| Year | Wine | Variety | Location | Price | Num | Rating |
| | | | | | | |
| N/V | Botter Superiore | Prosecco | | 21.00 | 1/2 | |
| Characteristics A pale hue, with good bead, a fragrance and taste of fruit and almonds. Delicious. Although dry, it has ample fruitiness to make it attractive to those not seeking bone dry austere sparklers Food Affinities A superb apertivo, a good match to appetizers, soups and seafood. Great for drinking by itself, for toasting and for making the perfect Bellini, Lampone or Kir Royale cocktail |
| W P |
| 2011 | Burrowing Owl Estate Winery | Pinot Gris | | 20.00 | 1/2 | 86 |
| (Gis-86) Production is expanding for this sought after wine but this year is not a stellar example. There is plenty of honeysuckle and sweet fruit here but there is also a lack of freshness and crispness that would make it a bit more food-friendly. A tiring white wine that finishes sweet and soft. Try it with spicy dishes for best results. |
| Winery |
| 2004 | Cave Jean Dauvissat Saint Pierre | Chablis | | 28.00 | 2 | 88 |
| (ST-88) Scented nose offers pear and white flowers. Tightly wound, minerally and firmly built, but with good inner-mouth energy and purity of flavor. This has a solid stony underpinning and finishes firm, juicy and persistent. Very typical 2004 style |
| Richmond Hills |
| 2011 | Cedar Creek Estate Winery | Ehrenfelser | | 19.00 | 3 | 89 |
| (JS-89) Juicy, tropical white with citrus aromas and flavours of pineapple, apricot and pink grapefruit |
| Winery |
| 2003 | Chateau Gres Saint Paul Muscat de Lunel | Muscat | | 24.00 | 1/5 | |
| WP&K |
| 2005 | Chateau de Rayne Vigneau | Sauternes | | 60.50 | 2 | 92 |
| (WS-92) Bright aromas of lemon, spice and honey follow through to a full body, with loads of dried apricot, honey and nutmeg. Very sweet and very lively. An intense wine. The best from this estate in a long time. Best after 2012. 10,000 cases made. –JS |
| WP |
| 2009 | Davenlore Winery Dr.Davenport | Syrah Forte | | 29.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| NV | De Bortoli Black Noble | Semillon | | 31.00 | 1 | 97 |
| "This dark, extraordinary, exotic chocolate/ spicy/ apricotty/ raisiny/ Old-English-marmaladey drink is made from a blend of barrels with an average age of eight years. It is more than likely the only fortified noble rotten wine in the world. The very notion of concocting such a drink (a prototype for which was created by an earlier De Bortoli in the 1930s) would probably merit a jail sentence or a ticket to the asylum in France.' |
| Crowfoot |
| 1991 | Dow"s Vintage Port | Port | | 80.00 | 1 | 91 |
| (WS-91) One of the great buys in young vintages of Dow. Dark, powerful, its aromas of ripe berry, cherry, raspberry open to a full-bodied palate, with firm tannins, a long, sweet finish -JS (1999) Perfumed, gorgeous, with flowers, berry, plum. Full-bodied, very sweet, round, with lovely rich fruit, a long finish. A tiny bit of heat, but will come around nicely. Very pretty indeed. Hard not to swallow now- JS (2005) |
| 2009 | Evans & Tate | Chardonnay | | 19.00 | 2 | 94 |
| WP |
| NV | Fonseca Bin 27 | Port | | 27.00 | 1 | 89 |
| Chocolaty and plush, displaying good concentration to the ripe plum, mocha and dark cherry flavors, with paprika accents. Very fruity, with raspberry notes, on the finish. Drink now through 2016. –KM |
| 2008 | Graham Beck Blanc De Blancs Brut | Chardonnay | | 30.00 | 1 | |
| WP |
| 2010 | Herder Winery & Vineyards Three Sisters | PGris/Char/Vio | | 20.00 | 1/2 | 88 |
| (Gis-88)Spicy, nutty lees, lemon, honey, buttery, floral, apple skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, clean, juicy palate with citrus, green apple, honey, salty, butter and ginger flavours. Finish is crisp and slightly austere to lend it to seafood dishes |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Jackson-Triggs Ice Wine | Riesling | | 40.00 | 2/3 | |
| Winery |
| N/V | Jose Dhondt Blanc De Blancs | Champagne-Chardonnay | | 37.00 | 1/3 | 92 |
| (WS-92) Bright and creamy, this well-balanced Champagne offers flavors of white peach, pear, candied grapefruit zest and pastry, joined by a briny hint of oyster shell. The firm acidity presents itself as a lively zestiness that is very appealing. Drink now through 2020. 4,100 cases made. –AN |
| JW |
| 2009 | Kestrel Falcon Series | SauvBlanc | | 18.00 | 1/2 | 90 |
| (WS-90) Vibrant, with apple, pear, quince and lime flower character, which sails easily into an expressive finish. Drink now through 2013. 864 cases made. –HS |
| Winery |
| 2008 | La Frenz Winery | Semillon | | 18.00 | 1/3 | 86 |
| (Icon-86) At only 12.5% alcohol, this crisp, med-acidity and med-bodied wine will pair nicely with a hot, sunny deck. However, this wine truly comes into its own when paired with med-spicy food (think Ginger-Beef & green beans over a hot red or green curry). Nose offers wet stones, citrus notes. On the palate you will taste grapefruit, gooseberries, the SauvBl which has been added to round out the flavour profile |
| Winery |
| 2009 | La Frenz Winery Knorr Vineyard | Semillon | | 20.00 | 1/3 | 88 |
| While young, the wine displays delicious citrus grapefruit, honeysuckle, and lemonade with a hint of lemon zest. As is typical of this variety, more golden color, intriguing toasty, straw, and dried fig characters will begin to develop with extended time in bottle for up to 5–7 yrs . |
| Winery |
| 2011 | Lake Breeze Vineyards | Gewurztraminer | | 18.00 | 2 | |
| Winery |
| 2011 | Lake Breeze Vineyards | Ehrenfelser | | 18.00 | 3 | |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Lake Breeze Vineyards Delice | Schonberger/Morio Muscat | | 10.00 | 1/3 | 88 |
| Interesting sweet dessrt wine. Smooth palate with flavor of citrus, orange, lemon. A slight foxy nature to the aftertaste but not unpleasant. Would be nice in summertime over fresh fruit |
| Winery |
| N/V | Maison de Padgett Winery Smoking Gun | Port | | 22.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2005 | Nugan Estate | Botrytis Semillon | | 21.00 | 1/2 | 94 |
| (94) A rich golden colour with aromas of apricot and mango nectar, a little toffee and a hint of spicy vanilla oak. - Aromas of dried apricot and fig and a luscious rich palate of marmalade apricot nectar and pineapple. |
| S.S. |
| 2010 | Orofino Vinyards | Riesling | | 20.00 | 1/2 | |
| winery |
| 2003 | Pfaffenheim et Gueberschwihr | Tokay Pinot Gris | | 19.00 | 1 | |
| Banville & Jones |
| N/V | Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve | Pinot Noir,Pinot Meunier,Chardonney | | 42.00 | 2 | |
| W P $15.00 discount |
| 2011 | Poplar Grove Winery | Pinot Gris | | 18.00 | 3 | 89 |
| (Gis-89) The latest gris is a hint drier and fresher which is good trend. Look for a big citrus hit up front mixed with grass; almost sauvignon-like. The attack is fresh and watery with mineral wet stone citrus green apple flavours and just a hint of bitterness in the finish. Love the fresh zippy character of this wine that will allow you to have fun with an infinite mix of foods. The simple match is a classic tomato pizza but you can also serve it with a savoury roast chicken. |
| Winery |
| 2011 | Quails' Gate Estate Winery | Chenin Blanc | | 19.00 | 2 | 85 |
| (Gis-85) Very sweaty grapefruit rind nose with some green apple, honey, pear skin notes and a touch of matchstick. Fresh, crisp, juicy, somewhat tart palate with big soapy grapefruit rind, apple skin, bitter green, and nettle flavours. Finish is just too rindy and bitter and more reminiscent of sauvignon. |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Quails' Gate Estate Winery Optima | Late Harvest Riesling | | 33.00 | 1/3 | |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Quails' Gate Estate Winery Optima | Late Harvest Riesling | | 34.50 | 1/2 | 89 |
| (Gis-89) Light gold colour. Big inviting honey, orange rind, butter, floral, lime, spicy, light sausage, apricot and lanolin nose. Ripe, rich, fresh, elegant palate with good sugar acid balance. Spicy, lychee, baked apple, honey, orange rind, waxy, apricot, lanolin flavours. Good juicy style with lots of fun fruit. Drink while young and fresh to retain the fruit. Delicious. (G&M-89) This sweet dessert elixir was made with grapes naturally dehydrated on the vine by botrytis, a fungus responsible for the noble French dessert wines of sauternes. Syrupy, very sweet and intense with orange marmalade and fig, it shows the distinct honey and beeswax flavour typical of botrytis-affected wines. Serve with very sweet desserts or even blue cheeses |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Road 13 Home Vineyard | Sparkling Chenin Blanc | | 35.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2011 | Road 13 Honest John's | Rose:PNoir/Gamay | | 16.00 | 2/3 | |
| Winery |
| 2011 | Road 13 Jackpot | Vio/Rous/Mars | | 29.00 | 2 | 89 |
| (Gis-89) Honey, pear, light apricot, light lees, butter and ginger aromas. Light, fresh but soft and gentle palate with a touch of sweetness. Very buttery, popcorn, honey, apricot, nutty lees flavours. One of the best yet from winemaker J M Bouchard and one to watch in the bottle. |
| Winery |
| 2011 | Road 13 Vineyards Old Vines | Chenin Blanc | | 24.00 | 3 | |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Rollingdale Winery Ice Wine | Pinot Noir | | 40.00 | 1 | 92-94 |
| (Icon-93-94) Pinot Noir is an unusual choice to use as the source grapes for an ice wine as the fragile berries are not ones to like the extreme cold needed to make the world famous sweet wine (-8 degrees C). However, in the hands of the Rollingdale winemaking team under the direction of Steve Dale, it delivers big. |
| Winery |
| 2010 | Sandhill Estate Vineyard | Chardonnay | | 18.00 | 1/2 | 88 |
| (Gis-88) Sandhill has done a fine job managing this vineyard and trimming the oak and fat out of this wine. The 2010 offers up some enticing honey, spicy, baked apple, vanilla and lees character with peach, butterscotch and oatmeal notes. The attack is fresh and juicy if slightly sweet with more butter, vanilla, nutty lees, pineapple, honey, baked apple and lemon flavours. The finish is a bit warm but with solid fruit and balance. |
| Winery |
| 2005 | See Ya Later Ranch | Ehrenfelser Icewine | | 30.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2004 | Silkscarf Late Harvest | Kerner | | 18.00 | 1 | |
| Purchase at winnery |
| 2010 | Stoneboat Vineyards Chorus | PB/MT/SC/kerner/PG/VI | | 18.00 | 1/3 | 88 |
| (Gis-88) Stoneboat has a firm fresh handle on this blend and have one of the best aromatic blends in the valley. It’s the minerality that makes this odd-ball mix of grapes: pinot gris, pinot blanc, viognier, kerner, müller-thurgau and schönburger work. Just like last year its citrus, red apple, lime rind flavours flecked with peach make it a delight to sip. |
| winery |
| 2008 | Tantalus Old Vines Riesling | Riesling | | 33.00 | 1/6 | 91 |
| (Gis-91) Old Vines is the definition of iconoclastic. Freethinking and individualistic, the fruit (essentially grown organically) comes off a single block planted in 1978. Expect super intense aromas of lime and lemon preview a palate that is equally intense offering up peachy stone fruit characters all with an incredible undercurrent of acidity. This wine will live forever but in the meantime you can drink it with just about any food just for fun. Stock up. |
| Safeway |
| 2008 | Township 7 Vineyard & Winery Reserve | Chardonnay | | 20.00 | 1 | |
| Gift signed by Winemaker |
| N/V | Val D'oca Valdobbiadene | Prosecco | | 23.00 | 1 | |
| J.Webb |
| 2007 | Yakima River Shiraz Port | Port | | 29.00 | 2 | |
| Winery |
| N/V | Zardetto | Prosecco | | 19.00 | 1 | |
| J.Webb |
| 2009 | Aces Estate Winery Seven Deuce | Mer/Sh/CabSauv | | 19.00 | 3/4 | 88 |
| (Icon-88) A solid follow-up to the 2008 vintage with a little more complexity on the nose and slightly rounder tannins on the palate. Listed as a Merlot-Shiraz-Cabernet blend, without the percentages of each, the wine exudes the dark berry and cherry characters of Merlot and Shiraz while cool-climate Cabernet grapes contribute notes of dark chocolate and mixed herbs. The overall flavour profile is well supported by its oak treatment (16 months in barrel) and 3 years of age has mellowed the tannins nicely leaving an easy-drinking, red-meat loving blend for any occasion. Drink 2012-2014. |
| Discover Wines |
| 2007 | Barrandica Vineyards Estate Wine Selection | Merl/CSauv/Malb | | 21.00 | 1/3 | |
| W P |
| 2009 | Beringer Knights Valley | CSauv | | 30.00 | 2/4 | 91 |
| (WS-91) A lot of Cabernet at this price. Combines ripe, plump, plum, black cherry and black berry flavors in a rich, smooth, polished style, full bodied and firming nicely on the finish, where the tannins have a minerally edge. Drink now through 2021. 79,500 cases made. –JL |
| Crowfoot |
| 2011 | Best's Bin No 1 | Shiraz | | 28.00 | 2 | |
| RH |
| 2004 | Black Hills Estate Winery Nota Bene | CSauv(46)Merl(36)CFr(18) | | 37.00 | 1/12 | 88 |
| (Gis-88) Lightest colour seen in any southern B.C. red in some time. Typically peppery on the nose with smoky, roasted pepper, black olive, resiny, saddle leather, tobacco notes with some orange rind, cedar, black cherry jam. Soft, round, supple, elegant on entry. Smoky, black olive, dill, cassis, roasted tomato, cherry flavours with some coriander, vanilla, coffee in the aftertaste. Despite light colour, it's more refined than previous editions with cleaner, softer, smoother tannins. Best over the next five years. (Winemaker) Aromas of kirsch cherry, herbs, tobacco, light toast, frame a vibrant structure that yields flavours of santa rosa plums echoing through a smooth round finish." |
| From Winery |
| 2005 | Black Hills Estate Winery Nota Bene | CSauv(46)Mer(37)CFr(20) | | 37.00 | 3/6 | 86-91 |
| (JSc-91)The 2005 vintage, the best Note Bene so far, dark in colour, begins with aromas of cedar and spice, red currants on top of a note of chocolate. There is just a grace note of bell pepper, enough to perk up the flavours of spiced sweet plums. The wine is full-bodied, with long ripe tannins. The wine has a bold elegance that makes it immediately appealing; it also has the structure for good cellaring. (Gis-86) Smoky, cranberry, tobacco, leafy, black olive, resiny, slightly rubbery nose. Soft, round, supple, easy sipping style with tarry licorice, cherry, smoky, vanilla flavours spiked with leafy tobacco, olives with a slightly sweet finish. Easy, forward style for near term consumption. |
| from winery |
| 2009 | Black Hills Estate Winery Nota Bene | CSauv/Merlo/CFranc | | 50.00 | 2 | 88-92 |
| (Gis-88) A much welcomed hint of ripeness helps to supress Nota Bene’s signature herby resiny characters. I know green wines are fashionable but underripe is never attractive in this cabernet sauvignon dominated blend. Expect a fairly smooth entry of red fruits and resiny leafy notes with flecks of cassis and plums. Tannins are well managed and soft with a medium long, earthy finish. Best we’ve tasted in years (Icon-92+) |
| Gift Kathy |
| 2010 | Black Hills Estate Winery Note Bene | CSauv/Merl/CFr | | 53.00 | 2 | 86-92 |
| (JS-92) As usual, this blend is anchored with Cabernet Sauvignon, at 57%, with Merlot at 32% and Cabernet Franc at 11%. The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes a touch of mint to the aroma and flavour, complementing the cassis aroma. The wine has luscious flavours of black currant and plum, with long, ripe tannins. The wine finishes with a polished elegance. (Gis-86) Smoky, dill, herbal, leafy, resin, smoky, compost, riparian, coffee oak aromas. Round, smooth, fresh, elegant palate with light tannins. Coffee, vanilla, tobacco leaf, compost, olive, resin, roasted bell pepper, tomato purée, cranberry flavours. Good texture but finishes green & short. Back to the drawing board. |
