August 4th Newsletter

Jump Start Sale

 

 

Pattes Loup New Arrivals

New Week – New Arrivals

 

Old Friends – Back Again

Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis Rosado 2013 ($21.95) $18 special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(50% hondarribi beltza and 50% hondarribi zurri):  Light, lurid pink.  Fresh red berries and white flowers on the mineral-driven nose, with a touch of orange zest adding interest.  Nervy, focused and pure, offering vibrant, lightly bubbly red berry and citrus zest flavors sharpened by bright minerality.  Finishes bright, crisp and long, with emphatic repeating notes of red berries and dusty minerals.  A bottle of this wine always disappears quickly.”

“Mount Etna erupts, spewing molten lava into the night sky” is not something you read about everyday, but this natural occurrence recently happened once again in the city of Sicily. Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and is encompassed by Etna, one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions.  The stratovolcano is in a constant state of activity, a vital source creating fertile volcanic ash soils, leading to extensive agriculture that includes some of Italy’s most unique vineyards, spreading along its lower slopes.  These incredibly rocky, molten-rich soils are extremely well-drained and poor in nutrients, an ideal combination to creating wines with distinct minerality and pristine quality.

Tenuta delle Terre Nere represents over 30 years of craftsmanship, with organically cultivated vineyards lying in the northern slopes of Etna ranging from 50-100 years old.  Due to incalculable numbers of lava flow beginning over half a million years ago, a large part of their distinction belongs to the soil dynamics, differing from cru to cru and even within the cru’s themselves.   Altitudes range between 600 and 1000 meters above sea level, expressing extreme microclimatic differences.

Calderara Sottana is the stoniest cru in the appellation, with many parts covered by ‘fist sized’ black volcanic pumice.  Of all the crus, Calderara Sottana displays the widest spectrum of flavors and nuances ranging from floral delicacies to spice and leather.  The highest in elevation are the vineyards of Guardiola, consisting of very poor soils of volcanic sand mixed with basaltic pebbles and traces of ash.   Due to the steep slopes and tightly terraced vineyards, all labor is performed manually and the wines express a leaner, more focused approach with elegance.  Although lying adjacent to Guardiola, the two vineyards in Santo Spirito have extremely different soils consisting of jet black, deep volcanic ash with a texture reminiscent of fine, talcum powder.  The Etna Rosso Prephylloxera ‘La Vigna di Don Pepino’, aptly named for the vigneron who meticulously cultivated this parcel with his delicate hands for over 70 years, is what the winery calls the “heart and soul of this volcanic terroir.”  Without his tenacity and incomparable care for this vineyard, it may have not survived the tumultuous natural conditions occurring in this region and certainly would not display the vigor and health that it does today.

Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio are the local varieties used for both the single vineyard reds and the rosato.  Grown on the ‘albarello’ or bush vine technique, these varieties are able to soak up the sun, reaching optimum ripeness due to their close proximity to the volcanic grounds.  Nerello Mascalese carries the guns and power of the two, showing great depth with rich yet gentle tannins, and an ability to maintain a good amount of acidity.  Nerello Carpuccio brings softness to the blend, expressing fleshier fruits and displaying beautiful colors.  These two naturally come together to form a marriage of delicacy and power, expressing a purity of fruit and driving minerality.

Terre Nere Etna Rosato 2013 ($27.95) $24 special 10 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points: (100% nerello mascalese) ” Light orange-pink.  Spice- and mineral-laced citrus fruit and red berry aromas show good clarity and a subtle floral nuance.  Dry and sharply focused, displaying good heft to its bitter cherry and blood orange flavors.  Finishes clean and tangy, with lingering pepper and spice notes”

Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso 2010($49.95) $34.50 special 8 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 91 Points “The 2010 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana is a lovely introduction to the vintage at Terre Nere. Pine, menthol, red cherries and wild flowers all take shape in the glass. Firm tannins provide the backbone in this finely sculpted, chiseled Nerello Mascalese. Savory notes reappear to frame the bright, high-toned finish. If opened today, the 2010 will benefit from a few hours of air. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”

Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso 2011 ($49.95) $39 special 19 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Spectator 90 Points “(14.5% alcohol):  Bright red.  Pungent red berry, flint and floral aromas on the perfumed nose.  Then much sweeter and richer on the palate, with smooth red cherry and spice (cardamom, cinnamon, white pepper) flavors.  Full and long, with a strong mineral quality.”

