Washington:
2013 Avennia 'Arnaut' Boushey Vineyard Syrah- This amazing Syrah was aged 16 months in 15% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine begins with aromas of white pepper, smoked pork shoulder, wild blackberry and mocha. There are flavors of blackberry pie, mocha, and black cherry with suggestions of roasted dates. Massive, masculine and tannic right now, this will age gracefully for at least another decade. This is every bit as good as the absolutely exceptional 2012. Give this at least an hour decant before enjoying. Drink 2017-2028- 95
2016 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Arnaut’ is a sensational Syrah sourced from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. This was aged for 16 months in 15% new French oak prior to bottling. Smoky and savory tones excite on the nose with red and dark fruits and a semblance of creosote aromatics all evolve in the glass. The palate has a seamless quality that runs through the mid-palate. Ripe boysenberry jam, mocha, tar and Asian spices with herbal undertones all surround this beautiful wine. While gorgeous in its youth, this has the stuffing to cellar well for a decade or more. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a one hour decant. Drink 2019-2029- 95
2016 Avennna ‘Valery’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Valery’ is a right bank Bordeaux style of wine (70% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Franc) sourced from old vine Boushey Vineyard Merlot and Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Franc. Needing a one hour decant to fully express itself, the ‘Valery’ opens with bright red fruits with sweet pipe tobacco and licorice aromas that build in the glass. The palate is highly elegant, evoking a wonderful, Bordelaise feel. Quite honestly, the wine precisely exactly what it sets out to do, as this might pass for a great St. Emillon with its silky tannin, bright red fruits and herbal and earthy tones. Gorgeous in its youth, this is really needing another year in the bottle to fully evolve. If enjoying young, be sure to give this at least a three hour decant prior to consumption. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2016 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Sestina’ is a stunning new wine made by the talented Chris Peterson. A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder smaller portions of Merlot (18%) and Cabernet Franc (5%), the ‘Sestina’ needs at least a one hour decant prior to being aromatically expressive. Once aroused, this beautiful wine shows cassis, leather, anise and shades of black currant cordial on this beautiful nose. The palate has a soft mouthfeel and wonderfully plush texture, giving off an err of decadence. Mocha, tar, graphite and creme de cassis flavors, with sagebrush accents all collide on the palate. While truly delicious in its youth, give this one to two more years of bottle age before enjoying. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2016 Avennia ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- The 2016 ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc is a limited production bottling by Avennia. Needing a one hour decant to fully evolve aromatically, the wine slowly settles into aromatics reminiscent of Asian spices with blackberry compote, and shades of tar with blueberry pie. The palate is silky smooth, delivering a wonderfully plush mouthfeel. Black tea, licorice and blue fruit flavors with hints of violets all evolve well in the glass. This is seriously good in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2006 Cayuse 'En Chamberlin Vineyard' Syrah-It is hard to believe how remarkably well this wine has cellared. The 2006 Cayuse 'En Chamberlin Vineyard' Syrah is a stunning wine that is currently drinking at its peak. Copious amounts of dark fruits connect with barnyard, wet rock and bulls blood with Mandarin orange rind aromatics. The stunning range here brings you back to the glass for more. The silky texture borders ethereal. Black cherry compote, wet rock, umami, smoked pork shoulder with blood orange flavors entice. This remarkable Syrah is a stunner made by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. Drink 2017-2025 95
2009 Cayuse 'God Only Knows Vineyard' Grenache- This Grenache was sourced from the Armada vineyard and was cropped at a mere 1.5 tons per acre. This is one of the most memorable wines that I have sampled in the past year. This expressive Grenache wine opens bright and intense aromas of red cherry, red raspberry, lavender and blood orange with wet gravel. Flavors of pink bubble gum, crushed wet rock, red cherry, red raspberry and sea salt. This is intense and incredible wine that is out of this world delicious. Words make it nearly impossible to express the level of complexity and intensity to the wine. Drink 2016-2028- 99
2009 Cayuse 'Cailloux Vineyard' Syrah- This gorgeous Syrah is less intense and stony than when it was first released but is drinking marvelously well as of December 2017. The nose has wonderful aromatics of horse manure, crushed wet rock, bulls blood and a touch of orange rind. Rich and powerful on the mid-palate, the combination of weight and tension is impossible the resist. Red cherry preserves, blood orange syrup, Umami and black tea flavors impress. The wine finishes long with minerals and black fruits. This gorgeous wine will be best enjoyed in the next five years. Drink 2017-2022- 95
2012 Cayuse 'God Only Knows' Grenache- The 2012 Cayuse 'God Only Knows' Grenache is an ethereal wine by this estate. This incredible wine has a classic Walla Walla stony nose. There are deep aromatics of sage, rose petals, crushed wet rock, lavender, red cherry, red raspberry and blood orange. The range of flavors at play is tremendous. In the glass there are slow developing enticing flavors of red raspberry, Umami, Shitake mushroom, crushed wet rock, boysenberry, pomegranate seed and crushed white wildflowers. This Grenache becomes even more rich and aromatically present following a two hour decant. The minute long finish is astonishing, while the structure of the wine makes it nearly impossible to resist. Simply put, this is nothing short of a scintillating release by Christophe Baron that shows incredible tension, minerality and richness in this near perfect vintage. Drink 2016-2030- 99
2013 Cayuse 'God Only Knows' Red Wine- Following up the nothing short of insane 2012 release by Cayuse, the 2013 'God Only Knows' Red Wine is another stunner from the superstar winemaking team of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Bourcier. Having a translucent core this wine has simply intoxicating aromatics of blood orange, Umami, horse manure, wet stone and suggestions of red cherry syrup. The tension and minerality to this wine is simply stunning considering the obvious heat of the vintage. Satsuma orange rind, Umami, bulls blood, rose water, white pepper and gobs of minerality. The tension is hugely compelling, literally gripping, as is the exceedingly long finish. The flavor and aromatic range continue to evolve following two hours in the decanter. Sexy, exotic, moving and feminine, this gorgeous red wine will cellar beautifully for the next decade. Drink 2017-2028- 97
2010 Cayuse 'Widowmaker' Cabernet- The 2010 'Widowmaker' is a massive bottling by Cayuse that is sourced from their En Chamberlin Vineyard. Incorporating both masculine and feminine edges, the 'Widowmaker' begins with aromas of black truffle, blackberry jam, Turkish coffee and crushed wildflowers. The aromatics show incredible range. This leads to flavors of blackberry cobbler, anise, smoked meats, pipe tobacco, gravel and mocha. Absolutely gorgeous and stunning wine, with a seamless texture and a one minute long finish. Lovely weight, with a huge influence from the stones. A vibrant style of Cabernet that is unlike anything in the state.Drink 2016-2028- 96
2011 Cayuse 'Armada Vineyard' Syrah- The 2011 Arnada Vineyard Syrah is showing beautifully right now and is hitting its sweet spot. This wine has a hugely smoky nose with aromas of smoked meats, ash, blood orange, dried sage, red currant and red cherry. The flavors of red raspberry red cherry lavender crushed wild flowers and incredible minerality gorgeous wine. Very intense for this cold vintage. Representative of feminine and elegant Syrah that is one of a kind. Drink 2016-2026- 97
2013 Cayuse 'En Chamberlin Vineyard' Syrah- The 2013 Cayuse 'En Chamberlin Vineyard' Syrah is a true heavyhitter artfully crafted by superstar winemaker Christophe Baron. Displaying an intense aromatic profile of seaweed, Umami, horse manure, wet gravel and wild blackberry, the intoxicating bouquet brings you back to the glass for more. There are ripe flavors of smoked pork shoulder, Umami, black olive, boysenberry pie, smoked brisket and light suggestions of coffee grounds. The texture of this wine borders ethereal, as this is translucent, yet fat on the mid-palate. What is so compelling is this level of minerality and poise has been captured despite the heat of the vintage. Leave it to Baron to create this magical Syrah. Drink 2016-2026- 97
2013 Cayuse 'Impulsivo' Tempranillo- One of my favorite wines of this tasting at Cayuse was the gorgeous 2013 'Impulsivo' Tempranillo which is the best of its kind in Washington. The 2013' Impulsivo' is made from Tempranillo that is sourced from the En Chamberlin Vineyard. The wine begins intense with aromas of wet stone, blackberry cobbler, Umami, and red raspberry with forest floor. There are vibrant flavors of blackberry, smoked meats, Umami and crushed gravel with green olive and a saline streak. This has incredible minerality and balance. I can see this heavyhitter of a wine pairing exceptionally well with a range of foods. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2013 Cayuse 'Cailloux Vineyard' Syrah- Another scintillating release from the Cayuse portfolio is their 2013 'Cailloux Vineyard' Syrah. This incredible Syrah was co-fermented with 5% Viognier and shows the true stony character of the region. The Syrah opens with hugely intense aromatics of mint, black olive, blackberry, black cherry and creosote. There are decadent flavors of smoked meats, black olive, Umami and lithe minerality. This translucent Syrah wine has a lovely dense mouthfeel and texture and a long and lingering finish that sits alongside moderate tannins.Drink 2017-2028- 95
2014 Cayuse 'Cailloux Vineyard' Syrah-This translucent colored wine opens with a gorgeous aromatic expression of bulls blood, horse manure, wet stone, Mandarin orange rind and pomegranate seed with smoky accents. The intoxicating aromatic range builds with time in the decanter. Silky and feminine, with a lively minerality, this wine builds into layered flavors of red cherry, pomegranate purée, lemon rind and crushed wet gravel with umami. The exceedingly long finish lingers. This is another outstanding wine made by the talented hands of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Bourcier. Drink 2017-2028 96
2015 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine- Truly one of the best wines made in Washington, the 2015 ‘God Only Knows’ by Cayuse Vineyards is a stunning effort from this storied estate. The nose takes on some insanely impressive range, showing potpourri, white rose, white truffle, and Umami. Silky, showing an incredible mouthfeel, the wine reveals a wonderful combination of red and dark fruits. Silky smooth through the palate, there is an incredible purity of fruit with guava puree, wild blackberry, blood orange, wet stone, Umami and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. There is a wonderful combination of freshness and weight at play. A head-turner, this is best enjoyed in the last decade. Drink 2018-2028- 97
2015 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2015 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is an absolutely spectacular effort from this warm vintage. This Syrah is sourced from what has evolved to be truly one of the top vineyards in the state, the Armada Vineyard, first planted in 2001. The Syrah begins with wonderfully perfumed aromatics of tar, Umami, black olive tapenade, smoked brisket, and peat moss that slowly build in the glass. The minerality strikes you instantly as the palate shows vivid flavors of bulls blood, wild mushroom, peat moss, Umami, blood orange rind and suggestions of Asian spice. Silky smooth through the mid-palate, this stunning wine will cellar well for the next decade or more. The mouth-watering acidity really entices you here as this is a beautiful effort by the superstar vigneron team of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Bourcier. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2006 Col Solare- The 2006 Col Solare is a gorgeous wine made of 72% Cabernet, 19% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Syrah. Perfumed nose of prune, black cherry, green olive and cassis. Velvety mouthfeel with minimal tannic structure. Hard to believe this wine is almost 10 years old given the vibrant acid backbone. Persistent Flavors of boysenberry, mocha, vanilla and a 30 second finish. A truly remarkable wine that still has a bright future. (Drink 2012-2025- 95
2007 Col Solare- This is a blend of 75% Cabernet with 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Unbelievably rich aromatics of this wine with cassis, blackberry and black truffle. Velvety mouthfeel with delicious flavors that beg for another glass. Aromas and flavors of raspberry ganache, blackberry, mocha and graphite resonate through the wine. Reminds me of some great Left Bank Bordeaux from the '09 vintage. Superlative wine will drink well into the next decade. Drink 2015-2030- 95
2014 Col Solare Red Wine- This gorgeous wine is up there with some of the best Col Solare releases that I have sampled in the past 20 years. This intense, massive and brooding deep-hued wine is a classic effort by the superstar winemaking team of winemaker Darel Allwine and assistant winemaker Will Wiles at Col Solare. Dense, firm and masculine, this monster of a wine awakens with aromatics of black tea, sandalwood, black cherry, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee. The nose reminds me of the incredible 2013 bottling. There are decadent flavors of black tea, black olive, mocha, allspice and suggestions of dark chocolate shavings. Polished, smooth and absolutely scintillating, this is another stunner by Col Solare and their superstar winemaking team. Give this at least a two hour decant before enjoying. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2015 Col Solare ‘Collector’s Society’ Red Wine- One of the great wines made from this estate, the 2015 Col Solare 'Collector's Society' Red Wine is a massive heavyhitter of a wine. Intensely dark this begins with anise and black tea on the nose. The palate has wonderful viscosity showing blackberry compote, mocha and anise flavors. Gorgeous and layered this is a stunner. Drink 2018-2030- 95
2012 Corliss Syrah-The 2012 Syrah has 3% Viognier blended in. This gorgeous, deep colored wine begins with aromatics of blackberry cobbler, coffee grounds, dark chocolate shavings and black cherry cough syrup. The aromatics are very intense and downright intoxicating. The mouthfeel is absolutely gorgeous. There are layered flavors of Black Forest cake, spicebox, mocha and black plum. This is plush and absolutely delicious as the minerality is dazzling. This is just an awesome wine crafted by superstar winemaker Andrew Trio and famed winemaking consultant Philippe Melka. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2013 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Blanc- This wine is a blend of 65% Sav Blanc and 35% Semillon. Nose has lemongrass with cantaloupe and mushroom, forest floor as well. Palate has bright acidity with Meyer lemon, cantaloupe, lemon lime flavors and incredible balance. Finish lingers. Drink 2014-2025. -95
2014 DeLille 'Red Willow Vineyard' Malbec- A brooding, dark color coats the glass to this intense and unctuous Malbec wine. This inky colored wine opens with aromatics of dark chocolate, roasted figs, black cherry and black tea. This leads to flavors of black tea, mocha, anise, creme de cassis, black olive and blackberry cobbler. Intense, layered and rich, this needs another year for fruit and aromatic amalgamation. Drink 2018-2030- 95
2014 DeLille 'Quintessence Vineyard' Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon- Made from 68% Malbec with the rest Cabernet, this is one of the most exceptional bottling of its kind that I have sampled in the past few years. The Malbec dominant wine opens with aromas of violets, black cherry, anise, creme de cassis and graphite with milk chocolate. The palate is plush, displaying ripe flavors of black tea, blackberry jam, mocha, anise, creme de cassis and sagebrush. Layered, massive and deep, this is a decadent treat. Try to give this another year for everything to soften and come together. Drink 2018-2030- 95
2014 DeLille 'Four Flags' Cabernet- This gorgeous wine is a blend of 42% Grand Ciel, 31% Upchurch, 19% Ciel du Cheval and 8% Klipsun. The intense and brooding Cabernet wine begins with ripe aromatics of sagebrush, black tea, red bell pepper and mint with milk chocolate. There are rich flavors of black tea, anise, creme de cassis, red bell pepper, sagebrush and coffee grounds. This shows wonderful range, persistence and poise. The wine is drinking beautifully right now but will cellar for 15 plus years. Try to resist this exceptional Cabernet for another year. If enjoying young, give this at least a one hour decant. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2014 DeLille Chaleur Estate Blanc- Year after year this is one of the best, if not the best, Bordeaux style White out of Washingon state. Composed of 75% Sav Blanc and 25% Semillon. The wine was aged in oak, 70% new for 5-6 months. Beautiful nose of starfruit, lemon rind and baked apple. Rich mouthfeel with vanilla, pear, red delicious apple, starfruit and a 30 second long finish. This is very bit outstanding and up there with the 2008 and 2013 Chaleur Estate Blanc as the best Chaleur Estate Blancs I’ve ever tried. Drink 2015-2022. -95
2012 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Rouge- Red cherry and red currant with oak in the nose. Palate has ripe layers of red cherry, cherry tomato, blackberry and anise. This is incredible juice now and can benefit from 2-5 years of cellaring. Drink 2017-2030. -95