| from Kathy |
| 2007 | Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars | Pinot Noir | | 30.00 | 1/3 | 91 |
| A lovely Pinot with grapes that come from 11-24 month old vines that are 100% estate grown at Blue Mountain winery. Vanilla-smoke wraps itself seductively around fleshy ripe cherries and some cassis. There are some dark spices on the finish. Superb craftsmanship. Food matches: grilled salmon, roast turkey. |
| JW |
| 2010 | Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars | Pinot Noir | | 31.00 | 2 | |
| J.Webb |
| 2004 | Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars Striped Label Reserve | Pinot Noir | | 38.00 | 1/9 | 93 |
| Surely this is one of Canada's best Pinot Noir producers: year after year they create magnificent liquid satin sprinkled with violets and rose petals. Lovely ripe cherry aromas here and some dark spice on the finish. I'm absolutely carried away with the texture of this wine. The grapes are 100% estate grown at Blue Mountain winery. Food matches: roast chicken or turkey. |
| winery |
| 2007 | Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars Striped Label Reserve | Pinot Noir | | 36.00 | 2 | 90 |
| (Gis-90) The Striped Label Reserve pinot is a blend of five clones form 18 to 23 year old vines. Look for cherry jam, light strawberry, barnyard, compost, vanilla aromas in what is essentially a dry, round, supple, elegant pinot. On the palate strawberry, celery, tobacco, orange peel and dried herbs all mixed into an inviting sweet/savoury pinot style. Finish is dry and warm with a touch of liquorice. Roast chicken anyone. |
| 2009 | Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars Striped Label Reserve | Pinot Noir | | 40.00 | 3 | 92 |
| (JS-92) There are four clones of Pinot Noir from vines 12 to 25 years in this wine. Half of this wine was fermented with natural yeast. The wine spent 10 months in French oak before being bottled, adding texture without much flavour of the wood. The fruit flavours – strawberry and cherry and spice – are too lovely to put them behind wood. This is a cerebral Pinot Noir of considerable elegance.. |
| www.bluemountainwinery.com |
| 2007 | Bodega Goulart Grand Vin | Malbec | | 38.00 | 2 | 92+ |
| (WA-90+) Bodega Goulart’s Flagship 2007 Grand Vin Malbec has been aged for 18 months in new French oak. Its eye stunning , glass staining opaque purple color displays a promising nose of balsam wood, graphite, mineral , violets, incense, and black cherry. medium-to full-bodied on the palate, the wine is a bit reticent but has layered black fruit flavors, plenty of spice, ripe tannin, a smooth texture, excellent balance, and a fruit-filled finish. Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink 2014-2017 |
| RH |
| 2009 | Bosquet des Papes | Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Cinsault | | 38.00 | 2/3 | 90 |
| (WS-90)Still tight, with a core of red currant and blackberry fruit wound up with red licorice, plum eau-de-vie and spice notes holding sway for now. Tight-grained grip on the finish will need cellaring to stretch out. Best from 2013 through 2020. (RP-90) The dark ruby/plum-hued 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (75% Grenache, 12% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, Counoise, and Vaccaresecarese) was aged in foudre (60%), demi-muids (20%), and concrete (20%). Abundant aromas of roasted herbs, sweet kirsch liqueur, and dark raspberry fruit are followed by attractive, medium to full-bodied flavors, and soft, silky tannins. It is already delicious. Enjoy it over the next 6-8 years |
| J.Webb |
| 2004 | Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta | Carm/Merl/CSauv | | 89.00 | 1 | 93 |
| (WS-93) Offers gorgeous aromas of crushed plum and boysenberry fruit, with notes of sweet tobacco, mocha and vanilla. Delivers a plush, silky texture through the fruit-filled finish, with a fine, buried minerality. Carmenčre, Merlot and CabSauv. Drink now through 2014. 3,000 cases imported. –JM |
| RH |
| 2005 | Casanova Della Spinetta Il Nero Di Casanova | Sangiovese | | 28.00 | 1/2 | 87 |
| (WA-87) This wine is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino (an indigenous Tuscan grape that adds colour) that is a beautiful inky red in the glass. Its nose is a dose of black cherry with an earthy edge. A sip gave up nice dark fruit, but without the “oomph” I had been hoping for… it was kind of simple. Finish was of medium length with a nice mineral/earthy edge. |
| WP |
| 2009 | Cassini Cellars Maximus Collector's Series | CSauv/Mer/CFr/Mal | | 34.00 | 1 | 90+92 |
| (JS-90-92) Another big ripe 14.9%-alcohol wine, this is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. This begins with aromas of currants and blackberry. It has complex layers of flavour - black currants, plum, spice, sage - with long ripe tannins and a concentrated texture. I would not hesitate to lay this down at least until 2015. |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Cedar Creek Estate Winery Platinum Reserve | Meritage | | 35.00 | 2/3 | 90 |
| (Gis-90) Soft open, vanilla, cocoa, black fruit flavours. Lovely restraint on the mid-palate with fine wood integration, toast. Lively vibrant acidity with fresh cranberry, liquorice, black fruit flavours. Typically this wine comes with a lean frame that pervades from back to front in essence working the finesse angle as opposed to so many south Okanagan reds that work the fat, smoky fruit, oak angle. Should be even better in 5 years. Well done. Serve with roast lamb, beef. |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Chateau Alter Ego de Palmer | Bordeaux | | 58.00 | 3 | 89-91 |
| (WS-89/91) Spicy and delicious. Shows loads of fruit, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very pretty and juicy. Score range: 89-91 –JS (Gis-89) The 1st Alter Ego de Palmer was released in 1998 & marks the big changes at Palmer – where production was slashed in half. Alter Ego is made from the same grapes on the same terroir but the fermentation is cooler, shorter. The goal is the softness, fruit you find in the 2006 with the requisite smoky toasted oak, spice. Margaux is about elegance, approachability, Alter Ego has this in spades. It can go the distance if need be but why not enjoy the fruit & youth sooner than later, let the original Palmer label sleep in the cellar. |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2005 | Chateau Beau Soleil | Bordeaux | | 58.00 | 2 | 92 |
| (WS-92) Shows attractive aromas of blackberry, coffee and mocha. Full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins and lots of rich, wonderful fruit. Best after 2012. 1,500 cases made. –JS |
| Marqui |
| 2005 | Chateau Bellevue | Bordeaux | | 21.00 | 1/3 | 89 |
| The grapes were perfectly mature at harvest. Thick skins provided lots of tannic structure, speaking to the unusual aging potential of this deeply colored Fronsac. Ripe cassis, violet aromas with richly layered purple fruit on the palate. Good, firm finish. Drink now-2012. |
| Cellar South |
| 2006 | Chateau Calon Segur | Bordeaux | | 36.00 | 1/2 | 92-94 |
| (WS-92/94) A lovely wine with a solid core of fruit, silky tannins and chocolate, berry and light spice character. Long and balanced. Reminds me of the 1995. Score range: |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2009 | Chateau Cantemerle | Bordeaux | | 44.00 | 4 | 88-94 |
| (RP-92/94) This blend of CSauv, Merlot, with the Cab dominating looks to be the best ever produced, even eclipsing 2005. Dense purple color, extraordinarily elegant floral notes intermixed with raspberry, black currant, cherry, spice box, it is med-full-bodied, not massive, but very seamless, with beautiful precision, sweet tannins, an endearing fleshiness, depth of flavor that are neither heavy nor fatiguing. This wine will be relatively approachable in 3-5 years and drink well for 25-30. (WE-90/92) Dense tannins over freshness, wine is packed with tight, minerat tannins, layered fruit, wood. Maybe a little too extracted. (WS-88/91) Very pretty, aromatic on the nose, with currant, flowers. Med-bodied, with fine tannins, a clean finish. JS |
| W P |
| 2005 | Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme | Bordeaux | | 27.00 | 6 | 91 |
| (WS-91) Offers raisin, dried fruit, with very ripe fruit aromas, coffee, oak undertones. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, long finish. This is pumped up, but I like the flamboyant character. Best after 2011. 20,000 cases made. –JS |
| WP |
| 2009 | Chateau Certan Marzelle | Merlot | | 60.00 | 3 | 91-93 |
| (RP-91/93) Readers looking for an unabashedly exotic, seductive, sexy Pomerol should check out this 100% Merlot cuvee from Christian Moueix. Its dark ruby/plum color is accompanied by an unbridled display of sweet black, blue fruits, spring flowers. Full-bodied, opulent with silky tannins, juicy fruit, this hedonistic wine should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10-12 years. |
| W P |
| 2009 | Chateau Chasse Spleen | Bordeaux | | 39.00 | 3 | 90-93 |
| (RP-90/92) A ruby red wine of beautiful intensity with undertones ranging from black in the middle of the glass to a carmine shade at the edge of the glass. A concentrated colour which confirms visually the density of the matter. In its aroma, the aromatic range is sappy and mature. Hints of fruit are juicy and sweet. The wine has not yet been truly marked by the ageing process except for a few hints of vanilla, pepper and Virginia tobacco. On the palate, the attack is smooth, sweet with incredible fruity flavours. Its texture has more maturity than in its aroma. Its acidity is refreshing but hardly noticeable. As a whole, it is full , very pleasant if enjoyed in its youth. The ageing process should give more depth and character to this wine which today is relatively smooth. A very beautiful Chasse-Spleen.(WS-90/93) Subtle aromas of currant, spices, milk chocolate follow through to a full body, with a solid, polished core of tannins, a silky-textured finish.JS |
| W P |
| 2006 | Chateau Clos de L'Oratoire | Bordeaux | | 52.00 | 4 | 93 |
| (RP-93) This property has been resurrected beautifully by perfectionist wine guru, Stephan von Neipperg, and his increasingly popular and respected winemaking consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt. A big-time sleeper of the vintage, the 2006 Clos de l’Oratoire reveals notes of smoked meats, blueberries, raspberries, cedar, and spicy oak. Opulent, fleshy, rich, and atypically fruity and forward for the vintage, this medium to full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned St.-Emilion is ideal for drinking during its first 12-15 years of life. Robert Parker April 2007 |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2006 | Chateau Clos les Lunelles | Bordeaux | | 53.00 | 4 | 92/94 |
| (RP) It is not surprising that this small, 20+ acre vineyard in the Cotes de Castillon is a point of reference for the entire appellation in view of the fact that the proprietors are Gerard and Chantal Perse. Yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare as well as a Draconian selection process have resulted in a brilliant 2006 (2,300 cases produced; 13.8% natural alcohol). A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it offers a deep purple color along with sweet aromas of crushed rocks, spring flowers, blackberries, cassis, and hints of smoke and earth. Ripe, full-bodied, fresh, and lively, it is a superb example of what can be achieved by hard work and a refusal to compromise. Robert Parker - April 2007 |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2009 | Chateau D'Armailhac | Bordeaux | | 59.00 | 3 | 90-94 |
| (RP-90/93) This may be the finest d’Armailhac I have ever tasted. Made in a textured, full-bodied, sumptuous style, it is a blend of 60% CSauv, 25% Mer, the balance primarily CFranc with a tiny dosage of PVerdot. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue with floral, red and black currant, cedar, spice characteristics. Deep, med-full-bodied, impressively pure as well as long, it should drink well for 25 yrs. (Tasted 3 times.) (WS-91/94) Love the minty, floral dark berry aromas to this young wine. Full-bodied, super fine, polished tannins. Long and racy. Wonderful texture. Perhaps the best dżArmailhac ever. 60% CSauv, 24% Merlot, 14% CFr and 2% PVerdot. JS |
| W P |
| 2009 | Chateau De Fieuzal | Bordeaux | | 50.00 | 3 | 93-96 |
| (WE-94)While there is definite high toast here, structure is firm, showing dark plums, black berries, solid, ripe flavors. (RP-93)The finest I have ever tasted, this is an awesome De Fieuzal, with plenty of lead pencil shavings intermixed with blueberry, black raspberry, sweet cherries. A touch of smoke also emerges from this opaque purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, with loads of glycerin, one can see the more generous, viscous nature of this vintage well-displayed, but also a terrific freshness, vibrancy. It should turn out to be a superb effort that drinks well for up to 30 years. (ST-89) (WS-93/96) Intense blueberry, coffee bean, toasted oak character follows through to a full body, with supervelvety tannins, a long, long finish. This is really excellent. Best Fieuzal in years. JS |
| W P |
| 2009 | Chateau Destieux | Bordeaux | | 59.00 | 3 | 91-94 |
| (RP-91/94) A superb effort from Destieux, which has been on a relatively hot streak over recent vintages, the opaque blue/purple 2009 reveals an exquisite nose of incense, spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, charcoal, background oak. Dense, corpulent, full-bodied with abundant power as well as a skyscraper-like textural impression as well as lots of silkiness, glycerin, richness, this big, powerful, quasi-modern-styled St.-Emilion can be drunk over the next 15-20 years. (Tasted 3 times.) |
| W P |
| 2005 | Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild | Bordeaux | | 62.00 | 2 | 93/94 |
| (WS-93/94) The finest Duhart-Milon ever made? This structured, tannic, dense ruby/purple-tinged Pauillac offers up hints of cassis, licorice, chocolate, and earth. Medium to full-bodied with good purity, strong tannins, and undeniable elegance, it reveals a character not dissimilar from its renowned sibling, Lafite-Rothschild. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot, it is unquestionably outstanding, but to my taste, slightly less opulent than the estate's ethereal 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030." 94pts, Robert ParkerSelling for $320.00 NF March 2012.Dark in color, almost black, with beautiful aromas of spices, blackberry and milk chocolate. Full-bodied and very silky, yet tannic, with a wonderful texture. This is long and caressing. Gorgeous. Best after 2015. 20,000 cases made. –JS |
| W.P |
| 2008 | Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild | Bordeaux | | 65.00 | 1 | 94-96 |
