| Year | Wine | Variety | Location | Price | Num | Rating |
| 2004 | Alta Vista Alto Mendoza | Red Wine | L1,L2 | 31.99 | 2 | 93 WS |
| Big and bold, with tar, loam and bittersweet cocoa holding the upper hand for now on a core of black currant and plum fruit. Yet plenty of ripe, imbedded tannins and fine acidity to carry through until it resolves itself fully. Flashy, and pulls it off. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2007 through 2014. 650 cases made." |
| 2000 | Altamura Napa Valley | Cabernet | A8 | 60.00 | 1 | 91WS |
| Delicious, with ripe, vibrant, concentrated currant, blackberry and wild berry flavors, shaded by smoky, cedary oak and finishing with a long, lingering aftertaste and just the right amount of tannins. Drink now through 2011. 3,000 cases made. –JL |
| 2000 | Altesino Alte Di Altesi | Red Wine | D13 | 26.84 | 1 | 93 WS |
| Fantastic. Interesting aromas of blackberry and wet earth. Full-bodied, with a supervelvety mouthfeel and a long, long, breathtaking finish of chocolate, berry and toasty oak. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2007. 1,000 cases made |
| 2000 | Alvear Pedro Ximenez | Dessert Wine | E14 | 15.00 | 1 | 95 RP |
| For those who love sweeter-styled Sherry, the light to medium ruby/amber-colored 2000 Pedro Ximenez is knock-out stuff. It exhibits oily sweetness (not cloying) buttressed by considerable acidity as well as roasted nut flavors intermixed with caramelized tropical fruits. |
| 2002 | Aramis The Governor | Syrah | C8,C9 | 28.99 | 2 | 93 WS |
| Rich and ripe, a glowing mouthful of blackberry, plum, cherry and sweet spice flavors. Silky, with a finish that sails on and on. Not a huge wine, but it has intensity and feels seamless. Drink now through 2015. 100 cases imported. (HS) |
| 2005 | Baumard Couteaux Du Layon Clos St. Catherine | Red Wine | H3 | 40.99 | 1 | 96 WS |
| Rich and ripe, with glazed fruit, apple tartine and fig paste notes backed by rich texture and a long, creamy finish, where lingering fig and green almond notes keep pulling you back. Combines power and precision. Drink now through 2027. 600 cases made |
| 1999 | Bosquet Des Papes Chante Le Merle | Red Wine | ? | 36.00 | 1 | 93 WS |
| What else can you wish for? There's perfect balance and amazing silkiness, yet its firm fruitand tannin structure and freshness bring you backfor more. Full-bodied, with layers of smoke,mineral, spice, plum, blackberry and wet earth.Traditional. Best from 2003 through 2014." |
| 1998 | Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape | Grenache | F13 | 27.00 | 1 | 94 WS |
| Lovely. Shows typical Châteauneuf character, withroasted, toasted and grilled notes in a supplepackage. Full of ripe plum and sweet but firmtannins, it's full-bodied and deeply satisfying,retaining its textbook personality through thelingering finish. Drink now through 2015. 3,330 cases made. (PM) |
| 1997 | Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuto Nuova | Red Wine | K20 | 65.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| Like finely meshed cashmere. Exotic aromas of plums, incense and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins and a long, caressing, silky aftertaste. A wine with loads of finesse. Give it time. Best after 2004. 4,580 cases made. (JS) |
| 1997 | Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico | Red Wine | Metal Pedestal | | 1 | |
| 2001 | Castello Della Paneretta Terrine | Red Wine | G4 | 38.01 | 1 | 94 WS |
| Glorious aromas of blackberry and currant, with hints of black licorice. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Tight now, but shows wonderful potential. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Best after 2005. 1,250 cases made |
| 2000 | Chateau Cote Montpezat | Red Wine | D1,E1 | 19.75 | 2 | 91-92 WL |
