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Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 1997 | Eden Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia | Red Wine | 95 | 100% shiraz grapes from pre-phylloxera material brought from Europe by the early German settlers in the mid 1800s and grown in the Eden Valley wine region. |
Godelia Mencia Bierzo 2011 | Bierzo, Spain | Red Wine | 90 | Perfect expression of Mencia from Bierzo. This vintage is characterized by a great fruit concentration. We can find a lot of nuances, red fruits, violets and mineral notes, which are assembled with the nuances provided by the oak aging. The palate is fresh, meaty and elegant with a great finish. |
Lake Sonoma Winery Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2006 | Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 90 | A solid structured wine, with firm tannins and integrated oak nuances. This Zinfandel is balanced with forward fruit flavors of blackberry and plum, and accompanied by a hint of black pepper spice. |
Kendall-Jackson Summation Red Blend 2013 | California | Red Wine | 91 | This beautifully fruit-forward, layered wine is rich, complex and offers a sumptuous texture. This is a great example of the 2013 vintage and all of its glory. It has spiciness from the Zinfandel,fresh, lush red fruit and dark, red fruit tones from the Syrah, with a kiss of chocolate from the Merlot. Sumptuous tannins from the Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache envelope the mouth and linger beyond each sip, and a smile is brought to one’s face. |
Domaine St. Damien Gigondas La Louisiane 2017 | Gigondas, Rhone, France | Red Wine | 95 | Age of the vines: Grenache (1942)Mourvèdre (1977) Cinsault (1951). |
Hogue Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 | Columbia Valley, Washington | Red Wine | 88 | For our Genesis brand wines, we seek grapes from some of the most distinctive vineyard sites in Eastern Washington. The 2006 vintage showcases fruit from two of the state's premiere sites for Cabernet—Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope, where the desert-like conditions of very warm days, cool nights and drying winds allow the grapes to fully ripen with little threat from disease. Classic Cabernet flavors of cassis, berry and plum mingle harmoniously with light oak spice and an understated sage note. The wine is soft and plush on the palate, with velvety tannins and an aromatic finish. |
Bond Melbury 2011 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 92 | MELBURY originates from a spectacular property on the slopes north of Lake Hennessey, in the hills east of Rutherford. The name Melbury is in homage to an historic area in London, where the estate owners reside much of the year. Since its debut with the 1999 vintage, the consistent hallmarks of Melbury have been plush red fruits (currants, bing cherries), redolent with spice and the scent of violets. Elegance and a supple texture define the structure of this wine. The particular exposition of this rocky 7-acre hillside vineyard is southerly overlooking Lake Hennessey, allowing the vines to capture the morning sun yet moderating afternoon temperatures. |
Jeff Cohn Cellars Landy Sweetwater Springs Zinfandel 2011 | Russian River, Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 92 | This year it shows a ton of sweet red and black raspberry notes, roasted Herbs de Provence with just a touch of charcuterie and roasted earth notes on both the aromatics and palate. This wine has a very silky texture, but with ripe tannins that will allow one to age this wine for some time. |
Le Macchiole Paleo (3 Liter Bottle) 2011 | Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 92 | Named for the local wild grass that once covered its vineyards, Paleo Rosso is a landmark expression of Italian CabernetFranc. Eugenio Campolmi had long dreamt of creating a unique wine that would stand apart from the rest of Bolgheri, andconverted this wine from a blend to 100% Cabernet Franc in 2001. |
Covenant The Tribe Chardonnay (OU Kosher) 2014 | Lodi, California | White Wine | 90 | The Tribe Chardonnay 2014 is sourced from a single vineyard in Lodi and serves up tropical fruit flavors framing a mineral core. |
Januik Winery Merlot 2015 | Columbia Valley, Washington | Red Wine | 89 | This well-structured, medium-bodied Merlot shows lots of black raspberry, cherry and plum notes in the nose that transition into fleshy black fruit and cocoa flavors in the mouth. Brimming with a tremendous amount of texture and length, this wine should age gracefully for a minimum of 10-15 years. |
Calera Reed Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 | Central Coast, California | Red Wine | 90 | Briar, berry pie and flinty, rocky sassafras mark this 2011 Reed Vineyard Pinot Noir; one of the most concentrated and richest showings from this north/northeast facing block. The mouthwatering, yet taut flavors of black plum, forest floor, sleek red fruits and a unique salinity make it a delicious and fascinating wine. The structure is full and round but firm, with exquisite balance and a wonderful lingering finish. |
Chateau Duhart-Milon 2016 | Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | Red Wine | 93 | Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot |
Altesino Alte di Altesi 2000 | Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 93 | Varietals: 70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes: Vibrant red in color with violet reflections. Very elegant bouquet showing fruit and tobacco-slightly herbaceous. Full bodied and harmonic with a persistent finish. Excellent concentration and structural tannins. Recommended with grilled and roasted meats. |
Cape d'Estaing Kangaroo Island Shiraz 2001 | Australia | Red Wine | 94 | The color of this wine is a very deep red, dark and opaque - typical of Cape d'Estaing wines. The nose is lifted, ripe and forward showing generous plummy Shiraz notes with plenty of complementary oak. The palate is big and full, with rich lingering Shiraz flavors such as spice, plums and berry fruits. The structure is solid and complete with the young tannins providing a great backbone to the palate. The wine was aged in a combination of French (60%) and American oak - 80% hogsheads and 20% barriques. 78% of the barrels were new and the remainder had been used once before. This is a wine, which will mature beautifully for 10 - 15 years. It has great flavor and very good ripe firm structure that will ensure it can really benefit from time in bottle. |
Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2006 | South Africa | White Wine | 91 | A shockingly good marriage between Old and New World Sauvignon blanc. Upfront exotic green fruit flavours with prominent flint, chalk and minerals. The entry shows ripe fruit, the finish is dry with great length. Friendly already, with a track record that promises huge aging potential, this wine is destined to have great appeal. |
Cantina Cortaccia Pinot Grigio 2012 | Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy | White Wine | 89 | This Pinot Grigio gets fine mineral-rich spice that sometimes takes on a fiery varietal perfume of gooseberries, linden flowers, and acacia blossoms from the lime-rich soils of the fantastically steep slopes of Kurtatsch-Penon. The blending of mountain and valley grapes creates an extraordinary Pinot Grigio, with the total class and creamy suppleness of the south and the seriousness on the palate of the north. |
Delectus Cuvee Julia 2004 | Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 93 | What's the best kept secret in the Napa Valley? It's the fact that only one other person besides winemaker Gerhard Reisacher knows the exact blend components of this amazing wine. Whispered to daughter Julia while deeply asleep, the secret blend melts away into her dreams. This is Cuvée Julia, the crown jewel in the Delectus portfolio of wines. Cuvée Julia is a blend of the best barrels of the vintage, usually Cabernet driven, and is always the most dramatic bottling of the year. |
Arrowood Merlot 1995 | Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 90 | On the palate, the 1995 Merlot has incredibly concentrated flavors of black cherry, anise and clove spice. There are hints of plum and violet, with a citrus oil and cedar top note. This is a rich, full bodied and dynamic wine whose texture and mouthfeel carry lingering flavors of spice and sweet oak into the finish. |
Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 | Marlborough, New Zealand | White Wine | 92 | Fermented using natural yeasts this wine is driven by a citrus core and mineral backbone, restrained flintiness and patisserie notes from extended aging on yeast lees. Judicious use of oak leads to a wonderfully balanced Chardonnay with focussed texture, vibrant, fresh acidity and a long finish. |
Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 | Oakville, Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 93 | Beautiful aromas of blackberry and boysenberry pie, cassis, licorice and sweet anise, pair gorgeously with hints of lightly toasted oak. A silky entry transitions to a very smooth midpalate with flavors of mixed berry fruit, light toasted oak, and sweet licorice. Well-structured and polished, this wine is filled with juicy acid and fine grain tannins that melt into a long mouthwatering finish. |
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2002 | Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia | Red Wine | 91 | The wine is brilliant red to black in color, showing vanillin American oak with a blackberry and spice bouquet. The palate displays good length of fruit with rich blackberry, plums and spice flavors. |
K Vintners Cattle King Syrah 2013 | Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington | Red Wine | 98 | Power! Layers of licorice, black olive, meat, smoke, dark fruit, white and black pepper. Deep, concentrated and just awesome. This wine is rich, dense and delicious! |
Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc 2010 | Napa Valley, California | White Wine | 90 | Gravenstein apple and Meyer lemon greet the nose with floral, high notes of peach blossom. Pineapple and lychee are supported by fine-tuned minerality. A luscious mid-palette expands into a rich and long finish. |
Chateau d'Esclans Les Clans Rose 2013 | Cotes de Provence, Provence, South of France, France | Pink and Rosé | 91 | Les Clans is the first of the higher end cuvees and marks a major departure in the flight as well as the way Rose typically tastes. This uniquely delicious wine drinks like a high end Burgundian white wine with a buttery and minerally finish. |
