This ongoing PJWine.com section features wines very highly praised wines. Please note that due to the very small production of many of these acclaimed wines, supplies may be limited and not available for re-order. Additional highly rated wines are rotated in periodically. However, please note that PJ’s offers many more highly rated wines beyond those featured on this page.

Argentina | Australia | Chile | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | New Zealand | United States| Other

Argentina

Australia

’05 Clarendon Hills Astralis McLaren Vale Shiraz $297.97
“At the top of the pyramid is the 2005 Syrah Astralis Vineyard. It is sourced from a vineyard planted in 1920 and is one of the Syrah cuvees in which 100% new oak is utilized (along with Brookman, Hickinbotham, and Piggott Range). It delivers an ethereal bouquet of smoky oak, violets, espresso, black pepper, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Densely packed and tightly wound, all it needs is time. The wine is totally harmonious, impeccably balanced, and exceptionally long. When it fully unwinds, even my high rating will appear conservative.” —WA 99

Chile

’06 Concha y Toro “Don Melchor” Puente Alto Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $69.97
The 2006 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon is a glass-coating opaque purple with an alluring bouquet of toast, tobacco, cedar, leather, mocha, and blackcurrant. Sweet, voluptuous (but not in a fruit bomb kind of way), layered, and complex already, its superb balance will ensure at least a decade of evolution and it should drink well through 2036. Don Melchor is the flagship wine of Concha y Toro, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee that was started in 1987, making it Chile’s senior icon. I feel confident about this because the winery kindly sent along a 1993 and a 1995 Don Melchor to provide context. The 1993 (94 points) reveals the nuance of a well-aged wine but with the balance to provide pleasure for another 10-15 years. The 1995 (95 points) is a bit rounder and more elegant, also with another 10-15 years of prime drinking ahead.” —WA-95

’05 Concha y Toro “Carmin de Peumo” Central Valley Carmenere $65.99
Driven and pure, with remarkably supple tannins guiding the black currant, plum, graphite and melted dark licorice notes. Picks up additional loam and coffee notes on the finish, but stays fine-grained and stylish despite its weight. Also contains Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.” —WS-94

France

’07 Chateau Saint-Roch “Chimeres” Cotes du Roussillon Villages $15.99
Fresh and jam-like layers of black raspberry, rhubarb, and fresh cherry in the nose and mouth are tinged with resinous sage, rosemary, and lavender, while striking top notes of gentian and violet waft from the glass. For all of its saturating sweet ripeness and fresh berry brightness on a silken-textured palate, this also harbors low-toned roast meatiness, while piquant notes of toasted pistachio and almond, black pepper, cherry pit, and herbs keep its long finish far from any danger of succumbing to superficial sweetness. It will be worth following for at least 3-4 years, if not longer.” —WA-92

’07 Perrin et Fils Côtes du Rhône-Villages $9.97
Still dark and tight, but with a great core of racy fig, graphite and blackberry confiture notes pushed by a long, mineral- and charcoal-tinged finish. Just needs brief cellaring to stretch out fully.” —WS-90

’05 Chapoutier Ermitage “Les Greffieux” (Net) $172.97
“Ripe and very fresh, with bright floral, licorice snap and cassis bush notes leading the way for plum sauce, blackberry and raspberry fruit flavors. Long, taut finish shows the fine structure of the vintage.” —WS 95

’05 Colin-Deléger Les Demoiselles Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru $187.99
Limited, Phone Orders Only
Wine writer and Burgundy expert Clive Coats says of the Demoiselles that it is, “a top grand cru in all but classification.” “This is more elegant and refined still with an expressive nose that runs more toward floral and white fruit aromas whereas the slightly bigger and richer flavors give up none of the detail or minerality of the En Remilly. This is a bit more forward than it usually is but it's most impressive all the same.” —BH

