The OWC is available to the first buyer taking all three magnums
Harlan Estate, Napa Valley 2004 1.5L ($1499.95) $999 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.” RP
The next best price is $1,500!
New Arrival Special Feature
Grower Champagnes
NEW ARRIVALS
Champagne Aubry Le Nombre d’Or Campanae Veteres Vites Brut 2009 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2009 Brut Le Nombre d’Or Campanae Veteres Vites is another striking wine from Aubry. Lemon peel, almonds, white flowers and spices are laced together in a Champagne endowed with a real sense of phenolic weight and verticality. Many of the current releases from Aubry are finely cut this year, but the Le Nombre d’Or Campanae Veteres Vites is a wine that is very much tied to the ground. The 2009 is 25% Pinot Blanc/Fromenteau, 20% Petit Meslier, 15% Arbanne, 15% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir. Bottled February 2014. Dosage is 3 grams per liter.” AG
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Pale yellow. Lively, mineral-accented aromas of Meyer lemon, pear skin, anise and green tea. Dry, minerally citrus fruit flavors give way to deeper pear and orange with air and pick up a smoky nuance. Finishes spicy and long, with lingering floral notes and a hint of chalky minerality.” ST
Champagne Aubry Le Nombre d’Or Sable Blanc de Blancs Campanae Veteres Vites Brut 2009 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Lemon oil, white flowers, mint and crushed rocks jump from the glass in Aubry’s 2009 Sablé Blanc des Blancs, a blend of Chardonnay, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau. The bright, focused style will appeal most to readers who enjoy tense, vibrant Champagnes. This is a stellar showing from the Aubry brothers. In particular, I am impressed with the level of freshness here given the warm, radiant vintage” AG
Chartogne-Taillet Le Rose Brut NV 750ML ($69.95) $49 Special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “A crowd-pleasing rosé, this offers finely tuned, mouthwatering acidity paired with fruit-forward flavors of candied cherry and black currant, macerated plum, pastry dough and spiced nut. Displays lovely texture and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2020.” WS
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Light pink. Exotically perfumed scents of redcurrant, strawberry and potpourri, with a dusty mineral quality adding energy. Suave, silky red berry flavors are pure and precise, with energetic blood orange and buttered toast qualities appearing with aeration. Sappy and focused on the nervy finish, with the floral and mineral notes repeating.” ST
The average price is $55
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuis Premier Cru Brut NV 375ML ($37.95) $26 Special, 12 half bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “80% 2010 wine, 10% 2009, 4% 2008, 5% 2007 and 1% 2002; disgorged in May, 2013 after 30 months on its lees): Green-tinged yellow. Intense, mineral-accented aromas of orange zest, pear and white flowers, with an iodiney quality building in the glass. Chewy in texture and nicely concentrated, offering precise citrus and bitter quinine flavors and a strong topnote of dusty minerals. Finishes clean, bright and very long, with lingering chalkiness. This would make a superb match with fresh oysters or crab.” ST
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Rose de Blancs Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($79.95) $49 Special, 12 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Pale orange-pink. High-pitched, mineral-laced aromas of redcurrant and strawberry, with sexy floral and Asian spice notes building with air. Tangy and precise, offering intense red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a touch of bitter quinine. Closes precise and very long, with impressive vivacity and a hint of dusty minerals.” JR
The average price is $58
Robert Parker 91+ points “The 2006 Special Club opens irritatingly with predominating lactose flavors which do not fade away but are accompanied by sweetish yeasty flavors. The wine is rich, intense and elegant on the palate but much less fruity than the regular vintage Champagnes. It is firm, tightly woven and long but the lactose flavors don’t go away.”
Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte Anne Brut NV 750ML ($44.95) $34.90 Special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Finely knit, with tea rose and ground anise notes wafting through flavors of white raspberry, glazed apricot, pastry dough and lemon peel. Balanced and well-structured by mouthwatering acidity. Disgorged December 2012. Drink now through 2020.” WS
Wine Spectator 91 points “A chalky version, with bright acidity and a lively bead framing hints of pineapple, pastry cream, glazed apricot and fresh ginger. Focused and finely knit. -AN”
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(70% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir; aged for more than six years on its lees and disgorged in September, 2012): Light yellow. Vibrant cherry pit, blood orange and smoky minerals on the nose. Dry, tightly wound and focused, offering deeply pitched red fruit and citrus zest flavors that pick up smokiness and energy with air. Closes with serious power and lift, leaving sexy floral and toasty lees notes behind.” ST
The average price is $75
Josh Raynolds–Vinous Media 92 points “Vivid yellow. Suave, expansive aromas of Meyer lemon, yellow peach and smoky minerals, plus a slow-building, toasty lees quality. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering intense citrus and pit fruit flavors that are given lift and spine by bright minerality. Smoothly melds depth with energy, finishing with very good mineral grip and lingering smokiness.” JR
The average price is $71
Wine Advocate 91 points “The NV Brut Cuvee Traditionelle shows fabulous intensity and sheer class. Citrus, flowers and crushed rock are some of the nuances that emerge from this beautifully delineated Champagne. A gorgeous, ethereal finish rounds things out in style. The blend is 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, 52% 2008 juice plus reserves spanning 2007 (20%), 2005 (8%), 2004 (12%), and 2000 (8%), with partial malolactic fermentation. Dosage is 8.5 grams per liter. Disgorged July 10, 2011.”WA
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OREGON
Argyle Brut, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($29.95) $22.90 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Light and appealing, with an airy texture and smoky, toasty watermelon and floral flavors, finishing with expressiveness and length. Drink now. 13,750 cases made.”HS
Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Comprised of Wente and Dijon clones from Four Winds Vineyard this wine demonstrates the undeniable pedigree and personality of this fantastic high elevation and old vine site. Light straw with a hint of green combine with pristine clarity to present this wonderful Chardonnay. The aromatics include slate, anise and pear, with a trace amount of barrel toast. Buoyant acidity frames a lean palate beaming with citrus, mineral and white peach, along with background sweetness provided by lees contact. Clarity and precision highlight this refreshing and versatile Chardonnay.”
Winery note “Our latest release of Giovanni Pinot blanc is decidedly more complex than previous renditions due a bit of Pinot gris and Chardonnay in the blend. The nose screams “spiced pears” supported by a great herbal lineup of lemon verbena, tarragon and pineapple mint and a melange of mirabelle plums and white peach. Its vibrant acidity and notes of lemon on the palate will motivate you to pair it with oysters on the half shell or spaghetti vongole. To top it off, it is 100% Abbey Ridge fruit. An amazing value for our first release from the fabulous 2014 vintage.”
Cameron Winery Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
WASHINGTON
Cor Cellars Momentum Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2012 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Winery note “33% Merlot, 27% Malbec. Ripe black cherry, plum and cassis, with hints of dark chocolate, spice and violets. Based on Merlot for its’ floral, silky texture, and Malbec with its’ exotic earthiness, the 2012 blend includes Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc for their exotic spice and enigmatic personality.”
Winery note “This wine was made as a throw back to the old world Bordelais style. Seeking the balance of opulence and structure, fruit and length, this is a classic wine for which Napoleon would have invaded to reclaim Washington. Luxuriously ripe and aromatic, with black cherry, allspice and chocolate, this wine also holds its’ freshness on the palate and throughout the finish.”
Winery note “A lighter bodied wine, full of ripe raspberry, violets and ground coffee, with a clean minerality and earthiness inherent to the varietal. Refreshing and inviting, a classic representation of Cabernet Franc from one of Eastern Washington’s most stunning riverside vineyards.”
Winery note “A bright and lively interpretation of a classically bold varietal. Ripe blue fruit, clean spice and violet with refreshing acidity. A youthful, energetic translation of its Iberian cousins.”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
Wine Advocate 97-100 points “More approachable, but no less impressive, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) looks gorgeous, and is probably the most complete wine in the lineup. Layered and rich, yet ultra-pure and also elegant, it gives up classic crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, licorice and liquid flower like qualities to go with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Relatively civilized, yet with building tannin and richness, it should benefit from short term cellaring and have two decades of longevity.” WA
The average price is $229