Terre Nere Etna Guardiola Etna Rosso 2011 ($49.95) $39 special 9 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 (+?) Points “Good full, deep red. Captivating, nuanced nose offers red cherry, redcurrant, brown spices, roast coffee, rose petal and licorice.  Sweet and subtle on the palate, with a wonderful aromatic character over a firm, smoothly tannic spine.  The long finish shows a lightly balsamic quality and hints of dried herbs and flinty spices.  This is bigger, richer and deeper than Santo Spirito, but needs time in the cellar thanks to high but harmonious acidity.”

Terre Nere Etna Rosso Prephylloxera Don Etna Rosso 2010 ($89.95) $77 special 1 bottle available
Antonio Galloni 94 Points “The highlight in this range of 2010s is the Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino, easily the most refined of these offerings from Terre Nere. A gorgeous, vibrant core of fruit caresses the palate in this expressive and totally delicious wine. The 2010 isn’t as big or rich as some previous versions, instead it is a wine that impresses for its considerable length and pure finesse on the palate. Tobacco and spice notes add complexity to the finish in a Nerello Mascalese that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Volnays of the Cote de Beaune. D’Angerville comes to mind. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”

Terre Nere Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2011 ($49.95) $39 special 11 bottles available
Wine Spectator 92 Points “A pretty version, with expressive floral, wild strawberry, crushed raspberry and red licorice notes, wrapped in juicy acidity and tightly knit yet integrated tannins. A tar-tinged streak of minerality underscores the palate, while accents of underbrush and spice box build on the finish. Drink now through 2026. 500 cases made”

Terre Nere Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2011 ($49.95) $39 special 8 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92+ Points “The 2010 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is quite pretty, seamless and understated. Sweet red cherries, flowers, licorice and incense are all woven together in this soft, gracious wine that is quite appealing. The Santo Spirito has a bit more density and weight than the Guardiola, but the balance of fruit, acidity and tannin is fabulous. Hints of spice, new leather, tobacco and fennel are woven into the supple, expressive finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020”

In 1966, Dominic Poggiali Fèlsina founded the Felsina winery, built an underground wine cellar and expanded holdings over the next few years.  Giuseppe Mazzocolin joined the family in the late 1970s and helped expand the commercial promotion of the winery.  When Giuseppe’s oldest son Giovanni joined the team, the family began producing the two IGT wines: Fontalloro and Maestro Raro.

They have been constantly improving the vineyard sites through mass selections from their old vines and by operating biodynamically.  The Maestro Raro is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon primarily from the Rancia Piccola vineyards.  The grapes are hand-harvested and completely destemmed.  The Fonalloro IGT is produced from 100% Sangiovese vines over 50 years old and is aged in small French oak barrels for up to a year and a half.  The fruit was hand-harvested in two passes from one vineyard in the Chianti Classico region and two vineyards in the Chianti Colli Sensi region.  Their Chiantis are rich, dark and complex with impressive vine age: the Chianti Classico is from vines averaging 30 years old while the two Riserva wines are from vines averaging over 50 years old.  The Rancia is named for the vineyard from which the fruit is harvested.  The Vin Santo is a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Sangiovese.  The grapes are air-dried on traditional ranks for several months before pressing into casks.  Fermentation and aging take place over seven years.

The wines below are from a string of excellent vintages in Chianti, with 2010 as the standout if still quite young.  The Felsina wines age very well, even at the Classico level.

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2011 ($24.95) $19 special 3+ cases available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2011 Chianti Classico is absolutely impressive and is one of the best base Chianti Classicos I have tasted from 2011. You feel the ripeness and heat of the vintage, but this wine also delivers surprising finesse and complexity. Black cherry and baking spice mingle on the bouquet. Soft tannins wrap around the palate. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2009 ($34.95) $29 special 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is stunningly beautiful. It boasts a great core of dark red fruit, licorice, spices, new leather and herbs. The 2009 impresses for its mid-palate density and sheer power. This is a great showing. The 2009 can be enjoyed today, but it is rather muscular, and is probably best suited for aging a few years. This is a terrific showing. A recent bottle of the 1995 was stunning in its beauty. The Riserva is 100% Sangiovese aged in a combination of casks and smaller French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.”

