolo continues to be the elegance of the tannins combined with layered complexity.” – Aldo Fiordelli (Feb 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points – Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The 2019 Barolo Riserva Monfortino has closed down considerably since I last tasted it. Then again, the 2019 is a very serious Monfortino that includes the entirety of Conterno’s production from both Francia and Arione. Today, the tannins are pretty imposing, but modern Monfortinos have shown an ability to assimilate their tannin with much less time in bottle than was once required. Production for the 2019 is on the higher side because of the blending of sites, so readers should have a relatively easy time sourcing this.” – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98-100 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A jeweled ruby color, the 2019 Barolo Riserva Monfortino was tasted from botti and is the final blend. As of March 2024, it was still a few months away from being bottled and was scheduled to spend another year in bottle prior to its release. Having tasted this wine a year ago, it exceeded my expectations at this tasting and is really coming into its own now. Roberto Conterno says the vintage reminds him of 2013, but he thinks the addition of some Arione in the final blend of the 2019 may explains why it seems to have a touch more finesse than the 2013. It is a fantastically structured wine that offers a great deal of pure, compact richness in this vintage, with expressive floral aromas that unfold beautifully in the glass. It continues to build in intensity and focus through the palate, with precise tension and length. I anticipate this to be a wine with tremendous longevity in the coming decades.” – Audrey Frick (May 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points – James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A complex and deep wine that’s as graceful as it is powerful. Aromas of earth, strawberries, dried cherries, restrained orange peel, sweet dried violets, potpourri and licorice root. Full-bodied and concentrated, with graphite flavors and thick, dusty, muscular yet ripe tannins. Still youthful and vibrant, with refreshing acidity. More impressive on the palate than on the nose, suggesting it needs time to fully evolve. Available in October. Drink from 2026.” (Jan 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points – Decanter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo be released no earlier than 2025 as a Riserva, this is the very first preview of Monfortino 2019 following three years without being produced. Still in barrel, where it has been fermented, this is the final blend between the Arione and Francia MGAs. ‘The 2013 tasted at the same time,’ commented Roberto Conterno, ‘was not so round.’ Restrained, polite and elegant, it has sweet violet aromas with earthy balsamic minerality, watermelon, subtle cinnamon candy, and aromatic herbs. There's also yellow citrus in depth and a hint of chocolate. The attack is firm, crisp and thick, with sweet and super-ripe tannins. The 15% alcohol is extremely well balanced. The signature of this Barolo continues to be the elegance of the tannins combined with layered complexity. (AF)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ELEVAGE","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":51879986790765,"sku":"","price":999.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/contmont.png?v=1744187689"},{"product_id":"louis-roederer-cristal-brut-champagne-2008-champagne-france-js-100-jd-100-we-100-vm-99-wa-98","title":"Louis Roederer \"Cristal\" Brut Champagne 2008 (Champagne, France) - [JS 100] [JD 100] [WE 100] [VM 99] [WA 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Domaine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLouis Roederer has been synonymous with the world's great Champagnes since 1776, and it is one of the rare family owned companies, which is still managed by the Roederer family today. They are also one of the only French champagne producers to own nearly 75% of the grapes in the most desirable vineyards in the Champagne. The property is located on 450 acres in the finest villages of Montagne de Reims, Cotes des Blancs, and Valle de la Marne. Each region is selected to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the elegance needed for perfectly balanced champagne. The Louis Roederer vineyards rate an average 98% based on France's statutory 100-point classification scale..\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Cristal:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChampagne Louis Roederer's \"Cristal\" was created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II as the first \"Prestige Cuvee\" and it remains as such to this day.  These are the best grapes from the best sites in the best vintages.  The Champagne, a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, spends an average of five years \u003cem\u003esur lie\u003c\/em\u003e, and is notable for its richness. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCristal is an all-estate Champagne, from 50 hectares of vines: the best, oldest and chalkiest parts of Louis Roederer's vineyards.  They farm these plots, which are roughly 1\/3 from the Cotes de Blancs, 1\/3 from the north-facing side of the Mountain de Reims and 1\/3 from Ay, differently from the rest of the estate, intentionally working the land for lower yields and higher quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Making:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine’s energy has been tamed by an unusually long period of bottle aging: Cristal 2008 was in fact aged for 10 years before its release on the market. A first! Cristal 2008 was bottle-aged for eight years before being left to rest for at least eight months after disgorging in order to attain perfect maturity. The dosage is 8 g\/L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAmber hue with green and orange tints. Fine, even and lively sparkle. The wine is powerful, full yet tight, on entry to the palate. The 2008 is undeniably well-structured in a particular way: the wine’s almost saline concentration has not been created by the sun, but is derived from the dryness of the chalk soil in a particularly cool summer. The result is a smooth, almost liquorous, mouthfeel that coats the palate with a powerful yet soft texture. This gives way to an incredible finish, underpinned by freshness and an impression of absolute purity with a taut and very saline character. Complex and intense bouquet disclosing candied citrus, yellow fruit, Williams pear, pollen and toasted almond. The delicately seductive bouquet shows intensity and well-honed precision. The Cristal 2008 is deep, intense and masterful. It offers the quintessential reflection of its chalk soils which lend it is velvety texture and delicate tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points – James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“OMG. A masterpiece. A benchmark. Tight and structured, with fantastic precision and structure. Sharp line of acidity throughout, with fine and tight bubbles. Pineapple, lemon, white apricot, seashell, biscuit, blanched almond and a hint of chamomile. Vertical and mineral. Dosage 7g\/L.”  (Jun 2022\u003ci\u003e)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Disgorged October 2016 and will be the first Cristal to be released ten years from harvest when it is offered in 2018. 35 parcels used from a possible 45 in this vintage. The assemblage is 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. This is so fresh and tense and mineral with extremely exuberant chardonnay notes on the nose of white peach, lemon and yellow grapefruit, and hints of almost brambly sous bois aromas. The yeast characters are also super fresh, and there are subtle woody notes, with a hint of vanilla bean and light spices. The palate is super long, and very pure, powerful and focused. It drives deep and taut. Pinot noir is a strong core and the chardonnay sits at the edge offering lemon and white nectarine sorbet flavors. Staggeringly concentrated, yet the balance makes it seem airy and light. Acidity is perfectly positioned, and the power is intense and long. This is an ultra-precise Cristal, finishing with a mere suggestion of savoriness and warmth to come. Impressive on release, this will be at its best drinking from 2025.” (Jan 2018)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2008 Cristal is a perfect wine, and Champagne simple does not get any better. This incredible wine offers a beautiful perfume of clean, crisp fruits, layers of complexity in its toasted spice and white flowers, and an utterly seamless, yet powerful style on the palate. This is a rich, decadent expression of Cristal yet it’s still crystalline and elegant, with no sensation of weight, and it just glides over the palate. Haut Couture at its finest and this majestic, profound, legendary Cristal can be drunk anytime over the coming 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2018-2038)\" (Dec. 2018)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e100 Points – Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“This latest incarnation of the famous brand is a superb wine. It is on par with, maybe even better than, the already legendary 2002. Its balance is impeccable: Apple and citrus flavors working with the tight minerality to give a textured yet fruity wine. Produced from Roederer's own vineyards which are mainly biodynamic, the wine has its own intense purity and crispness. It has amazing potential and is likely to age for many years. Drink from 2020.”  - Roger Voss (Dec 2017)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2008 Cristal is one of the most complete, most dazzling Champagnes I have ever tasted. A stunning wine from any and all perspectives, the 2008 simply has it all. Spherical in construction, with superb persistence. The 2008 takes hold of all the senses and never gives up. One of the many things that makes the 2008 special is a combination of ripe fruit and bright, piercing acidity. Marzipan, lemon confit, dried flowers and orchard fruit all build into the explosive, resonant finish. “We learned from the mistakes of 1996, when we picked more on acid than ripeness, as was the norm in Champagne back then” Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon told me recently. “In 1996, the best fruit turned out to be the last picks, where the fruit was physiologically ripe. Today, we aim to pick all our fruit with that criteria.” - Antonio Galloni (Dec. 2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points – Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Disgorged in September 2017 with 7.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Cristal was produced from 37 of the 45 parcels that are candidates for inclusion in this cuvée—some 40% of which were farmed organically back in 2008—and it's a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The finest young Cristal in decades, the wine wafts from the glass with a pure and vibrant bouquet of crisp orchard fruit, clear honey, warm brioche, citrus zest and white flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, intense and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, searingly chalky finish. Pristinely balanced this is a legend-in-the-making.” - William Kelley (March 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOOK","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":51952946184557,"sku":"LR1710825G","price":499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/1660616x.jpg?v=1747868558"},{"product_id":"thierry-allemand-cornas-reynard-2022-cornas-northern-rhone-france-750-ml-jd-96-98","title":"Thierry Allemand Cornas \"Reynard\" 2022 (Cornas, Northern Rhone, France) 750 mL - [JS 100] [JD 98] [VM 97] [WA 96]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, there is no more unique figure in the Northern Rhône than Cornas’ Thiérry Allemand. Though not yet in his 50s, he has been mythologized in much the same way as past greats like Noël Verset, Marius Gentaz and August Clape. He created his domaine from scratch, inheriting nothing from his ancestors. And because he also didn’t have a family fortune behind him, much of his domaine was assembled by laboriously restoring abandoned parcels in great terroirs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFinally, while deeply rooted in the past, Thiérry’s approach to winemaking is uniquely his. He began in the early 1980s by learning at the feet of two Cornas legends, Joseph Michel and Noël Verset, and has gone on to apply a quarter century of personal experience. He has arrived, finally, at a philosophy that, while squarely in the traditional camp, produces wine whose purity and expression of grape variety and place are unrivaled by anyone in Cornas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCornas Reynard brings together the fruit from the domaine’s oldest and best vines, based on Noël and Louis Verset’s ancient vines in Reynard, and including Geynale, Pigeonners and even some old vines in Chaillot.