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “So delicious now, you can hardly keep your hands off it. Blackberry tart, ripe blueberry, cassis, milk chocolate, licorice and sweet, smoky cedar flavors flood the mouth, dramatically huge and memorable, and lasting long into the finish. The tannins are obvious, but sweetly ripe and soft. A brilliant evocation of Napa Cabernet, despite a high production level of nearly 30,000 cases, which is about the same size as a Bordeaux first growth. Shows the class and potency this bottling has exhibited for many years, and believe it or not, the price is a relative bargain these days. Drink now–2020.” WE
Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2004 750ML ($349.95) $299 special
Robert Parker 98 points “The wild man of Napa Valley, Jayson Woodbridge, has turned out one of the superstars of 2004, with the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan. His wines always tend to be gorgeous young, offering up an impression that they’re not going to last. But his first vintage, 2000, seems to get better and better, even though it was spectacular when released. The 2004, which was harvested in September, shows an almost Pomerol-like sweet mocha, kirsch, black currant and deeply fruited mouthfeel. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but the clay soils of his vineyard seem to give a sweetness of tannin and a voluptuous character to the texture. This wine oozes rich, concentrated fruit, is light on its feet and has gorgeous purity, a multidimensional mouthfeel and a stunning finish. Silky black currant, kirsch, licorice, mocha and caramelized fruit make for a stunningly full-throttle, brilliant 2004 to enjoy over the next 15 or more years.” RP
The average price is $354
Robert Parker 97 points “The 2009 Proprietary Blend Harlan Estate is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Cloves, dark plums, cherries, smoke and graphite add richness and resonance to this powerful, incisive wine. Juicy and exuberant, the 2009 has always had a certain raciness that is impossible to resist. Layers of fruit continue to build to the enveloping, sensual finish. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this hugely delicious wine. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034.” RP
The next best price is $599.99
Robert Parker 96+ points “The 2003 was made by Martha McClellan and the viticulture looked over by David Abreu. The 2003 Sloan, if slightly less prodigious than the perfect 2002, remains a young wine. Notes of vanillin, espresso roast, blackberries, scorched earth, camphor and hints of charcoal and barbecue meat jump from the glass of this spicy, rich, provocative Cabernet Sauvignon. With a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and adequate acidity, the blend includes 14% Cabernet Franc and 86% Cabernet Sauvignon from this extraordinary hillside vineyard above Auberge de Soleil in mid-Napa Valley. This wine is 2-5 years away from full maturity, and should last for another decade.” RP 6/2013
The next best price is $245
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.” RP
The next best price is $550
For new Champagne arrivals and re-arrivals, see our feature above!
Chateau Bernadotte, Haut-Medoc 2005 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
“Tea leaf aromas, with raspberry and blackberry, lead to a medium-to-full body, with soft, silky tannins and a pretty aftertaste. Best after 2008.” Wine Spectator
Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac2008 3L ($599.95) $449 special
Robert Parker 96 points “A candidate for the “wine of the vintage,” Pontet Canet’s 2008 boasts an opaque purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet blueberries, blackberries and black currant fruit intertwined with lead pencil shavings, subtle barbecue smoke and a hint of forest floor. Full-bodied, with fabulous richness, texture and tremendous freshness, this first-growth-like effort is more developed than the uber-powerful 2010. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. Bravo!” RP
The next best price is $495
Domaine de Cabriac Vermentino 2013 750ML ($12.95) $9 special
Winery note “[Translated] aged for four months in vat. Tasting notes: Notes of honey candy, caramel, dried fruits, and quince. Fresh, with a refined nose of anise, lily and acacia flowers. Bright acidity with good structure for a white. In the mouth it is peppery and spicy, with notes of cumin, honey, quince and lily of the valley.”
From the winery: “Light pink. Nose: very fine and floral; palate: full and fleshy. 25% Grenache Gris, 25% Grenache Blanc, 25% Grenache Noir, 25% Syrah. From clay limestone vineyards.”
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “A fruity wine, it shows ripe red berries, red currants and refreshing acidity. So while the wine has weight, it is also totally fresh and crisp. It’s a rosé for food, rich while balanced.” WE
Case-12 Domaine de Cabriac Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2011 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Winery note: “[Translated] Aged in vats. Tasting notes: A ruby red color with violet hues that reveals aromas of ripe red fruits, currants and cassis accompanied by some spicy notes. The wine is elegant, well-structured with a roundness and ampleness in the mouth. The fruit flavors are followed by soft tannins with good persistence.”
Case-12 Chateau de Cabriac Tradition, Corbieres 2011 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Syrah/Mourvedre/Carignan/Grenache
Winery note “[Translated] Traditional winemaking. Separate vinification by grape variety. 18 months aging in vats. Tasting notes: Intense color, exuberant nose of black fruits. The palate is round, full, and fruity, with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and roasted coffee. The palate is fleshy, dense and powerful. Nice Balance. Lots of fun.”
50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Carignan
90% Carignan w/ Grenache & Syrah
From the winery “From quartenary period clay limestone. 10 months in barrel. Grenache is destemmed. Nose: Red fruits, palate: ripe fruits and garrigue (scrubland herbs).”
Carignan/Grenache/Syrah
From the winery “Nose: red fruits and blackcurrant, palate: warm, very supple tannins, fine and well balanced. Age for up to 10 years.”
