| Year | Wine | Variety | Location | Price | Num | Rating |
| 1998 | Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux | Cabernet | 4-14 | | 1 | WS 87 |
| 1996 | Ch. Canon-LaGaffeliere | Cabernet | 4-10 | | 2 | WS 89 |
| A-2005 | Zuccardi Zeta | Malbec | 3 | $48 | 2 | 93 |
| uccardi Zeta 2005 has a deep and lively violet color. Attractive and intense in the nose, with spicy and dark fruit aromas. Notes of plums, strawberries, blueberries, and guava with distinct hints of black pepper, tobacco, baked red peppers, chocolate, truffles, and mulberry, giving this wine a great complexity. |
| A-2009 | A & P De Villaine Mercurey Montots Rouge | Pinot Noir | 6 | $37 | 3 | |
| A&P Mercurey Rouge Les Montots is bottled from vines that are situated on a fairly steep slope which has southern sun exposure. The vines were planted with a selection of Pinot Noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges and were chosen for their flavorful qualities and moderate yield. Les Montots is a Mercurey of its own kind, structured and vigorous, deep saturation with a dark ruby color. This wine will definitely open up over time with it's aging capabilities to reveal it's breadth and complexity. Age for five to seven years to experience the true flavor, or allow it to develop for fifteen to twenty years. Serve at around 64°F with red meat or game, Camembert, Brie and Vacherin cheeses. |
| A-2007 | Beau Vigne | Cabernet | 4 and bottom | | 3 | |
| 2009 | Beaucastel | C de Pape blend | 3- | 47 | 2 | 92-95 |
| 2007 | Berringer Knight's Valley | Cabernet | 2-2 | | 2 | |
| 2005 | Caparzo Brunello | | 3-bottom | 40 | 2 | 90 |
| A-2006 | Cargasacchi Pinot Noit Santa Rita Hills | Pinot Noir | 2-3 | $30 | 2 | 94 |
| A-2009 | Caymus Special Selection | Cabernet | Top | 90 | 2 | 97 |
| 2005 | Ch Carbonnieux | Blend | 4-bottom | | 3-bottom | |
| 2003 | Ch Grand-Puy-Lacoste | Cabernet | 4-2 | | 5 | 91-94, 92 |
| 1990 | Ch La Louviere | Blend | 4-12 | | 1 | 90 |
| 2003 | Ch La Tour Blanche | semillon | | | 3 | RP 96 |
| A light nose of pineapple and coconut. On the palate, very high levels of botrytis with a nutty, almondy note undeneath all that rich fruit. The acidity is a bit low but there is a very attractive peachy finish. Good potential. (19/25) Tasted again after bottling at the UGC in Oct-05. Another very attractive nose with pineapple and a scent that reminds me of custard sponge cake. The palate lacks a little botrytis but has a nice spicy, honeyed mid-palate. A little cloying on the marmalade tinged finish. Very fine. (20/25) |
| 2003 | Ch La Vieille Cure | Blend | 4-8 | $45 | 3 | 92 |
| The best wine yet made at La Vieille Cure, which is becoming one of the finest estates in Fronsac. It's a must-buy for seekers of tremendous quality at a great price. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of scorched earth, black raspberries, crème de cassis, and notions of cherries, smoke, and crushed rocks. This big, full-bodied, captivating wine is both structured and exceptionally long. Anticipated maturity: 2007 to 2018+. $23 |
| 1986 | Ch Leovile Las Cases | Blend | 4-12 | | 1 | 98 |
| 1989 | Ch. Cos d'Estournel | Cabernet | 4-15 | | 2 | WS 95 |
| 1998 | Ch. Bahans Haut Brion | Cabernet | 4-10 | | 2 | WS 92 |
| 2003 | Ch. Beauregard | Merlot | 4-6 | $50 | 3 | 20/25 |
| One of the dark horses of Pomerol, the nose is quite muted at first, before earthy black fruits and a touch of capsicum emerge. The palate had good weight and acidity, a dense, tightly coiled mid-palate with layers of glyercin-rich plum and cherry fruit. A nice savoury finish. Good length. Very fine. |
| 1998 | Ch. Berliquet | Cabernet | 4-9 | | 2 | WS 90-94 |
| 1989 | Ch. Branaire Ducru | Cabernet | 4-9 | | 1 | WS 90 |
| 2003 | Ch. Branaire Ducru | Blend | 4-7 | $74 | 3 | 93 |
| Purple. Brilliant sheen. Red and black currant notes. Crème de cassis. Vibrant. High Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) component, 20% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc. As often, the most charming of the St. Juliens. |
| 1989 | Ch. Clerc Milon | Cabernet | 4-12 | | 1 | WS 96 |
| 2003 | Ch. Clerc Milon | Blend | 4-1 | | 4 | WS 93 |
| 1982 | Ch. Cos d'Estournel | Cabernet | 4-15 | | 1 | RP 96 |
| 2003 | Ch. Gazin | Merlot | 4-5/6 | $76 | 3 | 16.5/25 |
| Sweet, slightly chocolatey red and black fruits nose. The palate is dark, ripe and nicely structured. Good concentration; tannic finish. Very good+ 89/100 For reasons that escape me, Gazin is never easy to evaluate young, and I often upgrade my opinion after the wine has had several years in the bottle. Performing much better from bottle than it did from cask, the 2003 Gazin is lavishly oaked, but also reveals plenty of black cherry and currant notes, sweet, surprisingly full-bodied, powerful flavors, and moderate tannin. |
| A light weedy tobacco tinged nose. The palate is not bad, more cohesion than there appears to have been in recent years but it is still blighted by a hollow mid-palate and an astringent finish. (15/25) Tasted again after bottling at the UGC in Oct-05. A dull, leathery, tobacco-infused nose. The palate has improved with moderate tannins, some ripe cherry and cranberry fruit. The oak has cemented over the hollow mid-palate but it still lacks definition and freshness. Average. (16/25) |
| 1996 | Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste | Cabernet | 4-9 | | 3 | WS 90 |
| 1995 | Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste | Cabernet | 4-9 | | 2 | WS 92 |
| 2003 | Ch. Gruaud Larose | Blend | 4-1 | $74 | 3 | 18.5/25, 91,92,93 |
| This is a truly exceptional Gruaud Larose. Recent vintages had suggested that Gruaud had a legendary wine just around the corner, but in 2003 they have really struck gold with one of the wines of the vintage. This could surpass the great Gruaud's of the past, like the 2000, 1990 and 1986. Only 40% of the total crop made it into the Grand Vin, incidentally leaving enough top quality grapes to make the best Sarget de Gruaud Larose I've ever tasted En Primeur. The nose has intense, intoxicating, spicy black fruit with powerful wafts of cedar and mint. The palate is even better, with massive fruit, immensely silky mouth-feel, minerals and classic Gruaud cigar box overtones. This really is a `must-buy' for any Bordeaux fan. Drink 2011-2035. |
| Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100 - WS |
| 2004 | Ch. Haut Bages Liberal | Blend | 4-12 | $49 | 2 | 90 |
| The tannins are so dense and concentrated in this wine, that it is hard to discern the fruit. But the weight suggests the fruit will have equal density to the tannins. Score - 93. |
| 1989 | Ch. Haut Brion | Cabernet | 4-13 | | 5 | WS 100 |
| 2001 | Ch. Kirwan | Cabernet | 4-12 | | 1 | WS 90 |
| 2003 | Ch. La Conseillante | Merlot | 4-6 | $105 | 3 | 19/25, WS 90, |
| Who says that the Left Bank produced the best wines in 2003? This is utterly sensational. The undoubted star of the Right Bank for us and contender for one of the wines of the vintage, Conseillante's intensely rich nose with bitter chocolate and violets, ripe and juicy black cherries and cedar is irresistible. The palate is equally compelling with beautifully-integrated new oak, seductive blackberries and cream fruit, layers of smoke and liquorice, and a finish that seemed to last all the way back to Bordeaux. But despite the expansive richness on display there is more to this wine than simple hedonism; this is never over the top, with a fine structure and subtle complexity. Surely the best Conseillante ever? Drink 2009-2030. |
| Violet, raspberry and kirsch aromas. Stands up for itself without being monstrous. A fine Conseillante. Mineral cocoa. Light, delicate and restrained. An evolved dark plum/garnet color is followed by captivating, sexy, raspberry, soy, Asian spice, kirsch liqueur, and toasty vanillin aromas. While not a blockbuster, this opulently-textured, medium-bodied effort is a model of elegance, harmony, finesse, and complexity. This wine's low acidity as well as wonderfully ripe fruit invite immediate consumption it should last for 12-15 years. |
| 2003 | Ch. Lafon Rochet | Blend | 4-1 | $49 | 2 | 16.5/25, WS RP 90 |
| Harvest went to October 4th, about the latest of the vintage. Exhibits sweet tannins around a core of iron. The late-picked Cabernet (60%) provides dimension and complexity. |
| Very exciting aromas of crushed blackberry and lightly smoky barrels. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. A bit tight but balanced. 90 Points, Wine Spectator, March 31, 2006 |
| 1990 | Ch. Latour | Cabernet | 4-14 | | 3 | WS 100 |
| 1998 | Ch. Latour-a-Pomerol | Merlot | 4-10 | | 3 | WS 94 |
| 1996 | Ch. Leoville Poyferre | Cabernet | 4-9/10 | | 3 | WS 88 |
| 2003 | Ch. Leoville Poyferre | Blend | 4-4 | $105 | 6 | 21/25, WS 95, RP 97/98 |
| From the least-known and certainly least-acclaimed of the three Léovilles, 2003 may well go down as the year that Poyferré vigorously reasserted itself in the talented hands of the Cuvelier family, fully justifying its status as a Second Growth. Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this wine exudes high-class sex-appeal. A great nose leads onto a palate of wonderful harmony and supreme elegance. The sweet fruit expresses itself like a Russian doll, with layer after layer revealing itself in a new way. With its enthusiastic and seductive embrace, this is a complete contrast to the other Léovilles; but is no less impressive for all that. One of the hidden gems of 2003. Drink 2010-2030. |
| Not, we thought, as some suggest, best of the Leovilles, but certainly the most fruit-forward. No mistake: a very good Poyferre. Smokey, rich black fruit. Sleek, silky, textured. Black raspberry, red currant, cranberry. Ultra-ripe. Moderate-length on finish. |
| 1988 | Ch. Lynch Bages | Cabernet | 4-12 | | 1 | WS 97 |
| 1990 | Ch. Lynch Bages | Cabernet | 4-12 | | 1 | WS 95 |
| 1998 | Ch. Malescot Expury | Cabernet | 4-10/11 | | 2 | WS 87 |
| 1996 | Ch. Margaux | Cabernet | 4-14 | | 5 | WS 95 |
| 1986 | Ch. Mouton Rothschild | Cabernet | 4-13 | | 2 | WS 99 |
| 2002 | Ch. Pape Clement | Cabernet | 4-13 | | 3 | RP 91-93 |
| 2000 | Ch. Phelan Segur | Cabernet | 4-11/12 | | 3 | RP 86-88 |
| 2003 | Ch. Phelan Segur | Blend | 4-4 | $54 | 4 | 16.5/20 |
| "The strongest effort from this estate since 1990, Phelan-Segur's 2003 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a sweet, jammy bouquet of black fruits intermixed with licorice, earth, and spice. Medium-bodied, with low acidity and fine tannin, this is a sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014." 87-89/100 pts. (Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - April 2004) |
| A solid red with silky tannins and a reserved fruit character. Medium- to full-bodied. Long finish. Refined. Phélan is always improving. 89-91 Points, Wine Spectator, 5 April, 2004 |
| 1990 | Ch. Pichon Baron | Cabernet | 4-12 | | 1 | WS 97 |
| 2004 | Ch. Pichon-Longueville Baron | Blend | 4-14 | $109 | 2 | 93 |
| 1995 | Ch. Pontet Canet | Cabernet | 4-10 | | 1 | WS 94 |
| 2003 | Ch. Pontet Canet | Blend | 4-7 | $99 | 3 | 17.5/20, RP 95 |
| Perched on the hillside on the northern outskirts of the rather drab town of Pauillac, Pontet-Canet's wines have in the last decade began increasingly to tower over many of their neighbours'. A slight reduction in the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (from 75% to 65%) has transformed the wines from overly-tannic and austere to elegantly supple and immensely enjoyable. 2003 has been a triumph for Ch. Pontet-Canet. A restrained yet classy nose is followed by atypical seductive, abundant fruit with superbly polished tannins. Owner Alfred Tesseron thinks this is the best Pontet-Canet ever. Drink 2009-2020. |