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2005 | Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia | Red Wine | 95 | A rollercoaster ride of opulent fruit and aristocratic elegance. A massive attack of fruit; Boysenberry, Blueberries, Plum. Interwoven complexity; Menthol, Spearmint, Rose, Lavender, Spice. |
Devillard Domaine des Perdrix Echezeaux 2002 | Flagey-Echezeaux, Cote de Nuits, Cote d'Or, Burgundy, France | Red Wine | 91 | The Echezeaux typically has a very beautiful ruby color with brilliant tints. Dark red fruits on the nose and well-balanced flavors on the palate. A full-bodied wine with great ageing potential. |
Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly Silex 2011 | Pouilly-Fume, Loire, France | White Wine | 93 | This is considered to be Dagueneau's "Grand Cru", if you will. The incremental changes made in both the winery and vineyards over the years and more recently by Benjamin Dagueneau have come together with a vintage that could best express what he was trying to say. Aromatic ripeness without high alcohol. Massive mineral concentration that will yield over time and marry perfectly with the high-toned fruit components and barrel and bottle complexity that seem in perfect harmony. The most young and backward of the bunch (as usual), this wine has massive acidity that provides the perfect balance to the mineral profile that is so prevalent in the mouth. No shortage of fruit, but for the time being, this wine is all about structure and potential. Sit back and marvel at what the years have in store for this wine, and make sure you save some. |
Chateau Magdelaine 1999 | St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France | Red Wine | 88 | "The dark ruby-colored 1999 Magdelaine is a stylish, light to medium-bodied effort. It possesses sweet, lush aromas and flavors redolent of cherries and currants. Subtle notions of earth, wood, and a touch of herbaceousness also emerge. Drink it over the next 10-15 years." - Robert Parker |
Argiano Solengo 2011 | Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 91 | Intense, deep ruby to purple in the glass. The bouquet is rich and dense, full of ripe fruits and sweet spicy aromas. Modern and well-balanced in flavor with remarkable structure tempered by silky tannins. The concentrated aromas of berries and chocolate make the aftertaste last for minutes. |
Cote Bonneville Dubrul Vineyard Red Blend 2004 | Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington | Red Wine | 94 | The power of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is obvious in the deep garnet color, effusive aromatics, rich palate and texture. It is another gorgeous Cote Bonneville expression of DuBrul Vineyard. |
Fattoria Le Pupille Poggio Argentato 2015 | Tuscany, Italy | White Wine | 92 | A Cuvee of Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Petit Manseng and Semillon, Poggio Argentato presents itself as a white wine with a French sway within which the good structure, given by the territory of Maremma, is balanced by its acidity and the elegance of northern vines. Straw-yellow color, the nose perceives a rich whiteflower bouquet (hawthorn and acacia). The taste is soft, butsupported by a good acidity and sapidity. |
Kenwood Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter) 1993 | Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 90 | An elegant, intensely concentrated wine with vibrant blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors. |
Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva 2013 | Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 90 | Its color is a deep ruby red with a faint garnet tinge. On the nose, the initial sweetish woody sensations make way for the elegant perfumes that are typical of Chianti Classico, like hints of iris and spicy tones. On the palate, the tannic austerity of Sangiovese is truly traditional, and this is accompanied by the warm,savory notes of a wine destined for long aging. |
Drew Fog Eater Pinot Noir 2015 | Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California | Red Wine | 95 | This lovely Pinot Noir offers up distinctive character from its northern coastal valley. We have combined the Valenti Ranch, Balo, Fashauer and a bit of Joshua's vineyard for this blend. It shows a brightness and tension from a relatively cool vintage but also great concentration due to lower than average yields due to cold and foggy set conditions. |
Hentley Farm The Beauty Shiraz 2015 | Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia | Red Wine | 90 | The Beauty, a fitting partner to the Beast, is a wine of elegance... Grown on the coolest block on the property and co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, the Beauty displays complex lifted aromatics, along with the softness and subtlety befitting a wine of this name. |
Artazu Artazuri Garnacha 2000 | Rioja, Spain | Red Wine | 87 | "The tank-fermented and aged 2000 Garnacha, (2,500 cases) made from 60-80 year old Grenache, exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious quantities of sweet black cherry and raspberry fruit presented in an uncomplicated but mouthfilling, medium to full-bodied, ripe style with good definition. It tastes like a top-notch Beaujolais on steroids. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. This debut offering from Artazuri, a project of Juan-Carlos Lopez de la Call, the force behind Rioja's great Bodegas Artadi, is worth buying by the case." |