’05 Bruno Colin La Maltroie Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru $85.99
“A moderately toasty nose sets off pretty white flower and herbal aromas that merge into nicely detailed, rich and punchy flavors that offer solid dry extract and good if not exceptional power on the citrus-infused finish. There is good harmony here plus a nice note of minerality.” —BH

’05 Philippe Colin “Les Chaumées” Chassagne-Montrachet $87.99
“Very expressive and ripe to the point of being exotic with equally ripe, generous and mouth coating flavors that possess excellent volume and mid-palate fat and are wrapped in a textured and mouth coating finish…it is delicious and despite the ripeness and volume, manages to stay in near perfect balance.” —BH

Germany

’06 J.J. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese $39.99
“Seamless from start to finish. Aromas of rose, slate and smoke segue into lime and peach flavors in this elegant, stately white. Crisp and transparent, with precise balance and a classic Mosel profile. Has a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2035. 1,300 cases made.” —WS 95

Italy

’06 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi “Nipozzano” Chianti Rúfina Riserva $16.99
Shows sweet blueberry notes, with mineral and lilac. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and vanilla and bright fruit flavors. Clean and racy. Best after 2010. 130,000 cases made. –JS” —WS-91

’08 St. Michael “Eppan” Alto Adige Pinot Grigio $12.99
Displays spicy apple and peach notes, with silky mineral character. Medium-bodied, with clean acidity and a fruity finish. Subtle and layered. Drink now. 23,700 cases made. –JS” —WS-90

’06 Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico Sangiovese $25.99
The 2006 Chianti Classico shows some of those qualities in a bold expression of fruit that bursts from the glass in a full-bodied style. Sweet scents of earthiness, spices and French oak add complexity. This is an awesome, richly flavored Chianti from one of Tuscany’s top terroirs and most inspired producers. Though not inexpensive, the wine is insanely delicious. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2021. Fans of this venerable estate will have to wait until next year for the 2006 d’Alceo and Sammarco, but in the meantime, the Chianti Classico is sure to deliver much pleasure.” —WA-92

’06 Barone Ricasoli “Castello di Brolio” Chianti Classico Sangiovese $52.97
Shows amazing aromas of blackberry, with hints of vanilla and flowers, along with black licorice and crushed berries. Full-bodied, with wonderfully caressing, ultrafine tannins. Very balanced and long.” —WS-96

’05 Pio Cesare Barolo $47.99
Very ripe fruit aromas, with sultana, prune and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with seamless yet chewy tannins and a long finish. Lasts a long time. Always great.” —WS-93

’04 San Filippo “Le Lucere” Brunello di Montalcino $54.99
Displays ripe berry and orange peel character, with hints of other citrus fruits. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a beautiful underlying acidity. Long, flavorful and dense in structure. Best wine ever from this producer. Best after 2011.” —WS-96

’04 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino $57.99
“Shows bright berry, earth, mushroom and leather on the nose. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost raisiny fruit. Tight and lean now, but the rich fruit comes through on the finish. Give this time. Best after 2011.”– WS92

’04 Bruno Giacosa “Red Label” Barbaresco Riserva Asili $359.99
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he’s ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. ” – WA98

’04 Podere Salicutti “Piaggione” Brunello di Montalcino $97.99
“Aromas of plums and dried mushrooms follow through to a full body, with soft and silky tannins, ripe plum character and a long finish. A little tight still. Best from 2010 through 2014.” – WS91

’04 Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico $79.99
From a gorgeous vintage, this deep, rich and beautifully proportioned Amarone has won yet another Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri award for Allegrini. We jumped on board with this wine as soon as we put our nose to the glass. Simply magnificent Amarone.

’04 Bruno Giacosa “Falletto” Barolo $243.97
“Giacosa’s 2004 Barolo Falletto is so compelling it will be hard not to drink it in its youth. This gorgeous Barolo reveals a deeply structured frame layered with sweet dark fruit, mint, spice and pine. At once delicate and powerful, it is a beautifully finessed wine that is sure to provide much pleasure. A recent bottle of the 1982 is a testament to the virtues of this great site as interpreted by Bruno Giacosa.