| 2001 | Chateau D'arche | Dessert Wine | G8 | 30.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| Bright and aromatic with passion fruit, mango and lemon on the nose. Just a hint of honey. Full-bodied, very sweet and very intense with vanilla, botrytis spice and piecrust. Best ever from this estate. Best after 2008. 4,165 cases made. (J |
| 1998 | Chateau Haut-Maillet Pomerol | Bordeaux | F5,F13 | 49.00 | 2 | 93 WS |
| This sleeper Pomerol is a beauty. Loads of violet, berry, cherry and mineral aromas. Full-bodied, with wonderfully silky tannins and a long, succulent finish. Best after 2007. 1,915 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Chateau La Serre - 375 ml | Bordeaux | F6 | 19.00 | 1 | 91 WS |
| Loads of black licorice and mineral character. Full-bodied, with well-integrated and silky tannins and a mineral, chocolate aftertaste. Sleek and modern. Good value in an outstanding, quality St.-Emilion. Best after 2007. 2,000 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Chateau Lafite Rothschild | Bordeaux | K17 | 141.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| Complex aromas of blackberries, tobacco, spices and black licorice are alluring in this full-bodied claret, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Long, caressing finish. Superfine, well-structured. Wine of the vintage. Best after 2006. 22,500 cases made. (JS) |
| 1999 | Chateau Pajzos Tokay Aszu 5 Puttonyos | Dessert Wine | G2 | 37.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| Racy and focused, showing lemon, orange and vanilla aromas and flavors underscored by a hint of earth and mineral. Light-bodied, with an intensity on the finish that almost makes it seem dry. Terrific finish. Best from 2005 through 2025." |
| NV | Chateau Reynella Old Cave Tawny Port | Port | B11,G3 | 15.99 | 2 | 92 WS |
| Smooth and refined, an elegant profile with a wonderful range of exotic spice, dried citrus peel, almond and, way down deep in the very center, pretty raspberry notes. Everything floats beautifully through the finish, which remains rich and plush. Drink now through 2010 |
| 2005 | Churchill Estate Duoro | Red Wine | I4 | 19.75 | 1 | 90 WS |
| 2006 | Clone 5 | Chardonnay | G6 | 17.50 | 1 | 90-91 WL |
| 2002 | Clos Bartolome Vinyes Primitiu | Red Wine | A2,A4 | 26.99 | 2 | 92 WS |
| This plush red is ripe yet refreshing, an alluring wine that offers blackberry, coffee, mineral and spice flavors over round tannins that support without getting in the way. It's deceptively accessible, and has the stuffing to age. Drink now through 2015. 700 cases made." |
| Bought on Sale - Regular price $59.99/bottle |
| 2000 | Concha y Toro Don Melchor | Cabernet | C12 | 32.00 | 1 | 94 WS |
| Terrific personality here, with prune, cocoa, loam, mineral, dark currant, blackberry, tar and sanguine flavors. Well-structured, but fine balance and harmony already, with a very long finish. Winemaker Enrique Tirado has steered this wine to modern-day fruit (there are no more green or minty notes) without losing an ounce of its terroir. Can't wait for the 01 vintage. Best from 2005 through 2010" |
| 2000 | Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja | Red Wine | D12 | 39.99 | 1 | 94 WS |
| Intense aromas of very ripe fruit, with hints of raisin and meat. Full-bodied, chewy and powerful, with masses of fruit and firm tannins. A blockbuster. Best wine ever from Cortese. Best after 2009. 1,400 cases made |
| 2005 | Delisio Quarterback Red | Red Wine | A11,B14 | 17.99 | 2 | 90-92 RP |
| An intriguing blend of Shiraz, Grenache, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in mostly old French wood, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Quarterback reveals notions of new saddle leather, black currants, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied as well as elegant, restrained, and Eurocentric in character, it should be consumed over the following 6-10 years |