2013 DeLille 'Four Flags' Cabernet- The 2013 DeLille Cellars 'Four Flags' Cabernet follows up the highly impressive 2012 bottling. This wine begins with intense aromatics of black tea, Asian spices, dark chocolate and Turkish coffee grounds. The wine has rich flavors of mocha, blackberry cobbler, anise and creme de cassis with suggestions of black olive and creosote. This is memorable wine that will have a long life. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2013 DeLille 'Harrison Hill' Cabernet- The 2013 'Harrison Hill' Cabernet from DeLille is a stunner that will reward the patient drinker. The wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This has aromatics of baking spices, mocha, coffee grounds and sagebrush. This leads to flavors of blackberry compote, loganberry preserves, mocha and leather. Lovely viscosity and minerality to this esteemed bottling. This is a polished, dense and layered treat that shows that DeLille's winemaking team are on top of their game. Try to resist this for at least another year. Drink 2017-2031- 95
2016 Delmas Syrah- Following up the stunning 2015 bottling, the 2016 Delmas Syrah is a head-turning wine that takes its seat at the high table in Washington Syrah. Sourced from the highly acclaimed SJR Vineyard, the Syrah connected with 7.25% Viognier in the co-ferment and saw limited new oak prior to bottling. Straight out of the glass, the wine exudes heady aromas of red currant jelly, cigar ash, blood orange rind, horse manure, crushed wet gravel and Asian spices. This stunning nose brings you back to the glass for more pleasure. The palate is silky smooth and seductive. Cran-pomegranate, Mandarin orange, red cherry candy, peat moss and Umami flavors round out the palate. This has incredible range, precision, purity and focus. A heavyhitter of a wine, this lifted and stunning Syrah by superstar winemaker, Billo Naravane, will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 96
2015 Delmas Syrah- The 2015 Delmas Syrah is compelling blend of 91.4% Syrah with 8.6 % Viognier that is sourced from the esteemed SJR Vineyard, located in the Walla Walla Rocks region of Milton-Freewater. This great Syrah wine was aged for 14 months in French oak (60% new) prior to bottling. The wine is unfined and unfiltered. This has deep and dark aromatics reminiscent of black tea, wild blackberry jam, horse manure, thyme, crushed wet rock, milk chocolate and black olive. The aromatic range is really lovely. The texture is absolutely incredible as is the silky mouthfeel as this gracefully glides across the mid-palate. The fruits are powerful, dense and layered. Umami, Hoisin sauce, sweet dark cherries, blood orange, wild blackberry jam and wet stone flavors entice. Due to the heat of the vintage, this wine tends to drink slightly better at a cooler temperature where aromatic and flavor range seem the most compelling. This is another hugely irresistible release by Delmas and superstar winemaker Billo Naravane. Drink 2017-2028- 95
2014 Delmas Syrah 2014 Delmas Syrah - Following up the gorgeous 2013 bottling, the 2014 Delmas Syrah is cut from a similar thread. The new release Delmas wine is a blend of 91.7% Syrah and 8.3% Viognier that was sourced from the esteemed SJR Vineyard. Having visited the SJR Vineyard on several occasions, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible attention to detail that goes into creating this exceptional wine. Proprietor Steve Robertson is constantly in the vineyard, as the highly specialized vineyard management clearly translates to the novel, Walla Walla Rocks expression in the bottle. The Syrah wine is made by superstar winemaker Billo Naravane and sat 14 months in 60% new French oak prior to bottling. The aromatics of this wine are entirely intoxicating as you are constantly drawn back to the glass for more. There is a bouquet of black truffle oil, cran-orange, forest floor, red cherry, Umami and red raspberry. The wine has deep flavors of black cherry, black truffle, cherry pie, Umami, and tamarind. Similar to his Rasa bottlings, you can truly feel Billo Naravane's skill in crafting his signature texture, viscosity and mouthfeel to this wine. The intensity of this wine is tremendous, and while this wine can be cellared for a decade or more, the Rocks District Syrah is absolutely impossible to resist right now. Only 150 cases made of this special Syrah bottling. Drink 2016-2027- 96
2013 Delmas Syrah- The wine is a blend of 91.9% Syrah and 8.1% Viognier from SJR Vineyard in the rocks region of Walla Walla. This was aged 14 months in French oak (65% new), prior to bottling. This compelling wine opens with aromas of wet stone, smoked meats, creosote and oak. There are rich flavors of milk chocolate, blackberry, cedar and smoked pork shoulder. This is mineral driven and is special wine made in this hot vintage. Aerate this for an hour before enjoying. Drink 2015-2025- 95
2013 Doubleback Cabernet- The Cabernet is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. They chose to source from a host of Walla Walla vineyards including McQueen, Bob Healy, LeFore, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Waliser. Winemaker Josh McDaniels aged this in 75% new French oak and 25% second fill French oak barrels for 22 months. This decadent bottling has dense aromas of red currant, sandalwood, blackberry compote, mocha and roasted figs. This leads to rich flavors of graphite, dill, blackberry cobbler, anise and spicebox with moderate tannins. This really needs another two plus years of bottle age. A slumbering giant right now. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2015 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2015 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine is a simply stunning effort from a very warm vintage in the Walla Walla Valley. Needing more than a two hour decant to fully come together, this inky and brooding in colored wine begins with heady aromatics reminiscent of cigar ash, graphite, creme de cassis, black olive tapenade and Turkish coffee. The stunning aromas bring you back to the glass for more. There is a marvelous sense of place to this wine, as the purity of fruit shines through. Black tea, blackberry pie, mocha and sagebrush accents complete this marvelous wine. With moderate to heavy tannins, this wine will cellar marvelously over the next 20 plus years. Another feather in the cap to the uber-talented Josh McDaniels. Drink 2019-2033- 96
2007 Dunham Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon- This was taken from a 3 liter bottle. Perfumed nose of black tea, black currant and black cherry. Deep, dark hue creates this sense wine filled with blackberry, black olive, black cherry, anise and mocha. This is every bit outstanding. Drink 2015-2025. -95
2014 Dunham Cellars Late Harvest Lewis Vineyard Riesling-Aged in stainless steel, the wine was released in May 2015 and weighs in at only 7% alcohol. This has lovely aromas of orange marmalade, Lemoncello, and jasmine in this compelling nose. This wine has 30% residual sugar and there is wonderful richness and balance. There are ripe aromas of pineapple, golden delicious apple, white raisin and creme brûlée. This is ripe, concentrated and delicious. Drink 2015-2030- 95
2012 Dunham Cellars 'Lewis Vineyard Artist Series' Syrah- The wine has a deep core and opens with intense aromatics of black cherry, blackberry cobbler, smoked pork shoulder and anise. There are flavors of black cherry, smoked pork shoulder, tar, blackberry pie and black olive. This has a hedonistic edge with the rich black fruits and ripe texture. The minute long finish accentuates this incredible deep Syrah. Drink 2016-2029- 95
2016 Dunham Cellars Late Harvest Riesling- A limited case production this outstanding Riesling (27.3 RS) sourced from the Lewis Vineyard. The wine shows a golden hue and takes on apricot jelly, bananas foster and Meyer lemon oil. The palate brings so much intensity and purity of fruit. Candied pineapple, mango, apricot jelly and Meyer lemon oil flavors all marvelously come together in the glass. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2013 Figgins Red Wine- The 2013 Figgins Estate Red Wine is a proprietary blend that tastes like it has slightly more Cabernet blended in than the other varietals (Petit Verdot and Merlot). Head winemaker Chris Figgins chooses the blending based on what varietal he enjoys the most each year. Sourced from the Figgins Estate vineyard, which is a high elevation vineyard set at 1700 feet, the wine has beautiful aromatics of green olive, dried sage and black cherry with black olive. There are rich and intoxicating flavors of black cherry, creme de cassis, anise, blueberry compote and coffee grounds. The rich and polished mouthfeel is just exceptional. The wine has a bright minerality and a texture that borders ethereal. This to me represents the best Figgins Estate Red Wine that I have sampled. The fruit weight and acidity suggests this will be a very long ager. Drink 2016-2033- 95
2014 Figgins Family Estate Red Wine- The Figgins Estate Vineyard is located on a south slope where Mill Creek enters the Walla Walla Valley. Known for major diurnal shifts, the Figgins Estate Vineyard is set with the Blue Mountains in the background. The 2014 Figgins ‘Red Wine’ is a blockbuster wine that needs a ton of time in the decanter to settle. This great red wine was aged for 22 months in French oak (61% new) prior to bottling. Following a more than three hour decant the wine slowly unveils black olive tapenade, smoke, cigar box and creme de cassis aromatics. The mouthfeel is ripe, showing intense black cherry cough syrup, boysenberry pie, mocha, graphite and creme de cassis flavors. Not for the weary, the extremely long and memorable finish accentuates this heavyhitter of a wine. Try to avoid this decadent bottling for at least two years. This is just a stunning effort by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2014 Force Majeure 'Epinette' Red Wine- (Release August 2017). This is their take on a right bank Bordeaux. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet and 5% Petit Verdot that was aged 22 months in 80% new French oak. The wine begins with aromatics of creme de cassis, anise, sagebrush, sandalwood and mocha. There are flavors of anise, creme de cassis, wild blackberry cobbler, green olive, mocha that sit alongside moderate to major tannins. This has a gorgeous texture and marvelous fruit weight. After two plus hours of decanting this becomes even more massive, displaying a deeper, more muscular concentration with incredible viscosity. The range of flavors and aromatics are there, with the dense fruit weight that gives this a beautiful comparison to a top right bank Bordeaux. Kudos to head winemaker Todd Alexander on this excellent Merlot dominant wine. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2014 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon- (Release Aug 2017). It has been highly impressive to see how this estate has performed following the hire of head winemaker Todd Alexander from Napa's Bryant Family Vineyards. Todd's hand is clearly in the glass. This hedonistic Cabernet wine is composed of 93% Cabernet with 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Todd Alexander saw the blending as adding to the aromatics of this wine. This Cabernet wine opens with aromas of creme de cassis, creosote, mocha, eucalyptus and black cherry. This leads to hedonistic flavors of mocha, black cherry, anise, creme de cassis, eucalyptus and coffee grounds with a hint of white pepper that sit alongside some moderate to major tannins. This Cabernet has tremendous weight and viscosity as this massive wine improves considerably following a two hour decant. The tension of this wine is impressive considering the vintage. This decadent wine really needs at least another year of bottle age for these deep tannins to settle and for more dark fruit profiles to fully integrate. These two amazing Bordeaux varietal releases by Todd Alexander have now made their full-throttle, red carpet entrance to the high end of the Washington wine scene. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2015 Force Majeure Syrah- The 2015 Force Majeure Syrah is a stunning new release by the talented Todd Alexander.Grown on the top of the mountain hillside vineyard, this great wine was aged for 18 months in used French oak prior to bottling. At this juncture the wine has evolved marvelously. Gobs of blue and dark fruits greet you on the nose with lighter damp earth and citrus rind undertones that aromatically provide some nice complexity. The palate is not only decadent but shows a good degree of elegance despite its obvious fruit weight. Blueberry compote, mocha, creme de cassis and sandalwood flavors all marvelously combine. A massive Syrah, this is built for aging a decade or more. Give this an hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2015 Force Majeure Tempranillo- A unique bottling for the AVA, the 2015 Force Majeure Tempranillo is a stunning new wine made by Todd Alexander. Showing off a deep hue, this Tempranillo shows wonderful earthy terroir with smoked brisket and black fruits the fill the nose. The palate shows of a marvelous texture and a silky mouthfeel that delights. Creme de cassis. Turkish coffee, cigar ash and Earl Grey tea flavors all marvelously combine on the palate. Decadent and rich considering the varietal, this is a spectacular and novel bottling that will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2015 Force Majeure ‘Epinette’ Red Wine- The 2015 ‘Epinette’ is a silly blend of 50% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot all sourced from the Force Majeure Vineyard. This wine really needs a two hour decant to be fully aroused aromatically. The wine shows brilliant aromatics of brandy soaked cherry, sagebrush, creme de cassis and coffee grounds. The mouthfeel is rich and seductive, showing mocha, anise, creme de cassis and black cherry compote flavors. Rich, polished and layered, this is a simply spectacular showing by Force Majerue. Drink 2018-2038- 95
2015 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon- A massive and decadent Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Force Majeure shows off its inky color in the glass. Needing two hours to breathe in the decanter, the wine slowly starts to unveil ultra-rich aromas of sweet pipe tobacco, creme de cassis, graphite and blackberry cobbler with dark chocolate shavings. The mouthfeel is highly viscous and smooth, delighting the senses. Creme de cassis, loganberry cordial, black forest cake and cigar box flavors all combine with mouth-watering acidity. A complete wine, this decadent treat will cellar well for decades but is completely irresistible right now. Drink 2018-2040- 95
2016 Force Majeure Syrah- The 2016 Force Majeure Syrah is a marvelous wine made by Todd Alexander that is already showing beautifully in its youth. Roughly 20% of this wine underwent while cluster fermentation. The Syrah was aged in 25% new oak for 18 months prior to bottling. The nose shows wonderful dark fruits with smoky character, sage, dark chocolate, and damp earth. The palate is exceedingly refined. Black tea, black forest cake, cigar ash and smoked brisket flavors with citrus rind undertones that all marvelously combine. There is a seamless quality to this wine that glides across the mid-palate. Seductive and rich, yet maintaining a wonderful elegance and an intriguing salinity, this is a simply tremendous bottling by Force Majeure. I would gather to say that this is up there with the best Red Mountain Syrah I have ever tasted. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2016 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2016 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah is one of the best Washington wines I have sampled over the past year. This simply awesome new Syrah was sourced from the esteemed SJR Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. The wine was fermented using native yeasts and then was aged in oak puncheons (50% new) for 18 months prior to bottling. While the Syrah was obviously given a good amount of oak treatment, this does not come off as particularly oaky. The wine shows serious range on the nose from green olive to bacon fat to blood orange rind to red cherry candy and guava puree. The beautiful aromatics bring you back to the glass for more pleasure. The texture to this wine borders ethereal and absolutely delights the senses once on the mouth. Black olive tapenade, wild blackberry cobbler, salted smoked pork shoulder, umami and touches of milk chocolate all come together marvelously. This is just stunning wine that marvelously showcases this great vineyard. Drink 2018-2030- 97
2016 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon is a tour de force in Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. This gorgeous wine was aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose is intense with light oak undertones with black fruits, creme de cassis, mocha and tar. The palate is exceedingly soft and plush revealing a silky texture and wonderful seamless quality. Toasty oak beautifully wraps around creme de cassis, blackberry cordial, Turkish coffee, creosote and chocolate covered dark cherry flavors. This is exceptionally rich and moderately tannic at this stage but shows a really good elegance as well as varietal typicity. Try to give this beautiful wine some more time to fully evolve — but if enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a two hour decant. Drink 2020-2040- 96
2016 Force Majeure ‘Epinette’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Epinette’ is a seductive blend of 46% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch Petit Verdot. You are immediately intrigued by the intense bouquet of this wine which shows violets, blackberry cordial, dark chocolate shavings, Turkish coffee and anise. The beautiful aromas compel you back to the glass for more. The palate is plush and exceedingly rich, showing an inviting mouthfeel. Black tea, Asian spice, mocha and creme de cassis flavors all entice. Moderately tannic, try to give this at least two more years to fully evolve as this wine will only get better with some time. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2013 Gramercy Cellars 'John Lewis Reserve' Syrah- This wine opens with aromatics reminiscent of white pepper, anise, wild blackberry and green bell pepper. There are flavors of creosote, blackberry pie, black olive, pipe tobacco, spice cake and sandalwood and wet gravel that mingle with brisk minerality. The smoothness mid-palate and structure are absolutely gorgeous. Seamless and precise, this 'wow factor' Syrah is one for the cellar. Try to hold off drinking this beauty for one more year. Drink 2017-2028- 95