Bruno Giacosa’s profound 2004s, which I first wrote about in Issue 173, continue with these superb Barolos, all of which merit close attention. I also had a chance to re-taste the 2004 Barbarescos and they were as impressive as they have been on previous occasions.” —WA 96

’04 Bruno Giacosa “Vigna Croera” Barolo $243.97
"The 2004 Barolo Vigna Croera reveals pretty aromatics and notes of smoke, tar, roses, herbs and the small red fruits that are characteristic of the wines of La Morra. Made in a medium-bodied, delicate style it possesses a graceful, feminine personality and finessed tannins." WA90

New Zealand

’08 Sauvignon Republic Cellars Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $15.99
“Tasty components from both the Wairau River Valley and the neighboring Awatere helped create diversity in this blend. Depending on exposure and soil structure, which ranged from rocks and pebbles to sand and clay, different parcels contributed citrus, lemon zest, nettles, pineapple-tropical fruit, and white currant, with a touch of minerality.”– WS 91

Spain

’06 Arzuaga Ribera del Duero Crianza $19.99
The 2006 Crianza is 90% Tempranillo and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged in French and American oak for 15 months. It offers up a fragrant nose of cedar, leather, lavender, mineral, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has ample spicy, savory fruit, ripe tannin, and excellent balance.” —WA-90

’05 Dominio de Atauta Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo $27.99
The entry level Atauta comes from 60-to-150 year-old, biodynamically farmed, mostly ungrafted Tempranillo bush vines. The wine is aged in 100% French oak of which 20% is new. Dark Ruby/Purple in color, it has an expressive nose of spice box, coffee, black cherry and blackberry. Made in a racy style, with good acidity, this wine admirabley combines ripe, sweet fruit with elegance. Drink it over the next 6-8 years.” —WA-92

’06 Bodegas Carmen Rodriguez Carodorum "Issos" Toro $18.99
The 2005 Isos was sourced from Tinta de Toro vines over 25 years old and aged for 9 months in French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers a fragrant bouquet of cedar, violet, plum, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a supple textured, full-bodied wine with plenty of spicy fruit and enough silky tannin to evolve for 2-3 years. This tasty Toro can be enjoyed now through 2015.” —WA-90

’05 Rejadorada “Temple” Toro $17.49
Deep ruby. Brooding cherry and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by cocoa and cola. Velvety cherry and dark berry preserve flavors are supported by firm tannins, which are slowly absorbed by the sweet fruit. Finishes with refreshing mineral bite and excellent persistence, strongly echoing the dark berry notes. This will benefit from a few years of patience.” —IWC90+

’05 Mas La MolaPriorat Garnacha Blend $29.99
This intriguing blend comes from a small vineyard, in a small region, and from small yields. But from this humble origin, comes a wine with character. Here Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even a splash of Merlot and Syrah find balance and produce a smoky, black cherry treat.” —WS-90

’05 Bodegas Alion “Alion”Castilla y León Reserva $79.99
The 2005 Alion has a captivating perfume of smoke, pencil lead, violets, truffle, cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, firm, sweetly-fruited, layered, and splendidly balanced. It has several years of aging potential and will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2025. Bodegas Alion was founded in 1991 by Vega Sicilia. Grapes are sourced from vineyards next to the winery and from Vega Sicilia’s own vineyards at Valbuena. Eighteen hectares of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) make up the estate.” —WA-94+

’07 Maurodos “Prima”Toro Red $15.99
The 2007 Prima is a blend of 90% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) and 10% Garnacha aged for 12 months in seasoned French and American oak prior to bottling without filtration. With a glass-coating opaque purple color, it reveals an expressive nose of smoke, pencil lead, tobacco, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry. Supple and round on the palate, it has layers of ripe fruit, savory flavors, and enough soft tannin to improve for another 3-5 years. This lengthy effort will have a drinking window extending from 2012 to 2025. In short, it is a serious example of Toro at a nearly frivolous price.” —WA-90