| A very austere, animally nose but the palate is very well-balanced, layers of tobacco laced fruit with vibrant fresh acidity. Quite tannic and masculine with a sweet cassis finish. A wine performing way-above it station. Vin de garde. Excellent. (22/25) Tasted again after bottling at the UGC in Oct-05. That animally nose has been tamed through barrel maturation: now a decadent, rich aroma with tobacco and ripe blackcherry fruits. The palate has superb definition, with ripe blackberry, kirsch and a touch of truffle. Still opulent and extrovert with a long sweet vanillary finish that just lacks the explosion I was hoping for. Still a very fine wine though. (21/25) |
| 1999 | Ch. Sociando Mallet | Cabernet | 4-11 | | 5 | WS 90 |
| 1998 | Ch. Trotanoy | Merlot | 4-11 | | 2 | WS 96 |
| 2003 | Ch. du Tertre | Blend | 4-3 | $49 | 4 | 17/20, RP 93, WS 89 |
| Another contender for the least-known Classed Growth in the Médoc, if this rejuvenated estate carries on making wines like its outstanding 2003, that situation will certainly change. Since being purchased by Eric and Marie-Louise Albada Jelgersma in 1997, the finely proportioned château has been completely rebuilt, while the quality of the wine under the talented Alexander van Beek has been equally drastically transformed. A fabulous nose of intensely floral cassis and dried fruits bears none of the stewed fruit found in many other southern Médoc wines. On the palate generous helpings of blackberries and cream, combine with elegant Margaux femininity to stunning effect. Made from 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this treasure of a wine surpasses the quality of their 2000 and offers excellent value too |
| Markedly attractive fruit. Extremely attractive. Atypical assemblage of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Complex and compelling. For relatively early consumption. |
| 2009 | Chateau Beaucastel | | 1-10 | | 2 | |
| 2005 | Chateau Boyd Cantenac | Blend | 3-13 | retail US $60 | 3 | RP 91 |
| RP: "This chateau, which is often under the radar (production is only 5,500-6,000 cases), has fashioned a terrific, inky/blue/purple-hued 2005 with a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers, creme de cassis, pain grille, and blueberries. Powerful and concentrated with full-bodied richness, stunning purity, and a tannic, 40+-second finish, this beauty requires patience. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030+." |
| 2005 | Chateau Clerc Milon | Blend | 3-8 | | 3 | |
| 2005 | Chateau Clos D'Oratoire | Merlot | 3-13 | | 3 | |
| 2005 | Chateau Desmirail | Blend | 3-13 | $30 | 3 | |
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| 2005 | Chateau Destieux | Blend | 3-13/12 | $60 | 3 | RP 92 |
| After Destieux’s brilliant 2003, I thought proprietor Christian Dauriac may have hit the highest peak possible at this old vineyard (average age 45 years). However, the blockbuster 2005 may well eclipse the 2003. Consultant Michel Rolland’s final blend consists of 66% Merlot, and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. A flamboyant, muscular, seriously concentrated wine of great intensity, it possesses a dense black/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of smoke, truffles, blackberries, earth, new saddle leather, and grilled meat juices. The wine is amazingly dense, rich, and powerful yet also elegant and fresh. The 14.5% alcohol is the highest this estate has achieved. Blame the 2005 drought for that characteristic. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025+ |
| 2005 | Chateau Domaine de l'Eglise | Merlot | 3-12 | retail US $60 | 3 | |
| 1999 | Chateau Ducru beaucaillou | | 3-10 | | 1 | |
| 2005 | Chateau Duhart Milon | Blend | 3-12 | retail US $75 | 2 | RP 92-94 |
| The 2005 Duhart-Milon is not far behind the 2003 (which I rated 94 points). A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot, it reflects the fact that the Rothschilds and their administrator, Charles Chevalier, have been making a major effort to increase quality at this property. Firm and structured, with a deep ruby/purple color and hints of graphite, black currants, licorice, smoke, and earth, it possesses a textured, rich, pure center, strong tannins, and real elegance as well as length. Four to six years of bottle age will be required, and it should last for 20-25 years. 90-92 points - Robert Parker |
| 2005 | Chateau Grand Ormeau | Merlot | 3-12 | $50 | 3 | RP 90-93 |
| "(90-93) out of 100.....A superb Lalande-de-Pomerol, this sumptuous, full-throttle, opulent cuvee boasts a dense blue/purple color as well as a gorgeous bouquet of smoke, creme de cassis, black cherry jam, licorice, and a hint of truffles. It will provide a ripe, heady, rich, sumptuous glass of wine during its first 6-10 years of life." - WA |
| 2005 | Chateau Grand Pontet | Merlot | 3-18 | retail US $60 | 3 | 91-94 |
| A fabulous effort, this deep, dense ruby, purple-tinged 2005 roars out of the glass like a runaway locomotive. Its technical numbers are nearly off the charts by bordeaux standards. Although it reveals incredibly high levels of tannin as well as 14% alcohol, it possesses the vintage’s characteristic freshness and liveliness. Loads of black fruits, spice box, cedar, and pain grille notes emerge from this structured blockbuster. It will benefit from 5-6 years of cellaring, and should last for 15-20 years. 91-94 points - Robert Parker |
| 2005 | Chateau L'Arrosee | Blend | 3-11 | $72 | 3 | RP 92-94 |
| Always talked of as a good property, there were some excellent vintages here in the 1980s and before, but we haven’t been impressed by it since 1990. Recently sold and with substantial investment and a new label, word from St Emilion insiders is that this vineyard just below Ausone is making huge efforts to be noticed again. This beautiful, smooth wine has a lovely creamy texture that combines modern wine making and genuine St Emilion character. A fruit salad with spice from smoky new oak. Fresh raspberries and crème caramel, followed by a sweet red cherry finish. RECOMMENDED. |
| 2005 | Chateau L'Hermitage | Merlot | 3-11 | retail US $63 | 3 | 90-92, RP 92 |
| Saturated, bright medium ruby. Aromas of blueberry, black truffle, bitter chocolate and menthol. Thick, sweet and powerful, but enlivened by a sappy quality and underlying minerality. A large-scaled, very ripe wine that finishes with big but essentially gentle and sweet tannins |
| L`Hermitage, one of the original garagiste estates, is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc from a small 9-acre site sandwiched between such titans of St.-Emilion as Beausejour-Duffau and Angelus. The 2005 is typically pure, medium to full-bodied, opulent, and showy, with more elegance (largely because of its fresh, lively acidity) and serious structure than usual. Its intense aromatics of blackberry, black cherry, and herbs is backed-up by a full-bodied wine possessing ripe tannin as well as outstanding weight, length, and overall harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022." |
| 2005 | Chateau La Fleur Cardinale | Merlot blend | 3-11/10 | $57 | 3 | RP 92-94 |
| Fleur-Cardinale’s new owners, Dominique Decosters and his beautiful wife, Florence, of Havilland porcelain fame, assisted admirably by the top oenologist in Michel Rolland’s laboratory, Jean-Philippe Fort, have turned this 40 plus acre vineyard into one of St.-Emilion’s bright shining stars . There are just under 6,000 cases of this stunning blend of 80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dense purple hue is followed by glorious aromas of flowers, black cherries, cassis, new saddle leather, and subtle wood. The wine reveals fabulous purity, beautiful symmetry, an expansive mouthfeel, a multilayered texture, magnificent richness, high tannin, and refreshing acidity. The alcohol is an unusually high 14.5% (a characteristic of many 2005 Right Bank efforts). This superb classic is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025. Robert Parker WA |
| 2005 | Chateau La Fleur de Bouard | Merlot | 3-10 | retail US $50 | 3 | 90-92 |
| From the personal estate of one of Bordeaux’s most influential tastemakers, Hubert de Bouard, the 2005 La Fleur de Bouard is potentially one of the finest yet produced ... And that’s saying something given the consistent quality. A blend of 80% merlot, 15% cabernet franc, and 5% cabernet sauvignon, its blue, black, purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of charcoal, melted licorice, espresso, blackberries, and blue fruits. Deep, opulent, and full-bodied, with sweet tannin as well as a powerful finish, it will require consumption during its first 7-8 years of life. |
| 2005 | Chateau Les Gravieres | Merlot | 3-10 | retail US $45 | 3 | RP 93 |
| Denis Barraud, an up-and-coming St.-Emilion star, fashions this garagiste offering from 100% Merlot. It possesses much more structure than expected given the mono-cepage utilized. Fresh, lively, black cherry, forest floor, spice box, and earth notes are present in this dense ruby/purple-colored effort. Full body, good richness, and moderately firm tannin will provide 15-20 years of longevity." ~(WA) |
| 1986 | Chateau Margaux | | 3-10 | | 1 | 99 |
| 2005 | Chateau Monbousquet | Merlot | 3-9 | retail US $83 | 3 | 91-95 |
| "95 out of 100...From a less than noble terroir in Saint-Sulpice de Faleyrens, Gerard Perse has accomplished miraculous things at Monbousquet. Prior to his acquisition of this property in the mid-nineties, this wine tasted like watered-down Beaujolais, but Perse has turned it into one of the more stunning, modern-styled wines of Bordeaux. A blend of approximately two-thirds Merlot, one-third Cabernet Franc and 8-10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 exhibits plenty of toasty oak, roasted herb, meat juice, blackberry, cherry, and spice characteristics along with a touch of incense. Full-bodied and opulent, with an atypically rigid structure, this is a remarkable achievement for such a humble terroir. It admirably reflects Gerard Perse’s obsessive commitment to excellence. Look for this 2005 to hit its stride in 7-8 years, and last for 15-20." - WA |
| A-2007 | Chateau Montelena | Cabernet | Top | $105 | 1 | 92-94 |
| 2005 | Chateau Moulin Saint-Georges | Merlot | 3-9 | retail US $64 | 3 | Parker : 91-93/100 |
| The best Moulin Saint-Georges Alain Vauthier, the Ausone master, has ever elaborated. Its colour is dark, its flavours of black currant are incredibly pure and the finale lasts “40 seconds”: a very fresh and mellow pleasure with the aromatic depth… |
| 2005 | Chateau Pipeau | Merlot blend | 3-9 | $31 | 3 | RP 91-93 |
| Readers looking for a tasty, delicious St.-Emilion that can be enjoyed at a young age should check out this value pick. This dense purple-hued, intense fruit bomb exhibits flamboyant notes of smoke, black raspberries, cherries, and graphite. A big, deep, full-bodied wine with tremendous opulence as well as tannin and structure in the background, it should be drinkable in 2-3 years, and last for 15 or more. It is a sleeper of the vintage. |
| 2005 | Chateau Prieure Lichine | Blend | 3-9 | retail US $ | 3 | 91 |
| Significant improvements are noticeable at this Margaux property now that StephaneDerenoncourt is the winemaking consultant. The 2005, perhaps the finest effort from this estate since the mid-sixties, boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with a sweet nose of cola, black cherries, cedar, and forest floor. Opulent with ripe tannin, a precocious mouthfeel (an anomaly for this vintage), and wonderful purity and lusciousness, it should be consumed during its first 15 years of life. -Robert Parker |
| 2005 | Chateau Rol Valentin | Merlot | 3-8 | | 3 | |
| A-2008 | Chateau Tanunda Noble Baron | Cabernet | 3 | $42 | 2 | 90+ |
