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.

Australia | Chile | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | United States

Australia

’05 Clarendon Hills Hickenbotham McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon $65.99
“The most backward and structured of the Cabernet offerings is the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Hickinbotham Vineyard sourced from 50-year-old vines. It is a glass-coating opaque purple with complex aromas of new oak, smoke, espresso roast, chocolate, blackberry, and black currant. Full-bodied, opulent and intensely flavored, the wine has great depth and enough structure to permit a decade of evolution.” —WA 97

’06 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

’06 R Wines "Chris Ringland" Barossa-Ebenezer Shiraz $17.99
“For Shiraz fans, the great news is that there are 20,000 cases of the 2006 Chris Ringland Shiraz, sourced from Ringland's favorite sub-region of Barossa, Ebenezer. It was aged for 20 months in seasoned French and American oak hogsheads. Purple/black, it delivers a brooding nose of cedar, tar, smoke, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied and massive, particularly for a wine in this price category, it offers succulent, savory fruit, great depth, and a 60-second finish. Seamless and complete, it should have a 15 year lifespan. Smart consumers will load up on this amazing value.” —WA 93

’04 Branson Coach House “Rare Single Vineyard Coach House Block” Greenock Barossa Valley Shiraz $74.97
“This ultrarich and decadent Shiraz comes from old vines in Greenock, a prime growing area in the Barossa. They make heady wines that don't weigh you down like some big Shiraz can. This one has zippy acidity to balance the generous layers of black cherry, boysenberry and black plum flavors, shaded with bittersweet chocolate and smoke notes as the finish becomes increasingly plush.” —WS 95

NV Campbells South Australia Rutherglen Tokay .375L $14.97
“Displaying a lighter amber hue than the Muscat, the non-vintage Tokay is more elegant, not as sweet (205 grams of residual sugar per liter), but unctuous, long, and fragrant, revealing hints of Chinese black tea, toffee, and marmalade. This cuvee is based on 20-25-year old soleras.” —WA 94

’06 John Duval "Entity" Barossa Valley Shiraz $32.97
“Inky ruby. Pungent dark berry and candied cherry aromas are complicated by smoked meat, licorice and Asian spices. Powerful and deep in dark berry flavors, but almost shockingly lithe and precise, displaying fresh raspberry and blueberry on the back. An undercurrent of juicy acidity contributes lift and precision, and helps to extend the finish. This terrific shiraz offers a deft balance of finesse and depth, not to mention impressive finishing clarity and cut.” —IWC 93

’05 De Lisio “Krystina” McLaren Vale Shiraz $46.99
“The 2005 Shiraz Krystina (named after Tony De Lisio’s wife) is a 100% Shiraz from relatively young vines planted on one of the limestone and slate sectors of McLaren Vale. Seventy percent new French oak was utilized, and the wine, which was going to bottled unfiltered about one month after I tasted it, exhibits a sweet nose of blackberries, raspberries, smoke, camphor, and graphite. Full-bodied, rich, and intense with sweet but noticeable tannin, a firm structure, and an accessible style...” —WA 92-94

Chile

’05 Casa Lapostolle “Estate Bottled Limited Release” Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley CarmenèreBlend $73.97
“Gorgeous aromas of warm ganache and mocha lead to a rich, velvety palate loaded with currant, fig paste, black licorice, cassis bush and bramble notes. The long, juicy finish has great grip and density, with echoes of graphite, dark fruit and mineral.” —WS96

France

’05 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape $91.97
“Really dense and locked up now, this is packed with dark fig, currant and blackberry fruit shrouded by layers of tar, hot stone, bittersweet licorice and espresso. The long, dense finish has a great tug of iron buried within it.” —WS 96

’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

’03 Léoville-Las-Cases Bordeaux Saint-Julien $157.97
“Incredible nose of crushed berry, licorice, violets and lightly toasted oak. Pure crème de cassis. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish.” —WS 97