| | Delle Venezie | Pinot Grigio | Iron Stand | | 1 | |
| 2005 | Domaine De La Garrigue Cotes Du Rhone Cuvee Romaine | Red Wine | A3,A4,A5 | 12.99 | 3 | 91 RP |
| The 2005 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine, a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah, is a fabulous example of how high quality Cotes du Rhones can be. Made under the auspices of the brilliant oenologist Philippe Cambie, this wine comes from the estate`s oldest head-pruned vines of 60 to 90 years old. Dense ruby/purple with terrific black cherry and black currant fruit, full-bodied essence of Provencal fruit, herbs, incense, and spice, this essentially tastes more like a Vacqueyras than a Cotes du Rhone and is beautifully ripe, full-bodied, opulent, and also vibrant, which is in keeping with this top-notch vintage. Drink it over the next decade." |
| 2004 | Dominio Basconcillo Ribera del Duero | Red Wine | E4 | 17.98 | 1 | 92 WS |
| Dense and well-integrated, this polished red isn't expressive now, but has beautiful balance, showing hints of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, mineral and toast. Drink now through 2014. 100 cases imported. –TM |
| 1999 | E. Guigal | Red Wine | F1,F2,F8,F9 | 30.00 | 4 | 93 WS |
| Distinctive Châteauneuf, with plenty of wild mushrooms, wet earth, game and leather. This is not a fruit bomb; it has chewy tannins. But underneath is wonderful sweet fruit, as well as a subtle mineral caress. Something special. Best from 2005 through 2015. 13,330 cases made. (PM) |
| 1999 | E. Guigal Hermitage Blanc | White Wine | I9,I10 | 32.00 | 2 | 94 WS |
| Grape Tray: A beauty. Reserved and dignified, this classy white is vibrant with lemon, lime, tropical, peach and apricot complexity, and just enough fancy oak to make it interesting. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers a long, complex finish, complete with classic Hermitage beeswax character. Still tastes young. Will age for years. Marsanne and Roussanne. 1,670 cases |
| 2005 | Estancia Reserve Paso Robles Meritage | Blend | H8 | | 1 | |
| 1998 | Fanti | Red Wine | G5 | 66.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| Phenomenal for the vintage. Dark colored and superconcentrated. Aromas of roses, cherries, minerals and spices. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a superrich, long finish. Better than the 1997, which received 93 points. Best after 2004. 2,330 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Flora Springs Trilogy | Red Wine | B10 | 60.00 | 1 | 88 WS |
| Supple and well-balanced, with a core of delicate black cherry, plum, olive, herb and currant flavors that are complex and well-integrated. Intensity builds on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and others. Best from 2004 through 2010. 8,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 2004 | Fox Gordon Eight Uncles | Shiraz | L2 | 17.99 | 1 | 91 WS |
| Rich and ripe. A lithe mouthful of cherry, spice and a touch of meatiness as the finish sails on and on against fine-grained tannins. Distinctive and expressive. Should develop well in the cellar. Best from 2008 through 2020. 400 cases made." |
| NV | Gloria Ferrer Brut (9 liter) | Sparkling Wine | Pedestal | 265.00 | 1 | 88 WS |
| Crisp, focused and concentrated, with a bright beam of tangy lemon and tart green apple intensity that extends through the finish. Drink now through 2006. 38,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 9 Liters! |
| 2005 | Gordon Brothers | Merlot | E2,E6,F11 | 18.98 | 3 | 91 WS |