2015 Gramercy Cellars ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Gramercy Cellars is a stunning wine that can benefit from a two plus hour decant at this point in its development. It shows an inky color, unveiling layered black fruits, smoky and earthy tones and Asian spices on the nose. The mouthfeel is sumptuous, as the silky wine glides through the mid-palate. Cigar ash, blackberry compote, black tea, Asian spice and mocha flavors all marvelously combine in the glass. This heavyhitter will cellar well for decades but it is highly gratifying in the glass right now. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2012 Horsepower ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- This wine comes from the esteemed ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ which has the highest density planting in the Walla Walla Valley. This is the second release of this wine. There are incredibly rich aromas of smoke, wet stone, tarragon, lavender and Bing cherry. The intense aromatics make you want to smell this wine for days. This leads to lush flavors of raspberry, cherry cola, essence of lavender, Mandarin orange rind and a wonderful effervescence. This is an incredible and memorable wine. The palate just glides and the finish lingers. Christophe Baron is on top of his A game. Drink 2015-2030- 97
2012 Horsepower ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- Vigneron Christophe Baron first sourced from 'The Tribe' vineyard in 2011, set in the stones of Milton-Freewater, Oregon. The vineyard is a small, 3 acre Syrah vineyard, is planted one vine per stake and has very tight spacing at 3.5 feet by 3.5 feet. This hugely compelling new release opens with aromas of wet stone, ash, green olive, white pepper and smoked meats with blackberry preserves. There is an incredible melange of aromatics at play. Dense flavors of blueberry preserves, blackberry compote, smoked meats, Unami and black truffle oil. Intense and outrageously delicious. Lithe and unparalleled minerality for the varietal. Drink 2016-2028- 98
2013 Horsepower 'Sur Echalas Vineyard' Grenache- The 2013 Horsepower 'Sur Echalas Vineyard' Grenache is a stunner made by superstar Vigneron Christophe Baron. Needing more than a one hour decant to fully show, aromatically, this wine delivers gorgeous suggestions of black truffle oil, cranberry, Mandarin orange rind, seaweed, French vanilla and forest floor on the nose. The intoxicating range of aromatics bring you back to the glass continually for more. The palate is lithe, currently displaying flavors reminiscent of rose water, crushed wet gravel, blood orange, Meyer lemon zest, red cherry, red raspberry and white truffle oil. The striking citrus elements bring on a lovely interplay with the red fruits. One of the finest Grenache wines that I have sampled in the past year, this scintillating effort will drink beautifully into the next decade but is nearly impossible to resist right now. Drink 2016-2028- 98
2013 Horsepower 'Sur Echalas Vineyard' Syrah- Following up the incredible 2012 release, the 2013 Horsepower 'Sur Echalas Vineyard' Syrah is every bit as deep, stony and downright delicious than the 2012 edition. Similar to the other Horsepower bottlings, the wine needs more than a one hour decant to fully expose its incredible range of aromas and flavors. After time the decanter, the translucent Syrah wine opens with an aromatic profile of seaweed, Umami, orange blossom, black truffle crudo, horse manure, black cherry cola, wild blackberry preserves and suggestions of baking spices. Similar to the other new release Horsepower wines, these aromatics from the Sur Echalas Vineyard are so invigorating and hedonistic that you are continually brought back to the glass just to indulge this cornucopia of aromatics at play. The Syrah has deep flavors of black cherry, wet stone, black raspberry, black truffle, Satsuma orange, pomegranate seed and suggestions of boysenberry pie. Possessing a gorgeous texture, the minerality of this wine glides along the mid-palate, leading to an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2016-2028- 98
2013 Horsepower 'The Tribe Vineyard' Syrah- The Tribe Vineyard is a 3 acre Syrah vineyard is planted one vine per stake. Spacing is extremely high density at 3.5 feet by 3.5 feet, totaling 3,555 vines per acre. This incredible Syrah, made my superstar Vigneron, Christophe Baron, begins with an aromatic profile of crushed gravel, black cherry, cassis, wild blackberry, and seaweed, as this Syrah is currently showing a slightly less stony character than the 'Sur Echelas Vineyard' bottlings and is yielding more dark fruit aromas and flavors. There are deep flavors reminiscent of black forest cake, wild blackberry pie, blueberry compote, Umami, crushed wet rock, bulls blood and pomegranate puree. The finish is exceedingly long and the range of flavors are exceedingly delicious. Showing a bit more weight on the mid-palate than the Sur Echelas Vineyard bottling, while still having a lovely poise, this elegant Syrah wine will be very long-lived. Drink 2016-2028- 96
2015 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2015 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache is a highly memorable effort that is one of the best of its kind in the state. White truffle and peat moss aromatics you immediately on the nose with earthy undertones that impress. Red fruits and citrus qualities come into the nose as well, as this shows some serious aromatic range in the glass. The palate shows striking intensity, verve and tension. The range of flavors is insanely good, as the wine unveils seductive flavors of white truffle crudo, red currant jelly, cran-orange, peat moss, wet stone and white pepper. The range of flavors makes this absolutely impossible to put down right now. This is a complete wine. Drink 2018-2028- 97
2015 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah- The ‘Sur Echalas Syrah’ by Horsepower is one of the wines of the vintage. The nose on this Syrah is hugely intense with Asian spice, peat moss, black truffle oil, white pepper, green olive, and charcuterie. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more hedonism. The palate is silky smooth and reveals an incredible texture. The sterling minerality also grips you. Wet stone, black tea, Umami, smoked brisket and Asian spice flavors all show a wonderful combination in the glass. Enjoy this great wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2018-2028- 96
2015 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2015 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe’ Syrah is a head-turning wine that is drinking marvelously right now. This Syrah shows an incredible range of aromatics from horse manure to peat moss to black fruits. The complex aromas that build in the glass bring you back for more delight. This shows marvelous freshness, showing a wonderful minerality on the palate. Tar, blackberry compote, ripe blueberry, Umami and Kalmatta olive tapenade with a touch of white pepper flavors fill the palate. This is a stunning effort that will cellar marvelously over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2017 Kobayashi Cabernet Franc- The 2017 Kobayashi Cabernet Franc is a truly magical bottling which was sourced from the David Lake Block of the famed Red Willow Vineyard. Needing two hours in the decanter to be fully expressive, once awakened the wine slowly unveils wonderful aromatic range from sweet pipe tobacco to violets and graphite as well as lighter red bell pepper and sagebrush tones that all entice. The plush and stunning texture is downright sensational as the wine seamlessly glides across the mid-palate feeling almost weightless. Elegant, yet showing good richness, this one of a kind Cabernet Franc is showing beautifully now and will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2013 La Rata Red Wine- This absolutely incredible bottling follows up the amazing ’12 La Rata Red Wine. The wine is made by Elizabeth Bourcier, Cayuse’s assistant vigneronne, who was first inspired by Clos Erasmus wines and wanted to combine Armada Vineyard Grenache with En Cerise Vineyard Cabernet. The resultant 60% Grenache and 40% Cabernet red blend is a stunner. As the wine slowly develops in the glass, it begins to release dense aromatics of wet stone, red cherry, smoke with red raspberry with rose petal accents. The aromatics are intense and bring you back to the glass for more. There are ripe aromas of cherry cola, wet stone, red raspberry, orange rind and lavender. The wine possesses a gorgeous minerality and balance. The novelty of this wine is apparent as there is really nothing like this in Washington. The texture is voluptuous as this it is impossible to resist this intense wine. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2015 La Rata Red Wine- The 2015 ‘La Rata’ Red Wine is a blend of 54% Grenache with 26%Cabernet and 10% Syrah. Inspired by the top wines of Priorat, Elizabeth Bourcier decided to make a small tank of co-fermented Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The name was called ‘La Rata’ based on Spanglish and the resulting red blend ended up a remarkable success. This year displays a slightly darker color than previous vintages, likely due to the addition of the Syrah. The nose takes on some stunning aromatics with horse manure, red cherry candy, guava puree, teaberry, black truffle oil and Umami. Seriously perfumed, the intoxicating bouquet brings you back to the glass for more. The texture to this wine entices and beautifully coats the mouth. The savory and saline quality to this wine is quite striking, showing charcuterie with red cherry puree, cran-guava, white truffle, and Umami flavors. A downright stunner, this gorgeous wine will cellar well over the next decade but is impossible to resist right now. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2016 La Rata Red Wine- The 2016 La Rata Red Wine is a one of a kind, simply sumptuous new wine by superstar vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier. The final blend she chose was 59% Grenache with 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. The wine was largely aged in third use demi-muids as well as some stainless steel prior to bottling. The nose is downright intoxicating as the wine shows off red cherry preserves, underbrush, Umami, blood orange zest and shades of wet stone that all shine brightly on the bouquet. The freshness and tension that run through the core of wine is truly outstanding. Bright guava puree and high toned Mandarin orange peel flavors collide with minerals, wet stone, seaweed and green olive tapenade. This finishes exceedingly long with cran-cherry and blood orange zest. A resounding success, this true heavyhitter of a wine will drink marvelously in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 96
2006 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet-This is an incredibly complex wine. Nose has mocha, anise and cassis wih oak. Palate has intense layers that open up after an hour of decanting. Black cherry, black olive, blackberry, creme de cassis and mocha. Absolutely a stunner. Rich, smooth and seamless. Drink 2014-2028-96
2006 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- This wine has rounded out since being released in 2008. The grapes were chosen from the Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek, Upland. Pepper Bridge, as well as Bacchus-Dionysus and Wallula, both located in the Columbia Valley. It is a blend of 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot, having the highest percentage of Carmenere that I have seen for this wine. This vintage was characterized by an early bud break and a hot summer which led to ripe fruit. The wine opens with aromas of milk chocolate, Turkish coffee, sagebrush and black cherry. This leads to rich flavors of black cherry, anise, sage, blackberry and mocha. There is a silky mouthfeel and wonderful viscosity, despite the wine being nearly 10 years old. This is drinking beautifully, one of the best of its kind. 2,723 cases of this delicious wine made. Drink 2015-2025- 96
2009 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- The 2009 Leonetti Cellar Merlot has been cellared for more than five years. At this juncture it is drinking stupendously. Superstar winemaker Chris Figgins has blended in a small amount of Cabernet, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, which adds to the structure and layers. Improving following a one hour decant, the wine yields decadent aromatics of black tea, Asian spices, black cherry cough syrup and blackberry pie. Lithe, dense and haing a plush mouthfeel there are gorgeous flavors of black cherry, roasted figs, dark chocolate shavings and suggestions of Chinese black tea. This wine glides through the mid-palate and has a structure that makes me think that it still has a long life ahead of it. Considering how it is showing now, it is nearly impossible to resist. Kudos to another heavyhitter by Chris Figgins. Drink 2017-2027- 95
2012 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon- This delightful blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot comes from the Seven Hills vineyard, the Loess vineyard, Mill Creek vineyard, Upland vineyard and Leonetti Old Block. It saw 22 months in new and once used French oak barrels. The winemaking director Chris Figgins, says this wine reminds him of the 2008 Cabernet. In the glass the wine explodes with ripe flavors of Turkish coffee, cassis, black olive and black cherry. On the palate there are flavors of anise, crème de cassis, blackberry with a moderate tannin structure. This possesses a wonderful mouthfeel with a rich, seamless texture as it glides on with a long finish. A truly memorable wine, as this is approachable in its youth but will continue to evolve beautifully for many years. Drink 2016-2035- 95
2013 Leonetti Cellar Merlot -This wine comes from Loess vineyard, Mill Creek vineyard, Upland vineyard, as well as Leonetti Old Block vineyard. The resultant wine is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, with a higher percentage of Cab Franc than I have ever seen being used for this blend, as Cab Franc was most recently used in this blend from 2001-2003 and then in 2009. The wine saw 15 months in new and once filled French oak. The nose begins with aromas of black cherry, prune, cassis, and dill with lightly herbaceous aromatics. The palate has silky texture and wonderful weight. There are flavors of blackberry, red cherry, dill and black plum in this tremendous effort. This serious juice is hard to resist now. Drink 2015-2030- 95
2013 Leonetti Cellar 'Reserve' Red Wine- The Leonetti 'Reserve' Red Wine is the most exceptional bottling out of the new impressive Leonetti lineup. The wine is a blend of 81% Cabernet with 11% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot that sat 22 months in new and French oak prior to bottling. The wine has a massive, deep core and possesses some absolutely intoxicating aromatics. This incredible wine begins with aromas of creme de cassis, anise, dark chocolate and black cherry with black olive. There are deep flavors of black cherry, black olive, black tea, mocha and blueberry pie. The mouthfeel and texture of this gorgeous wine is absolutely exceptional. Moderately tannic at this time, try to give this impossible to resist wine at least two more years in the bottle to fully develop. Kudos to head winemaker Chris Figgins in crafting this scintillating new release wine. Drink 2018-2037- 97
2013 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon -The 2013 Leonetti Cabernet is another heavyhitter of a wine from this estate. Tightly wound and extremely firm at this juncture, the Cabernet is a blend of Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek Upland, Serra Pedace and Leonetti Old Block vineyards. The wine was aged 22 months in new and used French oak prior to bottling. Superstar winemaker Chris Figgins has crafted a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec. Possessing an ultra deep core, this wine opens with aromatics of roasted figs, black cherry, toffee, black tea and blackberry jam. There are flavors of black cherry, blackberry jam, blueberry compote, black tea, and creme de cassis. Moderately tannic, this massive wine needs at least two years to develop. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2014 Leonetti Cellar Merlot - The 2014 Leonetti Merlot is a gorgeous follow-up to the absolutely scintillating 2013 Merlot bottling. Masculine and brooding, this exceptional Merlot wine has 6% Cabernet Franc blended in. Possessing an ultra deep core, the wine was sourced from the Loess and Mill Creek Upland vineyards and then was aged 15 months in new and once used French oak prior to bottling. The wine opens with aromas of milk chocolate, black cherry, wild blackberry and roasted figs. The wine has deep flavors of black cherry, milk chocolate, blackberry cobbler, anise, creme de cassis, coffee grounds and hints of wintergreen. This can benefit from at least another year in the cellar, as the fruit needs a bit more time to fully integrate. Drink 2017-2032- 95