’05 Perrin & Fils “La Gille” Gigondas Red $23.99
“Dark and smoky, with alluring cocoa powder, mesquite and bacon fat notes leading the way for rich black currant, melted licorice and espresso. The long, smoldering finish shows a nice wild side.” —WS93

’05 Domaine Weinbach “Cuvée Sainte Catherine — L’Inédit!” Schlossberg Alsace Grand Cru Riesling $69.99
Limited, Phone Orders Only
“Floral and lightly citric, with a lacy texture and concentrated flavors of peach, honey and orange peel. Zesty acidity keeps it lively through the mouthwatering finish. delicious.” —WS 94

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

’04 Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Barolo $53.99
“I can't think of too many estates whose wines have given me as much pleasure in recent years as those of the Cavallotto family. With each passing vintage the wines seem to grow leaps and bounds and the 2004 Barolo Bricco Boschis is no exception. This fresh, perfumed Barolo blossoms with the essence of red raspberries, flowers and spices. Made in a plump, fruit driven style, it possesses superb length and a completely seductive, rapturous personality. Cavallotto's Bricco Boschis can be somewhat rustic and chunky, but in 2004 it is a remarkably finessed Barolo.” —WA(91-94)

’04 Pio Cesare Barolo $55.99
“Extremely attractive aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom and mahogany. Full-bodied, with lovely fruit, soft tannins and a long finish. Chewy, yet balanced and pretty. Builds on the palate. Big and juicy.” —WS 94

’97 Giacomo Borgogno Barolo Classico Riserva $52.99
“Ruby-garnet. Aromas of strawberry, lilies and plum. Opens up beautifully. Full-bodied, with very soft and round tannins. Viscous and tannic. Still needs time to polish the tannins. Very concentrated.” —WS 94, 1997 Italian Blind Retrospective.

’04 Domenico Clerico Ciabot Mentin Ginestra Barolo $97.97
“The 2004 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra sweeps across the palate with stunning depth and expansiveness in its dark cherries, menthol, spices, chocolate and sweet toasted oak. It offers exceptional length and delineation, with a note of freshness that provides lift on the close. It is a profound effort from Domenico Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.“ —WA 97;

’01 Cascina Ebreo “Torbido” Nebbiolo $79.99
Although not technically a Barolo, this hand-crafted, extremely low production Piedmont Nebbiolo has all the stuffing you would expect from a top cru. The wine is bottled unfiltered,and its name “Torbido,” meaning turbid, is something of a pun based on the wine’s rich color. On both the nose and palate there is fantastic freshness with vibrant plum and cherry notes and classic Nebbiolo tones of tar and roses. This wine is exceptionally long and is structured very firmly with a racy backbone that implies excellent aging potential.

’06 La Massa IGT Toscana Medium $21.99
“Rich, almost decadent aromas of crushed berry, meat and mole. Turns floral. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A beauty.” –WS 93

’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

’06 Mastroberardino “Nova Serra” Greco di Tufo $16.99
From the excellent 2006 vintage, this racy, deep and elegant Greco di Tufo received Gambero Rosso’s top rating, Tre Bicchieri. It offers pear, apple, apricot, honeysuckle and almond notes on the nose. The palate is racy and supple with steely notes of lime peel building into the mix of notes on the nose. The middle is rich and deep, and the finish is exceptionally long. It has the weight and depth to continue to improve for another five years for those who like the additional complexity of older whites. Ideal to serve with seafood of all sorts: linguine with clams, Cioppino (fish stew), New England clam chowder or meatier swordfish or tuna steak.

’00 Mastroberardino “Radici” Taurasi Riserva $92.99
Famed Italian wine guide Gambero Rosso gave this wine Tre Bicchieri, its highest score and called it “...a moving interpretation that exalts tradition in a sound, austere profile to win Three effortless Glasses.” On the nose it exudes a beautiful perfume of plum and black cherry that is interlaced with smoke, leather, pollen, autumn leaf and a just a hint of porcini mushroom. On the palate it is dense, silky and refined with excellent lift. Black fruit flavors are complemented by spiced chocolate nuances which in turn give way to abraded leather and undergrowth tones plus hints of violet, tar, graphite and smoke. The finish is supple and very long with lingering berry aromatics. Decant to serve this captivating and complex wine now or cellar for 15+ years.