Failla Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 | Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 97 | Aromatics of the Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 are quintessential Hirsch; expressive with raspberry, green tea, sandalwood and balsam. The palate shows the noble side of Pinot Noir; fine but resolved tannins that give way to great freshness as a result of the well preserved acidity. |
Leonetti Merlot 2005 | Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington | Red Wine | 94 | "The 2005 Merlot contains 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. It spent 14 months in French and American oak and was bottled unfiltered. Purple-colored, it has a splendid bouquet of pain grille, spice box, cassis, and black currants. This is followed by a plush wine with layered flavors, superb balance, and terrific length. This outstanding Merlot can be enjoyed now but merits 4-6 years of further cellaring. It should provide pleasure through 2030." |
Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 | Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California | White Wine | 94 | Single Vineyard Chardonnay.. |
Alain Voge Cornas Vieilles Vignes 2013 | Cornas, Rhone, France | Red Wine | 92 | The Cornas “Les Vieilles Vignes” comes from Syrah vineyards, more than 30 years old, on decomposed granite slopes, also called “gore”. |
Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir 2005 | Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 90 | This Pinot Noir begins with an expressive nose of violets, fresh ginger, raspberry and clove. The palate is broad with rich, mouth-filling flavors of crushed red fruit. The velvety tannins and wonderful oak integration carry through on the long finish. This young wine will continue to evolve for several more years and promises exceptional complexity and age-worthiness. |
Adelsheim Pinot Blanc 2001 | Willamette Valley, Oregon | White Wine | 87 | With loads of mineral qualities, and some lemon and vanilla (no oak, though), the wines sleek personality is easy to see. As a matter of fact, this Pinot blanc is the most approachable vintage Adelsheim has ever produced. |
La Magia Brunello di Montalcino 2012 | Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 92 | The color is ruby red tending towards garnet, with typical red berry fruit opening out on the nose and in the mouth, mineral overtones, delicate spices, supported by generous acidity, restrained tannin and a long finish. |
Hesketh Usual Suspects Shiraz 2008 | Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia | Red Wine | 90 | Deep ruby red color with bright purple hues. Dark chocolate, coffee, cinnamon spice, marshmallow and blackberries. On the palate, generous ripe blackberry, milk coffee, cocoa and dark chocolate with a hint of white pepper spice. Co-fermented Viognier component provides a soft, silky texture and added complexity to the palate. |
Hunt McKay Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 | Rutherford, Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 92 | As with the previous vintages, the 2011 Hunt McKay (KaDieM) Cabernet is a hand-crafted, limited production Napa Valley wine made with grapes farmed and harvested exclusively from Morisoli Vineyards, located just west of Rutherford. Michael works closely with Gary Morisoli and this Rutherford AVA delivers bold, rich red and black fruit. With a little time and patience after opening, you will rewarded with an elegant, sophisticated and well balanced Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with dark fruit aromas of blackberry, black cherry and currants. On the palate, the ripe red fruits weave into a mosaic of flavors including dark cocoa, hints of licorice and sweet tobacco. |
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2011 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France | Red Wine | 92 | One cannot think of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the most celebrated cru of the Southern Rhone, without thinking of Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe. The Brunier family is legendary in its own right, having been rooted to the enigmatic plateau known as "La Crau" for over one hundred years. |
Hogue Fruit Forward Semillon 1999 | Columbia Valley, Washington | White Wine | 88 | HOGUES 1999 Semillon has aromas of dried apricot, lychee, spice, rose petal and tangerine. The palate offers similar flavors, a slight herbal note, round mouthfeel and a crisp finish. Semillon is one of the winemaking teams favorite white wines, due in large part to its compatibility with a wide range of foods. Try this wine with delicate seafood such as grilled oysters or steamed clams; sushi is a great match, too. |
Bernardus Monterey County Pinot Noir 2011 | Monterey, Central Coast, California | Red Wine | 90 | Our Monterey Pinot Noir grapes are from the Griva vineyard in the Arroyo Seco appellation. |
Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling 2002 | Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia | White Wine | 86 | Bright and tangy, juicy with lime, pear and mineral flavors, vibrating on the dry, tart finish. |