2016 Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese- The 2016 Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese was sourced from the Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Holly Roller vineyards. The wine was aged in French oak for 22 months prior to bottling. Toasty oak wraps around copious dark fruits, red fruits and pipe tobacco on the rather intoxicating nose. The palate is exceedingly plush, revealing a beautiful texture and a soft mouthfeel. The earthy undertones of leather and underbrush combine marvelously with roasted dates, pipe tobacco and wild blackberry cobbler flavors on the palate. Round, generous and layered, this is quite simply the finest of its kind in Washington. Enjoy this beautiful new wine over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2017 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- A downright stunning new Merlot, the 2017 Leonetti Cellar Merlot was aged for fifteen months in French oak prior to bottling. Needing more than a one hour decant to fully develop, the wine shows intense dark fruits that mingle with chocolate fudge and black tea with Asian spices on the nose. The palate has a great combination of freshness and richness as Earl Grey tea, mocha, cassis, graphite and leather flavors all combine marvelously alongside a good sense of minerality. While simply gorgeous now, this beautiful wine will evolve well over the next fifteen to twenty years. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this beautiful Merlot at least an hour decant. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2016 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon is a simply irresistible new wine made by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. Sourced from the Mill Creek Upland, Loess, Seven Hills, Serra Pedache and Holly Roller VIneyards, the wine is a silky blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Showing off its brooding core, the 2016 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon opens with sagebrush with red bell pepper, Turkish coffee, and dark chocolate shavings. The palate shows incredible richness with a silky mouthfeel. Blackberry cobbler, creme de cassis, anise, graphite and exotic spice flavors with toasty oak all mingle brilliantly on the palate. A long-ager, be sure to give this beautiful wine at least a two hour decant if savoring in its early years. This is truly one of the best of its kind in Washington. Drink 2020-2040- 96
2016 Leonetti Cellar ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Reserve’ Red Wine is a magnificent new release by Leonetti Cellar. Sourced from the Loess, Seven Hills, Holly Roller, Serra Pedace, Mill Creek Upland and Leonetti Old Block Vineyards, the red blend was aged for 22 months in French oak before bottling. The final blend is a smaller than usual portion of Cabernet Sauvignon (73%) and an unusually high portion of Malbec (22%) with just a touch of Cabernet Franc (5%). This wine needs a two hour decant before enjoying. Once aroused, this slowly unveils green bell pepper, blueberry compote, creme de cassis and sagebrush tones that fill this highly perfumed nose. The palate is decadent, revealing an exceedingly plush texture. With bright acidity and serious weight, the wine expresses copious dark fruits with sweet pipe tobacco, blueberry compote and dark chocolate shaving flavors. Seductive in its youth, this stunning new bottling will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year. Drink 2020-2045- 97
2012 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah-This great wine starts out with a highly smoky nose that combines with cassis and arouses the senses.. The palate is fat and viscous. Bacon fat, tar, blueberry, blackberry flavors combine and lead to a long, near-minute long finish. This is open expressive now but this has a long life in the cellar left. Drink 2015-2025 -95
2011 Long Shadows ‘Poet's Leap’ Riesling- This impressive bottling has had three years in the bottle and is now highly satisfying. The wine opens with wonderfully rich aromas of mushroom, red delicious apple and pear. Vibrant and mineral driven wine with a lovely mouthfeel. This leads to flavors of green apple, lemon/lime, ripe pear and grapefruit. Impressive interplay between sweet and sour. This is the best WA Kabinette style Riesling out there and the best Poet's Leap yet. Drink 2015-2024. -95
2013 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Randy Dunn crafts this 100% Cabernet wine. This is his best effort in 10 years of trying this wine. The Cabernet begins with aromas of red bell pepper, red raspberry and red cherry. Absolutely amazing richness and depth with mouthwatering acidity. Layered flavors of anise, creme de cassis, red bell pepper and a long and persistent finish. Absolutely decadent and needs a lot of time. Drink 2017-2035- 96
2016 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Summit View in the Walla Walla Valley as well as Dionysus, Weinbau and Den Hoed Benches Vineyards. Made by legendary winemaker, Randy Dunn, of Dunn Vineyards fame, this reveals dense core, with an inviting nose of crème de cassis, Turkish coffee, red bell pepper, with hints of white pepper and sagebrush. The palate unveils a silky texture and a beautiful mouthfeel. Decadent blueberry compote, mocha, black tea, anise and sagebrush flavors all impress. The gorgeous bright acidity adds to the enjoyment here. Balanced and rich, this stunning wine will cellar well for the next two decades. While it is delicious now, try to resist this for at least two more years. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2013 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot Michel Rolland, Pomerol vintner and consultant to many of the world's top wineries,produces this fantastic Merlot wine. Comprised of 75% Merlot with the remainder Malbec and Petite Verdot, this is the smallest portion of Merlot ever used for the wine. The Merlot has aromas of black cherry, black olive and anise. There are rich and dense flavors of Turkish coffee, anise, black cherry and graphite. Absolutely intense and outstanding effort, with an herbaceous character. These guys are absolutely on top of their game, as this is one to sip and savor. . . in at least a year. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2012 MTR Productions 'Memory Found' Syrah- This is a new Syrah project crafted by superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan. Weighing in at a mere 13.1% alcohol, this outstanding wine needs about an hour in the decanter to fully express itself. Once aroused, the wine slowly reveals aromatics reminiscent of Meyer lemon blossom, umami, bacon fat, pipe tobacco, black olive tapenade and black cherry cough syrup. Before you even try the wine the jaw-dropping aromas make you salivate. Despite it being 100% Syrah there is a beautiful citrus edge to this wine. Silky smooth on the palate, this wine showcases Chinese black tea, cigar box, blood orange zest and black truffle crudo flavors that connect with some strong minerality. The salinity and structure of the wine are outstanding. Sexy, and showing gorgeous range, this outstanding effort is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2017-2027- 95
2010 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The La Paciencia (patience) vineyard vines are tightly spaced and planted on an angle. Originally planted between 2003 and 2005, near the Armada vineyard, the first few vintages of grapes from this vineyard were declassified. This cool vintage wine opens with prototypical Walla Walla rocks aromas of wet stone, mushroom, lavender and orange peel. There are flavors of red raspberry garrigue, Bing cherry, cran-orange and provencale herbs. This mineral driven wine has exquisite texture and a finish that lingers. This is drinking in its sweet spot. Drink 2015-2028- 95
2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 No Girls 'La Paciencia Vineyard' Syrahis another gorgeous effort by vigneron Christophe Baron. This expressive bottling begins with highly intense aromas of barnyard, green olive, anise, cigar box and smoke with blackberry jam. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry cobbler, prune, and smoked meats persist and wonderfully coat the palate. Gorgeous texture and richness. This has a plush mouthfeel with incredible intensity. The Syrah arouses the senses and has tremendous aging potential. Drink 2016-2027- 95
2015 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The ‘La Pacencia Vineyard’ was planted over the course of three years (Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo, three acres each). The 2015 Grenache from this vineyard is one of a kind and is truly one of the top bottlings in the state. This incredible wine was aged in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel prior to bottling. The nose is completely intoxicating with blood orange, wild strawberry, horse manure, guava puree, forest floor and black tea. The palate shows an insane range of flavors. Blood orange rind, forest floor, white truffle, red currant jelly and Umami. The dazzling minerality really impresses despite this wine obviously came from a warm vintage. It is highly impressive that superstar vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier, was able to capture this level of minerality from this vintage. The saline and savory aspect of this wine makes your mouth water and captivates the senses, as this is nearly impossible to put down right now. Drink 2018-2028- 97
2015 No Girls ‘La Paciencia VIneyard’ Syrah- The 2015 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah is a stunning effort from this challenging vintage that saw serious heat spikes. Made by Elizabeth Bourcier starting in 2011, this begins with intense aromas of green olive tapenade, bacon fat, Umami, and roasted Marcona almond. The aromatic range here is beyond seductive. The palate shows a wonderful elegance with red fruits and meaty as well as seaweed character with a silky mouthfeel. The salinity and freshness and mouth-watering acidity to this wine is simply outstanding.This will cellar well for a decade but I love drinking this wine young as the tension really adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2018-2028- 96
2002 Quilceda Creek Cabernet- Rich nose with rose petals, red cherry and cassis. Palate is rich with good concentration considering it's age. Crème de cassis, blackberry and anise. Delicious. Drink 2005-2025 -96
2003 Quilceda Creek Merlot- Brownish purple color with plum and blueberry on the nose. Compelling nose. Very cab-like on the palate with rich strawberry, blueberry, plum and spice cake. Delicious. Drink 2008-2028-96
2003 Quilceda Creek Cabernet- Mocha and boysenberry on the nose. Flavors of coffee, graphite, creme de cassis and amazing viscosity. Drink 2013 this memorable wine 2012-2028 -97
2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet- Dark fruit on the nose like plum, blackberry and anise. Palate is rich and silky. Getting black cherry, blackberry, cassis, coffee and spice cake. Smooth and viscous. Drink 2014-2030 -96
2005 Quilceda Creek Galitzen Vineyard Cabernet- Rich dark hue with slight rim variation. Plum and red cherry on the nose. Palate has incredible smoothness with blueberry, boysenberry, chocolate, coffee and Christmas spice. Delicious. Drink 2014-2025. -97
2006 Quilceda Creek Cabernet- Cassis, oak and ripe figs on the nose. Palate has a vegetal sense unique to the other vintages. Red bell pepper, dark cherry, anise, blackberry and coffee. Seamless. Incredible terroir, I might mistake this for Napa. Drink 2014-2030. -98
2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet- dark hue and has blackberry, black cherry and oak on the nose. Smooth but intense. Anise, cassis, provencale herbs and mocha flavors with blackberry backbone. Tannins are prominent. Blockbuster wine. Delicious. Drink 2014-2030 -98
2008 Quilceda Creek Cabernet- Unbelievable nose with black cherry, spice cake, and anise with oak. Palate has anise, cedar,blackberry jam and tar. Needs time. Drink 2015-2030 -97
2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Palengat’ Proprietary Blend- This wine has elegant aromas of dill, red cherry, cassis, and mocha. This offers a more herbaceous nose than any other the other releases. The wine bring intense flavors of anise, black olive, black cherry, dried herbs, crime de cassis and vibrant acidity. The mouthfeel is thick, layered and viscous. Drink 2017-2030. -96
2012 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet- This amazing Cabernet takes on a rich and viscous mouthfeel that has a silky texture and is unparalleled in Washington. This wine is so delicious that it is hard to put down and cellar, even though the wine will improve, as this wine is Washington Cabernet at its finest. Intense flavors of anise, creme de cassis, blueberry, mocha, graphite and black olive in this monstrosity of a wine. Incredibly layered but will improve further with bottle age. This wine is up there with the 2005 and 2006 in terms of the best Quilceda Creek Cabs I’ve had. Drink 2017-2030. -99
2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet - Beautifully perfumed nose that has a floral accent with rose petals. Nose has cherry tomato, cassis, oak and raspberry compote. The viscous mouthfeel is fat and thick, reminiscent of a superstar Napa Cabernet from a hot vintage. Flavors of anise, black berry, mocha, graphite cascading into moderate tannins. Drink 2017-2030. -98
2013 Quilceda Creek 'Columbia Valley' Cabernet- Following up the highly impressive 2012 Cabernet, the 2013 Cabernet was sourced from the Champoux Vineyard (95%) as well as the Wallula Vineyard (5%). Needing more than a two hour decant at this point to fully sing, the Cabernet opens with exotic aromatics of Turkish coffee, creme de cassis, anise, red bell pepper and violets. The wine has ultra-rich flavors of anise, creme de cassis, red bell pepper, graphite and blackberry cobbler while maintaining a vibrant minerality. The texture of this wine is ethereal. Despite a long decant there are still some mild to moderate tannins, that complement the velvety mouthfeel. This combination of viscosity and tension is without an equal in Washington Cabernet. There is a seamless quality to this wine that reminds me of the epic 2005 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet bottling. The intoxicating aromatics of this wine bring you continually back to the glass for more. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least two more years. Drink 2018-2040- 98
2013 Quilceda Creek 'Galitzine Vineyard' Cabernet- This 100% Cabernet wine was primarily sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, with only 5% coming from the Wallula Vineyard. The Cabernet was aged for 20 months in new French oak prior to bottling in June 2015. Initially aromatically reticent and needing a two plus hour decant, the wine slowly develops with air. After considerable time in the decanter to unwind, the wine unleashes exceedingly dense aromatics of creme de cassis, anise, coffee grounds, red bell pepper, and red cherry. This leads to mouth-watering flavors of red cherry, red bell pepper, creme de cassis and anise with suggestions of mocha and crème de cassis. Somewhat mirroring the Columbia Valley bottling, the texture, fruit weight and intensity of this wine is absolutely superlative. I see this as showcasing a slightly more masculine fruit and aromatic profile than their 2013 Columbia Valley bottling. This wine represents an absolutely gorgeous effort that stands neck and neck with their Columbia Valley bottling and is up there with the best Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet that I've ever sampled in the past ten years. Cellar this impressive bottling for at least two more years. Drink 2018-2040- 97
2014 Quilceda Creek ‘Palengat’ Red Wine- This is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. This vintage has utilized considerably less Merlot than the previous vintage. The is entirely sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The aromatics are dense and somewhat spicy showing spicebox, anise, creme de cassis, coffee grounds and cayenne pepper. The heady aromas bring you back to the glass for more.The mouthfeel is voluptuous and intense. Creme de cassis, anise, coffee grounds, candied red cherry and hints of pipe tobacco flavors persist. The red wine is showing its masculine side as the Cabernet component is stealing the show at the moment. Tannins are moderate at this juncture and you can get a touch of herbaceousness from the Cabernet Franc towards the back end. This excellent red wine will cellar marvelously for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2014 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet- This 100% Cabernet wine was aged for 21 months in new French oak and was sourced from the Champoux, Palengat and Wallula VIneyards. Having a dense core this inky colored Cabernet wine begins with a ripe bouquet of rose petals, creme de cassis, anise, milk chocolate coated dark cherries and sweet pipe tobacco. The heady aromatics are downright monstrous, yet depict a wonderful sense of place which brings out the wine’s femininity. The palate is plush and intense, showing a wonderful softness as this juncture. There are deep flavors of black forest cake, black olive tapenade, creme de cassis, mocha and suggestions of eucalyptus. The minerality is absolutely fabulous as this wine brings near perfect tension, voluptuous fruits and an exceedingly long finish. If enjoying young be sure to decant for at least two hours. There is a seamless quality to this wine that reminds me of the unbelievable 2004 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ bottling. This gorgeous Cabernet wine is both massive and elegant. This stunning wine will cellar well for two decades. Drink 2018-2035- 99
2014 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet- This 100% Cabernet wine was sourced from the esteemed Galitzine Vineyard in Red Mountain, which was first planted in 2000 and 2001. The Galitzine Vineyard is 100% owned and controlled by Quilceda Creek. The wine was aged for 21 months in 100% French oak prior to botlting. This Cabernet has an even more dense core than 2014 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet bottling. The aromatics are loaded with dark fruits including candied black cherry, black raspberry cordial, Hoisin sauce, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee with hints of crushed mint. These gorgeous aromatics make you sit at your glass and think of this hot vintage and vineyard site which is really coming into its own. The mouthfeel and texture to this stunning Cabernet wine is simply incredible. The mid-palate weight is simply massive at this juncture and is like nothing that I have sampled in the past year from Washington. Moderate to major tannins frame uber-dense flavors of black olive tapenade, sweet pipe tobacco, wild blackberry preserves, dark chocolate shavings and suggestions of Chinese black tea. Exotic, intense and layered, this massive wine will cellar marvelously over the next two decades. The wine is becoming even more divergent to the ‘Columbia Valley’ bottling as this shows even more intensity and fruit weight on the mid-palate. This is nearly impossible to resist right now in its nascency due to the massive weight but try to resist it for at least another year for the tannins to mellow. Drink 2018-2035- 99