| his opaque and dark purple Cabernet opens with a fragrant fruit forward black raspberry bouquet with a hint of oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, well balanced, and smooth as silk. The flavor profile is a gentle black raspberry and plum blend with notes of oak. The finish is dry and its sticky tannins linger for quite a while. Pair this Cab with duck. Enjoy – Ken |
| 2005 | Clos Des Andes | | LP | $25 | 2 | 91 |
| The 2005 Clos des Andes is 100% Malbec sourced from an 80 year old vineyard in the Lujan de Cuyo region of Mendoza. The wine was 50% barrel fermented and was aged for 12 months in 50% new and 50% 1 year French oak. Inky purple in color, the wine has a lovely bouquet of wood smoke, cedar, violets, blueberry, and black cherry. Firm and well-balanced, it has superb depth, sweet, fruit, and a lengthy finish. Give it 3-4 years to evolve and drink it through 2025. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007) |
| 2005 | Clos Les Lunelles | Merlot (80%) blend | 3-7 | $69 | 1 | 94 |
| This is the greatest Cotes de Castillon I have ever tasted. The 2005 Clos les Lunelles is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Inky/purple to the rim, the stunningly flamboyant perfume offers up scents of black fruits, spring flowers, and crushed rocks. The wine hits the palate with unbelievable concentration, full-bodied power, beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol, a layered, multidimensional mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts for nearly 45 seconds. This superb achievement is a tour de force in winemaking. Drink it over the next 15+ years. Score - 94 |
| 2005 | Clos du Marquis | Bordeaux | 3-7 | $89 | 1 | 93 |
| 93 points Wine Spectator: "Fabulous aromas of crushed raspberry, blackberry, mineral and licorice follow through to a full-bodied palate. This is chewy yet silky, with a long, long finish. Balanced and powerful. Best after 2012." (03/08) 91 points Robert Parker: "The superb second wine, the 2005 Clos du Marquis, reflects the utter brilliance of the 2005 grand vin. It boasts an inky/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of lead pencil, ripe cherries and black currants, and hints of earth and vanillin. Dense, chewy, fleshy, and full-bodied, this beauty will be drinkable in 3-4 years, and should keep for 15-20." (04/08) 90 points Stephen Tanzer: "Good full red-ruby. Superripe aromas of plum, mocha, coffee and spicy oak. Big, dry, broad and rich, with a chewy quality and noteworthy sweetness to the plummy flavor. This has more baby fat than the young 2006 but not quite as much detail or verve. Finishes quite broad, with major ripe tannins and lingering sweet fruit." (May/June '08) ETA: Sept 25th, 2009. |
| 2004 | Cos D'Estournel | Blend | 4-14 | $145 | 1 | 92-93 |
| A beautiful example of the vintage, proprietor Michel Reybier and his top-notch winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats, have fashioned an exceptional wine displaying a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of boysenberries, black currants, cherries, pain grille, roasted herbs, and licorice. Medium-bodied with impressive density for the vintage, sweet tannin, and outstanding richness and length, it should be at its finest between 2009 and 2020+. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
| This wine is better than their 2000 vintage by far!! 94 points Wine Spectator: "Loads of currant and blackberry, with hints of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Round and generous for the vintage. Best after 2011. 15,000 cases made." (05/07) 92 points Robert Parker: "A beautiful example of the vintage, proprietor Michel Reybier and his top-notch winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats, have fashioned an exceptional wine displaying a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of boysenberries, black currants, cherries, pain grille, roasted herbs, and licorice. Medium-bodied with impressive density for the vintage, sweet tannin, and outstanding richness and length, it should be at its finest between 2009 and 2020+." (06/07) 91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Deep red-ruby. Aromas of cassis, plum, licorice and coconutty oak. Round, suave and ripe, with lovely depth of flavor and a pliant, full texture for the year...it's lively and fresh, and finishes ripely tannic and long." K&L's notes - More Cabernet than usual—even more than 2003. Mocha aromas mixed with smoke and spice. Cola nuances also. Great structure and power. Very long-tons of everything. Sounds like a broken record—one of the best of 2004. |
| 2003 | Dom. de Chevalier | Merlot | 4-1 | $62 | 1 | 17.5/20, WS RP 90 |
| This impressive estate hidden in the woods outside Léognan has traditionally been noted for its outstanding whites, but increasingly the reds are gaining equal billing. The man responsible for this increase in quality is highly rated winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt who has previously made the wines at La Mondotte, Canon la Gaffelière and Pavie-Macquin. Their excellent 2003 rouge is as refined and aristocratic as ever on the nose. The palate boasts pure, classy oak notes, impeccably balanced, with the fruit displaying a degree of opulence never before seen here. An incredibly long finish merely serves to emphasise the breeding of this first-rate Claret. Drink 2012-2030. |
| The nose is muted: black dusty fruit, quite rustic. The palate is tannic with good acidity, very fruit-driven but with smooth texture. Not an over-powering wine - there is a modicum of restraint which is very attractive. This might blossom over the next couple of years: if it does not then it will be inferior to its contempories. (18/25) Tasted again at en primeur. The nose is closed, rustic and brambly. A litte muffled and lacking definition. The palate is concentrated, well-knit with ripe blackberry and tobacco. Earthy on the mid-palate which is aggressive. Some astringency on the finish. An average Domaine de Chevalier Rouge. (18/25) |
| 2005 | Elderton Shiraz | | 1-12 | | | |
| A-2006 | Gordon Brothers | Syrah | 2-2 | | 1 | 88 |
| A-2007 | I Giusti & Zanza Ducamara | Blend | 2-3 | $30 | 2 | 94 |
| 2008 | James Haselgrove Futures Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-3 | | 1 | |
| A-2006 | La Serena Brunello | | Bottom | $45 | 2 | 96-97 |
| Wine Spectator 97 Points Beautifully perfumed, this red features rose, peony, black currant, tar and licorice aromas and flavors. Ripe and dense, with well-integrated tannins and acidity that funnel the fruit and savory notes into a long aftertaste. Complex and intense. Best from 2013 through 2026.-B.S. Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 93 Points The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is an exciting, full-throttle wine bursting with dark fruit, mocha, chocolate, spices, roasted coffee beans and spices. The intensity of the fruit builds towards the enveloping, round finish. Despite its size, the wine is already pretty open. I don’t think this will be a long-term ager, but it should drink very nicely over the medium term. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. James Suckling 96 Points I am impressed with the minerals, blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Lavender too. Full body, with masses of fruit and tannins, yet refined and polished. Incredibly decadent. Made from organic grapes. Please don’t touch this until 2015. |
| A-2004 | Ladera 2004 Howell Mountain Cabernet | Cabernet | 4 | | 2 | 91 |
| S 91pts. - IWC 91pts. According to the Wine Spectator: A rustic yet smooth and harmonious style, with dusty berry, mineral, sage and herb scents that form a complex core of flavors. There's good intensity, and the tannins are in check. Ends with a minerally aftertaste, making this a wine that's very true to its appellation. Best from 2008 through 2016. 2,500 cases made. |
| A-2010 | Martin Ray Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | 2-3 | 20 | 1 | 88 |
| 2006 | Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-2 | | 1 | 92 |
| A-2007 | Mitolo Savitar | | Bottom | 25 | 3 | 94-96 |
| "Vibrant purple hue. Heady aromas of black cherry, plum and rum cake with hints of raisin and black cherry. Jammy flavors of plum and blackberry. Plush tannins and layers of blueberry, mocha and vanilla drive the endless close. " 96 Points The Wine News "Dense, deep purple-crimson; full-bodied, with rich and luscious plum, blackberry and dark chocolate is supported by good oak and appropriate tannins." 94 Points Australian Wine Companion |
| 2006 | Napa Cellars Napa Cab | Cabernet | 1-1 | | 1 | |
| A-2007 | Nicholas Catena Zapata | Blend | 2-1 | $90 | 3 | 93-98 |
| 2003 | Rubicon | Blend | Small | $80 | 2 | 95 |
| A-2008 | Sheridan Brothers Mystique | Blend | 2-1 | 20 | 1 | 91 |
| 2007 | Stags' Leap Petite Syrah | Petite Sirah | 2-2 | | 1 | 87 |
| A-2006 | The Colonial Estate Explorateur | Shiraz | 2-1 | | 1 | 89 |
| A-2006 | Torres Miramar Estate Dona Margarita Vineyard | Pinot Noir | 2-2 | $46 | 1 | |
| 2001 | Travaglini Gattinara | Nebbiolo | 3-15 | $30 | 1 | |
| Has lots of dried flowers and very ripe fruits, with a Christmas pudding undertone. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. A little Port-like, but rich and impressive. This is consistently delicious. Best after 2010. Score - 91. (James Suckling, |
| Gattinara is a very hard wine to perfect but the people at Travaglini are surely among the very best producers in Italy. Certainly WineSpectator thought so with the Travaglini Gattinara 2003 making the top 100 this year. This wine has a reputation as the "poor mans Barolo" but over the past 10 years has began to shed its image and step out of the shadows. |
| 2005 | Valletta | Grenache- Shiraz | 1-3 | | 2 | 93 |
| 2008 | Wynn's Connawarra Cabernet | Cabernet | 1-5 | | 2 | 93 |
| 2007 | Heartland by Ben Glaetzer | Shiraz | 1-4 | $20 | 1 | 90 |
| Ripe and rich, brimming with black cherry, blackberry and smoke flavors that play against coffee and cola notes on the long finish, framed with fine tannins. Best from 2010 through 2014. Score - 88 |
| 2008 | ST Hallett GST | GST | 1-12 | | 1 | |
| A-2006 | Hewitt Vineyard Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford | Cabernet | 5 | | 1 | 92 |
| 2 Points |
| 2005 | 3 Rings Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-13 | $2X | 2 | WS 91 |
| 2005 was an excellent vintage in the Barossa Valley and the quality shows here in this wine's balance and complex flavors. A small percentage of Cabernet was used in the blend this year. Wood treatment was a combination of new and used American Oak for one year. |
| 2001 | Alkoomi Frankland River Blackbutt | Blend | 2-12 | | 2 | |
| 2004 | Altair Red | Cabernet | LP | $65 | 4 | 94 |
| Ripe black fruits persist through the pure finish. Cellar this beauty for 6-8 years and drink it through 2030. Score - 94. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
| 2006 | Amity Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir | right row 1 | | 1 | 88 |
| 88 Scores are assigned on a 100-point scale and reflect a wine's overall quality, but don't consider price. |
| 2005 | Antinori Pian Della Vigne Brunello | | 3- bottom | | 2 | 92 |
| 2002 | Arrowood Le Beau Melange | Syrah | Small | $30 | 2 | 90-93 |
| The 2002 Syrah Le Beau Melange is a chocolaty, earthy effort revealing a hint of new saddle leather, full-bodied flavors, and an exuberant, typically California personality with its up-front fruit and precocious personality. It does not have all the layers found in the Saralee's cuvee, but it's a beauty nevertheless. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. , Score - (90-93). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2003) |
| 2001 | Axial Globalization Devinos Vallobera Reserve | | | $29 | 2 | 92 |