| A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, it displays an inky/blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice, lead pencil, cedar and subtle barrique smells. Viscous and full-bodied, it is the most concentrated and broadest example of this cuvee I have tasted in over three decades. It will be ready to drink in 5-7 years and should last for three decades or more. Consumers looking to maximize value should be checking out Duhart Milon, as this may be the single smartest purchase in this great and historic vintage! Since few consumers other than Chinese billionaires can afford wines such as Lafite Rothschild, perhaps it is time for readers to take a look at Duhart Milon, which sells for less than Lafite's second wine. The Rothschilds have invested heavily in resurrecting this property to near super-star status, and the 2009 appears to be the finest Duhart I have ever tasted." 94-96*pts, Robert Parker With it cellars in a back street of Pauillac, this wine is often overlooked. But with the same winemaking team as Lafite, it represents a serious wine, solid, chunky, containing delicious fruit. The wood is noticeable at present, but will certainly mingle effortlessly in a few years. R.V. (4/1/2011) — 91(RP-92)This blend of 70% CSauv, 30% Merl only 50% made it into the final blend, displays some of Lafite’s classic notes of lead pencil shavings, cedar, black currants along with more earthy, roasted herb, spice box characteristics. Rich, full-bodied, dense, already approachable, it should evolve easily for 2 decades. Good value (WS-87/90) Displays lots of currant, berries on the nose, with hints of sweet tobacco. Med- full-bodied, with tar, berry character, soft, round tannins, a med finish. JS |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2005 | Chateau Fleur Cardinale | Bordeaux | | 60.50 | 6 | 93-94 |
| (WS-93) Beautiful aromas of black licorice, berry, vanilla follow through to a full body, with soft, velvety tannins, long, caressing finish. Polished, very pretty. Incredibly well done for this estate. Best after 2016. 5,700 cases made. |
| WP |
| 2008 | Chateau Gazin | Bordeaux | | 81.00 | 3 | 88-91 |
| (WS-88-91) Blackberry on the nose, with hints of dried fruit, mineral. Med-full-bodied, with very fine tannins. Tight, polished. JS (RP)The 2008 is a marvelous effort from this property situated adjacent to Petrus, only a stones throw from Evangile. An amazing effort, wine exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, wonderful concentration, a beautifully sweet perfume of caramels, mocha, jammy black currants, smoky blackberries, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a layered, skyscraper-like texture, sweet but elevated tannins. Overall, it displays gorgeous freshness, delineation. (Other) Dense, creamy fruit here, pure but rich, perhaps just a little meaty. A lighter style as it starts out on the palate, fresh, broad, open. Less sweet texture, firm, rather hard structure compared to some of its peers. Extracted, indeed a little tinny, with lots of acid. This will need to fatten out to really satisfy, which it may do |
| Winery Park Future |
| 2009 | Chateau Gloria | Bordeaux | | 53.00 | 3 | 90-93 |
| (RP-91-93) There have been many great Glorias over the years as this property consistently over-performs. The 2009 may be the finest yet produced. Loaded with notes of Christmas fruitcake intermixed with red and black currants, licorice, spice box, blackberries, this inky/purple-colored wine is atypically full-bodied with a viscous texture, loads of tannin, extract, richness. Deep, layered, it will offer thrilling sipping over the next 25 yrs (WS-90/93) Crushed blackberries , fresh herbs on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, a long, rich finish. Solid core of everything here. Right up there with the 2005. JS |
| W P |
| 2009 | Chateau Grand Mayne | Bordeaux | | 56.00 | 3 | 90-94 |
| (RP-92/94) I enjoy this wine in nearly every vintage (the 1998 was one of my all-time favorites) while the 2009 may not be better than the 1998, it is an impressive effort. Moreover, it represents a great value in top-notch Bordeaux. Its opaque purple color is followed by plenty of blueberry, boysenberry, raspberry fruit notes intermixed with subtle hints of graphite, oak. The wine possesses ripe tannin, full-bodied power, admirable purity, impressive amounts of glycerin, sweetness from its high ripeness (but not over-ripeness) in the finish. Consume it over the next 15+ years. (Tasted 3 times.) (WS-90/93) Blueberry, floral aromas follow through to a full body, with silky tannins, a long finish. Stylish, polished. This is a more reserved style and I like it. JS |
| W P |
| 2009 | Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse | Bordeaux | | 54.00 | 3 | 91-94 |
| (RP-90/93) Possibly the finest wine yet produced at this estate, the 2009 is even fatter, richer, more unctuously textured than the 2005 (which I loved). It boasts an opaque purple color, thrilling levels of sweet creme de cassis, blackberries along with hints of underbrush as well as forest floor, silky tannins, full body, a plush, heady, opulent personality. This stunning wine should drink well for two decades. (Tasted 3 times.) (WS-91/94) A pretty nose of lead pencil, currant follows through to a full body, with well-integrated tannins, a silky, long finish. Stylish. JS |
| W P |
| 2006 | Chateau Hauchat La Rose | Bordeaux | | 21.00 | 3/6 | 84 |
| (WS-84) Has simple berry and tobacco character. Medium- to light-bodied, with a simple finish. A little short. Best after 2008. –JS |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2006 | Chateau Haut Bages Liberal | Bordeaux | | 46.00 | 4 | 92-94 |
| (WS-92/94) Beautiful nose of ripe blackberry and currant. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Very well done. Impressive. Score range: 92-94 –JS |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2004 | Chateau Kirwan Grand Cru Classe | Bordeaux | | 65.00 | 3/6 | 88-93 |
| (RP-90) (WE-93) Freshness is the hallmark of this wine. The fruit is dominant, ripe, balanced with blackberry acidity. There is a possible hint of overextraction, but that is only a small failing in such a delicious wine (WS-88) Aromas of cedar, berry, sandalwood. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, a long finish. Mouth-puckering. Slightly overextracted, but should come around. Best after 2010. 6,000 cases made. –JS |
| Richmond - Ist bottle June 28/10 with Dis & kathy YUMMY! |
| 2007 | Chateau La Confession | Bordeaux | | 49.50 | 4 | 87/94 |
| (RP-91/94) (WS-87/90) Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow center palate. Score range: 87-90 –JS |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2008 | Chateau La Lagune Second Grand Cru | Bordeaux | | 69.00 | 3 | 92-94 |
| (RP-92-94) (WD) Dense fruit, somewhat hard, withdrawn on the nose, with just a suggestion of leafiness. The same character comes through on the palate where the fruit is dense, slightly meaty, slightly feral, with a rich, extracted, brawny style. Very tannic, with a big grip, very firm acidity. It seems somewhat over-worked |
| Winery Park Future |
| 2005 | Chateau La Nerthe | Grenache Mourvedre Syrah,Cinsault | | 39.00 | 2 | 91 |
| (WS-91) Elegant for the vintage, with a silky texture to the raspberry, boysenberry and plum fruit, all layered with sweet spice, mesquite and fruitcake notes. Has a long, supple finish. Drink now through 2020. 13,750 cases made. –JM |
| W.P |
| 1998 | Chateau Labegorce Zede | Bordeaux | | 55.00 | 1/2 | 88-92 |
| (1) Quite a classic nose here, full of elegantly styled Cab fruit with a gravelly edge. Good structure, sweet fruit on the palate. It has a lovely presence. Showing some welcome maturity, ready now (2-tasted 2010)Medium/deep ruby core, med pale ruby rim. Attractive perfumed cassis nose, slightly gravelly fruit with hints of cedar, chocolate. Med bodied, more sweet cassis fruit but also initially some slightly off-putting cardboardy notes on initial attack, these clear on mid-palate to leave an attractive med weight claret with sweet cassis fruit, some rich earth, fine tannins, then bright acidity carrying a good length sweet fruited finish. Cardboardy notes not noticeable after an hour or so. Very good indeed, drinking well now but no hurry. |
| W.P |
| 2000 | Chateau Latour Martillac | Bordeaux | | 65.00 | 1/4 | 92 |
| (WS-92) Blackberry, cigar tobacco, hints of toasted oak. Full bodied,with loads of velvety tannins, long finish. [#31 in top 100 - 2003] (Clive Coates) Fresh, fruity, attractive on the nose. Quite accessible. Med-weight. Good tannins. Plump fruit. Balanced, quite rich. Good definition. Long on the finish. Very good. From 2007. |
| J.W |
| 2009 | Chateau Latour Martillac | Bordeaux | | 41.00 | 3 | 90-93 |
| (RP-90/92) The best wine I have ever tasted from this estate, the oak seems to have been subdued, or maybe it is just that the fruit level is kicked up so high that the oak is not noticeable. That is certainly a characteristic of 2009. Dense purple in color, with hints of graphite, cigar box, creme de cassis, subtle barbecue smoke, the wine is loaded, rich, opulent, med-full-bodied, a beautiful model of a wine that makes a few concessions to the modern style of Bordeaux but retains its Graves personality totally intact. It should drink well for 20-25 years. (Tasted 2 times.)(WS-90/93) Very attractive blackberry, licorice and hints of toasted oak. Full-bodied, with soft silky tannins, a milk chocolate, berry aftertaste. JS |
| W P |
| 2008 | Chateau Leoville Barton | Bordeaux | | 76.00 | 3 | 90-93 |
| (RP-92)Typically extracted, powerful (which is atypical in a vintage such as 2008), this offering may lack charm, but it is “locked and loaded” with plenty of background oak, huge black cherry, black currant fruit, med-full body, a boatload of tannin. Forget it for 8-10 yrs and drink it over the following 3 decades (WS-90/93) Roses, blackberries, currants, wet earth. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, very pretty fruit. Long, juicy. A delicious wine, very balanced.–JS |
| Winery Park Future |
| 2006 | Chateau Lusseau | Bordeaux | | 39.00 | 4 | 90-92 |
| (RP-92) Perhaps the most opulent, fruity, and sexy wine of the vintage (at least for drinking during its first decade of life), Gerard Perse’s regisseur owns and farms this 5-acre garagiste property in St.-Emilion. Meant for unabashed hedonists, the 2006 is a blend of 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. From modest yields of 33 hectoliters per hectare, this is a seriously packed and stacked, delicious, soft, opulent claret with loads of kirsch liqueur characteristics intermixed with roasted herbs, licorice, smoke, and a hint of new oak. It will drink well for a decade. Robert Parker April 2007 |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2009 | Chateau Monbousquet | Bordeaux | | 64.00 | 4 | 89-94 |
| (RP-92/94) Blend of 70% Mer20% CFranc, 10% CSauv (the traditional blend here) tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. Absolutely no new oak is showing, which is unusual for this wine, but that tells you how concentrated, textured the fruit is in this vintage. Dense ruby/purple to the rim, with plenty of exotic black fruits, jammy red fruits, some truffle, roasted herbs, and incense, the wine is full-bodied, luscious, exuberant, opulent. It will be impossible to resist in its youth. This wine should drink well for 10-15 or more years, given the fact that a recently tasted 2000 was still an adolescent. (Tasted 5 times.) (WS-89/92) Milk chocolate with bright berry character on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, gorgeous ripe fruit. Long, caressing. A little overripe.JS |
| W P |
| 2008 | Chateau Pavie Macquin Premier Grand Cru Classe | Bordeaux | | 71.00 | 3 | 90-94 |
| (WE-94) An impressive wine, beautifully structured, never too powerful, very elegant. If it feels a little austere at this stage, that is because the structure is dominating the fruit. Give it 5–6 years and the full splendor will be revealed (WS-90/93) Flowers such as violets galore on the nose. Ripe fruit too. Full-bodied, with bright fruit, citrusy acidity. Long, racy. Really bright, wonderful. JS |
| Wilow Park Future |
| 2004 | Chateau Phelan Segur | Bordeaux | | 50.00 | 2 | 88 |
| (WS-88) Shows black licorice and tar character, with fruit. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. A very extracted style for this wine, but I like it. Best after 2011. 23,000 cases made. –JS |
| SS |
| 2006 | Chateau Phelan Segur | Bordeaux | | 46.50 | 3/4 | 85-88 |
| (WS-85/88) Aromas and flavors of blackberry and lightly toasted oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Clean. Score range: 85-88 –JS |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2009 | Chateau Poujeaux | Bordeaux | | 46.00 | 6 | 90-96 |
| (RP-90/93) Blend of 50% CSauv, 40% Merl, the rest CFranc and PVerdot. After allowing the wine time to breathe, it becomes more flattering with aromas of violets, roses, peonies and freesia. The wine reveals hints of very ripe black fruits such as blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, which change towards sweet hints of raspberry preserve, after the wine has had time to breathe. Hints of the ageing process are almost nonexistent in the first impression. On the palate, the attack is sweet, full with flavours of stewed fruits. Structure is subtle, ageing process has not yet marked the wine. It is for this reason that the wine lacks more depth. However, this should develop in the months to come. The smoothness of this Poujeaux 2009 is its most obvious quality. Keep until 2025 Peak 2018 (WS-93/96) Full, very velvety, with round, juicy tannins. Creamy. New ownership here is really making a difference in wine quality; this is the best ever after maybe the 1929. JS |
| W P |
| 2006 | Chateau Prieure Lichine | Bordeaux | | 59.00 | 3 | 89-91 |
| (WS-89/91) Silky, with mineral and currant character, medium body and a fresh finish. Long and caressing. Well done. Score range: 89-91 –JS |
| Future Willow Park |
| 2005 | Chateau Quinault L'Enclos | Bordeaux | | 79.00 | 1 | 92 |
| (WS-92) Beautiful chocolate and blackberry aromas and flavors follow through to a full body, with soft, round tannins and a very long finish. Best after 2011. –JS |
| JW |
| 2005 | Chateau Reynella Basket Pressed | Shiraz | | 40.00 | 5/6 | 90 |
| (tasted 2009) Some light crusting on the shoulder already. Glowing, glass staining, decanter staining, inky red/purple. Earthy, sweet blackberry/plums, liquorice, just a touch of iodine/tar, floral carnations/sweet jubes, gluey/biscuity oak way off in the distance. Palate’s med-full weight, dry, slightly smoky/tarry with tangy plum fruit, just a hint of smoky bacon/black licorice, finishing with gum-sapping, slightly powdery tannins, a hint of coffee. A big, dry, savoury style of McLaren Vale shiraz that should go the distance. |
| J.Webb |
| 2004 | Chateau Reynon | Bordeaux | | 29.00 | 1/3 | 89 |
| (WS-89) displays aromas of blackcurrant, elderberry, raspberry, pipe tobacco. Dry, medium-bodied, well-balanced, this wine is just beginning to enter its fine drinking phase. If you love oak, buy a case. But wait, there's more! Loaded with black fruit, a rich finish |
| Richmond |
| 2005 | Chateau d'Angludet | Bordeaux | | 40.00 | 2 | 90-91 |
| (WS-90) Mushroom, spice, berry, meat aromas follow through to a full body, with slightly earthy undertone, soft tannins. But this is rich, interesting. Best after 2011. 8,330 cases made. (Gis-91) From a great year comes a fine bottle. Love the ripe cassis fruit nose flecked with spice, tobacco notes, an underlying feeling of plumpness. The palate is silky, rich with a modicum of tannins to yet disperse. An excellent bottle of d’Angludet that easily over delivers for its station. Drink- 2015. |
| WP |
| 2006 | Chateau d'Angludet | Bordeaux | | 40.00 | 3/4 | 88 |
| (Gis-88) Look for a quiet earthy blackberry flavour with bits of liquorice spice, good acidity. Not a blockbuster like 2005 but it is the modern-day tannins (softer, silkier) that save this balanced wine in the back end. Drink now with steak frites. A good d'Angludet that will repay five to seven years of ageing from the harvest. |
| WP |
| 2007 | Chateau des Charmes Equuleus | CSauv(50)Mer(25)CFr(25) | | 40.00 | 1 | 90-94 |