’05 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia “Ornellaia” Tuscany, Bolgheri Superiore $143.97
Now back in stock!
“The medium-bodied 2005 Ornellaia shows plenty of delineation in its dark cherries, blueberries, spices, minerals and crushed rocks. The 2005 doesn't have the detail of the 2004 or the richness of the 2006, but it does offer notable finesse and clarity in an understated style for this wine. My impression is that this will be a relatively early-maturing vintage of Ornellaia, which is not a bad thing, considering the age-worthiness of the two vintages which surround it. In 2005 Ornellaia is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. It is a big success in this vintage.” —WA 93

’04 E. Pira “Cannubi” Barolo $73.97
“The 2004 Barolo Cannubi possesses superb depth, clarity and inner perfume, with layers of fruit, sweet spices and menthol that develop in the glass as this magical wine gradually reveals its sublime personality and remarkable texture. Well-integrated oak, ripe, silky tannins and a finish that lasts forever round out this beautiful wine, which was simply stunning on both occasions I tasted it.” —WA 95

’04 Paolo Scavino “Cannubi” Barolo $112.97
“Scavino’s 2004 Barolo Cannubi is an imposing effort. It possesses a lovely inner perfume with layers of ripe fruit, menthol and spices that caress the palate, showing superb grace and purity. The tannins are sweet, ripe and round, adding to the wine’s stylish, elegant personality. This is a surprisingly big Cannubi from Scavino.” —WA 94

’04 Seghesio La Villa Barolo $48.99
“What a beautiful nose, with flowers, licorice, ripe fruit and fresh leather. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a wonderful ripeness of fruit, yet this is balanced and structured. Very polished. The best wine I have ever had from this producer.” —WS 95

Spain

’04 Alión Ribera del Duero $79.97
“Bodegas Alion was started by the renowned estate of Vega Sicilia in 1991. Grapes are sourced from vineyards next to the winery and from Vega Sicilia's own vineyards at Valbuena. Eighteen hectares of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) form the actual Alion estate. 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 Luis Cañas “Selección de la Familia” Rioja Reserva $28.99
“The 2001 Reserva "Seleccion de la Familia" is 85% Tempranillo and 15% "other" aged in barrique for 24 months, 12 months in new French oak followed by 12 months in 2nd use American oak. Dark ruby-colored, the enticing aromatics include cedar, spice cabinet, mineral, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to an evolved, complex, ripe Rioja with superb intensity and depth. It has a long, pure finish and should continue to evolve for several more years. Drink it through 2020.” —WA 93

’05 Felix Callejo Ribera del Duero Crianza $23.97
“This modern red marries cocoa-dusted oak with ripe fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry, along with the mineral and light earthy notes typical of the region. Well-structured but accessible now. Drink now through 2015. 200 cases imported.” —WS 93

’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 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero $21.97
“This red packs a lot of flavor on a supple frame. Black cherry, blackberry, smoke, mineral and espresso notes show focus and depth, backed by firm but well-integrated tannins that dissolve on a finely etched, floral-scented finish. Drink now through 2018.” —WS 93

’05 J.C. Conde “Neo Punta Esencia” Ribera del Duero $73.99
“The 2005 Neo Punta Esencia was sourced from low-yielding 80-year-old vines aged for 12 months in new French and American oak followed by racking into 100% new French oak for another 6 months, what has been called the "200 percent new oak treatment". Purple/black in color, the wine reveals a brooding nose of toasty oak, vanilla, mineral, scorched earth, espresso, blueberry, blackberry liqueur, and licorice. Full-bodied, large-scaled and powerful, the wine is still tightly wound but has all the components needed for greatness. Give it 8-10 years in the cellar to come out of its shell and you will then be able to drink this very lengthy behemoth through 2040.” —WA 96