2015 Quilceda Creek ‘Palengat’ Red Wine- The Cabernet has been increasing in this blend, now up to 81% with 13% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. This wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine shows some heady aromatics off black tea, creme de cassis, mocha and tar with a touch of blue fruits shining brightly as well. There is a beautiful purity of fruit on the nose. The mouthfeel is plush, as the wine takes on a dense and decadent soft texture. Black tea, creme de cassis, Turkish coffee and blueberry compote flavors all mingle brilliantly. There is a wonderful purity of fruit with this gorgeous bottling as this glides through the mid-palate. Only 725 cases made of this outstanding wine. A long ager, the 2015 ‘Palengat’ Red Wine will cellar marvelously over the next two plus decades. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2015 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is the best red wine that I have sampled from this vintage in Washington. The wine was sourced from the Champoux (roughly 70% of the fruit), Palengat, Wallula and Lake Wallula Vineyards. While this has the Columbia Valley AVA on the bottle, it is primarily a Horse Heaven Hills wine. The wine shows creme de cassis, pencil lead and black tea with a touch of red cherry compote on the nose. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more pleasure. The palate is silky smooth and marvelously coats the mouth. Lightly tannic, the wine slowly unveils blueberry compote, blackberry cobbler, mocha, and creme de cassis flavors that build in the glass. The minerality, weight and overall presentation of the wine is simply astounding, as is the long and lingering black fruit and mineral driven finish. There is a seamless quality to this wine really shines through with every lingering sip. This is a truly monumental effort in a vintage that was challenging due to severe heat spikes throughout the summer growing season. Drink 2018-2035- 98
2015 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ is every bit as good as the 2015 ‘Columbia Valley’ bottling, as this wine has become quite divergent to its big brother. The wine has 5% of Cabernet from the Lake Wallula Vineyard blended in. The wine displays an inky color in the glass and takes on a more masculine, dark fruit profile than the ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet, which shows a touch of lifted rose petals that creep in. Creosote, blackberry compote, black tea, Asian spice and creme de cassis aromatics generously coagulate in the glass. The palate shows absolutely wonderful terroir with marvelous intensity and verve. Vibrant acidity marks this wine that shows rich black tea, tar, creme de cassis and anise as dark fruit and non-fruit flavors dominate the palate. This has wonderful grip and precision, marvelously showcasing what is one of the top vineyards in the state. Drink 2018-2035- 97
2009 Rasa Vineyards 'Creative Impulse' Red Wine- This awesome Cabernet dominant blend has 71% Cabernet with the rest Merlot. The wine opens with aromas of blackberry, coffee grounds, cassis and black olive. Delicious and rich mouthfeel with vibrant acidity. Open and forward style with anise, blackberry, black olive, milk chocolate and creme de cassis. Just delicious and makes you beg for another sip. Drink 2015-2025. -95
2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘Creative Impulse’ Red Wine- This outstanding Bordeaux style red is a heavyhitter. Comprised of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot., the wine opens with a complex nose with red bell pepper, cherry pie and dill with sagebrush in this herbaceous and terroir driven nose. There are flavors of red cherry, cherry tomato, raspberry, blackberry and anise. This is a rockstar wine that is balanced, rich and has an incredible mouthfeel. This long ager has 152 cases made so grab some before it sells out. Drink 2015-2035- 96
2009 Rasa Vineyards 'Principia Reserve' Syrah- Terroir driven wine with mushroom, and fruit aromas of blackberry, raspberry garrigue and black cherry. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry preserves. Just completely delicious. Drink 2015-2022. -95
2013 Rasa Vineyards 'Principia Reserve' Syrah- This dense colored wine has intense aromatics of black tea, black olive, smoked pork shoulder and creosote. This leads to dense flavors of wild blackberry jam, coffee grounds, orange rind, blueberry, and black tea with an impressive mineral streak. This has an old world feel while showing off massive fruit weight. The finish is very long and dark fruit driven. The aromatic and flavor range is nothing short of intoxicating. Try to drink this awesome wine within the decade. Drink 2017-2028- 95
2013 Rasa Vineyards 'Veritas Sequitur' Syrah- This outstanding Syrah wine was sourced from the famed SJR vineyard. The wine has utilized 100% whole cluster fermentation. The Syrah wine opens with a bouquet of umami, seaweed, black cherry, crushed mint and smoked short rib. The nose is simply intoxicating. This leads to rich flavors of black cherry, boysenberry liquor, manure, black tea, umami and suggestions of alllspice. The finish is extremely long and precise, as the wine rounds out beautifully. This wine is massive yet elegant, showing incredible tension, mouthfeel and viscosity. Hats off to winemaker Billo Naravane. Drink 2017-2027- 96
2013 Rasa Vineyards 'Creative Impulse' Red Wine- This wine is a scintillating blend of 69% Cabernet and 31% Merlot which was sourced from the famed DuBrul Vineyard, managed by the Sheils family. This wine opens with a deep bouquet of black tea, cassis, black raspberry, baking spices and suggestions of coffee grounds. This leads to dense flavors of black cherry, black tea, mocha, crushed as the finish continues to linger on the tongue. The wine has an incredible mouthfeel, texture, viscosity and minerality. It is a true stunner which will cellar gracefully for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2035- 95
2014 Rasa Vineyards 'Creative Impulse' Red Wine- This outstanding wine spent 30 months in French Oak puncheons. The oak profile is 60% new French oak (predominantly from Troncais and Alliers) and 40% neutral French oak. This year they have blended 56% Cabernet with 44% Merlot. This has massive aromatics of black tea, blackberry cobbler, and a lovely herbal quality, with red bell pepper. This leads to flavors of blackberry cobbler, black tea, boysenberry liquor, crushed mint and mocha. Massive tannins power the wine at this moment but the wine is currently empowered to showcase its scintillating, minute-long finish. Try to resist this beautiful wine for another year. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2013 Rasa Vineyards 'Fianchetto' Red Wine- This wine is the follow- up the stunning 2012 Rasa Vineyards’ Fianchetto’ Red Wine and is a massive blend of 56% Cabernet with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a bouquet of black cherry, creme de Cassie, mocha, crushed gravel and Earl Grey tea. Dense and intense, there are ultra ripe flavors of mocha, creosote, coffee grounds, black olive and black tea with cherry cough syrup. The finish is exceedingly long. This is massive yet feminine as this really needs one more year to fully settle. The balance and mouthfeel is exquisite. Powerful and seductive, this is another heavyhitter of a wine crafted by the talented hands of Billo Naravane. Drink 2018-2035- 96
2015 Rasa Vineyards 'Primus Inter Pares' Grenache- This stunning Grenache wine was sourced from Monette's Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks region. Prior to bottling the wine was left on the lees for 18 months in neutral French oak barriques. This wine begins with aromatics of rose petals, white flowers, Mandarin orange rind and potpourri. This leads to flavors of red cherry, strawberry, orange zest and strawberry jam. This is pretty, feminine, sexy and absolutely irresistible at this juncture. While less acid-driven than the ’14 bottling, this outstanding wine is just as good and even more impossible to put down as the gorgeous aromatic and flavor range shows through. Only 103 cases made of this absolutely stunning Grenache wine which is one of the best of its kind in Washington state. Drink 2017-2029- 95
2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘En Passant’ Merlot- The 2014 ‘En Passant’ Merlot was primarily sourced from the DuBrul Vineyard and is only available in magnum format. The wine spent 30 months in 60% new French oak and 40% neutral French oak prior to bottling. This simply gorgeous Merlot wine opens with dense aromatics of black tea, black olive, cigar box, black cherry pie and Asian spices. The aroma range is just stunning. This leads to intense flavors of black cherry, cassis, Asian slices and coffee grounds. The mouthfeel is lovely and plush. This gorgeous Merlot wine really needs another year to settle but is impossible to resist right now. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘Plus One’ Cabernet- The 2014 ‘Plus One’ Cabernet was aged in 60% new French oak (predominantly from Troncais and Alliers) and 40% neutral French oak. The resultant wine is a stunner. This absolutely awesome Cabernet wine begins with aromas of baking spices, black cherry, sagebrush and creme de cassis. This leads to polished flavors of black tea, mocha, black cherry cough syrup and boysenberry preserves with coffee grounds. This is massive and has a polished mouthfeel. Try to give this gorgeous wine another year to settle. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2014 Rasa Vineyards 'For The Love Of The Game' Cabernet- A blockbuster wine and a complete stunner, this great Cabernet wine was sourced from the Wallula Gap Vineyard. This was aged in 70% new French oak (predominantly from Troncais and Alliers) and 30% neutral French oak prior to bottling. The Cabernet begins with simply intoxicating aromatics of creme de cassis, anise, red bell pepper and coffee grounds. The massive aromatic profile brings you constantly back to the glass for more. Crushed mint, Chinese black tea, black cherry cough syrup and sage flavors impress and add sexy layers. This is massive, structured and absolutely gorgeous as Billo Naravane has slugged a home run here with his new Cabernet. Only 62 cases produced of this heavy hitter of a Cabernet. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2013 Rasa Vineyards ‘Primus Inter Pares Monettes Vineyard’ Grenache- Fermented in second use puncheons, the wine begins with aromas of rose petals, anise, red cherry and red raspberry and wet rock with suggestions of lavender and provencale herbs. This leads to ripe flavors of gravel, red raspberry, red cherry and nice viscosity with a long finish. This is impossible to resist and is up there with the best Grenache in the state. Polished and absolutely delicious. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘Fianchetto’ Red Wine- This is an XL Vineyard Bordeaux blend of Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The wine begins stub aromas of mocha, black cherry and anise. This leads to flavors of blackberry jam, coffee grounds, creme de cassis, anise and done in the hugely modern style. The texture of this wine is ethereal. This is intense Cabernet, showing moderate to heavy tannins at this point that settle after three hours of decanting. The purity of fruit is exceptional here. Drink 2018-2031- 96
2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘Primus Inter Pares’ Grenache- Sourced from the famed Monette’s Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this knockout Grenache was fermented in neutral puncheons prior to bottling. Smoked meats, blood orange rind, cigar ash and red rose petals mark the nose. This is beautifully feminine with red cherry, guava puree, cran-cherry and blood orange zest on the palate. This impossible to resist Grenache shows incredible range and complexity as the combination of weight, tension and range of this wine is almost unparalleled in Washington Grenache. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a two hour decant. Sexy, feminine and a delight to drink, this is a truly outstanding, one of a kind, wine made by superstar winemaker, Billo Naravane. Drink 2019-2030- 95
2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah- One of the great wines of the Rasa lineup, the ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah is a barrel selection by superstar winemaker, Bilo Naravane. The wine is a knockout blend of four different vineyards, including the SJR Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. This begins with aromas of smoked pork shoulder, sage, crushed wet rock and tar. The palate is lithe, showcasing a mouth-watering acidity. There is a wonderful elegance and balance to this wine. Bacon fat, cigar ash, wet stone, and green olive tapenade flavors complete this highly compelling wine. Be sure to give this at least a two hour decant if enjoying now. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequiter’ Syrah- Weighing in at 13.5% alcohol, the 2014 ‘Veritas Sequiter’ will be released in November 2018, the wine is sourced from the famed SJR vineyard. The wine underwent 100% whole cluster fomentation and was aged in 80% new oak for 27 months prior to bottling. Distinctly Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this has bacon fat, horse manure, seaweed and Umami aromatics that bring you back to the glass for more. The palate is highly compelling and has marvelous weight and tension. The wine shows wonderful Umami, black licorice, green olive and bacon fat flavors that collide with marvelous minerality. The balance and complexity of this wine is truly amazing. Drink 2018-2030- 96
2014 Rasa Vineyard ‘Fianchetto’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This vineyard sits high above the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. The ‘Fianchetto’ Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 75% new oak for 27 months prior to bottling. This stunning Cabernet Sauvignon starts off with a bouquet of dried herbs, blackberry jam, tar and creme de cassis. The minerality of this wine shines through with creme de cassis, blackberry pie, mocha, pipe tobacco, and cedar flavors. Rich, yet possessing some incredible acidity, this will be an exceedingly long ager. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2015 Rasa Vineyards ‘Plus One’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A downright stunner, the ‘Plus One’ was sourced from an old block in the Kiona Vineyard, first planted in 1974. Powerful and intense, this begins with anise, mocha and creme de cassis with black olive tapenade on the nose. The palate shows a wonderful freshness and acidity, with an incredible purity of fruit. Black tea, black olive and black licorice mark this gorgeous wine. Be sure to let this cellar at least a year before enjoying. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2015 Rasa Vineyards ‘For The Love of The Game’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% Cabernet which was sourced from the Long Shadows owned Wallula Vineyard. This starts off with a beautiful bouquet of dried sage, cigar box, mocha, anise and creme de cassis. The profound nose brings you back to the glass for more. Mocha, tar, sandalwood, and black olive tapenade flavors come to mind. A sterling minerality and incredible ourityt of fruit mark this gorgeous bottling which will cellar well for decades. This is a downright heavyhitter by superstar winemaker and master of wine, Billo Naravane. Drink 2019-2040- 96
2017 Rasa Vineyards ‘Primus Inter Pares Monette’s Vineyard’ Grenache- Sourced from the Monette’s Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this is sadly the last year that Billo Naravane will make this wine due to issues with current vineyard management. The ‘Primus Inter Pares’ opens with a highly intoxicating bouquet, exhibiting beautiful range from red rose petals to Mandarin orange rind and smoky tones that mingle with red cherry puree that all mingle marvelously in the glass The palate is silky smooth, delivering a wonderful seamless quality as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. The purity of fruit is marvelous as red cherry, red raspberry, guava puree and shades of wet stone with smoked blood orange flavors. The verve and brightness of the wine really shines. Enjoy this stunning Grenache over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 95
2015 Rasa Vineyards ‘Principia’ Syrah- The 2015 ‘Principia’ Syrah is a stunning effort that was sourced from four vineyards (Bacchus, Upland, Firethorn and SJR Vineyards) and then was aged in 30% new oak prior to bottling. Blackberry jam with white pepper, white pepper, dried herbs, chocolate pie and nice stony character all mingle brightly on the nose. The working pieces from each vineyard really shine on the palate, as the wine shows stunning range and wonderful earthy and stony tones from the SJR Vineyard. This is a true heavyhitter of a wine that will cellar marvelously for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2032- 95
2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequiter SJR VIneyard’ Syrah (Fall 2019 release)- The 2015 ‘Veritas Sequiter’ Syrah is a true heavyhitter of a wine made by superstar winemaker Billo Naravane, MW, which was sourced from the esteemed ‘SJR Vineyard’ and underwent 100% whole cluster fermentation. The wine was stored in 90% new French oak prior to bottling. On the nose there is wonderful range from exotic spices to Satsuma orange peel to shades of blueberry pie and horse manure with green olive tapenade. The seductive nose constantly takes you back to the glass for more hedonism. The plush texture truly entices as black cherry compote, leather, espresso bean, blueberry pie and shades of milk chocolate and a savory edge which all meld marvelously together on the mouth. The texture dazzles, as the rich, almost unctuous mouthfeel adds to the drinking. enjoyment. While fantastic in its youth, this will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 96