| (JSz-91) This is the biggest, most complete Equuleus since the 2002 edition, with the heat of the 2007 vintage evident in both the ripe, dark fruit flavours and full, plush tannins. Blackberry and black cherry dominate, with a fine mix of violets, sweet, toasty oak and baking spice. Long finish. Although this is drinking well now, given the structure and depth, this should age nicely for another half dozen years and evolve slowly into the next decade |
| Winery |
| 2004 | Chateau du Tertre Grand Cru Classe | Bordeaux | | 55.00 | 1/6 | 88-90 |
| (RP-90) (WE-88) A soft, lively wine, with fresh acidity, easy tannins. It’s made especially attractive by the spicy wood flavors, but it’s not a wine for long-term aging. |
| Richmond |
| 2006 | Clos de L'oratoire Des Papes | Grenache Mourvedre Syrah,Cinsault | | 32.00 | 6 | 91 |
| (WS-91) Deliciously ripe, with plump-textured plum sauce, fig and red currant fruit flavors backed by bright minerality and shades of vanilla, cedar and cocoa. Underlying juiciness rides throughout. Drink now through 2018. 10,000 cases made. –JM |
| Safeway |
| 2008 | Clos de Los Siete | Malb/CSauv/Merl/Syr/PetitVer | | 21.00 | 1/3 | 89 |
| Quite ripe, but focused and juicy, with blueberry, açaí berry and bramble notes laced with fruitcake and spice hints. A nice briary edge keeps the finish honest. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Drink now. 50,000 cases |
| W P |
| 2005 | Clos des Jacobins | Bordeaux | | 60.50 | 4 | 94 |
| (WS-94) Dark in color, almost black. Aromas of raisin, spices, blackberry follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins, long, powerful finish. Has loads of fruit, toasty oak. This is exciting. A new 1947? Best after 2016. 2,415 cases made. –JS |
| WP |
| 2003 | Clos du Grand Puceau Grand Cru | Bordeaux | | 28.00 | 1/6 | 90 |
| This bright ruby wine charms with aromas of ripe plums, red berry fruit as well as wet stone, mineral notes. These enticing notes replay on the palate, where lively acidity, a med body, a clean, med-length finish contribute to an attractive, easy-to-enjoy wine. A fine match for roast beef or herbed lamb, this is drinking well now, should show nicely over the next 2-4 years. |
| LCBO |
| 2008 | Columbia Crest Grand Estate | CSauv | | 12.00 | 1/2 | 88 |
| (WS-88) Lithe and open-textured, featuring pretty red berry and cherry flavors at the center, shaded with spice and coffee notes. The finish lingers nicely. Drink now through 2015. 225,000 cases made. –HS |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Columbia Crest Les Chevaux H3 | Blend | | 15.00 | 1/3 | 90 |
| (WS-90!Firm in texture, with chocolate and leather overtones to the dark berry flavors, finishing with moderate grip as the flavors persist nicely. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2013. 9,400 cases made. –HS |
| winnery |
| 2008 | Columbia Crest Reserve | CSauv | | 44.00 | 1/2 | 93 |
| (WS-90) Chewy with tannin, but bursting with fresh currant and plum, sneaking in hints of mint and black tea as the finish lingers. A graceful wine that has miles to go |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Columbia Crest Reserve | Syrah | | 20.00 | 2/3 | 88-90 |
| (W&S-90) Dark, earthy and nearly as dense as fruitcake, this wine shows a clean purple line of fruit with a little time and air. It’s tightly wound for now. Cellar, then serve with braised lamb shank, (WE-90) A fine single-vineyard Syrah, aromatic with seductive scents of berry and earth, accented with toast and set up in the mouth with firm tannins. It’s an elegant take on Syrah, very pretty, juicy & tart (WA-88) The 2008 Reserve Syrah Coyote Canyon Vineyard is a glass-coating opaque purple color. Smoke, game, bacon, and blueberry aromas are enticing but on the palate the wine is narrow and austere. It could evolve and elevate its pleasure quotient but that is a gamble |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Columbia Crest Walter Clore Private Reserve | Merlot/CSauv/CFranc/Malbec | | 34.00 | 2 | 91 |
| Light ruby color, can easily see light through wine to bottom of glass. Wet earth and stone on the nose, some minerality and blood on the palate, ends with a medium length savory finish. Not as defined on day 3, cant see this lasting very long in the cellar. Seems to be made for relatively quick consumption, as it is quite enjoyable now |
| Winnery |
| 2008 | Cultura Wine | CSauv | | 37.00 | 1/2 | |
| Winery |
| 2000 | D'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | | 70.00 | 1 | 93-94 |
| (RP-94) (WE-90) (WS-93) Firm in texture, remarkably focused on flavor, offering solid blackberry, cherry flavors at the center, touches of licorice, mint around the edges, echoing on the slightly chewy but long finish. (HS) (JH-94) Masses of dark plum, prune, licorice fruit on the bouquet, then a palate flooded with the same fruit characters plus a generous dash of bitter chocolate; lots of tannin, extract; needs a decade. (Gisi-94) The Dead Arm gets its name in a fairly inauspicious way – named after the disease (Eutypa Lata) which afflicts some of the oldest vines at d’Arenberg from which we get the majority of fruit destined for The Dead Arm. The disease, Eutypa Lata, or ‘Dead Arm’ is common around the world in old vineyard sites. The disease slowly reduces one of the ‘arms’ of the vines to dead wood, which then means the other arm of the vine produces small volumes of the most incredibly concentrated, highly flavoured grapes. Look for peppery, pencil lead, saddle leather, notes with vanilla, blackberry jam, smoky, meaty coriander notes. Warm, rich, round with some noticeable but ripe tannins. The fruit is spicy, pruny blackberry jam with vanilla, orange rind flavours, a meaty, cola coriander finish. It is long, concentrated, stylish, not overly sweet with balanced acidity. Impressive. |
| J.W |
| 2001 | D'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | | 33.00 | 1/6 | 98 |
| (RP-98) Readers should be on the look out for the 2001 The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of the greatest examples of this cuvee. Its dense black/purple color is accompanied by celestial aromas of melted licorice, graphite, blackberries, cassis, incense, anise, toasty oak. Fabulously concentrated, with great purity, an unctuous, viscous texture, and an amazingly long, 60-second plus finish, this fabulous baby will need 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 20-25 years. (Winemakers Tasting Note) Nose shows intense, complex cedary, fig, blackberry, blueberry like smells occasionally pepper/spice smells . Vanilla mocha oak smells, blackberry, cassis characters are also evident on the palate. Accent is on powerful full-bodied berry fruit flavour, with a little sweet English toffee- like oak evident on the juicy, rolling finish. After time in bottle the d'Arenberg's Dead Arm gains a biscuity, cinnamon, caramel, eucalyptus based bouquet on top of rich blackberry pie smells. Tobacco, mushrooms, malt,, earth aromas play a part on the long, elegant fleshy, chocolate mint flavours. Cellar for the next 3- 25 years (WA-98) |
| J.W With Pauline & Lionel July 2010 Excellent!!! |
| 2002 | D'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | | 69.00 | 1/3 | 91-92 |
| (RP-92) The 2002 The Dead Arm Shiraz was a challenge to effectively analyze. After the magnificent 2001, it comes across as lighter-styled, more elegant, but also closed, restrained. Several hours of aeration were beneficial, this cuvee seems to be playing it close to the vest. However, there is power underneath the tannic structure. Deep ruby/purple color is followed by a backward, full-throttle Shiraz lacking the exuberance, unctuosity, stunning concentration of the 2001 & 1998. It has noble breeding, but appears to be totally shut down at present. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.(WA-92) Nose shows Intense, complex cedary, fig, blackberry, blueberry, pepper aromas. Attacking spicy dark cherry, plum, blackberry fruit dominate the taste with a complex, slightly acetone, liquorice, prune richness, silkiness leading to a slight cedar, mineral, svelte array of tannins. Length comes right back to gritty, vibrant fruit tannins giving the wine great ageability. After time in bottle, the d’Arenberg Dead Arm gains a biscuity, cinnamon, caramel, eucalyptus based bouquet on top of rich blackberry pie smells. Tobacco, mushroom, malt, earth aromas play a part on the long, fleshy, chocolate mint, spice flavors. Restrained tannin, acidity coupled with rich alcohol produce a seamless, peppery, velvety, rolling length. (TA-4 1/2 /5) Nose: coffee bean, smoky oak, black olive, rich plum, earth Taste: dry, full-bodied, complex, chocolate, oak flavours, medium + acid, high tannins; lingering finish. (Karen Rossi) (WE-91) Impresses the hell out of you on the first look—it offers controlled, pretty plum, berry fruit on the palate, with black pepper, cassis, graham cracker aromas. Overexamine it, though, you start to find things that you wish were different (for me, it wants more intensity midpalate), but that doesn't mean that this isn't delicious. Why not just sit back and enjoy the mocha-laden finish, leave analysis to another day? |
| J.W |
| 2008 | Davenlore Winery | CSauv | | 29.00 | 0/2 | |
| Won Silver at the Seattle Wine Awards 2011 |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Davenlore Winery | Durif | | 29.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2004 | Domaine Alain Burguet Tradition | Pinot Noir | | 50.00 | 2 | 89 |
| A very good nose of cherry, forest floor, along with some cinnamon, vanilla. The palate was very silky, with sour cherry, dirt, nutmeg, bit of oak. The finish was good. |
| JW |
| 2010 | Domaine Bosquet Des Papes Chante le Merle | Beaujolais | | 69.00 | 2 | 94/96 |
| (RP-94/96) Even more extraordinary is the compelling 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle. Inky bluish/purple, the wine offers up notes of incense, camphor, blueberry, blackberry and black raspberry liqueur followed by an exciting, full-bodied, multi-dimensional mouthfeel and finish of close to a minute. This is stunningly rich and pure, yet has remarkable delineation, and because of the acid profile of this vintage, it seems light on its feet despite what I’m sure is 15%-plus alcohol. This wine should evolve over a two decade span and be completely drinkable over that entire period. |
| 2010 | Domaine Bosquet Des Papes Grand Pere | Grenache | | 55.00 | 3 | 94 |
| (WS-94) Rich and velvety, with concentrated but lithe layers of fig sauce, blackberry confiture and fresh plum studded with singed apple wood, dark tobacco and a flicker of warm stone. The long finish lets everything echo beautifully. Best from 2014 through 2030. 500 cases made. –JM |
| JW |
| 2008 | Domaine L'Ostak Cazes Estibals | Syrah Carignan Grenache | | 20.00 | 1 | |
| WP |
| 2007 | Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine | Grenache | | 18.00 | 3 | 88-92 |
| (RP-88) (WS-90-92) Delivers a good mix of briar, spice and black cherry fruit, followed by a note of black currant on the juicy finish. Drink now. 10,830 cases made. –JM |
| J.Webb |
| 2005 | Domaine Pavelot Savigny-Les-Beaune | Pinot Noir | | 33.00 | 1/3 | 87-92 |
| (ST-87) Others: Smokey and brambly on the nose. After a day the aromas seemed sweeter and cleaner. Grapefruit/citrus acids. Yummy stuff. |
| 2011 | Domaine Saint Prefert Clos Beatus ille | Grenache/Mouvedre/Syrah | | 25.00 | 2 | 90 |
| Arômes de baies noires fraîches, de poivre et de violette. Attaque souple, sur le fruit gourmand, tanins fins et suaves, finale longue sur le réglisse |
| JW |
| 2007 | Domaines Baron De Rothschild (Lafite) Los Vascos Grande Reserve | Bordeaux blend | | 22.00 | 3 | 89 |
| (ST-89) |
| W P |
| 2006 | Dominio De Tares Cepas Viejas | Mencia | | 22.00 | 3/4 | 90 |
| Violets and rose petals are foremost on the nose, followed by blood and plums. The palate starts off with some cranberries, followed by denser flavours of plums and ink (??). The tannic finish is balanced by a fine acidity, all velvety smooth. I see it aging for a while to come. ( |
| JW |
| 2008 | Elderton Winery Ashmead Single Vinetard | CSauv | | 63.00 | 3 | 90-96 |
| (JH-96) The Weekend Australian 3 September 2011 - The quality of this wine shone through in the mini-vertical tastings of the top labels. The ’01 was good, the ’02 and ’06 very good, the ’04 outstanding, the ’08 an eyelash behind the ’04. It has superb drive and intensity to the back palate, with a lingering finish and aftertaste, the tannins positively silky. It has developed exceptionally well since first tasted in January 2010.Ripe and rich, boasting a plush mouthful of cherry, herb and nutmeg flavors, coming together on the finish with finesse. Drink now through 2018. –HS |
| Zyn & Cameron Ashmead |
| 2006 | Elderton Winery Ode to Lorraine | CSauv/Shiraz/Merlot | | 35.00 | 2/4 | 90-92 |
| (RP-92)The 2006 Ode To Lorraine reveals similar personality but with slightly more richness, depth, length. It will benefit from another 2-3 years cellaring. (JH-90) A soft red, black fruit bouquet, with Christmas cake spice on display; palate is soft, fleshy on entry, with good texture, chewy tannin, oak providing length on the finish (Stephen Tanzer-92) Deep ruby-red. Brooding cherry, mulberry, spiced plum aromas are complemented by an exotic fig jam quality. Midweight dark berry flavours become richer with air, picking up suggestions of smoky Indian spices, candied flowers. Leaves spicy red, dark berry preserve notes behind on the strikingly long, penetrating finish. |
| Airport |
| 2004 | Elyse Winery | Petite Sirah | | 42.00 | 1/2 | 89-92 |
| The 2004 Rutherford Petite Sirah is a wine whose deep, dark purple/black color honestly reflects its intensity, concentration of flavor. It has intoxicating aromas of dark black fruit, cola, coffee, dusty earth, violets. It is immense, broad on the palate, tasting of wild blackberries, espresso, soy sauce, bittersweet chocolate, spicy oak, vanilla. Wine is highly extracted with lengthy tannins, a long pleasing finish. Pair with strong cheeses, wild game, lamb shank or a nicely peppered strip steak or deep, dark, rich chocolate concoctions. Enjoy with whatever, just enjoy! This wine is destined for aging a good 7 – 12 years. If drinking today, give it plenty of air. |
| J. Webb |
| 2008 | Ermita Talanda | Tempranillo | | 24.00 | 1/3 | |
| JW |
| 2007 | Erna Schein Kick Ranch | Petite Sirah | | 56.00 | 1/3 | 92 |
| (WS-92) Deep, dark, rich, smoky, with sandalwood notes that mingle nicely with the gushing, concentrated cassis, blackberry, huckleberry flavors. Firm, chewy tannins never get in the way of the flavors, the long finish. Drink now- 2016. 280 cases made. –MW |
| JW |
| 2005 | Etude | Merlot | | 38.00 | 3 | 90 |
| Bright, heady aromas of blackberry, black plum, olive lead to a core of rich, concentrated fruit. The structured, yet supple, tannins wrap around the lush red fruit and mingle with notes of white pepper. The wines finish leaves a long, lasting impression of fruit richness backed by hints of smoky spice. This wine, while extremely accessible in its youth, possesses excellent potential for aging. |
| The Cellar |
| 2006 | Gamache Vintners | CSauv | | 25.00 | 1/2 | 88 |
| Won 'Bronze' at Seattle Wine Awards 2011 (RP-88) |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Gamache Vintners | CFranc | | 28.00 | 1/2 | |
| Won "double gold" at 2011 Seattle Wine Awards |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Geddes Wines Seldom Inn | CSauv | | 30.00 | 0/2 | 90 |
| (WA-90) The Geddes shows dense berry fruit, mint and choclate spice. A bit reluctant and stemmy at first, but opens up to highlight a surprisingly complex nose. Rich with sweet-ish fruits on the palate, you should have no doubt this is Australian fruit. The slightly chalky tannins tell you this should be served with food, but should settle down over the next 5 or so years. |
