| Year | Wine | Variety | Location | Price | Num | Rating |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| 2001 | Abel Mendoza Jarrarte | Rioja | uh6,uh6 | 25 | 2 | 94 rp |
| 2003 | Accordini/Stefano Valpolicella Classico | Red Wine | | 10 | | |
| 8/2005 Dark and good. |
| 2001 | Alban Edna Valley | Grenache | m3 | 44 | 1 | 92-94 rp 93 ws |
| The 2001 Grenache (a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah; 800 six-packs produced) was aged in small barrels (75% new). It exhibits a surprisingly thick, dense opaque purple color as well as a big, peppery, sweet, blackberry, and kirsch-scented bouquet, and an unctuous texture with tremendous fruit intensity, glycerin, and follow through. Drink this impressive Grenache now and over the next 10-12 years. WS Aromatically complex, with high-toned wild berry, tar, blackberry and beefy white pepper, sage and a touch of new leather. It's remarkably complex and concentrated, finishing with a rustic minerally edge. Drink now through 2012. 950 cases made. (JL) |
| John at lawine said it needs more time. 4/2004 |
| 2001 | Alban Reva Vineyard | Syrah | m3 | 44 | 1 | 94 ws 92-94 rp |
| The 2001 Syrah Reva Vineyard (a cool site with considerable clay in the sub-soil) exhibits a dense purple color in addition to a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cassis, melted licorice, tar, and vanilla. Dense, full-bodied, and impressively endowed, this muscular, full throttle Syrah should hit its prime in 2-3 years, and last for 12-15. WS A tremendous Syrah. Dark, dense, rich and concentrated, with layers of beef carpaccio, blackberry, wild berry, exotic peppery spices and touches of tar and herbs, finishing with a long, rich, detailed finish. Drink now through 2012. |
| 1997 | Alessandria, Gianfranco Barolo | Nebbiolo | ba1 | 44 | 1 | 90 ws 89 rp |
| Lots of milk chocolate, ripe fruit and flowers. Full-bodied and very chewy, with solid concentration of fruit and tannins. A bit tough right now. Give it time. Best after 2005. 415 cases made. (JS) The 1997 Barolo is a structured, garnet-colored effort with pink/amber at the edge. Aromas of melted caramel, Chinese black tea, kirsch, tobacco, and licorice emerge from this dense, full-bodied, fleshy, powerful 1997. Moderate tannin suggests 2-3 years of cellaring is required. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2012. |
| 2000 | Alessandria, Gianfranco Barolo San Giovanni | Nebbiolo | aa2,aa2,aa2 | 58 | 3 | 95 ws |
| Terrific aromas of cinnamon, cloves and crushed berries follow through to a full-bodied palate, with supersilky tannins and a tight finish. This is holding everything back in reserve, but it's fantastic. A wine built for aging. Alessandria matches the quality of his terrific 1997 here. Best after 2009. 330 cases made. (JS) |
| 2003 | Ambullneo Bulldog Reserve | Pinot Noir | ua2 | 60 | 1 | |
| 2003 | Amisfield Central Otago | Pinot Noir | bh2 | 25 | 1 | 91ws |
| Lithe and lively. A lovely mouthful of richly textured currant, blackberry and plum flavors that persist into a gorgeously balanced finish. Has enough style and steel to make it last and develop in the bottle. Drink now through 2012. 2,100 cases imported. (HS) |
| 3/2005 Medium colour and body. Fruity on the nose. Sweet drinking pinot. Not as dense as Oregon (Wright pinots). |
| 1998 | Angelini Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Spuntali | Sangiovese | c5 | 45 | 1 | 89 ws |
| Ripe and rich aromas of raspberries, grilled meat and hints of toasted oak. Full-bodied, with a solid core of silky tannins and a good dose of new wood. But it's well-concentrated and needs some more bottle age to come together. A little less new wood would take it above 90. Good potential here. Best after 2005. 1,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1998 | Antinori Badia a Passignano Riserva | Sangiovese | c4 | 45 | 1 | 91 rp |
| Made from 100% Sangiovese aged 14 months in both barrels and foudres, this outstanding 1998 is a smoky, earthy, Tuscan-styled offering with notes of underbrush, black cherries, strawberries, licorice, and herbs. Notes of tobacco and minerals also make an appearance. The wine possesses a supple texture, medium to full body, and excellent length as well as concentration. It will benefit from 1-2 more years of cellaring, and should last for 15-16. |
| 1999 | Antinori Badia a Passignano Riserva | Sangiovese | bh2 | 34 | 1 | 92 wa 88 ws |
| Antinori's 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico Badia a Passignano has become one of the stars of this firm. The 1999 (aged 14 months in both barrel and foudre) resembles the powerful, concentrated 1997 in its intensity and ripeness. Medium-bodied, with a striking perfume of sweet black cherries, strawberry jam, licorice, vanilla, and tobacco, this pure, voluptuous Chianti has sweet tannin and enough acidity to provide vibrancy as well as definition. This beautiful 1999 should drink well for 7-8 years. WS Subtle and decadent, with berry, meaty and chocolate character. Medium-bodied, with round tannins and a long, ripe fruit finish. Best after 2002. 10,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Antinori Toscana Tignanello | Super Tuscan | aa2 | 50 | 1 | 90 ws |
| A big, rich and spicy Tignanello, with hints of smoky wood. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Chewy. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2007. 27,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Arbios | Cabernet | w4,w4 | 30 | 2 | none |
| 9/2004 Dark color. Dark fruit aromas. Plum and cassis. Big and enjoyable. |
| 2000 | Argiano Solengo IGT | Super Tuscan | mr1,rc1 | 60 | 2 | 95 rp 90 ws |
| There is no doubting the phenomenal quality of the 2000 Solengo, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah with a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot included in the blend. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a stunning perfume of creme de cassis, blackberries, espresso, licorice, and new saddle leather. Full-bodied, sensationally concentrated, pure, and well-textured, with a 45-second finish, this unformed, youthful black beauty possesses extraordinary upside potential. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2022. WS Aromas of raisins, grilled beef and aged tobacco. Full-bodied, with round, ripe tannins and a long, ripe fruit, raspberry aftertaste. Slightly overripe, but impressive. Solid. Best after 2005. 3,330 cases made. |
| 2001 | Argiano Solengo IGT | Super Tuscan | wd1,wd1 | 70 | 2 | 95 ws |
| Still one of the top wines of the region. Bold and exotic, with a muscular style. Full-bodied, with fantastic, velvety tannins and a long, opulent finish. Got to love this wild wine. Best after 2007. 3,750 cases made. (JS) |
| 1998 | Armand, Comte Volnay Fremiets | Pinot Noir | c6 | 44 | 1 | |
| Steve and Paul at whwc fainted over this bottle being on sale. monster |
| 2002 | Artazuri Santa Cruz de Artazu, Navarra | Grenache | bh2 | 30 | 1 | 90 ws 91 st |
| This vibrant, modern-style red is assertive yet graceful, with fresh cherry and raspberry flavors supported by firm tannins and crisp acidity and balanced by vanilla notes from oak. It offers an almost weightless intensity. Drink now through 2008. 800 cases imported. (TM) ($30; 100% old-vines garnacha) Full ruby-red. Blueberry, tar and spicecake on the nose. Smooth and bright, with lovely ripe acidity giving delineation and cut to the black fruit and licorice flavors. Finishes with chewy, ripe tannins and excellent length. (European Cellars, Charlotte, NC) |
| 6/2005 Just okay... |
| 1999 | Astrale e Terra Arcturus | Cabernet Blend | m1,h2 | 38 | 2 | 92 ws |
| Supple and rich, with a broad swath of velvety black cherry, black currant, chocolate and mocha tones. Ripe fruit flavors and generous toasty oak notes continue to unfold through the lingering, focused finish. Ample tannins for cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. |
| 9/2005 Big and luscious. Plenty of life left......... |
| 1997 | Astrale e Terra Napa Valley | Cabernet | m1 | 33 | 1 | 89 ws |
| Dark color, very rich and focused, with tiers of currant, cedar, tar, anise, mocha and vanilla. Turns austere and tannic on the finish, with a leathery aftertaste. Needs time. |
| 1/2004; tasted dry and closed off. not much fruit. 3/2005 Much better. Wine came alive after open for a bit. Fruit has re-appeared. Lead pencil, dark colour, somewhat interesting. Wine served too cold... 7/2005 Scared that wine too old not justified. Drank beautifully. Had with victoria at her house. If there was a dumb phase, this one came out of it... give last bottle much more time just to see... |
| 2000 | Azelia San Roco Barolo | Nebbiolo | ba1 | 59 | 1 | 95 ws |
| Full-throttle style of Barolo with prune, leather, grilled meat and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, chewy and ultraripe, with wild vanilla and intense fruit on the palate. Voluptuous and showy. Best after 2007. 950 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Banfi, Castello | Sangiovese | hd1 | 40 | 1 | 94 ws |
| This wine shows an incredible concentration of fruit, with loads of berries and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft and silky tannins and lots of smoky character. Goes for a long time on the finish. Always a benchmark for the region. Best after 2005. 55,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2002 | Barnett Vineyards | Cabernet | ua1 | 60 | 1 | 87 ws |
| While supple and engaging, with appealing currant, vanilla, sage and fresh earth scents, it comes up shy on complexity and concentration, landing it squarely in the very good range, well short of outstanding. Drink now through 2009. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,144 cases made. (JL) |
| 2002 | Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Hill | Cabernet | uh1 | 100 | 1 | 92 ws |
| 2003 | Barnett Vineyards Sleepy Hollow Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 30 | | 90 ws |
| This sleek, elegantly styled Pinot homes in on a delicious core of zesty black cherry and blackberry fruit that's rich and complex, with enough concentration to keep the fruit at the forefront and carry the flavors on a long, flavorful finish. Drink now through 2007. 810 cases made. (JL) |
| 1999 | Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve | Cabernet Blend | w4 | 40 | 1 | none |
| 1999 | Beaux Freres Yamhill County Belles Soeurs Cuvee | Pinot Noir | | 35 | | |
| 3/2005 Beechwood w scott and jerinne. Wonderful. Deep dark colour, plenty of fruit. Rich tasting and full. |
| 2001 | Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve | Pinot Noir | c9,m3,m3 | 28 | 3 | 92 ws |
| Firm and juicy, a crisp wine with a mouthful of tightly woven flavors, offering peppery blueberry, plum and sweet spice notes that last and last. Impressive now, should unfold with cellaring. |
| 6/2004 Little acidic on the attack. After opening up, deeply concentrated. Plum flavors. Rich and thick. 12/2004 Beautiful..... |
| 2002 | Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve | Pinot Noir | c9,lr1,l2,l2,l2 | 32 | 5 | 92 ws |
| Made from three Willamette Valley vineyards, including older vines in the family s own vineyard, it delivers rich black cherry, plum and tar flavors after a blast of chewy tannins. The flavors well up and bathe the finish as it lingers impressively. Needs time to soften. Best from 2006 through 2012. |
| 2003 | Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve | Pinot Noir | ra1,ra1,ra1,ra1,ra1,ra1 | 33 | 6 | 92 ws 89 st |
| Earthy mineral flavors add extra dimension to this richly textured, elegant Pinot, offering raspberry and cherry notes as the finish persists against firm tannins." H.S ST Deep, dark ruby. Intensely spicy, highly aromatic nose combines sweet, ripe raspberry, bitter cherry and licorice, complemented but not overwhelmed by oak. Densely packed and spicy in the mouth, with explosive flavors of tangy cherry, cinnamon and clove. Finishes full but lively, on a strong cherry note. |
| 2002 | Bergstrom Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir | c6,uh6 | 21 | 2 | 88 ws |
| Impressive currant, floral and mineral flavors against a texture that tends toward a hard edge of tannins and acidity. It comes together better with each sip. Best after 2005. 1,300 cases made. (HS) |
| 2003 | Bergstrom Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir | rh3,al2,al2,al2,al2 | 20 | 5 | 89 ws |
| Dense and chewy, with a minty edge to the ripe cherry flavors, finishing with firm tannins. Needs time. Best after 2007. 850 cases made. (HS) Winery says: "Ruby red in color, the 2003 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir offers heady aromas of ripe red cherries, black raspberries and toasty oak spices. A blend of Palmer Creek, Stoller, Shea and Bergstrom vineyards, this attractive wine has sweet core of red and black fruits in the mouth with good weight and nice persistence. It should do very well over the next 3-6 years." |
| 9/2004 give it time... 4/2005 Deep, dark colour. Dark fruit aroma. Rich and thick wine. |
| 2000 | Bodegas Casa Castillo Las Gravas | Cabernet Blend | c4 | 15 | 1 | 90 rp |
| An excellent value, this superb blend of 50% Mourvedre, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah was bottled unfiltered after aging 14 months in French oak. An opaque purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas of prunes, blackberries, cassis, licorice, and tar. Medium to full-bodied and tannic, with great fruit presence, tremendous purity, and a long, impressive finish, it is still primary and unformed. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following decade |
| 2000 | Bodegas Emilio Moro Malleolus Ribera Del Duero | Red Wine | sh1 | 23 | 1 | 90 ws |
| Plum, chocolate and cedar notes mingle in this rich, ripe red. It has more power than grace right now, but it's balanced and clean and should age well. Best from 2004 through 2011. 400 cases made. (TM) |
| 2001 | Bodegas Valsacro Dioro Seleccion | Rioja | rc2 | 35 | 1 | 96 rp |
| The prodigious 2001 Dioro Seleccion is a 200-case cuvee packaged in a heavy bottle. Aged completely in French oak, this loaded 2001 boasts a deep purple color as well as a sweet perfume of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, tobacco leaves, creme de cassis, cherries, cola, and smoky new oak. Full-bodied and ripe, with superb purity and a multilayered texture, this exceptional red should hit its peak in 2-4 years, and last for 15+. |
| gift from Bruce P. |
| 2002 | Bonaccorsi Santa Maria Valley | Pinot Noir | | 35 | | 92 ws |
| Wonderful balance and sense of proportion, with rich yet subtle blackberry and black cherry and hints of anise, light oak, mineral and earth, but then the fruit returns, revealing the concentration. Drink now through 2010. 260 cases made. (JL) |
| 9/2005 B-day wine at beechwood... |
| 2002 | Bonaccorsi Santa Rita Hills | Pinot Noir | c9,l3 | 37 | 2 | 94 ws |
| A triumphant wine, dense and concentrated, with rich blackberry, pomegranate and boysenberry flavors supported by firm, ripe, deep tannins, making this wine not only fascinating to smell and drink, but offering the kind of richness and structure for cellaring. Drink now through 2010. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 430 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Borgogno | Dolcetto d'Alba | | 15 | | |
| 6/2005 Just okay. Not so complex. Do not think i should get more. Light nose of cherry and strawberry. 8/2005 Liked the second bottle more... am i becoming more italian?? |
| 1998 | Boroli Villero Barolo | Nebbiolo | c9,uh3 | 40 | 2 | 92 ws |
| Great vineyard, great wine. Leather, berry, oil and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft and rich tannins and a lovely, decadent finish. It develops wonderfully in the glass. Best after 2006. 420 cases made. (JS) |
| 2002 | Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse | Pinot Noir | ra1,ra1,ra1 | 23 | 3 | 88-90 am |
| (a Bouchard monopole). This is aromatically riper and more forward than the Teurons and it is right on the edge for me as being almost too ripe. However, as do many 2002s, the freshness remains despite the ripeness and buffers it such that the ripe, rich, velvety and full-bodied flavors do not descend into heaviness or display excessively roasted nuances. The finish is most impressive, combining really lovely texture with sweetness and fine length. In short, this manages to retain a strong sense of balance and is really quite interesting. (88-90)/2008+ |
| 2001 | Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus | Pinot Noir | rh2,rh2,rh2 | 47 | 3 | 88-91 am 88 ws |
| Perfumed and expressive nose of freshly crushed pinot fruit and serious, understated, earthy, dark fruit flavors plus a sappy, beautifully complex finish that displays dusty, intense structure. As it often is, this may very well be the best of this range of Beaune 1ers. (88-91)/2008-14 WS There's a distinctive earthiness here but also a sweet, ripe red cherry note and spice accents. Elegant and concentrated, with noticeable tannins on the finish. It still needs time to integrate the oak. Best from 2005 through 2012. |
| 2002 | Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus | Pinot Noir | bh1,bh1,bh1,bh1,bh1,bh1,rh2,rh2,rh2,rh2 | 40 | 10 | 92 am 89-92 st 86-88 pr |
| AM The recent mise has not troubled this either as the nose is wonderfully expressive, rich and classy, leading to concentrated, dense, pure, textured and beautifully detailed and precise flavors that ooze minerality and sap on the wonderfully long finish. This is very powerful for a Beaune 1er and it will be capable of aging for two decades, perhaps longer. 92/2009-20 Wasserman I absolutely love this wine in both 2001 and 2002. Grand nose. Not as dense or long as the 2001 (a monumental effort which you absolutely should own) but finer and already more complex. Ripe, tight, focused, precise, with admirable grain which is very compressed right now but only to spring back in a few years and reward you with tons of subtle flavors. PR A firm, rustic wine, the 2002 Beaune Greves Vigne de l’Enfant Jesus (domaine) lacks the hedonistic jammy fruit and supple personalities of Bouchard’s other 2002 Beaunes. Light to medium-bodied, it displays brambleberries and blackberries in a bright, foursquare character. This wine will need to soften and blossom to ultimately merit a score in the upper eighties. Projected maturity: 2006-2011. Tanser Black raspberry, chocolate, leather and game on the reduced nose. Broad and lush in the middle, with sappy, nuanced fruit flavors of considerable depth. The toothdusting tannins arrive quite late, allowing the fruit, smoke and game flavors to linger. All of these Beaune wines should benefit from three or four years of aging |
| 2002 | Bouchard Pere et Fils Monthelie | Pinot Noir | bp1,c7 | 18 | 2 | 87 am |
| This too is almost quite ripe but here the aromas are darker and blacker in character and the flavors possess better definition plus more obvious structure on the medium length finish. I particularly like the freshness. 87/2007+ |
| 1/2005 Nice balance, not overpowering. Good wine. |
| 2002 | Bouchard Pere et Fils Nuits St Georges Cailles | Pinot Noir | rh1,rh1,rh1 | 37 | 3 | 92 am 90-93 st |
| (A relatively recent acquisition of Bouchard as they traded part of their monopole Volnay “Clos de la Rougeotte” – a subclimat of Frémiets, for this parcel of Les Cailles). A classic Les Cailles as this is spicy, indeed almost seductive with an intense, nuanced and highly complex black fruit nose followed by classy and sophisticated flavors underpinned by dense but quite fine tannins and knock out length. This is a wine of contrasts as the flavors are generous yet the overall impression is one of cool reserve. The firm, slightly edgy structure is entirely buried at present and this will require patience before it reveals all of its considerable potential. 92/2010-22. ST An astounding Nuits St Georges. The most famous vineyard in Nuits St Georges is Les St Georges. Of late I have almost become more fascinated by les Cailles which abuts its big brother just to the North. Les St Georges is majestic by its size and its rather awe inspiring structure as there are few wines that have such tannins. What I like in Les Cailles is that the tannins are a little more compact, finer and in the context of Nuits, more delicate. If Les St Georges is the king of Nuits then surely les Cailles is the queen. This is textbook, with compact, dense and incredibly well defined tannins. It is ripe, with already boat loads of aromatic complexity and a long and sneaky finish. Very under-priced for an almost Grand Cru caliber wine from the Cotes de Nuits. STGood red-ruby. Redcurrant, plum, minerals, mint and tobacco on the complex nose; if the Clos Saint-Marc is Pomerol, this is distinctly left bank. Dense but juicy and high-pitched, with very good definition and grip. Black fruit flavors complicated by notes of game and leather. Finishes very long and firmly tannic. |
| 2002 | Bouchard Pere et Fils Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot | Pinot Noir | al2,al2,al2 | 42 | 3 | 91 am, 83 ws |
| Meadows: "Ripe, almost plumy black pinot fruit aromas blend seamlessly into fresh, textured, complex and beautifully precise middle weight flavors that deliver simply superb length. As do all the best wines in this range, the Caillerets is exquisitely balanced and while this is perhaps slightly finer than the Grèves, it is certainly less powerful and finishes with lovely natural sweetness. 91/2009-20" |
| 2003 | Broadley | Pinot Noir | | 16 | | |
| 5/2005 Just okay. Not terribly dense or cih. Fruit has a bit (not much) of green/vegetal element. Aromas of dark plum and berry fruit, but noe enough to warrant any serious consideration. |
| 1998 | Bruchon, Lucien Camus Savigny-Les-Beaune Aux Grands Liards | Pinot Noir | | 22 | | |
| 1998 | Bruchon, Lucien Camus Savigny-Narbantons, Premier Cru | Pinot Noir | | 25 | | |
| 2001 | Burguet Gevrey Chambertin Mes Favorites | Pinot Noir | vt1 | 50 | 1 | |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2002 | Burguet Gevrey Chambertin Mes Favorites | Pinot Noir | dj2 | 50 | 1 | 89-92 am |
| Meadows: "(since the '99 vintage, this replaces what used to be called the cuvée Vieilles Vignes and derives largely from vineyards in Brochon and northern sector of Gevrey, averaging approximately 60 years of age). A classic Gevrey nose of game, underbrush and intense earth leads to intense, round, rich flavors of real size, weight and muscle that possess plenty of length and mid-palate punch but with the same velvety sap of the preceding wine. This is easily of top 1er quality. (89-92)/2008-16." |
| 2002 | Buty | Merlot/Cabernet Franc | mr1,mr1 | 37 | 2 | 87 ws |
| Distinctive for its herbal, coconut and tart character around a lively core of blackberry, raspberry and sweet pepper flavors, finishing with polish. Drink now through 2009. 187 cases made. (HS) |
| 7/2004 - Big huge wine. Blackberry, casis, pepper and spice. Finish lasts for a long time. Do touch until 2006 |
| 2001 | Buty Rediviva of the Stones | Syrah/Cabernet | mr1 | 39 | 1 | 90 ws |
| Ripe, focused and generous, polished in texture and layered with blackberry, currant, cedar and a distinctive mint character that runs through the aromas and flavors. Has real personality and verve. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2010. 181 cases made. (HS) |
| 10/2005 Nice wine. Rich and deep. INteresting characteristics. |
| 2000 | Cakebread Cellars | Cabernet | w4 | 50 | 1 | 89 ws |
| Vivid, supple black cherry, blackberry and currant flavors are round and focused, with smooth, well-integrated tannins. Very complete and well made. |
| 2001 | Cakebread Cellars | Cabernet | wd1 | 50 | 1 | 88 ws |
| Supple and harmonious, with a graceful core of spicy black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit that's delicately balanced, finishing with smooth, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2012. 20,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 1998 | Camigliano | Sangiovese | uh6 | 30 | 1 | 92 ws |
| Big and solid, with excellent ripe fruit and a firm backbone of silky tannins. Full-bodied, with a dense palate. This is very impressive for the vintage. Best after 2005. 12,900 cases made. (JS) |
| 6/2005 Pizzicotto with michele. Tasty. |
| 1999 | Campagnola, Guiseppe Caterina Zardini | Amarone | m2,w2,w2,c5 | 39 | 4 | 90 ws |
| Black fruit with minerals and wood on the nose. Full-bodied, with a clean fruity palate, soft fruit-coated tannins and a long fresh finish. Very fine indeed. Best after 2004. 2,580 cases made. (JS) |
| 12/2004. Big enjoyable bottle of wine. Not overpowering, but full of flavor and balance. rocca. |
| NV | Campbells Rutherglen | Muscat | | 14 | | |
| 1999 | Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino | Sangiovese | c2 | 30 | 1 | |
| 1999 | Cardinale | Cabernet Blend | rc1 | 120 | 1 | 93 rp 92 ws |
| The terrific 1999 (a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot) possesses a murky purple color as well as a sweet nose of vanilla, Asian spices, licorice, and blackberry/currant fruit. The wine is full-bodied, dense, and chewy, with moderately high tannin. This large-scaled, pure red will handsomely repay cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+. WS Seductive earth, currant and spices lead to a smooth, supple-textured, richly flavored wine, with layers of currant, blackberry, coffee, mocha and mineral. Turns elegant and sophisticated, with hints of anise and cedar. Well-integrated tannins suggest short-term cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2004 through 2012. 1,950 cases made. |
| 2003 | Carter Vineyard Hillblock Pommard Clone | Pinot Noir | pg1 | 38 | 1 | 92 ws |
| The second vintage from this longtime supplier to Ken Wright and Domaine Serene is a winner—supple and elegant, rich enough in texture to give the cherry, white pepper, mineral and rose petal aromas and flavors some scope, yet balanced and harmonious through the long, refined finish. Ken Wright made the wine. Drink now through 2012. |
| 9/2005 Cherry and dark berry fruit notes dominate. Very big and dense. Awesome juice. Had w Chris Matthews at novato after high sierra century... |
| 1997 | Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova | Sangiovese | uh3,c10 | 50 | 2 | 95 ws |
| Like finely meshed cashmere. Exotic aromas of plums, incense and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins and a long, caressing, silky aftertaste. A wine with loads of finesse. Give it time. Best after 2004. 4,580 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Castello Di Volpaia Balifico | Super Tuscan | bh2,ba2 | 30 | 2 | 93 ws |
| Shows complex aromas of currant, mineral and light toasty oak. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Superb. Sangiovese and Cabernet. Best after 2006. 1,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva | Sangiovese | | 14 | | 91 ws |
| Delicious, with blackberry and chocolaty character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, minerally finish. This is serious Chianti. Drink now. 8,330 cases made. (JS) |
| 3/2005 Kitchen w kleiger. Spicy light to medium bodied wine. Good bottle. |
| 1999 | Cathiard, Sylvain Vosne Romanee En Orveaux | Pinot Noir | c8 | 55 | 1 | |
| Gift from Mitra and Johnny |
| 2000 | Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Barolo | Nebbiolo | ba1,ba1 | 38 | 2 | 91 ws 87 st |
| Very pretty aromas of plum, rose petal and cedar. Full-bodied, with sweet and soft tannins and plenty of friendly fruit. Not the most complex wine but outstanding. Better than the 1997. Best after 2008. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,830 cases made. (JS) ST Good medium red. Aromas of currant, mint, leather and pepper. Fat and moderately fresh, with spicy, herbal and minty nuances. Reasonably juicy and aromatic for the vintage, with restrained sweetness. Finishes with substantial sweet tannins. Aged mostly in old ovals. |
| Old School, hold for many moons...... |
| 1999 | Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Cerbaia | Sangiovese | | 37 | | 92 ws |
| Solid red here with loads of berry, tobacco and spice character. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Needs time to soften. Not imported into the U.S. Best after 2006. 350 cases made. |
| NV | Chambers Rosewood Vineyards | Tokay | | 13 | | 92 rp |
| This wine is a great buy. The wine exhibits a light to medium amber color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of molasses, brown sugar, roasted nuts, and sweet fruitcake. Unctuously-textured as well as juicy, sweet yet fabulously fragrant and well-balanced in the mouth, this is a spectacular fortified wine to savor slowly after dinner. After bottling it neither improves nor declines, and is capable of lasting up to a decade. |
| 4/2004 Absolutely wonderful. Not as rich as the muscat, but drippingly sweet. |
| NV | Chambers Rosewood Vineyards | Muscat | c9 | 12 | 1 | 95 rp |
| The Muscat is even better than the Muscadelle (Tokay), offering a rose/amber color followed by notes of black tea. This sexy effort is the equivalent of liquid Viagra. This wine is a great buy. The wine exhibits a light to medium amber color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of molasses, brown sugar, roasted nuts, and sweet fruitcake. Unctuously-textured as well as juicy, sweet yet fabulously fragrant and well-balanced in the mouth, this is a spectacular fortified wine to savor slowly after dinner. After bottling it neither improves nor declines, and is capable of lasting up to a decade. |