2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘Plus One’ Cabernet Sauvignon (Fall 2016 release)- Sourced from the old block of Kiona Vineyard planted in 1974. The non-fruit aromas seem to really sing with tar infused chocolate and dried sagebrush tones that collide with boysenberry puree and shades of candied dark licorice that all impress in the glass. The palate deftly walks the tightrope between weight and elegance. Turkish coffee, tar, anise, dark chocolate shavings and shades of underbrush flavors all enter into the fray. A delight to savor in its youth, the rich tannin structure of the wine as well as the bright acidity suggests that this will be exceedingly long lived. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘For the Love of the Game’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Released in May 2019, the ‘For the Love of the Game’ composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon which was sourced from the Wallula Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The nose is really exciting with ripe dark fruits that mingle with eucaptyus, Asian spices, tar and espresso bean and shades of cassis that all shine brightly on the nose. The silky texture makes this glide across the mid-palate. I am really impressed with the purity of fruit as well as the seamless quality to this wine that really impresses. Copious dark fruits mingle with chocolate, creosote, and sagebrush tones on the palate. The earthy character adds to the drinking enjoyment. This is fantastic young but will only get better with some bottle age. Drink 2020-2040- 96
2012 Reynvaan 'In The Hills' Syrah - The 2012 'In the Hills' is a striking effort, made from 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier, a blend which is typical of the winemaking style in Côte-Rôtie. This incredible wine opens with rich and complex aromas of provencale herbs, gravel, green bell pepper, tar and blackberry which all take shape in the glass. It possesses wonderful minerality and elegance to the mouthfeel, combining fruit and citrus flavors, having cassis, blackberry, anise, raspberry alongside orange rind. This is a stunning wine that is one of the best from this stellar vintage. Best 2015-2025.- 96
2012 Reynvaan 'Stonessence' Syrah- This intense and brooding wine starts with aromatics of wet rock, unami, crushed wildflowers and blackberry cobbler with smoked pork shoulder. This leads to flavors reminiscent of wild blackberry jam, creosote, smoked brisket and wet rock. This is layered and complex with incredible poise and richness. This is absolutely impossible to resist right now. Drink 2016-2028- 96
2013 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- This wine was co-fermented with 5% Viognier. This wine saw 25% new French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. The Syrah wine opens with dense aromatics of bacon fat, seaweed, creosote, and tangerine rind. There are flavors of wild blackberry, cranberry, tangerine rind, seaweed and smoked pork shoulder. This incredible wine glides through the palate. The elegance of this wine is there as it takes on some Burgundian characteristics. Try to cellar this hard to resist wine for at least another year. Drink 2017-2028- 96
2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards 'Foothills Reserve' Syrah- This dense colored, heavyhitter of a wine begins with intoxicating aromatics of Unami, wet rock, red cherry, blackberry, white pepper and smoked brisket. The Syrah has deep flavors of Mandarin orange rind, red cherry, red raspberry, creosote and seaweed. The poise, tension and mouthfeel of this wine is amazing. I can see this improving with another year in the bottle. Drink 2017-2028- 97 (Release November, 2016)
2007 Reynvaan Family Vineyard 'In The Rocks' Syrah- This intense wine has an incredible range of aromatics. There is an intense bouquet of white pepper, Unami, black truffle oil, Bulls blood, red cherry, red raspberry and hints of pipe tobacco. There are flavors of red cherry, black pepper, crushed wet rock, red raspberry and Unami. There is a striking saline and mineral content to this exceptional wine. Drink 2016-2023- 95
2009 Reynvaan Family Vineyard 'Stoneessence' Syrah- Matt Reynvaan has crafted an incredible wine here. This gorgeous Syrah wine begins with aromas of Umami, forest floor, black truffle, wet stone, smoked pork shoulder and leather. The wine has flavors of red cherry, leather, black truffle, black olive and hints of Umami and wild blackberry. This has incredible range and an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2016 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier- The wine saw extensive barrel age and battonage prior to bottling. The resultant Viognier its truly one of the best white wines that I have ever sampled from Washington. The 2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks Viognier’ opens with an incredible stony nose with aromas of chamomile, nectarine jelly, white flowers, honeydew melon and wet stone. The palate exudes class with honeydew melon, roasted pineapple, mango and roasted macadamia nut as this shows an exotic edge. The near minute long finish impresses. Only 80 cases of this thrilling wine, so grab this while you can. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2015 Reynvaan ‘Stoneessence’ Syrah- The 2015 Reynvaan ‘Stoneessence’ Syrah is one of the great wines of Washington. wine weighs in at 13.6% alcohol which was the lowest percentage of any Reynvaan Syrah made in 2015. This profound wine has an incredibly perfumed nose. Rose petal, blood orange, red cherry candy and smoked brisket notes come to mind. The palate is plush and seductive as the meaty and savory character of the wine really shines through. Mouth-watering acidity fills your mouth as the wine unveils smoked pork shoulder, Hoisin sauce, Mandarin orange zest, Umami and white truffle flavors all marvelously combine. The minute long finish is simply exceptional, as is the dazzling minerality. Drink 2018-2028- 97
2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Hills’ Syrah- The smoky aromatics grip you as well as the lifted qualities from the Viognier. The wine weighs in at 13.8% alcohol and shows smoked brisket, wet rock, and Umami, bacon fat and blood orange rind on the highly perfumed nose. The palate shows an insanely good mouthfeel with wonderful freshness and minerality. The combination of richness and tension is hard to resist right now. The stony character and herbaceousness to the wine really shimmers in the limelight. Black tea, wild blackberry, orange zest and a touch of milk chocolate flavors brings a wonderful array of flavors to the palate. While this will cellar well for a decade, it is drinking marvelously right now Drink 2018-2028- 94
2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Foothills Reserve’ is a phenomenal wine that is truly one of the best that I have sampled from Washington in the past year. The nose takes on incredible range from blood orange, to charcuterie to black fruits and olive tapenade. The seductive nose brings you back to the glass for more. The palate shows remarkable freshness and intensity. Asian spice, Hoisin sauce, black tea, blackberry pie and wet stone characters all come to play on the palate. There is a seamless quality to this wine that glides through the palate. Fresh and energetic, while highly refined, this wine will cellar marvelously over the next decade. I adore the range here. Drink 2018-2029- 96
2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- The 2016 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah is a phenomenal wine made by superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan. With 4% Viognier blended in the nose is highly perfumed with wet stone, Umami, white rose and lychee as well as blood orange and red raspberry cordial. The lifted aromatics from the Viognier are truly outstanding. The palate shows wonderful tension, range and verve with wet stone, Umami, blood orange, red cherry candy and a touch of horse manure. Seductive, with insanely good range, this is a stunning effort by Reynvaan. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Contender’ Syrah-This wine weights in at 13.2% alcohol has 4% Marsanne blended in. The nose is highly seductive with beautiful white flowers, lychee with black tea, orange zest and milk chocolate. The range here is simply insane. The palate shows really good range as well with a wonderful tension and verve. Mike chocolate, black tea, sagebrush, wet stone and smoked pork shoulder flavors are all remarkably coming together in the glass. The citrus aspect at the finish is simply outstanding. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stonessence’ Syrah- The 2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stonessence’ Syrah is a simply gorgeous effort by this storied estate. The nose is rather intoxicating with horse manure, blood orange, red cherry cola, and black tea with a touch of green olive tapenade. The minerality and freshness of the wine is simply astounding as is the wonderful mouthfeel. Wet stone, wild blackberry, Umami, and satsuma orange flavors all come together in the glass. The mouth-watering acidity makes this stunner nearly impossible to put down right now. A remarkable wine, this will cellar marvelously for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 97
2012 Woodward Canyon 'Artist Series' Cabernet Sauvignon-Graphite and cassis delight on the nose. This is an exceedingly dense wine with gorgeous creme de cassis, blackberry and mocha flavors that entice on the palate. Incredible depth and richness here. Drink 2015-2025 -95
2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Old Vines Washington State’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Old Vines’ by Woodward Canyon is a simply stunning bottling by famed winemaker Kevin Mott. Sourced from their estate vineyard as well as Sagemoor and Champoux Vineyards, this opens with a beautiful bouquet of violets and mocha tones that combine with shades of creme de cassis, creosote, and cigar ash with lighter graphite and red bell pepper undertones that all march in unison. The palate is deep and concentrated, yet elegant and light on its feet. A light dusting of salinity adds to the drinking enjoyment as shades of chocolate covered espresso bean and Black Forest Cake collide with minerals, sagebrush and scorched undertones. Full-bodied with fine grained tannins that line this outstanding production, the 2018 ‘Old Vines’ will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 95
California:
2012 Alpha Omega 'Era' Cabernet- A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this gorgeous and round bottling begins with intense aromas of mocha, black tea, anise, cassis and black olive. There are deep and viscous flavors of anise, creme de cassis, blackberry pie and mocha. Intense wine from this incredible vintage. This wine will cellar beautifully for at least two decades. Drink 2016-2035- 96
2013 Alpha Omega ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- Alpha Omega have crafted an absolute heavyhitter of a wine here. Even more impressive than their regular Chardonnay bottling, the ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay wine starts with aromatics of roasted hazelnuts, unripe pear, pineapple, and creme brûlée. There are dense flavors of peach pit, mango, golden delicious apple and poached pear. Gorgeous wine here that lingers on the tongue and shows a Chablis like minerality. Balanced, expressive and intense Chardonnay that is best served a little warmer than average, for the full range of fruit to show through. Drink 2016-2026- 95
2013 Alpha Omega ‘Beckstoffer Georges III’ Cabernet- This impressive Cabernet wine begins with rich aromatics of blackberry jam, coffee grounds, creme de cassis and anise with eucalyptus. There are layered flavors of creme de cassis, dark chocolate, anise, Turkish coffee and black olive. This Cab shows absolutely gorgeous range, depth and intensify here. The plush mouthfeel shows through. This is impossible to resist right now but will prove to be even better in another year. Drink 2017-2040- 95
2005 Arrowood Cabernet Reserve Especiale- ripe black fruit with tar, smoke and black olive on the nose. Palate has blackberry, anise, creme de cassis and black olive with cloves. Deep, rich and concentrated, this wine could easily cellar for another 10. Drink 2013-2028-95
2005 Arrowood Reserve Chardonnay- The wine has yeast and vanilla on the nose. Vibrant acidity on the palate with cream and lemon. Fruit has integrated nicely. Vanilla cream finish that lingers. Drink 2008-2015 -95
2014 Aubert ‘Carneros Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This limited edition bottling is a stunning release by Aubert. Straight out of the gate this exudes tropical fruits with citrus rind and beautiful vanilla creme brulee that rounds out the nose. The palate is viscous and shows marvelous tension. Lemon curd, roasted pineapple, Gala apple pie and nutmeg flavors all wondwefdully combine. This is a stunner by superstar winemaker, Mark Aubert. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2014 B Cellars ‘Beckstoffer-To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from one of the great Napa vineyards, this wine shows an outrageous range of fruit and intensity. This deep colored wine opens with aromas of anise, creme de cassis and mocha. Flavors of mocha, anise, creme de cassis and impress. Rich and layered this has a plush, layered and intense mouthfeel. Ripe and opulent, this needs at least another year in the bottle to reach its potential as this great wine will cellar well for decades. Drink 2018-2033- 96
2014 B Cellars 'Erlich Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon- The Erlich Vineyard, located in Oakville, is home to Cabernet vines planted from the 1940s. This outstanding Cabernet begins with rich aromas of creme de cassis, anise and red bell pepper with sandalwood. The plush texture provides wonderful enjoyment. There are deep flavors of anise, creme de cassis, mocha and black tea. This is intense and intoxicating. Try to give this outstanding Cabernet another year in the bottle. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2013 Epoch ‘Authenticity’ Red Wine- The ‘Authenticty’ is a largely Syrah based wine (82%) which was sourced from the Paderewski Vineyard. Aged for 17 months in 53% new French oak the wine begins with intense aromas of black cherry liquor, creme de cassis and mocha. The palate has a wonderful density and sense of place. Creme de cassis, sweet pipe tobacco, mocha and crushed mint fill the palate. The weight and tension is lovely. There is also a nice salinity that finishes strong. Overall, this is a simply outstanding effort by Epoch and superstar winemaker, Jordan Florentini, who has captured the art of blending. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2009 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet- Nose has creme de cassis and oak. Palate has anise, chocolate, plum and black cherry and creme de casis. Concentrated and rich. Hard not to drink now. This will age for many years. Drink 2015-2028 -95
2007 Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay- butterscotch and oak on the nose. Palate is unreal. Great viscosity. Butter, caramel, vanilla, shortbread and oak. Seamless. Unreal wine. Drink 2010-2020-95
2014 Brewer-Clifton ‘Hapgood’ Pinot Noir- This excellent wine begins with bright aromatics of red cherry, guava puree, pomegranate seed and orange rind. The texture is absolutely stunning. Plush flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, sage and baking spices persist alongside some light tannins. This stunning wine will cellar beautifully for decades. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2013 Cardinale Red Wine- This stunning new release is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% Merlot. The wine was aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak and weighs in at 14.5% alcohol. Sourced from 10 Napa Valley vineyards, the wine has highly perfumed aromatics of creme de cassis, tar, mocha and black cherry. The mid-palate mouthfeel is massive. The flavor range improves with time in the decanter. Creme de cassis, coffee grounds, black cherry and Hoisin sauce flavors show beautifully alongside moderate tannins. This is fleshy, intense and downright gorgeous wine. The 2013 Cardinale really needs another year to settle in the bottle. If enjoying young, give this beautiful wine at least a three hour decant. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2012 Cardinale Red Wine- This massive wine opens with aromas of anise, creme de cassis, mocha, blueberry compote and cedar. There are gorgeous and layered flavors reminiscent of anise, Christmas spice, mocha and creme de cassis. Incredible intensity and structure with moderate tannins. Gorgeous fruit weight and poise to this memorable bottling that's surprisingly ready to drink. Just be sure to give it at least a one hour decant beforehand. Drink 2016-2040- 96
2005 Cardinale Red Wine- This incredible wine begins with aromatics of mocha, sandalwood, anise and creme de cassis. There are deep flavors of anise, creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, blackberry preserves and pipe tobacco. The finish lingers as there is a seamless quality to this amazing drinking experience. A plush treat, this shows the incredible cellaring potential for Napa. Drink 2016-2030- 97
2004 Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet- Rich nose with plum, fig, mint and black cherry with some oak. Palate is rich and viscous. Improved flavor concentration with more than an hour of decanting. Fat on the tongue with black cherry, olive, ripe red tomato, creme de cassis and blackberry with strong minerality. Delicious. Drink 2012-2028 -95
2012 Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet- This wine has intense aromas of blackberry, violets, graphite, creme de cassis and coffee grounds with lavender. This leads to rich and dense flavors of blackberry preserves, mocha, graphite with nice grip and minerality. A delight to drink. Drink 2015-2035- 95
2013 Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet -The 2013 Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon is a memorable wine that shows the heat of an epic vintage for Napa Cabernet. Initially aromatically subdued, this wine needs a one hour decant to better assert itself. This intense wine starts with aromatics of mocha, tar, sagebrush, black cherry and black plum. There are exceedingly deep flavors of anise, creme de cassis, coffee grounds, creosote and blackberry cobbler. The fruit weight is exceedingly broad and the plush texture coats the mid-palate. This is a massive, masculine Cabernet that isn't for the weary. Try to give this heavyhitter of a wine at least another year for the fruit to fully amalgamate. Drink 2017-2040- 95