| The 2001 Reserva, from a great vintage, has an evolved perfume of toasty oak, scorched earth, espresso roast, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. It offers more structure and density on the palate and will profit from 4-6 years in the cellar. It should drink well through 2030. It is a classic, traditionally made Rioja. Score - 92+. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008) |
| 1999 | Banfi Poggio All' Oro Brunello di Montalcino | | 3-15 | $140! | 2 | RP 96 WS 94 |
| “Banfi in Old Brookville brings you the sumptuous 1999 Castello Banfi Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino. This ruby-hued Riserva is a jewel, full of rich fruit and a hint of violet, with cherry, berry and plum flavors. The single-vineyard Brunello's source, ‘Poggio all'Oro,’ means ‘hill of gold.’ The 1999 vintage: 24-karat.” “This potent Brunello has the dark soil scent of a freshly dug truffle. Any more direct fruitiness is subdued beneath the generous richness of texture and the quiet intensity of the structure. Immediately delicious with a steak smothered in blue cheese, this also has more than enough staying power to reward a decade in the cellar.” 94 |
| Not giving away much right now, but it's concentrated and deep. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A beauty. Give this time." |
| 2001 | Barossa Old Vine Company Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-7 | $95 | 2 | RP 96 |
| 2005 | Barossa Valley Estate Black Pepper E & E | Shiraz | 1 top | 90 | 3 | 92 |
| 2000 | Basarin Moccagatta Barbaresco | Nebbiolo | 3-15 | | 1 | 92 |
| 2007 | Ben Glaetzer Bishop | | 1-11 | | 3 | |
| 2006 | Bodega Catena Zapata Catena Alta | Malbec | LP | $25 | 1 | |
| 2002 | Brokenwood Wade Block 2 | Shiraz | 2-11 | $45 | 2 | RP 90 |
| 2003 | Brunel Les Cailloux | | 3-7 | | 3 | RP 92 |
| 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon Alluvium Knight's Valley | Merlot | | 40 | 2 | |
| A wonderful expression of Knights Valley fruit, this blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Delivers complex aromas of spice, chocolate, minerals and wonderful black cherry and berry fruit. The palate is equally intricate with delicately layered flavours of chocolate, ripe blackberry, vanilla and spice. There is terrific structure here, with nicely balanced fruit and tannins and a medium-long fruity finish. Perfect for grilled steak or gourmet burgers. |
| 2003 | Carmen Cab Reserve | Cabernet | LP | | 1 | WS 84 |
| 2002 | Carmen Cab Reserve | Cabernet | LP | | 1 | |
| 2004 | Casa Lapotolle Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | lcbo left | $20?? | 1 | |
| 2005 | Catena Alta Malbec | Malbec | LP | $61 | 1 | 93 |
| Really gorgeous for its density and mouthfeel. Drink now through 2013. Score - 93. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) |
| 2006 | Caymus Special Selection | Cabernet | 2-3 | $130 | 3 | 94 |
| Complex, riveting aromas of spice, cola and sassafras join wild berry, spice, black cherry and sage notes in this full-bodied, intensely flavored, tightly focused and very persistent display of fruit that's long and lingering. Drink now through 2017. Score - 94. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) |
| 2003 | Ch. Bellevue | Merlot | 4-8 | $83 | 3 | RP 93-95 |
| RP "formidable intensity" |
| 2003 | Ch. Calon Segur | Blend | 4-7 | $95 | 3 | RP 95-97 WS 96 |
| "outstanding - a top wine." WS "sleeper of the ..." |
| 2003 | Ch. Clos Fourtet | Merlot | 4-8/9 | $95 | 3 | RP 94-96 |
| "powerful & rich" |
| 2003 | Ch. D'Aiguilhe | Merlot | 4-5 | $45 | 3 | WS 91RP 90 |
| 2003 | Ch. Duhart Milon | Cabernet | 4-8 | $59 | 2 | RP 91-93 WS 92 |
| 2003 | Ch. Lagrange | Blend | 4-3 | $55 | 3 | RP 90-93 |
| A "must" buy of the vintage. |
| 2003 | Ch. Pipeau | Merlot | 4-2 | $28 | 2 | WS 90 |
| "a tour-de-force" |
| 2001 | Ch. Rabaud-Promis Sauternes | White Wine | | $49 | 2 | WS 95 |
| 2003 | Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte | Merlot | 4/2 | $80 | 2 | RP 90-93 WS 90-93 |
| WS "exotic & wild" |
| 2003 | Ch. Talbot | Blend | 4-5 | $62 | 3/2 | RP 90 WS 94 |
| 2003 | Ch.Cap de Faugeres | Cabernet | 4-6 | $24 | 2 | RP 88-90 |
| RP " sleeper of the vintage" |
| 2003 | Ch.Chasse Spleen | Blend | 4-7 | $43 | 3 | tanzer 85-87 |
| "lightish elegant tannins" |
| 2003 | Ch.Margaux Pavillon Rouge | Blend | 4-3/4 | $75 | 3 | WS & RP 92 |
| A-2008 | Chappellet Chappellet Signature cabernet | Cabernet | 2 | $45 | 1 | 91 |
| ipe and spicy aromas offer vibrant layers of blackberry, cherry and pomegranate intermingled with notes of clove, cinnamon and anise. A savory impression of warm crust, accentuated by baked cherry and espresso elements, adds further depth to an already tantalizing nose. The wine is rich and mouthcoating from the first sip, displaying enticing fruit. Big rounded tannins add flavor and structure, as well as a firm but gentle grip that underscores beautiful concentration and viscosity." |
| 2004 | Charles Cimicky Reserve Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-6 | $46 | 3 | 93-95 RP |
| The tightly-knit, awesomely endowed 2004 Shiraz Reserve is a potential blockbuster. Produced from a 40-year-old vineyard in the Lyndoch sector of Barossa, it spent 18 months in American hogsheads. Its inky/purple color reluctantly gives up aromas of roasted meats, smoked herbs, black cherries, and blackberries. This multidimensional wine boasts layers of fruit and glycerin as well as remarkable structure and equilibrium. A fabulous example of old vine Shiraz from Barossa, with more elegance and sophistication than many Eurocentric wine elitists would care to acknowledge, it should be consumed over the next 12-15 years. For some reason, this high quality winery never receives the press it merits. |
| 2001 | Chateau Bonalgue Pomerol | Merlot | | $50 US | 6 | 4* Decanter |
| 2005 | Chateau Haut Bergey Haut Bergey | Bordeaux | 4-bottom | | 3 | 93 |
| This has leafy blackcurrant on the nose. The palate has medium intensity with macerated dark fruits, some spice from the new oak and a powerful finish. |
| 2005 | Chateau Montelena Napa Cabernet | Cabernet | | $60 | 1 | |
| 90 points Robert Parker: "The winery continues to turn out a strong Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in the Calistoga area. This is a big production item (10,000 cases), and tends to be a good value for a high-class Napa Cabernet. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (22,000 cases) is a beauty. Savory black currant fruit notes intermixed with some licorice, underbrush, and spice jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, smoothly textured, beautifully elegant wine meant to be served and drunk in its first 10-12 years of life. This clearly has the fingerprints of Chateau Montelena’s Bo Barrett and his father Jim Barrett, but at a much lower price point, and for that reason seems an ideal steakhouse Cabernet that gives both value and pleasure." (12/07) |
| 2004 | Cicchitti Cicchitti Gran Reserva | Malbec | LP | 22 | 2 | 92 |
| 2004 | Clarendon Hills Sandown | Cabernet | 2-8 | 68 | 1 | 92 |
| From a 75-year-old vineyard planted in sandy/gravelly soils, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sandown Vineyard possesses tart acidity, a backward, restrained style, exceptional elegance, and beautiful black currant fruit intermixed with floral/earthy overtones. It requires 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well through 2020. Score - 91-93 (Robert Parker Jr., |
| 2003 | Clos Mimi Westerly Vineyard | Syrah | | $79 | 2 | 93 |
| There are only 105 cases of the 2003 Syrah Westerly Vineyard, which was bottled in late June of this year. Still primary and intense, this wine has a dense ruby/purple color, and blackberry, raspberry, licorice, a hint of spring flowers, and perhaps even a touch of truffle in the complex but still somewhat tightly wound aromatics. Its full-bodied, powerful flavors are pure, rich, broad, and expansive. The wine is intense, has sweet tannin, plenty of power, and should age nicely for a decade or more. The wine was actually better 24 hours after I first opened it, so decanting and aeration are highly suggested. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2007) |
| A-2006 | Conn Valley Conn Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | 5 | $40 | 2 | |
| 94 points Robert Parker: "In the more irregular vintage of 2006, the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has also turned out strong, with sweet creme de cassis fruit intermixed with incense, charcoal, and hints of asphalt and creosote, along with some subtle smoky barrel smells. The wine has a big, substantial mouthfeel, firm but sweet tannins, and a generous, savory finish with outstanding purity and extract. This wine is more backward, as one might expect in this vintage, but it promises to evolve for 25+ years as well." |
| 2004 | Coriole Lloyd Reserve | Shiraz | 2-6 | 52 | 2 | |
| 2005 | Coriole Mary Kathleen Reserve | Blend | 2-12 | $36 | 2 | 93 |
| An elegant, finely crafted cabernet blend whose perfume of violets, dark berries, cassis and raspberries is neatly integrated with sweet fragrant oak. Smooth and restrained, its tight-knit palate reveals layers of small berry fruits, creamy chocolate/cedar oak and supple, dusty tannin, culminating in a persistent finish of freshness and focus. [Drink from] 2013-2017+. Score - 93. |
| 2007 | Coriole Mary Kathleen Reserve | Blend | 2-12 | $38 | 2 | |
| The blend here is 70% Cabernet and 25% Merlot, and stylistically this wine combines Bordeaux-esque finesse with plenty of Australian oomph. Deep ruby in the glass, with pure cassis, black plum, black raspberry, vanilla and cedar smoke, with traces of mocha and black tea. Dry, full bodied and finely balanced - there's a great counterpoint of big fruit and intense oak here. Finishes very dry, promising it'll be a versatile food wine. Try with pork tenderloin, beef or eggplant stew. |
| 2007 | Craggy Range Craggy Range GIMBLETT GRAVELS VINEYARD | MERLOT | 3-1 | $22 | 3 | 91 |
| The 2007 Merlot has lifted sweet ripe plumy fruit with touches of kirsch, dark chocolate and spice. Good definition. Smooth entry, quite oaky, crisp with good grip and very pure. Raspberry, strawberry and a touch of cassis. Very fine tannins on the finish. Pure and sensuous. Drink 2-8 years. Score - 91. |
| 2005 | Craggy Range Sophia Gimlett Gravels | Blend | 3-2 | $55 | 1 | |
| Michael Cooper gave this '...super-charged Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc' HHHHH (out of 5) for its '... superbly concentrated blackcurrant, plum, spice and nut flavours, underpinned by ripe, supple tannins.' |
| Craggy Range Sophia 2005Craggy Range has by far the most glamorous tasting facility of all the wineries I visited in Hawkes Bay late last year. Its natural setting is glorious, but the spacious room itself is all glass and shiny surfaces -- very upscale indeed. Worth a visit, for sure. There's also a large range of wines available for tasting, including this, one of Craggy Range's premium cuvées. It is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and, on tasting at cellar door, was almost impenetrable. I took this as a personal challenge, of course, and purchased a bottle for later tasting. |
| 2006 | Craggy Range Winery Te Muna Road Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | 3 top | $39 | | WS 91 |
| This Pinot scored 91 points with Wine Spectator! 'Refined, with excellent intensity to spice, berry, black cherry and rose petal accents. Fresh herb undertones, minerals and nicely integrated oak underscore the intense finish. Drink now through 2011.' |
| 2007 | Cuvaison Cabernet | Cabernet | 1 bottom | 50 | 2 | 92-93 |
| 2003 | Dog Ridge Vinyard Cabernet DV3 | Cabernet | 1-5 | $40? | 1 | |
| 2004 | Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier lieu dit Malakoff | | 1-1 | $48 | 1 | 90-92 RP |