| 2000 | Chandon de Briailles Pernand-Vergelesses Ile des Vergelesses | Pinot Noir | | 25 | | |
| 5/2004. lovely light wine. hints of strawberry, anise. |
| 2000 | Chateau Dereszla Tokay Aszú 5 Puttonyos | Tokay | ra2 | 40 | 1 | 95 ws |
| Gorgeous, silky and harmonious, offering orange blossom, honey and beeswax aromas and flavors. Lightweight, elegant and vibrant, it carries its sweetness with poise, ending with freshness and a long aftertaste of honey. Drink now through 2020. 1,250 cases made. (BS) |
| 1999 | Chateau Montelena Calistoga Cuvee | Cabernet | w4 | 35 | 1 | 89 rp 89 ws |
| The deep ruby/purple-colored 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga Cuvee (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot) reveals more intensity and flavor out of bottle than it did from cask. Ten to twenty percent new oak was utilized. The sweet nose of black cherries and currants is followed by a medium-bodied red displaying notions of earth, licorice, tobacco, and spice. It is a supple-textured, delicious Cabernet to enjoy over the next 10-12 years. WS Defty balanced, with ripe fruit and fresh leather, currant, blackberry and black cherry flavors. Tannins are supple, ripe and well-integrated, making this an ideal choice for near-term drinking. An excellent value. Best from 2003 through 2010. 8,500 cases made. (JL) |
| 11/2004 Wonderfl aromas of casis and blackberry. Little tight according to the funk. Still lovely. Wait until at least until 2006 for the other bottle. |
| 2001 | Chateau Rayas Pignan Chateaeneuf-du-Pape | Rhone | c2 | 40 | 1 | 90 rp |
| The light to medium ruby-colored 2000 Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape (7,000 bottles produced) is pure kirsch liqueur. Medium-bodied, delicate, and feminine, it offers considerable pleasure, but not a lot of substance or follow-through. However, these wines can seem to lack stuffing as well as aging potential, only to put on weight and last longer than anyone expected. Nevertheless, I would opt for drinking it over the next 10-12 years. |
| 2001 | Chateau Rieussec | Sauternes | l7,l7 | 100 | 2 | 100 ws |
| 2000 | Chateau d'Armailhac | Bordeaux | wd1 | 40 | 1 | 91 rp 90 ws |
| This continues to be one of the most seductive and luscious d'Armailhacs I have ever tasted. It may be my favorite vintage of d'Armailhac. Opaque purple-colored, this blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot has surprisingly good acidity with the high Merlot content and high tannin, but an expressive, opulent mid-texture and loads of charcoal-infused, cedary, black currant fruit intermixed with spice box, dried herbs, and espresso notes. The wine is full-bodied, sweet, and expansive. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. WS Juicy red. Plenty of tobacco, berry and currant character in this. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. Best after 2008. 15,415 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Chateau du Tertre | Bordeaux | w2 | 40 | 1 | 91 rp |
| A dense purple color is followed by layers of concentrated blackberry fruit intertwined with damp earth, mushroom, and sweet, toasty barrique smells. With ripe tannin, medium to full body, a layered texture, and a concentrated, impressively endowed finish, this is the finest Du Tertre since their 1979. This is a property on the move ... up! |
| 2000 | Chateau l'Olivier | Bordeaux | w5 | 35 | 1 | 87 rp |
| A sexy, lush effort, this deep ruby-colored, medium-bodied 2000 exhibits plenty of grapy, black currant fruit, smoke, tobacco, and spice box aromas. Elegant, with excellent purity as well as low acidity and ripe tannin in the finish, it will drink well upon release and over the following decade. Along with the 1998, it is the finest Olivier in more than 25 years (hardly high praise). |
| 2001 | Chorey, Chateau de Beaune Cent-Vignes | Pinot Noir | m4,uh9 | 35 | 2 | 89 am |
| AM This is a very classy effort with very ripe fruit yet this offers much better aromatic freshness than it did from cask with medium weight and notably complex flavors that are supple, pure and persistent. A very pretty wine that is also very Beaune in character. 89/2007+ This vineyard was mostly replanted in 1979 and 1986 after the cruel frost of 1985 where most of the vines died. The Cent Vignes terroir is situated in the north part of Beaune and in the lower part of the slope. The soil is lighter and sandier. |
| 2002 | Chorey, Chateau de Beaune Les Cras Vieilles Vignes | Pinot Noir | ra2 | | 1 | 91-93 am |
| (from yields of only 18 hl/ha). As it almost always is chez Germain, this is at another level from all of the prior wines. Everything necessary is here from the beautifully expressive and transparent red pinot fruit to the detailed, rich, powerful and dense flavors all underpinned by ripe tannins and plenty of racy acidity. In particular, the intense minerality and superb depth are most impressive as is the stunning length. A great, great effort. (91-93)/2012-20 |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2001 | Chorey, Chateau de Beaune Premier Cru Cuvee Tante Berthe | Pinot Noir | ra1 | | 1 | 92 am |
| (made from extremely old vines located in Teurons, Vignes Franches and Les Cras, pruned to yield only two bunches per vine, vinified with 100% of the stems and aged in 500 liter, 100% new oak barrels, of which there were only two). Phenomenally dense black fruit nose and one can immediately sense the concentration of the deep, powerful, robust, broad-scaled flavors underpinned by a firm tannic backbone that seems almost completely buried by the what can only be described as pure extract of pinot. It s rare to taste Burgundy this concentrated yet the texture is all silk and velvet and the length is simply amazing. A perfect example of one of my favorite qualities of fine Burgundy, which is to say power without weight. A great effort and worth a special search. 92/2009-16 |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2002 | Christopher Bridges | Pinot Noir | | 30 | | |
| Made by Andrew Will winemaker Chris Camarda for the Carlberg family. The grapes come from their Satori Springs Vineyard, near Oregon City in the Willamette Valley. About 100 cases were made, and the wine is a beautiful one. Limited and highly receommended. |
| 10/2004 Very fruit driven with some earth tones. Enjoyable. Can probably last a number of more years. 7/2005 Michale gives a bottle to w lebowitz 10/2005 Lost 1 bottle?? |
| 1999 | Château Cabrières Prestige Tête de Cru | Rhone | bp1,c10,al2 | 15 | 3 | 92 ws |
| Traditional. Clean and pure, with a silky texture. Picks up power on the palate, delivering big-time fruit, mineral and roasted game notes. But this is very seductive and well put-together. Long, lovely finish. Drink now through 2010. 1,250 cases made. (PM) |
| 3/2005 Light and ephereal. Something very interesting going on. Light in colour. Complex in taste. |
| 2000 | Château Haut-Batailley | Bordeaux | w2 | 35 | 1 | 92 ws 90 rp |
| Attractive chocolate, berry and currant aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with medium fine tannins and a pretty berry, chocolate aftertaste. Seriously good value. Best wine from this estate in decades. RP One of the finest Haut-Batailleys ever made (it certainly rivals the 1996), this deep ruby/purple-colored wine is a beauty. Notes of raspberries, liquified minerals, cassis, and tobacco jump from the glass of this attractive, velvety-textured wine. Some tannin is there, but it is abundantly fruity, low in acidity, and is a quintessentially elegant style of Bordeaux. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. |
| 2000 | Château La Tourette | Bordeaux | w1,w2,w5 | 35 | 3 | 92 ws |
| Lovely Cabernet aromas of currants and berries, with hints of minerals. Full-bodied, with superrefined tannins and a long finish. A beauty. It goes on and on. |
| 2000 | Château Malartic-Lagravière | Bordeaux | w1 | 38 | 1 | 92 ws 90 rp |
| Really well-done. Best I have had from here. Extremely refined and well-crafted, with delicate spice, fresh meat and berry character. Full-bodied, with super-well-integrated tannins. Best after 2010. 5,040 cases made. RP A model of elegance, symmetry, and balanced power, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2000 displays sweet aromas of plums, currants, tobacco, and smoke. The wine possesses abundant power, concentration, extract, glycerin, and length. This elegant, expansive, juicy, layered, medium-bodied effort should prove reasonably long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020. |
| 2000 | Château Rauzan-Gassies | Bordeaux | c11,c11 | 65 | 2 | 92 ws 90 rp |
| Best ever from this estate. Fabulous aromas of blackberries and ripe currants. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. An excellent quality wine. Best after 2010. RP The finest wine I have tasted from this estate in over four decades, this dense purple-colored 2000 offers up a sweet perfume of black cherry liqueur intermixed with cassis, graphite, licorice, and incense. Full-bodied and concentrated, with high tannin and loads of extract, this is a serious, broodingly backward, high class offering for patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2022. |
| 2000 | Château Rauzan-Gassies | Bordeaux | m4 | 17 | 1 | 92 ws 90 rp |
| Best ever from this estate. Fabulous aromas of blackberries and ripe currants. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. An excellent quality wine. Best after 2010. RP The finest wine I have tasted from this estate in over four decades, this dense purple-colored 2000 offers up a sweet perfume of black cherry liqueur intermixed with cassis, graphite, licorice, and incense. Full-bodied and concentrated, with high tannin and loads of extract, this is a serious, broodingly backward, high class offering for patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2022. |
| 9/2005 B-day lunch with patrick... nice and mellow... seemed closed down at first... needs much more time... |
| 1999 | Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Vigna di Pianrosso | Sangiovese | hd1,dj2 | 50 | 2 | 91 ws 91+ st |
| Very tight and firm, with hints of fresh flowers, berries and fresh meat. Full-bodied, chewy and silky, with hints of mineral and fruit. Long finish. This is a wine that needs bottle age. Strangely, I like the 1998 better and, of course, the 1997. Best after 2006. 4,100 cases made. (JS) ST Good red-ruby. Subtly complex nose melds cassis, truffle and expensive oak; shows an almost liqueur-like sweetness. Then supple, dense and bright, with a pliant texture and excellent depth of flavor. This is ripe and fleshy but also classically dry, structured and elegant, with lovely inner-mouth perfume. Very penetrating, long wine, finishing with suave tannins that are firm but fine. |
| 2001 | Clair, Bruno Gevrey-Chambertin “Les Cazetiers” | Pinot Noir | dj2 | 40 | 1 | 88-91 am |
| (from 40 year old vines). I was surprised that the Cazetiers was presented after the Clos St. Jacques as it’s normally the reverse but one whiff of the complex, soaring black fruit and earth nose convinced me that Clair had made the right choice. While this is not especially dense or concentrated either, there is a velvety richness and mouth coating sap to it plus a long, persistent finish. This is the first vintage that I can ever remember where the Cazetiers was so convincingly better than the Clos St. Jacques. Lovely and quite long. (88-91)/2007-12 |
| 1998 | Clavelier, Bruno Chambolle-Musigny 1st Cru, La Combe D'Orveaux | Pinot Noir | m4 | 45 | 1 | 80 am |
| Extremely funky off odors dominate the nose though otherwise the wine displays good richness, character and structure. As this is the only example I have tried, I do not know if this bottle is indeed representative but if so, the nose makes this a hard wine to like. 80?/now to 2007 |
| 1976 | Clavelier, Bruno Santenay 1st Cru Les Gravieres | Pinot Noir | | 61 | | |
| 9/2004 Delicious! Everything an old burgundy should be..... |
| 2001 | Clerico/Domenico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra | Nebbiolo | ua1,ua1,ua1 | 64 | 3 | 96 ws |
| Aromas of blackberries and licorice with hints of oak. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and lots of ripe fruit as well as smoky oak. A rich and very long wine. Beautiful and massive. This is always one of the best. Best after 2008. 350 cases imported |
| 2001 | Clos Haut Peyraguey | Sauternes | lr1,wd1,m4 | 38 | 3 | 92 rp 97 ws |
| A big time sleeper of the vintage, Clos Haut Peyraguey’s 2001 exhibits abundant amounts of Grand Marnier-like orange flavors intermixed with creme brulee, melted caramels, and hints of pineapples and apricots. Full-bodied, sweet, long, and well-defined, it should drink well for 15+ years. WS Ultrathick. Like pure honey, yet spicy and wonderful. Full-bodied and supersweet; however, the lively acidity and botrytis spice carries it on for minutes on the palate. A fabulous Sauternes. Score range: 95-100 (JS) |
| 2000 | Clos Rene | Bordeaux | c10 | 20 | 1 | 90 ws 89 rp |
| Licorice and berry flavors, with hints of minerals and flowers. Medium-bodied, with lovely tannins and a long, pretty finish. Always a pretty red. RP A seductive, classic Pomerol in its open-knit, forward display of roasted coffee scents intermixed with caramel, black cherry jam, and some sweet, toasty oak, this is a lush, medium to full-bodied, dark ruby-colored wine with good flesh, low acidity, and excellent purity. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. |
| 2000 | Clos Rene | Bordeaux | w1 | 35 | 1 | 90 ws 89 rp |
| Licorice and berry flavors, with hints of minerals and flowers. Medium-bodied, with lovely tannins and a long, pretty finish. Always a pretty red. RP A seductive, classic Pomerol in its open-knit, forward display of roasted coffee scents intermixed with caramel, black cherry jam, and some sweet, toasty oak, this is a lush, medium to full-bodied, dark ruby-colored wine with good flesh, low acidity, and excellent purity. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. |
| 1999 | Clos des Pape | Rhone | mr1 | 37 | 1 | 94 rp 84 ws |
| While the 1999 performed better than the 1998, it remains firm and closed, offering plenty of sweet kirsch and blackberry fruit, licorice, spice, and floral aromas. Structured, medium to full-bodied, and moderately tannic, it should be at its finest between 2006-2020. WS Soft and smooth, with plum and toasty notes unfolding to a gentle but fresh finish. Medium-bodied, it lacks the depth to score higher. Drink now through 2003. 7,500 cases made. |
| 2001 | Clos des Pape | Rhone | mr1 | 37 | 1 | 95 rp |
| Paul Avril feels that purchasers of the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape should “wait ten years” before drinking it. A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Counoise, all aged in large wood foudres prior to being bottled without filtration, was produced from low yields of 27 hectoliters per hectare. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by a sweet bouquet of figs, raspberries, new saddle leather, autumnal forest floor, and resiny notes. Full-bodied with beautiful purity as well as a strikingly rich mouthfeel, this seriously endowed Chateauneuf admirably conceals its 14.5% alcohol. A structured finish and impressive extract levels suggest considerable longevity. This firmly tannic, intensely concentrated 2001 boasts great aromatic and palate presence, but it remains young and unevolved. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020+. |
| 1998 | Clos du Marquis | Bordeaux | c6,w2 | 25 | 2 | 90 rp |
| A superb effort, the 1998 exhibits abundant quantities of black currant and cherry fruit subtley dosed with toasty oak. A medium to full-bodied, nicely-textured, pure effort, with a moderately tannic finish. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2014. |
| 2000 | Clos du Marquis | Bordeaux | w5,w5 | 40 | 2 | 91 rp |
| One of the great sleepers of the vintage and probably the best Clos de Marquis I have ever tasted, this wine could easily compete with many of the vintage's classified growths. Dense, opaque purple-colored, with creme de cassis, vanilla, and cherry notes, medium to full body, an unctuous texture, low acidity, and a more evolved style than its bigger sibling, Leoville Las Cases, this dense, chewy, remarkably concentrated and stylish wine should be at its best between 2005 and 2018 |
| 2000 | Clos l'Eglise | Bordeaux | w5,w5 | 30 | 2 | 90 rp |
| The outstanding 2000 Clos L'Eglise boasts a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of espresso roast intermixed with creme de cassis, blackberries, and licorice. The wine is rich, textured, succulent, and impressively pure and long. (The finish goes on for a good 40+ seconds.) This is serious stuff and a sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. |
| 1997 | Col D'Orcia Toscana Olmaia | Cabernet | c4,m2 | 70 | 2 | 94 ws |
| Very closed and reductive at first, but develops into a superb wine. Stunning aromas of lilacs, roses, raspberries and cherries. Full-bodied, yet extremely polished, with ultrafine tannins and a finish that's as finely textured as the best silk. A cerebral wine. (CellarSelection) |
| 1999 | Colombo/Jean-Luc Hermitage Le Rouet | Rhone | | 20 | | 89 ws |
| Maturing, with tobacco, dried currant, sun dried tomato, bacon fat, cedar and espresso notes working together. Still quite toasty on the full-bodied finish though, with chocolate and briar flavors lingering. Drink now through 2008. 1,500 cases made. (JM) |
| 12/2004. Notes of dried figs and prunes. Very interesting bottle. 10/2005 Not as good. Herbal characteristics... |
| 2000 | Concha y Toro Don Melchor | Cabernet | c3 | 41 | 1 | 94 ws |
| Terrific personality, with prune, cocoa, loam, mineral, dark currant, blackberry, tar and sanguine flavors that don't quit. Well-structured, with fine balance and harmony already and a very long finish. Best from 2005 through 2010. 15,200 cases made. (JM) |
| From ed miller |
| 2001 | Conterno Fantino Barolo Sori Ginestra | Nebbiolo | uh8,uh8,uh8,uh8,uh8,uh8 | 65 | 6 | 99 ws 95+ st |
| Pure crushed berries and plums in this wine with just a hint of wood and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied and compacted, with loads of rich fruit and big velvety tannins. Gorgeous wine. Huge concentration, yet balanced. Greatest wine ever from here and the wine of the vintage. Best after 2009. 200 cases imported. (WS) Good deep medium red. Brooding aromas of red berries, red cherry, minerals and sweet oak. Thick and lush but juicy, with lovely minerality contributing to the impression of grip. Wonderfully pure, sweet red fruit flavors. This, too, builds impressively toward the back and lingers impressively on the aftertaste. The finish features lush, suave tannins that coat the front teeth and incisors. A great 2001 Barolo. (IWC) |
| 1996 | Conterno/Aldo Granbussia Barolo Reserva | Nebbiolo | ua2 | 115 | 1 | 94 ws |
| Collectibles. Rich aromas of ripe fruit, freshly cut cedar and minerals. Full-bodied, with thick and round tannins and a big, almost jammy finish. But then the acidity kicks in. Still a baby, needs years of bottle age. Best after 2008. 770 cases made. (JS) |
| 1998 | Corino Barolo | Nebbiolo | uh3 | 37 | 1 | 88 ws |
| Slightly brown color. Smells like a leather baseball mitt at first and then changes to truffles and berries. Medium-bodied, with coffee and leather flavors and hints of fruit. A pretty wine. Needs decanting for at least one hour before drinking. Best after 2003. 580 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Corino Barolo Vigna Giachini | Nebbiolo | bp2,bp2,l2 | 50 | 3 | 93 Tanzer 92 ag 92 ws |
| Loads of blackberry, cedar and tobacco on the nose here. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Serious wine here. Best after 2008. 370 cases imported. —J.S. |
| 2001 | Coutet | Sauternes | m4,m4 | 20 | 2 | 93 rp 93 ws |
| A brilliant combination of power and finesse characterizes this light green/gold-colored Barsac. It possesses moderate sweetness, terrific aromatics, and a full-bodied, rich, beautifully delineated, ethereal palate revealing delicacy as well as acidity. Although young, it is already strutting its stuff. Consume it over the next 15-25 years." (WA) WS Lots of lemon and maple syrup on the nose, with dried apricots. Full-bodied, with a very sweet and rich palate of candied lemon and orange rinds and a long finish. Beautifully sticky. Not quite as exciting as from barrel but clearly outstanding. Best after 2009. 4,165 cases made. (JS) |
| 2002 | Cristom Eileen | Pinot Noir | c8 | 41 | 1 | 83 ws |
| Solidly built, with flavors that veer toward gamy, earthy notes, sidling in with just enough cherry and spice to make it interesting. Drink now through 2009. 412 cases made. (HS) |
| 2002 | Cristom Mt Jefferson Cuvee | Pinot Noir | bh2 | 22 | 1 | 90 ws |
| Has a wonderful plush texture and flavor on a steely backbone, offering cherry, raspberry and plum fruit against a touch of earth and a floral note, the flavors lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2012. 3,395 cases made. (HS) |
| 9/2005 Great wine... |
| 1995 | Croft Quinta Da Roeda | Port | dj2,dj2 | 25 | 2 | 91 ws |
| A '95 with a wonderfully aromatic nose of crushed berries. Full-bodied, with a long, medium-sweet fruit finish and firm, silky tannins. Best after 2006. (JS) |
| 2000 | Damilano Barolo | Nebbiolo | dj1 | 30 | 1 | 93 ws |
| Extremely perfumed with blackberry, cedar and ripe strawberries on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. A beautifully balanced and crafted red. Best after 2010. 250 cases made. (JS) |
| 6/2005 Opened up nicely. Interesting nose of cushed flowers. Best sip was last. Needs time...lots of time. |
| 2000 | Damilano Barolo Cannubi | Nebbiolo | dj1,dj1 | 60 | 2 | 95 ws |
| Ultraclean yet rich and generous, with raspberry and truffle character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a very long finish. This is like touching cashmere. It caresses your taste buds. Best wine ever from here. Best after 2009. 750 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Damoy, Pierre Chambertin Grand Cru | Pinot Noir | m4 | 64 | 1 | 91 am 92-93 pr |
| This was the best wine among the three grands crus from barrel and so it remains the best from bottle as well. Extremely dense, in fact almost massive with impressively rich, ripe yet nicely complex flavors and penetrating length. This is a very powerful wine with noticeable warmth on the finish and as classic Chambertin should, this will require a decade to show its best. 91/2009-16 Produced from a parcel located on the extreme northern end of its vineyard, just below Domaine Armand Rousseau's, Pierre Damoy's 1999 Chambertin was harvested at 32 hectoliters per hectare. It is medium to dark ruby-colored and reveals licorice, sweet cherry, blackberry, toasted oak, and spice flavors. This full-bodied wine has huge concentration to its rich and intense character. It is highly structured and youthfully austere, yet loaded with powerful black fruits and a strong oak influence. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2013+. |
| paul says now |
| 2000 | Domaine Bertheau et Fils Chambolle-Musigny 1st Cru | Pinot Noir | c6 | 50 | 1 | |
| Tasted 11/2003 in palo alto. Structured with tannins still on the forefront. Needs time. |
| 2002 | Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru | Pinot Noir | fc1,fc1 | 54 | 2 | 89 bh |
| A spicy, intensely animale and red fruit nose introduces round, rich and powerful flavors supported by buried tannins and a spicy, long, pure finish that is impressively complex though at present there is a slightly bitter backend. |
| 2002 | Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine Corton-Clos du Roi Grand Cru | Pinot Noir | fc1,fc1 | 58 | 2 | 89 bh |
| Very ripe notes of cassis, earth and spicy black fruit give way to big, muscular and quite powerful flavors that are more obviously structured than the Bressandes and a robust, notably intense and persistent finish. This is a substantial wine that does not lack for elegance or precision. Excellent cellar potential here that will age on its balance if not its density. |
| 2001 | Domaine Dujac Morey Saint Denis | Pinot Noir | dj1 | 30 | 1 | 87 am |
| Perfumed and very bright strawberry fruit aromas lead to soft, sweet, supple flavors that offer lovely intensity and just enough structure to suggest that it will need 3 to 5 years of cellar time. 87/2006-11 |
| 1998 | Domaine Dujac Morey Saint-Denis 1st Cru | Pinot Noir | c2 | 45 | 1 | |
| 2/2004 still nice. |
| 2003 | Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Villages | Rhone | | 12 | | 90 wa |
| A top-notch blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. |
| 2003 | Domaine Grand Veneur Cuvee Les Origines | Rhone | uh9,uh9,c5 | 37 | 3 | 94 ws 91-93 rp |
| Exhibiting a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose revealing a surprising amount of oak, the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Les Origines is a full-bodied, chewy, layered, large-scaled, low acid, concentrated offering. This open-knit Chateauneuf veers toward the more modern, international style of winemaking, but it unquestionably possesses all the typicity of Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it over the next 12-14 years." (WA) WS Jaw-dropping raspberry ganache and plum fruit, along with cocoa, tar, hoisin sauce and mineral notes, are flamboyantly displayed, while an intense tarry, minerally drive extends the finish. Best from 2007 through 2025. From France.—J.M. |
| 2001 | Domaine Grand Veneur les Origines | Rhone | l1,l1 | 32 | 2 | 92-95 rp 90 ws |
| Delicious. This full-bodied, elegant Châteauneuf is a beauty. Refined and smooth tannins backed by plenty of ripe and spicy fruit, dried fruitcake, smoke, leather and mineral--but the overall impression remains the ripe fruit, which coats the palate. Balanced finish. Best from 2005 through 2013. 2,080 cases made. (PM) |
| 2000 | Domaine Guyon Aloxe Corton les Guerets | Pinot Noir | | 20 | | |
| Light, complex, slightly acidic while still maintaining fruit. |
| 1997 | Domaine Henri Perrot Minot En La Rue De Vergy | Pinot Noir | | 30 | | |
| Gift from George |
| 2000 | Domaine Henri Perrot Minot En La Rue De Vergy | Pinot Noir | lr1 | 35 | 1 | 88 am 89 Tnzr |
| Ruby-red, less saturated than the Vosne-Romanee. Briary black fruits, chocolate and earth on the slightly roasted nose. Very ripe and fat; in fact, just short of heavy. Port-like hint of damp earth. Finishes with chewy, granular tannins. This was 12.6% natural alcohol, chaptalized to 13% in bottle, according to Perrot.Richer, riper and more complex with finer tannins and certainly more elegance. This is very pretty if not as concentrated as the Gevrey and finishes with silky, mouth coating tannins. 88/2006-10 |
| 7/2004 Muted nose. No where close to the '97. Perhaps give the other bottle a couple of years. Try in 2007. |
| 2001 | Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Bonnes Mares | Pinot Noir | bp2 | 110 | 1 | 89-92 am |
| (50% of the vines were planted in 1980 and 1988, with the remainder planted in the Œ50s). Despite the close proximity of the vines (Fuées abuts the end of Bonnes Mares), this could not be more different with its intensely black fruit nose trimmed with ripe, damp forest floor aromas and tannic, full-bodied, somewhat austere and backward flavors that manage to retain a fine sense of balance and outstanding length. Mouth coating, precise and very fresh. (89-92)/2010-20 |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 1999 | Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Chambolle Musigny | Pinot Noir | c6 | 45 | 1 | 85-87 am 85-87 pr |
| AM From two different parcels of vines, one located in the premier cru Les Plantes (planted in 1968) and the second from the villages-level portion of La Combe d Orveau, which is presently young vines. Exqusitely elegant Chambolle fruit, excellent attack and ripe round red fruit flavors that are all about finesse and delicacy. This should need 5 years in the cellar and then drink well for another 5. PR The ruby-colored 1999 Chambolle-Musigny has demure, red berry and fresh herb aromas. Sweet red cherries and tangy currants can be found in this refined, light to medium-bodied, and firm wine. It will be delicious to drink in its youth, but should not be cellared for more than 2 or 3 years. |
| Leave alone from pw for 4-5 years 8/2004 |
| 2002 | Domaine Marquis D'Angerville Volnay Champans | Pinot Noir | ba1 | 58 | 1 | 92 am |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2002 | Domaine Marquis D'Angerville Volnay Premier Cru | Pinot Noir | uh7,uh7 | 35 | 2 | |
| 2001 | Domaine de Beaurenard | Rhone | l1,h1,h1 | 30 | 3 | 94 ws |
| Blockbuster. Both modern and traditional, a full-bodied red that bridges the past and the present. This is packed with Turkish delight dessert, ripe and sweet fruit, lush tannins, with lots of spicy, smoky character and a round, caressing feel in the midpalate. Best from 2006 through 2012. 5,830 cases made. |
| 2003 | Domaine de Christia Chateauneuf-du-Pape | Rhone | c2,uh7 | 24 | 2 | 90-92 wa |
| Complex aromas of flowers, incense, ground pepper, raspberries, and cherries emerge from the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape. This dense ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied effort reveals firm tannin, loads of freshness, superb concentration, and an earthy, powerful yet elegant finish. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and consume it over the following 12-15." (WA) |