Big Basin Coastview Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 | Mt. Harlan, Central Coast, California | White Wine | 90 | Relative to the 2013 vintage, the 2014 possesses lifted floral aromatics with more verve and minerality. The percentage of new French oak was reduced slightly (only 2 out of 9 barrels) which enhances the transparency to the expressive Coastview fruit. The resulting wine is fully integrated with a concentration on the mid palate that is impressive. |
La Tunella Bianco Sesto Colli Orientali del Friuli 2008 | Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy | White Wine | 90 | La Tunella Bianco Sesto 2008 boasts a straw-yellow color, with greenish reflections. A wine of great substance, this white blend has a refined and elegant bouquet of confectionary, vanilla and acacia blossoms, intermingling with the vivacious fresh notes of fruit and white flowers. The palate opens with a delicate, full character, which is both supple and flavorful at the same time. A wine of great character, the distinguishing characteristics of each varietal stand out in its persistent finish, with a slight almond note from the Friulano and the fresh sensations of the Ribolla. |
Banfi Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1999 | Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 94 | A tremendously deep and intense color which is quite unheard of for a Sangiovese. A full bouquet of red fruits, plums, cherries and ripe blackberries is well balanced with hints of vanilla from the tannins. The wine opens on the palate with pleasant notes of licorice, tobacco and black olives. The tannins are thick and silky, extremely rich but not overpowering. The wine is full bodied and well structured, with excellent fruit concentration and length. A great wine that should only improve with age. |
Kracher Scheurebe Zwischen Den Seen Trockenbeerenauslese #9 (375ML half-bottle) 2000 | Burgenland, Austria | Collectible | 97 | Medium gold. Fresh Muscat grape aromas on the nose, seductive exotic and floral notes with fresh kumquat. Spicy nutmeg and white pepper characters on the finish, leading to a long and pleasantly lingering aftertaste. Magnificent varietal character. |
Bodegas y Vinedos Maurodos Prima 2008 | Toro, Spain | Red Wine | 91 | Grapes: 95% Tinta de Toro, 5% Garnacha |
Domaine Olivier Merlin Macon La Roche Vineuse 2016 | Maconnais, Burgundy, France | White Wine | 92 | #61 |
Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos 2007 | Spain | Red Wine | 92 | In the Bierzo appellation, perched in the Northwest corner of Spain, ancient Mencía vineyards emerge from the steepest of hillsides, their roots deeply set into unique, mineral-laden soils. Under the skilled hands of Palacios and his cousin, Ricardo Perez Palacios, the forgotten black grape (believed by some to be a cousin of Cabernet Franc), has achieved new heights. The 60- to 100 year-old vines yield less than one ton per acre, resulting in a most concentrated, unique expression of this variety and of the Bierzo terroir. A classic vintage in the appellation. The wines have rich fruit, fresh personalities, and show great structure. |
Bernard Burgaud Cote Rotie 2012 | Cote Rotie, Rhone, France | Red Wine | 92 | It is a wine of character that strongly expresses its origin, and best expresses the uniqueness of each vintage. |
Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill 2009 | Spain | Red Wine | 92 | The 2009 Tarima Hill reveals sumptuous aromas of camphor, sweet, smoky oak, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, and crushed rocks. Deep and full-bodied with silky tannins and a long finish, this beauty was aged in 100% French oak for 20 months. Vivid ruby. Sexy black raspberry and oak spices on the nose, with notes of fresh rose and anise adding complexity. Sweet, sappy and expansive, offering lively dark berry preserve flavors and a velour-like texture. Graceful and balanced but also packs a punch. Finishes smooth, spicy and quite long. |
Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 90 | The nose combines the sweetness of raspberry and violet with the spiceness of pepper, clove and tobacco, while in the palate the lush currant and plum fruit flavors balance with vanilla, cedar and nutmeg. This is a well balanced, medium bodied wine with nice tannins. |
Gramercy Cellars John Lewis Syrah 2016 | Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington | Red Wine | 94 | This wine is all about florals – lavender, rose petal, and potpourri. Asian spice, smoked meat, provence herb. Strong mineral and gravel on the palate, fresh and energetic, with red fruits – cranberry, strawberry, with a hint of blue fruit. Strong tannins with high acidity. Classic cool region focused Syrah. A stunning version of John Lewis Syrah. |
Ceritas Escarpa Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 | California | Red Wine | 93 | Often harvested as late as the second or third week of October, Escarpa fruit has established the stylistic benchmark for Ceritas Pinot Noir. Moderate in alcohol and abundant in flavor and complexity, this Pinot Noir displays darker fruits with great natural acidity, long fine tannins and earth. |
Joseph Phelps Insignia (bin soiled labels) 2000 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 90 | With complex aromas of black cherry, plum, chocolate, currant and toasty oak, the wine displays layers of flavor and richness that disguise its power and longevity. Beautifully crafted and balanced, Insignia reflects a new level of quality from both the vineyards and the growing regions. |