| Ripe and generous, this is a silky, plush-textured mouthful of red plum, raspberry, cream and coffee flavors that arch enticingly from the first sip through the long, round finish. Drink now through 2013. 2,700 cases made |
| 2001 | Gralyn | Cabernet | A3,A11 | 86.00 | 2 | 94 RP |
| One of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted from Margaret River, |
| Gary Vanderchuk (Wine Library): Ok here's the story this wine was scored very high by Robert Parker . I was working on getting this wine for months, I was finally able to secure some cases. Here is the problem, we have a couple of dozen cases and then thats it....Last night at aprivate tasting I brought this out and the 4 other gentlemen were ALL major wine buyers,drinkers,collectors ect..... We all looked at each other in amazement as we tasted and FINISHED one of the finest wines I have ever had...and this wine is still a baby !.....I have to say Robert parker is the greatest and most reliable wine critics in the world however he MISSED THIS ONE ...well kinda 94 is super high. This is a 97-100 point wine...Try it now and be shocked.....WOW .....LIMITED -1st come 1st served |
| 2005 | Havens Black & Blue | Red Wine | L2,L3 | 41.98 | 2 | 93 RP |
| 2004 | Haywood Los Chamizal | Zinfandel | E9 | 16.99 | 1 | 91 WS |
| A ripe, zesty style, with layers of dusty blackberry, blueberry and wild berry that are fresh and vibrant. Well-structured, with good acidity and firm tannins, ending with a dash of spice. Drink now through 2011. 205 cases made." |
| 2002 | Johannishof Riesling Spatlese Rheingau Rudesheimer | Riesling | J3,J8,J10,J11 | 22.00 | 4 | 94 WS |
| The high average ripeness levels of the grapes in 2002 show in this beautiful Riesling spatlese from the predominantly red slate, steep Berg Rottland vineyard. More like a small auslese, this delivers effusive aromas and flavors of apricot, mango and mineral, which are rich and concentrated, yet delicate and fleeting. It's all harmonious and expressive, showing fine length. Although delicious now (2003), it will be really exciting after ten years. |
| 2005 | Kanonkop Paul Sauer | Red Wine | L1 | 18.00 | 1 | |
| Platter's #1 Wine of the Year |
| Purchased at winery in South Africa |
| 1988 | Krug Champagne | Sparkling Wine | A1 | 150.00 | 1 | 99 WS |
| Brilliant aromas of coconut, tropical fruit, candied citrus peel and spring blossoms hint at perfection, yet the structure is firm and unyielding. Then it all returns on the finish, a wave of fresh and dried berries, white truffle and hazelnut. A compelling and contemplative wine. What more could you expect from a Champagne? Best from 2005 through 2015. 5,000 cases made. (BS) |
| Released at $199.00 |
| 2004 | Lemos & Van Zellers Van Zellers Duoro Red | Red Wine | C2,C3,C4,C9,I1,I2,I6,J1 | 25.00 | 8 | 93 WS |
| A powerful red, with a deep well of dark plum, blackberry and smoked cherry flavors. Finishes long, with lots of chocolate, bacon and spice. Drink now through 2012. 150 cases imported. –KM |
| 1999 | Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo | Red Wine | C6,D6,D14 | 47.00 | 3 | 95 WS |
| A tight and chewy wine, with full body and lots of raisin and spice character. Impressive, ripe tannins. Thick and powerful; needs time in the bottle. From one of the most serious producers in Montalcino now. Best after 2007. 21,660 cases made. (JS) |
| 2005 | McPrice Myers L'ange Rouge | Grenache | J3,J4 | 31.98 | 2 | 93 WS |
| Lush and rich, this is jammed with ripe fruit. Aromas of wild berry and spice lead to layered, smoky blueberry and toasty vanilla flavors that finish with a zesty flourish of pepper. Best from 2009 through 2011. 435 cases made. –JL |
| 2000 | Montsant 6 Vinyes De Laurano | Red Wine | E1,E8 | 36.00 | 2 | 93 WS |