| 2000 | Domaine de la Charbonniere les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale | Rhone | l1,l1,l1 | 32 | 3 | 94 rp |
| The Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale Les Hautes Brusquieres, all from a single vineyard parcel planted high on the plateau of Chateauneuf du Pape, behind the village, is made from 100% destemmed Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%). Malolactic fermentation occurs in both foudre and barrel, and more new oak is utilized. In contrast to the 2001, the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres possesses a dense ruby/purple color and pungent, peppery, garrigue aromas intermixed with blackberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit characteristics. This full-bodied offering boasts layers of glycerin, sensational purity, and admirable ripeness. While it does not reveal the color saturation of the 2001, there is similar flavor intensity as well as body. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. |
| 1999 | Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot Les Cras Premier Cru | Pinot Noir | c6 | 45 | 1 | 88 am |
| As the wines of Vougeot often are, this is dominated by earth notes and dusty fruit with rustic, full-bodied flavors that offer solid complexity and good underlying structure. This has added both volume and weight since I last tasted it in barrel. Quite good in a frank, direct manner. 88/2007-12 |
| 2002 | Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume | Chenin Blanc | m1 | 42 | 1 | 97 ws |
| Loaded with mango, quince and fig fruit that works harmoniously with green almond, floral and mineral notes. Terrific creamy texture hides the latent acidity while the flavors glaze your palate on the finish. Both pure and powerful at once, this will age effortlessly. Drink now through 2030. 1,250 cases made. (JM) |
| 2000 | Domaine des Perdrix Aux Perdrix | Pinot Noir | lr1 | 37 | 1 | 86 am 93 ws 88 pr |
| (this is presently a monopole but it will lose that status in 2001 – raised in 60% new wood). This too is somewhat oaky with prominent wood spice and a mix of earth, red and black fruits and dried herbs on the nose. This manages to retain a nice sense of elegance despite the aggressive wooding and though there is sufficient structure to develop for 3 to 4 years, this could be drunk now as well. This is too oaky for me but it stops short of intense creaminess. 86/2005-9 Ultrasmooth, a seductive wine that turns you on with its silky tannins, rich and ripe fruit, great concentration and sweet flavors. Full-bodied, this great red brings joy as its black fruit, toasted and smoky notes, mineral and other complex aromas all come together on the satiny finish. Whoa. Drink now through 2009. 1,500 cases made. (PM) PR Oak-laced red cherries make up the aromatic profile of the 2000 Nuits-St.-Georges Aux Perdrix. Medium-bodied, velvety-textured, and concentrated, it displays candied strawberries and cherries whose flavors regrettably dissipate quickly in the finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. |
| 9/2004 Aromas of black cherry and casis. Very earthy tasting. Tannic. Needed time to open up. Next bottle should go after 2006 (at earliest). |
| 2001 | Domaine du Clos des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays, Morey St Denis | Pinot Noir | uh3 | 75 | 1 | 92 am |
| (includes 50% young vines Clos des Lambrays). This is a clear step up with much tighter, more concentrated and reserved fruit and deep, rich, mineral-laden flavors that display superb acid/fruit/tannin balance plus an impressive, and beautifully focused, long finish. Powerful, long and this is extremely pretty. 92/2008-16 |
| gift from scott and jerinne |
| 2001 | Domaine du Clos des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays, Morey St Denis | Pinot Noir | c11 | 160 | 1 | 92 am |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2002 | Domaine du Clos des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays, Morey St Denis | Pinot Noir | vins rare | 65 | 3 | 92 am |
| (produced from two large parcels of differing vine age - one that is approximately two-thirds of the blend and is now 45 years of age and a second, smaller group of vines that is approximately 20 years of age). Medium ruby. Aromas of wild berries, game and a subtle note of smoke lead to rich, intense, moderately fat flavors that are wonderfully well balanced largely because of the racy, indeed bright acidity. This has tightened up considerably since it was bottled with a dusty, sweet and precise finish that is strikingly long. In short, delicious yet entirely serious and a wine that should age gracefully for two decades, perhaps longer. 92/2012+ |
| 2002 | Drouhin, Joseph Saint Veran | Chardonnay | | 9 | | |
| 2001 | Drouhin, Joseph Volnay | Pinot Noir | | 25 | | |
| 9/2004 Light and floral in nature. Not a bad wine but nothing special as well |
| 2001 | Duckhorn | Cabernet | wd1 | 50 | 1 | |
| 2000 | Dugat, Claude Gevrey Chambertin | Pinot Noir | c1 | 48 | 1 | 87 am |
| Deeply colored and fragrant with excellent Gevrey character plus round, mouth coating, nicely complex flavors. This is quite forward and very ripe and should drink well almost immediately. 87/2003-8 |
| 2003 | Dönnhoff Nahe Oberhauser Brucke Auslese | Riesling | ba2 | 40 | 1 | 95 wa |
| 2003 | Dönnhoff Nahe, Riesling Spätlese Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg | Riesling | ba2 | 35 | 1 | 92 wa 1 star ST |
| "The floral, white fruit-scented 2003 Riesling Spatlese Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg is broad, ample, and light to medium-bodied. This pure, deep effort reveals loads of cotton candy-laced white fruit flavors. Its personality bursts forth on the palate with the same fervor as pop rocks candies yet, instead of fading away as those sweets did, this wine seamlessly retains its powerful hold on the taster from the attack to the finish. Projected maturity: now-2020." (WA) "Mango and pineapple plus a hint of woodsmoke on the nose. Opulently rich and creamy in texture, this is also vividly juicy in its fruit expression, with the sweetness well integrated compared to that of this vintage's Norheimer Kirschheck Spatlese. Long and resonant." (ST) |
| 2003 | Dönnhoff Nahe, Riesling Spätlese Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube | Riesling | ba2 | 37 | 1 | 93 wa 1 star |
| "Intense scents of slate as well as minerals burst from the glass of the medium-bodied and seductively sexy 2003 Riesling Spatlese Schlossbockelheimer Kupfergrube. Broad, rich, and plush, it boasts plump, seamless layers of powerfully flavored poached pears, apples, and candied slate. This dense, fat, and prolonged wine should be drunk over the next 15 years." (WA) "Nut oils, almond pastry and lichee on the nose. The palate is similarly informed of marzipan, lichee and praline. Round and opulently rich, with an almost gaudy complexity of fruits and confections in the finish and a whiff of smoke. Impressive, if not terribly site- or Donnhoff-typical." (ST) |
| 1999 | E. Guigal | Rhone | c6 | 30 | 1 | 90 rp 93 ws |
| Guigal's 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape (85% Grenache) is a sweet, aromatic effort displaying notes of kirsch liqueur, Havana tobacco, cedar, dried Provencal herbs, and hints of pepper as well as balsam wood. This lightly tannic, delicious Chateauneuf can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-12 years. WS Distinctive Châteauneuf, with plenty of wild mushrooms, wet earth, game and leather. This is not a fruit bomb; it has chewy tannins. But underneath is wonderful sweet fruit, as well as a subtle mineral caress. Something special. Best from 2005 through 2015. 13,330 cases made. |
| 2000 | E. Guigal | Rhone | c3,l7 | 22 | 2 | 92 rp 88 ws |
| Even better than the 1999, is the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape. It reveals a deeper ruby/purple color along with sumptuous scents of creme de cassis, kirsch liqueur, licorice, and Provencal herbs. Boasting abundant glycerin, fuller body, additional black fruit characteristics, low acidity, ripe tannin, and a longer finish, it should be silky and accessible upon release. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. WS Intriguing red, with some nice Châteauneuf complexity?wild herbs, leather, game. Modest fruit aromas in this mature Châteauneuf, which offers some wet earth and smoke aromas, but turns a bit tough on the finish. Medium-bodied, firm finish. Drink now through 2007. |
| 2002 | Elk Cove | Pinot Noir | | 17 | | 89 ws |
| Supple and appealing for its lovely balance, rich enough in texture to let the dark cherry and vaguely licoricelike flavors sing as they linger on the fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2010. 9,750 cases made. (HS) |
| 5/2005 Again, nothing special. |
| 2000 | Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera | Nebbiolo | dj1 | 50 | 1 | 93 ws |
| Incredible aromas of ultraripe plums that verge on prunes but turn to flowers and fresh fruit. Full-bodied, with sweet round tannins and a refined finish. A beauty. Best after 2008. 1,600 cases made. (JS) |
| 2002 | Esmonin, Frederic Gevrey Chambertin 1st Cru Estournelles Saint-Jacques | Pinot Noir | c7 | 38 | 1 | 87 am |
| There is a bit more of everything here and this is clearly more serious with good mid-palate punch and a lovely textured quality to the persistent finish. In particular I like the pronounced mineral note on the backend. 87/2006+ |
| 1998 | Esmonin, Frederic Ruchottes-Chambertin, Grand Cru | Pinot Noir | c1 | 30 | 1 | 88 ws |
| Wild beast. Heavily extracted style. Toasted to the max, with plum and black fruit, this is rich and flavorful, full-bodied, but drying a bit from the extracted wood tannins, which give the finish a sandpaper feel. Time may tame it. Best from 2005 through 2015. 150 cases made. (PM) |
| 2001 | Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin 1st Cru Clos des Issarts | Pinot Noir | c6 | 50 | 1 | 85-87 st |
| Medium red. Aromatic nose of redcurrant, cherry and smoke, along with a lightly meaty quality. Supple and soft, with notes of game, leather and iron. Offers nice sweetness but only moderate verve and grip. |
| bought from jean michele in beaune |
| 1999 | Fanti | Sangiovese | uh4,uh4,uh4 | 60 | 3 | 98 ws 92 st |
| A magnificent wine that shows massive structure yet loads of finesse. Dark-colored, with incredible aromas of blackberries, treacle tart and smoke. Almost meaty. Full-bodied, with fantastic silky and rich tannins. Goes on and on. Fanti is now one of the greatest producers of Brunello thanks to the help of consulting enologist Stefano Chioccioli. Best after 2008. 3,080 cases made. (JS) Full deep ruby. Superripe aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice. Dense, sweet and impressively concentrated; a real fruit bomb in the mouth. Primary black fruit flavors are complicated by tobacco, chocolate and exotic oak notes. Finishes very long and sweet, with lush, ripe tannins. As youthful as this is today, it's already quite sexy. |
| 1996 | Fantino, Alessandro & Gian Natale Vigna Dei Dardi Barolo | Nebbiolo | l4,l4 | 60 | 2 | |
| New World-style wine from one of the recent ultra-ripe vintages in Piedmont, such as 1997, 1998 or 2000. These wines are more approachable than the traditionally styled wines from more 'classic' vintages like 1996, 1999 and – when released – 2001. |
| 7/2004 Took time to open up, but very lovely wine. Aromas of meat, earth; light in colour. Very good. |
| 2001 | Felsina Berardenga | Chianti Classico | c2 | 17 | 1 | 89 ws |
| Shows fresh berry, with hints of flowers, fresh herbs and chocolate. Full-bodied, with a fresh palate, well-integrated tannins and a balanced finish. Lots of cherry and light spice. Best after 2003. 15,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Felsina Berardenga Riserva Rancia | Chianti Classico | c2,al2 | 24 | 2 | 91 rp 91 ws |
| The brilliant 1999 Chianti Classico Rancia requires 1-3 more years of bottle age. Revealing a deep garnet/ruby/purple color as well as a tightly-knit personality, it offers notes of leather, black cherries, currants, earth, and compost. In the mouth, there is considerable depth, medium to full body, moderately high tannin, and a firm, Bordeaux-like structure super-imposed on the wine's fruit characteristics. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. WS Very pretty aromas of crushed raspberries and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, yet refined and caressing. All in finesse and complexity. One of the best in Chianti Classico. Best after 2002. 2,915 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Felsina Fontalloro | Sangiovese | al2,al2 | 30 | 2 | 92 rp 91 ws tre bichierri |
| The forward 100% Sangiovese, barrique-aged 1999 Fontalloro's deep purple color is followed by a big, sweet, luscious perfume of spicy, toasty oak, cedar, fruitcake, leather, espresso, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied, with great fruit on the attack and mid-palate, and a long, opulent finish, this dazzling Italian red will drink well for 6-12 years. WS A big and rich, super Sangiovese, with plum and floral aromas that follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long, long, elegant finish. A beauty. Best after 2004. 2,915 cases made. (JS) |
| 9/2004 Nothing going on at all. A bit earthy with not a lot of fruit flavors. Not really sure what any of the fuss is abou. |
| 2001 | Fernando Remirez de Ganuza Reserva | Rioja | uh1,ua2,ua2 | 50 | 3 | 94 wa 88 ws |
| The dense ruby/purple-colored 2001 Rioja Reserva exhibits a sweet, intense nose of melted licorice, road tar, truffles, black currants, cherries, and hints of smoky, toasty oak. Dense and medium to full-bodied, with moderately high tannin, it should be cellared for 1-2 years, and drunk over the following decade. This large 72-acre estate’s youngest vines are 33 years old, followed by a parcel of 45-year old vines, and two large parcels of 73 and 96-year old vines. The wine is kept one year in tank and then moved to small barrels where it spends another two years before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. (WA) WS Generous and well-structured. Plum, licorice, toast and spice flavors mingle over firm, ripe tannins in this modern red. It's balanced for food. Drink now through 2009. 500 cases imported |
| 1998 | Fetzer Reserve | Syrah Port | c4 | 25 | 1 | |
| 2001 | Flowers Andreen-Gail | Pinot Noir | mr1 | 38 | 1 | |
| 2001 | Flowers Sonoma Coast | Pinot Noir | c10 | 40 | 1 | |
| The classic 2000 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers up an incredible perfume evocative of a Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg. It will not have that grand cru's aging potential, but it is an ethereal effort with extraordinary elegance, and a silky, red and black fruit-scented bouquet with hints of plums, figs, overripe cherries, and smoky oak. It will drink well for 4-5 years. This wine is an outstanding, complex, elegant, flavorful effort with multiple nuances. It is unfiltered. |
| 6/2004 Very delicate and rich. Light in texture with aromas of rasberry and flora elements. Captivating, not overpowering. |
| 2002 | Flowers Sonoma Coast | Pinot Noir | c7 | 40 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Foley Rancho Santa Rosa | Pinot Noir | | 23 | | 87 ws |
| Wonderful richness and texture, with smooth cola, black cherry and berry notes and hints of cedar and anise. It turns dry and a touch leathery on the finish. Drink now through 2008. 2,116 cases made. (JL) |
| 6/2005 Rich and good. |
| 1992 | Fonseca Vintage Port | Port | aa2 | 69 | 1 | 96 ws |
| The best Fonseca since the perfect 1977. Intense cassis, violet and plum aromas. Full-bodied, medium sweet and bursting at the seams with fruit and tannins. A wine of great mass and concentration. Try in 2005. (JS) |
| 1962 | Fonseca/José Maria da Moscatel Setúbal Superior | Dessert Wine | jm1,jm1,jm1,c10 | 30 | 4 | 93 ws |
| A full-throttle sweet wine bursting with caramel, roasted nuts, chocolate and tobacco, all on a viscous texture backed by plenty of alcohol and acidity. A touch of oxidation comes through on in the long nut-and-chocolate aftertaste. Drink now. 500 cases made. (BS) |
| 9/2004 Rich, nutty and caramel flavors. There is a sense of weight and age. Syrupy. Something more than the fortified Aussie stickies. 10/2005 Left one at matt's house... |
| 2000 | Font de Michelle Etienne Gonnet | Rhone | c9 | 30 | 1 | 91 rp |
| Font de Michelle's Cuvee Etienne Gonnet is a 1,000 case, barrique-aged blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. The outstanding 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet has a dense ruby/purple color as well as aromas of sweet vanilla, lavender, roasted herbs, pepper, cherry, plum, and cassis fruit. It is an opulent, expansive effort with supple tannin, ample complexity, and a classic, long, 40+ second finish. Low acidity, ripe fruit, and sweet tannin suggest it can be drunk now and over the next 15 years. |
| 1999 | Forefathers | Cabernet | m1,w4 | 30 | 2 | 92 ws |
| Ripe and loaded with rich flavors. Malt, mineral, blackberry, currant and mocha wrapped within supple tannins. Fleshy, concentrated fruit tones linger, along with plenty of toasty vanilla and cedar flavors. Best from 2004 through 2012. |
| 8/2005 Deep and rich. Cola, dark berry, mocha flavors. Darl Colour, very rich wine... |
| 1997 | Fougeray de Beauclair Bonnes Mares | Pinot Noir | | 55 | | |
| 9/2005 Dinner at melisse. Very tasty, although paled in comparison to the '73 tondonia... |
| 2002 | Fougeray de Beauclair Fixin Clos Marion | Pinot Noir | lr1 | 26 | 1 | 87-90 am |
| Deep, expansive and pure red fruit aromas lead to nicely complex, round and intensely earthy flavors that reveal plenty of sappy extract on the long finish. The tannins are buried but should soften quickly. (87-90)/2006-12 |
| 9/2004 Lovely light pinot. Core of strawberries with floral elements. Wait a couple of years for next one. |
| 2001 | Fourrier Gevrey Chambertin | Pinot Noir | c8 | 37 | 1 | |
| 2001 | Fourrier Gevrey Chambertin 1st Cru Cherbaudes Vieille Vigne | Pinot Noir | uh9 | 49 | 1 | |
| 1999 | Franciscan Oakville Estate | Merlot | | 20 | | 88 ws |
| Spreads out plenty of ripe, tasty flavors, with a core of currant, blackberry and cherry and finishes with a nice touch of toasty, cedary oak. Enough tannin to merit short- to mid-term cellaring. Solid value. Drink now through 2008. 32,300 cases made. (JL) |
| 6/2005 Definately merlot in character. Dark and brooding with casis and balcakberry elements. Okay bottle of wine. Medium finish. |
| 2000 | Franco Fiorina Barbaresco | Nebbiolo | c3 | 30 | 1 | 91 ws |
| Wonderful aromas of plum and ripe fruit, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with chunky fruit and tannins and a velvety texture. Slightly one-dimensional now, but it will open to something beautiful. The best wine I have had from this producer. Best after 2009. 850 cases made. (JS) |
| 4/2005 Leftover from Italian wine party at house. |
| 2001 | Frederic Magnien Chambolle Musigny les Charmes Vieilles Vignes | Pinot Noir | c6 | 65 | 1 | 89-92 am 88 pr |
| Sublimely complex, subtle aromas of blackberries and espresso framed by touches of earth and toast. There is abundant extract and the medium to full-bodied flavors just ooze old vine extract and the mouth feel here is textured yet fine and the overall effect is one of controlled power. This finishes with good power and excellent persistence. Outstanding quality and the old vine intensity really shows. (89-92)/2007-15 Aromatically demure, the light to medium-bodied 2001 Chambolle-Musigny Les Charmes Vieilles Vignes broadens on the palate to display a blackberry juice-like personality. Fresh, well-balanced, and structured, it is impressively endowed with fruit yet reveals some edgy tannin. It should be consumed over the next 5 years |
| 2001 | Frederic Magnien Chambolle-Musigny Les Herbues | Pinot Noir | | 25 | | |
| 10/2004 Awesome wine. Medium color, dark fruit, slight acidity, beautul balance. Thoroughly enjoyable. |
| 2002 | Frederic Magnien Nuits St Georges Pruliers | Pinot Noir | l3 | 42 | 1 | 86-88 am 91-93 rp |
| 2002 Nuits St. Georges Les Pruliers : Spicy and earthy aromas introduce bigger, darker and more structured medium weight flavors that possess a dry, rather firm finish and the tannins seem moderately aggressive at the moment. There appears to be enough mid-palate density to handle the structure though patience will be required. (86-88)/2008-14 |
| 1997 | Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo | Sangiovese | vins rare | 95 | 1 | 96 ws |
| Superbly crafted. Pretty aromas of black cherry, cream and licorice. Full-bodied, yet incredibly tight and smooth, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long, velvety finish. Best after 2004. 12,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo | Sangiovese | rh2 | 44 | 1 | 95 ws |
| A tight and chewy wine, with full body and lots of raisin and spice character. Impressive, ripe tannins. Thick and powerful; needs time in the bottle. From one of the most serious producers in Montalcino now. Best after 2007. 21,660 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Frescobaldi Montesodi | Chianti Rufina | l2 | 32 | 1 | 92 rp 93 ws |
| The finest wine of the series is the 2001 Montesodi, from the best Sangiovese vineyard of Nipozzano, very dark for a Sangiovese-based wine, ripe, ample, and penetrating in aroma, fleshy and spicy on the palate, supple and velvety during the entire flow over the palate. Drink: now-2016. WS A beauty. Dark, with beautiful aromas of blackberry, mineral and spice. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and tannins and a long, long finish. Pure Sangiovese. Best after 2006. 5,800 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Frescobaldi Nippazanno Riserva | Chianti Rufina | | 15 | | 88 wa 88 ws |
| The 2000 Nipozzano Riserva comes from the historic core of the family’s holdings in the Chianti Rufina zone. The plum and berry fruit is lightly and discreetly spiced by the oak, and the round, supple flavors show more than adequate depth and force on the finish. Drink: 2005-2014. WS Balanced, with plum, light meat and berry character. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fresh finish. Delicious. Drink now. 83,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino | Sangiovese | l3,ua1 | 58 | 2 | 95 ws |
| Very fresh aromas of pressed flowers with hints of plums and raspberries. Full-bodied, with super well-knit tannins and a long, long finish of ripe fruit and beautiful character. I love this. This is better than 1997. Get it fast. Best from 2005 through 2012. 1,600 cases made. (JS) |
| 1991 | Gaja Barolo Gromis Conteisa Cerequio | Nebbiolo | | 45 | | 84 ws |
| 1999 | Garaudet, Jean Pommard 1st Cru Les Chamots | Pinot Noir | m4 | 38 | 1 | 91 pr |
| Fresh cherries, stones, and blackberries can be found in the aromas of the 1999 Pommard Charmots. Medium to dark ruby-colored, this wine has excellent to outstanding intensity, density, depth, and length. It is loaded with fresh and jammy cherries whose flavors are intermingled with spices and mineral components. Its tannins, particularly for Pommard, an appellation known for its muscular, rustic wines, are ripe and supple. I sense that this wine, which is produced from extremely old vines, would have been other-worldly if its yields had been lower. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2010. |
| 2002 | Gerard Raphet Morey Saint-Denis | Pinot Noir | c6 | 35 | 1 | |
| 2003 | Gessinger, Albert Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, LGK Auslese**, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr | Riesling | sl1,sl1,sl1,c11 | 20 | 4 | |
| While its $27 price-tag is above this journal’s “value” limit, the 2003 Riesling Auslese Zeltinger Sonnenuhr** (long gold capsule) delivers considerable bang for the buck. Revealing a nose of honeyed spicy minerals, this velvety-textured wine’s medium-bodied character slathers the taster’s palate with impressive layers of slate, candied lemons, sweet herbal teas, pears, and verbena. A seductive effort, it also possesses a long, satiny, seamless finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020." (WA) |
| 6/2005 Honeysuckle aromas. Not nearly as sweet as i would have thought. Not nearly so acidic. Great bottle. |
| 1998 | Giacosa/Bruno Barbaresco | Nebbiolo | uh9,uh9 | 50 | 2 | |
| 8/2005 Love... very good... interesting not over the head, subtle but earthy flavors... |
| 2001 | Giacosa/Bruno Barolo Falletto | Nebbiolo | whwc | 95 | 2 | 93 ws |
| This is a bright, focused red with plum, berry and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. This shows class and strength. Best after 2007. 350 cases imported. —J.S. |
| 1995 | Giacosa/Bruno Barolo Falletto di Serralunga | Nebbiolo | ba1 | 80 | 1 | 92+ st |
| ST Highly nuanced, expressive aromas of roasted plum, cherry, maple syrup, dried rose, game, smoke, truffle, tar and earth. Superripe but brooding and backward; a distinctly masculine style of Barolo. Finishes with impressive tannic clout and a bit less length than the '96. |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2003 | Giacosa/Bruno Falleto | Dolcetto d'Alba | | 18 | | |
| 9/2005 Ehhh... |
| 2001 | Girardin, Vincent Clos de Vougeot | Pinot Noir | dj2 | 30 | 1 | 90 am |
| In contrast to a number of past vintages from Girardin, this is the first wine to really be marked by its oak as the nose exhibits strong ash and pain grillé aromas; the nose is also somewhat reduced and the oak influence may seem less intrusive with additional aeration. The flavor profile is rounder, fuller and richer though a good deal less precise and the structure does not arrive until the very end. Solid and this should age well. 90/2008-13 |
| 1993 | Giroud, Camille Beaune Teurons Premier Cru | Pinot Noir | uh3,uh3 | 60 | 2 | 90 am |
| Initial hints of bricking on the rim. This is a big, powerful, densely concentrated wine on any basis but particularly so for a Beaune with its ripe, powerful flavors and structured but not hard, moderately long finish. It's presently a somber, somewhat earthy wine that will require at least another 5 years before it really begins to drink well and it will last for another two decades after that. 90/Try from 2008+ |
| 2001 | Giroud, Camille Corton-Renardes, Grand Cru | Pinot Noir | m4 | 70 | 1 | 89-92 am |
| As would be expected, this is a substantial step up and the focus here is extremely impressive with very rich, gamey, earthy, dark pinot fruit and beautifully balanced, extremely rich flavors and plenty of structure. Open and expressive today but there is so much material that it will not surprise me if this closes down and becomes quite reticent for a number of years after the mise. Very, very promising. (89-92)/2011-18 |
| 2002 | Giroud, Camille Maranges Le Croix Moines | Pinot Noir | uh4,uh4,uh4,uh4,uh4 | 21 | 5 | |
| 5/2005 Dark colour and fruit. Attack is a bit muted, but has a wonderful long finish. Aromas of cedar and earthy rustic quality. |
| 2003 | Giroud, Camille Nuits St George Vaucrains | Pinot Noir | uh8,uh8,uh8,uh8,uh8,uh8 | 55 | 6 | |
| 2002 | Giroud, Camille Volnay “Clos des Chênes” | Pinot Noir | dj2,dj2,dj2,dj2 | 50 | 4 | 86-88 am |
| Very high-toned red fruit that is remarkably elegant and pure followed by light weight and very supple flavors that offer good precision and a dusty finish of good intensity and persistence. While this is pretty and very Volnay in character, it’s frankly lighter than it should be for a top flight Clos des Chênes. If this puts on weight with bottle age my score will seem unduly conservative. (86-88)/2007-12 |
| 2000 | Gloria | Bordeaux | w5,w5 | 30 | 2 | 89 rp 90 ws |
| An excellent complex, evolved, and deliciously fruity effort, this medium-bodied 2000 exhibits sweet, herb-tinged, cassis fruit, cedar, and spice box notes along with abundant glycerin and flesh. This well-endowed Gloria should drink well between 2004-2015. WS Lovely berry and tobacco and mineral character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky finish. First bottle was slightly papery. Best after 2007. 20,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Gouges, Henri Nuits St Georges Les Chenes Carteaux | Pinot Noir | c9,c8,uh3,uh3 | 43 | 4 | 87-89 am 84 ws |
| (a 1 ha parcel of 50 year old vines and this has only been bottled since 1997). This is not as dense or powerful as the Chaignots but trades that for additional finesse and focus. Edgy, almost nervous flavors, sneaky length and fine precision combine to create an impression of real elegance. (87-89)/2007-14 |
| 2/2005 Delicious bottle of wine. Red berry aromas with nice length and wonderful balance. Wish i had more... |
| 2001 | Gouges, Henri Nuits St Georges les Pruliers | Pinot Noir | rh2,rh2,rh2,rh2 | 43 | 4 | 88-91 am 89-91 st |
| (a blend of 12 and 75 year old vines). Richly and exuberantly fruited with elegant, relatively fine flavors that offer impressive scope and depth of extract and firm, ripe tannic structure and a rich, long, detailed finish. I very much like the style of this as it combines purity, finesse and fine depth. (88-91)/2008-15 ST Ruby-red. Pure, expressive aromas of black fruits and minerals. Dense, solid and sweet, offering an enticing balance of fruit, acidity and tannins. A tad tough today in the middle, dominated by its structure, but finishes long and aromatic, with chocolatey dark fruit flavors and late-arriving, ripe tannins. |