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTechinical Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Syrah \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVine Age:\u003c\/strong\u003e 34-90 yrs \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decomposed Granite\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Area:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.02 ha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViticulture \u0026amp; Vinification:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Farms organically, working steep, terraced vineyards all by hand (no tractor!)\u003cbr\u003e• Dense plantings naturally reduce yields (\u0026lt; 30 hectoliters per hectare)\u003cbr\u003e• All wines are fermented in stainless steel and open-top wooden vats\u003cbr\u003e• Stems left on cluster during fermentation\u003cbr\u003e• Punch-downs by foot\u003cbr\u003e• All wines are vinified separately\u003cbr\u003e• Wines aged in foudres and barriques for 24 months before final blending and bottling\u003cbr\u003e• Finished wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered\u003cbr\u003e• Very low doses of sulfur, sometimes none at all\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"It's hard to wrap your head around how a red wine can have this enormous concentration and giant structure, yet be so refined and silky. Aromas of Damson plums, black raspberries and Amarena cherries exactly fill out the mouth-filling yet incredibly precise palate. Then comes the breathtaking finish that is as graceful as a great dancer who leaps effortlessly from one side of the stage to the other. From old vines in the Reynard site. 100% whole-cluster fermentation that starts as carbonic maceration, then a handful of punchdowns. Matured in large oak foudre casks. Drink or hold.\" (Apr 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96-98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Coming largely from the granite, south-facing soils of the Reynard lieu-dit and aged in used barrels, the 2022 Cornas Reynard reveals a beautiful array of red, blue, and black fruits, violets, spice, pepper, and orange zest. The class and purity here are something else, and it's medium to full-bodied, focused, and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and remarkable elegance. This is a sensational Cornas in the making.\" (May 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Dark and brooding, the majestic 2022 Cornas Reynard unfurls with prominent notes of cured meat, dried blackberry, pencil shavings, subtle cedar, and dried stems. On the full-bodied palate, it delivers beguiling intensity and concentration while remaining remarkably fresh and invigorating. Without question, the 2022 is the finest Cornas of the vintage, and this savoury beast is destined to age spectacularly. Bravo. Drinking Window: 2030-2042.\" -Nicolas Greinacher (Jan 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2022 Cornas Reynard is one of the wines of the vintage in Cornas. Revealing a deeper, more complex bouquet than Les Chaillots, with aromas of dark wild berries, spices, violet, flowers and mulberries, it's medium to full-bodied, enrobing and elegant, layered and concentrated with a fleshy core of fruit, a tense, energetic mid-palate and more refined tannins that segue into a long, ethereal and violet-inflected finish. Pure and crystalline, this is a young classic in the making. Drinking Window: 2027-2042.\" -Yohan Castaing (Mar 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KERMIT LYNCH","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":52076796510573,"sku":null,"price":424.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/ThierryAllemand_Cornas_R_Rhone_France_2021.webp?v=1752777413"},{"product_id":"clos-apalta-2021-colchagua-valley-chile-xxx","title":"Clos Apalta 2021 (Colchagua Valley, Chile) - [JS 100] [VM 98] [WS 96, #6 of '25] [WA 95] [JR 17.5++]","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/collections\/wine-spectators-top-100-wines-of-2025?usf_sort=r\" title=\"Our collection of wine spectator top 100 wines of the year\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick here to see all Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 we have in stock—while still available!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the oldest vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère in Chile, if not in the world, Clos Apalta is named for the unique location in which it sits. Protected from the elements and tucked away in the Colchagua Valley near the town of Santa Cruz, this clos, or enclosed vineyard, benefits from a distinct micro-climate, surrounded on three sides by the horseshoe shaped Andean foothills, and on the fourth side by the Tinguiririca River. The origins of the vineyard date back to the 1910s, when a visionary selected the Apalta Valley for its extraordinary terroir and planted the first vines using unique French massal selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1994 Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet first arrived in Chile’s Colchagua Valley and quickly realized its potential for producing world-class wines. This ideal setting was home to vines originating from pre-phylloxera rootstock brought from Bordeaux in the middle of the 19th century, and Michel Rolland was engaged to help bring the vineyard back to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstate owner Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet have produced their flagship wine, the \"Clos Apalta,\" with outstanding results every year since the wine's 1997 debut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPPELLATION: Apalta\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBLEND: 75% Carmenère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAGEING 21 months in French oak barrels, 78% new, 22% second use. Neither fined nor filtered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCOLOR: Beautiful dark purple robe with dark violet edges.