2012 Chalk Hill 'William P. Foley' Cabernet- This is Chalk Hill's most esteemed Cabernet wine. It is a dense Cabernet that will need a ton of time to fully come together. There are wonderful aromas of graphite and blackberry with creme de cassis. The depth and richness is there. Flavors reminiscent of blackberry, graphite and creme de cassis persist. A sleeping giant. Drink 2019-2030- 95
2002 Chateau St. Jean ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- This wine has butterscotch, pineapple and golden delicious apple flavors that are rich. Maybe the best California Chard I’ve ever had. Drink 2006-2016 -95
2006 Chateau St. Jean ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- This wine has tons of tropical fruit on the nose, especially pineapple and banana. Fantastic viscosity to the wine with crème brulee, pineapple and banana flavors with a great cream finish. As good as any Sonoma Chard out there. Drink 2009-2017 -95
2009 Chateau St. Jean 'Reserve' Chardonnay- Rich color with banana and creme brûlée on the nose. Palate has prototypical brioche, creme brûlée, pear and golden delicious apple. Seamless and smooth. Drink 2011-2020 -95
2012 Continuum Red Wine- The 2012 Continuum Red Wine is an intense blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. You are immediately drawn to the uber-dense aromatics of sweet pipe tobacco, creme de cassis, anise and spicebox with black cherry pie. The plush texture is sumptuous. Flavors of hoisin sauce, black cherry compote, creme de cassis and mocha complete this majestic drinking experience. The fruit weight is gorgeous as is the silky mouthfeel. Enjoy this wine over the next two decades or possibly more. Drink 2017-2035- 95
2008 Darioush Cabernet Franc-Perfumed nose of red bell pepper, red cherry and provencale herbs. Palate is viscous and has red currant, red cherry and anise. Possibly the best for the varietal that I've ever tried. Drink 2014-2028 -95
2013 Darioush Cabernet Franc- The 2013 Darioush Cabernet Franc is the best wine in the stunning new lineup of Darioush wines. This incredible Cab Franc was sourced from a high elevation Mount Veeder estate vineyard. Darioush produces very little of this wine. This stunning example of the varietal follows up the excellent 2012. This Cab Franc begins with aromas of red bell pepper, anise, eucalyptus and dill. There are deep flavors of creme de cassis, mocha, anise, red bell pepper and black olive. This masculine style Cab Franc is a layered and polished effort that will be exceedingly long lived. The wine is pretty tannic at this point, so try to give this slumbering monster at least another year. Drink 2017-2040- 95
2014 Darioush Cabernet Franc-This awesome Cabernet Franc wine begins with aromas of red bell pepper, cigar box, mocha and black tea. The palate is lithe and plush as the wine currently displays massive tannins and a dazzling minerality. The wine has a sexy and silky mouthfeel as flavors of black tea, black currant, blackberry cobbler and crushed mint impress. Seductive and downright intoxicating, this is one of the best Cabernet Franc expressions in the world. Try to give this stunning wine another year at least in the bottle to develop. Drink 2018-2030- 96
2013 Darioush ‘Darius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Deep and intense, the ‘Darius II’ is a blend of 90% Cabernet with 6% Malbec and 4% Merlot that was primarily sourced form their Mt. Veeder estate. This stunning wine begins with intense aromatics of rose petals, creme de cassis, anise, pencil shavings and sweet pipe tobacco. The mouthfeel is seductive and plush. The wine shows off fleshy flavors of Chinese black tea, mocha, mint, creme de cassis, anise and wild blackberry preservers. This is a memorable heavyhitter by Darioush. Drink 2018-2035- 98
2014 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon- This highly perfumed wine begins with aromatics reminiscent of coffee grounds, creme de cassis and black cherry cough syrup. Massively dense and intoxicating this has huge range, and fruit weight. Silky smooth on the mid-palate there are lush dark fruits connecting with mocha and Asian spices. This has an exotic and hedonistic edge. Drink 2018-2040- 96
2015 Del Dotto 'The David Howell Mountain' Cabernet- ‘The David’ is an absolutely outstanding release by Del Dotto. This great wine begins with aromas of baking spices, sweet tipped tobacco, abuse, creme de cassis and mocha. The aromatics are downright intoxicating. The mouthfeel is gorgeous as dark chocolate covered cherries, sweet pipe tobacco, and mocha flavors deliver. The wine is a stunner by Del Dotto. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2015 Del Dotto 'The David Rutherford Estate' Cabernet- This great Cabernet is comprised of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with lesser parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This opens with an intense bouquet of mocha, graphite, creme de cassis and anise. The acidity and mouthfeel is outstanding. Flavors of creme de cassis, anise, tar and cigar box impress. This is intense as the mouth as rich flavors impress. Try to give this another year to fully amalgamate. Drink 2018-2040- 97
2015 Del Dotto 'Rutherford Estate Reserve' Cabernet- The 2015 ‘Rutherford Estate Reserve’ Cabernet is a stunner by Del Dotto. The wine is made from the best barrels from their Rutherford estate. The wine opens with aromatics of cigar box, ash, creme de cassis, anise and coffee grounds. The mouthfeel is gorgeous. There are deep flavors coffee grounds, mocha, anise and creme de cassis. The mouthwatering acidity grips you as you have to admire the tension in the wine. Drink 2018-2040- 97
2015 Del Dotto 'St. Helena Mountain Reserve' Cabernet- Del Dotto has another stunner of a Cabernet here with their 2015 ‘St. Helena Mountain Reserve’ Cabernet. This densely colored wine opens with intoxicating aromas of pencil shavings, creme de cassis, anise and huckleberry pie. The nose brings you constantly back to the glass for more. The mouthwatering acidity impresses. There is marvelous tension to this outstanding Cabernet. Downright intoxicating flavors of Turkish coffee, anise, black tea and mocha impress. The weight and texture is absolutely outstanding. The wine finishes long. Drink 2018-2040- 97
2015 Villa Del Lago Cabernet Sauvignon- This comes from a Pritchard Hill vineyard owned by Terry Taylor. All the fruit from the vineyard is used for the Villa Del Lago. The wine begins with aromas of creme de cassis, mocha, tar, and exotic spices. The palate is plush and luxurious . Flavors of creme de cassis, mocha, anise, black tea and crushed mint complete this silky wine. The mouthfeel is stunning as the wine glides through the mid palate. Exotic and downright intoxicating, enjoy the wine over the next few decades. Drink 2018-2040- 98
2015 Del Dotto 'The Beast' Cabernet Sauvignon- This special wine is a complex blend of some of the best lots from Del Dotto. The 2015 ‘The Beast’ opens with intense and layered aromatics of creme de cassis, anise, Turkish coffee and black olive tapenade. This has intense flavors of creme de cassis, anise, mocha, coffee grounds and crushed mint. Stunning, this has mouthwatering acidity and a silky mouthfeel that glides through the mid palate. Intoxicating and highly memorable, this is a simply amazing effort by Del Dotto that will cellar marvelously across decades. Drink 2018-2040- 98
2006 Dunn Vineyards 'Napa Valley' Cabernet Sauvignon- Sampled in October 2016, this wine is already showing some gorgeous development. Sandalwood, bright cherry, anise and red bell pepper strike you on the nose. The palate is dense and plush as the wine delivers some marvelous terroir with earthy tones alongside dark and red fruits with a touch of chocolate. The long finish lingers. This rich wine will cellar marvelously for at least another decade. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2014 Dunn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon - The 2014 Dunn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of purchased fruit from the Napa fruit and estate fruit from their Howell Mountain estate. The terroir of this wine is evident right out of the gate, as this reveals layered aromas of smoke, graphite and anise with damp earth and dark cherry cordial. The mouthfeel here is really intoxicating and plush. Rich flavors of red bell pepper, anise, cassis and red cherry show their stuff. Restrained and showing nice balance right now, the combination of terroir, vibrant acidity and dense flavors makes this a stunner. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2017 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir - Goldeneye was founded nearly twenty five years ago and the ‘Ten Degrees’ is a barrel selection wine that is crafted from lots that especially stood out to winemaker Katey Larwood. Aged for sixteen months in 100% new French oak, this shows pretty red rose petals woven together with tea leaf, cran-pomegrante and shades of blood orange zest on this fantastic nose. The palate is silky smooth with a seamless sense of mouthfeel. Bright red fruits dance with damp earth, Mandarin orange rind and shades of cola, with a light dusting of salinity. The wonderful texture and great sense of balance makes this really sing. Every bit outstanding in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95
2012 Epoch 'Authenticity' Red Wine- This gorgeous wine is a blend of 71% Syrah, 28% Mouvedre and 1% Viognier. The wine opens with generous aromatics of star jasmine, anise, creme de cassis, and Turkish coffee. There are dense flavors of milk chocolate, creme de cassis, roasted figs, and tar. The wine has a seamless quality despite its fruit weight which is profound. The texture is absolutely gorgeous and bordering ethereal. Drink 2016-2030- 96
2012 Epoch 'Paderewski Vineyard Block B' Syrah- This dense wine opens with aromatics of milk chocolate, creme de cassis, allspice, white pepper and boysenberry jam. There are deep flavors of wild blackberry preserves, black cherry compote, roasted figs, creosote, anise and mocha. Dense, and needing at least a two hour decant, this is a decadent treat. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2013 Epoch ‘Authenticity’ Red Wine- The ‘Authenticty’ is a largely Syrah based wine (82%) which was sourced from the Paderewski Vineyard. Aged for 17 months in 53% new French oak the wine begins with intense aromas of black cherry liquor, creme de cassis and mocha. The palate has a wonderful density and sense of place. Creme de cassis, sweet pipe tobacco, mocha and crushed mint fill the palate. The weight and tension is lovely. There is also a nice salinity that finishes strong. Overall, this is a simply outstanding effort by Epoch and superstar winemaker, Jordan Florentini, who has captured the art of blending. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2011 HALL 'Katherine Hall' Cabernet- This 100 percent Cabernet wine is always predominantly sourced from the Sacrashe vineyard. Creme de cassis, black olive, black cherry and dried herbs on the nose. Palate has deep flavors of creme de cassis, black olive, black cherry, mocha and dried herbs with vibrant minerality. A monster. Drink 2017-2030 -95
2013 HALL 'Howell Mountain' Cabernet- This absolutely fabulous and intense wine begins with hedonistic aromas of milk chocolate, anise, creme de cassis, and Turkish coffee. The wine has uber-rich flavors of anise, mocha, blueberry compote and creme de cassis. There is incredible poise and complexity to this Cabernet that all leads to the long and lingering finish. This is truly one for the cellar. Drink 2017-2040- 97
2013 HALL 'Coeur' Cabernet- This outstanding Cabernet wine was sourced from St. Helena from a set of vineyards, including one owner from HALL. A hedonistic core, this wine has a perfumed nose of rose petals, red cherry, blackberry jam, roasted figs and cherry tomato. There are dense flavors of black cherry, creme de cassis, coffee grounds, blackberry jam and tar. Intense and not for the weary, this massive wine is on the hedonistic side. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2013 HALL 'Eighteen Seventy-Three' Cabernet- This Cabernet is sourced from a is a blend of vineyards from the eastern hillside of Napa Valley. The wine begins with aromatics of sweet pipe tobacco, red cherry, lavender, anise and creme de cassis. There are flavors of red cherry, roasted dates, creme de cassis, mocha and tar with a graphite edge. Drink 2017-2035- 96
2013 HALL 'Bergfeld' Cabernet- This Cabernet is sourced from the HALL estate 14 acre vineyard that is planted to Cabernet and Merlot. The wine begins with aromatics of green olive, pipe tobacco, tar, black cherry and eucalyptus. There are flavors of black cherry, anise, creme de cassis, wild blackberry pie and mocha with graphite. The silky mouthfeel and richness contributes this wonderful textural experience, as the wine captures the heat of this great vintage in Napa Valley. Drink 2016-2035- 96
2013 HALL 'Katheryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon-This ultra-deep cored wine opens with aromatics of coffee grounds, sage, pipe tobacco, anise, creme de cassis and black cherry liqueur. There are rich flavors of black cherry, blackberry preserves, Turkish coffee, sagebrush, creme de cassis and dark chocolate shaving. The silky, bordering ethereal texture yields a seamless quality to the mid-palate. The minute long finish accentuates this incredible wine. This seductive beauty will cellar gracefully for decades. Drink 2017-2035- 97
2013 HALL 'Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2013 Rainin Vineyard is sourced from an 8 acre property just off Diamond Mountain road, which is located in a cooler section of a generally warmer district. This Cabernet has intense aromatics of blackberry pie, crème de cassis, black tea, mocha, sagebrush and underlying hints of eucalyptus all coming together beautifully in the glass. There are gorgeous flavors of ripe black cherries, crème de cassis, mocha, anise, mint and graphite which are deeply layered on the palate. The weight and mouthfeel of this wine is hedonistic and ethereal, further adding to its early appeal. Overall, this is an absolutely sensation wine from Hall and I expect this to continue to evolve gracefully for many years to come. Drink 2017-2035- 99
2013 HALL 'The Bishop’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This extreamly limited production wine from Hall is named after winemaker, Steve Leveque, whose last name translates in French to "The Bishop." This vintage is composed of a proprietary blend consisting of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, sourced from both Howell Mountain and the Rainin Vineyard in the Diamond Mountain District. This simply sensational wine opens beautifully to aromatics of ripe black fruits, mocha, sweet pipe tobacco, eucalyptus and folding in a herbal edge with hints of sage. The palate is viscous and intense with concentrated flavors of mocha, black cherry, roasted dates, crème de cassis and mint. This continues to impress with its remarkable range from start to finish and is drinking absolutely incredible right now, but also shows wonderful aging potential as well. Drink 2017-2035- 98
2013 HALL 'Sacrasche Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Sacrashe Vineyard is Hall's estate vineyard in Rutherford and was the first vineyard purchased by the Hall's in 1995. Planted to predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Sacrashe is situated atop the eastern ridge of the Vaca mountain range in Rutherford, and known for its extremely limiting volcanic tuff soils and gentle slopes. As this majestic wine slowly begins to open it releases a bouquet of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, black cherries, anise, black olive tapenade and hints of milk chocolate, all coming together in a harmonious fashion. This continues to impress with its deep, concentrated flavors of crème de cassis, anise, mocha, pipe tobacco, mint and hints of graphite, which resonate beautifully across the palate. This demonstrates a gorgeous textural richness with an opulent mouthfeel and polished tannins, both profound and elegant. There is incredible weight and intensity along with a wonderful seamless quality, which continues on through the long, multidimensional finish. There is a wonderful future ahead for this wine, but it is just about impossible to resist today. Drink 2017-2035- 99
2012 HALL ‘Jacks Masterpiece’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The wine is barrel selected from the choicest mountain fruit. The wine starts with aromas of dill, mocha, anise and creme de cassis. There are flavors of mocha, anise, creme de cassis, Turkish coffee and blackberry preserves. The wine has some moderate tannins and is currently needing more than two years in the cellar to unwind. Drink 2018-2040- 95
2013 HALL ‘Diamond Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine begins with aromatics of anise, Turkish coffee, milk chocolate and cassis. There are flavors of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, anise and wild blackberry pie. This is exceedingly good with its opulent fruit and rich texture. Drink 2018-2040- 96
2012 HALL ‘Bergfeld St. Helena’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This balanced and rich Cabernet begins with aromatics of dill, mocha, anise and creme de cassis. There are flavors of mocha, creme de cassis, anise and blackberry pie. Intense and outrageously good wine that will cellar beautifully for many years. Drink 2018-2040- 95
2013 HALL ‘1873’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This dense Cabernet wine begins with aromas of blackberry, milk chocolate and Christmas spice. This leads to flavors of Turkish coffee, anise, creme de cassis and blackberry cobbler. This is highly tannic and intense right now, with gorgeous fruit weight and complexity. Drink 2018-2040- 95