| 1977 | Gould Campbell Vintage Port | Port | c9 | 75 | 1 | 93 ws |
| This monumental wine proves how underrated this house is. Dark inky color, with very ripe grapy, floral aromas, full-bodied, with plenty of tannins, tons of fruit and a very long finish. Best from 1994 through 1998. ( |
| 1998 | Grand-Corbin-Despagne | Bordeaux | w4 | 20 | 1 | 88 rp 87 ws |
| With a dense ruby/purple color, this closed yet promising, large-scaled, muscular 1998 offers earthy, black currant, and cherry aromas intertwined with scents of minerals and smoke. Powerful, dense, thick, and tannic, it is an uncompromising vin de garde requiring 5-7 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. WS A delicious St.-Emilion, with loads of chocolate and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, with medium, velvety tannins and a medium finish. Best after 2003. 10,415 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Grand-Puy-Lacoste | Bordeaux | w4 | 30 | 1 | 89 rp |
| This deep ruby/purple-colored 1999 has some tannin to resolve, but it is an elegant, medium-bodied, delicious effort that will reward readers who have the patience to cellar it for several years. It is not a blockbuster in the style of the 2000 or 1996, but the 1999 offers charming roundness, sweet cassis fruit, excellent purity, and fine overall balance. It should last for 16+ years. |
| NV | Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny Port | Port | ba2 | 16 | 2 | |
| 2/2005. Awesome port. Light colour and texture. Caramel aromas. Lovely bottle. |
| 1995 | Grasso, Silvio Barolo Ciabot Manzoni | Nebbiolo | uh3 | 40 | 1 | |
| 2000 | Grimaldi/Giacomo Le Coste Barolo | Nebbiolo | ba1,ba1 | 54 | 2 | 96 ws |
| Amazing aromas of crushed strawberries and raspberries. Pure fruit. Full-bodied, with fabulously silky tannins and a long, long finish. Seductive and refined. A great bottle. Grimaldi has really come into his own. Best after 2009. 400 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Grimaldi/Giacomo Le Coste Barolo | Nebbiolo | ua2,ua2,ua2,ua2 | 45 | 4 | 89 ag 96 ws |
| Wonderful aromas of plums, tobacco and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with a fabulous intensity of fruit and big, silky tannins. Goes on and on. Massive wine. This is superb. As great as 2000. Best after 2008. —J.S |
| 2000 | Grimaldi/Giacomo Sotto Castello di Novello Barolo | Nebbiolo | ba1,ba1,ba1 | 49 | 3 | 96 ws |
| Extremely decadent - almost barnyard - aromas open to violets and berries. Full-bodied, with ultrarefined tannins and a long, long finish. This is pure silk. Wondrous flavors of fruit, earth and porcini. A terroir-driven red. The first vintage from a 5-acre site near Novello, with 5-year-old vines. Best after 2010. 180 cases made. (JS) |
| Traditionalists : Bartolo Mascarello, G. Conterno, G. Mascarello, Vietti, Pio Cesare, G. Cortese, Bruno Giacosa, Produttori del Barbaresco and perhaps, to some extent, Aldo Conterno. The Middle Ground : Domenico Clerico, Aldo Conterno, Pio Cesare, Prunotto, Corino, Batasiolo, Marchesi di Gresy, Ceretto, Gancia, Conterno-Fantino and Angelo Gaja. New Wave – As I've said before, anything from the Marc De Grazia stable would be included here although that clearly would not be the end of the list : Moccagatta, Sandrone, Altare, Sottimano, Paitin, Manzone, Corino, Azelia, Scavino, Batasiolo, Domenico Clerico and Germano Ettore. |
| 2001 | Groffier, Robert Bonnes Mares | Pinot Noir | n1 | 140 | 1 | 89-92 am 89 pr |
| (from a .97 ha parcel of 38 year old vines and 75% new wood). As young Bonnes Mares goes, this is unusually open and expressive with bright, fresh, very intense red and black fruit aromas framed by obvious toast notes and followed by harmonious, sappy, full-bodied, powerful flavors that are not especially precise but extremely long. The overall impression is supple, forward and easy though I suspect this will tighten up considerably after the mise. (89-92)/2008-15 Light to medium-bodied, the 2001 Bonnes Mares sports a perfumed nose of blueberries, violets, and black cherries. It bursts on the palate, revealing outstanding fat and amplitude. Its spicy black fruit-laden character tightens in the finish, which kept this wine from earning a higher score. Drink it over the next 7 years. |
| 1998 | Groffier, Robert Chambolle-Musigny 1st Cru, Les Amoureuses | Pinot Noir | c9 | 72 | 1 | |
| 1988 | Gruaud Larose | Bordeaux | m1 | 50 | 1 | 92 ws |
| This tight and powerful red has lots of tannin and fruit concentration. Full-bodied, with lovely violet and berry aromas and flavors. Built for aging.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2002__. (JS) |
| 2003 | Gypsy Dancer Emily's Cuvee | Pinot Noir | | 27 | | |
| 12/2004 Just not sure. Dark colour, sweet on the nose. Little tight, heat on the finish. no on 2nd. |
| 2002 | Gypsy Dancer Preview Cuvee Gary & Christine's Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 30 | | 91 ws |
| Round and ripe, with crisp acidity to balance the plum and currant flavors, shaded with tarry, meaty notes as the finish lingers. Has plenty to offer, and a long way to go. Drink now through 2012. 690 cases made. (HS) |
| 8/2004 Get more! Lovely, meaty, earth tones with dark fruit, plum (i hate using their term). Good example of oregon pinot. |
| 2003 | Haag, Fritz Brauuneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spatlese | Riesling | ba2 | 24 | 1 | 90 ws |
| This lovely '03 spätlese combines the plush opulence of the year with attractive vanilla cream and floral notes, which remain concentrated and well-defined through the long finish. Drink now through 2015. (BS) |
| 1997 | Hafner | Cabernet | c10 | 30 | 1 | |
| gift from m balog |
| 2000 | Haut Brisson | Bordeaux | w1 | 16 | 1 | 88 rp |
| One of Saint-Emilion's most attractive over-performers, Haut-Brisson is generally available for a realistic price. The well-made 2000 offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as sweet black currant and cassis fruit intertwined with fennel and underbrush characteristics. With good ripeness, sweet tannin, and low acidity, it will drink well between now and 2010. |
| 2002 | Henry's Drive | Shiraz | | 30 | | 88 ws |
| Broad in texture, with ripe, almost raisiny berry and dried cherry flavors, finishing with a smoky note on the polished finish. Drink now through 2009. 2,322 cases made. (HS) |
| 8/2005 Too big and alcoholic. Over saturated flavors.... |
| 2002 | Henry's Drive | Cabernet | hd1 | 17 | 1 | |
| 2001 | Hitching Post Saint Rita's Earth | Pinot Noir | | 24 | | 90 ws |
| A distinctive wine, intense and concentrated, with rich, high-toned, almost jammy fruit. Its core of blackberry and wild berry is offset by a scent of oak and pencil lead?tainted earthiness that folds in on the finish. Ample tannins for short-term cellaring. A blend of Sanford & Benedict, Clos Pepe and Fiddlestix vineyards. Drink now through 2007. 450 cases made. ( |
| 2002 | Hoffman-Simon Piesporter Goldtropfchen Spatlese | Riesling | | 10 | | |
| 2004 | Huet Le Haut-Lieu Sec Vouvray | Chenin Blanc | c1 | 24 | 1 | |
| 2001 | IO Ryan Road Vineyard | Syrah | c10 | 25 | 1 | 92 ws |
| Enormously complex and concentrated, deep and plush, with layers of currant, plum, mineral, spice and tobacco. Finishes in a long, luxuriant aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. 1,100 cases made. |
| 2003 | J. & H.A. Strub Rheinhessen, Riesling Kabinett, Niersteiner | Riesling | | 12 | | |
| A Terry Theise Estate Selection, "Lusty and tangy with a hint of star-fruit, more red soil than usual; zingy finish. You should be deeply ashamed to get excellent Riesling Spätlese labeled as Kabinett and sold at Liter-wine prices. At least I am." (TT) |
| 2/2005 A little harsch/hard around the edges. Not nearly as goos as the schoss |
| 2002 | Jadot, Louis Beaune 1er Cru, Clos des Ursules | Pinot Noir | bp1,bp1,bp1 | 37 | 3 | 90-91 rp 89-91 am |
| RP Jadot’s most famous wine from the Cote de Beaune is its Beaune Clos des Ursules. The 2002 bursts from the glass with smoky, spicy black cherries. Ample, concentrated, and powerful, it coats the palate with waves of syrupy black cherries, blackberries, and strawberries. Lush, intense, and deep, this huge, medium to full-bodied wine also reveals an extended, harmonious, beautifully ripe finish. Projected maturity: 2008-2015. AM A subtle touch of oak frames an attractive mix of red and black pinot fruit and pungent earth and underbrush aromas, leading to precise, pure and sappy flavors that offer the best intensity of any of these Beaune 1ers. The finale is persistent, punchy and displays a finishing hint of toast. This will be capable of aging well. (89-91)/2008-16 |
| 2000 | Jadot, Louis Gevrey-Chambertin Estournelles St.-Jacques | Pinot Noir | lr1,lr1 | 45 | 2 | 88-90 am 88 ws |
| (this is relatively young vines because when Jadot bought the vineyard from the old Clair-Daü domaine, the vineyard was planted to Aligoté). Black fruits and chocolate/coffee aromas introduce extremely fine, mineral-laden flavors that culminate in a surprisingly rich finish that delivers excellent persistence. This doesn t offer the size and weight of the Cazetiers but I like the style as there is good flavor authority and detail. (88-90)/2006-12 WS Traditional style, with chestnut aromas, but there is authentic terroir coming through in this Pinot, and some crushed red berries and mineral notes. Excellent midpalate concentration suggests it will age gracefully. Drink now through 2010. |
| 1999 | Jadot, Louis Pernand Vergelesses Clos de la Croix de Pierre | Pinot Noir | fc1,c1 | 36 | 2 | 86 am 86-88 pr 84 ws |
| Pretty yet serious with solid grip and good character. Note of austerity in the finish but just enough pinot sap to buffer it. Elegant wine. 86/2006 The medium to dark ruby-colored 1999 Pernand-Vergelesses Croix De Pierre (domaine) has a beguiling blackberry, spice, and raspberry-scented nose. This light-bodied, delineated, wine is intricate and delicate. It has lace-like cherry and raspberry flavors in its delightful if somewhat restrained personality. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. WS Nice-tasting, but in a light style. Medium body, with plenty of ripe, sweet fruit and supple tannins. Delivers some crushed berries, mineral and wet earth. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2003. (PM) |
| 8/2004 Took a while to open up, but after it did, lovely berry aromas with firm backbone. Delicious bottle of wine. 1/2005 EK's house with fish. Easily best red wine. Delicate, smooth, rasberyy flavors. S-M chardonnay tasty as well. |
| 2001 | Jessup Cellars Zinfandel Port | Zinfandel | c9 | 32 | 1 | |
| 2003 | Joh. Jos. Prüm Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr | Riesling | cs1 | 37 | 1 | 94 ws 2 star IWC |
| Peach and vanilla aromas. Broad, polished and creamy, yet it lies lightly, even delicately, on the palate. Brown spice, mango and banana suggest the vintage's extreme ripeness without conveying any overt sense of botrytis. Static yet imposingly rich and layered on the finish. (Nooks and crannies are not what this vintage, particularly at this address, is about.)" (ST) |
| 2002 | Joh. Jos. Prüm Kabinett Graacher Himmelreich | Riesling | sl1 | 20 | 1 | 90 ws 89 pr |
| Residual CO2 lends a firm, airy feel to this slate- and lime-infused Riesling. Though lightweight and sleek, its flavors permeate the palate. Fine length too. Drink now through 2010. 1,600 cases made. (BS) PR The white fruit, gun flint, and mineral-scented 2002 Riesling Kabinett Graacher Himmelreich is a focused wine. Copious quantities of melted slate, minerals, and flint are intermingled with quinine in this effort’s complex personality. It is intensely flavored and reveals a long finish. Projected maturity: 2006-2014. |
| 2002 | Joh. Jos. Prüm Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr | Riesling | | 26 | | 92 ws 87 pr |
| A primer for [i]terroir[n]. This screams slate, along with peach and lime flavors, all finely matched to a delicate yet tensile structure. Terrific intensity in a light frame, ending with an aftertaste of peach and smoke. Drink now through 2015. 1,600 cases made. With extensive aeration, spiced pears and gun flint come to the fore of the 2002 Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr’s nose. This rich, dense, soft wine displays loads of white fruit, smoke, and syrupy mineral flavors. Drink it between 2006-2012. |
| 2002 | Joh. Jos. Prüm Spatlese Graacher Himmelreich | Riesling | c11 | 25 | 1 | 92 ws 88 pr |
| Explosive in its intensity and aromas. Vivid flavors of apricot, pear, black currant and slate mark this delicate young Riesling. Finesse to spare. Great expression of grape and site. A touch lighter, yet more expressive than the Wehlener Sonnenuhr today. Best from 2006 through 2020. 1,400 cases made. (BS)The 2002 Riesling Spatlese Graacher Himmelreich is similar to the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, yet with more flavors of gun flint and slightly better balance. Light to medium-bodied, it reveals smoky slate, pear, flint and mineral flavors in its satin-textured, soft character. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. |
| 2002 | Joh. Jos. Prüm Spatlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr | Riesling | sl1,m4 | 28 | 2 | 93 ws 89 pr |
| An explosion of lilies, assorted white flowers, honeyed minerals, and pears can be found in the aromatics of the 2002 Riesling Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr. It is gorgeously rich, plush, fat, and densely packed with pear and apple pulp as well as hints of red fruits. This medium-bodied wine will certainly be a winner with those who crave plump Rieslings but may disappoint those who look for German wines with zest and grip. Projected maturity: 2007-2028. WS Intensely aromatic and bursting with herb, peach, lime and slate notes riding a firm, focused structure and creamy texture. Beautifully put together and long on the finish. Classic Mosel Riesling. Best from 2008 through 2025. 1,600 cases made. (BS) |
| 2003 | Joh. Jos. Prüm Spatlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr | Riesling | ra2 | 30 | 1 | 2 stars iwc |
| "The bouquet blossoms in a floral way that seems typical for the 2003 vintage here, as is this wine's imposingly creamy texture. Elegance, lift, clarity, refinement and florality characterize the flavors throughout. In another reflection of the vintage, the essential fruit here is quince rather than apple, tinged with bittersweet vanilla and flowers and a subtle hint of white raisin. Ethereal fruit, flowers and wet stone really cling in the finish." (ST) |
| NV | Jonesy Tawney | Port | | 9 | | |
| 2004 | Josef Leitz Dragonstone | Riesling | | 14 | | |
| 7/2005 Not nearly as sweet as many 2003 rieslings, but has a crisp acidity and effervesence. Very enjoyable. 8/2005 Now I find it too sweet and cloying... |
| 2000 | Justin Isosceles | Cabernet Blend | c10 | 55 | 1 | 86 ws |
| Well-made, showing complex herb, currant, plum and berry flavors that are ripe and vibrant, with firm yet integrated tannins and a fruity aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2009. |
| 2001 | Justin Isosceles | Cabernet Blend | uh4 | 45 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Justin Isosceles | Cabernet Blend | uh5 | 45 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Kaesler Avignon | Shiraz Blend | | 24 | | 89-92 rp |
| A serious offering, the 2002 Avignon (58% Grenache, 31% Shiraz, and 11% Mourvedre) was scheduled to be bottled, without filtration, one week after I tasted it. More elegant than the Stonehorse cuvee, it possesses sweet leathery notes intermingled with blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit. Although closed, it is long and persistent in the mouth with outstanding purity as well as promise. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring, and consume it over the following 10-14 years. |
| 7/2005 Dinner with ed & rachel. Big awesome assie shiraz. nice bottle of wine. |
| 2002 | Kaesler Stonehorse | Shiraz | m1,m1,l7 | 30 | 3 | 94-96 rp |
| The 2002 Shiraz Stonehorse (the least expensive of Kaesler’s Shiraz offerings) is spectacular. It is indicative of just how special this vintage is in the Barossa. It is a teeth-staining, mouth-filling, extremely concentrated Shiraz displaying a level of quality that makes the 2002 Bogan and 2002 Old Bastard’s potential quality level look scary. The inky purple-colored Stonehorse offers a great perfume, beautifully integrated wood, and sensational richness as well as length. A prodigious effort that easily conceals its 15.5% alcohol, it should drink well for 10-15 years. |
| 2002 | Kaesler Stonehorse | Shiraz Blend | | 17 | | 90-92 rp |
| The 2002 Stonehorse (a blend of 60% Grenache, 32% Shiraz, and 8% Mourvedre) is produced from vineyard parcels averaging 40-70 years of age. It is kept in neutral American oak until being bottled without filtration. Displaying the extraordinary structure, definition, and intensity of the 2002 vintage in Barossa, it possesses superb blackberry and kirsch-like fruit intertwined with flower and licorice characteristics. With great purity, a rich, medium to full-bodied style, sweet tannin, and a long, layered finish, it should drink well for 10-12 years. |
| Thick juicy bottle of wine. No longer my style.... or maybe I need to age longer. |
| 2002 | Kahn Santa Ynez | Syrah | | 35 | | |
| Gift from scott and jerrine |
| 1995 | Kalin Cellars Cuvee DD | Pinot Noir | m1,uh9,c7 | 28 | 3 | |
| 3/2004; light berry taste with floral accents. opened up so nicely with time. very complex, thought provoking. like a well crafted burgundy. enjoyed it thoroughly... 8/2004 similar tasting. still great. |
| 2001 | Keenan 25th Anniversary | Merlot | | 23 | | 91 rp 86 ws |
| The 2001 Merlot 25th Anniversary is a deep ruby/purple-colored effort with a big, sweet, chocolatey nose intermixed with black cherry, curranty fruits, a succulent mouthfeel, and admirable fruit purity in the finish. It is a wine meant to be drunk during its first 7-8 years of life. This beautiful winery, located in Spring Mountain in the Mayacamas Range, seems to be making the best wine of its 25-year history, and much of the credit must go to the tireless efforts of Michael Keenan who has done so much to resurrect the fortunes of this winery. RP Concentrated and dense, with black currant and tobacco aromas and flavors, finishing with ripe and firm tannins. Best after 2007. 3,475 cases made. |
| 6/2005 Agree more with spectator. Good not great... |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Canary Hill Vineyard | Pinot Noir | n2,n2 | 40 | 2 | 87 ws 91 ws |
| Lean and a bit chewy, with cherry and pomegranate flavors against an earthy, meaty edge. Needs time to soften. Best from 2006 through 2010. 810 cases made. (HS) 9/2004 Ripe and distinctive for a minty, gamy edge to the rich cherry, strawberry jam and spice flavors, persisting impressively on the lively finish. Needs time to settle in. Best after 2005. 810 cases made. (HS) |
| 12/2003 Highlight wine from Gerald's party. 2/2005 Dinner at home with marcela. Still lovely. |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Canary Hill Vineyard | Pinot Noir | ba2,bh2 | 38 | 2 | |
| The Canary Hill Vineyard is located at the southern end of the Eola Hills. The vines were planted in 1982 and 1983. The clonal make-up of this vineyard is: Pommard (54%); 777 (34%), 115 (5%) and 114 (7%). The soil is a mix of Jory and Nekia soil types. The vineyard elevation ranges from 450' to 550'and the vineyard faces southeast. Both soil types in the vineyard are formed from igneous rock and have a reddish-brown tint. The soil in this vineyard has less depth than similar soils in the Dundee Hills, resulting in lower yields and intensely flavored grapes. Approximately 380 cases produced. In a typical year, the Canary Hill Pinot Noir is dense yet silky across the palate. Balanced with firm acidity that is at just the right level to complement the huge black cherry flavors. The finish is long and balanced between glorious fruit and appealing finely delineated tannins. Highly recommend for both shorter-term consumption and cellaring for 7-10 years. Purchase this wine for earlier drinking, along with the Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir for consumption later in the maturation process. |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Carter Vineyard | Pinot Noir | c11 | 85 | 1 | 85 ws |
| On the gamy side, with earthy, meaty flavors mixing with the currant fruit. Could balance out with cellaring. Best after 2005. 770 cases made. (HS) |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Carter Vineyard | Pinot Noir | n2,n2,l3 | 40 | 3 | 85 ws |
| On the gamy side, with earthy, meaty flavors mixing with the currant fruit. Could balance out with cellaring. Best after 2005. 770 cases made. (HS) |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Carter Vineyard | Pinot Noir | aa1,aa1,dj2,c9 | 38 | 4 | 90 ws |
| The Carter Vineyard is in the Eola Hills region of the Willamette Valley just 1 mile from Canary Hill Vineyard. The Carter Vineyard is lower on Eola Hills hillside and has a leaner and less fertile soil than Canary Hill. It is mainly Nekia soil, which is formed from weathered basic rock. It lies at an elevation of 325' and was planted in 1983. Bright red currants and raspberries with nice floral notes underneath. A wonderful presentation of the vineyard's unique terroir. This wine is typically firmer than Canary Hill in its youth but evolves beautifully after a few years in bottle to show black fruits and fresh, healthy earth scents. Approximately 300 cases are produced. Of the 11 single vineyard Ken Wright Noirs, this wine is always a top pick for cellaring - it should age beautifully for 12-14 years. WS Dark and rangy, with cherry, herb and sweet spice flavors that battle it out on the long, generous, rough-hewn finish. Needs time to sand off the edges. Best after 2007. 800 cases made. (HS) |
| 2001 | Ken Wright Elton Vineyard | Pinot Noir | c8 | 40 | 1 | 91 ws |
| Firm and crisp, nicely packed with blueberry, currant and white pepper flavors that linger on the finish, hinting at mineral notes. Drink now through 2008. 125 cases made. (HS) |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Elton Vineyard | Pinot Noir | l4 | 40 | 1 | 89 ws |
| On the lean side, with lively acidity to balance the plush berry and cherry fruit, finishing with an earthy edge and firm, fine tannins. Best from 2006 through 2012. 215 cases made. (HS) |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Elton Vineyard | Pinot Noir | ba2 | 38 | 1 | |
| The Elton Vineyard was planted in 1983. Pommard clone Pinot Noir was planted on its own roots. At the time of it's planting it was one of the more densely planted vineyards at 900 vines per acres. The vineyard is located on the east side of the Eola Hills above Hopewell with an east-southeast inclination at an elevation of 250'. The soil type is Jory. |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Freedom Hill Vineyard | Pinot Noir | c10,rh3,rh3 | 40 | 3 | 89 ws 92 st 92 ws |
| Lithe and nicely focused, a pretty mouthful of raspberry, currant and earthy spice flavors that linger on the finish. Tannins are a bit chunky. Give it time to soften. Best from 2006 through 2012. 324 cases made. (HS) Tanzer Bright, deep red. Subdued but perfumed aromas of redcurrant, rose petal and subtle oak. Lively and vivid on the palate; dry but rich and round. Very sophisticated and sleek, with intense but delicate red fruit, floral and spice flavors; impressively smooth tannins; and excellent subtle persistence. WS 9/2004 Lithe, supple, with gently spicy berry, cherry and stony, mineral overtones, finishing with a tart note that keeps it all in remarkable balance, finishing long and generous. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2012. 324 cases made. (HS) |
| 12/2004 Duffy New Year party. Dense, concentrated, deep coloured wine. Aromas of dark plum permeate from nose to long finish. Smooth (ed huckle). Delicious. |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Freedom Hill Vineyard | Pinot Noir | ba2,ba2 | 38 | 2 | |
| This is one of two vineyards that Ken Wright works with that is located in the Coastal Range, a band of mountains just east of the Pacific that runs north to south along Oregon's western border. The vineyard is just south of Dallas, OR, and contains a soil type called "Bellpine," sedimentary in origin. The wines from this site are the firmest and most structured that Ken works with, and the wines made from this vineyard have great longevity. This is a California wine lover's style, as is often the case with Freedom Hill fruit. |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Guadalupe Vineyard | Pinot Noir | aa1,aa1 | 38 | 2 | |
| The Guadalupe Vineyard was planted in 1989 to Wadenswil Clone. It lies at an elevation of 350' and the soil type is Willakenzie. The vineyard consistently produces small, intensely colored berries and clusters of fruit. A favorite of Ken Wright wine every year! Black cherries with earthy tones, very powerful wine with noticeably more tannin that should integrate well with age. |
| 2003 | Ken Wright McCrone Vineyard | Pinot Noir | aa1,aa1 | 38 | 2 | 89 ws |
| The McCrone Vineyard is in the foothills of the Yamhill-Carlton District, and is a densely planted vineyard, designed in the newer style with more plants and smaller distances between rows. The vineyard enjoys well draining Willakenzie soil that promotes earlier ripening. The elevation is 400' with a south-southwest inclination. Slopes are 5 to 15 degrees. The vineyard was planted in 1992 and the vines are Pinot Noir Dijon 115 clone grafted onto 3309 rootstock. Sweet black cherry and blackberries with vanilla on the nose are accompanied by a very rich and subtle mouth-feel WS Ripe and round, distinctive for a minty, herbal edge to the broad cherry and toasty spice flavors. Lingering finish. Drink now through 2011. 418 cases made. (HS) |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Meredith-Mitchell Vineyard | Pinot Noir | ba2,aa1 | 38 | 2 | 88 ws |
| The vineyard was planted in 1988 to own-rooted Pommard clone. The site is southwest of McMinnville in the coastal foothills. Spacing is 12' x 6' with an average elevation of 300'. Soils are shallow with basaltic mother rock only 20 to 30 inches below the soil surface. Consistently producing small clusters and berries this vineyard renders wine which is intense and structured, requiring a bit more aging than may of our sites. Approximately 310 cases are produced. WS Big and bulky, it feels a bit hot as the ripe currant and prune flavors burst forth, finishing with a smoky note. Drink now through 2010. 302 cases made. (HS) |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Nysa Vineyard | Pinot Noir | c11 | 85 | 1 | 88 ws |
| Light in structure, but supple and generous with its ripe currant and plum flavors, finishing with an earthy edge. Drink now through 2008. 306 cases made. (HS) |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Nysa Vineyard | Pinot Noir | l3,rh3 | 40 | 2 | 88 ws 90+ st |
| Light in structure, but supple and generous with its ripe currant and plum flavors, finishing with an earthy edge. Drink now through 2008. 306 cases made. (HS) Tanzer Good dark red. Dusty, spicy aromas of black raspberry, mocha, coffee, iris and smoke. Reduced and quite youthfully bound-up on the palate. But this boasts very intense flavors of cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate and mocha. Finishes firmly tannic, austere and very young. |
| 1/2005 Sent 1 to balog. 7/2005 Delicious. Far better than the one in Tahoe 9/2004... |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Savoya Vineyard | Pinot Noir | rh3 | 40 | 1 | 91 ws |
| On the tart side, but brilliantly ripe and supple, tightly packed with blueberry, blackberry and currant flavors, touching on olive notes as the firm tannins wrap the edges of the finish. Best from 2006 through 2012. 306 cases made. (HS) |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Savoya Vineyard | Pinot Noir | aa1,aa1 | 38 | 2 | |
| The Savoya Vineyard is Ken Wright's estate vineyard, and this is the second year (fifth leaf) that there has been enough wine to offer. The vineyard, as expressed with this wine, shows hints of a distinguished future. The vineyard is between Carlton and Yamhill in the Yamhill foothills and was planted in the new style with higher density of vines per acre, smaller spacing between rows, use of organic cultivation methods, etc. As their Estate vineyard, we may see some fascinating viticultural practices unfold in this vineyard as Ken applies his expertise to his own vineyard. The 2003 Savoya is a wine that is unusually complete and sophisticated for the youth of the vines. Cassis and cola with black earth and spice. A big wine with a long future. |
| 2002 | Ken Wright Shea Vineyard | Pinot Noir | rh3,rh3 | 40 | 2 | 89 ws 93 ws |
| On the crisp side, but with ripe, focused currant, berry and spice flavors, a bit lifted and earthy on the long, solid finish. Best from 2005 through 2012. 584 cases made. (HS) 9/2004 Strikes a wonderful balance between generous cherry, strawberry and guava fruit against spice and mineral flavors that mingle effortlessly on the long, generous, lively finish. Has a great future. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2012. 584 cases made. (HS) |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Shea Vineyard | Pinot Noir | ra1,aa1 | 38 | 2 | |