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 ($34.95) $28 special 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points“Classicists, on the other hand, will flip out over the 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva. Black cherry, plum, smoke and menthol notes all jump out of the glass. The 2010 is translucent yet also rich, powerful and impeccably balanced. Ideally readers should cellar the 2010 for at least a few years, but that is going to be difficult considering how beautiful the wine is today.”

Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2009 ($59.95) $39 special 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia emerges from the glass with freshly cut roses, sweet red berries, licorice, spices and tar. This is a mid-weight, silky Rancia that impresses for its textural beauty and finesse. The Rancia emerges from a high-altitude site planted from 1958 through1982 with Sangiovese. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, but the oak is never noticeable, even when the wine is young. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.”

Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 ($49.95) $41.90 special 3+ cases available
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 1.5 LITER ($119.95) $99 special 2 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is cool, inward and reserved at this stage. Much less expressive than it was from barrel, today the 2010 appears to be in a closed phase. There is so much tension in the glass, though, and I can hardly wait to see where the 2010 goes over the coming years. A burst of mineral and floral infused fruit lingers on the polished, nuanced finish. Today, the 2010 seems to bring together the finesse of 2004 with the structure and power of the 2010. A pretty magical combination, if you ask me.”

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2009 ($69.95) $49 special 3+ cases available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “There is a lot to like in the 2009 Fontalloro (Sangiovese). For starters, the wine is rich, broad and ample on the palate. Hints of tobacco, savory herbs, licorice and menthol all add complexity over time. The over juiciness of the fruit is nicely balanced by clean veins of underlying acidity that give the 2009 much of its freshness. This is another wine endowed with superb balance and class.”

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2010 ($59.95) $51.90 special 3+ cases available
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2010 Fontalloro (Sangiovese) is impeccable. A sweet, open bouquet melds into expressive red fruits. Compared to the 2010 Rancia, Fontalloro is a decidedly more delicate, feminine wine. All the elements are very nicely balanced. I expect the 2010 will enjoy a fairly broad window of drinkability. Today I give the 2010 a very slight nod over the 2009, only because I think the 2010 will age a little longer, but both are striking.”

Felsina Berardenga Maestro Raro Toscana IGT 2007 ($59.95) $49 special 18 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Felsina’s 2007 Maestro Raro (Cabernet Sauvignon) issimply beautiful in this vintage. A host of grilled herbs, plums, cassis and earthiness emerge from this distinctly Tuscan Cabernet. The fruit is soft, dark and opulent, but never heavy. A soft, caressing finish rounds things out nicely. This is a terrific effort from Felsina. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.”

Felsina Berardenga Maestro Raro Toscana IGT 2008 ($59.95) $49 special 14 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2008 Maestro Raro is beautiful in this vintage, a year in which Cabernet Sauvignon varietal character reigns supreme. Plums, cassis, wild herbs, leather and licorice all come together gracefully in this gorgeous, expressive wine. The 2008 impresses for its length and striking, pure finish. This is a great showing. Maestro Raro is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Sangiovese, Trebbiano and Malvasia vines that were grafted over beginning in 1984. The 2008 is understated and classy, but its all there. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.”

Felsina Berardenga Maestro Raro Toscana IGT 2009 ($59.95) $49 special 19 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Black currant, cherry, cedar, olive and coffee aromas and flavors are intense, yet match the refined structure in this classy red. The tannins are assertive and ripe, providing grip and focus. The finish evokes black currant, herb and spice notes. Best from 2015 through 2030.”

Felsina Berardenga Maestro Raro Toscana IGT 2010 ($59.95) $49 special 18 bottles available
James Suckling 95 points “This is extremely structured and powerful with currants, blueberries and minerals on the nose and palate. Full body yet structured and very toned. Very muscular. Give it four to five years of bottle age but revel in its youth and beauty now. Best pure cabernet sauvignon ever from here.”