’01 Contino Rioja Reserva $39.99
The 2001 Reserva gorgeously expresses the exceptional terroir and unique character of Contino. Its displays a deep inner weight due to its early ripening vineyards, yet shows silky suppleness and integration throughout the palate. The nose is filled with elegant and bright raspberry, cherry, and pure crushed black raspberry scents that are intertwined with smoke, black dirt, milk chocolate, and vanilla spice tones. The wine is mouth-filling and intense with a very silky mouthfeel. Creamy black cherry, boysenberry and plum notes are central, surrounded by hints of red licorice, cedar and cocoa, plus mineral laden damp earth undertones. Outstanding depth and acidity carry into a very long and elegant finish capped by lingering cherry and chocolate tones. When we tasted this wine with the full staff we were so struck that we found ourselves simply nodding our heads with big smiles of contentment. Decant to serve this beauty now. PJ 95

’81 Lopez de Heredia “Viña Tondonia” Rioja Gran Reserva White $69.97
“True gold, but remarkably youthful for its age. W ild, complex bouquet of pungent flowers, succulent herbs, orange peel, violet, vanilla, toasted nuts and baking spices. Rich, deep and beautifully concentrated, with surprising energy to the ripe pear and poached apple flavors complemented by marzipan and vanilla. This actually tightens up on the finish, showing a lingering exotic, spicy character. You could drink this right now or even hold it for a few more years.” —IWC 93

’05 Merum Priorati “Ardiles” Priorat Red $44.99
“The 2004 Ardiles is composed of 45% Garnacha, 34% Carinena, 18% Syrah, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merum Priorati estate owns 6 parcels of old vines and 7 parcels of younger vines and this bottling is a blend of old and young vines which was aged for 12 months in a mixture of new and used French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits a fragrant nose of mineral, spice box, kirsch, raspberry, and spring flower garden. Structured on the palate with excellent depth and concentration, it has layers of spicy fruit and terrific integration of oak, tannin, and acid. The wine has a long, pure finish.” —WA 93

’04 Merum Priorati “Osmin” Priorat Red $81.99
“The 2004 Osmin is a similar blend to the Ardiles but the Garnacha and Carignan are sourced from the estate's older vines ranging from 80-100 years of age. The wine was aged for 12 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, the wine offers up a fragrant nose of scorched earth, spice box, cherry, raspberry, and blueberry liqueur. Full-flavored and opulent on the palate, this chewy wine has an extroverted personality with layers of supple fruit, ripe tannin, superb balance, and a 60-second finish. This sensuous wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years.” —WA 97

’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 Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva $21.47
This highly expressive and exceptionally pure Muga Reserva offers deep and juicy red cherry, black cherry and blackberry flavors with classic hints of leather and vanilla. It is showing fantastically now, and will be even more giving as it continues to unfold in time. “The 2004 Muga Reserva is dark ruby-colored with an enticing nose of pain grille, pencil lead, crushed stone, and blackberry. This leads to an elegant wine with layers of flavor, several years of aging potential, and a lengthy finish.” —WA 93

’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 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.

’06 Bodegas Pagos del Moncayo Campo de Borja Syrah $29.99
“The 2006 Syrah is deeply colored, bordering on black. The nose is pure blueberry compote followed by a thick, dense, rich wine which will only be enjoyed by hedonists. Layered, full-flavored, and exceptionally long in the finish, this wine is all about pleasure.” —WA 94

’07 Bodegas Pagos del Moncayo Campo de Borja Garnacha $26.99
“The 2006 Garnacha is opaque purple in color. The nose offers cedar, spice box, coffee, vanilla, and cherry aromas leading to an opulent yet elegant, full-flavored wine with tons of flavor and a pure, 60-second finish.“ —WA 93