| joint project between Chicago?s Terlato family and France?s Michel Chapoutier, this offering, produced from Pyrenees vineyards cropped at ten hectoliters per hectare, boasts sumptuously concentrated fruit (blackberries, cherries) in addition to melted licorice, espresso roast, and smoke characteristics. Ripe, opulent, and medium to full-bodied, if this delicious 2004 gets into the bottle without being fined or filtered (Chapoutier rarely fines or filters), it will be a lusty Australian blockbuster to enjoy during its first 7-10 years of life. |
| A-2006 | Dominus Dominus | Blend | Top | $100 | 1 | 96 |
| 2005 | Dominus Estate Napanook | blend | | $42 | 1 | |
| 2004 | Dourthe Freres Clos De Los Siete | | LP | $25 | 2 | 91 |
| 2005 | Dourthe Freres Clos De Los Siete | | LP | $25 | 2 | |
| 2006 | Dourthe Freres Clos De Los Siete | Blend | | | 2 | |
| 2007 | Dourthe Freres Clos De Los Siete | Red Wine | bottom row right | $24 | 2 | 91 |
| There may be no finer red wine value in Argentina than this superb blend of 48% Malbec, 28% Merlot, 12% Syrah, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 11 months, two-thirds in 100% new French oak and the balance in vat and bottled without fining or filtration. Opaque purple-colored, the wine coats the glass while offering up a superb bouquet of toasty oak, violets, mineral, black currant, blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a layered wine with gobs of ripe fruit, a plush texture, outstanding balance, and several years of aging potential (not that many buyers will be laying this down). This lengthy effort over-delivers and then some. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008) |
| There's no question that Malbec has quickly become a favorite grape of American wine drinkers. The wine these Argentine grapes produce tends to be supple and rounded with soft tannins, allowing it to be drunk alone or with food. |
| 2003 | Dow's Vintage Port | | | $79 | 3 | WS 92-94 |
| 2007 | Dunn Howell Mt. | Cabernet | 1 top | 97 | 2 | 93 |
| 2003 | E & E Black Pepper Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-16 | $100 | 2 | 94 |
| Bright, round and juicy. A gorgeous mouthful of cherry, blackberry and floral flavors, lingering on the finish with a touch of dark espresso to add interest. The tannins are polished, and the wine has a keen sense of balance, grace and harmony." -Rated 94, Wine Spectator |
| Made from 100% Shiraz, this wine, sourced from low-cropping, old vine Barossa vineyards, spent 18 months in oak: 50% American, 50% French, 30% of which was new. The superb quality and perfection of this Barossa icon is indicative of the intimate working relationship between winemaker and grower. Maximum flavor retention and complexity have been achieved through meticulous attention to detail with each individual vineyard parcel fermented separately. Deep, dark blood red in color with a purple hue, this wine shows a huge lift of cherry blossom, dark chocolate, spice, coffee, ripe blackberries, and tar, along with complimentary oak on the bouquet.The palate is very rich and ripe, full bodied, with a round mouthfeel and very long finish. Will reward careful cellaring, as it will improve for up to ten years after release. |
| 2006 | Ebenezer Shiraz | Shiraz | 1-11 | 40 | 4 | 90+ |
| 2001 | Elderton Command Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-5 | $79 | 3 | RP 95+ |
| 3000 cases |
| 2004 | Elderton Asmead | Cabernet | 2-11 | $74 | 1 | 91 |
| There was no 2003 produced, but the backward, primary 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Ashmead is loaded with potential. Its inky/ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of vanilla, barbecue smoke, roasted meats, creme de cassis, and new leather. This dense, rich, powerful effort requires 3-4 years of bottle age, and should last for 15-20 years. Drink 2009-2026. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006) |
| 2002 | Elderton Command | Shiraz | 2-4 | $72 | 1 | 94-96 RP |
| 2004 | Elderton Command | Cabernet | 2-4 | $90 | 4 | 98 |
| The 2004 Shiraz "Command" comes from a single block of 104-year-old vines. It was aged in 100% new oak puncheons (400 liter barrels). Opaque purple-colored, this Shiraz has fabulous aromatics of smoke, melted tar, licorice, espresso, game, and blueberry compote. Layered but tight, this full-bodied wine is thick, rich, and totally hedonistic. The finish lasts for 60 seconds. However, be warned. This monumental Shiraz needs 10-15 years to fully unfold. It will provide pleasure through 2035. 98 points Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate |
| 2005 | Elderton Command | Shiraz | 2-4 | $90 | 3 | 97 |
| Elderton's flagship ... the opaque purple/black 2005 Command Shiraz was aged in French and American oak puncheons (500-liter barrels). It offers up a sexy/kinky bouquet of wood smoke, lavender, leather, game, mineral, black raspberry, and blueberry pie. Voluptuous on the palate, complex, and dense, it demands a decade of cellaring after which it should offer hedonists much pleasure through 2035. Score - 97. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009) |
| 2007 | Elderton Elderton Shiraz | | 1-12 | | | |
| 2005 | Elderton Estate Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | 2-5 | $30 | 3 | 93 |
| a superb example of Barossa Cabernet. It has an expressive aromatic array of cedar, smoke, spice box, black currant and blackberry. Full bodied, balanced, and structured, it will age well for 5-7 years and give pleasure through 2022. It is an excellent value in Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 93. |
| 2005 | Elderton Estate Shiraz | Shiraz | 1-12 | $33 | 1 | 94 |
| The 2005 Shiraz 'Nurioopta' is purple/black with a brooding nose of smoke, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and voluptuous, it is dense and concentrated, with gobs of spicy black fruit flavors. It will evolve for 3-5 years and drink well through 2020. Score - 94. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) |
| 2008 | Elderton Ode to Lorraine | Blend | 1-6 | | 3 | 93 |
| 2003 | F.Olazabal Quinto Do Vale Meao | | | $59 | 3 | WS 95 |
| 2007 | Ferngrove Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-15 | $19 | 2 | |
| 2007 | Flora Springs Hillside Reserve Cabernet | Cabernet | | $95 | 2 | 95+ |
| The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Reserve, from a vineyard planted in Rutherford's famed red soils, is a classic Rutherford Bench wine with exceptional concentration as well as depth. Brambleberry, cassis, black cherry, spice box, and cedar notes are accompanied by superb, full-bodied flavors, exceptional polished, refined tannins, and a finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. It can be drunk now or cellared for 25 or more years. Score - 95+. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009) |
| 2004 | Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet | Cabernet | | $87 | 1 | 93 |
| The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyard (another Rutherford Bench vineyard, but in this case, biodynamically farmed) is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc given the same treatment as the Bosche Vineyard. Deep ruby/purple with an even more complex and evolved nose than the Bosche, the wine shows notes of cedar, fruitcake, black currants, cherries, smoke, and pain grille. Dense, rich, full-bodied fruit flavors coat moderate tannins. The wine is savory, mouth-filling, and quite deep and layered. It should drink well for 15-20 years as well. Bravo! ,, Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008) |
| 2006 | Gemtree Uncut Shiraz | Shiraz | 1-5/4 | $40 | 3 | 95 |
| Deep colour; a rich, opulent, but not jammy bouquet and palate; a range of blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate fruit with positive, but not aggressive, oak and ripe tannins. Score - 95. (James Halliday, |
| 2007 | Gigondas santa Duc Prestige des Hautes Garriques Santa Duc Prestige des Hautes Garriques | Syrah | 3-7 | $45 | 2 | 97 |
| 2008 | Girard Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | 2-2 | 33 | 2 | 90 |
| This dark garnet colored Cab opens with a mild black cherry bouquet with hints of blackberry, cedar and leather. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, soft, and smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty black cherry with a hint of old oak and cinnamon. The finish is dry and its dusty tannins are sticky and linger a bit. The panel suggested paring this wine with Kobe burgers or lamb chops. (Very Good) Score - 89. |
| 2007 | Glaetzer Anaperenna Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-9 | $55 | 5 | 95 |
| The 2007 Anaperrena Shiraz (75%)-Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) was sourced from 30- to 120-year-old vines with yields ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 tons of fruit per acre. It spent 15 months in new oak, predominantly French. Purple/black in color, it offers up a splendid nose of pain grille, mineral, scorched earth, blueberry, and black currant. Dense and massive on the palate, it has layers of ripe fruit, excellent balance, and a long, fruit-filled finish. Allow it 3-4 years to round out and drink it from 2011 to 2022. Star winemaker Ben Glaetzer sources all of his fruit for this label from the Ebenezer district in northern Barossa Valley. Many knowledgeable experts consider this the finest sub-region of Barossa. Score - 95. (Jay Miller, |
| 2007 | Glaetzer Wines Bishop | Shiraz | | $30 | 3 | 93 |
| The opaque purple-colored 2007 Bishop is 100% Shiraz sourced from 80- to 120-year-old vines and aged for 14 months in seasoned French and American oak. It offers up an alluring bouquet of lavender, spice box, and wild blueberry leading to a layered, opulent wine with tons of succulent blue fruit, soft tannins, and rich flavors. Give it 2-3 years to more fully blossom and drink it from 2010 to 2022. Score - 93. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009) |
| 2003 | Gould Campbell Port | | | $64 | 2 | WS 92-94 |
| 2003 | Goundrey Reserve Cabernet | Cabernet | 1-6 | $23 | 1 | 93 |
| 93/100 - Polished, sophisticated. Juicy mineral, currant and cedar-scented on the nose; more currants plus fine, dry long tannins building across the palate. Core of essence-y fruit and plenty of tang. Love the chewy dry finish. |
| 2004 | Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz | Shiraz | 1-11 | | | |
| 2005 | Gravitas Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | 3 top | $32 | 2 | |
| Smoky, cherry-like notes in the bouquet set the scene. A dash of leaf at the back doesn't detract from the good impression. It's smartly balanced on the palate, with delightfully restrained tannins and good fruit. |
| 2007 | Grgich Hills Cabernet | Cabernet | | | 1 | 89-90 |
| 2005 | Grgich Hills Napa Estate Cabernet | Cabernet | right row 1 | $80 | 1 | 91 |
| Savory herb and ripe currant, berry and plum aromas are firm and intense. Full-bodied and well-structured, with the tannins gaining traction on the finish. Rustic but balanced. Best from 2010 through 2016. Score - 92. |
| A-2007 | Hartford Hartford Land's Edge Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | 5 | $36 | 1 | |
| The brilliant 2007 Pinot Noir Land’s Edge Vineyard (a Sonoma Coast mountain site) also comes from Dijon clones, but it is a deeper, richer, full-bodied effort. Its dark ruby color is accompanied by a sweet, floral, raspberry, and black cherry-scented bouquet with the wood component pushed to the background. Broad, deep, rich, and impressively endowed, it should drink well for 5-8 years." |
| 2006 | Hartford Land's Edge Vineyard | Pinot Noir | right row 1 | | 1 | |
| 2005 | Hazyblur Shiraz | | 2-12 | $78 | 3 | 95+ |