Felsina Berardenga Vin Santo Chianti Classico 2004 375ML ($47.95) $36 special 3+ cases available
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2004 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is fabulous. A reference point wine for the region, the 2004 captures the heart and intellect with its superb balance and pure pedigree. The style is moderately sweet and oxidative, in the best of the Vin Santo tradition. Savory herbs, dried flowers, leather and lightly burned sugar add complexity on the finish. Vin Santo? Felsina remains one of the 2-3 reference points, it’s as simple as that. As for the 2004, well, it is utterly majestic.”

Anyone looking for Burgundy on a budget would do well to acquaint themselves with the wines of Savigny-lès-Beaune. Not only is this slightly obscure appellation home to some brilliant terroirs at the villages and premier cru level but it is also a hub for well-priced reds. Though some of the most gifted and meticulous vignerons in the Côte d’Or, such as Simon and Hugues Pavelot, are working in Savigny les Beaune, the real estate lacks the cachet of other Burgundy vineyards, meaning some of the best bottles from the area seldom exceed $50, a definite find for Pinot Noir lovers!

The village of Savigny-lès-Beaune is stretched out along the small river Rhoin, tucked away in a valley a few kilometers off the main highway north of Beaune and south of Aloxe- Corton. The valley created by the Rhoins provides large swathes of south-facing slopes on which to plant quality vineyards, a key component in Savigny’s large production. As it drops gently down to the east, the valley opens out onto the plain below, where there are many more acres of excellent viticultural land. With the 3rd largest production in all of Burgundy, Savigny’s production is mainly red, with a miniscule portion of white wines. White grapes, grown mostly on limestone-rich sites, are vinified separately to create some tasty Savigny blancs—not surprising when you consider the proximity of Corton Charlemagne just north of the appellation. The better Savigny rouges, particularly the premier crus, can be extremely complex, and improve for many years of bottle aging. Reds from Savigny-Lès-Beaune have a reputation for generally being lighter and more elegant than the wines produced by their neighbors. Keeping with contemporary styles, the reds have gained weight in recent years, but still show delicate soft tannins and red fruit in the medium bodied wines, making them a perfect summer red and a great value Burgundy.

Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Savigny-Les-Beaune Clos Guettes Blanc Premier Cru 2011 ($41.95) $33 special 12+ bottles available
John Gilman 90 points “The 2011 Clos des Guettes blanc is again a very pretty wine, with that telltale touch of pastry cream on both the nose and palate that indicates the malo was partially blocked here. The stylish and inviting bouquet is a lovely mélange of apple, orange, crème patissière, stony minerality and a touch of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and quite driven by its underlying minerality, with snappy acids and very fine length and grip on the youthful finish. This is very tasty, but will want a year or two in the cellar to fully blossom…”

Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Les Bourgeots 2010 ($49.95) $33 special 8 bottles available
Burghound “A more elegant and slightly more complex nose speaks of earth, ripe purple fruit and a hint of violets along with plenty of pungent Savigny style earth. There is good richness to the sappy and naturally sweet medium-bodied flavors that possess a velvety mouth feel, all wrapped in a balanced finish. Lovely.”

Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Les Marconnets Premier Cru 2010 ($64.95) $47 special 6 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points “This is also agreeably fresh and bright with ripe but cool aromas of crushed plum and warm earth. There is excellent verve to the intense and lightly mineral-driven medium weight flavors that possess a round and generous mid-palate but tighten up on the focused and mouth coating finish. I like this not only for its balance but also because the mouth feel is rather sophisticated. Lovely and understated.”

Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Les Talmettes Premier Cru 2010 ($59.95) $49 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 89-92 points “Here the nose is quite similar to that of the Serpentières with its violets and lavender scents that combine with notable earth and underbrush-infused red berry fruit aromas. There is good richness, size and weight to the round yet relatively refined medium-bodied flavors that possess a fine sense of balance on the mouth coating finish. I like the mouth feel and if this moderately structured effort can develop more depth in bottle, it just might catch the Fourneaux in time.”