Hugel Hommage Riesling 1997 | Alsace, France | White Wine | 92 | Riesling is considered by Alsace wine growers to be the most distinguished variety in the region, producing elegant, complex and very dry wines, except a tiny volume of late harvest examples and the Hommage selection. The Hommage a Jean Hugel Riesling was made from the best fruit from the steep, south-facing, stony and gypsum-rich Schoenenbourg vineyard. |
Buoncristiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 95 | Expect to find deep aromas of cassis, black cherry, incense, dark chocolate, caramelized oak, toffee, and the Buoncristiani signatures of balance, depth on the mid palate, and a lengthy persistent finish. Precise amounts of Malbec and Merlot were carefully folded into the final blend to add complexity and depth to the profile. 20 Months aging in 85% new French oak barrels rounded out the palate even further, while adding more texture, aroma and flavor. |
Cambria Julia's Vineyard Rose of Pinot Noir 2018 | Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California | Pink and Rosé | 89 | Julia’s Vineyard, named for Julia Jackson in 1988, consists of ancient soils with fossilized seashells, shale, limestone, and sand, with fog-swept vines that have endured since the 1970s. This unique piece of land thrives in the cool, maritime influences that funnel in from the Pacific Ocean, allowing for a long, cool growing season. |
Garciarevalo Tresolmos 2014 | Rueda, Spain | White Wine | 90 | Made from 100% Verdejo, Garciarevalo Tres Olmos smells fresh and exotic, with notes of lime leaf and lime blossom. It's an inviting wine, mid-weight, with a great balance of minerality, earthiness, citrusy fruit, and a touch of brine. |
Chateau Haut-Bergey 2012 | Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | Red Wine | 90 | Chateau Haut Bergey is one of the crown jewels in the collection of exquisite Grand Crus. The exceptional soil consists of clay and gravel washed up from the Pyrenees caused by the meanderings of the Garrone over time which give Chateau Haut Bergey its distinctive character. |
Les Asteries 2008 | St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France | Red Wine | 93 | This Single Vineyard wine is made from a single hectare on 'Asteries' (rock limestone) soil between Chateau Fonroque and Clos Fourtet. The vines survived the frost of 1956 and are up to eighty years old. 'Panacheed' in the old style (Merlot interspersed with Cabernet Franc to ensure easy blending in the days before pumps) they are cropped down to four bunches per vine to reflect the 'terroir' of the parcel. |
Chateau Pavie Decesse 2016 | St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France | Red Wine | 93 | Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc |
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2010 | Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 91 | Argiano's Brunello di Montalcino is distinguished by its elegance and its deep ruby red colour. It presents a good concentration on the mid-palate and a persistent aftertaste, with a rounded and voluptuous body, and interesting, silky tannins. It unites potency and elegance and looks like having a promising future. With its tempting perfumes of red berries and its clean freshness, the complexity of this wine presents an excellent balance. |
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Ancient Field Blend 2015 | Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 94 | The "Ancient Field Blend" is from a 12 acre block of vines that were planted in 1885. The vineyard is a mosaic of over two dozen grape varieties — principally Zinfandel, but also Grenache, Alicante Bouchet, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignane, and Tempranillo, to name a few. |
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Coffret with 2 Flutes | Champagne, France | Sparkling & Champagne | 93 | #55 |
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay 2007 | Central Coast, California | White Wine | 88 | Appearance: Bright golden yellow |
De Martino Gran Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 | Chile | Red Wine | 88 | The DeMartino family has been producing wine in Chile's famous Maipo Valley for almost 70 years. Delicate use of oak adds complexity, but the strength of DeMartino wines is in their fruit, which results in big, rich, extracted flavors. These wines are concentrated yet elegant, each with a distinctive personality. |
Albert Bichot Macon-Villages 2017 | Macon Villages, Maconnais, Burgundy, France | White Wine | 89 | The nose is beautiful with floral notes (acacia and honeysuckle) against a slightly mineral background. The palate is lively, fruity and floral with a refreshing finish. |
Aia Vecchia Lagone Toscana 2007 | Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 90 | Lagone has a warm deep red color close to purple. Delicate aromas of Mediterranean wood and vanilla emphasize the structured and elegant taste with intense notes of wild berries, ripe juicy sour cherries and hints of sweet spices that leave the palate satisfied and pleasantly sweet and dry. Tibor Gál has been able to create a blend marked by the Italian "terroir" together with the "finesse" of a great French red wine. The wine is well structured with a strong and mellow texture. In short, a modern red wine of the best quality. |