| Intense, alluring aromas of kirsch and chocolate draw you in, and the flavors follow through in a velvety texture, with smoothness that masks firm, ripe tannins. A distinctive beauty, reminiscent of the top rank of nearby Priorat. Carignane and Grenache. Drink now through 2015. 790 cases made. (TM) |
| 2006 | Neyers Old Lakeville | Syrah | H1,H2 | 31.98 | 2 | 93 WS |
| Ripe and grapey, with rich, elegant spice, pepper and juicy, dusty wild berry flavors that are sleek and focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,155 cases made. –JL |
| 2004 | Nissley Fantasy | Rose | M6 | | 1 | |
| Gift from Jess (Jen's friend) |
| 1996 | Opus One | Cabernet | K12 | 140.00 | 1 | 96 WS |
| 1999 Review: Bold, rich and leathery, delivering tiers of currant, mineral, spice and sage, this is a remarkably complex and deeply concentrated Opus that's potent while it leans into Cabernet's earthier spectrum. Best from 2001 through 2009. 30,000 cases made. (JL) 2000 Review: Wonderful finesse and complexity. Not the up-front opulent flavor of the '94 or '95, but seemingly deeper, with more finesse to the toasty clove, currant, black cherry and spice. Tannins are fine-grained.--Opus One vertical. Best from 2002 through 2012. 30,000 cases made. (JL) |
| 1997 | Opus One | Red Wine | K1,K2,K3,K4 | 140/250 | 4 | 94 WS |
| A rich, decidedly earthy style of Opus, showing currant, anise, black cherry, mineral, leather and sage flavors that are focused and complex. Drink now through 2010. 26,000 cases made. –JL |
| 1999 | Opus One | Red Wine | K7 | 153/165 | 1 | 93 WS |
| An exquisite, complex, stylish wine, wearing a cloak of earthy, leathery tannins around flavors of mineral, currant, earth and blackberry. Gains intensity and shows its depth and concentration on the finish, which is long and detailed. Best from 2004 through 2012. 24,000 cases made. –JL |
| 2000 | Opus One | Red Wine | K8,K9,K10,K11 | 150.00 | 4 | 89 WS |
| Firm and structured, with spicy currant, herb, dill and berry, picking up a cedary lead pencil edge. Finishes with a firm, rich core of flavors and tight tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 22,500 cases made. (JL) |
| Baptismal Gift from Dad & Wendy. To be saved for Alex. Same wine that we drank after her birth. |
| 2005 | Papantonis Agiorgitiko | Red Wine | D2 | 19.99 | 1 | |
| 1998 | Penfold's St. Henri South Australia Shiraz | Shiraz | C5 | 40.00 | 1 | 90 WS |
| A serious red, crisp in texture, brightly ripe in flavor, tightly packed with blackberry, plum and a spicy mineral note that weaves through the firm finish. This has plenty of depth. Tightly wound, it needs cellaring to flesh out. Best from 2004 through 2013. 20,000 cases made. (HS) |
| WS Release price $40 - Sam's Club $21.00 |
| 2006 | Perrin Vinsobres Les Cornuds | Red Wine | E5,G4,L7 | 16.98 | 3 | 91 WS |
| 2006 | Petaluma | Riesling | H5 | 17.50 | 1 | 92 WS |
| 2001 | Pio Cesare Barolo | Red Wine | K19 | 46.99 | 1 | 94 WS |
| Very pretty plum and fresh flower aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Layered and serious. Very close to the fabulous 1997. Best after 2009. 7,000 cases made." |
| 2004 | Pocas Coroa Duoro Red | Red Wine | I11,L10 | 8.50 | 2 | 89 WS |
| 2005 | Prieure De Saint Jean De Bebia | Red Wine | I5 | 33.98 | 1 | 93 WS |
| 1996 | Prunotto Barolo Bussia | Red Wine | K15 | 66.00 | 1 | 94 WS |
| A super-well-made Barolo. Very jammy, with hints of spice and citrus skin. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and a polished, silky tannin structure. Best after 2003. 1,500 cases made. (JS) |
| 2000 | Quinta Do Crasto Vinha Da Ponte | Red Wine | K14 | 60.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| Full-bore, decadent red, with a smoky, spicy aroma and layers of rich blackberry, dark plum, cassis and meaty flavors that jump out of the glass at you. Concentrated notes of tar, dark chocolate and roasted meats dominate the finish; lush tannins complete the package. Tempting now. Best from 2004 through 2008. 250 cases made. (KM)" |