| 2002 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 62.00 | 0/7 | 96-100 |
| (RP-98) Fermented in both French, American wood, left on its lees during malolactic as well as for 3 months after. Aged in 100% new American oak, bottled without filtration. The inky blue/purple/black color is accompanied by aromas of creosote, scorched earth, black as well as blueberries, creme de cassis, subtle vanilla. Extraordinary aromatics are followed by a wine of size, power, great richness, delineation, amazing depth as well as intensity. Finish lasts more than a minute. This is one of the most compelling offerings I tasted in the overall impressive performance of the 2001, 2002 South Australian vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. This is a wow-wow wine! |
| J.W |
| 2003 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 62.00 | 1/3 | 93-100 |
| Vibrant black/purple colour, with aromas of pepper, plum, lifted, animated fruit. A firm structure of ripe, supple tannins provide support to lashings of blackcurrant, nutmeg.Tannin structure, sheer fruit weight of the wine will enable long-term cellaring. (RP:96-100) Killer stuff, with notes of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, graphite, blackberries, cassis, smoke, it possesses extraordinary concentration, tremendous purity, a seamless personality, a magnificent finish that lasts over 60 seconds. Since this cuvée is never filtered, this tasting note should be accurate, if somewhat conservative for the bottled wine" 2005-2016+ (WS-93) Firm, but remarkably generous, pure, with richly articulated cherry, raspberry jam, licorice flavors that linger impressively on the meaty finish. Needs time to sort itself out. Best after 2008. 400 cases |
| JW |
| 2004 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 65.00 | 1/4 | 92-97 |
| (RP-93)This dense ruby/purple-colored wine exhibits a sweet nose of vanilla, graphite, blackberry, and cassis. Full-bodied and pure, with decent acidity and a moderately tannic, silky finish, it is accessible enough to be drunk now, but will be even better in 1-3 years. It should last for a dozen years or more (Gis-97) Amon-Ra, the King of all Gods is Ben Glaetzer's moniker for his best shiraz. After a difficult '03 vintage, where a single day's rain wiped out most of the crop, the '04 Amon-Ra is all it can be; more. Glaetzer is all about the purity of the fruit, with overnight temperatures in the 18 to 25 degree range, he appears to have a handle on the acidity question as well. The 105 to 115 year-old vines are situated in the Northern Ebenezer region of Barossa. The oak is a 40/60 mix of American/French, it's all new. Spicy nutmeg black fruit scented flavours melt across the palate. Dense rich, powerful this is a considerable jump in quality, quantity over the '03. Love the savoury undertones, the supple fine-grained tannins. Very hedonistic without going over the top. There are only 12,000 bottles for the world. Definitely, a bargain among top end Barossa shiraz. (WS-92) Ripe, smoky, a blast of cherry, dried blueberry, roasted meat, licorice flavors that power through the dense, ultraripe finish. A brawny wine that needs time to settle down. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases |
| JW |
| 2005 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 62.00 | 2/4 | 92-98 |
| (WE-95) From a single vineyard in the Ebenezer region, this is simply stupendous stuff. It is a bit Port-like in its rich layers of blackberry fruit, but it also displays great freshness, drive, giving it a juicy, fresh fruit character that’s accented even more by dustings of pepper, dried spices. A beautiful marriage of drinkability and ageability; drink now–2020(WS-92) Smooth, round, spicy, star anise, soy sauce overtones to the rich cherry, toast flavors, lingering on the generous finish. Has depth, impressive detail. 2008-2015 (RP-98)The profound 2005 Shiraz Amon Ra is fashioned from a dry grown, 100- to 110 year-old vineyard, and spends 14 months in a combination of 100% new French and American barrels as well as 300-liter hogsheads. A saturated purple color is followed by scents of creme de cassis, incense, licorice, black raspberries, graphite, and sweet wood. It unfolds beautifully on the palate to reveal terrific richness, full-bodied power, great definition, and lovely elegance. This exquisite Shiraz is still young, but it possesses a degree of accessibility. It should age for two decades. It is a superb example of cutting edge winemaking being utilized on ancient Shiraz vines in the Barossa (Gis-95) Fine use of French wood here with only 20 % American oak in the mix. Super dark almost opaque with a peppery, spicy, licorice root, vanilla, black cherry nose with coriander, saddle leather, meaty blueberry notes. Rich on the palate with supple, fine-grained tannins, delicious smoky, vanilla, mocha, licorice, blackberry jam, blueberry fruit flavours. Warm, tart fruity savoury finish. Needs 3-5 years to reach its peak. |
| RH |
| 2006 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 62.00 | 3/6 | 91-97 |
| (WA-97-100) The wine is a thick, glass-coating, purple/black in color. The aromas cover a wide range of scents including smoke, vanilla, pepper, Asian spices, coconut, espresso, blueberry, and chocolate. Thick, rich, layered, and complete, this monumental wine offers extraordinary intensity and length. It requires 10-15 years to fully evolve and should easily last through 2040 (WE-95) Shows a slightly lifted, peppery character on the nose, but also plenty of toasty oak, bold fruit. Loads of blackberries, blueberries, chocolate cascade over the palate, accented with enough spice, warmth to leave a fleeting impression of fruitcake. Lush, long on the finish. Drink now–2020 or beyond (WS-91) Firm texture, deepp, distinctive flavor, offering coffee tinged cherry, spice flavors that linger against slightly gritty tannins. Needs time to soften, open 2010-2018 |
| JW |
| 2007 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 66.00 | 5/6 | 96-99 |
| The 2007 Amon-Ra Shiraz was sourced from vines ranging in age from 50 to 110 years with yields of only 0.5 tons per acre. It spent 15 months in 100% new oak, predominantly French. A glass-coating, opaque purple in color, it reveals a brooding nose of wood smoke, mineral, scorched earth, Asian spices, blueberry, and chocolate. Super-rich, dense, yet surprisingly light on its feet, this extraordinary effort will evolve for a decade and offer a drinking window stretching from 2015 to 2035." 96-99 Points |
| J.Webb |
| 2008 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 70.00 | 4/6 | 92-95 |
| (RP-92) Has plenty of spicy fruit, decent depth, moderate length. It will evolve for a few years but extended cellaring will be risky (GW-95) Rich, voluptuous - like liquefied Black Forest cake with toasty cedar, vanilla oak, aniseed anointed with the perfume of exotic spices. Full bodied, super smooth yet maintains exemplary freshness, shape through the mouth. Length, abundant flavour, no shortage of charm. Liquid seduction. |
| RH/ JW |
| 2009 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 66.00 | 3 | 96 |
| (WA-96+) The 2009 Amon-Ra Shiraz displays a very deep purple-black color and floral notes of violets and wilted rose petals over mulberries, blueberries, star anise, mocha, fenugreek, cumin seeds, cloves and tree bark plus some toasty oak. Full-bodied and rich yet not overly so, it has refreshingly crisp acid and firm grainy tannins texturing the long spicy finish. Give it at least 2 years more in bottle and consider drinking it 2013 to 2024+. (GT) Dense dark purple almost black colour. Beautiful slightly sweet aromas of raspberry, cassis, blackberry and liquorice, although the nose is still wound up tight, so there is so much more to reveal in time, a completely 100% Barossa Shiraz nose. The palate too is still tight and taut, but reveals a complex palate of dark fruit, blackberries and plums, with tobacco and spice and minerals, big but with very rounded sweet tannins, and it is extremely balanced leading to a very long lush finish. This wine is drinking reasonably well right now given its youth, but its potential for improvement is huge! Will become a classic, and the best since 2006! Gavin Trott Auswine |
| RH |
| 2010 | Glaetzer Amon-Ra | Shiraz | | 70.00 | 4 | 94-95 |
| (WS-94) A dark, brooding and dense wine, delivering dried cherry, carpaccio and spice flavors, which linger on the broad finish. Has layers and layers of depth, all balled up and waiting to open with time. Best from 2014 through 2020 (RP-95) (JH-95) (ST-94) (WA-95) |
| JW |
| 2011 | Glaetzer Amon-ra | Shiraz | | 73.00 | 4 | 92-95 |
| (WS-92)Focused, generous and layered, with floral, bay leaf and smoky custard grace notes around a supple core of blackberry and cherry fruit, persisting on the long and expressive finish. Drink now through 2021.—H.S. (RP-95) |
| RH |
| 2006 | Glaetzer Anaperenna | Shiraz75%/CSauv25% | | 52.00 | 3/4 | 91-94 |
| (JH-94) Densely packed blackberry, blackcurrant and plum fruit with ripe, plush tannins woven throughout, plus scoops of vanilla and chocolate. (WA-92) Shows incredible elegance. Deep ruby color. Aromas of cassis, ash, perfume, black pepper, blueberry jam & meaty component. Full bodoed, big juicy blackberry flavours, cracked pepper, earth, mocha, sour cherrt. (Tanzer-92+) Youthfully brooding aromas of cassis, boysenberry, black olive, licorice and Indian spices. Powerful and chewy in texture, offering vibrant dark berry and mineral flavours and an exotic floral pastille quality. Impressively lively for such a concentrated wine, with strong finishing thrust and precision. I'd give this at least another four or five years of bottle aging. (WS-91) Brash, youthful, juicy currant, cedar flavors of Cabernet whistling through the blackberry, exotic spice of the Shiraz, lending this an upright stance, with lively acidit, firm tannins. Shiraz/CabSauv. Best 2009-2016. 2,500 cases made. –HS |
| J.Webb |
| 2009 | Glaetzer Anaperenna | Shiraz/CSauv/Merlot | | 52.00 | 2 | 94 |
| (WA-94) Blended of 76% Shiraz and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Anaperenna Shiraz Cabernet presents a very deep purple-black color and pronounced aromas of black cherries and blackberries with an undercurrent of coffee, aniseed, damp loam, chocolate, cloves and menthol plus a hint of cedar. Very crisp, full and rich on the palate, it has firm very finely grained tannins, commendable concentration and a long bramble fruit finish. Drink it now to 2022+. |
| JW |
| 2005 | Glaetzer Bishop | Shiraz | | 37.00 | 1/3 | 92-94 |
| (RP-91-93)Readers should think of it as a French Vacqueyras on steroids. From 60-year-old vines in the Ebenezer district of Barossa, the 2005 Shiraz Bishop sees mostly French oak. It reveals a dense ruby/purple hue, beautiful, attractive notes of pepper, spice box, blackberries, and currants, and amazing richness as well as surprising elegance and definition. It can be consumed over the next 10-15 years. (WS-92) Beautifully structured, with blueberry, plum, black olive character on a sleek frame. Flavors are nimbly balanced against refined acidity; just enough tannins to keep things harmonious, very, very long. Best from 2008-2015. 2,500 cases made. –HS (JH-94)A worthy follow-on to the very good '04 version of this wine. Rich black fruits, licorice and mocha intermingle on both the bouquet and palate, augmented by touches of dark chocolate. Excellent texture and structure, plus the controlled use of quality oak, are also features of a bold Barossa style. |
| RH |
| 2008 | Glaetzer Bishop | Shiraz | | 37.00 | 3 | 91-94 |
| (JH-94) Built in typical luscious Glaetzer style. Medium to full-bodied with blackberry and (unusually) some notes of cassis and raspberry; the tannins are soft and fine, oak in its place (2) There are rich, ripe, dark berry fruits with star anise on the palate. On the nose, aromas of liquorice & mocha intermingle with cassis, leather. Firm, velvety tannins from maturation in French & American oak |
| RH |
| 2009 | Glaetzer Bishop | Shiraz | | 35.00 | 2 | 89-97 |
| (RP-89) Wine Advocate # 192. Dec 2010. The 2009 Bishop Shiraz is 100% Shiraz coming from 35-120 year vines. It was aged 14 months in oak: 30% new, 90% French and 10% American. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has pronounced pepper and spice aromas over blackberries and black currant plus a bit of Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied, crisp with just enough flesh, it has firm fine tannins and a long finish ( -97) Opaque black crimson colour with deep black crimson hue. The nose is perfumed displaying intense, refined aromas of blackberry, liquorice, dark plum, confectionary and blackpepper. A superb sniff. Possessing both concentration and power the palate boasts opulent flavours of liquorice, blackberry, confectionary, dark plum and blackpepper. Excellent length and structure. Very fine grained tannins with very long aftertaste of blackberry, liquorice, spice and blackpepper. |
| RH |
| 2010 | Glaetzer Bishop | Shiraz | | 39.00 | 2 | 91 |
| Broad and generous, with a spicy edge to the cherry and dried cranberry flavors, rolling smoothly, wrapped in fine tannins, through a long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases made. –HS |
| J.Webb |
| 2004 | Glaetzer Godolphin | Shiraz/CSauv | | 49.00 | 1/3 | 91-98 |
| (RP-98) Nearly perfect wine, made from 84% Shiraz (105-115 yr-old vines) 16% CabSauv (60-90yr-old vines), was cropped at a minuscule .5 -1 ton of fruit per acre, spent 15 months in French oak prior to bottling. Gorgeously sweet, pure nose of crushed rocks, blueberries, cassis, minerals soars from the glass. Floral-like black, blue fruits, inky/purple color, nearly endless depth, persistence on the palate: stuff of legends. Extraordinary equilibrium, precision, purity, it represents the apogee of Ben Glaetzer's winemaking talents. (Gis-93)Godolphin is a 70/30 shiraz/cabernet blend made from vines that span 60-115 years that are all dry-farmed in Barossa’s Ebenezer district. I don’t remember tasting better version of this blend. Rich round supple, sleek as it enters the palate, packed with spicy powerful blackcurrant fruit whose size, intensity reflects the low yields that winemaker Ben Glaetzer. There’s a leafy mocha undercurrent in the finish of what Glaetzer claims is his junior wine although it’s anything but. Fine value here. (JH-95) You may actually be able to buy this, unlike its on-strict-allocation big brother Amon Ra. Winemaker Ben Glaetzer has blended shiraz, cab sauv, bottled it unfiltered after 18 months in quality oak. It is quite delicious, with supple, luxuriant blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry intermingling with fine soft tannins. |
| JW |
| 2005 | Glaetzer Godolphin | Shiraz/CSauv | | 52.50 | 2 | 89-95 |
| (JH-95) (WS-89) Dense, distinctive for its anise, herb scented cassis, dried tomato flavors that linger on the round finish. (RP-93)The 2005 Godolphin, a blend of 80% Shiraz (from 85-year-old vines) and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon (from 60-year-old vines), was aged in 100% new oak, primarily 300-liter French hogsheads. It represents a beautiful marriage of power and elegance, displaying an inky/blue/purple color as well as notions of black raspberries, blueberries, graphite, and sweet pain grille. Ripe, pure, and medium to full-bodied with sweet but noticeable tannin, it can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years. (Gis-91} Godolphin is a mostly shiraz with a dose of CabSauv made from old, dry-farmed vines in Barossa’s Ebenezer district. It’s plenty round, rich in the mouth with meaty, black olive, black cherry, cassis aromas with big peppery, smoky, vanilla, black cherry, cola, jammy fruit flavours. Youthful dry tannins but they should dissipate. Needs 2-3 years to soften, gain complexity. (WE-94),A blend of 80% Shiraz and 20% Cabernet, this rich, almost Port-like wine also shows a slight herbal note—enough to give it some lift, complexity. It’s inky black in color, imbued with layers of dark fruit so deep they threaten to suck you in before being lightened ever so slightly by hints of vanilla, spice. Long, lush on the finish. Drink now–2015 |