\u003cbr\u003eNOSE: Expressive nose with red fruit such as black and red cherry, figs and plums. with a spicy and black pepper notes.\u003cbr\u003ePALATE: Dense and concentrated palate that opens towards freshness and more spicy flavors, with elegance and depth. Very long finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtremely aromatic with red currants, blackcurrants, spices, iodine, paprika and subtle hints of white pepper. Fresh flowers, fresh sage, lavender and some pine needles and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with perfectly integrated tannins that go on for minutes with refined and harmonious fruit that integrates beautifully into the wine, giving it a weightless structure that shows class and verve. Endless balance and length. It’s so balanced that you could drink it now but it will age for decades. A blend of 75% carmenere, 18% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot. Best after 2028.\"\u003c\/span\u003e (Feb 2024)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Clos Apalta comprises 75% Carménère, with the remainder filled out by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, sourced from the eponymous Apalta Vineyard. It was aged for 24 months in oak barrels, two-thirds of which were new. This dark purple wine reveals nuanced aromas of graphite, herbs, dried plums and blackberry marmalade, complemented by mint, \u003ci\u003eboldo\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003egarrigue\u003c\/i\u003e-like notes over a green bell pepper layer. Plush and ample on the palate, it is lifted by a mild refreshing quality that adds a rare nimbleness to its flow. This long-lasting red is a serious wine, less influenced by Michel Rolland's style than in other years, as the fresh vintage imparted a lighter, less ripe and more expressive character. Clos Apalta is one of those rare Chilean wines that reliably showcases the characteristics of each vintage while maintaining a consistent house style. That steadiness is a boon for consumers, as it allows them to appreciate the impact of different vintages, which is a significant part of the allure of high-quality wines. – Joaquin Hidalgo (Jul 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points \u0026amp; #6 Top 100 of 2025 - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAromatically complex and intriguing, this offers a spiced plum pastry note that melds with petrichor, pine, dried violet and cocoa powder elements. The palate is round and richly textured, with Szechuan peppercorn accents to the concentrated black cherry, plum and cassis center. Everything comes together harmoniously on the finish and lingers, with present but integrated tannins. A stunner that should develop nicely in the cellar. Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2040. 11,169 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.\" - Aaron Romano (May 2025)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2021 Clos Apalta consists of 75% Carménère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, aged for 24 months in 75% new French oak. It opens with a rich, lavish and inviting bouquet of black fruits, purple flowers, pipe tobacco and graphite. The palate is smooth and velvety, revealing its ripe, vibrant character while maintaining a sense of sophistication. It concludes with a focused, lively finish of ripe fruits and polished tannins. While it distinctly emphasizes its luxurious profile, it does so without completely overshadowing its origins, something not all who chase this style accomplish.\" - Matthew Luczy (Mar 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e17.5++\/20 - Jancis Robinson:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The oak is masking the fruit at this stage, but older vintages prove that this will settle and balance before long. Smoke, granite, black cherry, fresh acid, finely ground tannin and warm, full body that is kept bright from fresh acid. This is very much a provisional score – there's more to come.\" (Jun 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA Imports","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":52718372487533,"sku":null,"price":124.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/closapalta2021.png?v=1762967042"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-unico-ribera-del-duero-do-2015-castilla-leon-spain","title":"Vega Sicilia \"Unico\" Ribera del Duero DO 2016 (Castilla Leon, Spain) - [JD 100] [WA 99] [JS 98] [WS 97]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFounded in 1864 in Ribera Del Duero, Vega Sicilia is a widely regarded as one of the greatest wine producer in the world. Celebrated for its fusion of tradition and modernity, the estate embodies the values of excellence, patience and respect for the land where its extraordinary wines come from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdopted by the Álvarez family in 1982, the winery is committed to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. With a focus on the Tempranillo grape, locally known as “tinto fino,” Vega Sicilia’s vineyards span 250 hectares, cultivating vines that are a minimum of 10 years old on schistous bedrock and chalk-based topsoil. The winery takes pride in its patient approach to winemaking, allowing some labels to age over 10 years, and boasts a state-of-the-art facility that adheres to international environmental standards, including advanced recycling and repurposing practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOf the almost 1,000 hectares that make up the Vega Sicilia estate, 210 are allocated to the cultivation of vines, with nineteen different types of soil and fifty-five plots with very specific features. In the extraordinary management of these soils, the influence of the course of the Douro River and the passage of time have been crucial.