’01 López de Heredia “Viña Bosconia” Rioja Reserva Red $29.99
Red with an amber rim. Smoky redcurrant, dried cherry and floral aromas gain power with air, picking up notes of licorice and pungent herbs. Highly complex in the mouth, displaying sweet red berry and bitter cherry flavors along with a spicecake quality. The tannins are fully absorbed, allowing the sweet fruit to stand out. As complex as this is right now, it will reward many more years of cellaring.” —IWC-93

’06 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero $24.97
“Bright ruby. Vivid raspberry, blackberry, anise and floral scents are fresh and pure. Juicy dark berry flavors are complemented by succulent herbs and dark chocolate, becoming sweeter with air. Leaves strong floral pastille and berry liqueur notes behind, finishing with excellent cut and precision. Very nicely focused wine. ”– IWC 92

’06 Bodegas Bilbainas “Vina Zaco” Rioja $11.99
“Black cherry and blackberry flavors are framed by smoky chocolate oak in this modern red, which is taut and focused, with firm tannins and bright acidity. Drink now through 2012.”– WS90

’04 Bodegas Sierra Salinas “Casa Mira” Spanish Red $22.99
“Deep crimson-colored, the wine has an excellent bouquet of pain grille, mineral/creosote, black cherry, and blueberry. This leads to a smooth-textured, focused, elegant effort with ample spicy fruit, very good depth and breadth, and a long, pure finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years.”– WA93

’04 Mauro “Terreus” Spanish Red $165.99
“This inky dark red is packed with ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit, framed by toast and chocolate oak flavors, and supported by muscular tannins. Yet this remains balanced, lively and even graceful. Drink now through 2014.”– WS93

’04 Bodegas Alion Ribera del Duero $79.97
“The 2004 Alion is inky purple-colored with an alluring perfume of toasty oak, lavender, violets, mineral, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a full-bodied, rich, opulent, wine with incipient complexity, and notes of licorice, mocha, and espresso emerging on the palate. The lengthy finish is pure and persistent.” —WA 96

’04 Bodegas Los Astrales Ribera del Duero $39.97
“Alluring and exotic. Kirsch and raspberry ganache aromas leap from the glass. The flavors carry through the palate, with mocha, blueberry and smoky notes building through the finish. A modern style, yet distinctive, a bit wild. Drink now through 2015.” —WS 94

’01 CVNE “Imperial” Rioja Reserva $43.99
This is remarkable wine, just hinting at its potential. As the nose begins to open it displays a core of pure and velvety red and black cherry scents. Around this core are tones of vanilla bean, melted milk chocolate and soft leather plus hints of game and forest floor. On the palate the wine has extraordinary impact, delivering wave after wave of fruit. Fleshy black cherry, cranberry, ripe plum and even strawberry preserve span the plush and polished palate. These flavors are joined by cocoa powder, dried orange rind and spice mélange tones that are interwoven seamlessly throughout. Ultra-persistent dried red and black fruit aromatics and a fine dusting of fresh ground spices linger for what seems like minutes on a finish so long you have to experience it to believe it. PJ 96

’05 J.C. Conde “Neo Punta Esencia” Ribera del Duero $73.99
“The 2004 Neo Punta Esencia is made only in the very best vintages (2004 certainly qualifies in Ribera del Duero). The wine receives the 200% new oak treatment (12 months in new oak with racking into another set of new oak for an additional 4 months) and is bottled unfiltered. The wine is nearly black in color and has already soaked up much of the new oak. The nose is super-expressive and complex with pain grille, black currant, blackberry liqueur, and blueberry jam holding sway. Densely packed and stacked, with layer upon layer of ripe fruit, its tannins virtually concealed, this full-bodied, beautifully balanced wine is a near-monument.” —WA 96