Heartland Shiraz 2008 | South Australia, Australia | Red Wine | 88 | A vibrant ruby/purple in color, the 08 Heartland Shiraz has hints of chocolate, pepper and tobacco leaf on the nose. Blackcurrant, rhubarb and spicy aniseed flavors abound on the palate, and are perfectly balanced by fine, supple tannins. The 2008 vintage is more generous at release than the 2007, showing juicy, rich, varietal characters. |
Joseph Jewell Humboldt County Pinot Noir 2014 | California | Red Wine | 92 | The Humboldt County Pinot Noir is a harmonious blend of fruit from three vineyards (Elk Prairie, Alderpoint, and Ryan) and represents our vision of the quintessential Pinot Noir from the region. The wine welcomes immediately with a light, ruby color and aromas of bright cherries, earthy tones and baking spices. On the palate, its enticing acidity forms the edges of flavor highlighted with dried cranberries and cherries jubilee before moving to a zesty, citrus finish that begs you to take another sip. |
Fattorie Melini Chianti Classico Isassi 2000 | Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 87 | Bright ruby-red. The bouquet is vinous and fragrant with violets and iris scents and hints of vanilla. The taste is dry, fine and full, pleasantly fruity with an elegant aftertaste of raspberries and almonds.Bright ruby-red. The bouquet is vinous and fragrant with violets and iris scents and hints of vanilla. The taste is dry, fine and full, pleasantly fruity with an elegant aftertaste of raspberries and almonds. |
Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 90 | This 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers wonderfully fragrant, complex aromas of ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit augmented by complementary scents of loam, spice-box, dark chocolate and toasty oak. Beautifully balanced and richly textured on the palate, its concentrated black cherry, wild berry, cassis and mocha flavors are supported by supple tannins and extend into a long, chocolatey finish. |
Gini Soave Classico 2014 | Soave, Veneto, Italy | White Wine | 90 | Golden-hued and medium-bodied, this wine is a superlative expression of Garganega, the indigenous Northern Italian grape varietal used to make Soave Classico. With white blossoms and delicate fruit on the nose such as golden apple, pear, a tinge of ripe lemon, it features stony minerality, bright, refreshing acidity and lingering notes of honey. |
Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge 2010 | Margaux, Bordeaux, France | Red Wine | 91 | It is the first time that the Pavillon Rouge, which made up 38% of the crop, accounts for the same proportion as the first wine. This selection reflects the even higher standards we have set for Pavillon Rouge. It is indeed no longer a second wine but rather a different blend of the first one, with truly comparable tannic power. |
King Estate Signature Collection Pinot Gris 2012 | Oregon | White Wine | 90 | This beautiful light straw and emerald wine has aromas of raspberry, grapefruit, honey dew melon, lime zest, floral notes, and a hint of honey. The lemon-lime, green apple, white peach, pineapple and a hint of spice flavors lead to to a viscous mouthfeel, crisp acidity, and a blanaced finish. |
Alex Gambal Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseigneres 2014 | Puligny-Montrachet, Cote de Beaune, Cote d'Or, Burgundy, France | White Wine | 93 | A powerful wine with a great balance of fruit and natural acidity along with the citrus elements of classic Puligny. This Chardonnay is manually harvested, and the whole clusters are put in the pneumatic press and are gently pressed for 2-3 hours. The free-run juice is placed in tank overnight for natural sedimentation. The juice is then put in barrel by gravity for fermentation with its natural yeasts. Aging occurs on the lies, without racking for 10-16 months. The wine is racked once just before bottling and bottle by gravity after a light fining (no filtering) by gravity, all the while respecting the phases of the moon and the planets. |
Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2018 | Cotes de Provence, Provence, South of France, France | Pink and Rosé | 90 | Whispering Angel is today's worldwide reference for Provence Rosé. Its pale color is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. The rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish. Highly approachable and enjoyable with a broad range of cuisine, Whispering Angel is a premium Rosé that you can drink from mid-day to midnight. |
Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2013 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 91 | The 2013 Napa Valley Zinfandel has a deep scarlet hue. On the nose, the wine has a savory quality of pepper, leather, brambly fruit and dried orange rind. This vibrant, medium-bodied Zinfandel has a silky and enveloping mouthfeel, offering abundant notes of red raspberries and dark berries, and a long, layered finish. |
K Vintners Stoneridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 | Washington | Red Wine | 92 | 2009 is the inaugural release of this wine. Dark is the first word when you smell this wine. Firm and refined. It is all there. Black currant, ripe fig, warm earth, nicoise olive, tobacco pouch, graham cracker, gravel and black tea. Yes it is all here. And more! |