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForty of these hectares are used to produce Unico, which is aged for a minimum of ten years between barrel and bottle, one of the longest ageing processes in the world. We use French and American oak in new and used 225-litre barrels and 22,000-litre vats. A long and complex construction of the wines, but at the same time simply marvellous, in which they gain a myriad of nuances, precise texture and wonderful depth over time. Thanks to this incredible terroir and unique ageing process, our wines become eternal when they age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Aged five years in oak and another five in bottle, the 2016 Unico is made from a blend of estate parcels, the blend decided after one year in barrel. The producer believes that vintages that end in the number 6 tend to be exceptional, producing its top three years since 2000. This is no exception. Plush, with underlying grip, the wine is 96% Tempranillo with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, an explosive, full-bodied exploration of dense red fruit, tension, and intensity that’s juicy, tense, and energetic. There’s a tremendous amount of elegance and power vying for equal attention. These wines live up to every inch of hype and acclaim. It’s drinking beautifully already and should sing easily another 40-50 years. Drinking Window: 2026-2076.\" -Virginie Boone (Aug 2026)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2016 Único was perfumed and elegant, showcasing a very good vintage in the region. Winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga started in 2015—a powerful year—and he remembers 2016 as a very balanced year, with higher yields and finer-boned wines. The winter was mild, and there was a cooler than average spring and a warm summer. September was dry, which provided healthy grapes and balanced ripening. The harvest started the 22nd of September and finished the 11th of October. The bottled wine is 96% Tinto Fino and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.82 and 4.8 grams of acidity. It has the old Vega perfume, intoxicating, complex and nuanced, full of personality and a very energetic palate, vibrant and fresh, not lacking power but with lots of elegance. The wine is released 10 years after the harvest, combining time in new and used American and French oak barrels and 20,000-liter oak vats, and it obviously spends plenty of time in bottle. This is a monumental vintage of Único. 2027-2046.\" - Luis Gutierrez (Jan 2026)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A beautifully poised Vega that is already approachable. Everything is in harmony, showing an almost ethereal quality in contrast to the denser 2015 vintage. There’s a hint of minerality paired with the blackberries and dark cherries. The tannins are firm yet softened. Medium to full body and a finish that lingers for a minute. Drink or hold.\" (Jul 2025)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A dense and harmonious red, offering a complex and finely meshed range of plumped black cherry and crème de cassis flavors layered with cigar box, licorice root, cocoa powder, leather and mineral accents. The palate’s plush texture is wrapped around a structured core of fine-grained tannins, while the bright tang of orange peel–infused acidity provides fresh focus. Long and graceful, this expands beautifully on the finish. Tinto Fino and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2046. 7,700 cases made, 300 cases imported.\" - Alison Napjus (Jun 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":52723620053357,"sku":null,"price":649.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/VegaSicilia_Unico_RiberadelDueroDO_e4073e6f-b9c9-43c0-97c1-88c507712c0d.png?v=1653680233"},{"product_id":"moet-chandon-dom-perignon-plenitude-p2-2006-champagne-france","title":"Dom Perignon P2 Plenitude 2008 (Champagne, France) - [VM 100] [JS 100] [WS 98] [DM 98] [WA 97+]","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDom Perignon is the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003etete de cuvée\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e made by Moet \u0026amp; Chandon. The wine is named for Dom Pierre Pérignon, a French Benedictine monk who became Cellar Master at the sacred Abbey of Hautvillers in 1668 - he was known as the ‘father of champagne’ for laying down the fundamental rules for the traditional Champagne production method (La Methode Champenoise or Traditionelle). A favored wine of the Sun King Louis XIV, Dom Perignon himself compared his wine to \"drinking stars\". Made only in good vintages, and using only the best grapes harvested from the 17 Grands Crus in Champagne and the Premier Cru of Hautvillers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eP2\u003c\/span\u003e is the Second Plénitude of Dom \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003ePerignon\u003c\/span\u003e's vintage Champagne, the result of extended aging. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAccording to MW Anne Krebiehl, \"If Dom \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003ePérignon\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eP2\u003c\/span\u003e does anything apart from being delicious, it illustrates the difference between pre- and post-disgorgement ageing of fine Champagne.\"  The uniqueness of Dom \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003ePerignon\u003c\/span\u003e vintages lies in the way they evolve - not steadily in a linear way but through successive windows of expression. These privileged points in time are called \"Plénitudes\" - captured moments when the wine sings higher and stronger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2008 Dom Pérignon P2 is a stunning, riveting wine. Bright, crystalline and focused, the 2008 dazzles from start to finish. Crushed rocks, slate, mint, dried herbs, lemon oil and oyster shell sizzle with tension. A Champagne of linear focus and cut, the 2008 is absolutely stunning. The original release of the 2008 was a total knockout; now, some years later, the P2 edition takes all of its inherent qualities and amplifies them, while also adding new layers of complexity. This is unforgettably profound. (Drink between 2026-2058)\" -Antonio Galloni (May 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Intense aromas of green apples, lemongrass, sourdough and rose leaves. Full-bodied and dense, with layers of fruit and a phenolic structure. It's muscular, long and powerful. It just goes on and on. One of the greatest DPs ever made. Drink or hold.\" (Jul 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A statuesque Champagne, with creamy viscosity to the mousse as it wraps around a frame of chiseled acidity. Crème de cassis, grilled macadamia nut, warm fig, tangerine peel, pastry cream and candied ginger notes are a rich and finely detailed weave of flavors that glides across the palate. A beauty, echoing fruit, spice and pastry elements, with an underlying streak of salinity on the long, long finish. Drink now through 2048.