’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

Now back in stock!
’06 Terra de Verema “Triumvirat” Priorat $38.99
“... Opaque purple-colored, the multidimensional perfume offers up pain grille, scorched earth, pencil lead, wild blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a large-scaled, layered, opulent Priorat with gobs of spicy, intense, silky fruit, great balance, and a long, pure finish.” —WA 95

Now back in stock!
’00 Valduero Ribera del Duero Reserva $26.97
“The 2000 Reserva is a bit more refined than the Crianza but hardly a shrinking violet. The color is less dense and the nose is more expressive. There are notes of cedar, tobacco, scorched earth, truffle, blueberry, and blackberry which jump from the glass. On the palate the wine remains youthful with layers of flavor but also some elegance as well as power. The fruit is ripe and sweet, the tannins soft, and the finish lasts for at least 45 seconds.” —WA 94

’05 Vall Llach "Embruix" Priorat $29.97
“Rich yet focused, this powerful red from Spain delivers plum, black cherry, anise, tobacco and sage flavors over muscular tannins. It's thick on the palate, yet dissolves to licorice, spice and flowers on the finish.” —WS 93

’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

California

’05 Byron Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay $21.99
“Ultrarich and concentrated, with layers of fig, citrus and tangerine flavors that are shaded by toasty oak, filling out the flavor profile and ending with a complex marshmallow edge.” —WS 93

’05 Dehlinger Sonoma-Russian River Valley Chardonnay $35.99
“Perhaps the finest Chardonnay Tom Dehlinger has ever made, the style of the 2005 Chardonnay Estate is mid-way between a grand cru Chablis and a ripe, full-bodied, fruit-laden California Chardonnay. Beautiful lemon blossom, nectarine, crushed rock, and white currant notes soar from the glass of this full-bodied effort. Displaying a gorgeous texture along with a pure, long, intense personality, the oak component is pushed to the background, and the wine's intense minerality and fruit are beautifully balanced.” —WA 93

’05 Lagier Meredith Napa Valley Mount Veeder Syrah $48.97
“I have always enjoyed the elegant, French-styled Syrahs from this winery, and this 2005 appears to be the finest they have yet produced. A beautiful deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of blueberries, black raspberries, spice, and ground pepper. Displaying a seamless integration of acidity, alcohol, tannin, and wood, winemaker/proprietor Carol Meredith has fashioned a brilliant Syrah offering substance and style. With full body, superb balance, a silky texture, and a fascinating mouthfeel.” —WA 95

’05 L'Aventure “Optimus” Paso Robles Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend $34.97
“The least expensive red wine is the Optimus cuvee. The 2005 Optimus (51% Syrah, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot) barely qualifies as a Rhone Ranger, but it offers classic chocolate, cassis, espresso, and subtle wood notes along with a dense ruby/purple hue, gorgeous concentration, and plenty of spice, cedar, and a Pauillac-like complexity and richness. This serious effort is more French than Californian.” —WA 94

’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 Red Car “Shake Rattle” Syrah $51.99
Limited, Phone Orders Only
“A riveting red. Dense, rich and complex, with deep, concentrated plum, currant, smoke and blackberry fruit that's plush and persistent. Fans of full-throttle Syrah will love this wine. Drink now through 2011.” —WS 93

’05 Rosenblum “Kick Ranch” Sonoma Syrah $41.99
“This open-throttle Syrah is extremely dark, rich and extracted, with loads of flavor, honing in on crushed black pepper, wild berry, blackberry and baking spices, all folding together on the finish. Ends with a tight focus. Drink now through 2012. 474 cases made.” —WS 94

’06 Rosenblum Cellars “Pickett Road” Napa Valley Petite Sirah $28.97
"The 2006 Pickett Road is a wine of unbridled richness, huge tannins, massive fruit, earth, purity, and loads of blackberry, blueberry, incense, and graphite characteristics, a full-bodied, monster Petite Sirahs.” —WA93

Australia | Chile | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | United States