| Shea Vineyard is in the Yamhill Foothills just west of the Chehalem Valley and is considered one of the finest sources for Pinot Noir in the state. Its 127 acres are divided into many plots, and Ken Wright takes fruit from two sites within the vineyard, one planted with Pommard clone Pinot Noir, the other with Wadenswil clone Pinot. The soils of the Shea Vineyard are primarily Willakenzie type, the vineyard is at an elevation of 350', and was planted starting in 1989. The site has been affected by phyloxera and is slowly being replanted, with new methods and clones in some of the blocks. Dark cherry with baking spice, toast and vanilla. |
| 2003 | Ken Wright Wahle Vineyard | Pinot Noir | aa1,aa1 | 38 | 2 | |
| The Wahle Vineyard was planted in 1974 and is one of the oldest vineyards in the Yamhill foothills. The vineyard is planted to the Pommard Clone on its own roots in the wider spaced style of early Oregon vineyards. The vineyard has a southwestern exposure and an elevation of 425'. The soil type is Willakenzie. The Ken Wright Wahle Vineyard Pinot Noir is truly a classic expression of Oregon Pinot Noir, particularly reminiscent of the award winning style of the Eyrie 1975 Pinot Noir that won such accolades in France and put Oregon wines on the map. The maturity of the vines, excellent management, a good vintage, all have combined to make a classic Pinot Noir that really shows you what the very best of the older style of Oregon vineyards can produce. In a typical vintage, the nose is redolent with coffee, chocolate, red fruit, black cherry, and red-hot candy spice; the flavors are classic black and red cherry, spice, black berry, red cherry, and a long complex finish. Intensely reminiscent of the very best of the Oregon Pinots of the 1970's. |
| 2003 | Kerpen Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Kabinett, Wehlener Sonnenuhr | Riesling | | 16 | | |
| Totally! Back in fighting form after stumbling somewhat in '02; this is dimpled and charming, cool and elegant, with a long limey finish. Perfect, glowing Mosel Kabinett. (TT) Orange and apricot are the main themes in this rich Riesling. It's on the soft side, with an easygoing demeanor and moderate length. Drink now through 2012. (BS) |
| 6/2005 Good. I like. |
| 2003 | Kiona Chenin Blanc Red Mountain Ice WIne | Dessert Wine | | 15 | | |
| 12/2004 Duffy New Year party. Light not terribly thick. Like something with more heft for dessert. 5/2005 Had at lunch in BH (il postaio), better than at new years party. served cold, had a nice flavor to it. |
| 1999 | Kiralyudvar Furmint Lapis | Tokay | | 17 | | |
| 2001 | Kracher Scheurebe Trockenbeerenauslese Neusiedlersee Zwischen den Seen No. 4 | Dessert Wine | c9 | 40 | 1 | 92 ws |
| Thick and intense, this dessert wine glides across the palate, thanks to its vibrant acidity. Plenty of honey and spice accentuates its grapefruit and tobacco notes. Fine length. Drink now through 2012. 165 cases made. (BS) |
| Gift from Patrick |
| 2001 | Kunin Alisos Vineyards | Syrah | c7 | 35 | 1 | 90 rp |
| The bigger (15.1% alcohol) 2001 Syrah Alisos Vineyard possesses a less saturated color, green as well as black pepper aromas, and attractive plum, fig, smoke, and black fruit characteristics. With ripe tannin, good acidity, and a luscious texture, it will drink well for 7-8 years. |
| 1990 | L'Eglise Clinet | Bordeaux | c10 | 200 | 1 | 92 rp |
| While neither the 1989 or 1990 are as spectacular as L'Eglise-Clinet's 1985, 1986, or 1995, they are fine examples of their respective vintages. The 1990, which continues to put on weight, is a richer, more complete wine than the 1989. The color in an opaque ruby/purple. The wine offers up less evolved, sweet, jammy, black-cherry, smoky, chocolate aromas, followed by a full-bodied, layered, expansively-flavored wine with low acidity, plenty of sweet fruit, and more depth and length than the 1989. It is also more backward. |
| 1998 | La Castellada | Chardonnay | c4 | 40 | 1 | |
| 1999 | La Poderina | Sangiovese | m2,bp1,al2 | 60 | 3 | 96 ws |
| Incredible richness to this red, with layers of blackberry, licorice and treacle tart on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with loads of silky tannins and a long, long finish. Seductive stuff??even better than 1997. Get it. Best after 2006. 4,375 cases made. (JS) |
| 2004 | La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia | Moscato d'Asti | | 14 | | |
| 2003 | La Spinetta Ca di Pian | Barbera D'Asti | gf1,c9 | 19 | 2 | |
| 2000 | La Tour Martillac | Bordeaux | w1,w1,w1,w1 | 28 | 4 | 92 ws 89 rp |
| Very, very impressive for this estate. Blackberry and cigar tobacco, with hints of toasted oak. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety tannins and a long finish. RP Sweet cedar, plum, currant, and fresh herbs cascade from this evolved, dense ruby/purple-colored 2000. The flavors mirror the aromas - big, sweet, flamboyant notes of cedar, mulberries, black currants, and smoke can be found. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, concentrated, and substantial, this impressive effort should be at its finest between 2005-2016. |
| 2001 | Lafaurie-Peyraguey | Sauternes | m4 | 50 | 1 | 96 rp 95-100 ws |
| This superb, light to medium gold/green-hued Sauternes is a full-bodied, opulent, enormously endowed, moderately sweet offering with plenty of pineapple, peach, caramel, and smoky new oak characteristics. With great viscosity as well as richness, and good underlying acidity providing vibrancy and definition, it should be at its peak between 2008-2030. WS Wow. Unbelievable. Loads of lush spice and honey, with syrupy aromas. Full-bodied and superthick, with masses of fruit and a long, long finish. I have to buy some of this! Score range: 95-100 9/2004 WS Exotic and ripe with loads of tropical fruit and sweet fruit. Full-bodied, spicy and very long. Sweet and loaded with botrytis. This is a young Sauternes built for aging. Best after 2010. 7,500 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Lafon Rochet | Bordeaux | w1,w1 | 26 | 2 | 90 rp 91 ws |
| One of the better wines (and also reasonably priced) to emerge from this property over recent years, this dense ruby/purple-colored wine shows a complex nose of earth, underbrush, creosote, creme de cassis, and dried herbs. Sporting a new yellow/orange label that matches the dramatic paint job on the chateau itself, the wine has a deep ruby/purple color, medium to full body, fine ripeness as well as purity, and moderate tannin in the finish. ws Concentrated wine. Intense aromas of grilled meat, spice and plum skin. Full-bodied, with big silky tannins and lots of fruit. Long and chewy. Best after 2007. 11,165 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Lafond | Syrah | | 30 | | 88 ws |
| Excellent structure. Firm and dark-colored, with rich, meaty, beefy, wild berry and peppery flavors that show wonderful balance and harmony. Finishes with tannins that are chewy yet supple. Solid value. Drink now through 2008. 1,025 cases made. (JL) |
| 2000 | Lagrange | Bordeaux | w5,w5 | 40 | 2 | 93 rp 93 ws |
| An impressive performance by Lagrange, the 2000 possesses a saturated ruby/purple color with obvious notes of melted licorice, creme de cassis, and toasty new oak. This ripe, dense, full-bodied St.-Julien is chewy, thick, high in tannin, large-bodied, and impressively long and dense. As always, it is less expressive than some of its peers, but it is loaded as well as reasonably priced. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. WS Extremely well-done. Beautifully aromatic, with coffee, cedar and blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a mineral, blackberry aftertaste with medium fine tannins. I haven't had a Lagrange of this quality in years. Best after 2010. 25,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Lamborghini Campoleone | Merlot | l4 | 70 | 1 | 95 rp |
| One of the most spectacular wines made in Italy, this unfined/unfiltered, Merlot/Sangiovese blend (about 3,400 cases produced) boasts an extraordinary perfume of saddle leather, smoke, cassis, prunes, and plums. Rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously-textured, with layers of concentrated fruit, a magnificent seamlessness, and a huge, explosive finish, it should drink well for 10-15 years. It is a wine of great stature as well as intensity. |
| 2001 | Lamborghini Trescone | Sangiovese | | 16 | | |
| 7/2005 Deep, dark and delicious. Lots fo dark fruit flavors and wonderful mouth feel. For the price, great bottle of juice... |
| 2001 | Lamelson Stermer Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 34 | | 88 ws |
| Lighter in texture, with lovely cherry and spice flavors, but the tannins are grippy and the finish skews toward tangy, herbal notes. Best after 2004. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 545 cases made. (HS) |
| 10/2004 A bit lean. Cherry and herbal flavors. Opened up after 1/2 hour. Tasty, bur not stellar. |
| 2000 | Lanessan | Bordeaux | w1 | 15 | 1 | 89 rp |
| I am not sure this wine does not deserve an outstanding score. It is one of the finest Lanessans I have tasted over the least 20 years. A generous Lanessan, with a deep ruby/purple color and a classic nose of cedar, spice box, black currant, plum, and earth, the wine has sweet tannin, medium to full body, loads of concentration, and a long, layered finish, with light to moderate tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. |
| 1999 | Larrivet Haut Brion | Bordeaux | c6 | 25 | 1 | 89 rp |
| This perfumed, sexy effort is dominated by complex aromas of scorched earth, Provencal garrigue notes, and black cherries. It is medium-bodied, with serious concentration, moderate tannin, and a long finish. This plum/garnet-colored wine will benefit from 2-3 more years of cellaring. |
| 2003 | Las Rocas de San Alejandro Castano | Grenache | | 7 | | 91 rp |
| Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate calls the 2002 Garnacha perhaps the greatest discovery of his 25-year career and the greatest wine value he has ever tasted! He describes it as "Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a gorgeous nose of kirsch liqueur intermixed with melted licorice and white flowers ... deep, medium to full-bodied, fruit-driven, sumptuously-textured, (and) loaded." 91 points. |
| 2001 | Las Rocas de San Alejandro Vinas Viejas | Grenache | | 12 | | 93 rp |
| Put your seat belts on because the 2001 Garnacha Vinas Viejas (an old vine 100% Grenache cuvee), is prodigious! There are 10,000 cases of this offering (15% alcohol) from the estate’s oldest, highest altitude vineyard (100-year old vines planted at 900 meters in 100% slate). It is aged 10% in new French oak and 90% in old barrels and demi-muids. My tasting notes simply read, “no one will believe how great this wine is.” It is similar in style to the 2002, but more complex and richer, with greater texture, and a finish that goes on for 40 seconds. The opaque purple color is followed by a phenomenally rich wine that is pure kirsch mixed with blackberries and minerals. Will we ever see another wine this extraordinary for this price? |
| 8/2004 Bit acidic, does not seem as fruity as the 2002. Like the other one more... |
| 2003 | Las Rocas de San Alejandro Vinas Viejas | Grenache | lr2,lr2,lr2,c6 | 10 | 4 | |
| 10/2005 like this wine better young. big fruity simple good juice. |
| 2000 | Lascombes | Bordeaux | w5, w2 | 40 | 2 | 90 rp |
| The first superb Lascombes in nearly 35 years, this generous, deep ruby/purple-colored 2000 does not possess the complexity or finesse of the 2001, but offers plenty of perfumed, smoky licorice, black currant, and cherry fruit in a medium-bodied, long, concentrated style with no hard edges. While it possesses a more muscular, tannic character than the 2001, it is clearly the finest wine made at this estate since their classic 1966 and 1970. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. |
| 1999 | Latour/Louis Meursault-Blagny Château de Blagny | Chardonnay | c1 | 18 | 1 | 87 ws |
| Very distinctive with its green olive and Provençal herbs character. Packed with lime, apple, and with a touch of toasted hazelnut. It's medium-bodied, firm and almost tannic, but also satisfying. Best from 2002 through 2006. (PM) |
| 2002 | Launey/Domaine Raymond Santenay Clos de Gatsulard | Pinot Noir | | 25 | | |
| 8/2005 Tremendous... |
| 2000 | Laurent, Dominique Gevrey-Chambertin 1st Cru Les Cazetiers | Pinot Noir | | 35 | | 88-91 am |
| (from 80+ year old vines). Sappy, fine and extremely intense aromas followed by very ripe middle weight flavors that are both supple and accessible and end in superb length. While there is plenty of wine here, this strikes me as a wine that will drink well on the early side. An impressive Cazetiers that reflects well its terroir. (88-91)/2005-9 |
| drink from pw |
| 2003 | Leitz, Joseph Rheingau Rudesheimer Klosterlay Kabinett | Riesling | | 13 | | |
| 8/2004 Little bits if effervescent with pineapple and apple notes. Very nice. 10/2004 Awesome wine. |
| 2003 | Leitz, Joseph Rudesheimer Berg Roseneck (Schlossberg) Spatlese | Riesling | c11 | 19 | 1 | |
| 5/2005 Pineapple, and citrus aromas. RIght amount of acidity to brace the sweetness. Love this bottle. |
| 2003 | Leoville Barton | Bordeaux | wally pre-arrival | 45 | 12 | |
| 2001 | Les Cailloux (Lucien et Andre Brunel) | Rhone | h1 | 33 | 1 | 91-93 rp |
| Brunel believes the 2001 vintage is superior to 2000, and his 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape is serious stuff. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by explosive aromas of Asian spices, cedar, kirsch, black currants, and hints of Provencal herbs as well as licorice and pepper. This perfumed, dense, full-bodied Chateauneuf is packed and stacked with sweet tannin, has great delineation, and a long, impressive finish. I would not be surprised to see it score even higher than my conservative estimate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. |
| 2000 | Les Grands Marechaux | Bordeaux | | 11 | | 87 rp 88 ws |
| An excellent wine from this backwater appellation, this blend of 70% Merlot with the balance split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc has a medium deep ruby color and a sweet nose of black cherry liqueur intermixed with licorice, spice box, dried herbs, and earth. Spicy, medium-bodied, and tasty, it should be drunk over the next 2-4 years. WS Beautiful aromas of bright berries and Indian spices, with a hint of chocolate. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, silky finish. Best after 2005. |
| 3/2004; berries on the nose, earthy and dry in mouth. 3/2005 - All gone...... |
| 2000 | Loring Clos Pepe | Pinot Noir | | 40 | | 90 ws 87 rp |
| The dark plum/ruby-colored 2000 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard’s reticent aromatics of earth, underbrush, cranberries, and cherries are followed by a medium-bodied wine with excellent purity, sweet black fruits, good acidity, and admirable freshness. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. WS Delightful expression of pure, ripe fruit, with layers of tasty plum, blackberry and wild berry flavors, shaded by light toasty oak. Keeps its beam of flavor on a long, complex finish that coats the palate with vibrant fruit. Drink now through 2006. 135 cases made. (JL) |
| 12/2004 |
| 2001 | Loring Clos Pepe | Pinot Noir | | 40 | | 87 ws |
| Deftly balanced, with rich plum and blackberry fruit that's vibrant and lively. Finishes with complexity and light toasty oak shadings. Drink now through 2004. 200 cases made. (JL) |
| 2000 | Loring Gary's Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 40 | | 90 ws 88 rp |
| Tasty, fruit-driven style, with lots of complex flavors, orchestrated to show off the toasted herb, pine nut, rich juicy plum and black cherry, with touches of anise and wild berry. Firms up nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2006. 135 cases made. RP Plum, cranberry, and wild cherry characteristics dominate the bouquet of the medium plum/ruby-colored 2000 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard. Displaying good acidity, sweet fruit, crisp underlying acidity, and medium body, it should open further with an additional 6-18 months of aging, and drink well for 4-5 years. |
| 8/2004 Awesome wine. Big fruit, sense of casis, plenty of life left. Nothing delicate here. Very enjoyable. |
| 2001 | Loring Santa Maria Valley Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 32 | | 83 ws |
| 2003 | Lucia Gary's Vineyard | Pinot Noir | rh3 | 32 | 1 | |
| 2001 | Luciano Landi Goliardo | Red Wine | c3 | 36 | 1 | |
| 7/2005 Winehouse tasting. Almost black. Intense flavoirs. Deep. |
| 2003 | Luigi Einaudi Dolcetto Di Dogliani Vigna Tecc | Dolcetto d'Alba | c6,br1,br1,c9 | 15 | 4 | 90 ag |
| 8/2005 I rather enjoyed. great bottle at the price... |
| 2000 | Lynch Bages | Bordeaux | n1 | 85 | 1 | 95 rp 96 ws |
| An utterly profound Lynch-Bages, this wine continues to remind me of a hypothetical blend of the 1990 and 1989. Interestingly, when I asked Jean-Michel Cazes to rank his top four vintages of Lynch-Bages, he ranked the 1989 first, followed by three vintages that he said were essentially equivalent in quality - 1990, 1996, and 2000. The 2000 Lynch-Bages exhibits a dense purple color, loads of glycerin and extract, big, muscular, sweet creme de cassis notes, with hints of new saddle leather, earth, and tobacco leaf. The 2000 is forceful yet plush, with a thick, juicy, succulent mid-palate, ripe tannin, and a long, layered finish. I know it will be tempting to pull corks on this wine in its youth, but it really will not hit its stride for 7-10 years and will last for at least 25. WS Gorgeous aromas of plums, blackberries and licorice, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with full, silky tannins and a long, long finish. Big and solid. Fantastic. If you love Lynch, you won't be disappointed. Best after 2010. 35,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Malle, Chateau de | Sauternes | n2,m4 | 23 | 2 | 93 rp |
| A fabulous effort, the 2001 De Malle is closed aromatically, but it exhibits tremendous palate penetration, deep, full-bodied flavors, great acidity for balance, and marvelous notes of lavender, honey, pineapple, creme brulee, and spice. This is a sensationally textured, long, medium gold-colored, moderately sweet 2001. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following two decades. Like crushed dried pineapples and apricots, with honey and spices. Full-bodied and superthick, yet spicy and sweet. Fabulous finish. Score range: 95-100 (JS) |
| 2000 | Manara Amarone della Valpolicella Classico | Amarone | dj1,dj1 | 35 | 2 | tre biechere |
| For all you followers out there of Italy’s Gambero Rosso magazine, it doesn’t get any better than this. Manara’s 2000 Amarone is the finest value Amarone that we’ve come across to merit the acclaimed tre bicchiere (three glasses) award from this magazine. That’s saying a lot when they’re tasting north of 14,000 wines and only selecting 250 wines for the three glass award. |
| 6/2005 At Beacon with matan. Deep and rich, although not as crazy about it as other amarones. ....could have been the setting. |
| 2000 | Manzone Barolo Bricat Gramolere | Nebbiolo | h2,ks1,ks1 | 37 | 3 | 94 ws |
| Very pretty floral and plum character follows through to a full-bodied palate, with refined tannins and a refreshing finish. Beautiful. Silky and seductive. Best after 2007. 600 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Manzone Barolo Bricat Gramolere | Nebbiolo | winehouse | 40 | 3 | 87 ag |
| 2001 | Marcarini Barolo, Brunate | Nebbiolo | lal | 100 | 1 | 91+ st |
| Good full red. Cherry, rose petal, menthol, brown spices, licorice and a note of beeswax on the nose ("always balsamic, like entering a church," says Marchetti). Then much tighter on the palate and dominated by its structure today, with hints of dark fruits, mint and licorice. Not nearly as lush or sweet today as La Serra. The very firm tannins reach the front teeth. This young 2001 is already closing down in the bottle." (ST) |
| 2001 | Marcarini Barolo, Brunate | Nebbiolo | fc1,fc1,lr1 | 40 | 3 | 91+ st |
| Good full red. Cherry, rose petal, menthol, brown spices, licorice and a note of beeswax on the nose ("always balsamic, like entering a church," says Marchetti). Then much tighter on the palate and dominated by its structure today, with hints of dark fruits, mint and licorice. Not nearly as lush or sweet today as La Serra. The very firm tannins reach the front teeth. This young 2001 is already closing down in the bottle." (ST) |
| 2001 | Marcarini Barolo, La Serra | Nebbiolo | fc1 | 40 | 1 | 92 st |
| Good full red. Expressive aromas of brown spices, mocha, truffle and porcini. Suave, deep and flavorful, with lovely sweetness leavened by firm minerality. Here the fruit seems distinctly fresher than that of the 2000. Finishes suave and quite long, with late-arriving tannins that coat the gums. A perfect example of a case where the tannins of 2001 are simply more complex than those of the hotter, drier 2000 growing season. (ST) |
| 1968 | Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay | Rioja | c6 | 200 | 1 | 93 rp |
| The true glories of Marques de Murrieta are the red wines. The sensational 1968 Castillo Ygay is an extremely dense, concentrated, full-bodied wine with loads of flavor. |
| 2001 | Martinelli Russian River Valley | Pinot Noir | | 43 | | 90 rp |
| The 2001 Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve possesses abundant quantities of plum and raspberry fruit along with a sexy, sweet earthiness, high alcohol (15.3%), and a lusty finish. It should drink well for 4-6 years. |
| 9/2005 Pretty good. Still acidic with some nice cherry flavors. Dinner with m otis at nook. |
| 2000 | Mas de Boislauzon Cuvee du Quet | Rhone | c6,h1 | 40 | 2 | 92 rp |
| The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Quet possesses slightly less color saturation than the 2001, but gorgeous purity as well as a textbook nose of kirsch liqueur mixed with hints of black currants, licorice, and balsam wood. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, with great fruit as well as harmony, sweet tannin, and more accessibility than the bigger, more structured and formidable 2001. Filled with up-front fruit, this pure, sexy 2000 may reveal even more with another 4-5 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2017. |
| 2001 | Mas de Boislauzon Cuvee du Quet | Rhone | n1 | 40 | 1 | 91-93 rp 92 ws |
| The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Quet is built for the long haul. The aromatic profile is precise, offering notes of kirsch liqueur, creme de cassis, balsam wood, and a hint of resin. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by big, thick, rich fruit flavors and moderately high tannin, giving the wine a structured, delineated, powerful feel. This classic Chateauneuf du Pape is meant to be cellared. WSThis dark and brawny wine has its back turned to us for now, though there s a pile of dark currant and blackberry fruit, bittersweet chocolate, bitter almond and mineral notes that ambitious folks will look forward to scaling after extended cellaring. A burly wine whose spiky minerality is not for the faint of heart. Best from 2006 through 2019. |
| 2003 | Mascarello/Bartolo | Dolcetto d'Alba | c3,uh9 | 25 | 2 | |
| 8/2005 Good.. |
| 1997 | Mascarello/Bartolo Barolo | Nebbiolo | vt1 | 80 | 1 | |
| 1999 | Mascarello/Bartolo Barolo | Nebbiolo | ba1 | 80 | 1 | |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2000 | Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Marina Cvetic | Red Wine | | 24 | | 88 ws 92 rp |
| Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries ranging from blackberries to plums, with just a hint of vanilla. Medium-bodied, with light tannins and a fresh finish. Promises more on the nose than it delivers on the palate, but very good indeed. Drink now. 25,000 cases made. (JS)The 2000 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Marina Cvetic confirms the promise of this vintage in its deep ruby color, jammy plum and wild cherry fruit nose, and rich, caramel and vanilla laced flavors, and it broad, deep, well sustained finish. Drink: 2005-2018. And who is Marina Cvetic? Madame Masciarelli, an important force in the firm in her own right. Robert Parker 92 points (Apr 2004) |
| 4/2005 Dark rich colour. Not quite purple. Rich almost sweet wine. Bit of an earthy finish. Nose of plums. Very enjoyable bottle of wine. |
| 1999 | Mason | Merlot | | 17 | | 88 rp 89 ws |
| Although monolithic, the deep ruby/purple-colored 1999 Merlot exhibits sweet notes of blackberries and cherries, excellent length, and a luscious, straightforward style. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. WS An elegant style, supple and graceful, with shades of dill, cedar, black cherry, currant and leather, finishing with nicely integrated tannins. Drink now through 2006. 2,100 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Masseria Felicia Ariapetrina | Red Wine | c4,c3 | 30 | 2 | |
| An 80% Piedirosso, 20% Aglianico blend from the Falerno del Massico DOC area, highlights the idigenous grape variety of Piedirosso, with all of its "airy" nuance and fruit laden character. Talking about a drinking wine in Campamnia seems to be an oxymoron, with all the spice and extract achieved here recently, and especially at Masseria Felicia. But here it is: Ariapetrina, lofty Piedirosso aromatics of red berries, joyful acidity and a plush long finish! |
| gift from jeff morgenthal. |
| 2000 | Massolino Barolo | Nebbiolo | c9,ra2 | 30 | 2 | 92 ws |
| Crushed berries and game on the nose turn to fresh-picked roses. Full-bodied, with well-integrated and racy tannins. Ripe and enticing fruit on the palate. Well-crafted wine. Best after 2008. 1,600 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Mastrojanni | Sangiovese | dj2 | 39 | 1 | 89 ws |
| A bit austere, but there's some very good cedar, tobacco and ripe berry character. Full-bodied, austere and tannic. Long and chewy. Traditional style. Give it some time. Like a fine Burgundy. Best after 2006. 3,780 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Matteo-Correggia Marun | Barbera d'Alba | | 30 | | |
| 10/2004 Rich, spicy, full bodied wine. Long finish. Excellent. |
| 1989 | Mayacamas | Cabernet | c2 | 100 | 1 | |
| 2003 | McKinlay | Pinot Noir | | 12 | | |
| 5/2005 Little thin. Not terribly rich or concentrated. Very lite. |
| 2002 | Medici Vineyards Estate Reserve, Block I, II Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir | l3,l3 | 26 | 2 | 91 ws |
| "Ripe and fleshy. A lovely mouthful of plum, bluseberry, and cherry flavors. Full of personality but cohesive enough to feel elegant as the peppery finish foes on and on. Drink now through 2012." H.S. |
| 7/2005 Almost orange in colour. Wonderfully complex nose of forest/earthy elements. Bit thin on mouth feel, Definately spicey/peppery element on the back end. |
| 2003 | Melville Carrie's | Pinot Noir | uh5,uh5 | 42 | 2 | 88 am |
| from Santa Rita Hills fruit bottled at 14.7% alcohol – 245 cases made, $46). A deft touch of oak frames very ripe red and black pinot fruit, tobacco, earth and a hint of anise gives way to very rich, full and sweet flavors that offer solid complexity and a borderline jammy character that is seductive rather than heavy or flat and the only nit is some acidity poking through on the nicely persistent finish. This was vinified with 25% of the stems included and the textural impact of this is interesting as it provides both lift and firmness to the finish, which are positive additions to very ripe wines such as this one. This succulent effort should reward 2 to 4 years of aging. 88/2007+ |
| 2004 | Melville Estate | Viognier | c3 | 18 | 1 | |
| 2003 | Merkelbach Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Spätlese, Kinheimer Rosenberg | Riesling | | 14 | | |
| his was by far the best of the Kinheimers and one of Merkelbach's best wines of the vintage; brilliant slate, finely chiseled fruit and clarity, from a flat parcel at the foot of the hill; i.e., the usual wisdom stood on its head. In any case, sushi-knife precision here, great length and mineral. |
| 12/2004. stellar. |
| 1999 | MerryVale Vinyards | Cabernet | | 26 | | 87 ws |
| A racy, spicy, peppery style, with bell pepper, cherry and stemmy flavors that come up shy of fully ripe. Still, it's well-balanced, complex and concentrated, with big-league tannins. Best from 2003 through 2009. 26,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 1999 | MerryVale Vinyards Reserve | Merlot | | 39 | | 88 ws |
| Smooth in texture, with polished currant, earth, cedar, tobacco and mocha flavors that are intense and well-focused, firming on the finish. Best to cellar short-term. Drink now through 2006. 6,200 cases made. (JL) |
| 6/2005 A little bit of bottle age expresssed itself in more subtle flavors. Definately Merlot-like in nose and taste. Enoyable although not mind blowing. Something very interesting/nice about a little older wine. |
| 2003 | Meulenhof Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Kabinett, Erdener Treppchen | Riesling | | 14 | | |
| "...but this is the class of the Kabinetts; delightfully and surprisingly compact, fibrous and nutty; in the high-sited appley direction (certain parcels of Treppchen are peachier and more lush); great spurt of juiciness in the middle." (TT) |
| 5/2005 Okay... |