| purple-colored, it puts out an alluring nose of cedar, tobacco, pepper, bacon, blueberry, and a hint of white chocolate. This is followed by an opulent, chewy wine with mouth-filling flavors, serious depth, and a long, pure finish. It will continue unfolding with another 4-6 years in the cellar and drink well through 2025. Score - 95+. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) |
| 2002 | Henschke Keyneton Euphonium | Shiraz | 2-6 | $50 | 3 | RP 93 |
| 2005 | Henschke Mount Edlestone | Shiraz | 1 bottom | 100 | 2 | 97 |
| 2006 | Hermitate Blanc Chante-Allouette Hermitage | | 3-6 | $74 | 2 | 93 |
| drink with intensly flavoured cuisine per RP |
| 2006 | Hewitt Hewitt Cabernet | Cabernet | | $70 | 1 | 92 |
| 2007 | INNISKILLIN WINEMAKER'S SERIES THREE VINEYARDS | Pinot Noir | | $20 | 2 | 88 |
| 2007 continues to show incredibly ripe red wines. This is a robust Pinot loaded with black cherries and subtle spices on the nose. The big cherry notes are joined by cocoa, earth and vanilla all leading to a long finish. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). |
| 2003 | Ironstone Merlot Sierra Foothills | Merlot | | $17 | 1 | |
| 2004 | Jacob's Creek St Hugo Cabernet | Cabernet | 1-14 | $40 | 2 | |
| ... lots of bramble, graphite, blackcurrant and herbs, lots of freshness and life, a dusting of milk chocolate and a fine flush of filligreed tannin. Reserve, character, and structure. A lift of gumleaf. A classical Coonawarra cabernet. Drink: 2010-2016. Score - 93. |
| 2000 | Jim Barry The McRae Wood | Shiraz | RO 5 | 35 US | 1 | 93 |
| 2002 | Jim Barry The McRae Wood | Shiraz | 1-3 | $43 | 2 | RP 91 |
| 2007 | Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | | $75 | 1 | 91 |
| The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa ... may be the finest regular cuvee produced here in nearly two decades. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by an opulent bouquet of cassis, blue fruits, crushed rocks, and floral undertones. Pure, juicy, deep, medium to full-bodied, and loaded, this 2007 should drink beautifully young, yet keep for 15-20+ years. In case you think the aging curves I have described are unrealistically long, I have the Joseph Phelps regular Cabernets from the mid-seventies as well as the Insignias in my cellar, and those wines are still drinking beautifully at 30+ years of age. Today's wines are better made. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009) |
| 2007 | Kaiken Ultra | Cabernet | 2-8 | 15 | 2 | 90 |
| 2005 | Kalleske Greenock | Shiraz | 2-7 | $55 | 2 | 95 |
| The impressive 2005 Shiraz Greenock exhibits an inky/purple color, greater intensity, and additional roasted meat and gamy characteristics interwoven with pepper, creme de cassis, and blackberry liqueur. The oak treatment is identical to the 2004, but that component seems more subdued in the 2005. The 2005 should evolve and drink well for 10-15 years. Score - (94-96). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006 |
| 1999 | Katnook Odyssey | Cabernet | 2-11 | | 1 | WS 88 |
| eejeet!!! Thought, for the second time, that I was grabbing a Tait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| 2004 | Katnook Estate Prodigy | Shiraz | 2-7 | | 1 | 94 |
| Katnook's Prodigy Coonawarra Shiraz 2004 is one of those exceptional wines for exceptional occasions, the result of an ideal growing season and the hands-on attention that can be paid to a very small vineyard with a long lineage of outstanding production. The very noticeable raspberry and plum fruit flavours, sweet anis spices, licorice and hints of cracked pepper feature on the palate, coupled with soft and lingering tannins; pay $95 for that special occasion and share at the table with pesto crusted Frenched lamb chops. |
| An aromatic, cedary, spicy bouquet, then an intense and long palate, showing extended maturation in French and American oak: typical Prodgy style. Rating 94. Cellar until 2024. |
| 2004 | Kay Brothers Amery Vineyard Hillside | Shiraz | 2-8 | | 2 | |
| 2006 | Kilikanoon Covenant | Shiraz | right row 1 | $35 | 1 | 90 |
| 2005 | Kilikanoon Killerman's Run | Shiraz | | $20 | 1 | 89 |
| Palate: balanced and lengthened by the older oak flavours. A sweet mid palate, soft tannins and warmth of character have created a wine with both power and finesse. Cellaring potential of at least 6 – 8 years |
| 2005 | Kilikanoon Parable | Shiraz | 1-6 | $50? | 1 | 93 |
| The 2005 Shiraz “Parable” from McLaren Vale is the most structured and muscular of this trio. It has an enticing nose of mineral, truffle, roasted meat, blackberry, and blueberry compote. Full-bodied and brooding on the palate, it will need 8-10 years to show its full potential. Drink it through 2030. Score: 93 |
| 2005 | Kilikanoon Testament | Shiraz | 1-6 | $45 | 2 | 94 |
| Wine Advocate awarded this rich and round Shiraz a score of 94, loving its 'fragrant perfume of smoke, game, violet, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry ...Drink this powerful Shiraz through 2025 |
| A-2008 | LLV Wines Lola Pinot Noir | | 2 | $25 | 2 | |
| Pinot Noir grapes can make some of the most interesting wines when they are made correctly. On the other hand, a poorly made Pinot Noir can be really bad and cause people to refrain from drinking this varietal. |
| 2008 | Lomond Lomond Cape Agulhas | Syrah | 1-13 | 20 | 1 | 90 |
| 2008 | Loring Gary's Vineyard | Pinot Noir | | 60 | 1 | 92 |
| ASTING NOTE: Gentle and supple-textured, yet firm and structured, with ripe plum, black cherry and wild berry fruit that offers a hint of anise and sage, gaining depth and nuance on the juicy finish. Drink now through 2016. Score: 92 |
| 2003 | Luce Brunello | Sangiovese | 3-bottom | $80? | 1 | 95 |
| Big and powerful for the vintage. Full-bodied, with loads of ripe fruit that turns to black pepper and sultana, with smoky oak and dark chocolate. Very long and opulent. On the edge of being too much, but it's impressive. A debut Brunello from this estate and one of the best from the vintage. Best after 2011. 850 |
| 94 points Wine Spectator: "Big and powerful for the vintage. Full-bodied, with loads of ripe fruit that turns to black pepper and sultana, with smoky oak and dark chocolate. Very long and opulent. On the edge of being too much, but it's impressive. A debut Brunello from this estate and one of the best of the vintage." (08/08) Luce della Vite began in 1995 as a partnership between American wine patriarch Robert Mondavi and the the legendary Marchesi de' Frescobaldi family of Florence. While the project may be better known for their Super Tuscan blend, Luce, it is this delicious Brunello that caught our attention here at K&L. Grown in the galestro (exfoliating shale) soils that are a common thread among the top sites for sangiovese in Montalcino, this Brunello shows the vintage's overwhelming heat with ripe blackberry and concentrated plum fruit aromas and flavors, along with deep black cherry fruit on the palate that highlights the pepper and cinnamon and anise notes that linger on the finish. Drinkable now with decanting, this is a big wine and, like all Brunello, it will benefit from some time in your cellar. |
| 2007 | Margrain Home Block Pinot | Pinot Noir | 3 top | $33 | 2 | 93 |
| TASTING NOTE: ... wonderful nose of raspberry, redcurrant, scorched earth and a touch of animal fur. Medium-bodied palate with vibrant acidity and superb balance, ripe, joyful red-berried fruit mingle with raspberry and a touch of game, boysenberry and white pepper leading to a crisp, elegant finish. Magnificent. Drink over 5-6 years. Drink: 2009-2015. Score: 93 |
| 2008 | Margrain River's Edge Pinot | Pinot Noir | 2-2 | $23 | 2 | 3/5* |
| Designed for early drinking, the 2008 vintage, oak-aged for 10 months, was 'barrel selected for its smoothness and charm'. Light ruby, it is fresh and vibrant, with ripe cherry and plum flavours, a touch of oak complexity, and gentle tannins giving a well-rounded finish. Score - 3 Stars (out of 5). |
| A-2007 | Martin Rey Stags Leap Cab | | 2-3 | 40 | 1 | 91 |
| 2003 | Maxwell Lime Cave | Cabernet | 1 15 | $29 | 1 | 91 |
| Robert Parker Jr. awarded this Cab 91 points, describing it as 'concentrated and full-bodied, with sweet tannin as well as loads of extract and richness, give it another 1-2 years of bottle age, and consume it over the following 12+.' |
| 2005 | Michel Rolland The Winemakers Collection Cuvee No 1 | | 3-10 | | 1 | |
| 2005 | Mitolo G.A.M. | Shiraz | 2-10 | $49 | 3 | RP 95 |
| 2005 | Mitolo Reiver Shiraz | Shiraz | RO 10 | $49 | 1 | RP 94 |
| 2006 | Mittolo G.A.M. | Shiraz | 1 14 | $47 | 1 | 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. Score - 90 |
| 2004 | Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | right row 2 | $35 | 1 | W&S 91 |
| 2006 | Napa Cellars Napa Cabernet | Cabernet | | $22 | 1 | 88 |
| 2006 | Nicolas Potel Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens | Pinot Noir | 3-7 | $49 | 2 | 89-91 |
| 2002 | Oliver's Taranga Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-7 | | 1 | |
| 2006 | Penfolds Bin 407 | Cabernet | bottom right | $25 | 3 | 94 |
| Has classic cabernet character, with a distinctly austere framework surrounding the blackcurrant and earth fruit; the tannins are in balance and not dry, the oak likewise in balance ... Drink [until] 2021. Score - 94. |
| 2006 | Penfolds Bin 407 | Cabernet | 2-6/7 | $25 | 3 | 94 |
| Has classic cabernet character, with a distinctly austere framework surrounding the blackcurrant and earth fruit; the tannins are in balance and not dry, the oak likewise in balance ... Drink [until] 2021. Score - 94. |
| 2003 | Penmara Reserve Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-13 | $19 | 1 | |
| 2000 | Peter Lehmann Eight Songs Shiraz | Shiraz | 1-3 | $39 | 1 | WS 92 |
| A-2006 | Philippe Gimel Saint Jean Du Barroux La Pierre Noire | Grenache Syrah | 2-2 | $35 | 2 | 94 |
| 2004 | Pirramimma A.C.J. | Blend | 1-11 | 50 | 1 | 91 |
| Ripe, round and supple. A plump mouthful of blueberry, cherry and sweet spices, lingering on the silky finish for quite a while. Not a big wine, but has flesh and a wonderful texture. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2014. Score - 91 |
| 2008 | Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | 1-10 | 25 | 3 | |
| 2004 | Poesia Poesia | Malbec | row 15 right | $75 | 2 | RP 92-94 |
| 2004 | Pretty Sally Estate Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-16 | $30? | 1 | 91 |
| International Wine Cellar / Stephen Tanzer (July/August 2005) |
| 2004 | Quartz Reef Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | 3 top | $40 | 2 | 90-95 |
| "Strawberried, cherried, pure. Beautifully composed. Integrated acid and pure fruit, a touch on the simple side, but so well put together it seems sure that it will build complexity with time. Quartz Reef showed well today. This is high class. Drink: 2008-2014 / 92 points" |
| 2005 | Raymond Reserve Cab | Cabernet | right row 1 | | 2 | |
| 2003 | Richard Hamilton Burton's Vineyard, Old Bush Vine | Grenache Shiraz | 1-4 | $40 | 1 | |
| 2008 | Ridge Lytton Springs | Zinfandel | | | 2 | 92 |
| 2007 | Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | 1 15 | $20 | 3 | 91-95 |
| Critics Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh gave this Margaret River Cab a score of 91. (The Big Red Wine Book, 2009/10) |
| 2004 | Rodney Strong Merlot | Merlot | right row 1 | $25 | 1 | |
| This ever-popular Merlot has a lot going for it. Aged in French and American oak barrels for 25 months, the 2004 features soft, fruity aromas of black plums and blueberries with hints of red licorice and vanilla. It's dry, medium full-bodied with deep dark-fruit flavours and a lingering spicy/toasty finish. Vintage after vintage it is consistently delightful. |