| RH |
| 2008 | Glaetzer Wallace | Shiraz/Grenache | | 26.00 | 1/3 | 91 |
| (GW-91) This year's model is 80% Shiraz with the remainder being Grenache. Juicy dark cherry, berry fruit with a little vanilla, some toasty clove spice flavours. Full bodied, creamy, round - plump, inviting with firmish open weave tannins that are a little sandy, but attractive nonetheless. There's a touch of warmth too, but there's sufficient body to hold it. A little floral, a little meaty, a lot of chewy satisfaction |
| RH |
| 2009 | Glaetzer Wallace | Shiraz/Grenache | | 25.00 | 5 | 88-91 |
| (JH-90) (RP-88)The 2009 Wallace Shiraz is a blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% bush vine Grenache from 60-80 year vines. Matured for 14 months in 2-3 year barrels, it gives a deep garnet-purple color and intense blackberry and black raspberry aromas with supporting notes of chocolate, earth, salami and anise. The palate is well structured with firm fine tannins, high acid and ample flesh, finishing medium-long. Drink it now to 2015 (WE-91) This is mainly Shiraz, with only 20–25% Grenache, and it acts more like a Shiraz than a blend, offering up aromas of blueberries, tar and roasted meats. Hints of mint, vanilla and cedar complete the picture. Dense and thickly textured, it should drink well over the next 5–7 years |
| JW |
| 1998 | Grant Burge Wines Meshach | Shiraz | | 100.00 | 1 | 96 |
| (JH-96) Clean berry fruit, well integrated, balanced oak on the bouquet lead into a med-bodied palate, with a near-perfect balance between fruit, oak, tannins. Manages to combine elegance, flavour (Torb) A complex nose showing sweet plums, black cherry, liquorice savoury plums, spice coconut, vanilla. Excellent balance is provided by the dusty tannins, well judged acid, deep, distinct, concentrated fruit. Palate follows the nose and flows from sweet to savoury flavours. There is an underlying sweetness that stays on the palate throughout. A rich full-bodied wine with a layered structure, harmonious complexity; will be long lived. (tasting May 2002) Considering the quality of the 1998 Meshach- unquestionably one of Australia’s finest shiraz, along with Penfolds Grange, Wynns Michael Shiraz, Jim Barry Armagh, Henschke Hill of Grace |
| 40th anniversary gift from Matt and Nicole |
| 2010 | Great Domaines and Estates The Culprit | Syrah/Zin/PetitSyrah | | 18.00 | 1/6 | 88 |
| A gorgeous deep reddish purple hue and a bit of a muted nose on initial corking. It does open up quickly and let's you enjoy the full tannins, plentiful alcohol and the tastes of dark berries, oak, nuttiness with a real "chewy" presentation. After an hour, this started to open up and the flavours blended wonderfully. Has strong aging potential |
| Zyn |
| 2006 | Greenock Creek Vineyard & Cellars Alices | Shiraz | | 52.50 | 3/4 | 91 |
| (WS-91) (Other) Rich, powerful, intoxicating nose of stewed plums, mocha, mulberry, the pallet is simply huge filling every cranny of the mouth with a long lingering back palate that begs the question "if this is Michael Waugh's cheapest shiraz, what are the rest like". The rich palette somehow integrates the whopping 17% alcohol. The 2006 Alice's shiraz reminds one of a young Seppelt St Peter from 1998. With the huge alcohol content, will it have the same aging potential.. A word of caution, choose the accompanying food carefully. Suggest fillet steak with a rich sauce or ripe, smelly French Camembert |
| Kensington |
| 2008 | Hainle Vineyards | Zweigelt PN/BacoNoir | | 27.00 | 1/3 | |
| Winery |
| 2010 | Heartland Wines | Dolcetto & Lagrein | | 20.00 | 3/4 | |
| J.Webb |
| 2007 | Heartland Wines Strange Bedfellows Reserve | Cabernet | | 26.00 | 2 | |
| RH |
| 2009 | Herder Winery & Vineyards Meritage | Mer/CFr/CSauv/Mal/PVer | | 20.00 | 2 | 88 |
| (Gis-88) Savoury, smoky, peppery, pruny, inky, dried herb, tobacco, compost, black berry aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh but somewhat lean palate with light tannins. Cedar, smoky oak, coffee, vanilla, herbal, tobacco leaf, cranberry, cherry jam, prune, olive and dill flavours. Finish is somewhat tart but capable of aging 2-4 years to smooth out. |
| Winery |
| 2005 | Hugh Hamilton Jekyll & Hyde | Shiraz/Viognier | | 35.00 | 2/9 | 91-94 |
| (RP-94) (WE-91) The Viognier component adds a wonderfully creamy, fat texture to this wine, but doesn’t impose on the Shiraz aromatics of blueberries, blackberries. It’s lush, fruit-filled, finishing with a touch of licorice. Drink now–2015. |
| Co-op Richmond |
| 2008 | Jackson-Triggs Gold Series | CSauv/Sh.Vio | | 30.00 | 3 | |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Jackson-Triggs Sun Rock Vineyard | CSauv | | 30.00 | 3 | |
| The 2006 vintage is consistent with other years and has a deep chocolate, leather, tobacco, dark cherry kind of taste |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Jackson-Triggs Sun Rock Vineyard | Merlot | | 30.00 | 1/3 | |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Jackson-Triggs Sun Rock Vineyard | Meritage (Mer/CF/CSauv) | | 35.00 | 3 | |
| Winery |
| 2009 | K Vintners The Creator | CSauv/Shiraz | | 63.00 | 1 | 94 |
| (WS-94) Muscular and powerful, brimming with ripe currant, blackberry, blueberry and meat flavors, yet graceful enough to do a pirouette as this spins into the finish. Lingers effortlessly as the flavors keep blasting away against polished tannins. Needs time only to tame the ebullience. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Best from 2014 through 2020.—H.S. |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Kaesler Wines Stonehorse | GSM | | 23.00 | 0/2 | 88-91 |
| (WS-90) Entry displays mulberries, blackberries, plum fruit characters with fine tannin, tasty acidity. As the wine moves through read more...the palate, the mouth feel widens, becomes quite savoury. Palate is rich, smooth with good length. The after taste is very Mourvedre with a strong flavour of dark chocolate.Grenache contributes soft aromatics, flavors. Shiraz adds structure, a bit of spice, the Mourvedre provides breadth, depth. Lithe, juicy. A lively mouthful of raspberry, currant, coffee, pepperyspice flavors, lingering enticingly on the fine-grained finish ... has tremendous depth and persistence (WA-88-91) The 2006 GSM “Stonehorse” is a blend of 45% Grenache, 44% Shiraz, 11% Mourvedre that was aged for 12 months in seasoned French & American oak. Crimson-colored, it offers up a fragrant bouquet of damp earth, mushroom, sage, black cherry, blueberry. Supple-textured, sweet, succulent, the wine has excellent flavors, some light tannin that will support 2-3 years of bottle age. Drink-2016. |
| co-op |
| 2007 | Kestrel Vintners | CFranc | | 41.00 | 2 | |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Kestrel Vintners Two Ton Estate | CSauv | | 41.00 | 1/2 | |
| Winery |
| 2008 | L'Ecole No 41 | Syrah | | 28.00 | 2 | 89 |
| (WS-89) Sandy tannins wrap around a supple core of blackberry, tobacco, dry grass and licorice flavors in this focused red, coming together smoothly as the finish lingers. Best from 2012 through 2016. 2,261 cases made. –HS |
| Winery |
| 2008 | L'Ecole No 41 | CSauv | | 38.00 | 1/2 | 93-94 |
| (WE-94) Fragrant with smoky red fruits, this tight, young, pure Cabernet Sauvignon brings a generous mix of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry fruit into play. The firm and supple tannins are folded in seamlessly, with hints of iron, coffee and chocolate (WS-93) Firm, focused and dense, with blackberry, cherry, sandalwood and grilled rosemary flavors, coming together seamlessly on the long, vivid finish. Drink now through 2018. 2,333 cases made. –HS |
| Winery |
| 2008 | L'Ecole No 41 Seven Hills Vineyard | Merlot | | 38.00 | 2 | 89 |
| (WS-89) Firm and chewy, dense with tannins that almost swamp the focused core of cherry and spice flavor. The complex flavors emerge on the finish. Needs time. Best after 2013. 1,143 cases made. –HS |
| Winery |
| 2007 | La Calonica Vino Nobile di Montepulciano | Sangiovese | | 34.00 | 1/2 | 85 |
| (WS-85) A little earthy and funky, with barnyard and ripe fruit character. Medium-bodied, with a decadent finish. Drink now. 4,200 cases made. –JS |
| W P |
| 2008 | La Frenz Winery Grand Total | Bordeaux | | 40.00 | 3 | |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Lake Breeze Vineyards Seven Poplars | Pinot Noir | | 25.00 | 2/3 | |
| (Winery) Predominant aromas of raspberry, black cherry, anise with an earthy background. Palate is plush with a firm and ripe tannin finish. A well-structured wine designed for food, great with game dishes. Recommend cellaring this wine for 1 year, but it will continue to improve for 5-10 years. |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Lake Breeze Vineyards Tempest | Mer/CFr/CSauv | | 35.00 | 2/3 | |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Le Vieux Pin | Pinot Noir | | 35.00 | 1/3 | 88/92 |
| (JSc-88/90) An elegant wine, it presents with a fine deep colour and good weight on the palate, with flavours of raspberry and strawberry. The aromas are still a little reserved but the further time in bottle will bring the wine around |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Le Vieux Pin Winery Apogee | Merlot | | 65.00 | 2 | 88 |
| (Gis-88) Peppery, tobacco, cedar, light barnyard, black cherry, coffee, vanilla, soupy, Oxo-cube aromas. Rich, round, full bodied style with very dry, somewhat hard tannins. Big coffee, vanilla, toasty oak, tobacco, cedar, plum, black cherry, herbal, smoky flavours. Good intensity but somewhat hot with very dry tannins. Needs 2-5 years to soften but not sure about the fruit. |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Le Vieux Pin Winery Emoi | Pinot Noir | | 35.00 | 1/3 | 85 |
| (Gis-85) Somewhat brown, amber colour. Meaty, smoky, cedar, pine, worsteshire, cooked carrot, Band-Aid, dried cherry aromas. Round, dry, hot, astringent palate with dried cherry, worsteshire, coffee, vanilla, cooked carrot, meaty, tobacco, dill flavours. Very hot, astringent finish. Needs years to soften but lacks fruit. |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Le Vieux Pin Winery Perigee | Pinot Noir | http://www/levieuxpin.ca | 45.00 | 1/6 | |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Les Verrieres de Montagnac Clos des Soutyeres | Syrah | | 24.00 | 4 | 92 |
| (WS-92) A muscular style, offering a concentrated, intense mix of crushed red fruit and bittersweet chocolate flavors, with big structure and big tannins. Mint, tannins and spice fill the long, intense finish. Tempting now. Best from 2009-2014. 1,000 cases made. –KM |
| Vancouver |
| 2000 | Lo Givot | Blend | | 65.00 | 1/3 | 90 |
| (RP-90) (Winery) Intense red color with light hints of violet. Complex aroma first of oak and fruit. As the wine opens aromas of forest fruit, mature fruit preserve mixed with soft spicy and lactic notes. The presence of the wood diminishes as it breathes remaining perfectly integrated with the varietal aromas. Mineral, medicinal herb and balsamic notes with a liquorice finish. |
| J.W |
| 2010 | Luigi Bosca | Malbec | | 15.00 | 3 | |
| WP |
| 2009 | Maison Champy Beaune 1er Cru | Pinot Noir | | 54.00 | 3 | 90-91 |
| W P |
| 2004 | Majella | Merlot | | 34.00 | 1/2 | 90 |
| 1st release. Limited production. Very fruity style-packed with raisins, mulberry, dates, caramel oak touching up the very edges. Quite a lovely wine. Will age well medium term. Trademark Majella tannins – soft, fine and woven deep into the background of the wine. Pure drinking pleasure. Drink: 2006-2012.’ |
| Kensington |
| 2000 | Majella The Malleea | CSauv/Shiraz | | 59.00 | 1 | 89-96 |
| (RP-92+) exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color along with a classic bouquet of cedar wood, creme de cassis, smoke, licorice. This full-bodied, textured, concentrated red reveals notions of new oak as well as moderately high tannin, but it is structured, pure, impressively balanced. Accessible now, it promises to evolve for 10-12 ys & last 15 or more." (WS-89) A&G Trophy - exciting wine, dark, dangerous, but not for all tastes, with peppery, spicy, vinegary, tomatoey flavors around a supple core of blueberry jam character. Smoky notes pervade the whole thing. Flavorsome, but still pretty raucous. Best after 2005(HS) (JH-96) Most recently comfortably topped the Bordeaux blend class in the recent Tri Nations Wine Challenge. Young red wine is seldom as exuberantly joyful as this, fragrant cassis, cedar swirls from the glass, the exceptionally supple palate with a flawless, seamless marriage of fruit, oak, tannin |
| RH |
| 2007 | Miguel Torres Cordillera De Los Andes | Carignan 66% Merlot18% Syrah16% | | 30.00 | 2 | 85 |
| Soft and easygoing, with roasted plum, pepper and roasted vanilla notes. Round, fleshy finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported. –JM |
| W P |
| 2005 | Mills Reef Reserve | Merlot/Malbec | | 24.00 | 3/11 | 88 |
| (4.5/5)This darkly coloured red offers intense, fragrant aromas of violets, luscious plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, beautifully integrated with toffee, forest floor undertones. Concentrated flavours entice the palate with a medley of ripe blackcurrant, blueberry, blackberry fruits, complemented with a silky smooth texture, fine tannins, finely balanced oak seasoning. The length is long, lingering with a gentle dry finish |
| Spirit of Douglasdale |
| 2003 | Mitolo Wines G.A.M. | Shiraz | | 49.00 | 2 | 91 |
| (Gis-91) Smoky, peppery, spicy, hot, vanilla, blackberry jam, minty, licorice aromas with floral, bacon notes. Rich, round, soft and a bit alcoholic with very spicy, blackberry jam, vanilla, violet, licorice, minty, smoky flavours. Very smooth, sexy style with some acidity, warmth with a chocolate, coconut finish. (Other) The spectacular, dense ruby/purple-colored 2003 Shiraz G. A. M. (named after the Mitolo family’s three children) exhibits aromas of lead pencil shavings, blackberries, blueberries, cassis, licorice, new oak, scorched earth. This complex 2003 comes across as a hypothetical blend of a great La Mission-Haut-Brion from Bordeaux & a Rhone Valley Hermitage such as Chapoutier’s Pavillon. Everything is seamlessly integrated into this tour de force in winemaking. Should age for 10-15+ years. |
| RH |
| 2007 | Mitolo Wines G.A.M. | Shiraz | | 35.00 | 1/3 | 90 |
| (WS-90) Ripe in flavor and jazzy in style, with boysenberry and gentle tarry flavors gliding smoothly over polished tannins and lingering on the harmonious finish. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases imported. –HS |
| RH |
| 2002 | Mitolo Wines Reiver | Shiraz | | 52.00 | 3 | 94-96 |
| Winemaker: Dense opaque purple. The nose shows hints of black fuits, cigar box, the palate also showing these characters but with ripe spicy tones, well rounded smooth tannin. The richness of the wine is extraordinary as is the purity of berry fruit overtones. 2002 Reiver will age for at least a decade. (RP-94-96) age for 15+ years . (JH -95) Drink til 2022. (Wine int'l-92) Drink 2007-2020 |
| Cri |
| 2004 | Mitolo Wines Savitar | Shiraz | | 59.00 | 2/3 | 98 |
| (RP-98) Dark blood plum characters on the nose intermingled with cloves and blackcurrant. A restrained and tightly structured palate that will benefit from a few years in the cellar. |