| 2003 | Milz-Laurentiushof Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Piesporter Hofberger | Riesling | | 12 | | 90 ws |
| Dense and packed with citrus notes, this kabinett has enough structure to keep it all focused and persistent, despite its opulent profile. Good grip on the finish, with a long aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. (BS) |
| 2001 | Moccagatta Barbaresco Basarin | Nebbiolo | ra2 | 40 | 1 | 92 ws 92 st |
| Wonderfully pure and perfumed with flowers, berries and cherries. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Silky and refined. Racy. Very aromatic young wine. Best after 2008. 600 cases made. (JS) ST Good medium red. Expressive aromas of plum, raspberry, spices, game and earth. Large-scaled, plummy and rich, with harmonious acidity giving the wine a juicy quality. Nicely perfumed in the mouth and long on personality. Finishes with broad tannins and very persistent, ripe flavors of plum, coffee and chocolate. Wonderfully approachable Barbaresco with the material to age gracefully. |
| 2001 | Moccagatta Barbaresco Bric Balin | Nebbiolo | l7,dj1 | 40 | 2 | 89 st 91 ws tre bich. |
| Saturated deep red. Very complex, enticing nose melds cherry, redcurrant, plum, minerals, gunflint and spices. Thick and rich but high-pitched and tight. An impressively concentrated, solidly structured Barbaresco with a strong tannic backbone. Finishes very fresh, with compelling smoke and gunflint notes. WS A red with lots of blackberry and cherry aromas and just a hint of cedar and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with a rich core of ripe fruit and silky tannins. Long finish with sweet fruit. Best after 2007. 1,800 cases made. (JS) |
| 1995 | Moet et Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon | White Wine | c1 | 95 | 1 | 92 ws 94 rp |
| An intensely flavored Champagne, displaying tropical fruit, berry and citrus aromas and flavors enmeshed in finely woven texture, ending with an aftertaste of dried fruit. Good firm structure lends support. Drink now through 2010. 200,000 cases made. (BS) |
| 2003 | Molino | Dolcetto d'Alba | | 12 | | |
| 9/2005 Not bad....... |
| 2002 | Mommessin Gevrey Chambertin | Pinot Noir | | 30 | | |
| 12/2004 Ripe and delineated. Lovely bottle..... |
| 2003 | Monbousquet | Bordeaux | pre-arrival, winex | 36 | 3 | |
| An elegant effort, with impressive delicacy and delineation, I do not believe it will ultimately possess the stuffing of the 2000, 1999, or 1998. Despite the vintage’s heat and drought, it comes closer stylistically to the 2001. The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2003 displays aromas of sweet toasty oak, grilled meats, dried herbs, and sweet currant and plum-like fruit. Rich, concentrated, soft, and supple, it should be consumed over the next 12+ years. This is the home estate of Chantal and Gerard Perse, who have become the poster children for owners taking a less hallowed terroir and producing sumptuous, high quality wine. Readers should realize that Monbousquet is not meant to be cellared for 20-30 years. It is a beautifully made wine that has performed well in every blind tasting I have conducted, often out-scoring far more hallowed as well as expensive wines. |
| 2001 | Mongeard-Mugneret Savigny-lès-Beaune 1st cru Les Narbantons | Pinot Noir | c1 | 15 | 1 | 86-88 am |
| Bright and fine with plenty of Savigny earth and a trace of tobacco with medium weight mineral-laden flavors and excellent persistence on the long finish. This is not especially dense but it is harmonious, delicious and finishes with ripe and mouth coating tannins. Solid if not exceptional quality. (86-88)/2005-10 |
| 8/2004 Light and slightly acidic. Earthy finish. Delicate wine, but overwhelmingly fruity. Do not think it will last. 9/2004 More fruit than on first tasting. Strawberry and fruit essence. Light but good. |
| 2001 | Mongeard-Mugneret Vosne Romanee | Pinot Noir | | 18 | | 85-88 am |
| (from the lieux-dits of Les Violettes and Les Réas). Reserved and austere fruit trimmed in wood spice with flavors that are ripe, structured and sweet and finish with good length. Serious and backward today but this has good balance and should round out with a few years of bottle age. (85-88)/2005-10 |
| 10/2004 Lovely little burgundy. |
| 2001 | Mongeard-Mugneret Échézeaux | Pinot Noir | rh1,rh1,rh1,rh1 | 40 | 4 | 87-89 am 90 ws |
| (from the climats of Echézeaux du Dessus and Les Treux and 75% new oak). Trace of wood spice with reserved, reluctant red and black fruit aromas cut with earth and damp leaves. The moderately intense, acceptably concentrated flavors have nice depth as well as good structure though the tannins show up primarily on the finish. In short, this is pretty rather than profound. (87-89)/2008-14 |
| 1/2005 Light in colour. Rasberry and strawberry aromas. Sweet core with tart finish. Nice bottle of wine. |
| 2000 | Montecarbello | Sangiovese | c3 | 35 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Montepeloso Eneo, IGT | Super Tuscan | ua2,ua2 | 30 | 2 | |
| 2000 | Montille/Domaine de Volnay 1st Cru | Pinot Noir | ?? | 35 | 1 | 84-86 am |
| (from Les Brouillards and Les Angles). Pretty pinot fruit and rounded, simple but fresh flavors with light weight tannins and acceptable length. (84-86)/2005-9 |
| 2001 | Mortet, Denis Marsannay les Longeroies | Pinot Noir | | 32 | | 85-88 am |
| Subtle toast and sweet and sour cherry aromas combine with elegant, rich, relatively fine flavors that offer good power and solid volume. Quite balanced and ripe with an earthy finish. Impressive. (85-88)/2005-10 |
| 9/2005 B-day wine at beechwood... wonderful deep dark cherry and berry aromas. Taste was not up to the nose... still very good.. |
| 2001 | Mueller Emily's Cuvee | Pinot Noir | | 32 | | 90 |
| Intense and concentrated, with earthy cherry, rhubarb and fresh earth supported by firm tannins. Finishes with a bright push of wild berry. Drink now through 2007. 3,080 cases made. (JL) |
| 5/2004 Fruity, but not overly so. Lovely aromas of blueberry with long finish. Very enjoyable. Interested to see how other bottle will age... |
| 1991 | Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva | Rioja | | 35 | | 94 rp 89 ws |
| This generous, traditional red is rich, with alluring aromas and flavors of plum, cola, spice and chocolate. Has a plump texture backed by firm tannins, and remains lively through the long finish. Drink now through 2003. (TM) RP After spending nearly four years in oak, the 1991 Prado Enea Gran Reserva (a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Grenache, Mazuelo, and Graciano) exhibits a dark ruby color, as well as superb aromatics of jammy red fruits intertwined with minerals, herbs, oak, and spice. Expressive, with expansive flavors, this quintessential, classical, old style, fully mature Rioja still possesses copious quantities of fruit. The sweetness on the attack and long finish suggest it should keep for 7-10 years. (2000) |
| 1/2005 delicious. at nook. |
| 1995 | Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva | Rioja | l1,fc1,fc1,rh3,l7,mr1,mr1 | 34 | 7 | 94 st, 89 rp 86 ws |
| Tanzer: "Incredibly complex, ethereal aromas of raspberry, currant, tobacco, tar and smoke, with an element of dried fruits. Like an essence of Rioja in the mouth: suave, complex and gripping...Up there with the great 1991 in quality." RP This traditional winery continues to turn out complex, aromatic reds. While they often lack color, they possess an enticing delicacy that in some cases is Pinot Noir-like. That characteristic is found in the 1995 Prado Enea Gran Reserva. Notes of dried herbs, sweet cherry jam, new saddle leather, tobacco, and spice box are followed by a medium-bodied wine with copious plum and cherry flavors. As it sits in the glass, hints of rose petals emerge. Drink it over the next 3-8 years. WS This muscular red shows plum, prune and coffee flavors that are rich but rather unfocused. It's a big wine with distinct character, but it lacks finesse. Drink now through 2006. 1,000 cases imported. (TM) |
| 6/2004 Meaty and rich. Tastes of cedar withe jammy elements. Feels a bit tannic and rustic. Earthy. Definately burgundian in taste. Intersting to see how "mellow" will get with time. 8/2005 Cobras and Matadors with ben & lynn. Such balance, and interesting flavors. Still has mucho life left... |
| 2001 | Muga Reserva | Rioja | c10,uh6,uh7,mr1,3 pre-arrival winex | 18 | 7 | 92 rp |
| Readers should be purchasing the 2001 Muga Reserva by the case. It is a stunning, unfiltered Rioja made from 70% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache, and the rest Mazuelo and Graciano. A big, rich bouquet of raspberries, cherries, graphite, and tobacco leaves is accompanied by abundant fruit, an expansive, medium to full-bodied palate, elegant, lush flavors, sweet tannin, and hints of cedar and white chocolate. This beautiful Rioja should drink well for a decade. |
| 8/2005 Must agree with mr parker. awesome juice. drank 2, have 6, wish i had more.... |
| 1998 | Muga Reserva Selección Especial | Rioja | | 25 | | 90 rp 88 ws |
| Harmonious, with a nice balance of ripe plum and cherry fruit, spicy oak and maturing notes of leather and game. The tannins are round, the acidity bright. Drink now through 2009. 2,000 cases made. RP The 1998 Seleccion Especial, an unfiltered blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache, and the rest Manzuelo and Graciano, is first aged in large wood foudres, then moved into small French and American oak casks where it remains for 24 months. Made in a traditional style, it exhibits a medium ruby color along with scents of lead pencil shavings, earth, strawberries, black cherries, tobacco leaves, and cedar. Richer and more intense than the modest ruby color suggests, with a long finish, it may add additional weight in the bottle. It should drink well for a minimum of 10-12 years. |
| 1998 | Muga Torre Muga | Rioja | l1,c9 | 45 | 2 | 91 rp 90 ws |
| The prestigious, modern-styled 1998 Torre Muga was aged 22 months in American oak vats, followed by 16 months in new French oak. It was bottled without filtration. A deep ruby/plum color accompanies the gorgeously sweet bouquet of licorice, black cherries, currants, and plums. As the wine sits in the glass, notions of spice box and tobacco also emerge. Medium-bodied, opulent, expansive, pure, and well-delineated, it will provide immense pleasure over the next 10-15 years. Sadly, there are only 1,500 cases for the American market. WS Lush and ripe. Rich plum and cherry flavors are wrapped in toasty oak and supported by muscular tannins in this exuberant red. A bit clumsy now, but vivid and deep. Best from 2003 through 2008. 1,000 cases imported. (TM) |
| 2001 | Muga Torre Muga | Rioja | winelibrary | 50 | 4 | 95 rp |
| The modern-styled, expensive, but terrific 2001 Torre Muga is an unfiltered blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, and 10% Graciano. Aged 22 months in large (18,000 liters) American oak vats, followed by 16 months in new French oak, and bottled without filtration, it offers an opaque ruby/purple color in addition to sweet plum, cedar, tobacco, new saddle leather, Allspice, raspberry, and black cherry fruit aromas as well as flavors. It is a wine of admirable intensity, full body, and superb purity, size, potency, and harmony. Give it another 1-3 years of bottle age and consume it over the following 12-15. |
| 2000 | Neyers Hudson Vineyards | Syrah | | 40 | | 91 rp |
| The 2000 Syrah Hudson Vineyard boasts an opaque dense purple color as well as a big, sweet, smoky, bacon fat-scented nose with notions of chocolate, blackberries, and graphite. This stunning effort is full-bodied, large-scaled, fleshy, and rich. It will offer a substantial mouthful of seamless Syrah over the next 8-10 years. |
| 4/2005 BBQ at Bruce P's house. Wierd nose. Bruce described it as straw. Not very good at all. |
| 2002 | Neyers Hudson Vineyards | Syrah | c10,h1,h1 | 32 | 3 | 90-93 rp 88 ws |
| The inky/purple-colored 2002 Syrah Hudson Vineyard is interesting. Hints of bacon fat, white chocolate, blackberries, and cassis are present in this intense, loaded, thick, juicy Syrah. Good underlying tannin and acidity provide focus to its component parts. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. |
| NV | Niepoort 10 year old tawny | Port | | 30 | | 95 ws |
| Amazing aromas of orange and lemon peel, with hints of toffee, caramel and honey. Full-bodied and luscious, with lots of sweet fruit and a long, subtle finish that goes on and on. A benchmark for 10-year-old tawnies. Drink now. 1,500 cases made. (JS) |
| 4/2004 Just gets better. Caramel - great with creamy dessert cheeses. 10/2004 - i love port. |
| 2000 | Niepoort Vintage Port | Port | l7 | 60 | 1 | 94 ws |
| A harmonious, powerful young thing. Super aromas of flowers and berries, with hints of wet earth and tobacco. Full-bodied and racy, with loads of silky tannins and a long, long finish. Medium sweet. It builds on your palate and then, wham. Serious stuff. Best after 2011. 2,000 cases made. ( |
| 2002 | Numanthia Toro | Tempranillo | uh3,uh3 | 42 | 2 | 91 ws 92 wa 91 iwc |
| This flagship wine from Bodegas Numanthia is 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) from 70-100 year old vines. It is harvested from incredibly low yields of 1.1 tons per acre. (That's low people!) It is a young wine loaded with blackberries, currants, smoke and violets. Hugely concentrated, give it a few years and you will be well rewarded. WS This polished red shows voluptuous texture over a firm structure, with blackberry, cassis, espresso, mineral and tobacco. International style, but with deep local roots. Drink now through 2012.—T.M. Tanzer Bright ruby-red. Sappy aromas of black raspberry and spicy oak, lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and bright, with very intense black fruit and spice flavors showing noteworthy precision. This can't quite match the 2001 version for balance and richness, but the wine's intensity of flavor is compelling. Actually quite lush for the vintage. Finishes very long and lively, with firm but smooth tannins. (IWC) |
| 2004 | O'Reillys | Pinot Noir | c5 | 13 | 1 | |
| 8/2005 Surprising great. |
| 2002 | Owen Roe | Pinot Noir | m2,m2,m2,l3,l3,lr1,lr1 | 35 | 7 | 92 ws |
| Ripe and focused, centered on a bright core of blackberry and currant fruit, shading the aromas with hints of meaty roasted game, finishing with clear-eyed fruit and well-modulated tannins. Best from 2005 through 2012. 155 cases made. (HS) |
| 3/2004; lunch at la farm. closed off initially. then taste of raspberry lingered. best sip was last. needs time to open, then complex and inviting. 10/2004 Big, fresh, unctious. Black berry, bramble, heavily concentrated. Delicious bottle. 9/2005 B-day wine. Very concentrated. Absolutely wonderful. |
| 2003 | Owen Roe Abbot's Table | Cabernet Blend | | 20 | | |
| 2004 | Owen Roe Abbot's Table | Cabernet Blend | | 22 | | |
| 2002 | Owen Roe DuBrul Vineyard Mystic Block | Syrah | c10,m2,m2,l3 | 40 | 4 | 92 ws |
| Brilliantly aromatic, firm up front and dense with blueberry, raspberry and red chile pepper aromas and flavors, turning supple as the finish kicks in. It lasts with intensity against lively acidity. Drink now through 2010. 190 cases made. (HS) |
| 4/2004 Spicy and big. Elements of black cherry with unctious texture. Thoroughy enjoyable. |
| 2003 | Owen Roe Sharecropper | Pinot Noir | sh1,sh1 | 19 | 2 | |
| 9/2004 Dark earthy notes. Sweet dark fruit. Definate drink now. 6/2005 Carl & Carolines party. Deep, rich and good... |
| 2003 | Owen Roe The Kilmore | Pinot Noir | bp2,bp2,bp2,bp2 | 36 | 4 | |
| 6/2005 Mentholly edge with a sharpness to it. Dark colour and intense fruit but flavor profile is not very good. 7/2005 Dark and intense. Much more satisfing than previous bottle. Rich mouth feel. |
| 2002 | Owen Roe Yakima Red | Cabernet Blend | c2,hd1,hd1,w2,w2 | 36 | 5 | 91 ws |
| Rich, ripe and focused, a plush mouthful of creamy blackberry, black cherry and sweet spice flavors, finishing with a touch of chile pepper and cedar as the flavors linger impressively. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2005 through 2012. 336 cases made. (HS) This year, Owen Roe Yakima Red is a blend of 43% Dubrul Vineyard Merlot, 36% Rosa Mystical Block Cabernet Sauvignon, and 21% Rosa Mystical Block Cabernet Franc. According to winemaker David O'Reilly, the 2002 is a bigger, plusher wine than the previous Yakima Red, the 2001, with greater ageability. 2002 was a beautiful vintage, and this wine will prove a gem for your cellar. As usual, very very limited amounts were made. |
| 2001 | Palacious Remondo | Rioja | uh7,c10 | 20 | 2 | 90 rp |
| Possibly one of the greatest wine stories ever told where superstar wine-maker Alaro Palacios let this, his home estate, to make his way in the wine world. He then became one of Spain’s most celebrated wine craftsman, first in Priorat and then in the obscure area of Bierzo. The circle was completed with his return to this estate at the behest of his dying father to make the kind of wines he had always wanted to make. Last year was the first edition (2000), and this 2001, from an even better vintage, is even more exciting. Intense red fruits with lots of spicy high tones, this is a new school Spain with a freshness to the fruit and a lively feel to the palate, done by someone who really knows what’s up. The ‘Propiedad’ is their ‘reserve’ bottling by function if not officially (the reserve designations in Rioja are regulated with age requirements). Think of it as a ‘reserve’ quality-wise in the California context. Exciting juice... $ |
| 1995 | Paloma Napa Valley | Merlot | | 28 | | 92 rp 90 ws |
| A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was fined with egg whites, but not filtered prior to bottling. Its opaque purple color suggests a wine of extraordinary intensity. The nose is subdued, but swirling brings forth scents of jammy cassis, licorice, pain grille, and sweet cherry fruit. It possesses an inner-core of intense fruit, a lush texture, and flavors of fruit and chocolate, with a subtle overlay of smoky oak. Full-bodied, moderately tannic, and exceptionally intense with a lingering finish, this is a Merlot to cellar for 2-3 years, and drink over the following two decades. Very impressive! WS Emitting attractive aromas, this slowly unveils appealing currant, cedar, spice and tobacco flavors that fill out on the palate, showing nice focus and a rich aftertaste. Approachable now, but worthy of cellaring into 1999. 674 cases made. (JL) |
| 7/2005 Lunch at il postaio with daniel's stuck up friend charles. Plenty of fruit and structure. Still a wonderful wine, not at all tired... |
| 2001 | Paloma Napa Valley | Merlot | c6,c6,rc2 | 40 | 3 | 94 rp 95 ws |
| A spectacular Merlot from proprietor Jim Richards, Paloma’s full-bodied 2001 offers up a gorgeous display of black currant and mocha-infused fruit that cuts a large swath across the palate. Unctuously textured, with no hard edges, gorgeous aromatics, and loads of flavor, it will provide immense enjoyment over the next 7-8 years. WS A magnificent Merlot, with gorgeous fruit that's ripe, rich and distinctive. The bounty of complex flavors includes enticing black cherry, currant, blackberry and spice, with a smooth chocolaty aftertaste. Drink now through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,510 cases made. (JL) |
| 2001 | Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 35 | | 90 ws |
| An elegant, pure expression of berry-infused Pinot Noir, with generous blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry flavors that are rich and focused. Finishes with a pretty burst of fruit and fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2008. 650 cases made. (JL) |
| 2002 | Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyard | Pinot Noir | l2 | 35 | 1 | 91 ws |
| Hints of tea, raspberry and sage in the aroma carry over nicely to the palate. Firm, lean and concentrated style gains complexity, with a nice edge of wild berry and a supple texture. Drink now through 2008. 1,080 cases made. (JL) |
| 2002 | Patricia Green | Pinot Noir | | 16 | | 90 ws |
| Meaty, slightly gamy flavors swirl around a rich core of raspberry and currant fruit, which lingers on the generous, finely tuned finish. Drink now through 2010. 2,400 cases made. (HS) |
| 2003 | Patricia Green | Pinot Noir | | 18 | | |
| 1/2005 Dark, deep, concentrated with very ripe fruit. Dark berry flavors. Intense wine. |
| 2002 | Patricia Green Balcombe | Pinot Noir | c6,l3,m3 | 23 | 3 | 89 ws |
| A vegetal, gamy streak obscures the cherry flavors at first, but the fruit comes through on the generous finish. Needs time to sort itself out. Best after 2006. 490 cases made. (HS) |
| 11/2004 Sweet cherry flavors with some earthy undertones. Wonderful. 5/2005 A little foresty thing. STill has lovely cherry core of flavor but there is some wierd element. Enjoyable none-the-less. |
| 2003 | Patricia Green Balcombe | Pinot Noir | pg1,pg1 | 26 | 2 | |
| 2002 | Patricia Green Balcombe Block 1B | Pinot Noir | c10,w2,lr1 | 28 | 3 | 91 ws |
| I found excessively gamy character in many of Green s 2002s, but this one s gamy notes seem to be limited to the aroma. It has elegant structure and its cherry and spice flavors linger into a long, refined finish. Best from 2005 through 2012. |
| 2003 | Patricia Green Dollar Bills Only | Pinot Noir | | 17 | | |
| 6/2005 4 days later, this wine was only better.... 6/2005 deep rich and fruity. great bottle... 9/2005 that did not last long......... |
| 2003 | Patricia Green Estate | Pinot Noir | c8 | 25 | 1 | |
| 1/2005 Hugely concentrated and ripe. Dark colour. |
| 2003 | Patricia Green Quail Hill | Pinot Noir | pg1,pg1 | 25 | 2 | |
| 2001 | Patricia Green Shea | Pinot Noir | | 28 | | 88 ws |
| On the light side, with polished texture and refined raspberry and plum flavors, finishing with fine acidity. Drink now through 2006. 975 cases made. (HS) |
| 8/2004 Medium colour, rasberry and cherry flavors. No acidity, lovely wine. Wish I had more.... |
| 2003 | Patricia Green Shea Vineyard | Pinot Noir | pg1,pg1 | 25 | 2 | |
| 2003 | Patricia Green Whistling Ridge | Pinot Noir | pg1 | 26 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast | Pinot Noir | pg1 | 27 | 1 | 90 rp |
| The 2002 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is more complete than the Russian River. Even better, there are 3,900 cases. Aromas of wild raspberries and cherry pie intermingle with earth and spice in this expansive effort. A sweet attack is followed by pure, medium-bodied flavors that cascade over the palate. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. |
| 10/2004 Big, fat, luscious, fruity pinot. Dark colour, no subtlety or delineation. Enjoyable none-the-less. 1/2005 Great bottle. Little heat on the finish. Big enjoyable flavors. 4/2005 Love this juice. Dark colour, just plain good. 8/2005 |
| 2003 | Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast | Pinot Noir | uh7,uh7,ua1,ua1 | 27 | 4 | 90 ws |
| Supple and harmonious, with generous plum, black cherry and wild berry fruit that's plush and expansive on the palate. Ends with firm but ripe tannins and a burst of ripe fruit. Drink now through 2009. 2,873 cases made. (JL) |
| 2001 | Pavelot Savigny les Beaune Gravains | Pinot Noir | | 30 | | 90 am |
| Often the most underrated 1er in the Pavelot portfolio as it s usually a very subtle, understated wine with a solid mineral streak that runs the length of the wine. Intense black cherry fruit and subtle ripe earth notes give way to sappy, mouth coating, beautifully defined flavors of superb complexity and stunning length. Quite racy and pure but this could easily fool even an experienced taster into thinking this is a top premier cru from the Cote de Nuits. Wonderful juice and most impressive. 90/2007-13 |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2002 | Phelps, Joseph Insignia | Cabernet Blend | br1,br1 | 90 | 2 | 96 ws 96 rp 95 st |
| The 2002 Insignia is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. This wine has put on considerable weight since last year. An exotic nose of spice box, soy, creme de cassis, chocolate, espresso, and various spices is followed by extravagant fruit on the attack, a voluptuous, medium to full-bodied palate, and a long, ripe, concentrated finish with the tannins well-concealed behind significant glycerin and concentration. This beauty is more extroverted than the 2001. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2023. |
| 2000 | Pichon-Longueville Baron | Bordeaux | w5 | 85 | 1 | 96 rp |
| A spectacular effort, this is a profound Pichon Baron and clearly my favorite vintage of this wine since the 1989 and 1990. An inky purple color offers up notes of barbecue spices intermixed with new saddle leather, creme de cassis, melted licorice, creosote, and a hint of vanilla. The wine is full-bodied, tremendously concentrated, with sweet tannin and a seamless finish that goes on for close to one minute. This wine has great purity, tremendous texture, and fabulous upside potential. This is a prodigious 2000! Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028. |
| 2003 | Pichon-Longueville Baron | Bordeaux | wally pre-arrival | 61 | 4 | |
| 1996 | Pichot, Jean-Claude - Domaine le Peu de la Moriette Vouvray Moelleux | Chenin Blanc | m4 | 22 | 1 | 84 ws |
| This lively white is sweet yet crisp, with floral, pineapple and honey character. It's both intense and slightly disjointed; harmony may come with time. Drink now through 2001. (TM) |
| 9/2004 Lively, sweet and crisp. Drank at the hollywood bowl. Tough to get aromas, but very drinkable sweet wine. |
| 2001 | Pierre Usseglio | Rhone | mr1 | 28 | 1 | 91 rp 89 ws |
| The brilliant 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape should not be overlooked (the 1998 and 2000 are drinking spectacularly well at present). A peppery, leathery, earthy effort with copious quantities of black cherries, this dense, full-bodied 2001 is surprisingly precocious by Usseglio’s standards. Nevertheless, 1-2 years of cellaring is warranted given the size and structure of this big, chewy, 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah blend. It was aged in neutral wood foudres for 15-18 months. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014. WS Beautiful. A rich, ripe and seductive '01 Châteauneuf, delivering gobs of fruit, mineral notes and an elegant structure. Full-bodied, long on the finish, never heavy. Drink now through 2012. 5,000 cases made. |
| 10/2005 Enjoyable. At blue lemon. |
| 2001 | Pine Ridge | Cabernet | l7 | 25 | 1 | 88 ws |
| Intense and a bit raw in texture, with ripe, firm currant, wild berry and floral scents, finishing with a firm, tight, compact aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. 17,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 1999 | Pio Cesare Barbaresco | Nebbiolo | uh5,uh5,uh6,uh6 | 28 | 4 | 91 ws |
| Subtle aromas of dried mushrooms, berries and fruit tea. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated, ripe tannins and a long fruity, refined finish. Best after 2006. 3,400 cases made. (JS) |
| 1998 | Pio Cesare Barolo | Nebbiolo | w2,m3 | 30 | 2 | 92 ws 86-87 rp |
| Pretty berry and spicy aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with well-integrated tannins and a coffee, plum and truffle aftertaste. Best after 2005. 7,200 cases made. (JS) RP The dark ruby-colored 1998 Barolo is a tough-textured, backward effort showing a certain austerity along with notes of minerals, earth, pepper, and truffles. Red fruit notes emerge as the wine sits in the glass, but this is a decidedly stern, backward, atypical 1998. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018. |
| 1/2005 Nice wine at Josie w funk. Not mind blowing but very drinakble. 4/2005 At Italian party. Leave other 2 bottles until at least 2007. |
| 2000 | Pira, Luigi Barolo | Nebbiolo | sh1,sh1 | 40 | 2 | |
| 1995 | Pira/E. e Figli Cannubi Barolo | Nebbiolo | vt1,l4 | 59 | 2 | 92 ws 86 rp |
| This serious, big-bodied Nebbiolo has classic Barolo complexity: layers of smoke, wet earth, tar, roses and black fruit. Has ripe but firm tannins, but the silky concentration is such that this should age gracefully. Best from 2003 through 2010. 830 cases made. (PM) |
| Lance says hold a couple more of years, minimum. Do not even look at it until 2007. |
| 2002 | Ponzi | Pinot Noir | c7 | 29 | 1 | 94 ws |
| Lithe in texture, vivid in flavor, with a burst of black cherry, currant, huckleberry, cedar, vanilla and exotic spice flavors that hang together beautifully. Rich from the first sip, and the flavors persist impressively. Yum. Drink now through 2012. 1,350 cases made. (HS) |
| 2000 | Potel, Nicholas Clos de Vougeot | Pinot Noir | fc1 | 55 | 1 | 90-92 am |
| In contrast to the majority of wines in the Potel range, this is rather austere on the nose with abundant red and black fruits and outstanding size and intensity. There are big, relatively dense flavors and impressive length. A very big 2000 and it exhibits excellent drive on the pungent finish. (90-92)/2007-14 |
| 2000 | Prieure-Lichine | Bordeaux | w1,w2 | 35 | 2 | 90 rp |
| Undeniably the finest Prieure-Lichine in 30-40 years, this textured, rich, medium to full-bodied 2000 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a knock-out nose of black cherries, cassis, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and toasty oak in the background. The wine is sweet on the attack, full-bodied, and well-textured, with oodles of fruit and glycerin. This is sexy stuff that can be drunk early, but will age gracefully for 15-16 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2026. |