\" -AN (Dec 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The extra seven years of ageing on lees under cork versus the original Dom Pérignon 2008 release has wrapped up all the year's innate tension and brightness in an unabashedly decadent, enveloping richnness of toasted nuts, fresh dough and gentle oyster cream, although the precision and integrity of the vintage is absolutely present, too. There are beautiful aromas of pure red strawberry and bergamot with some darker mocha notes emerging, both Chardonnay linearity and a surprisingly fragrant Pinot finding a perfect equilibrium. The palate carries the buzzing acidity of 2008 on a time-softened, ultra-silky mousse, with new details of umami savour tucked in subtly to the overall impression of glacial freshness. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the reputation of the original release, this is among the most memorable and energetic of the Plénitude releases made since the programme of late releases took the name in 2014. Drinking Window: 2025-2035.\" -Tom Hewson (May 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A wine I’m inclined to call “long-range,” the 2008 Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2—an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of five grams per liter—has fulfilled its considerable promise. Born of a cool, slow-ripening season that endowed the wine with its incisive acid spine and raciness, perfected through the selection of origins that contribute the texture and plenitude only real maturity can impart, it wafts from the glass with aromas of orange, nashi pear, honeysuckle and toasted hazelnut, mingling with brioche and a touch of smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, multifaceted and vividly bright, with a layered, concentrated core of fruit, its ripe yet racy acids and pinpoint mousse carrying it to a long, searingly chalky finish. If the 1996 Plénitude 2 was a success at Dom Pérignon, then the 2008 Plénitude 2 appears to surpass that, ranking among the greatest achievements of Richard Geoffroy, the house’s former cellar master. All in all, it is more energetic and incisive than the 2002 Plénitude 2 was on release, and anyone fortunate enough to secure a bottle will have no difficulty finishing it. Drinking Window: 2026-2049.\" -Kristaps Karklins\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN \/ AMERICAN \/ PACIFIC WINE \u0026 SPIRITS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":52798336041325,"sku":null,"price":674.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/dom-perignon-p2-2008-bottle.png?v=1792783119"},{"product_id":"la-gerla-brunello-di-montalcino-la-pieve-docg-2021-tuscany-italy-ko-100","title":"La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve DOCG 2021 (Tuscany, Italy) - [KO 100, #1 Top 100 of '25] [F 97] [WS 95] [WA 94] [VM 94] [JS 94] [DM 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery: \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThis small wine estate has established itself as one of the great crus in this territory in the heart of Tuscany, delineated by the Orcia and Ombrone valleys. The estate, formerly owned by the Biondi-Santi family, was purchased by the late Sergio Rossi (formerly at Altesino-Caparzo), and is now run by vineyard manager\/director Alberto Passeri and winemaker Vittorio Fiore. They make five wines, all made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso, the only grape planted on the property. Their first vintage was in 1976, making La Gerla one of the first 35 bottlers of Brunello di Montalcino; these days, there are 280. The winery name comes from the large, old-fashioned, conical baskets that grape-harvesters used to carry on their backs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Land was purchased by Sergio Rossi in 1976 and is now managed by Rossi's\u003cbr\u003ewife, Donatella Monforte.\u003cbr\u003e• The property extends over a total of 11.5ha and is complemented with\u003cbr\u003emodern cellars equipped with the latest technological advancements,\u003cbr\u003ehowever their Brunello is aged traditionally in Slavonian oak barrels (50 and\u003cbr\u003e100hl).\u003cbr\u003e• Exclusively Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)\u003cbr\u003e• All grapes are hand-harvested, hand-selected, and hand-sorted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points, #1 Top Wines of 2025 - Kerin O'Keefe:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The Brunello’s from storied estate La Gerla just keep getting better every year and the 2021 La Pieve is utterly breathtaking, with gorgeous aromas of violet, eucalyptus, dark spice, new leather, cedar, and forest berry. Showing elegance, intensity and restraint, the delicious palate delivers layers of wild raspberry, ripe cherry, star anise and mentholated notes alongside tightly woven, velvety tannins. Bright acidity provides impeccable balance and energy. This is undoubtedly one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2021–2046.\" (Nov 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Falstaff:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Intense, sparkling ruby with a slight garnet rim. Opens on the palate with notes of graphite and cedar, then lots of dark cherry, beautiful blackberry. Juicy and firm on the palate, shows very well-integrated tannins, multi-layered and salty, with a fine melting finish.\" (Mar 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Bright and well-delineated, this red exudes cherry, strawberry, currant and mineral flavors. An intense and resonant version, picking up Mediterranean scrub and white pepper accents. Firmly structured and complex, this persists on the expansive aftertaste. Best from 2028 through 2045. 537 cases made, 250 cases imported.\" - Bruce Sanderson (Jun 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"More structured and concentrated than the village bottling, the La Gerla 2021 Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve leans toward blue and purple-toned fruit, with dry, austere spice and toast shaping a savory, authoritative profile. Notes of cured tobacco emerge on the palate, reinforcing the wine’s suitability for richer food pairings such as beef or lamb. The fruit comes from a 1.5-hectare vineyard in the southeast quadrant near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, and the wine is aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks. Production is limited to 6,450 bottles.