| NV | R. I. Buller & Son Fine Muscat - Victoria | Dessert Wine | R7 | 14.00 | 1 | 94 RP |
| The medium amber-colored non-vintage Premium Fine Muscat offers terrific aromas ofbrown sugar, molasses, and maple syrup, great persistence on the palate, and a tremendous finish. For the price, it's a steal! |
| 1999 | Rosemount Estate Balmoral | Syrah | C11 | 50.00 | 1 | 93 WS |
| 1997 | Rotllan Torra Priorat Tirant | Red Wine | K13 | 75.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| Powerful and intense, this Spanish red is as ripe and rich as young Vintage Port, bursting with flavors of black cherries and blueberries, chocolate and coffee, supported by muscular yet round tannins. An impressive achievement in an age of blockbuster wines. Best after 2003. 500 cases made. (TM) |
| NV | Rumball Sparkling Shiraz | Shiraz | A6 | 16.50 | 1 | |
| 2005 | Saison Des Vins L'Hiver | Syrah | B7,E13 | 16.50 | 2 | 90 RP |
| 2002 | Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Auslese | White Wine | I6 | 25.00 | 1 | 93 WS |
| Classic Mosel flavors of apricot, lime and slate mark this effusive, elegant Auslese. It's vibrant and tasty, but more importantly, it really has a sense of place. Fine, tangerine-infused finish. Drink now through 2018 |
| 2000 | Silver Oak Alexander Valley | Cabernet | B1 | 60.00 | 1 | 86 WS |
| Smooth and polished, with a mix of mature cedar, currant and cherry-scented fruit, framed by a dash of smoky vanilla- and coconut-shaded oak, but finishing with a complex mix of fruit and oak. Drink now through 2009. 50,000 cases made. (JL) |
| Christmas gift from Jim from CANAC |
| 2003 | Silver Oak Alexander Valley | Cabernet | C1 | 60.00 | 1 | 86 WS |
| Tight, earthy and unusually tannic for this wine, with fresh earth, mineral and dried currant fruit shaded by a dill-coconut flavor. Drink now through 2012. 70,000 cases made. –JL |
| 2002 | Silver Oak Napa Valley | Cabernet | A1 | 100.00 | 1 | 90 WS |
| A plush display of oak and ripe fruit, with the signature vanilla bean oak joining currant and plum fruit flavors that are ripe and intense, yet supple. Well-balanced, with good depth, focus and concentration. Drink now through 2012. 33,000 cases made. –JL |
| 1997 | Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Vigneto Manachiara | Red Wine | D3,D4,D10,D11 | 76.00 | 4 | 95 WS |
| Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries and Indian spices, from cumin to coriander. Full-bodied, yet reserved and elegant, with wonderfully silky tannins, like the finest cashmere. Long, long finish. A producer on the rise. Best from 2003 through 2012. 800 cases made. (JS) |
| 2005 | St. Hallett Faith | Shiraz | G13,G14 | 16.99 | 2 | 90 WS |
| This is a beautifully contained wine that's neither too broad nor too tight, expressive of cherry, violet and sweet spices, playing against refined tannins on the long finish. Best from 2008 through 2013." |
| 2007 | Staete Landt | Sauvignon Blanc | A2,A7 | 13.50 | 2 | 91 WS |
| 2005 | Staete Landt Marlborough | Pinot Noir | E13 | 22.98 | 1 | 92 WS |
| Graceful and fragrant, with a lovely array of raspberry, spice, strawberry and dried herb flavors. Savory mineral and crushed stone accents, cedary oak and a supple structure harmonize in the deft, lingering finish. Drink now through 2010. 1,600 cases made |
| 2005 | Step Road Langhorne Creek | Shiraz | H7 | 15.99 | 1 | 92 RP |
| 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." |
| 2007 | Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard | Syrah | B6 | 37.00 | 1 | 94 WS |
| 2001 | Tenuto Pierazzuoli Gioveto | Red Wine | L6,L7,L8 | 29.10 | 3 | 93 WS |