’04 Maurodos “San Román” Toro $44.99
“Alluring plum, blackberry, cola and spice cake flavors are rich and balanced in this expressive red. There's plenty of structure, but it doesn't get in the way of the flavors, and the spicy, floral finish is long and fresh.” —WS 94

’04 Muga “Torre Muga” Rioja $79.99
“Plush and harmonious, this red is alluring yet subtle, with intense flavors backed by an impressive structure. Look for black currant, cocoa, cigar box and mineral notes now, and expect further complexity as this evolves. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2020. 2,000 cases imported.” —WS 95, WS Top 100 #11, IWC 95

’04 Muga “Aro” Rioja Red $191.99
“The 2004 Aro is 70% Tempranillo and 30% Graciano. Sourced from the estate's oldest vines, the wine is barrel-fermented and aged for 18 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it offers an uplifting nose of pain grille, crushed stone, spice box, espresso, licorice, and assorted black fruits. Opulent and layered, the wine has superb depth, great concentration and a very long finish.” —WA 98

’04 Marqués de Murrieta “Dalmau” Reserva (Net) $145.97
Limited, Phone Orders Only
This modern style luxury cuvée will stand toe to toe with any upper echeleon Napa Cab you care to throw in its direction. The nose only hints at what is in store, with notes of dark cherry, black raspberry and black currants backed by moist clay and spicy cedar. On the finely polished yet deeply structured palate plush black cherry and raspberry flavors are joined by orange zest, red and black plum, chocolate, cedar and pencil lead notes. There is exceptional density and concentration here, and all the flavors are precisely delineated. Decant this wine for several hours to enjoy now or cellar it for ten more years to experience its development. This is a top class wine at the highest level. Approaching cult status in Spain.

’04 Paixar Bierzo Mencía (Net) $64.97
The best Paixar yet and more proof of the deeply expressive and ageworthy quality of the Mencía grape. Young star winemaker Eduardo García exhibits his increasing mastery of Mencía and the tiny and extremely old vine plot, used to make the Paixar. We are more and more convinced of the ageworthiness and top quality of Bierzo wines. “Inky ruby. Potent cherry and dark berry aromas are expansive and pure, and perked up by spicy cinnamon and clove. Strong blueberry and blackcurrant flavors are complicated by floral pastille and mineral elements that carry through the finish. This gained weight and sweetness with air, offering a range of dark berry liqueur impressions and outstanding persistence.” —IWC 93

’05 Pintia Toro (Net) $58.97
“Bodegas Pintia is owned by Vega Sicilia. Pintia is located further west along the Duero River inside the warmer D.O. of Toro. The estate owns 96 hectares of land. The first vintage released was the 2001. As for the 2005 Pintia, it is 100% Tinta de Toro aged for one year in new French and American oak. Opaque purple-colored, it offers a complex perfume of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to a full-bodied, ripe, layered wine with intense flavors, serious complexity, and exceptional length. It has enough structure to unfold for another 4-6 years and drink well through 2025.” —WA 95

’05 Vall Llach "Vall Llach" Priorat $78.97
“The flagship 2005 Vall-Llach is composed of 65% Carinena, 15% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot aged for 12 months in new French oak. Many of the Carinena vines for this cuvee are pre-phylloxera. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up a splendid aromatic array including pain grille, slate, mushroom, espresso, garrigue, blueberry, and black currant.” —WA 96+

’03 Vega Sicilia “Valbuena” Ribera del Duero Reserva (Net) $148.97
“The 2003 Valbuena is purple-colored and super-fragrant with aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a powerful, concentrated wine with an opulent palate-feel, layers of flavor, and beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, no mean feat in the torrid 2003 vintage. Supple, sweet, and long, this superb effort will evolve for another 4-6 years and drink well through 2025.” —WA 94