| 2005 | Rolf Binder Hales Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-10 | $20 | 2 | 91 |
| The 2005 Shiraz Hales (includes 6% Mourvedre and 4% Grenache) reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as uplifted aromatics of toasty oak, blackberries, blueberries, and acacia flowers. This dense, medium to full-bodied, beautifully put together Aussie red should drink well for 5-7 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com |
| 2005 | Rolf Binder Halliwell | Shiraz Grenache | 1-14 | $26 | 1 | RP 92 |
| A sexy, knock-out effort for drinking over the next 5-7 years is the 2005 Shiraz/Grenache Halliwell. This aromatic blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache offers up notes of blueberries, raspberries, cherries, earth, spice, and a hint of oak. It is fullbodied with juicy, concentrated flavors, supple tannins, and a velvety, opulent finish." |
| 2006 | Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz Mataro Grenache | Shiraz Mataro Grenache | 1-4 | $30 | 3 | |
| 92 Points - Wine Advocate, February 2009 |
| 2004 | Rolf Binder Heysen | Shiraz | 2-10 | $49 | 2 | 93 RP |
| The backward 2004 Shiraz Heysen, aged 20 months in a combination of American and French oak, possesses a dense purple color as well as rich notes of blackberries, licorice, creosote, and camphor. This dense, full-bodied, ripe, powerful Shiraz includes 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is impossible to detect. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 12-15+. Drink 2008-2023. |
| 2004 | Rubicon Estate Cask | Cabernet | right row 1 | $60 | 1 | 90++ |
| 2007 | Rusden Ripper Creek Cab-Shiraz | Blend | 2-16 | 42 | 2 | 94 |
| The 2007 Ripper Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (60%)-Shiraz (40%) spent 18 months in well-seasoned French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it, too, offers a beautifully fragrant bouquet leaning toward the darker side of the spectrum. Scents of wild blueberry and blackberry essence lead to a remarkably elegant, glossy wine with deceiving depth and concentration. Succulent, complex, and long, it will drink well for a decade. Score - 94. |
| 2008 | Rutherford Ranch Rutherford Ranch Cabernet | Cabernet | | 20 | 1 | |
| A little sharp, but easily the winery's best non-vineyard designated Cab since the '02. Shows a ripeness level that slam dunks cherries, blackberries, cola and oak onto the palate, yet maintains an elegant dryness. |
| 2007 | Saffredi Fattoria Le Pupille | | 3-6 | 100 | 2 | 95 |
| he 2007 Saffredi is drop-dead gorgeous. Roasted coffee beans, grilled herbs, mocha and dark fruit emerge from this beautiful, textured wine. The richness of the fruit radiates through to the long, polished finish. The 2007 Saffredi impresses for its fabulous balance and soft, enveloping personality. It is another superb effort from proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. Score - 95 |
| 2008 | Saltram Mamre Brook | Shiraz | 1-11 | 25 | 2 | 92 |
| 2004 | Sandalford Cab | Cabernet | 1-12 | | 1 | |
| 2008 | Sandalford Cabernet | Cabernet | 2-5 | $20 | 2 | 90 |
| 1998 | Sarmassa Barolo | Nebbiolo | 3-15 | $60 | 1 | 93-97 |
| 2002 | Scholz Vintners The Willows Shiraz | Shiraz | | $35 | 6 | RP 93 |
| 2006 | Schubert Goose-Yard Block | Shiraz | 1-11 | $79 | 2 | 95 |
| The 2006 Shiraz Goose Yard Block offers a full-throttle, room-filling aromatic array of violets, Asian spices, truffle, wild blueberry, and black cherry jam. On the palate it is already strikingly complex, incredibly dense and concentrated, and impeccably balanced with fully integrated oak, tannin and acidity. The finish lasts for well over a minute. It will have a lengthy drinking window beginning in 2011 and lasting though 2026. Schubert Estate is situated in one of Barossa Valley's prime spots, Roennfeldt Road, made famous by Greenock Creek Vineyards and Winery. Score - 95. (Jay Miller, |
| 2005 | Sellicks Hills Valletta | Grenache | | 38 | 2 | |
| 2003 | Shingleback Shiraz | Shiraz | RO | | 2 | |
| 2007 | Shotfire Quartage | Blend | 1-12 | | 2 | |
| 2008 | Shotfire Quartage | | 1-12 | | 2 | |
| 2003 | Smith-Woodhouse Vintage Port | | | $68 | 2 | WS 92-94 |
| 2007 | Southbrook Triomphe | Syrah | 2-3 | $25 | 1 | 90 |
| Bottled last week. Fruit from Lincoln Lakeshore and Niagara River. Medium-deep ruby red with purple highlights. Nice fresh, juicy peppery black and red fruit with youthful high quality oak notes — lots of varietal character. Dry, clean, saliva-inducing acidity, with attractive cherry-vanilla flavours, rather surprisingly soft and plush tannins and moderate plush finish. This is a highly successful example of well-made, drinkable and food-friendly Syrah that should drink well from the starting blocks and age well mid term. (JS) |
| 2004 | St Hallett Blackwell | Shiraz | right row 2 | | 2 | |
| 2008 | St Hallett Blackwell | Shiraz | 1-14 | $30 | 5 | 94 |
| 2006 | St. Hallett Blackwell | Shiraz | 2-14 | $30 | 3 | 96 |
| Delivers immediate intensity from the first sip, blackberry fruit enhanced by nuances of licorice; has tremendous vitality and thrust to the long palate and finish. Drink [until] 2026. Score - 96. (James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au, March 2008) |
| 2007 | Stag's Leap Artemis | Cabernet | | 50 | 2 | 94 |
| 2004 | Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon | Blend | 1-14 | $25 | 1 | 95 |
| Australian critic James Halliday awarded this wine 95 points in his annual guide, Australian Wine Companion 2008, calling it ??immaculately crafted throughout, a perfect balance between red (cassis) and black (Blackcurrant, spice) fruit components, oak and tannins.? |
| 2007 | Stella Bella Cabernet/Merlot | Blend | 1-14 | $25 | 2 | 96 |
| 2005 | Step Rd Langhorne Shiraz | Shiraz | 1-11/12 | $20 | 2 | 92 |
| From a fabulous vintage in South Australia, Step Rd's 2005 Shiraz Langhorne Creek reveals a full-bodied opulence, wonderfully pure, rich, black fruit flavors, and amazing density, purity, and texture. It should be consumed over the next 4-5 years. Drink 2006-2011. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., |
| 2006 | Summer's Reserve Cabernet Summer's Reserve Cabernet | Blend | | 46 | 2 | 93 |
| ery fine and high-toned, a Cabernet that shows real class and pedigree. Entirely drinkable now for its soft, lush tannins and elaborately detailed blackberry, black cherry, anise, carob and cedar flavors that last long through a spicy finish. Should age well through 2015. Score - 93. |
| 2005 | Tait Basket Pressed Shiraz | Shiraz | r2-8 | $50 | 3 | 93 |
| Tait has been establishing a track record for hedonistically rendered wines at consumer friendly prices for several years. The 2005 Basket Pressed Shiraz comes from a 60-year-old vineyard with yields of 1 - 2 tons per acre. The wine was aged in 20% new French oak and the balance one- to two-year-old American oak. Opaque purple in color, it delivers an array of scents including pain grille, pepper, sausage, blueberry, licorice, and chocolate. Thick and rich, this opulent Shiraz has a velvety texture, complex flavors, and a very long, sweet finish. It will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring and will provide pleasure through 2025. Score - 93. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) |
| 2008 | Tawse Cabernet Franc Van Bers Vineyard | Cabernet Franc | 2 top | 48 | 3 | 5/5 |
| 2008 | Tawse David's Block Merlot | Merlot | 2 top | 46 | 3 | |
| 2008 | Tawse Meritage | Blend | 2 top | 58 | 3 | 41/2 |
| 2009 | Tawse Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | 2 top | 33 | 3 | |
| 2007 | Tenuta Di Ghizzano Veneroso | Sangiovese | 3- bottom/15 | 30 | 2 | 94 |
| 2005 | The Colonial Estate Envoy | GSM | 1-14 | $32 | 1 | RP 91 |
| 60/30/10 blend) Dark purple. Fresh dark berry aromas deepen with air, developing a ripe, smoky bouquet. Dense and ripe on the palate, showing brooding bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors and chunky tannins. Gains an exotic floral pastille quality on the long, spicy finish. This needs a serious steak. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2007) |
| A fabulous hedonistic blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 20% Mourvedre. Recently awarded 93 points by Robert Parker. It's certainly a voluptuous, hedonistic wine. Fabulous sweet berry fruits, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and plum, oak and spice too. Already really drinkable. Has a meaty, velvety palate with lots of sweet fruit, pepper and asian spices. Oak is toasty but pretty much in the background. It's voluptuous and almost sweet, tannins are soft and ripe and this is a delicious full flavoured yet really juicy wine. Great length too. Drinking now, it has the weight to develop over the next 5 years. Top drop !! |
| 2005 | The Colonial Estate Etranger | Cabernet | 2-13 | $31.55 | 5 | RP 94 |
| Inky violet. Minty cassis and blackberry on the nose, with an array of floral, herbal and mineral qualities adding interest. Deep and sweet but structured, with powerful dark berry and bitter cherry flavors, firm tannic grip and superb finishing thrust. Gains in sweetness with air but remains balanced, offering a beautifully judged interplay of fruit and tannin. Score - 93. |
| Not surprisingly, the blockbuster 2005 L’Etranger Cabernet Sauvignon boasts lovely purity, superb ripeness, and stunningly rich black currant, licorice, cedar, espresso roast, and spice characteristics. With great length, medium to full body, fabulous purity, and a long, sweet, tannic finish, it should evolve beautifully for 10-12 years and last for two decades. |
| 2006 | The Colonial Estate Etranger | Cabernet | 1-14 | $35 | 2 | |
| 2007 | Thirty Bench Red | Blend | 2-3 | $24 | 1 | |
| Sourced from Thirty Bench's own vineyard, this wine is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. Barrel aged separately for a year in French and American oak, the best lots are then selected for the final assemblage. Look for aromas of cassis, redcurrants, cocoa, garrigue, black olives and underbrush. Dry, intensely fruity with wonderfully firm tannins suggesting 4-8 years ageing potential. |
| A-2007 | Titus Napa Cabernet Reserve | Cabernet | 2-2 | 60 | 1 | 92 |
| 2003 | Trapiche Tributo | Malbec | | ? | 2 | |
| 2004 | Vasse Felix Haylesbury | Cabernet | 1-4 | $58 | 2 | 92 |
| Jay Miller of www.erobertparker.com awarded this iconic Margaret River Cab 92 points for its '... bouquet of cedar, wood smoke, scorched earth, black cherry, and blackberry ... this densely packed wine needs 6-8 years in bottle to reveal its full potential. |
| 2007 | Vina Cobas Felino | Malbec | | $20 | 1 | 91 |
| 'Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs' winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) ...' (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008) Tasting Note The 2007 Felino Malbec is a splendid introduction to this grape variety. The nose is redolent of wild black cherry leading to an elegant, ripe, wine with gobs of flavor and 1-2 years of aging potential. Drink this hedonistic effort through 2015. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008) |
| 2005 | Voyager Estate Shiraz | Shiraz | 2-13 | $27 | 3 | 91-92 |
| Leading Aussie wine critic, Jeremy Oliver, gave this Shiraz a 95! (www.jeremyoliver.com.au, 2007) This classy, polished red offers soft dark fruit on the palate with delicate wisps of anise, spice and oak.You've tasted Barossa Valley Shiraz, now try the very best from Margaret River! |