| Ricmond Hills |
| 2003 | Mitolo Wines Serpico | CSauv | | 65.00 | 2/3 | 91-92 |
| (RP-92) (AusWine- 5 star) Huge, black, purple wine with astounding viscosity. Grapes were hand harvested onto drying racks; left for 7 wks, in the tradition of amarone. Nose of roasted expresso, blackberry, cassis. Explosive on the palate with silky smooth, rich ripe tannins, a massive finish. Not a wine for those who shy from confrontation. Avoid consuming for as long as able, best now-2018. (Gis-91) An unusual wine made with grapes picked at full ripeness then dried on racks for 5-6 wks to gain an extra level of power, complexity, similar to Amarone. Fermented, then cooled to spend an extra 10 days on the skins before aging in French oak. Open spicy, leafy, licorice, cassis, chocolate, saddle leather, coffee aromas with some warmth. Rich, round, suave, slightly tannic with a tight core of acidity. Lots of cassis, mint, tobacco, saddle leather, vanilla, spicy licorice flavours with a rootsy, chocolate finish. Fine finesse, elegance but definitely on the warm side at 14.9%. Will need 2-4 years to fully smooth out. |
| J.W |
| 2007 | Mitolo Wines Serpico | CSauv | | 35.00 | 3 | 87 |
| Firm in texture, with a meaty character wedging into the ripe black cherry and smoke flavors. Drink now through 2012. 500 cases imported. –HS |
| RH |
| 2006 | Montes Purple Angel | Carmenere | | 33.00 | 1/2 | 91-92 |
| (WS-91) A very ambitious style, with dark, exotic toast leading the way for fig sauce, currant paste and Turkish coffee flavors that manage to stay pure and driven. The long, very polished finish let a mineral note echo. Carmenčre and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2011. 4,000 cases made. –JM (ST-93) Glass-staining ruby. Pungent scents of red, dark berry preserves are complicated by musky herbs, cracked pepper, potpourri, with a suave undercurrent of oak spices. Sweet, pliant blackberry, candied cherry flavors are framed by velvety tannins, given a tangy edge by a bright minerality that builds on the finish. This will reward patience but is pretty delicious right now |
| W.P |
| 2008 | Mount Boucherie Estate Winery Family Reserve | Zinfandel | | 35.00 | 2 | |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Mount Boucherie Estate Winery Summit Reserve | Syrah | | 35.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2010 | Mount Boucherie Estate Winery Summit Reserve | Pinot Noir | | 20.00 | 2/3 | |
| Winery |
| 2001 | Ochoa Gran Reserva | Tempranillo/Merlot/CSauv | | 30.00 | 1 | |
| JW |
| 2009 | Orofino Vinyards Red Bridge | Merlot | | 32.00 | 2/3 | |
| Vanv. Liberty |
| 2004 | Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin | Bordeaux blend | | 45.00 | 1/11 | 88-92 |
| (JSc-92) A generous, dark-hued wine, inviting red fruit aromas, flavours of plums, black cherries, chocolate well integrated with oak flavours (wine has 18 months in barrels, 60% of which were new, 40% 1-year old). Tannins: long, supple but firm enough for reasonable longevity. Palate, texture shows excellent concentration. Finish: long, elegant. (Gis-88) Smoky, coriander, tobacco, dill, chocolate, cedar, saddle leather, floral aromas. Dry, round, slightly tight entry with chewy tannins. Floral, cherry, tobacco, rootsy, licorice, vanilla, prune, cranberry, cedar flavours. Improving complexity, balance but the textures, tannins are still quite austere. Needs 2-4 years. (WT-4/5) 3rd release-Bordeaux trained winemaker Pascal Madevon has craftes an ageworthy red (Merlot dominated) which includes % of all 5 red varieties. Aromas of vanilla, smoke, blueberry, spice, tobacco. Flavor is awash withpeppery spice,, current, cedar notes. 4 or more years in the bottle needed |
| Wine Shop |
| 2006 | Paras Vineyard | Syrah | | 40.00 | 2 | |
| J.Webb |
| 2007 | Paras Vineyard | CSauv | | 60.00 | 1 | 93-95 |
| JW |
| 1998 | Penfold Wines Bin 407 | CSauv | | 40.00 | 1 | 90-94 |
| (Gis-90) This is year number eight for the 407 that is blended in both French and American oak. Expect a varietally expressive red packed full of mint, cassis, black olive, black currant and coffee aromas and flavours. The slightly leathery, tannic finish will enable it to age for some years. At 14 percent alcohol, this is a mouth-filling cabernet and one of the biggest 407s to date. |
| 2006 | Penfolds St Henri | Shiraz | | 42.00 | 1 | 93 |
| Supple and generous, delivering a plush mouthful of vibrant blueberry, plum and wet earth flavors that play against a distinct minerality. The vivid finish hints at tea leaf. Drink now through 2018. 925 cases imported. –HS |
| W P |
| 2007 | Penfolds St Henri | Shiraz | | 42.00 | 2 | 92 |
| Smooth and inviting, this is vibrant with plum, currant and white pepper flavors that dance easily over polished tannins, lingering on the open-weave finish. Drink now through 2025. 2,500 cases imported. –HS |
| W P |
| 1996 | Penfolds Wines Bin 389 | CSauv/Shiraz | | 30.00 | 0/6 | 88-91 |
| Outstanding Vintage! (WS-91)Fat, flavorful, A richly textured red wine that unfolds its ripe black cherry, blackberry, anise flavors like a thick quilt. Soft, warm, generous, with a sweet, supple finish (HS) (Gis-91) Huge colour in this 50/50 blend they refer to as the poor man’s Grange. Ripe plum, vanilla, spice, pepper, violet, blackberry jam, mint aroma flavours. Excellent intensity but in a very supple, ripe tannin style. Year in, year one of the best value wines made at Penfolds. (tasted at Penfolds 2000 drink until 2020) Spicy oak, licorice, packed tannins with lingering flavors of chocolate, fruit. ( WineRev ) I was totally bowled over by this wine. Looking at the colour it is even more black, more dense, if that is possible. Tasting it I am lost for words. All I wrote is "This is just so stunning. Smooth, dollops of blackberry fruit but leaving a very elegant finish". I don't do scores, have not scored any of the other wines but this I wrote 99/100 it is just so outstanding. My wine of the week, the month, maybe the year. (WE-88) |
| 1998 | Penfolds Wines Bin 389 | CSauv/Shiraz | | 32.00 | 1/27 | 88-93 |
| (Penfolds-Outstanding Vintage!) Huge etheral wine with intense blackberry/licorice,spice,malt aromas. Palate is richly concentrated with deep set blackberry/mocha fruit, ripe velvety/chocolate tannins. Drink til 2030. (WS-88) Firm in texture, generous with its cherry, currant fruit, shaded nicely with touches of fresh herb, smoke & bitter chocolate. Tannins are balanced through the finish(HS) (W&S-93) Deep dark, savory oak scents pour out of this wine; jammed with fruit in the glass. Ripe, bold, lasting; needs time to mellow. (Gis-92) Penfolds is trying to raise the cab portion of this wine into the 60-65 % range but the ’98 still contains 42 % shiraz. Look for a dark, brooding nearly opaque colour, aromas of mint, damson plums, blackberry jam, black olives with just a wisp of mocha. An appealing sweet vanilla oak scent pulls your nose into the glass where you discover the Grange character sans the price or the searing intensity although you could argue the 1998 is as close as it gets. Very rich, intense, the palate adds even more of a coffee, smoky, pepper experience with cassis, blackberry jam, mint, you name it, it’s all here. A blockbuster bottle (Winemaker) Nose: fresh blueberry, mulberry, licorice, soy. Palate: generous fruits, dark chocolate, fresh leather, coffee grounds, anise flavours. |
| WP, K, Ba, |
| 2000 | Penfolds Wines Bin 389 | CSauv/Shiraz | | 35.00 | 1/6 | 89-91 |
| (WS-90)Starts off dark, dense, quickly finds a sense of elegance that lets pepper, licorice scented blackberry, cherry flavors come sailing through, echoing beautifully on the firm, fine-grained finish. (HS) [#82 in top 100 - 2003] (Gis-91) Bin 389 is often referred to as "baby Grange" in North America because parts of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous year's Grange. Since 1960, Penfolds has been making Bin 389 by combining the structure of CabSauv with the richness of shiraz. Fruit is mix of McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Coonawarra with small contributions from Robe, Barossa Valley, Kalimna all of which spends 14 months in 22 % new oak with the remainder a mix of 1 & 2 year old Amer oak. Blackberry, chocolate are key flavours with smoky licorice undertones. The 2000 "389" is clearly benefiting from the decision NOT to make a 2000 "707" thus leaving some superior lots of cab to enrich an already rich red. Soft, round, ready to go but should hold well through 2010. (Tasted at Penfolds 2002-drink-2015) (Garr) Inky dark purple, almost black, with garnet glints showing when you hold it to a bright light. Black fruit, delicately fragrant pepper, a whiff of fresh dill (a signal of Amer oak barrels) show in the aroma. Flavor offers a blend of juicy black fruits, sweet oak, a hint of anise, soft tannins, tangy acidity. Seems a bit more austere than some past vintages at first. But with time in the glass it opens up in layers, suggesting that age will serve this one well, as it has in past vintages. (WE-89) Sturdy, well-crafted wine, solid choice when a big-boned red is in order. Acids are lively, tannins are chewy. Nose has lots of vanilla, plus some mint, plum, raspberry |
| Centre St |
| 2001 | Penfolds Wines Bin 389 | CSauv/Shiraz | | 35.00 | 1/3 | 88-91 |
| (WS-88) Ripe, fuzzy with a thin blanket of tannins around a supple core of blackberry, smoke, spice flavour, persisting nicely on the finish. (Gis-91) Open minty, menthol (more than we remember) saddle leather nose , vanilla, peppery, tarry, cassis nose with some green bean, olive streaks. Rich, ripe, round, concentrated palate with very peppery, spicy, coffee vanilla flavours with a minty, cassis, black berry, mocha finish. Elegant, dry tannins are evident on the warm finish but as usual well balanced with fine potential to age over the next 5-8 years. Very young but certainly a top 389. (Winemaker) Nose: White chocolate, vanilla pod, loganberry. Palate: Layers of blackcurrant, blueberry and reduction stocks are set against firm tannins. Peak drinking now-2025. |
| WP |
| 2003 | Penfolds Wines Bin 389 | CSauv/Shiraz | | 21.00 | 3/5 | 88-91 |
| (WS-88) Smooth, round, a gentle wine with a generous mouthfeel offering blackberry, dark plum fruit shaded with hints of leather and spice. Drink now - 2010. 23,000 cases imported. –HS (Gis-91) I can’t tell you how happy I am to taste an Australian wine that doesn’t have that odd acidified flavoured. The ‘03 389 is suitably dark, well wrapped in cassis, chocolate, vanilla, black pepper aromas without any green character. The mouth is ripe, supple as always with more sweet tobacco, chocolate, smoky, herbal black currant flavours. A very fine effort. |
| W.P |
| 2004 | Penfolds Wines Bin 389 | CSauv/Shiraz | | 32.00 | 2/3 | 90-92 |
| (WS-90) Velvety in texture, refined tannins surrounding a plush core of currant, huckleberry, peppery spice flavors that linger effortlessly on the finish. Best from 2008-2016. HS (Gis-92) Yet another notch above the very fine 2003 the 2004 ‘389’ is juicy plump powerful red wine with increased density, mid-palate weight. Penfolds wants to elevate this wine to its top end, the ’04 makes good argument. It’s packed full of vanilla, black pepper, cassis, chocolate without any green or leathery aspects. Finish is long with flecks of tobacco, smoky, black fruit. grippy tannins. Built for the long haul this should cellar easily for a decade. The mix is 53/47 cab/sh |
| Co-op Richmond |
| 2005 | Penfolds Wines Bin 389 | CSauv/Shiraz | | 32.00 | 2/3 | 88 |
| (WS-88) Ripe in flavor, upright in style, with savory tobacco and black olive nuances edging into the dark berry and smoke flavors, narrowing a bit on the finish with firm tannins. Best from 2010 through 2015. 20,000 cases imported. –HS |
| Co-op |
| 2007 | Pepper Bridge Winery | CSauv | | 63.00 | 1 | 92-95 |
| (W&S-95) complex scents of mushroom and tomato skin adorn a fruit palette of deep black cherry and plum. That mélange carries over beautifully into the flavors, but the real story here is the wine’s gorgeous texture—so supple it’s as if the tannins have been ground to a mouth-coating fineness, lending the wine uncanny elegance and length. Drinking beautifully now, it will reward a decade’s cellaring.” (WE-94) a muscular wine, with excellent depth and polish. In the mouth it displays exceptional Cabernet/Bordeaux character, in the context of bright Washington fruit. Vivid and aromatic, with a lifted palate that blends and matches dark cassis fruit and mixed herbs with hints of the 50% new oak. Age this for decades (WA-92)Deep purple in color, it exhibits an attractive perfume of cedar, Asian spices, mineral, incense, and black currant. Medium-bodied on the palate with excellent volume, concentration, and balance |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Perseus Winery & Vineyards Invictus | CSauv/CFr/Mer/Mal/PVer | | 33.00 | 2 | |
| Discover Wines |
| 2009 | Perseus Winery & Vineyards Synergy | Shiraz/CSauv | | 22.00 | 2 | |
| Discover Wines |
| 2007 | Pioneer | CSauv | | 33.00 | 3/6 | |
| Made exclusively for J.Webb by wine maker of Paras Vineyards |
| J.Webb |
| 2010 | Pioneer Red Roan | Rhone Style | | 29.00 | 1/3 | |
| J.Webb |
| 2010 | Pioneer Russian River Valley | Pinot Noir | | 27.00 | 2 | |
| JW |
| 2009 | Plume Winery | CSauvignon | | 30.00 | 4/7 | 90 |
| W P |
| 2007 | Poplar Grove Winery | Syrah | | 31.00 | 0/3 | 90-95 |
| 2010 Governor General Award (JC-93/95) Deep & dark, the way Syrah should be. Nose shows abundant ripe blueberry fruit, vanilla notes. It's intense, not jammy. It's fresh, fragrant, without any of the earthy aromas that can be a turn-off. It's the palate that really shines. Gorgeous depth of fruit, with black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, cream flavours, touch of spice. It's full, not heavy, just enough tannins to give structure, otherwise very fine, soft, silky. Mid-palate shows enough watery traces to prevent it being jammy, sweet - the perfect combination. Not a hint of greeness anywhere to be found. A high class Syrah. (Gis-90) Nose is surprisingly wild or feral with plenty of rich floral, black fruit, minerality. Underneath the wine remains fresh with fine acidity, more blueberry, spicy leather barnyard notes. Textures are smooth, glossy; not overbearing. |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Poplar Grove Winery | Merlot | | 28.00 | 0/3 | |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Poplar Grove Winery | Syrah | | 32.00 | 3/7 | |
| Gold at Decanter World Wine Awards |
| winery |
| 2008 | Poplar Grove Winery | CFranc | | 35.00 | 1/3 | |
| Bronze at Decanter World Wine Awards |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Poplar Grove Winery | Syrah/Viognier | | 39.00 | 4 | |
| (Winery) Intense, robust, the Syrah eminates wild sagebrush, ripe cherry with smoke, spicy notes. Full mid-palate of espresso, Callebaut chocolate. Balanced with Viognier's stunning spring flowers, honeysuckle on the nose. Vivid, inky. |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Poplar Grove Winery | CSM | | 35.00 | 1/3 | 88 |
| (Gis-88) Smoky peppery tobacco nose with bits of coffee, cassis, black cherry, olive and barnyard aromas. The attack is dry and tight with smooth textures and a touch of grainy tannins. More tobacco, vanilla cream, chocolate and meaty, coffee, cassis jam, black berry jam, black olive flavours assault the palate before finishing warm and oaky. A solid Bordeaux blend with some syrah to boost its intensity and alcohol. |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Poplar Grove Winery | Malbec | | 36.00 | 2 | |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Poplar Grove Winery | CSM CSauv/Mer/CFr/Syrah | | 33.00 | 3 | |