| Deep and intense aromas of crushed blackberries, licorice and raspberries. Full-bodied, with powerful flavors of crushed black pepper and a long, long finish. A beauty. Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah. Seriously good for the money. Best after 2006. 550 cases made." |
| 2005 | Terlato & Chapoutier Malakoff | Shiraz | B6 | 31.98 | 1 | 93 WS |
| A deft, expressive Shiraz, with a remarkably open texture that floats over just enough acidity to keep this refreshing and impeccably balanced. The flavors center on smoky, licorice-scented black cherry and mineral. Not like many other Aussie reds. Best from 2009 through 2015. 1,500 cases made. –HS |
| 1993 | The Royal Takaji Wine Company Toaky Aszu 5 Puttonyos Red Label | Dessert Wine | G10 | 28.00 | 1 | 95 WS |
| 2003 | Tir Na N'og Old Vines Grenache | Grenache | H3,H7-11 | 22.05 | 6 | 94 RP |
| A fabulous new offering from Australia, this brilliant Grenache carries lofty alcohol, but there is not a trace of heat because of the wine's extraordinary concentration. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas and flavors of flowers interwoven with raspberries, kirsch liqueur, licorice, and spicy pepper. Full-bodied, with a layered, multidimensional mouthfeel, it should drink well for 7-8 years." |
| 2003 | Vall Llach Embruix | Red Wine | L22-L32 | 25.99 | 9 | 93 WS |
| This plush red delivers ripe, fresh flavors in a velvety texture, with well-integrated tannins and just enough acidity to keep it lively. Modern in style, with blueberry, toast, vanilla and mineral flavors. Drink now through 2012. 150 cases imported." |
| 2004 | Van Zellers Douro Red | Red Wine | C2,C3,C4,L10-14 | 28.00 | 8 | 93 WS |
| A powerful red, with a deep well of dark plum, blackberry and smoked cherry flavors. Finishes long, with lots of chocolate, bacon and spice. Drink now through 2012. 150 cases imported. –KM |
| 1997 | Viader Napa Valley | Blend | A10 | 79.00 | 1 | 97 WS |
| Beautifully proportioned, rich and complex, with ripe, concentrated plum, currant, black cherry, mocha, toasty oak and spice nuances. Turns smooth and silky on a long, elegant finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2002 through 2012. 4,800 cases made. (JL) |
| 2000 | Viader Syrah | Syrah | G6 | 30.00 | 1 | 92 WS |
| Lots of complexity, depth and range of flavor, with mocha, blackberry, espresso, tobacco and white pepper flavors. Shows depth and richness on the palate, with a long, integrated aftertaste. Debut Syrah from Viader. Drink now through 2010. 500 cases made. (JL) |
| 2002 | Villa L'Olmo | Red Wine | "Pierre" | 8.00 | 1 | |
| Bought at villa we stayed at in Impruneta |
| 2004 | Vinedos Maurodos San Ramon | Red Wine | G3,G10 | 46.98 | 2 | 94 WS |
| 2000 | Volpaia Balifico | Select Varietal | D9 | 32.00 | 1 | 93 WS |
| Shows complex aromas of currant, mineral and light toasty oak. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Superb. Sangiovese and Cabernet. Best after 2006. 1,000 cases made. (JS)" |
| 2005 | Warwick Three Cape Ladies | Red Wine | E9,L20 | 18.00 | 2 | |
| Purchased at winery in South Africa |
| 1997 | Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Reserve | Cabernet | B13 | 60.00 | 1 | 97 WS |
| Deliciously ripe, rich and deeply flavored, with juicy layers of coffee, herb, currant, sage, chocolate, toffee and spice, with a long, complex, integrated finish. Best from 2002 through 2012. 2,850 cases made. (JL) |
| 2001 | Yangarra Park McLaren Vale | Shiraz | L15-L19 | 14.00 | 5 | 91 WS |
| Rich and plump, a flood of fruit, with powerful blackberry, plum and a wee touch of peppermint, all echoing through the long finish. A serious McLaren Vale Shiraz, built to last. Drink now through 2012. 5,000 cases made. -- H.S. |
| 2006 | d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie | Shiraz Voignier | A7,A14 | 35.00 | 2 | 92 RP |
|