Camus-Bruchon Savigny les Beaune  Pimentieres 2010 ($41.95) $36 special 5 bottles available
Burghound 88-91 points “A notably more complex if not necessarily more refined nose of kirsch, warm earth and a hint of the sauvage merges seamlessly into rich, concentrated and mouth coating flavors that enjoy an abundance of dry extract that amply displays the extra dimension typically present with the fruit of such old vines. There is excellent character present if limited elegance.”

Chandon Briailles Savigny Les Beaune Aux Forneaux Premier Cru 2007 ($39.95) $33 special 12 bottles available
Burghound 87-89 points “This too is quite pretty and more expressive still with better aromatic depth as well with moderately earth red pinot fruit that carries hints of smoke, underbrush and a gamey character that is also reflected by the detailed, dusty and lightly mineral suffused flavors that are ever so slightly riper and finish with solid balance.”

Chandon Briailles Savigny Les Beaune 2010 ($39.95) $34.50 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 87-89 points “A deeply pitched nose of Savigny-style earth, floral notes and fresh dark berry fruit aromas precedes the clean, fresh and vibrant middle weight flavors that are shaped by rustic but ripe tannins that are well-integrated on the tension-filled finish. This isn’t particularly refined but it’s solidly complex and well-balanced.”

D’Ardhuy Savigny Les Beaune Aux Clous Premier Cru 2010 ($37.95) $28 special 12 bottles available
Burghound 88 points “There is a touch of crushed leaf character to the otherwise ripe, earthy and pretty mélange of dark berry fruit aromas. There is lovely complexity to the punchy and mildly rustic medium weight flavors that possess very firm tannins on the lingering finish. This is clearly built to age and will need the better part of a decade to arrive at its peak.”

D’Ardhuy Savigny Les Beaune Les Narbantons Premier Cru 2010 ($44.95) $36 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 90 points “The appealingly complex nose offers up aromas of ripe dark berries that are infused with plenty of pungent Savigny style iron-infused earth. There is good density to the pliable and round flavors that possess good punch on the dusty, firm and balanced finish. This is the best of this group of Savigny-based wines and possesses the highest level of phenolic maturity as well. Worth a look.”

D’Ardhuy Savigny Les Beaune Les Peuillets Premier Cru 2010 ($39.95) $29 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound “The aromatic profile is similar to that of the straight Savigny villages though here there is a vegetal character. There is better refinement to the supporting tannins on the supple medium-bodied flavors that possess mineral hints on the mildly edgy and solidly structured finish.”

Henri Boillot Savigny les Beaune Les Lavieres Premier Cru 2010 ($59.95) $49 special 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2010 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Lavieres boasts striking inner perfume and an expressive core of dark red fruit. This is another big wine within the context of its appellation, but the balance is first-rate. Layers of fruit continue to build to the powerful, textured finish. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”

Henri Boillot Savigny les Beaune Les Lavieres Premier Cru 2011 ($69.95) $49 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 89 points “A pungently earthy nose of lightly spiced plum and various dark pinot fruit aromas leads to energetic and well-detailed flavors that exude a fine minerality on the delicious and solidly persistent finish. I like the mouth feel as it’s relatively fine and about the only nit is a bit of gas so I would suggest decanting this if you’re going to try a bottle young.”

Louis Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Lavieres Premier Cru 2009 ($39.95) $29 special 12+ bottles available
Louis Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Vergelesses Premier Cru 2009 ($39.95) $29 special 12+ bottles available

Louis Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune La Dominode Premier Cru 2010 ($49.95) $39 special 10 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2010 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Dominodes has a vivacious nose with plenty of crisp red currant and fresh strawberry fruit that burst from the glass. The palate is well-balanced with crisp acidity, firm grip and a touch of spice toward the lifted finish. This is a lovely, lilting Savigny that I would rather drink in its youth. Drink now-2017.-NM”

Louis Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Narbantons Premier Cru 2010 ($49.95) $39 special 12+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2010 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Dominodes has a vivacious nose with plenty of crisp red currant and fresh strawberry fruit that burst from the glass. The palate is well-balanced with crisp acidity, firm grip and a touch of spice toward the lifted finish. This is a lovely, lilting Savigny that I would rather drink in its youth. Drink now-2017”

Jean Marc Pavelot Savigny Les Beaune Les Peuillets Premier Cru 2010 ($59.95) $44 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 90 points  “A more elegant and slightly fresher nose features a pretty mix of red berries along with hints of violet and plum. There is also more of a mineral character to the appealingly detailed, complex and delicious flavors that are shaped by more refined tannins while offering fine length. A classic Peuillets of finesse.”