| winery |
| 2009 | Poplar Grove Winery | Shiraz | | 31.00 | 3/4 | |
| Winery |
| 2004 | Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy | Merl/CFranc/CSauv/Malbec | | 50.00 | 1/5 | 87-92 |
| (JSc-92)The wine is muscular, concentrated, with aromas of red berries, cedar and with flavours of spicy plums. The structure is firm for superb long-term aging while the time in bottle before release has allowed the wine to take on a polished elegance (Gis-87) Meaty, peppery, compost, earthy, smoky, tobacco leaf, cedar aromas with a bit of cooked carrot. Dry, fresh, lean entry with light gritty tannins. Cherry, cranberry, coffee, vanilla, herbal, tobacco leaf, peppery, green tea flavours. Old Bordeaux style but still lacks ripeness. |
| Winery |
| 2005 | Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy | Merl/CFr/CSauv/Malb | | 50.00 | 2/5 | 92 |
| (Icon-92) This dark garnet wine offers delicate aromas of fresh floral, blackberry with flavours of floral, licorice on the palate. Smooth, well-structured tannins complement strong but tamed acidity which will make this wine the perfect cellar keeper for special occasions |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy | Mer/CSauv/CFr | | 49.00 | 3 | 86 |
| (Gis-86) Cool cedar bark, menthol, cranberry, black olive, dried herb nose with pruny, cherry, iodine aromas. Very dry, round, warm palate with some light, grainy tannins that finish a bit chewy. Peppery, resin, coffee, cedar bark, cranberry, savoury, tobacco leaf, licorice, prune plum flavours and some green tea tannins. Somewhat rustic, older style but has some intensity. Needs a few years in bottle or a rare steak |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy | CSauv/Mer/CFr | | 47.00 | 3 | 88 |
| Spicy, chocolate, vanilla, prune, tobacco, meaty, coffee, black olive, minty, cassis, dried cranberry aromas with a hint of volatility. Full, round, slightly chewy palate with tobacco, cedar, earthy, liquorice, green olive, cherry, cranberry, coffee, vanilla flavours. Elegant and juicy with some green tea tannins on the finish. Needs 2-4 years to properly mature in bottle. |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Quails' Gate Estate Winery | Merlot | | 25.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2007 | Quinta Do Castro Reserva Old Vines | Mixed red variatals | | 30.00 | 1 | 91-94 |
| (RP-94) (Gis-94) Does Crasto have magic quality dust they sprinkle on their vines? The ’07 Reserva delivers from front to back in the glass, is so good it has to be scary for its international competitors. Typically complex (thanks to mixed plantings of 25-30 different grape varieties closing in on 80 years of age) the colour is dark, not black this year, the flavours intense. Nutmeg, black plum, red fruits. Big, bold but elegant, stylish. Cellar for a decade. treat yourself to an extraordinary experience. The price/bottle ratio versus 2006 Lafite (in B.C.) is more than 20 to 1. I know what I’m buying. (WA-91) |
| Zyn |
| 2010 | Red Rooster Winery Reserve | Syrah | | 26.00 | 4/6 | |
| Winey |
| 2008 | Road 13 Vineyards | Pinot Noir | | 23.00 | 2/3 | 85 |
| (Gis-85) Celery, liquorice, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, spicy, peppery, compost aromas. Round, dry, elegant, supple palate but light bodied, forward. Herbal, celery, carrot top, rhubarb, sour cherry, mineral, menthol, tobacco leaf, compost flavours. Simple pinot with cool characters |
| (Gis-85) Celery, liquorice, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, spicy, peppery, compost aromas. Round, dry, elegant, supple palate but light bodied, forward. Herbal, celery, carrot top, rhubarb, sour cherry, mineral, menthol, tobacco leaf, compost flavours. Simple, pinot with cool characters. |
| 2009 | Road 13 Vineyards | Mer/Syr | | 45.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2010 | Road 13 Vineyards | Syrah | | 35.00 | 2 | |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Road 13 Vineyards Fifth Element | Merlot/CFr/CSauv/Mal/PetVerdot | | 36.00 | 1/3 | 86-90 |
| (WA-90) Selected from 279 barrels has rich fruit aromas; cherries, vanilla, bright minty tones with mocha. Juicy, bright on entry - fruit more poerful mid palate, rounded out by spicy cocoa, savory herbal hints. Very balanced (Gis-86) Winemaker Michael Bartier pulled 26 lots from 279 barrels to blend his latest Fifth Element a mix of several south Okanagan red varietals. Fruit is ripe, dark with milk chocolate, cedar-y, pepper notes throughout with fine acidity. There a fair amount oak that leads to some dryness in the back end but it should dissipate over the next 3 years. |
| Winery |
| 2008 | Road 13 Vineyards Rockpile | Syrah/Merlot/CSauv/CFr/Zin/Viog/Gre/Mourv | | 25.00 | 2/3 | 87 |
| (Gis-87) Rockpile is a supple, tasty blend of red fruit grown in the South Okanagan. In all 13 vineyard blocks contributed 8 varieties of grapes to the blend from both Black Sage Bench, Golden Mile Bench. Look for a cedar-y dried herb aroma, a similar spicy, savoury, cedar-y black fruit palate flecked with dried herbs. Drinkable now but should improve over the next 2 years under screwcap. |
| Winery |
| 2003 | Rockford Rifle Range | CSauv | | 43.00 | 2/3 | 90-92 |
| (WS-90) Bright red-purple; fresh and lively cassis and blackcurrant fruit is a particularly good outcome for a difficult cabernet year.(JO-92) A surprisingly rich and concentrated cabernet from a very difficult season for this variety. Its lightly herbal, violet-like aromas of small black and red berries are backed by restrained vanilla/cedary oak with reductive, meaty undertones. Smooth and juicy, framed by velvet tannins, its lively expression of vibrant blackberries, dark plums and sweet cedary oak long and persistent, without a sign of over-ripeness or stress. (JH-90) |
| RH |
| 2004 | Rockford Rifle Range | CSauv | | 43.00 | 1 | 89-95 |
| (JO-89) A sumptuous, firm and astringent cabernet whose deep, slightly stewed and jammy flavours of dark currants, plums and prunes deliver plenty of ripe juiciness in the middle of the palate, but dry out marginally towards the finish. Framed by loose-knit tannins, it's actually quite spicy, but finishes with a hint of sweetness. Slightly overcooked given the nature of this vintage. (JH-95)Great colour and hue; this is a quite beautiful expression of cabernet sauvignon in the Barossa Valley; great purity of line and fruit flavour; blackcurrant and cassis fruit, with positively silky tannins. |
| RH |
| 2009 | Saintem | Bordeaux | | 40.00 | 1 | |
| J.Webb |
| 2010 | Salvator Poveda Toscar | Monastrell | | 12.00 | 2 | |
| JW |
| 2009 | Sandhill Estate Vineyard Two | CabSauv/Merlot/CabFr | | 35.00 | 1 | |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Sharecropper's | CSauv | | 26.00 | 1 | |
| JW |
| 2007 | Stratus Vineyards Red | CSauv/CFranc | | 44.00 | 1 | 92-93 |
| The first red to reach a full 5 star rating during the writing of this edition. Deep and brilliant garnet hue to the rim;full, rich nose with top notes of banana and cherry. Lush but not opulent texture-clean, not lean-somewhere between satin and velvet. Fabulous depth and richness of ripe fruit flavours, with black cherry and plum dominating early, and balancing hints of apple skin in the end palate. Tremendously complex and already delicious, this one is worth holding back for several years.... Drink now to 2025 Konrad Ejbich," A pocket guide to Ontario Wines, Wineries,& Vines" (Icon-92/93)The Stratus Red is the signature red blend from ultra-modern producer Stratus Vineyards. A blend of 7 grapes, the five Bordeaux varietals with Syrah and Gamay, this dark ruby coloured wine offers concentrated aromas of dark cherry, cassis, pencil shavings, coffe grounds, white pepper and oak spice on the exciting nose. |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Sumac Ridge Estate Winery | CFranc | | 20.00 | 4/6 | |
| Winery |
| 2009 | Sumac Ridge Estate Winery | CSauv | | 23.00 | 3 | |
| Winery |
| 2000 | Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Pinnacle | Merl/CSauv/CFr/Syrah | | 50.00 | 1/2 | |
| (Bronze at OK Wine Fes) |
| winery |
| 2004 | Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Pinnacle | Merl/CSauv/CFr/Syrah | | 55.00 | 1 | 92 |
| (JS-92) A richly textured wine with complex fruity aromas, it is layered with tropical flavours (ripe pineapple, mango, peach) lifted by the spiciness of the oak. The finish is harmonious and persistent. Only 250 cases were made. The wine is under-priced for the quality |
| Winery |
| 2003 | Tapestry The Vincent | Shiraz | | 48.00 | 2 | 89-93 |
| (WS-93) Big, ripe, rich, dense and distinctive for its exotic spice notes, which add to the licorice-scented black cherry, dried raspberry and hints of smoke. It fills the mouth without overpowering it, and the finish just doesn't quit. Best from 2009 through 2020. 200 cases made. –HS (WE-89) From the same Bakers Gully Vineyard as Clarendon Hills’ Bakers Gully Shiraz, this is a full-bodied Shiraz with bold vanilla, saddle leather aromas, flavors of brambleberries. Rustic notes include hints of rubber or Band-Aid, but they’re in the background, while warm berries, vanilla, roasted coffee notes lead the way. Drink now |
| Britania Signed by winemaker |
| 2004 | Tardieu Laurent Guy Louis | Grenache/Mouvedre/Syrah | | 50.00 | 3/6 | 89-90 |
| vancouver |
| 2006 | Tenuta Argentiera Villa Donoratico | CSauv/Merlot/CFranc | | 30.00 | 1/3 | 90-91 |
| (RP-91) (WS-90) (ST-90) |
| W.P |
| 2008 | Tenuta San Guido Le Difise | CSauv | | 34.00 | 2/3 | 88 |
| (WS-88) Offers blackberry and spice aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and bright acidity. Barley and green wood mark the medium finish. Needs to come together. Best after 2011. 17,500 cases made. –JS |
| W.P |
| 2003 | Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia | CSauv/CFranc | | 115.00 | 4/5 | 91-93 |
| (WE-91) It’s almost criminal to taste Sassicaia before its prime. The 2003 vintage should be ready after 2010. A blend of 85% CabSauv, 15% CabFranc that aged 24 months in barrique, notes of cassis, exotic spice, menthol, green olive come through despite the hot vintage. It’s powerful in the mouth with crispness, refined tannins.(WS-92) Lots of raspberry, cherry on the nose. Full-bodied, chunky with lots of fruit, a long, velvety finish. Hints of new wood. Big, juicy Sassicaia. Very well done for the vintage. Best after 2008. 15,000 cases made. –JS (Gis-93) Open peppery, spicy, gamey, cassis jam, mineral, smoky blackberry aromas. Rich, round, moderately unctuous with good acidity, elegance. Blueberry, cassis, peppery, spicy vanilla flavours with slightly dry, austere tannins, some chunkiness. Good wood integration. quite a Bordelais-Tuscan styling. Needs about 5 years to fully come around |
| Wine cottage |
| 2005 | The Colonial Estate Etranger | CSauv | | 33.00 | 0/2 | 89 |
| (WS-89) Supple, deftly balanced. Shows some reticence as the ripe cherry, strawberry, rhubarb flavors play against hints of mint, spice, lingering enticingly against refined tannins. Best from 2009- 2013. 3,000 cases made. –HS |
| Towerhill |
| 2004 | Tolaini Valdisanti | CSauv/Merlot/CFranc | | 30.00 | 1 | 91 |
| Shows subtle aromas of blackberry, currant and flowers. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish. Very refined and balanced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2011. 500 cases made. –JS |
| W.P |
| 1997 | Tommasi della Valpolicella Classico | Amarone | | 35.00 | 3/8 | 90-93 |
| (WS-90) ig, powerful red. Lots of raisin, hints of smoke, charcoal. Full-bodied, with fruit, black pepper character. Long, juicy. (JS) (WE-93) Here’s an Amarone with something for everyone. The aromas of leather, smoked meat, tar, cola, menthol combine into a delicious, complex whole. The meaty palate has powerful black cherry fruit, firm, forward acids. And the finish is long, warming, with licorice, spice. Will age well for years to come. Editors’ Choice. |
| WCellar |
| 2009 | Township 7 Vineyards & Winery | Syrah | | 25.00 | 1/2 | |
| Gift signed by Winemaker |
| 2008 | Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Reserve 7 | Bordeaux Blend | | 26.00 | 3 | |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Township 7 Vineyards & Winery The Black Dog | Mer/CSauv/CFr/Mal/Syr | | 26.00 | 1/2 | 89+ |
| (Icon-89+) Tasting Notes: The label may say "Reserve Merlot" but The Black Dog is really a proprietary blend assembled by Township 7's winemaker, Bradley Cooper, which comprises 44% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 1% Syrah (for good measure). Aged in new oak (both French and American) for a whopping 40 months, the wine reminds me of a Rioja Reserva crossed with old, worn furniture - great character, but a little rough around the edges.The character comes from a wonderfully expressive nose of dark fruits, smoky oak, sweet fruit puree and a touch of mint. Loads of character on the dry palate as well with cigar box, leather, dark fruits and major oak flavours. The balance is a bit rough and leans towards the bitter end of the scale but certainly a unique wine worth sourcing. Drink 2011-2016. |
| Winery |
| 2004 | Vall Llach Embruix | Gr/Syr/Carig/Merl/CSauv | | 26.00 | 1/8 | 88-92 |
| (WE-92) The nose is almost impenetrable as it oozes blackberry, tar, fine leather. Meanwhile, the palate is like warm berry compote followed by espresso, dark chocolate. Very rich although not overly complex. Best now with steak or cheese, or hold until 2008. (WS-88) (RP-89) |
| W.P |
| 2004 | Vina la Rosa Ossa | CSauv/Carme/Merlot/Syrah | | 89.00 | 1 | 90 |
| (WE-90) La Rosa’s first-ever prestige wine is a burly blend of Cab Sauvignon, Carmenčre, Syrah and Cab Franc. There’s a deep color to it, with coconut, mint and pencil shaving aromas giving way to sweet, chocolaty, dark-fruit flavors. The 30% Carmenčre in the blend is evident in the herbal, leathery notes on the finish { } Best red blend wine of the 2008 Annual Wines of Chile Awards (Gold trophy) This is a poised, classy debut for La Rosa’s new flagship wine. Attractive spicy nose with mellow fruit, a whiff of oak; lovely weight, depth, balance on the palate (Decanter) Inky, ripe, raisened, creamy popcorn on the nose. Brooding. Complex nose. Yeasty, meaty. Crushed nuts. Smooth, silky texture. Dense but very elegant. Long. Overwhelmingly silky, velvety. Excellent tannin management. Balanced. Big but beautiful. Bit pricey. |
| RH |
| 2009 | Woodward Canyon | CSauv | | 51.00 | 2 | 90 |
| (WS-90) Supple, velvety and broad, with tarry, peppery black cherry and licorice flavors that linger on the smooth finish. Drink now through 2016. 588 cases made. –HS |
| Winery |
| 2006 | Wynns Vintage Release | CSauv | | 18.00 | 3/6 | 90 |
| The 2006 is already a great pleasure to drink with lovely ripe fruit and already some gentle cedarwood nuances, but it finishes completely dry and clearly has a fine skein of tannins in there that will keep it in fine fettle for the rest of the decade. J.R. |
| W.P |
| 2004 | Yalumba Winery The Signature | CSauv/Sh | | 30.00 | 1/6 | 92 |
| (WS-92)Smooth, round and especially graceful, with the ripe blackberry, tar and licorice flavors settling gently into a supple frame. The finish lets it all linger like the glow of a red sunset. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Drink now through 2016. 800 cases imported. –HS |
| Coop ($30) WP (50) |
| 2007 | Yangarra Old Vines | Grenache | | 24.00 | 1/2 | 89 |
| A great representative of Australian Grenache, with flavors of black fruit, road tar and raspberry liqueur fading to a palate of brambly fruit, all of which is couched in mocha and vanilla tones from toasty French oak. There's a bit of raspberry jam and a faint grip on the medium finish. Drink now. " W.E. |
| W.P |
|