| While I didn't coin the phrase, it was exactly wines like this that had me describing some reds as 'pretty wines'. Now rather than spending three paragraphs quantifying that descriptor let me summarise by saying it is all extremely positive and lo and behold it is another winner from rock star winemaker Cliff Royle. So why the pretty? Simply it is very little work. It is young, fresh, vibrant. It gives off some lovely lifted florals no doubt courtesy of a sprinkling of Viognier. It tastes good. It is a wine to have in the arm chair rather than the dining table. I don’t wish to make light of the ‘seriousness’ of this wine but it is very gluggable. From my perspective it is the type of wine that you drink first and ask questions later – it is only when subsequent glasses are had one appreciates the layers of complexity and the previously mentioned seriousness comes to the fore. This wine encapsulates the excitement this variety is generating around the whole of Margaret River. Where some are in the experimentation stage, this nails it. Drink: Now - 2012. Quality: Excellent – BW; WineStar© March 2007 |
| 2001 | Voyager Estate Voyager Estate | Blend | 1-5 | $32 | 4 | Jeremy Oliver 97 |
| 1999 | Warrenmang Grand Pyrenees | Blend | 1-13 | 45 US | 1 | |
| 2002 | Wolf Blass Black Label | Shiraz Cab Malbec | 1-4 | $89 | 2 | 97 |
| modern classic. Its opulent, heady perfume of wild, briary dark berries, plums and redcurrants reveals layers of deeply scented oak, pepper and spice. Smooth and luscious, its silky-fine palate is steeped in pure, joyous dark fruit handsomely partnered by creamy and slightly caramelised cedar/vanilla oak. It's effortless and refined, beautifully balanced with firm, fine tannins, finishing with length and persistence. Score - 97. (Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com.au, July 2006 |
| 2004 | Wolf Blass Black Label | Shiraz | 1-6/7 | $99 | 4 | 96 |
| 2005 | Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet | 1 15 | $25 | 1 | 95 |
| fine, elegant Coonawarra cabernet whose ripe, floral perfume of cassis, blackberries, dark chocolates and cedar/vanilla oak has a faintly confiture-like aspect. Fully ripened but smooth and supple, its long, fleshy and spotlessly presented palate of vibrant small black berries, mulberries and plums knits tightly with vanilla/cedar oak. Full to medium in weight, framed by firm, pliant tannins, it's a wine of style and stature. Score - 95. (Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com.au, May 2007) |
| 2006 | Wynns Estate Cabernet | Cabernet | 2-9 | $25 | 3 | 95 |
| 2006 | Wynns Shiraz | Shiraz | 1 15/14 | $21 | 2 | 91 |
| Light- to medium-bodied, but all the components of fruit, oak and tannins are well-balanced; gentle black fruits and soft tannins, will improve with age. Tasted when 18 months old. Score - 91. (James Halliday, Australian Wine Companio |
| 2001 | Yalumba Signature Series | Blend | 2-15 | $45 | 1 | 95 |
| 2004 | Zenato Amarone | Corvina | 3-6 | $50 | 1 | |
| Medium deep ruby/purple colour leads to very attractive aromas of sweet black cherry, chocolate raisins and vanilla. Dry with plentiful aroma replays, this ripe and round wine is perfectly balanced by velvety tannins and bright acidity. Enjoy it tonight with braised beef dishes or age it 4+ years. (David Churchill, VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2007 |
| 2001 | Zenato Ripassa | Corvina | LP | | 1 | WS 90 |
| 2003 | Zenato Ripassa | Corvina | LP | | 3 | WS 87 |
| 2005 | Zenato Ripassa | Corvina | LP | | 1 | |
| 2001 | Zerbina Marzieno | Sangiovese | LP | $75 | 1 | "A" |
| A vibrant brilliant ruby, barely translucent. The aromas are complex and dramatic with dark fruit and floral perfume leaping out of the glass. This is an almost perfect wine with a seamless blend of power and complexity. Pungent tobacco notes highlight the concentrated cassis with bitter cherry fruit flavors. The oak components harmonize with the deep fruit flavors and round tannins. This wine is so lush now it may be tempting to drink, but five or more years will bring out a whole new layer of complexity. (A) |
| Tasting note: Congratulations to Maria Cristina Geminiani for her Marzieno 2001, a wine that is unfailingly superb. The mainly sangiovese fruit, with a little cabernet sauvignon and merlot, comes from very high-density, bush-trained vines and is matured in new barriques for over a year. Concentrated ripe fruit laced with subtle liquorice lingers on the nose. In the mouth, it is opulent and powerful, with assertive tannins, never putting a foot wrong as it flows seamlessly across the palate. Cleanness, balance, texture and length abound in a perfect performance from this utterly convincing Three Glass winner. Score - Three Glasses (out of 3). (Gambero Rosso, Italian Wines Guide, 2005) |
| 2003 | Zerbina Pietramora | Sangiovese | 3-6 | $70 | 4 | 94 |
| Tasted by jnecommerce on 5/4/2009 & rated 93 points: Deep purple, almost ink. Nose is superb and fragrant, very elegant, nice black fruits and smoke. Mouthfeel is very suave and shows nice complexity. Lenght is very long and the finish and silky smooth. A superb effort that should improve another 3-5 years in cellar. Excellent wine weel worth the price, will buy again for sure! (257 views) |
| The color is steals dark, darkest, limpid and at times in a marked manner dense. The scent is un' outbreak of senses, great intensity and fineness, with a awesome progression of red fruits like cassis and redcurrant, balsamic essences, a most elegant hints of caffé, cinnamon and vanilla. In continuous mouth to astonish. It's warmth, dry, wrapping, fine extension a good thickness, tannins, good acidity and a long closing and of remarkable persistence. |
| 2002 | d'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | 1-7 | | 3 | WS 92 |
| 2003 | d'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | 1-7 | | 4 | WS 86 |
| Wait a while |
| 2004 | d'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | 1-8 | $55 | 4 | WA 95 JH 96 |
| An inky/purple color is accompanied by a glorious perfume of creosote/melted road tar, blackberry and cassis liqueur, pepper, and spice. This deep, rich, fullbodied, |
| 2005 | d'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | 1-8 | $55 | 4 | RP 95 |
| Inky violet. Vibrant, perfumed nose melds blackberry, cassis, kirsch, licorice and dried flowers. On the palate, this shiraz shows an intriguing mix of sweet dark fruit flavors and firmer earth and mineral notes, with big but supple tannins contributing structure. The palate-staining finish features notes of bitter cherry, cured tobacco and high-octane chocolate. Nothing obvious here. Score - 93. |
| 2006 | d'Arenberg The Dead Arm | Shiraz | 1-10 | $50 | 6 | 95 |
| D'Arenberg's flagship is the 2006 The Dead Arm Shiraz. Opaque purple-colored, the nose is reticent but gives up aromas of meat, bacon, game, truffles, blueberry, and blackberry. Firm, layered, and complex, this beautifully rendered Shiraz demands a decade of cellaring. It will be superb from 2018 to 2036. Score - 95+. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009) |
| Dead Arm Shiraz from d'Arenberg Winery in McLaren Vale. This wine, their premium Shiraz is always an eagerly awaited release, d'Arenberg's Dead Arm is one of the best Shiraz wines produced each year in Australia. d'Arenberg have an amazing ability to produce terrific wines in the so called weaker vintages, just look at the 2000 version, but outdo themselves in the great vintages. I believe 2006 to be such a vintage, especially for this wine. The new Dead Arm is as good as any recent Dead Arm in my opinion and will go down as one of the greats! Indeed, its better than the 2002, simply great Shiraz! Absolute class and style, this is a wine with power, but also with finesse, and a must for the cellar. As ever, this wine is allocated and is offered to the auswine mailing list first. Please do contact me directly if you'd like some of this wonderful wine! Also available are a few rare Magnums of this wine, which are great for the cellar and for wine collectors. The name? - Dead Arm is a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa Lata that randomly affects vineyards all over the world. Often vines affected are severely pruned or replanted. d'Arenberg believe that this is a natural part of vineyard life. One half, or arm of the vine slowly becomes reduced to dead wood. That side may be lifeless and brittle, but the grapes on the other side display amazing intensity. Dead Arm has a vivid, young, dense, purple red colour. Very intense aromas with a complex combination of fragrant spices and violets, dark cherry, blackberry and blueberry, are made more complex with great liquorice, pepper and integrated svelte of boot-polish like characters. There is clearly a lovely mid palate juiciness and softness, while the mineral grittiness that is The Dead Arm is there, balanced with a very long fruit-fragrant, persistent fruity spice that will yield the wine, great ageing power. After time in bottle, The Dead Arm gains a biscuity, cinnamon, chocolate, earthy, eucalyptus-based bouquet on top of rich blackberry pie aromas. Tobacco, mushroom, malt and earthy notes play a part on the long, fleshy, chocolate-mint and spice flavours. This wine will develop with a great balance of tannins, acidity and fruit. Classic McLaren Vale, the taste is rich, gutsy and virile, with attacking spice, dark liquorice, cherry, blackberry, plum and dried black olive. The level of fruit weight masks the framework of tannins; however, the mineral grittiness balanced with a very long fruit-fragrant, persistent spice will yield a wine of great ageing power. The nose shows intense characters, cinnamon and exotic spices, pepper hints over cranberry, cherry and plum fruits, blackberries and blackcurrants, with a slight hint of French oak in the background. The nose is tight, and the palate on this young wine is also tightly wound and structured. The palate is layered, showing fig, ripe black and blueberries, dark cherries and plums, tobacco, pepper and spices with dark chocolate and mocha tones. The wine finishes really long with an intriguing earthy minerality to it. This young wine has a great future in front of it, and is all class and style. Wonderful stuff. The Dead Arm rarely fails to deliver an uncompromising essay on McLaren fruit; deeply concentrated with levels of dark chocolate, blackberry, nuances of florals and a freshness that belies its weight and power. Good value. Rating 95 Drink 2030 $60 Date Tasted Mar 08 James Halliday Goodness me this is ferrous and dryly tannic with an appetising mix of blackberry, blueberry, beef stock, pepper, liquorice and toasty oak. There’s a dried herb/chicory sort of thing going on too which is most pleasant. Tight and bright acidity drives the wine along and given a good decant it softens up and begins to show real class and potential. It’s energetic, has a great deal of presence in the mouth and feels lightish - in a Dead Arm context at least. I think it needs extended cellaring to reveal its best qualities. I like this vintage a great deal. Drink: 2014-2020+ 95 points. Mattinson: I wouldn’t be calling it light-ish but yep, I like this vintage a great deal too. I reckon it’s thick with flavour but it’s smooth and even and, in its style, delicious. I like the call on ‘chicory’ - with a spot of coffee attached. Thick, luscious, smooth-skinned blackberry and blueberry with creamy, cedary, toasty oak coming hand-in-glove. Eve, structured, silken finish - it’s as good as any Dead Arm Shiraz that I’ve tasted. Rated : 95/95 Points Winefront.com.au |
| 2006 | d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie | Shiraz Viognier | 1-11 | $28 | 5 | 90, 92 RP |
| Ruby-red. Seductive red and dark berries on the nose, with deeper soy and dark chocolate notes. Fresh and juicy, with energetic blueberry and cassis flavors, a hint of violet pastille and dusty tannins. Firms up on the finish, taking on notes of licorice and plum preserve. Impressively persistent, sappy and really delicious now. Score |
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