Jean Marc Pavelot Savigny-Les-Beaune 2010 ($44.95) $24 special 12+ bottles available
Burghound 88 points  “Here the fruit is ripe though distinctly different as the Savigny style earth character is quite prominent on the somber dark pinot fruit nose. There is a velvety texture to the supple and relatively forward flavors that possess good concentration and fine balance on the sappy finish. This isn’t an especially elegant effort but it is certainly delicious and satisfying.”

Jean Marc Pavelot Savigny-Les-Beaune 2009 ($39.95) $27 special 7 bottles available
Burghound “This is also aromatically quite pretty with ripe red berry and plum aromas liberally laced with ample amounts of Savigny-style earth that continues onto the round, supple and appealing flavors that culminate in a balanced and naturally sweet finish. Lovely and fashioned in Pavelot’s usual understated style.”

Harlan Estate Napa Red 2001 1.5 LITER ($1799.95) $1499 special 2 magnums available
Robert Parker 100 points “This wine, which first debuted in 1990, has probably garnered more perfect scores than any other Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2001 is just entering a young adolescent stage of development, exhibiting extraordinary nuances such as sweet, loamy soil and earthy minerality intermixed with some background smoke, black currant liqueur, plum, Asian spice and new saddle leather. Full-bodied, it possesses great intensity, with stunning flavors that are viscous enough to coat the mouth, but never become heavy or overbearing. The wine has a remarkable purity, concentration and intensity that should carry it for another 30+ years. This is already very promising, and for those who own it, I would suggest a good two to three hours of decanting prior to service.”

Harlan Estate Napa Red 2003 ($599.95) $549 special 6 bottles available
Harlan Estate Napa Red 2003 1.5 LITER ($1499.95) $1199 special 2 magnums available
Robert Parker 98+ points “One of the most backward yet promising wines of the vintage is the 2003 Harlan Estate. Its dense opaque plum/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of graphite, camphor, creme de cassis, smoky barbecue wood and a hint of forest floor. Similar flavors hit the mouth with full-bodied splendor, a multidimensional mouthfeel and texture, and the sensational finish lasts more than 45 seconds. Some tannins are still present, and this wine seems much younger than expected at ten years of age, so give it 4-5 more years of bottle age and consume it over the following 20-25 years.”

Harlan Estate Napa Red 2004 ($699.95) $599 special 6 bottles available
Harlan Estate Napa Red 2004 1.5 LITER ($1499.95) $1199 special 3 magnums available
Robert Parker 98 points “Very deep garnet-black colour with a purple rim. Though still very youthful and muted, this vintage is already subtly revealing a wide array of aromas including blackberry tart, cedar, violets, truffles, liquorice and all spice. In the mouth however this is no shrinking violet–the ’04 is a big, concentrated and highly structured wine with somewhat impenetrable, tightly grained tannins and medium to high acid supporting its rich weight. Very, very long finish displaying hints of savoury earthiness and that signature minerality that appears to surface in better years. Drink 2009-2030.”

Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2005 ($2499.95) $2190 special 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, which I loved last year, has gotten even better, something I saw across the board with the bottled 2005s (a superb year for Bordeaux varietals). This blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc was aged in 67% new French oak for 21 months. It possesses a gorgeous, Pauillac-like bouquet of cedar, creme de cassis, licorice, smoke, and earth as well as sweet tannins, full body, fabulous layers of fruit, a noble sweetness, and outstanding length. This 2005 can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years.”