\" - Monica Larner (Jan 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve is delicate in its youthful state, with nuances of spiced orange, mint and pine shavings wafting up from the glass. More showy on the palate, like liquid velvet, it caresses the senses with masses of ripe red and black fruits underscored by tactile mineral tones. Long and perfumed, the 2021 leaves a mentholated freshness and crunchy sensation as fine tannins saturate the senses.\" - Eric Guido (Nov 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A smoky wine with aromas of oak bark, red cherries, fresh raspberries and sweet violets. Full-bodied, it shows ripe, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, tension and a tight-knit structure. Licorice aftertaste. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.\" (Dec 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"While La Gerla’s classic Brunello unifies holdings on Montalcino’s northern slope with those in the southeast, La Pieve hails from a single vineyard in the latter. Sweet spices and cured leather accent wild berries. This is substantial in both mature dark fruit and steely structure. Still rather austere, the tannins provide plenty of tension and chew. Savoury intrigue of irony and rust pulsates throughout, and dusty grilled herbs show up on the dry finish.\" - Michaela Morris (Nov 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":52899660956013,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/6ae84e5-0-0.png?v=1767991559"},{"product_id":"tesseron-estate-pym-rae-2019-napa-valley-california-twi-100-jd-98-dm-98-js-97","title":"Tesseron Estate Pym-Rae 2019 (Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California) - [TWI 100] [JD 98] [DM 98] [JS 97] [WA 96+]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn January 2016, the Tesseron family became the owners of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eVilla Sorriso\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(Villa of Smiles), the former property of the actor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eRobin Williams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor had christened the vineyard with the middle names of his children “\u003cem\u003ePYM\u003c\/em\u003e” and “\u003cem\u003eRAE\u003c\/em\u003e”. Due to  this touching story and in respect to the previous owners, the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eTesserons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehave chosen to continue this name for the domain’s wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe fourth vintage of PYM-RAE stays true to the spirit of the Tesseron family, and is both the culmination of a long journey as well as the beginning of a new adventure. The biodynamic culture follows its course. 2019 becomes our first vintage to be certified by Demeter USA. What matters most to us are the memories you will keep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tasting-notes\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis climatic balance combined with the altitude of the vineyard allowed us to produce vibrant and expressive wines, preserving freshness and finesse to the fruit. The tannins are silky, the fruit exceptional and the texture ample, signs of a great vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2019 is a vintage of balance, energy and tension. The beginning of the year was marked by abundant rains which preserved humidity in the clay soils until bud burst. A long and hot summer followed, punctuated by misty mornings, with no significant heat wave, and ending with a mild end of season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrape Varietals: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot\u003cbr\u003eAlcohol: 14.1% by vol\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"From Alfred Tesseron’s (owner of Pontet Canet in Pauillac) estate on Mount Veeder, the 2019 Pym Rae is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black colored, it requires a fair bit of swirling before it charges out of the gate with bold notes of crème de cassis, black cherry compote, and blueberry pie, followed by suggestions of clove oil, lilacs, licorice, and tar, plus a spicy waft of cumin seed. The full-bodied palate delivers beguiling energy from the brightness of fruit, bursting with fragrant floral notes, minerally sparks, and exotic spices. It has a taut backbone of invigorating acidity, matched by firm, ripe, grainy tannins, supporting the epic long, multi-layered finish. This 2019 is the vinous definition of opulence. This is the first vintage certified organic and biodynamic. Only about 20,000 bottles were made and are due to be released in autumn 2023.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Feb 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2019 Château Pym-Rae is a textbook Mount Veeder Cabernet with its exotic red, blue, and black fruits as well as complex notes of mountain scrub brush, lavender, tobacco, and lead pencil. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine yet substantial tannins, and a great finish. It's one of those \"iron fist in a velvet glove\" type wines that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and shine over the following two decades. (Drink between 2025-2047)\" (May 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The Pym-Rae wines I tasted with Alfred Tesseron and Estate Manager Jérôme Ledit (2016-2019) all possess some measure of intensity, elegance, excellent balance, and freshness. Encompassing all those qualities is this 2019 vintage, seamless and simply mind-boggling. Pure blackberry fruit, creme de cassis, and graphite are nuanced by garrigue and cocoa nibs laced with orange essence. Medium to full-bodied with youthful blue fruit, spiced plum, and violets that meld together, creating a profoundly symphonic and lyrical fruit melody that is impossible to resist. The vines are surrounded by a pristine wilderness and many native California shrubs; those qualities emerge in the wine as sagebrush, fragrant Bay Laurel, and layers of ironstone mineral and earth. A kind of soy-soaked cedarwood rounds out this meticulous wine. The Tesseron family, owners of Château Pontet-Canet, purchased the estate in 2016. It was owned by the late actor Robin Williams, who had planted the vines in the late 1990s. Jérôme Ledit is the Estate Manager and Michel Rolland is the consultant oenologist. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc and have been dry-farmed since the first day in 2016 that Alfred Tesseron set foot on the property. It is already unquestionably one of Napa Valley's greatest understated assets. (Drink between 2023-2035)\" - Jonathan Cristaldi (Sep 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Extremely aromatic with flowers, currants, plums, and cocoa. Full-bodied with compacted fruit and ultra-fine tannins giving it a suppleness and finesse, yet it’s very structured and long. Turns to sandalwood, hazelnut and subtle currants. Round and velvety texture at the end. Slightly deeper and denser. 55% new French barrels and 45% concrete eggs for 18 months. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Needs four or five years. An excellent mountain wine from the family owners of Pontet Canet. Try after 2026.\" (Jun 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2019 Pym-Rae is made up of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, all aged in a combination of 45% new French oak barriques and small (260-gallon) concrete tanks. Impressively ripe and concentrated, it offers scents of cassis, violet and hints of dark chocolate on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky-smooth, framed by dusty tannins on the long, focused finish. Yes, it's somewhat Bordeaux-like in shape, but it's fully ripe, with black cherries emerging on the finish, along with the slightest touch of alcoholic warmth.\" - Joe Czerwinski (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":52999732756845,"sku":null,"price":399.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/pym-rae-nv-bottle-scaled.jpg?v=1770168976"},{"product_id":"tenuta-san-guido-bolgheri-sassicaia-igt-2023-tuscany-italy-wa-100-dm-98","title":"Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri \"Sassicaia\" IGT 2023 (Tuscany, Italy) - [WA 100] [DM 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSassicaia means \"the place of many stones\" and refers to the region's gravely soil. All the vineyards located in different altitudes and exposures benefit from extensive sun and maritime breezes. The soils are entirely located in the territorial delimitation of the D.O.C. Sassicaia. They havedifferent and composite morphological characteristics, characterized by a strong presence of calcareous areas rich in galestro, as well as pebbles and stones (“Sassicaia” in local dialect means soil with many stones) and also partially clay. The vineyards are located at an altitude between 328 and 1312 feet above sea level, facing West\/South-West.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoints of Distinction:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSo successful it was granted its own appellation Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA dense, complex wine of legendary longevity.\u003cbr\u003eThe first Super Tuscan, debuted in 1968.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003eVery few vintages of this legendary Tuscan wine deliver the immediate joy, richness and complexity found in the Tenuta San Guido 2023 Bolgheri Sassicaia. Tasted both before and after its January 2026 bottling, this is a wine that feels uncannily open and generous in its youth, a rare trait for Sassicaia, which is famously inscrutable at this stage. The 2023 vintage was marked by a cold winter and above-average rainfall followed by a severe outbreak of downy mildew that damaged leaves, forcing brutal fruit selection and resulting in a 20% reduction in yields. Only the estates willing to make these sacrifices succeeded, and the best wines rank among the most compelling and elusive of recent years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blend includes 13% to 14% Cabernet Franc alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Franc playing a decisive phenolic role that reinforces elegance, linearity and brightness. Aromas unfold with wild sage, rosemary and dark fruit before moving into crushed stone minerality, rose petal and a finely spiced spectrum of pink peppercorn, nutmeg, anise, cardamom, bergamot and blood orange, joined by a delicate note of mentuccia romana, sweeter and gentler than classic mint. The palate shows beautiful softness framed by chalky tannins and mineral tension. Its acidity shines bright and guarantees long cellar aging potential. The wine remains fluid and flexible in the glass as different facets of the bouquet emerge. Like the legendary 1985, 2023 was a difficult and stressful vintage shaped by a cold winter, yet it stands as proof that great pressure can indeed give birth to diamonds.\u003cspan\u003e\" - Monica Larner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"Sassicaia 2023 will divide drinkers. While its quality is without question, it takes the idea of finesse and elegance to another level. In truth, this is more a reflection of the vintage conditions than a winemaking decision – but that's what all great wineries aim to show in the glass, isn't it? For some, this will be too light, too floral, and too far removed from ‘classic’ Bolgheri. For others, especially those who have been following this estate for several years, it's a dream come true; a true-to-life model for the future of Italian reds. Me? I'm on the fence. It almost pales in comparison to the depth of fruit and chewy tannins of 2022, while the 2019 tasted alongside emphasises juiciness and silkiness. Supple, lifted and fragrant, 2023's pure, crunchy bramble fruits, succulent, sapid mid-palate and prolonged freshness make you think differently...in a very good way. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc.\u003cspan\u003e\" - James Button\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"REGAL WINE COMPANY","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53031149338989,"sku":null,"price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/tl0ejk9nxubgokst3flr.jpg?v=1713211067"}],"url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/collections\/100-point-wines.oembed?page=4","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}