| 1996 | Punset Barbaresco | Nebbiolo | | 25 | | 87 ws |
| An elegant, medium-bodied Nebbiolo, beautifully balanced in an unoaked way, offering lovely purity of fruit and ripe tannins plus the expected kick of acidity to help it age, even though it's approachable now. Best from 2003 through 2010. (PM) |
| 2000 | Quinta do Noval Silval | Port | ra2,ra2 | 29 | 2 | 94 ws |
| Superdark and powerful. Shows raisin, spice, coffee and violet aromas. Full-bodied, very chewy, with lots of grip and loads of fruit. Very long in the mouth. Outstanding young Port. Supervalue here. Best after 2012. 2,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Quintarelli Primofiore | Red Wine | | 34 | | 80 ws |
| 5/2005 Earthy complex rich wine. Not over the top like an amarone, but rich and delicious. |
| 1996 | Quintarelli Rosso del Bepi | Amarone | uh9 | 105 | 1 | 92 ws |
| An exotic red, with rich, smoky currant, mineral and tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth, with raisins and slightly off-dry flavors--especially mangoes. Soft, fruity tannins and a long, long finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2006. 660 cases made. (JS) |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 1995 | Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore | Amarone | | 50 | | |
| 8/2005 Dinner with scott at chloe. Good not great. Little reserved... |
| 1997 | Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore | Amarone | c1,uh9 | 65 | 2 | 87 ws |
| Refined, with cherry liqueur and mineral aromas and flavors. Lots of fresh herb character. Medium-bodied, with a very silky palate and enticing fruity finish. Nice wine. Drink now. 670 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Quintessa | Cabernet Blend | rc1 | 100 | 1 | 89 rp 91 ws |
| The 1999, an 8,000-case blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, is a delicate, elegant, restrained, polite effort with pretty red and black currant flavors intermixed with licorice, soil overtones, and subtle spicy oak. It is neither big nor flamboyant. This is a polished, exceptionally refined offering, particularly for a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Although somewhat understated, one has to respect its integrity and intention. It should age nicely for 10-15 years. WS Intense, vibrant and concentrated, with firm, complex currant, cedar, anise and black cherry fruit. Tightly wound, with chewy tannins, it can stand short-term cellaring. Best from 2004 through 2014. 9,917 cases made. (JL) |
| 2001 | Quintessa | Cabernet Blend | rc2 | 110 | 1 | 92-94 ws 86 ws |
| 2003 | Qupe Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block Y | Chardonnay | | 14 | | |
| gift from marcela, winemaker Robert N. Lindquist |
| 1973 | R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva | Rioja | | 100 | | |
| 9/2005 Dinner at melisse. Absolutely awesome. Fruity with a crsip acidiy, bu so not overpowering.. great wine... |
| 1994 | R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Viña Tondonia Reserva | Rioja | mr1,mr1 | 20 | 2 | 85 ws |
| Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar and spice notes mingle in this smooth red, while firm tannins give it grip. Though light-bodied, in the traditional style, it has character and focus. Drink now. 35,000 cases made. (TM) (11/2001) |
| 9/2005 Think ben grabbed one... |
| NV | R.L. Buller & Son Victoria Tawney | Port | | 9 | | |
| NV | RL Buller & Son | Muscat | | 13 | | 94 rp 92 ws |
| The medium amber-colored non-vintage Premium Fine Muscat offers terrific aromas of brown sugar, molasses, and maple syrup, great persistence on the palate, and a tremendous finish. For the price, it’s a steal! These Australian treasures are fabulous to drink at the end of a meal. Moreover, once opened, they will hold for several weeks, sometimes longer. WS Smooth and unctuous, richly sweet and brimming with Muscat spiciness, finishing with toffee and prune flavors that mingle beautifully. Drink now. 2,000 cases made. (HS) |
| NV | RL Buller & Son Premium Fine Tokay Victoria | Tokay | rh3 | 13 | 1 | 95 rp |
| This wine is nearly flawless. Fabulously perfumed as well as unctuously textured, it offers incredible notes of prunes, raisins, honey, molasses, roasted nuts, etc., etc. Australia continues to be a treasure trove for fortified, after-dinner wines. Once bottled, they do not change, and often age up to a decade where well stored. After opening, most will last for a week. This is one of the top wine discoveries of this year's tastings. Many consumers are going to be overjoyed with this offering. |
| 1998 | Raphet/Bernard Gevrey Chambertin | Pinot Noir | | 20 | | |
| 10/2004 Very light in colour. Delicate and not overly complex. |
| 2002 | Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard WV | Pinot Noir | ks1,ks1 | 27 | 2 | 89 ws |
| A real cellar candidate. Firm, with flavors distinctly reminiscent of cherry LifeSavers, complete with a tart kick on the finish as the fruit persists impressively. Disjointed now, but as it softens it should come together nicely. Best from 2006 through 2012. 150 cases made. (HS) |
| 2002 | Raptor Ridge Yamhill County Cuvee | Pinot Noir | ks1 | 13 | 1 | 90 ws |
| Lean and zingy, with lively acidity supporting a laser beam of raspberry and cranberry flavors, finishing with more richness than it starts with. Best from 2006 through 2012. 440 cases made. (HS) |
| 1999 | Raymond Napa Valley Cabernet Reserve | Cabernet | | 38 | | 89 ws |
| Sleek, rich and elegant, with pretty, well-defined currant, black cherry, anise, earth and hazelnut flavors, firming up on the finish where the tannins are sweet and firm. Drink now through 2010. 25,186 cases made. (JL) |
| 2002 | Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Josephshöfer | Riesling | | 17 | | 92 ws |
| Rich and creamy, yet backed by tangy acidity, providing a stage for the pear, apricot and banana flavors. Really multidimensional and long, picking up a mineral aftertaste. Terrific '02 kabinett. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases made |
| 2002 | Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Kabinett Piesporter Goldtropfchen | Riesling | | 19 | | 90 ws |
| Less aromatic than many '02 Mosel kabinetts, yet there's depth, purity and creamy texture here, backing the floral and tropical fruit flavors. Good concentration too, judging by the lingering finish and peach aftertaste. Drink now through 2012. 1,200 cases made. (BS) |
| 2000 | Reignac | Bordeaux | c11 | 25 | 1 | 92 rp |
| An amazing accomplishment for a Bordeaux Superieur, Reignac's 2000, a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, cropped at 25 hectoliters per hectare and aged 100% on its lees in new oak, exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color, an impressively complex nose of black currants intermixed with graphite, vanilla, and cedar. The wine is medium to full-bodied, dense, rich, and the qualitative equivalent of a top classified growth from the Medoc. Another 2000 that has to be tasted to be believed, it should drink well for 8-10 years, possibly longer. A revelation! |
| 9/2004 Dark colour. Big Jammy flavors. Intense and rich. 5/2005 Good bottle of juice. |
| 2000 | Revello, Fratelli Barolo Vigna Gattera | Nebbiolo | aa2,aa2,aa2 | 49 | 3 | 95 ws 92 ag |
| This shows beautiful perfumes of raspberries and strawberries, with just a hint of roses. Full-bodied, with extremely refined, silky tannins and a long finish of sweet, ripe fruit. Balanced and elegant. A joy to taste. The Gattera vineyard covers about 50 acres near La Morra and Revello owns a tiny piece of it. Best after 2009. 450 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Revello, Fratelli Barolo Vigna Giachini | Nebbiolo | h2,h2,h2 | 50 | 3 | 95 ws |
| This is very perfumed with crushed rose petal and berry aromas that follow through to a full-bodied palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Structured, yet shows wonderful finesse. Lovely, focused berry fruit. A beauty from brothers Carlo and Lorenzo Revello. Best after 2009. 375 cases made. (JS) |
| 1996 | Rinaldi, Giuseppe Barolo Brunate-Le Coste | Nebbiolo | vt1 | 70 | 1 | |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 1999 | Rinaldi, Giuseppe Barolo Brunate-Le Coste | Nebbiolo | uh9,uh9 | 70 | 2 | |
| 2000 | Rinaldi, Giuseppe Barolo Brunate-Le Coste | Nebbiolo | uh5,uh5 | 57 | 2 | tre bichiere 92 ag |
| 2000 | Rinaldi, Giuseppe Barolo Cannubi- Ravello | Nebbiolo | c9 | 60 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Rion, Patrice Chambolle Musigny Las Cras | Pinot Noir | ra1 | 40 | 1 | 88-90 am 88-89 pr |
| (Les Cras is a split rated vineyard and this is from the villages portion). There is some reduction but not enough to block the cherry liqueur nose. The medium weight flavors are sweet, forward, sappy and mouth coating and the extract completely buffers the moderate and ripe tannins, which are highlighted by the zippy acidity on the long finish. A terrific effort at this level and it knocks on the door of solid 1er quality. (88-90)/2008-14 PR Produced from the villages sector of its vineyard, the 2002 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras offers intense aromas of sweet black cherries and oak. Medium-bodied, it displays loads of lush dark fruits-laced with notes of pine cones. This wine has excellent depth of fruit, purity, terrific mouth-feel, and a long, supple finish. Drink it between 2005 and 2010. |
| 2002 | Rion, Patrice Nuits St Georges Vieilles Vignes | Pinot Noir | rh1,rh1 | 35 | 2 | 88-90 pr |
| “I know a lot of great growers in Nuits,” said Rion when he saw how pleased I appeared while tasting his 2002 Nuits-St.-Georges Vieilles Vignes. Its plummy, super-ripe black fruit aromas lead to a medium-bodied personality crammed with spices, lush cherries, and candied blackberries. Deep and generous, it slathers the palate with fruit, revealing a long finish loaded with syrupy tannin. Projected maturity: now-2011. |
| 2003 | Roar | Pinot Noir | rh3 | 28 | 1 | 88 ws |
| Ripe and zesty, with layers of plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit that's well-focused, offering fine depth and complexity. Ends with fine-grained tannins and a touch of fresh earth. Drink now through 2008. 406 cases made. (JL) |
| 2001 | Roar Gary's Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 42 | | 87 |
| Roar’s 2001 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard exhibits a dark plum/ruby color as well as a distinctive bouquet of underbrush, plums, cherries, and other dark fruits. It offers a spicy, sweet entry on the palate, medium body, good texture as well as ripeness, and moderate length. Enjoy this approachable Pinot over the next 2-3 years. |
| 6/2005 Just an awesome bottle of wine. Rich, concentrated, still full of fruit. Love this juice... |
| 2002 | Roar Gary's Vineyard | Pinot Noir | bp1,bp1 | 35 | 2 | 88 ws |
| Good intensity and richness of flavor, with smooth plum, wild berry and blackberry fruit that has a dusty, herbal edge, ending with a complex aftertaste that shows off a touch of cedar and spice. Drink now through 2007. 302 cases made. (JL) |
| 3/2005 Lovely core of strawberry. Good balance, little acidity on the back palate. Great bottle. 8/2005 Dinner with John Hinds at nook. Little heat on finish. Big bottle. |
| 2003 | Roar Rosella's Vineyard | Pinot Noir | ra2 | 40 | 1 | 92 ws |
| Perfumed floral and ripe plum aromas carry over nicely to the palate, offering richness, concentration and depth. On the finish, a pretty touch of smoky oak adds a nice flavor dimension, and the wild berry and boysenberry flavors coast along. Drink now through 2009. 206 cases made. (JL) |
| 1998 | Robert Mondavi Mondavi Reserve Cab Sav | Cabernet | al1,wd1,wd1 | 20 | 3 | 88 ws 89 rp |
| Seductive and stylish up front, with pretty, supple, coffee, currant, anise and sage notes, but you keep hoping for a little more focus. Finishes with a thick, chewy wall of dry tannins. Best from 2002 through 2008. (JL) WA The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is evolved. A plum/ruby color is followed by aromas of toasty oak, tobacco, black currants, smoke, and spice box. In the mouth, it is medium-bodied, with excellent fruit on the attack, some real charm and roundness, but the finish is filled with astringent tannin. If this wine continues to hold its fruit, it is going to be a Bordeaux-styled, medium-weight Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 12-14 years. However, the tannin will need to be monitored because this particular wine could possibly dry out. |
| 1997 | Rocca di Montegrossi San Marcellino | Chianti Classico | | 34 | | 90 |
| The outstanding 1997 Chianti Classico Riserva San Marcellino displays the vintage's super-ripe, glycerin-imbued, highly-concentrated fruit flavors. Thick, candied, jammy, and hedonistic, it can be drunk over the next 5-7 years. |
| 8/2004 Nice, but nothing fantastic. Has some good body, but i was not overwhelmed at all by this wine. |
| 1996 | Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna Cappella di S. Stefano Barolo | Nebbiolo | vt1,l4 | 75 | 2 | 91 ws |
| Big, drink-me-now Barolo. Seductive. Decadent aromas of earth and barnyard, yet there's amazing ripe fruit under it all. Full to medium in body, with velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of grape, berry and tobacco. Drink now through 2004. 1,200 cases made. (JS) |
| Old school, lance says hold til at least until 2006-2007. |
| 2001 | Roty, Joseph Gevrey Chambertin Cuvee de Champs-Chenys | Pinot Noir | vt1 | 42 | 1 | 86 am |
| Wood spice and earthy fruit combine with toasty flavors that display plenty of game and underbrush nuances and a full, rich and ripe finish of moderate precision and good persistence. This builds from the mid-palate and finishes with a mouth coating sappiness. 86/2005-11 |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 1998 | Rousseau, Armand Clos de La Roche, Grand Cru | Pinot Noir | m4 | 53 | 1 | 87-90 st |
| from paul wasserman, after 2007 |
| 2001 | Rozak | Pinot Noir | | 28 | | |
| 8/2004 Nice core of rasberry fruit. Much better than the 1st time. |
| 1998 | Roze Infanta Isabel 10 year | Port | mr1 | | 1 | |
| 2002 | Rudd Oakville | Cabernet | ua1 | 92 | 1 | 94-96 rp 95-100 ws |
| Wow. Rich, massive, plush and deeply concentrated, with riveting black cherry, blackberry and currant flavors and pretty mocha-laced oak on the finish. Score range: 95-100 |
| 2000 | Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame Toscana | Sangiovese | dj1,dj1 | 40 | 2 | 92 wa 93 ws tre bichierri |
| The most important wine in the line is the 2000 Romitorio, made at the firm’s Santedame estate in Chianti Classico and an innovative blend of Sangiovese and Colorino. The latter grape, which resembles Petit Verdot in its richness in coloring material and tannins, works very well with Sangiovese, giving a very dark and deep colored wine, potent and alcoholic on the nose with notes of roasted fruit, ink, minerals, and scorched tar and intense, powerful flavors. It is slightly tannic at the moment but packed and layered, sweet in its fruit, mouth-filling and solid in its texture. Drink: 2006-2018." (WA) WS A fantastic, honest Tuscan red. Excellent, with blackberry, mineral and licorice character. Full-bodied, with integrated fruit and very polished tannins. Very long. Colorino and Merlot. Best after 2006. 5,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Saint Cosme | Rhone | l1 | 28 | 1 | 91 rp 86 ws |
| Aged 40% in tank and 60% in used wood barrels, the 2001 Gigondas is a blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault. There is great definition in its big, flowery, cassis, plum, and licorice-scented nose, medium to full body, sweet fruit, a terrific texture, and a long, heady finish. It is one of the finest regular cuvees St.-Cosme has made. According to Louis Barruol, it is the best he’s produced since 1998. Anticipated maturity: now-2014. Clean and fruity, with a stony, mineral, cold fruity character. Medium-bodied, this tough wine has a firm tannic structure, with some modest black cherries and plum notes and a lively, citrusy finish. Best from 2006 through 2010. 3,415 cases made. (PM) |
| 2003 | Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone | Rhone | c5 | 11 | 1 | 89 rp |
| One of the glorious things about this firm is their negociant line, called simply St.-Cosme, that includes so many extraordinary values, not to mention some profound wines at the top end. For example, the already bottled 2003 Cotes du Rhone, made from 100% Syrah from the department of the Gard, offers up lovely aromas of acacia flowers, blackberries, and creosote in an uncomplicated, fleshy, medium to full-bodied, high-octane style. This seamless, delicious, hedonistic, flavorful, textured Cotes du Rhone is a total turn-on. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. |
| 2003 | Saint Cosme Gigondas, Cuvee Valbelle | Rhone | lr3,lr3 | 44 | 2 | 93-95 rp |
| Produced only in the finest vintages, the 2003 Gigondas Valbelle surpasses the dazzling 1998. A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah aged 50% in new oak and 50% in 1, 2, and 3-year old wood, it represents the essence of the appellation, exhibiting ravishing intensity, full body, a voluptuous texture, amazing concentration as well as purity, and a long, seamless finish that lasts nearly a minute. There is some tannin lurking underneath all the glycerin and fruit, but this is a tour de force, and stands among the potential “wines of the vintage” in Gigondas. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2017." (WA) |
| NV | Sandleman Founders Reserve | Port | mr1 | | 1 | |
| 2003 | Sandrone | Dolcetto d'Alba | | 18 | | |
| 8/2005 just okay... |
| 2001 | Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis | Nebbiolo | uh6,uh6,uh6 | 120 | 3 | 96 ws 97 st |
| ST Deep ruby-red. Deep, pure aromas of red and black fruits, licorice and smoky oak. Supersweet and wonderfully deep, with extremely primary dark fruit and camphor flavors. Offers compelling breadth and palate coverage, not to mention impeccable balance. Seamless and complex. Perhaps best today on the slow-building, palate-staining finish, which features extremely fine tannins. One of my early favorites from this outstanding vintage. This has fruit of steel. |
| 1999 | Santa Barbara Winery Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc | Dessert Wine | c10 | 40 | 1 | |
| Double Gold, Best Dessert Wine. |
| Freestyle 2004 |
| 2000 | Santi | Amarone | c1 | 35 | 1 | 84 ws |
| A bit neutral on the nose, but immediate on the palate, with dried red fruit and a twist of vanilla. A bit forced. Best after 2005. 3,600 cases made. |
| 4/2005 Leftover from Italian wine party at house. |
| 1999 | Scavino/Paolo Affinati in Carati | Barbera d'Alba | c5 | 20 | 1 | 90 ws |
| Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and chocolate follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long vanilla, violet and berry aftertaste. Excellent wine. Best from 2003 through 2006 |
| 2000 | Scavino/Paolo Barolo | Nebbiolo | l4,uh3,c7 | 41 | 3 | 94 ws |
| Decadent and exotic with wild aromas of ripe berry and black truffles. Full-bodied and Port-like, with ultrafine tannins and an incredible finish. One, two, three ? it goes on and on. Wonderful. Best after 2008. 1,650 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Scavino/Paolo Barolo | Nebbiolo | ua1,ua1,ua1,ua2,ua2 | 42 | 5 | 93 ws |
| Attractive aromas of blackberries, cherries and grilled meat. Full-bodied, with big velvety tannins and a long, long, long finish. A gorgeous young wine. Scavino is a master of Barolo. Best after 2008. 900 cases imported. —J.S. |
| 2000 | Scavino/Paolo Cannubi Vineyard Barolo | Nebbiolo | uh4,uh4,uh4 | 60 | 3 | 95 ws |
| Fabulously perfumed. Rich and soft, with supervelvety tannins and loads of coffee, berry and plum character. Long, long finish. Scavino has a lovely piece of Cannubi right at the top of the best part. And it makes great wines in hot years. Best after 2010. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 250 cases made. (JS) |
| 2003 | Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Spatlese | Riesling | sl1,sl1 | 17 | 2 | 92 ws |
| Very open, with a gossamer texture, and a slightly petillant character still, with fine slate aromas and flavors augmented by peach and spice notes. Focused and sleek as 2003 goes, this needs time. Best from 2006 through 2018. (BS) |
| 2003 | Schloss Lieser Spatlese | Riesling | | 15 | | 92 ws |
| Gorgeous aromas and flavors of peach, lime and slate highlight this seductive, opulent '03 Riesling. Balanced and pure, with an immediate appeal and fine balance. Long finish. Drink now through 2020. (BS) |
| 6/2005 Good. Minerally. |
| 2003 | Schmitt-Wagner Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Spätlese, Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg | Riesling | cs1 | 17 | 1 | |
| Rounder and longer than the Kabinett; low layers and saltier mineral, but every bit as racy and brilliant; snappy extroverted stuff. |
| 2003 | Schonborn, Schloss Rheingau Beerenauslese | Riesling | gf1,gf1 | 20 | 2 | |
| 2003 | Schonborn, Schloss Spätlese Rheingau Erbacher Marcobrunn | Riesling | ba2,sl1,sl1 | 13 | 3 | 90 ws |
| 6/2005 I love rieslings... |
| 2000 | Schwarz | Zweigelt | c2 | 35 | 1 | 92-95 |
| from wein-plus.com Compact, profound and very complex fragrance of smoked bacon, oak and cedar wood, black berries, cherries, dried herbs and minerals. Extremely dense, black berry fruit, a lot of smoky oak wood, very firm, fine-grained tannic acid, massive structure, very stronger, alcohol-strong body, gripping spice at the palate, profound, still uncompleted, very long, smoky reverberation. |
| Gift from Susan & Jason. 100% Zweigelt, this wine reveals impressive varietal character. The wine captivates with its dark, garnet-ruby color and amazing plum aromatics. Its intense flavors, fine tannins and long, refined finish remind one of a modern Spanish growth or the great reds of the new world. |
| 2001 | Sea Smoke Botella | Pinot Noir | | 28 | | 89 rp 91 ws |
| The 2001 Pinot Noir Botella possesses a saturated ruby/purple color as well as delicate floral, red cherry, and pomegranate aromas, medium body, firm tannin, good acidity, and outstanding purity. However, it is still playing it close to the vest, so 6-12 more months of bottle age is recommended. Drink it over the following 6-7 years. WS Dark, firm, rich and intense, with lots of concentration to the black cherry, blackberry, fresh earth and blueberry jam flavors. Well-focused, with mouthcoating, integrated tannins and a long, pure, rich aftertaste. Drink now through 2008. 536 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Sea Smoke Botella | Pinot Noir | br1,c8 | 25 | 2 | 90+ rp 93 ws |
| 9/2005 Dinner at the warrens. Just awesome... |
| 2002 | Sea Smoke Southing | Pinot Noir | bp1,bp1 | 45 | 2 | 93 ws 92 rp |
| Ultraripe, rich and plush, with concentrated, detailed black cherry, wild berry and plummy flavors framed by firm toasty, cedary oak, and finishing with a long, intense, persistent aftertaste offering a wealth of flavors and plenty of rich minerally tannins. Drink now through 2009. 1,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Sea Smoke Ten | Pinot Noir | br1 | 65 | 1 | 96 rp |
| 2000 | Sebaste Barolo Monvigliero | Nebbiolo | ra2,ra2 | 45 | 2 | 94 ws |
| Loads of ripe fruit and meat undertones with hints of dark chocolate. Raspberries and plums galore. Full-bodied, with tight tannins and a long finish. Fabulous depth and balance to this young red. Best wine I have had from here in years. Best after 2009. 380 cases made. (JS) |
| 2001 | Sebaste Barolo Monvigliero | Nebbiolo | uh7,uh7,ua1 | 44 | 3 | 96 ws |
| A wonderful purity of fruit in this young Barolo with plums, cherries and raspberries. Full-bodied, with a fabulous concentration of fruit and velvety tannins. It reminds me of a top grand cru Burgundy, but with even better structure. Breathtaking. Best wine I have ever had from here. Best after 2009 |
| 2002 | Seghesio Sonoma County | Zinfandel | | 14 | | 92 ws |
| Wonderful balance and sense of elegance, it offers vivid ripe fruit flavors that are rich and complex, with spicy black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, herb and sage notes that add flavor dimensions and complexity. Firm, but ripe tannins add structure, allowing the fruit to push through. Drink now through 2009. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 48,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 1998 | Seghesio, Aldo & Riccardo Vigneto La Villa Barolo | Nebbiolo | l4,l4,l4 | 60 | 3 | 94 rp 88 ws |
| The 1998's saturated dense plum/garnet color is accompanied by a stunningly ostentatious, brilliantly aromatic nose of smoky tobacco, cedar wood, plums, cherry liqueur, coffee, and dried herbs. A rich, full-bodied, and opulent wine, it possesses fabulous spice and fruit, as well as a fresh, high-toned character. Powerful, full, and beautifully delineated, it can be consumed over the next 10-15 years. WS Aromas of dried Indian spices, and dried dark fruits. Full-bodied, with very ripe fruit, chewy tannins and a medium finish. Slightly muted on the palate. Best after 2006. 1,700 cases made. (JS) |
| Lance says after 2011 |
| 2000 | Seghesio, Aldo & Riccardo Vigneto La Villa Barolo | Nebbiolo | bh2,bh2 | 36 | 2 | 92 ws |
| This shows plenty of blackberry, spices, tar and roses on the nose. Full-bodied, with firm and chewy tannins and a chocolate, berry, meat and vanilla finish. Best after 2007. 1,600 cases made. (JS) |
| 2003 | Selbach-Oster Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Auslese***, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr | Riesling | dj1 | 37 | 1 | 93 wa 94 ws |
| TT "Seething verbena and slate; this is not exotic, but rather a demi glace of Sonnenuhr, enormous but shapely and convincing; vertical structure, more Bach than Mahler." |
| 2001 | Seven Hills Pentad | Cabernet Blend | mr1 | 50 | 1 | |
| From the winery: "Pentad, our proprietary, blended, vintage red wine, establishes a new level in our expression of Walla Walla Valley winemaking. Three years in the making, this wine is the culmination of our many years of craftsmanship. Composed from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, it offers a deep complexity by nose and mouth, supported by a structure of refined elegance and depth. Extreme care has been taken in its production, and our aim has been to provide the ultimate in enjoyment and collectability. |
| 2002 | Shea Vineyards Block 23 | Pinot Noir | c1 | 40 | 1 | 92 ws |
| Shea Vineyard sells grapes to nearly a dozen wineries around Oregon. This is my favorite of those it bottles under its own label—gentle and supple, with extraordinary refinement, generous with its spicy plum and lingonberry flavors, lingering forever on the wellmannered finish. Drink now through 2007.—H.S. |
| 2002 | Shea Vineyards Pommard Clone | Pinot Noir | c1,l4 | 30 | 2 | 91 ws |
| Like the Block 23, this one uses a single clone exclusively. The result is firm in texture and ripe in flavor, with an earthy edge to the dark plum, black cherry and pepper flavors, which gain power with each sip. Best from 2006 through 2009.—H.S. |
| 2001 | Siduri Pisoni Vineyard | Pinot Noir | c8 | 40 | 1 | 91 ws |
| Dark-colored, rich and intense, with layers of blackberry, black cherry, plum and toasty, mocha-laced oak. Sharply focused, long and rich, and concentrated on the finish. Shows a trace of heat. Drink now through 2008. |
| 2001 | Sierra Cantabria Crianza | Rioja | lr2,lr2,lr2,gf1,c10 | 13 | 5 | 91 rp |
| I have served friends the brilliant 2001 Crianza (98% Tempranillo and 2% Graciano) just to prove what great wine can be purchased even with a weak dollar. It is a complex, elegant, deep ruby/purple-tinged offering boasting a sweet nose of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, blackberries, and cherries. Medium-bodied with supple tannin as well as admirable structure, definition, and ripeness, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 5-8 years. |
| 8/2005 Wonderful. Get more. |
| 2001 | Sierra Cantabria Especial | Rioja | winex | 18 | 3 | 93 rp |
| Obviously a great vintage makes all the difference as evidenced by the 2001 Cuvee Especial. This unfiltered 100% Tempranillo (30-year old vines) was aged in 60% American and 40% French oak before being bottled unfiltered. A stunning value, it reveals gorgeous aromatics (graphite, cigar smoke, sweet cherries and black currants, and loamy, dusty, earthy notes), a layered, opulently textured personality, admirable purity, decent acidity, and copious freshness as well as fruit. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for a decade or more. |
| 2001 | Sigalas-Rabaud | Sauternes | m4 | 35 | 1 | 91 rp 93 ws |
| With coaxing, muted aromas of honeyed citrus, orange marmalade, and honeyed lavender emerge from this medium gold-colored, full-bodied, sweet, unctuously textured Sauternes. Still young and unformed, it should be fully mature between 2010-2020+." (WA) Smells like a gorgeous lemon tart with hints of honey. Full-bodied, very sweet and concentrated with loads of fruit. Vanilla, spice and lemons on the aftertaste. Lovely stuff here. Better than from barrel. Best after 2009. 3,330 cases made. (JS) |
| 2002 | Siltstone Guadalupe Vineyards | Pinot Noir | bp1,uh7 | 29 | 2 | |