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010 ($449.95) $379 special 12+ bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “Araujo’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a picture perfect example of the year. Vibrant, precise and beautifully chiseled, the 2010 boasts serious depth and concentration. The aromas and flavors are incredibly vivid in this textured, dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of dark blue and black fruit, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs flesh out on the huge finish. Today the 2010 is unusually open, but it is almost certain to shut down in bottle over the next 6-12 months. The 2010 is a super-classic Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon from Araujo. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035”

Ramey Wine Cellars Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010 ($219.95) $199 special 9 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “As usual, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard is a fabulous effort. The debut vintage of this cuvee was 2004, which is still quite young (I recently rated it 95). From the Oakville appellation, it is aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels, but sadly, only about 260 cases are made. The 2010 boasts beautiful notes of fruitcake, espresso roast, chocolate and black currants in its complex, full-bodied, concentrated, multi-dimensional personality. There is a huge up-side to this beauty as the tannins have not yet fully resolved. Give it another few years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades or more.”

Dominus Estate Napa Red 2011 ($179.95) $149 special 12+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Savory herbs, menthol, smoke and licorice are some of the aromas that open up in the glass in the 2011 Dominus. This is a relatively immediate, expressive Dominus with plenty of near-term appeal. The style is open and succulent for the year, with lovely balance and poise. Crushed rose petals and dried herbs linger in the close. With time in the glass, the 2011 fleshes out nicely. In 2011 Dominus is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc… As always, I tasted two bottles of each wine; the first was double decanted about 18 hours in advance, the other opened shortly before the tasting. I consistently preferred the double decanted bottles, and suggest readers follow the same approach when drinking these wines young.”

Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Grand-Vin Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 1.5 LITER ($899.95) $679 special 3 magnums available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin opens with the most beguiling bouquet imaginable. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cinnamon and licorice all make an appearance as this vivid, beautifully delineated wine opens up in the glass. A model of total finesse and elegance, the 2009 wraps around the palate with what feels like endless layers of aromas and flavors. This totally seamless, polished Cabernet Sauvignon is virtually impossible to resist today, but it will be even better in another few years. The 2009 is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2039. Kapcsandy’s 2009s have developed beautifully over the last year.”

Kapcsandy Family Winery Endre Napa Red 2009 1.5 LITER ($279.95) $159 special 2 magums available
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2009 Endre is a major step up in quality from the 2008 I tasted alongside it. The wine reveals lovely fleshiness and depth in its dark fruit, tobacco and spices. I especially like the way the Endre fleshes out on the finish. The 2009 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.”

Kapcsandy Family Winery Grand Vin Rose 2010 ($59.95) $49 special 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 92 points “The Cabernet Sauvignon-based 2010 Grand Vin Rose is naturally a more structured, powerful wine than the Roberta’s. Far from an easygoing Rose, the 2010 is going to need at least another 6-12 months in bottle. It is a powerful, imposing wine that will pair beautifully with a wide range of foods. Crushed flowers, mint and anise are all layered into the precise, striking finish. The 2010 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot that spent 18 months in neutral French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”

Kapcsandy Family Winery Rapszodia Napa Red 2010 ($499.95) $399 special 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 96+ points “The 2010 Rapszodia Proprietary Blend is a new wine composed of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Like many proprietors, Lou Kapcsandy is increasingly convinced of the potential of Cabernet Franc. Sumptuous, elegant and beautifully proportioned, the 2010 caresses the palate from start to finish. Mocha, chocolate, cloves and new leather are all woven together in a seamless fabric of remarkable elegance. Obviously still a baby, the 2010 will require patience, but it is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. This is a superb first effort. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030.”

Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 1.5 LITER ($249.95) $219 special 10 magnums available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is big, dark and juicy. There is an element of wildness that runs through the wine. Graphite, licorice, tar and smoke are just some of the nuances that add complexity. The 2006 boasts superb purity from start to finish. Elements of fleshiness give the impression the 2006 might drink well relatively early, until the massive tannins set in. Floral notes add freshness on the finish. This is another fabulous wine from Randy Dunn. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036.”