Bella Union by Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 90 | Upon first sip, Bella Union offers exuberant plum and black cherry aromas, signature notes of the Bella Union Vineyard. The wine is luscious with supple tannins that provide a framework for longevity. The finish lingers with persistent fruit flavors and notes of toasty oak, black pepper and espresso bean. |
Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1985 | Oakville, Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 94 | Heitz Cellars receives the entire production from the famed vineyard in Oakville for its limited edition of vineyard designated Cabernet Sauvignon. Its distinctive minty, characteristics, rich flavors, and overall balance have made it one of the most identifiable Cabernet Sauvignons in the world, and one of the most sought after. To add to its overall complexities, the 100 percent varietal Cabernet is aged for a year in American oak tanks and two and a half years in French limousin oak barrels. |
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 | Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California | Red Wine | 90 | "Knights Valley is a very special place for us at Beringer. As you drive over the mountain from St. Helena, the valley opens up before your eyes and you immediately feel transported to another time, where things are slower and more rustic. This wine captures that place with great intensity of black fruit aromas and a long satisfying finish." |
Banfi Summus 1997 | Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 90 | Castello Banfi's innovative spirit and winemaking expertise is demonstrated in all its wines, but none embodies these qualities as prominently as Summus. |
Heritage School Vineyards Missiaen's Hillside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 | Calistoga, Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 96 | Tucked in the hillsides northwest of downtown Calistoga, Harris Estate Vineyards continues to produce wines of impressive purity and texture. These full-bodied wines have personalities that reflect their mountainside location and ideal grape growing soils. Year after year I am impressed by the quality of grapes grown here, making this one of Napa Valley’s finest up-valley vineyards. |
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2006 | Calistoga, Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 91 | The 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has an enticing deep garnet red color in the glass. On the nose there are complex notes of blackberry tart, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa, along with dried black currants. The mouth has a soft supple entry, youthful crisp acidity, juicy plum and rich bright red fruit notes, all complemented by loads of fine grain tannin and an under-layer of dried black currant. |
Clos de los Siete Red Blend 2011 | Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina | Red Wine | 90 | Clos de los Siete is a blended wine that offers a particularly fine expression of the characteristics of the Malbec grape. On the palate it is direct, opulent, and well-balanced. This wine's generous, full-bodied palate and long finish will appeal to wine lovers year after year. |
Dragonette Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2013 | Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California | Red Wine | 90 | On the nose, the wine is beautifully aromatic, combining notes of ripe, fresh cherry, raspberry, and strawberry jam, along with intense floral notes of hibiscus and orange blossom, baking spices of cardamom, cacao and vanilla, and a touch of fresh herbs (bay leaf, celery leaf). On the palate the wine is medium bodied and silky, with waves of complex ripe red fruits (cherry, raspberry, cranberry) complicated by notes of rhurbarb, fresh herbs and hints of wood smoke. The wine has ample, bright acidity, and sturdy tannins which provide structure, energy and cut on the long smooth finish. |
Franciscan Estate Magnificat 2013 | Napa Valley, California | Red Wine | 90 | Deep scarlet color. Dark cherry, plum, baking spices, and coffee weave into a complex aroma. The wine opens with ripe plum and black currant. The impressive structure is readily apparent in a dense, full body with refi ned tannins. The extensive finish blends cassis with anise, tobacco, cocoa, and vanilla. |
Banfi Centine Toscana 2005 | Tuscany, Italy | Red Wine | 86 | Centine is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is a bright ruby-red, youthful wine, intensely fruity with a lingering finish - a testament to its overall balance. It is an ideal companion to pasta, grilled or roasted red and white meats. |
Felsina I Sistri Chardonnay 2015 | Tuscany, Italy | White Wine | 91 | Rich straw yellow. The nose shows notes of exotic fruit and peach with pleasant spicy aromas like vanilla. A full and creamy palate with an elegant structure, excellent balance, and zesty acidity. |
Breton Lorinon Crianza Rioja 1999 | Rioja, Spain | Red Wine | 86 | Ripe and structured, 1999 produced wines of excellent quality for all aging levels, the Crianza among the most concentrated yet produced at Bretón. While a pleasure to drink over the coming months, this wine would well reward cellaring an extra case. 70% Tempranillo, 20% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano and 5% Garnacha, aged 15 months in American oak averaging 5 years old. |