| Made by Ken Wright. Guadalupe Vineyard's manager Joel Myers offers his own Gudalupe Vineyard wine, called Siltstone. The 02 is rich, dark, huge, brooding, yet lively and nuanced. We've referred to Guadalupe Pinot noirs from Ken Wright Cellars before as being like Mohammed Ali- hugely powerful, yet light on their feet. Still young, this is a most promising cellar selection. If you are a fan of Ken Wright's wines, this one would provide a fascinating comarative tasting opportunity. |
| 1999 | Silverado Vineyards | Cabernet | w4 | 35 | 1 | 91 ws |
| Delicious black cherry, spicy plum and blackberry flavors are well-centered, offering depth and richness and finishing with firm tannins wrapped around a core of mocha-laced oak. Drink now through 2009. |
| 2001 | Simi Landslide Vineyard | Cabernet | m3 | 35 | 1 | 92 ws |
| A delicious Cabernet at a terrific price. Smooth, rich and juicy, with tiers of lively black cherry, wild berry and blackberry fruit that are deeply concentrated with a supple, elegant mouthfeel. The tannins show some grip on the finish and a nice dusty, cedary oak quality adds a note of complexity. Best from 2005 through 2011." (12/04) |
| Gift from Gordon Gould |
| 2004 | Sineann | Pinot Gris | | 13 | | |
| 2003 | Sineann Baby Poux | Cabernet | c10 | 33 | 1 | |
| Highly recommended- Great structure, good blackberry Bordeaux like Cassis, cedar, good weight, silky tannins. Cabernet from the Baby poux Vineyard has the usual gushing, over the top flavors that characterize the wines of Sineann. A Columbia Valley vineyard, older vines, there are complex flavors here that hint at much to come. From the winery: "Very nearly our fastest selling wine every year. Why? The Baby Poux block of Paul Champoux's vineyard combines great Cab intensity with a remarkable approachability that Cabernet just doesn't often deliver. We've gotten fruit off Baby Poux since it's first year of production and it has always had that approachable quality. Much to our delight, as the vineyard ages (it is now 14 years old) it is growing in depth and complexity. Where will it all lead to? We don't know, but it's fun going along for the ride!" |
| 2003 | Sineann Blend | Red Wine | | 23 | | |
| 6/2005 okay. not as complex as i would like. expected something a bit more... |
| 2002 | Sineann Block One Champoux Vineyards | Cabernet | al1,al1,al1,al1,al1 | 55 | 5 | |
| 8/2005 Fat and concentrated. Incredibly long finish. At sterling steakhouse with keith and friends. Great bottle of juice. |
| 2003 | Sineann Block One Champoux Vineyards | Cabernet | uh1,uh1,uh1,uh1,uh2,uh2,uh2,uh2,uh2,uh2 | 50 | 10 | |
| 2003 | Sineann Covey Ridge | Pinot Noir | pg1 | 40 | 1 | |
| 2004 | Sineann Covey Ridge Vineyard | Pinot Gris | c7,c3,c4,c10 | 15 | 4 | |
| 2002 | Sineann Hillside Vineyard Columbia Valley | Merlot | c5,c7 | 32 | 2 | |
| 2004 | Sineann Medici Vineyard | Riesling | c10,c9 | 15 | 2 | |
| 2002 | Sineann Oregon | Pinot Noir | m2,m2,c1 | 28 | 3 | 90 ws |
| The basic blend is a winner in 2002 charming, open-textured and generous with its cherry and currant flavors, which echo effortlessly, framed by finegrained tannins. Drink now through 2009. H.S. |
| 5/2004 Wonderful. Complex, not overly fruit forward. Many things going on. 10/04 Excellent. Yet again. |
| 2003 | Sineann Oregon | Pinot Noir | sh1,sh1 | 32 | 2 | |
| 1/2005 Big, dense, overpowering. Needs time..... |
| 2003 | Sineann Phelps Creek Vineyard | Pinot Noir | sh1,sh1,sh1 | 40 | 3 | |
| 2001 | Sineann Reed & Reynolds | Pinot Noir | c9 | 45 | 1 | 93 ws |
| Rich and distinctive for the floral-spicy complex character swirling around the supple core of blackberry, currant and plum flavors that last and last. Drink now through 2010. 252 cases made. (HS) |
| 2002 | Sineann Resonance Vineyard | Pinot Noir | pg1,m2,m2,lr1,m3,m3,m3 | 40 | 7 | 85 ws |
| Gamy notes permeate the red cherry and orange peel flavors at the core of this glassy smooth Pinot. Drink now through 2006. 400 cases made. (HS) |
| 2/2005 Pizza with cobian. Deeply concentrated. Aromas of dark fruit, still litlle acidic on attack, smoothed out after open for a while. Good bottle of juice. |
| 2003 | Sineann Resonance Vineyard | Pinot Noir | l2,l2,l2 | 40 | 3 | 94 ws |
| "Ripe, round and seductive. Fleshy, with currant, plum and blackberry flavors shaded with hints of sweet, exotic spice, lingering effortlessly on the incredibly long, elegant finish. Drink now through 2015. 506 cases made." |
| 2004 | Sineann Sweet Sydney | Zinfandel | | 22 | | |
| 8/2005 At holiday bowl with funk and brent. Lovely little sweet thing. Very enjoyable. |
| 2002 | Sineann The Pines Vineyard | Zinfandel | c4 | 28 | 1 | |
| 2003 | Sineann Whistling Ridge Vineyard | Pinot Noir | sh1,bp1 | 38 | 2 | |
| 2003 | Sineann Wyeast Vineyard | Pinot Noir | ra2,ra2,sh1 | 33 | 3 | |
| 2000 | Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port | Port | dj1 | 50 | 1 | 95 ws |
| Now we are talking. Wow. Aromas of licorice, flowers and crushed blackberries. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lovely smooth, fine tannins and a long, sweet fruit finish. Greatest young Vintage Port of Smith Woodhouse I have ever tasted. Best after 2014. 4,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Smith-Haut-Lafitte | Bordeaux | w4 | 35 | 1 | 90 rp 86 ws |
| This is a sizable wine for the vintage, although I do not believe it will have the longevity of the 1998 or 2000. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet, asphalt-tinged, earthy, cassis fruit with toasty pain grille notes in the background. There are loads of fruit and charm as well as a creamy texture revealing hints of tobacco, currants, and wood smoke. It is medium-bodied and supple-textured, and will provide ideal drinking over the next 12-15 years. WS Tobacco, earthy and plummy aromas. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a coffee, green tobacco aftertaste. Best after 2003. 9,165 cases made. (JS) |
| 2003 | Smith-Madrone | Chardonnay | | 25 | | |
| 1999 | Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | m1,m1,m1,m1 | 30 | 4 | 92 ws |
| From a tiny estate vineyard on Spring Mountain, this is a rich and tremendously concentrated Cabernet. Blackberry and cassis flavors are tightly wound around firm but pretty tannins, and the oak is modulated. Polished and elegant, it's ready to drink tonight, but will age for many years. |
| 4/2005 Good cab. Darek in colour, still rich in fruit. Had with Gordon at primitovo. |
| 2001 | Sori Paitin Paitin Barbaresco | Nebbiolo | uh6,uh6 | 35 | 2 | 90+ st, 90 ws |
| (aged in a combination of large ovals and barriques, with very little new oak used) Medium red. Pure, aromatic nose combines cherry, redcurrant, plum and minerals. Sweet but reserved, with good definition of flavor and spicy lift. Finishes juicy, firmly tannic and persistent. Serious, nicely balanced Barbaresco. WS Clean and very focused aromas of blackberries, raspberries and cherries follow through to a full-bodied palate, with firm and chewy tannins and a licorice, mineral aftertaste. Needs bottle time. Best after 2008. 1,800 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Soter Beacon Hill | Pinot Noir | l7 | 45 | 1 | 92 pr 87 ws |
| At first, the nose of the 1999 Pinot Noir Beacon Hill had aromas reminiscent of roasted bone marrow, a smell I adore. With aeration, black cherries and spices emerged. Medium to full-bodied and dense, this wine had fabulous concentration and depth. Cedar-laced black fruits and loads of ripe tannin can be found in this fleshy, complete wine. Projected maturity: 2005-2010. WS Dark, dense and tangy, with a generous core of plum and berry flavors, but there's also a metallic tang. It finishes with a distinct grip of tannin and lots of creamy oak character. Needs time. Best after 2005. 500 cases made. (HS) |
| 2000 | Soter Beacon Hill | Pinot Noir | | 50 | | 90 rp |
| Sweet spicy black fruits can be found in the nose of the medium to dark ruby-colored 2000 Pinot Noir Beacon Hill. Seamless and angle-free, it offers lush layers of blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of cassis. A pretty wine, it is soft, well-structured, and harmonious. Drink it over the next 6 years. |
| 6/2005 Orris with Scott and Jerinne. Awesome bottle. Earthy, subtle flavors. ALmost orange in colour. Veyr complex with forest notes... |
| 2002 | Soter Beacon Hill | Pinot Noir | pg1 | 45 | 1 | |
| 1996 | Speri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano 1996 | Amarone | | 45 | | 88 ws |
| Raspberry and cherry character, with hints of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a balance of ripe and attractive berry flavors on the finish. Drink now through 2008. 3,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1997 | Stefano Farina Barolo Riserva | Nebbiolo | c6,c2 | 25 | 2 | 92 ws |
| Rich and decadent nose of fresh flowers, crushed plums and hints of earth. Full-bodied, thick and rich, with plenty of good tannins and a long, plummy finish. Big, young wine. Give it time. Best after 2007. 1,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 3/2005 Friday before solvang century. beautiful bottle of wine. at italina restaurant in santa ynez. only had a small sip. |
| 2001 | Stephan L'Aventure Optimus | Cabernet Blend | c7 | 30 | 1 | 90 ws |
| A ripe, fleshy, openly fruity style, with plum jam, raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors, a smooth, fleshy texture, finishing with finely integrated tannins and a long aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel. Drink now through 2010. 2,500 cases made. (JL) |
| 1990 | Suduiraut | Sauternes | mr1,winex | 60 | 5 | 94 rp |
| This is a gorgeously rich, fat, concentrated wine with an intense, spicy nose of almost burnt peaches intermixed with brown butter, almond paste and caramel. Extremely full-bodied, thick and juicy, with almost marmalade-like sweetness ... Anticipated maturity: now-2020. Tasted January 2003 |
| 2002 | Summerland Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block T | Pinot Noir | ks1 | 24 | 1 | 93 rp |
| The sumptuous 2002 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard boasts a deep ruby color in addition to a big, complex perfume of cranberries, black cherries, flowers, and hints of oak as well as forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, rich, broad, pure, and beautifully textured, it is a serious Pinot Noir to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. |
| 10/2004 Fat, unctious. Opened up to dark cherry fruits. 5/2005 More light and acidic. Light strawberry flavors. |
| 1997 | Talenti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva | Sangiovese | n1 | 75 | 1 | 93 ws 86 dt |
| Very fresh Brunello riserva, with mineral, ripe fruit and dried flower character. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, refined finish. Very fine indeed. Just like the normal bottling. Best after 2003. 850 cases made. RPThe 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a full garnet with ruby highlights. Its expansive nose of tobacco, game, plums, and tar is followed by a somewhat tough-textured palate with rather mineral flavors and perceptible acidity on the finish, throwing things out of balance. A wine for the long haul? Perhaps, but some skepticism is in order. |
| 2003 | Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard | Syrah | uh5 | 30 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Tensley Purisima Mountain Vineyard | Syrah | c5 | 27 | 1 | 92 rp |
| The most backward of the trio is the 2002 Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard. Pure cassis and acacia flower notes flow from this dense blue/purple-colored offering. Firmly structured, backward, and less showy and sexy than its two siblings, it is impeccably crafted, pure, rich, and multilayered with firm tannin as well as a structured, full-bodied mouthfeel. It is built for aging. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016. |
| 2003 | Tensley Thompson Vineyard | Syrah | uh5 | 30 | 1 | |
| 2001 | Termelte es Palackozia Tokaji Eszencia | Tokay | c10 | | 1 | |
| gift from m amses |
| 2000 | Terra Valentine Wurtele Vineyard | Cabernet | c9 | 50 | 1 | 87 ws |
| Richly aromatic. Blackberry, licorice and mocha-laced flavors, with fresh earth scents. Has a soft and supple body and a delicate structure, with tannins that arrive firmly on the finish. Drink now through 2009. 825 cases made. (JL) |
| Gift from bruce. |
| 1993 | The Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Aszú 6 Puttonyos Nyulászó | Tokay | c4,rh3 | 52.50 | 2 | 94 ws |
| Complex and multilayered, sweet and full-bodied. Beautiful flavors, clean and pure, with loads of tropical, dried apricot and dried fig, vanilla bean, ginger snaps and curry. Ends on fresh, palate-cleansing, elegant citrusy notes. Bravo! Drink now through 2010. (PM) |
| 2002 | Tor Old Clones Los Carneros | Syrah | bp2,bp2 | 45 | 2 | 90-92 st |
| (from Hudson Vineyard fruit with a bit of Durell added) Good red-ruby. Lively, aromatic nose combines raspberry, licorice and white pepper. Tightly wound, juicy and floral, with a distinctly dry impression. A more perfumed than fleshy style of syrah, finishing suave, lively and persistent. The Durell fruit contributes the note of white pepper, notes Tor Kenward, long-time vice president at Beringer Vineyards |
| gift from sam tramiel |
| 2001 | Two Hands Angel's Share | Shiraz | | 18 | | 88 ws |
| Firm in texture, fruit-forward and appealing for its range of blueberry, plum, anise and vanilla flavors, which echo nicely on the focused finish. Drink now through 2005. 2,150 cases made. |
| 2001 | Two Hands Ares | Shiraz | n1 | 85 | 1 | 95 ws 92 rp |
| The 2001 Shiraz Ares (100% Barossa Valley Shiraz) was previewed last year from barrel, and is even better from bottle. Its stunning nose of subtle new oak interwoven with blackberry liqueur and acacia flowers is followed by a full-bodied, rich, concentrated Shiraz with tremendous power, symmetry, and a deep, thick, long finish. Despite its large size, it is an elegant, tremendously rich, long beauty with at least 10-15 years of aging ahead of it. |
| 2002 | Two Hands Lily's Garden | Shiraz | c6,l2,l2,l2,l3 | 40 | 5 | 94 ws 96 rp |
| Ripe and beautifully focused, a bit shy on the nose but explosive in the mouth, offering a cascade of blueberry, plum, coffee and cedar flavors that linger effectively for minutes on end. Best from 2006 through 2015. 400 cases imported. |
| 2002 | Two Hands Samantha's Garden | Shiraz | | 35 | | 91 ws |
| Bright and tangy, generous with its blackberry, floral and mineral flavors, hinting at mint as the flavors mingle on the impressively long, lively finish. Needs time to settle down. Best from 2005 through 2009. 100 cases imported. (HS) |
| 2002 | Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino | Sangiovese | c3,c4 | 25 | 2 | |
| 1998 | Veglio, Mauro Barolo Castelletto | Nebbiolo | w4,w4 | 60 | 2 | 91 ws 92 st |
| Super fruity and concentrated on the nose. Full-bodied, with very chewy tannins and a solid core of smoky, ripe and rich fruit. Big wine. Slightly monolithic, but impressive just the same. ST Good deep red. Complex, vibrant, musky nose combines plum and redcurrant fruit, plus an exotic hint of apricot. Dense and sweet but penetrating, with lovely vinosity; more pliant than the '99. The exotic fruit note carries through on the palate. Finishes firmly tannic and fresh, with lively, lingering fruit. Perhaps the best wine I've tasted to date from this rapidly improving winemaker. |
| 1995 | Veglio, Mauro Barolo Vignetta Gattera | Nebbiolo | | 33 | | |
| 3/2005 So, so tannic. Good medium colour. Aromas o something... opened at chaya venice with cycling crew. Borderline undrinkable... brought the rest of the bottle home... next day, so far superior. Awesome. Leav all 1995 barolos at least until 2007, possibly longer..... |
| 1999 | Verite La Muse | Merlot | n1 | 90 | 1 | 96 rp 85 ws |
| The terrific, opaque blue/purple-colored 1999 La Muse (a 695-case blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up gorgeous aromas of espresso, melted caramel, black cherry jam, tobacco, and flowers. It reveals an unctuous texture (amazing for a 1999) as well as a huge palate impact, yet great balance, purity, and overall harmony. This prodigious effort will be drinkable young, yet last for 20-25 years. WS Tight and focused, though a touch dry, with cherry and cranberry flavors that are well-framed with cedary, camphor-laced oak. Smoky, charry olive ftertaste. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2003 through 2008. 1,900 cases made. (JL) |
| 2000 | Viader Napa Valley | Cabernet Blend | c3 | 80 | 1 | 92 ws |
| Lots of attractive, up-front fruit pleasure, with a core of black cherry and blackberry shaded by cedar, mocha, coffee and leather. Finishes with a sense of elegance and ripe, integrated tannins. Best from 2004 through 2012. 4,647 cases made. |
| 1999 | Vietti Barolo Brunate | Nebbiolo | gf1,gf1,gf1 | 37 | 3 | |
| 2001 | Vieux Telegraphe La Crau | Rhone | l1,l1,l1 | 40 | 3 | 91-93 |
| 2002 | Voillot, Joseph Pommard Clos Micault | Pinot Noir | l7,l7,l7 | 56 | 3 | 91-93 am |
| I confess to being worried for the Clos Micault after the impressive performance of the Pézerolles but my concern was unwarranted as this is a notch up. A dazzlingly pure and intense raspberry and red pinot fruit nose sets the stage for wonderfully stylish, complex and textured flavors that possess real punch, power and persistence and simply unbelievable length. While not a huge wine, this certainly is impressively scaled yet it remains first and foremost a wine of understatement and finesse while delivering plenty of power on the backend. A knockout and highly recommended. (91-93)/2008-14 |
| 2001 | Waterstone | Cabernet | c5,m4,hd1 | 15 | 3 | 87 ws |
| Rustic in style, with a dense, murky core of currant, earth, iron, anise and cedary oak flavors. Young and a bit awkward, it nonetheless is concentrated and structured and at this price is hard to beat. Best from 2004 through 2011. 1,829 cases made. (JL) |
| 6/2005 Like it. Casis and blackberry. Good fruit and persistence. 9/2005 |
| 2002 | Weil, Robert Rheingau Kabinett | Riesling | c11 | 16 | 1 | 88 rp |
| The 2002 Riesling Kabinett is satin-textured, marvelously pure, and sports a rich flavor profile filled with zesty lemons, minerals, and tangy limes. Projected maturity: now-2009. |
| 2001 | Whispering Dove Oakville Reserve | Cabernet | c5,wd1,wd1,wd1,wd1 | 30 | 5 | 90 ws |
| This serves up a complex medley of ripe plum, blackberry and cola notes. Excellent balance, depth and concentration, with a long, intricate finish that shows off a touch of cedary oak. Drink now through 2012. 1,489 cases made. (JL) |
| 7/2004 Very tight. Needs time. |
| 2000 | Whitcraft Bien Nacido Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 35 | | 87 rp |
| The 2000 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard exhibits a dark ruby color along with sweet, earthy, black cherry, chocolate, smoky, dried herb, and roasted meat aromas as well as flavors. It is an attractive, medium-bodied Pinot to drink over the next 2-4 years. There is no doubting the distinctiveness of the Whitcraft Pinot Noirs, which take earthiness and meaty, animal characteristics to maximum levels. In this offering, those qualities have been toned down, and the wine is all the better for it. |
| 4/2004 Very intersting. Bit gamey and meaty with some interesting flavours. Thought provoking... |
| 2000 | Whitcraft Bien Nacido Vineyard Q Block | Pinot Noir | l4 | 40 | 1 | |
| 9/2004 Medium colour, lighter berry core infused with some herbal elements. Not as earthy as the other 2000. Wait until 2006 for the other. |
| 1999 | Whitehall Lane | Cabernet | c3 | 35 | 1 | 93 ws |
| An immense effort, dark, rich and deeply concentrated, packed with layers of rich currant, chocolate, mocha, cherry and herbal nuances. Finishes with a powerful, persistent aftertaste, rich, ripe tannins and wonderful complexity. Best from 2003 through 2012. 12,280 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Willi Schaefer Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Graacher Domprobst Spatlese #15 | Riesling | cs1,cs1 | 37 | 2 | 88 ws |
| Shy in aroma, this white displays ripe apple, peach and vanilla notes, all moderately concentrated. Very elegant, it shows detail and ripeness, with a mineral finish. Drink now. (BS) TT's favorite.... |
| 2003 | Willi Schaefer Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Graacher Domprobst, Spatlese #9 | Riesling | c2,sl1 | 25 | 2 | 89 ws |
| Very pure, exhibiting lime and peach notes on a round profile. This is balanced with intensity and shows some grip on the finish. Drink now through 2008. (BS) |
| 2003 | Willi Schaefer Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Kabinett #5 Graacher Domprobst | Riesling | cs1 | 17 | 1 | |
| 2003 | Willi Schaefer Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Spätlese, Graacher Himmelreich | Riesling | cs1 | 24 | 1 | |
| It's quite the vintage for the heavier soil of Himmelreich, yet even so such verve and expressiveness are rare. Pure Lady-apple fruit. Lavish and generous. This is MOSEL wine. |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Bacigalupi Vineyard | Zinfandel | c10 | 40 | 1 | 91-94 rp 86 ws |
| The 2002 Zinfandel Bacigalupi Vineyard is a 218-case cuvee possessing 16.1% alcohol. Its inky/purple color looks more like Petite Sirah than Zinfandel. Enormous quantities of blackberry and briery fruit along with hints of cassis, white flowers, bitter chocolate, and espresso are followed by a rich, dense, full-bodied wine with good underlying acidity providing focus/definition. Consume it over the next 5-6 years. WS Smooth, with ripe, pure cherry, plum and boysenberry jam flavors with a hint of marmalade, finishing with a toasted berry pie aftertaste. Drink now through 2007. 212 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Williams Selyem Central Coast | Pinot Noir | uh5 | 35 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Ferrington Vineyard | Pinot Noir | rh1 | 62 | 1 | 90-92 rp 87 ws 91+ st |
| Tremendous concentration, a firm structure, and loads of blue and black fruits. Although unevolved and primary, it is loaded with potential. It appears to be a candidate for an outstanding score. Bob Cabral told me that about 20% stems were used, but I could not detect that in the wine's taste. The vineyard parcel that this estate farms is planted with all Dijon clones. Look for the 2002 to hit its stride in 2-3 years and last for 8-10 years. WS Ultraripe, but well-executed, with jammy blackberry and raspberry fruit that's well-centered, with a smooth texture and ripe, fine-grained tannins and a touch of nutmeg on the finish. Drink now through 2008. 633 cases made. (JL) |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Flax Vineyard | Pinot Noir | rh1,bp2 | 52 | 2 | 91-94 rp 88 ws 92 st |
| A big, beefy offering, the denser, richer 2002 Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir possesses sweeter fruit as well as more volume, depth, and power than the 2001. A superb offering, it offers notes of sassafras, black cherries, cola, and earth. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following 10-12. A smooth and notably harmonious young Pinot, with supple plum and black cherry flavors that are focused and pure through the finish, where it shows a touch of cedary oak. Drink now through 2007. 554 cases made. (JL) |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Forchini Vineyard | Zinfandel | bp2 | 41 | 1 | 94-96 rp 93+ st |
| This may turn out to be the best of the 2002s. An inky/purple-colored blockbuster, it reveals aromas of compost, underbrush, black pepper, deep raspberry and blackberry, broodingly backward fruit notes, huge body, and a long, concentrated, spectacular finish with zesty acidity. It should drink beautifully for 7-8 years. |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Russian River Valley | Pinot Noir | c8,fc1 | 45 | 2 | 91 rp 92 ws |
| The stunning 2002 Pinot Noir Russian River boasts expansive, rich, full-bodied flavors along with a broad aromatic display of red and black fruits, animal-like characteristics, strawberries, cherries, and foresty/resiny scents. Strikingly perfumed, supple-textured, and expansive, this beautiful Pinot will drink well for 5-6 years. Wonderful fragrant aromas of flowers and ripe cherry and wild berry, which transfer over to a smooth, rich, polished style that caresses the palate, turning silky and delicate. Finishes with vivid black cherry and blackberry fruit and touches of vanilla and spice. Drink now through 2008. 3,275 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Williams Selyem Russian River Valley | Pinot Noir | uh5 | 45 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast | Pinot Noir | c10 | 35 | 1 | 90 ws |
| Lots to admire in this smooth, broad-flavored red, with a tasty core of plum and raspberry, touches of cherry and spice, finishing with a stewed plum aftertaste. Lively acidity gives it excellent structure and a long finish. Drink now through 2008. 1,895 cases made. (JL) |
| 2003 | Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast | Pinot Noir | uh5 | 41 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Sonoma County | Pinot Noir | | 30 | | 91 ws |
| Delicious display of Pinot, with its smooth, fleshy texture and complex array of ripe plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit. It turns silky on the midpalate and finishes with a wonderful array of flavors. Drink now through 2007. 1,063 cases made. (JL) |
| 1/2005 Big dark fruit. Loaded and concentrated. Would probably have benefited from more bottle age. Enjoyable none-the-less. |
| 2002 | Williams Selyem Vista Verde Vineyard | Pinot Noir | bp2 | 51 | 1 | 86-88 rp 91 ws |
| Well-structured, smooth and complex, with a rich, concentrated core of vibrant black cherry and blackberry fruit that gains amplitude on the finish, with hints of sage, spice and nutmeg adding flavor dimensions. Drink now through 2009. 860 cases made. (JL) |
| NV | Yalumba Museum Muscat | Muscat | aa2,n2 | 15 | 2 | 93 ws 93 rp |
| Silky and seductive, sweet, rich and loaded with flavor, offering coffee, walnut, orange peel, cherry, cream and exotic spice flavors that just don't quit. Drink now through 2020. 3,500 cases made. (HS) RP The non-vintage Museum Release Muscat (about 8 years of age) exhibits a dark amber color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of caramel, toffee, raisins, prunes, and spice. Rich, long, and impressively endowed, it will offer enjoyment over the next 5-7 years, although I’m sure it will last longer. |
| 2001 | d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie | Shiraz Blend | c7 | 30 | 1 | 93 rp 91 ws |
| D'Arenberg continues to do exceptionally well with their newest offering, The Laughing Magpie. The inky/purple-colored 2001 (a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier) exhibits knock-out aromas of violets, blackberry liqueur, honeysuckle, and toasty new French oak. With extraordinary richness, full body, opulence, intensity, and a seamless as well as majestic finish this killer red will be at its finest between 2005-2018. Strives for elegance over power, but shows plenty of lovely plum and spice character, the pretty flavors hanging on a polished, open-textured frame, finishing with plenty of style and impressive length. Drink now through 2010. 1,000 cases imported. (HS) |
| 2000 | d'Arenberg Vintage Declared Shiraz Port | Port | | 29 | | 92 rp |
| I am not a big fan of fortified Shiraz, but when it is done as well as d’Arenberg’s, it is impressive. The superb 2000 Vintage Declared Shiraz boasts chocolatey notes of creosote, espresso roast, and earth in its full-bodied, chewy, dense, powerful personality. The alcohol is well-integrated in this blockbuster fortified Shiraz that should age nicely for 15-20 years. |
| 9/2005 not my fav.... not bad, though... |
| 2001 | k Milbrandt Wahluke Slope | Syrah | | 37 | | 89 ws |
| Bright and crisp, with cherry and white pepper aromas and flavors, finishing with blueberry and cream notes, lingering nicely. Drink now through 2007. 630 cases made. |
| 2001 | k Morrison Lane | Syrah | mr1 | 46 | 1 | 91 ws |
| Round, ripe and decidedly gamy, an impressive mix of plum, berry and roasted meat flavors, hinting at pepper and exotic spices as it all lingers on the fine-grained finish. Give it time to develop. Best after 2005. 280 cases made. |
| 2002 | k The Beautiful | Syrah | rh1 | 32 | 1 | 91 ws |
| Made from Cayuse's En Cerise Vineyard fruit, this Syrah is HUGE. The 2002 vintage is massive in general, and this wine shows so well, it's ready to drink and stands up to the heartiest foods. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Charles Smith of K Vintners and Christophe Barone of Cayuse made this wine with fruit from the famous vineyards of Cayuse. The very stressed dry farmed En Cerise vineyard produces grape of extraordinary richness and complexity. Add skilled winemaking to the equation and you have "The Beautiful". Lush, juicy, with intriguing hints of anise, licorice, mocha, fresh turned earth, violets, sage, the flacors just roll on and on. |
| 2003 | von Hovel Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Oberemmeler Hütte | Riesling | c11 | 12 | 1 | 90 ws |
| s this 2003? Almost racy, here's an opulent Riesling with a fine, vibrant structure and intense flavors of lime, peach and mineral. Perhaps not the length of a great year like 2001, but very well done and expressive. Drink now through 2012. (BS) |
| 3/2005 Lovely. |
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