’03 Vega Sicilia “Valbuena - 5 Ano” Ribera del Duero Reserva 1.5L $349.97
Very Limited, Phone Orders Only
“The 2003 Valbuena is purple-colored and super-fragrant with aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a powerful, concentrated wine with an opulent palate-feel, layers of flavor, and beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, no mean feat in the torrid 2003 vintage. Supple, sweet, and long, this superb effort will evolve for another 4-6 years and drink well through 2025.” —WA 94

’98 Vega Sicilia “Unico” Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva (Net) $397.97
“The 1998 Unico is purple-colored with a complex bouquet of wood smoke, violets, Asian spices, mineral, blueberry, and assorted black fruits. This is followed by a full-bodied, dense, loaded wine with gobs of sweet fruit, great concentration, and layers of flavor. It will continue to evolve for another 5-7 years and drink well through 2040+.” —WA 98

NV Vega Sicilia “Unico Reserva Especial” (’90, ’91 and ’96) Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva (Net) $429.97
Limited, Phone Orders Only
“The Reserva Especial is a blend of the best barrels of 1990, 1991, and 1996... Purple-colored, it delivers an ethereal perfume of smoke, mineral, scorched earth, Asian spices, black currant, and blackberry. Elegant yet remarkably powerful, this rich, lavish effort seems to linger on the palate for well over one minute. Although it can certainly be enjoyed now, it has the structure to evolve for another decade and should provide pleasure through 2045.” —WA 99

’94 Vega Sicilia “Unico - Artist Label” Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva 1.5L $1125.97
Very Limited, Phone Orders Only
Of the intial .750L release Robert M. Parker, Jr. wrote: “This bodega has produced many profound wines, but the 1994 Unico Reserva may be the greatest vintage released since their legendary 1970 and 1968. A truly prodigious effort, it boasts an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet, expansive bouquet of sweet cherries interwoven with black currant, truffle, licorice, and scorched earth aromas. Full-bodied, potent, powerful, and well-delineated with crisp acidity, sweet but noticeable tannin, a multidimensional, expansive, layered palate feel, and a pure yet refreshing finish, it should be a wine for the history books. Anticipated maturity: now-2035.” —WA 98

United States

’06 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir $26.99
“Floral, anise and crushed berry aromas are intense, supple and balanced, built around raspberry, wild berry and hints of strawberry. Ends with an elegant minerally edge. Drink now through 2013”– WS 90

California

’05 Gary Brookman “Clark Claudon” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $66.99
This family-owned vineyard in the northeast mountains of Napa Valley has produced a sensational 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by a Pauillac-like perfume of spice box, cedar, black currants, and subtle background oak. The wine is full-bodied with sweet but noticeable tannins, and a savory, expansive mouthfeel. Drink this beauty now and over the next 15-20 years. ” —WS-94

’06 L'Aventure “Optimus” Paso Robles Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon $34.97
The 2006 Optimus Proprietary Red, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Syrah, and 5% Petit Verdot, performed slightly better than it did last year. Reminiscent of a northern Rhone blended with a Bordeaux, it exhibits sweet cassis, graphite, and a chalky, powdery minerality, good structure, and full body. As the wine sits in the glass, hints of espresso roast and white chocolate emerge. This structured, slightly backward, well-endowed 2006 should age effortlessly for 10-15 years. ” —WA-92

’08 Foxglove San Luis Obispo Chardonnay $13.99
All tank-fermented and lee-stirred with no malolactic, this is outrageously delicious Chardonnay showing plenty of white currant, pineapple, and tangerine skin notes, with gorgeous fruit purity, medium body, crisp acidity, and oodles of naked varietal fruit that is surprisingly complex and rich with great zestiness.” —WA-90