Amuse Bouche Proprietary Red Napa 2009 ($299.95) $149 special 12 bottles available
Robert Parker 93 points “The 2009 Amuse Bouche is laced with freshly cut flowers, sweet spices and expressive red berries. Today, I find the 2009 beautifully expressive, with gorgeous aromatics, layers of fruit and lovely overall balance. This is a decidedly feminine, refined style, but it all works nicely. Layers of fruit continue to blossom through to the structured, powerful finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”

Au Sommet Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak 2009 ($299.95) $149 special 12+ bottles available
Robert Parker 93 points “The 2009 Au Sommet is a bit lighter on its feet than the 2008. Sweet, silky tannins frame the fruit. Unlike the 2008, the 2009 is not particularly wild or exotic. Instead, it is a wine that stands out for its textural finesse and understated personality. This mid-weight, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon should be cellared for another year or two and enjoyed over the following decade. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024”

Arrowood Vineyards Cabernet Reserve Speciale 2002 ($119.95) $79 special 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points (2002 retrospective in 2012) “Made from the estate’s finest fruit and aged 23 or more months in a combination of French and American oak, it comes from multiple sources in Sonoma, including the Monte Rosso Vineyard (now owned by Gallo). A wine of great stature and richness, it boasts an inky/ruby/purple color along with a stunning bouquet of loamy, dusty soil, lead pencil shavings, rème de cassis, kirsch liqueur, licorice and barrique smells. Full-bodied and opulent, with some tannin still to be shed, it is a classic, All-American style of northern California Cabernet Sauvignon that is approaching middle adolescence. It has another 20-25 years of life left. Bravo! Richard Arrowood sold his winery to Kendall Jackson and thus is no longer responsible for the Arrowood wines. However, he did make the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale, which is a fabulous effort.”

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Syrah 2004 ($179.95) $149 special 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Syrah has done well in this climate, and the 2004 Syrah Eisele Vineyard is a more elegant, lighter-styled wine than I thought from tasting it last year. It is still well-delineated with a dark ruby/purple color, floral and blackberry notes, a subtle peppery touch and a hint of meat. The wine is pretty and does include a small percentage of Viognier in the blend (usually around 3-4%). Unfortunately, the production of this wine is only around 300-400 cases.”

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Syrah 2010 ($249.95) $189 special 10 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “Another standout, the 2010 Syrah Eisele Vineyard is drop-dead gorgeous. A bevy of black olives and plums burst from the glass in an explosive wine loaded with varietal nuance and sheer power. The cooler vintage brought out the best. This is a marvelous, totally compelling wine endowed with massive concentration and depth. The addition of 3% Viognier and a small amount of stems add complexity. Black fruit, tobacco, savory herbs, licorice and menthol are layered into the brooding finish.”

Colgin Cellars IX Estate Syrah 2006 ($179.95) $149 special 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Not to be forgotten are the 400+ cases of Colgin’s Estate IX Syrah. The French-styled 2006 IX Syrah Estate offers an exotic nose of roasted meats, bouquet garni, and flowers, silky tannins, and full-bodied blackberry and cherry fruit. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.”

Colgin Cellars IX Estate Syrah 2008 ($199.95) $149 special 4 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points  “Interesting French-like Syrahs are also made from the estate’s steep hillside vineyards. The 2008 IX Syrah Estate is performing even better than it did last year from barrel. Juicy bacon fat, roasted meat, grilled herb and smoky notes are classic northern Rhone Syrah characteristics. A floral component suggests some Viognier could be co-fermented, but this is 100% Syrah. The wood is well-concealed in this full-bodied, delicious wine. It is capable of a decade or more of cellaring”

Colgin Cellars IX Estate Syrah 2009 ($249.95) $199 special 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 96 points  “The 2009 Syrah IX Estate has developed beautifully over the last year. A blast of heady aromas and flavors burst from the glass in a wine endowed with serious depth. The 2009 stands out for its dazzling inner perfume and balance. Sweet spices, licorice and tobacco all add complexity, while firm mountain tannins frame the saline, focused finish. Although gorgeous today, the 2009 should continue to provide immense pleasure for at least another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.”

Allegrini Valpolicella 2013 ($17.95) $14 staff pick special
“Nice Valpolicella that has immediate enjoyability and a great price tag. Very present notes of dark cherry and a plush, silky body. Rich and round this red coats your mouth with dark fruit and notes of vanilla and slight earthy notes. A perfect barbecue wine.”