Case-12 Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($419.95) $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich and velvety, yet also vibrant and complex, this red boasts floral, berry, anise, leather and mineral flavors. Harmonious, this turns slightly chewy in texture on the lingering finish. Best from 2017 through 2027. 1,000 cases made.” WS
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, spices and mint race across the palate in the 2011 Barbaresco Serra. This is one of the most intense, tannic 2011 Barbarescos readers will come across. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2011 is going to need considerable patience. Hints of sweet tobacco, mint and anise add nuance on the layered, super-expressive finish. The 2011 Serra spent two years in 50-hectoliter casks.” AG
ITALY-TUSCANY
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino is an impressive and impeccable wine that delivers a slow and sensual progression on the palate. Along the way, it leaves a steady stream of ripe fruit, spice, tobacco, licorice and balsam herb that is both impactful and vibrant. The wine’s aromas are very well-delineated, clean and never color outside the lines. The textural fabric of the wine is velvety and rich, thanks to a long 43 months in oak. Having had the opportunity to taste many older vintages of Giacomo’s wines, I find that they possess a great capacity for cellar aging. Drink: 2016-2026” WA
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009 750ML ($89.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Vivid red. Multidimensional nose offers captivating aromas of raspberry, sour red cherry, redcurrant, brown sugar, cinnamon and minerals, lifted by a strong note of fresh citrus fruit. Vibrant flavors of red and black fruits, pink peppercorn and sweet spices are wonderfully pure and juicy. This sneakily concentrated yet refined wine shows a rare blend of power and delicacy and finishes extremely long, with very fine-grained tannins and truly mind-blowing purity of small red fruits and violet. Impeccable balance only adds to its star qualities. One of the best young Tenuta Nuovas I have ever tried and it’s also one of the two or three best Brunellos of the vintage.” ST
GERMANY
Von Winning Drache Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2013 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Terry Theise notes: “Lilac, melon, wisteria, markedly flowery; a tasty wry balance on the palate, wherein a tiny sweetness delivers a huge payoff. Slim and lissome but long and classy. Completely amazing quality in the “basic” echelon, and a classic example of one of the Great Truths of German wine: A perfect dry Riesling is often not perfectly dry.”
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Staff Picks
“From Penedes, known mostly for Cava production, hence the blend (parellada, macabeo, malvasia, and chardonnay). A great wine paired with aperitifs, seafood, and salads. Medium body with notes of white flowers and melon on the palate, with pleasant minerality and racy acidity to round out the finish.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2009 750ML ($69.95) $59 staff pick special, 26 bottles available
“Produttori is a classic-style producer in Barbaresco: the grapes are macerated for four weeks before the wine is aged in large neutral oak casks 25 to 100 hectoliters in size. The Produttori single-vineyard bottling of Rabaja first gained fame and a touch of mystique when a famous local restauranteur purchased the entire production of the 1971 vintage. The general manager of Produttori, Aldo Vacca, describes this comparatively young vineyard as being the ‘quintessential Barbaresco’ wine of their single-vineyard bottlings. 2009 was a warm vintage for the area, resulting in more forward fruit aromas and fuller body. After a two-hour decant, the wine showed deeply earthy notes of black cherries, leather and dried orange peel, with a minty note in the background. Although enjoyable now after the long decanting, the firm tannins and good acidity give the wine a potential of 10-15 years of cellaring.”
Berlucchi ’61 Brut, Franciacorta DOCGNV 750ML ($29.95) $16 special
Case-12 Berlucchi ’61 Brut, Franciacorta DOCG NV 750ML ($299.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This fresh, creamy Chardonnay-based sparkler is making waves thanks to its crisp acidity and full-bodied mouthfeel. The balance is spot-on, with delicate aromas of apricot, baked bread and sweet citrus that are backed by smooth and persistent perlage.” WE
Case-12 Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Cuvee Traditionelle Rose, Rhone 2013 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer 89 points (56% grenache, 20% cinsault, 10% clairette, 4% syrah, 4% bourboulenc, 3% mourvedre and 3% grenache blanc): “Light, bright orange. Ripe red berries and pit fruits on the deeply perfumed nose, with a subtle mineral quality adding lift. Fleshy and supple, offering juicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied rose. Finishes with good breadth and length, leaving a note of peach pit behind.”-JR
Everybody Should Eat More Fish
Can Feixes Huguet Seleccio Blanco, Penedes 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 89 points “(a blend of parellada, macabeo, malvasia de sitges and chardonnay): Bright, green-tinged straw. High-pitched aromas and flavors of lime zest, white pepper and chalky minerals. Racy and dry, showing good clarity and cut on the nicely persistent finish, with repeating lime and mineral notes.” JR
Mazzoni Vermentino Chardonnay 2012 750ML ($17.95) $8.50 special
Case-12 Mazzoni Vermentino Chardonnay 2012 750ML ($179.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.42/bottle!)