’07 CaymusNapa Cabernet Sauvignon $64.99
Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, spicecake and bitter chocolate, with a strong component of sweet, nutty oak. Lush, full and sweet, with black fruit, dark chocolate and graphite flavors dominating. Finishes with big, broad, mouthdusting tannins that coat the front teeth. There's no reason not to enjoy this cabernet now but it should evolve nicely for five or six years.” —IWC-90

’07 Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay $11.47
“There are 16,000 cases of this spectacular bargain in Chardonnay. This 2007 from, of all places, Napa Valley, is a beautifully fruited wine (orange blossoms, nectarines, poached pears, and a hint of pineapples) revealing little oak, medium body, zesty freshness, and gorgeously pure fruit.”– WA90

’05 Chalk Hill Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon $52.99
“Continues Chalk Hill's great track record of 90-plus Cabs, although this may be the most ageworthy in recent memory. You don't want to pop the cork until at least 2011, because the tannins put it into lockdown mode. But there's a great, deep heart of black currants longing to blossom.”– WE 93

“Rich, powerful and full-bodied, this is marked by thick Syrah-like road tar, graphite, dried currant, sage and herbal flavors that are concentrated and reflective of a cool climate for Cabernet. Drink now through 2016”– WS 90

’06 Dominus Napa Valley Red Blend $99.97
“There are 6,500 cases of the superb 2006 Dominus (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot). Its dark plum/purple color is accompanied by aromas and flavors of truffles, forest floor, black cherries, black currants, and Asian spices. One of the finest wines of the vintage, it is complete, full-bodied, and seamlessly built with beautiful ripe tannins, low acidity, and a luscious, layered mouthfeel. The aromatics are even more evolved and complex than the 2005's. The 2006 should drink well for 20-25 years.” –WA 96

’05 Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon Blend $37.99
“Exceptionally balanced and has a deep, attractive core of black currant and cedar flavors. There's no reason why it should not age well.” —WE 90

’04 Robert Mondavi “Reserve” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $89.97
“Weaves together a complex array of ripe, rich currant, anise, smoky oak and black cherry. Dense, concentrated and persistent, with great depth and focus. Ends with an amazingly long, richly flavored finish.” —WS 95, 2007 Top 100 #9

’04 Montelena “Estate” Napa Cabernet Sauvignon $112.99
“The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, all from their old vineyards in Calistoga. This is a dense, ruby/purple-tinged wine with full body, and despite the softness of the general vintage, Montelena has plenty of structure. Like nearly every vintage of their top Cabernet Sauvignon, it will last for 25 or more years. The wine has sweet tannin in a broad, flavorful, concentrated style with plenty of black currant, licorice, and spice. The wine is beautifully textured, slightly more forward than most Montelena Cabernets tend to be. It is another beauty from probably the most consistent winery for Cabernet Sauvignon over the last three decades.” —WA 94

’05 Joseph Phelps "Insignia" Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Blend $159.99
"The 2005 Insignia (12,500 cases) is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. Elegant and restrained (which is very much in keeping with the style of this vintage), the wine is also rich, dense, pure, with chocolatey cassis notes intermixed with hints of subtle wood, roasted herbs, and spice." -WA(93-96)

NV Schramsberg “Mirabelle” California Brut Rosé $22.99
“A rosé with serious intentions, this has a delicate pink hue and floral strawberry and spicy yeast roll aromas. The flavors show good focus, offering raspberry, Gala apple, ginger and fig flavors.” —WS 93

Other

’06 David Finlayson “Edgebaston” Stellenbosch Chardonnay $13.99
A rich, creamy style, with fig, piecrust and grilled hazelnut notes leading the way, followed by hints of pear tartine and spice on the lush finish. Well done.” —WS-90

’08 Neil Ellis “Sincerely” Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc $8.99
Bright, pale yellow. Cool aromas of citrus peel, gooseberry, licorice and pepper, with a whiff of tropical fruits. Round but dry, with classic, pure varietal flavors of gooseberry and pepper. This dense, textured wine finishes with sneaky length.” —WA-90

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