Importer Note “Color: Straw yellow. Aroma: Ripened pears and apples, with a mineral component and a spicy note. Taste: On the palate it is fine, elegant, savory, harmonious, with the right acidity and the structure that recalls its Tuscan origin.”
Atalon Pauline’s Cuvee, Napa Valley 2010 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Atalon Pauline’s Cuvee, Napa Valley 2010 750ML ($359.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Merlot-based blend is a huge success. It’s a big, tannic, tight wine, packed to bursting with black cherry liqueur, cola and spice flavors. Yet it maintains an exciting balance, with the tension between acids, tannins and oak in equilibrium. Seems like it wants 5-6 years in the cellar to let it throw some tannins and mellow.” WE
The average price is $28
Bodegas Borsao Vina Borgia, Campo de Borja 2012 750ML ($11.95) $8 special
Case-12 Bodegas Borsao Vina Borgia, Campo de Borja 2012 ($99.95) $86 special (that’s only $7.17/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer 88 points “Bright purple. Jammy black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Plump, juicy and tannin-free, making for very easy drinkability. For the money, this really delivers, a point not missed by the numerous restaurants that are pouring this fruit bomb by the glass. ” ST
Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Seleccion Tinto Joven, Campo de Borja 2013 750ML ($11.95) $8.80 special
Case-12 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Seleccion Tinto Joven, Campo de Borja 2013 ($119.95) $89 special (that’s only $7.42/bottle!)
Robert Parker 89 points “Another steal in terms of wine value is the 2013 Garnacha, which is a 15,000-case blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Tempranillo that is fermented and aged in stainless steel. This special cuvée has been a huge success commercially for many years. Lots of strawberry, black cherry and fruitcake aromas intermixed with hints of earthy, sandy notes jump from the glass of this 2013. It reveals vivid, exuberant fruit, medium body, super purity and a wonderful, fresh, lively, boisterous, satisfying style. This Grenache fruit-bomb should be drunk over the next several years.”
Springtime Sales Review
CALIFORNIA
Provenance Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford 2011 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $14
The next best price is $19.99
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Chateau Climens, Barsac 2004 375ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $29
Wine Spectator 92 points “Shows apricot tart, with hints of candied lemons on the nose. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lovely concentration and a lemony, spicy, almost flinty aftertaste. Impressive for the vintage. Very lively and zingy on the finish. Best after 2009.”WS
Robert Parker 96+ points “Tiny yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare and a final blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc have produced an enormously concentrated, black/purple-colored wine exhibiting notes of roasted meats, smoked game, blackberries, coffee, incense and forest floor. This distinctive, large-scaled, viscous, thick Pomerol may be as concentrated as some of this estate’s all-time classics (1947 and 1950). I am puzzled by why I could not see this a few years ago. In any event, this is one of the most profound Le Gay’s ever produced. Forget it for at least a decade and drink it over the following half century.” RP
The average price is $148
Wine Spectator 98 points “*Collectibles* Stunning and pure from the get-go, with intense cassis and blackberry fruit. Ultimately takes a slightly austere approach, with a wrought-iron structure driving along while pastis, black tea, licorice snap and asphalt notes course underneath. Long and loaded with grip, this remains remarkably fine-grained. A very chiseled Cabernet that is wonderfully precise and incredibly long. Best from 2020 through 2040.” WS
Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2007 750ML ($179.95) Was $139, Now $119
Burghound 89-91 points “This offers a big step up in aromatic elegance with very fresh dark berry fruit and warm earth notes that carry over to the underbrush and mineral suffused medium weight flavors that possess a suave and less obviously structured mouth feel as the buried tannins are relegated to the background on the persistent and intense finish. Lovely.”BH
The next best price is $179
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Good full red. Superripe, slightly porty aromas of black cherry, damp earth and chocolate. Fat, full and compellingly sweet, with just enough freshness to maintain its balance. Finishes with substantial palate-coating tannins and notes of smoke and truffle.” ST
The average price is $95
Burghound 91 points “A deft touch of wood frames cool, refined, elegant and quite pure red berry fruit aromas that carry obvious stony undertones that also characterize the supple, focused and intense flavors that are tautly muscled and feature real precision on the beautifully long finish. This is a classic Lavaut in style as there is a definite coolness and the entire wine is built on a base of firm minerality.”BH
The next best price is $179