2014 HALL ‘1873’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 HALL ‘1873’ Cabernet is an incredible effort by the winemaking team at HALL. This Cabernet is sourced from the northern edge of the Vacca Mountains towards Atlas Peak. This wine begins with aromatics of sweet tobacco, creme de cassis, mocha, crushed mint and suggestions of baking spices. The palate is plush and gorgeous, as the wine showcases creme de cassis, anise, coffee ground and blueberry pie flavors that are deep and penetrating. Tanninc and massive, be sure to give this beauty at least a two hour decant if enjoying young. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2014 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 HALL ‘Katheryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon is up there with the best Katheryn Hall bottling that I have sampled over the last decade. This great, deep hued wine is released in September 2017. The wine begins with aromatics of Asian spices, creme de cassis, mocha, sweet pipe tobacco and red cherry tomato with mint accents. The intoxicating aromatics of this wine continually bring you back to the glass for more. There is a wonderful purity of fruit here. The Cabernet has amazing balance on the mid-palate, alongside lovely weight. While this is obviously a heavy Cabernet, the elegance here is amazing. Mocha, tar, cigar box, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee flavors persist alongside some moderate tannins. There is a seamless quality to this wine that is hard to describe. This is a stunning effort by HALL. Drink 2017-2040- 98
2014 HALL ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This is the tenth rendition of this wine. The Cabernet is sourced from a host of vineyards throughout the HALL. The wine is named after former winemaker and current HALL president, Mike Reynold’s, youngest son. The wine opens with intense aromatics of mocha, Turkish coffee, pipe tobacco and candied red cherry. This is another stunner by HALL as the wine revealed dense flavors of black forest cake, cigar ash, creme de cassis and espresso. Dense, layered and polished, this is impossible to resist right now but will have an exceedingly long age in the cellar. Drink 2017-2040- 96
2014 HALL ‘Mount Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Mt. Veeder AVA lies at the south of the Macayamus mountain range. This is a cooler site that tends to have marine sedimentary soils. This wine is sourced from five different vineyards in the Mount Veeder AVA. This wine begins with intense aromatics of creme de cassis, Asian spices, mocha, cigar ash and anise. The downright intoxicating aromatics bring you constantly back to the glass for more. The wine delivers intense mocha, Chinese black tea, creme de cassis, anise and sweet pipe tobacco flavors that sit alongside some silky tannins. Massive and intensive this is an outstanding effort that will cellar well for decades. Drink 2017-2035- 95
2014 HALL ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon - HALL has now gained a long term contact with this great vineyard. This vineyard is located on Diamond Mountain and has 8 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. This intensely colored wine opens with a complex bouquet of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, sweet tobacco, Hoisin sauce and suggestions of black cherry compote. Hugely aromatics at this time, the seductiveness of the nose brings you back to the glass for more. The texture is hedonistic and downright ethereal as the fruit weight is massive yet the wine glides through your palate. Flavors of creme de cassis, mocha, crushed mint, anise and black cherry with black olive tapenade are hugely impressive. This is a near perfect wine made by the superstar winemaking team of HALL. Drink 2017-2044- 99
2014 HALL ‘The Bishop’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine is named after the winemaker, Steve Levaque and the wines are primarily sourced from Howell Mountain and Diamond Mountain. Hedonsitic aromas coat the glass of cigar box, anise, creme de cassis, coffee grounds and wild blackberry pie. The plush texture immediately hits you. Deep and penetrating flavors of sweet pipe tobacco, mocha, creme de cassis, allspice and espresso delight the sesnses. Like the ‘Rainin’ bottling this wine has a seamless quality alongside the obvious viscosity here. This is another stunner by HALL that can age for decades. Drink 2017-2044- 98
2014 HALL ‘Sacrashe’ Cabernet Sauvignon- HALL bought this vineyard in 1995. This year's ‘Sacrashe’ is even more impressive than the gorgeous 2013 bottling. The aromatics delight showing off Turkish coffee, cigar box, anise and creme de cassis on the nose. Mocha, anise, creme de cassis, and sweet pipe tobacco flavors impress. This has moderate tannins at this juncture so if enjoying young be sure to give this at least a two hour decant. The seamless quality to this wine is apparent, as is the fruit weight and intensity. Decadent, masculine and rich, this is a stunning heavyhitter by superstar winemaker Steve Leveque. Drink 2017-2044- 99
2016 HALL ‘Katheryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Katheryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a show-stopping wine from superstar winemaker Steve Levesque. The core fruit source for the wine is the Sacrache Vineyard as this is a barrel-selection Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The nose is simply captivating as violets and tar collide with shades of blueberry compote and sweet pipe tobacco that all sing in the glass. Soft and plush on the mouth, the wine delivers a seamless quality with wonderful weight that truly entices. Blueberry compote, leather, mocha, creosote and shades of Asian spices all shine brightly on this exceedingly good palate. With polished tannins this finishes long with dark fruits and minerals. While a delight to consume in its youth, the 2016 ‘Katheryn Hall’ will provide drinking enjoyment for twenty years. Drink 2010-2040- 97
2016 HALL ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ by HALL is a stunning new wine that is built to age for decades. Sourced from a host of Napa Valley AVAs, the ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ shows deep tar, Turkish coffee, dried sage, with dusty terroir aromatics all are brilliantly woven together on this expressive nose. The power on the mid-palate is quite massive as the wine shows moderate tannins with shades of espresso bean, tar, black currant jelly and shades of blackberry pie. Seductive and intense in its youth this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades. Try to give this spectacular wine at least another year prior to consumption. Drink 2020-2040- 96
2016 HALL ‘Montagna Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A new wine to the HALL collection of Cabernet Sauvignon wines, the ‘Montagna Vineyard’ is located on Pritchard Hill towards the top of the hill, as the vineyard is blessed with sweeping views of the town of Napa. The nose is highly perfumed here with violets that mingle with shades of black tea, exotic spices, black currants and dusty terroir that all collide in the glass. The silky texture beautifully coats the mid-palate. Chinese black tea, blackberry cobbler, creosote and shades of espresso bean all mingle together on this beautiful palate. There is a wonderful elegance to the wine. With fine grained tannins lining this wine and a wonderful mid-palate weight, this beautiful wine will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2040- 96
2016 HALL ‘Ezcellenz’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Excellenz’ is limited production wine that was entirely sourced from the Sacrashe Vineyard on Diamond Mountain. The aromatics of the wine are simply gorgeous as the wine immediately unveils crushed mint and black tea that mingle with shades of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee and blueberry compote that sing together in harmony. The silky texture and mouthfeel to the wine is remarkable as soft tannins line this beautiful wine. Blackberry pie, blueberry, tar and milk chocolate with earthy undertones and minerals all marvelously amalgamate on the palate. The exceedingly long finish lingers with black fruits and minerals. While seductive and deep in its youth, this beautiful wine will continue to cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2040- 97
2016 HALL ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Rainin Vineyard’ is a limited-production, barrel selection wine made by HALL in their Platinum Collection. The nose is downright hedonistic in showing Turkish coffee with blueberry compote, dusty terroir, and shades of creosote that all mingle nicely in the glass. This Cabernet shows incredible decadence and a seamless quality that is hard to describe. Mocha, anise, tar, sandalwood, blueberry compote, exotic spices with shades of creme de cassis all strut their stride on this expressive palate. The length, weight and tannins structure of the wine really impresses. Outstanding in its youth, this will deliver downright hedonistic drinking enjoyment for decades. This is about as close to perfection as you can get. Drink 2019-2040- 99
2016 HALL ‘The Bishop’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Named after winemaker Steve Levesque, whose name in French is ‘The Bishop’ this is a simply stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that is absolutely intoxicating in its youth but has a long way to go. You are instantly enticed by the complex aromatics that slowly release blueberry pie with black tea, Asian spices, mocha and tar that all collide in the glass. The wine shows off silky tannins and a voluptuous mouthfeel that dances through the mid-palate. There is a marvelous, seamless character to the wine that really rings true as this glides across the mid-palate. Intense and layered, the palate shows off rich mocha, creme de cassis, anise and Turkish coffee flavors that are woven together with minerals and fine grained tannins. A delight to savor in its youth this stunning new release will cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2040- 98
2016 HALL ‘Sacrache Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Sacrache Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from a few of the top few barrels of all of the wines sourced from the vineyard. The nose is exceedingly dense, unveiling exotic spices with espresso bean, blackberry compote and shades of tar that all mingle brilliantly in the glass. There is a seamless quality to this wine that really impresses. Velvety tannins line this wine that effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Deep espresso dusted milk chocolate, creosote, pipe tobacco and shades of black forest cake with sandalwood accents all shine brightly on the palate. The stunningly long finish lingers long on the tongue. Outstanding now, this downright delicious and hedonistic wine will cellar well for decades. Drink 2020-2045- 99
2014 Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a tour de force in Napa wine. The wine is a barrel selection blend of the three Hundred Acre single vineyards. The ‘Wraith’ starts off with a hugely compelling nose of mocha, creme de cassis, black olive tapenade and smoky undertones. Once in the mouth, there is serious viscosity as the silky wine glides through the mid-palate. Cigar ash, Black Forest cake, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee flavors all beautifully amalgamate. Lightly tannic, his is thrilling Cabernet Sauvignon that is best enjoyed after a few more years of bottle age. Drink 2020-2045- 97
2014 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc- The 2014 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc impresses from Quintessa and is one of most memorable Napa Sav Blancs that I have sampled in the past year. The wine is a blend of 52% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 32% Sauvignon Blanc, and 16% Semillon that was released nearly a year ago. Today this wine is absolutely gorgeously rounded out, The wine begins with aromatics reminiscent of lemongrass, Meyer lemon, Bartlett pear, white peach and Pazzaz apple. There are dense flavors of Granny Smith apple, starfruit, Meyer lemon oil, peach pit and macadamia nut. Perfect for a warm summer day, the wine is balanced, intense and out of this world delicious right now. This is up there with the best in North America. Drink 2016-2026- 95
2014 Kistler 'Trenton Roadhouse' Chardonnay- This special Chardonnay has knockout aromatics of creme brulee, bananas foster, apricot and nutmeg. The fruit weight on the mid palate is simply intoxicating. Wonderful acidity connects with deep flavors of creme brulee, roasted pineapple, brioche toast and bright starfruit. This show-stopping Chardonnay by Kistler artfully connects intensity with range and weight. Enjoy this rather unctuous bottling over the next decade. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2015 Kosta Browne 'Gap's Crown Vineyard' Pinot Noir- The 2015 'Gap's Crown Vineyard' Pinot Noir is a stunning effort by Kosta Brown. Aromatically intense, you are immediately drawn to ripe aromas of cola, black cherry and sassafras that connect with wild mushroom and Asian spices. Hugely complex and round, there are deep flavors of candied red cherry, pomegranate seed and citrus rind with raspberry liquor. Layered and intense this Pinot Noir showcases gorgeous structure and a slky mouthfeel. 'The salinity of the wine shines. A long ager, this wine can be cellared for the next fifteen years but is rather impossible to resist at this juncture. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2013 La Jota Merlot- Sourced from the La Jota Vineyard as well as lesser parts from the W.S.Keyes Vineyard, head winemaker Chris Carpenter has made one of the best Merlot bottlings from Napa that I have sampled this year. This gorgeous wine was aged 19 months in French oak (80% new) prior to bottling. Possessing an inky, dark color, this hedonistic Merlot opens with aromatics of pencil shavings, milk chocolate, coffee grounds, black cherry cough syrup and nicely woven oak. There are deep flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, anise, creme de cassis and dark chocolate torte. The plush mouthfeel is exquisite. Tannic and masculine, try not to enjoy this hedonistic Merlot at least for another year. This is up there with the best Napa Merlot that I've sampled in the past year. I'm very surprised that this balanced wine weighs in at 15% alcohol. Drink 2018-2032- 95
2013 La Jota Cabernet- This wine saw 19 months in primarily new French oak before bottling and is a blend of 75% Cabernet with 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Needing a significant three plus hours decant, this ultra-dark hued, decadent Cabernet begins with dense aromas of cassis, black cherry, coffee grounds, sage, red bell pepper and hints of blueberry pie. There are intense flavors of creme de cassis, mocha, Black Forest cake, and a graphite edge. If enjoying young, be sure to give this monster of a wine a considerable decant and aeration. The minerality of this gorgeous wine shines through. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2013 Kongsgaard 'Napa Valley' Chardonnay- The 2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay is a striking beauty from Kongsgaard. This spectacular wine opens with inviting aromatics of poached pear, crème brûlée, golden delicious apple and toasted hazelnuts all taking shape beautifully in the glass. On the palate, this leads to rich flavors of poached pear, marzipan, Meyer lemon oil and Gala apple, with suggestions of Shiitake mushroom. This has that dazzling intensity that you can almost feel in the glass leading up to the finish, continues to pull you back in with its seductive flavors. Overall, this is a memorable drinking experience and certainly a one of a kind effort from John Kongsgaard. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2014 Kongsgaard 'Napa Valley' Chardonnay- Following up the more than splendid 2013 release, the 2014 Kongsgaard 'Napa Valley' Chardonnay is another stunner from this storied estate. Possessing a rich and golden hue, this wine opens with aromatics or butterscotch, beeswax, poached pear, bananas foster and hints of nutmeg. The nose is absolutely intoxicating, continually bringing you back for more. On the palate there is lovely structure and fruit weight. Having an oily texture, there are bright flavors of Meyer lemon oil, white truffle, kumquat, Marzipan and creme brulee. The range of this wine makes you ponder while taking in the exceedingly long, minute plus long finish. A memorable wine, this will cellar beautifully for at least another decade. Drink 2017-2028- 97
2015 Kongsgaard 'Napa Valley' Chardonnay- This seamless and memorable wine is a stunning follow up to the downright opulent 2014 Chardonnay bottling. The nose reminds me of vanilla creme brûlée, bright lemon crushed brioche and Pazzaz apple. The palate is exceedingly plush, while maintaining a wonderful tension towards the back. Creme brûlée, butterscotch, bananas foster and roasted pineapple complete this stunning wine. The Kongsgaard saves the best for last with a minute long, Meyer lemon cream driven finish. This is another astonishing wine made by superstar winemaker John Kongsgaard. Drink 2018-2030- 96
2015 La Jota Cabernet Franc- The 2015 La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Franc was sourced from the La Jota Vineyard and the W.S. Keys Vineyard and was aged for 22 months in 78% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose is distinctly feminine with rose petals and red cherry preserves alongside violets, crushed mint and blueberry compote. The palate is deep and brooding, as the combination of weight, texture and tension is outstanding. Black tea, blackberry cobbler, crushed mint, and black cherry compote flavors all show a dark tone. Kudos to superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter on this gorgeous Cabernet Franc that is as good as any in Napa. Try to resist this great bottling for at least another year. Drink 2019-2040- 95
2015 La Jota Merlot- The 2015 La Jota Merlot was aged in 72% new French oak for 22 months before bottling. Legendary winemaker, Chris Carpenter, has blended in 10% Petit Verdot to this Merlot. The nose shows very pretty tones with red cherry, lavender, with toasty oak and and black raspberry cordial. The palate shows a brilliant minerality and seriously good weight, invoking black tea, milk chocolate, black cherry pie and lighter tones of sage. This is downright delicious now but really needs two more years to fully come together. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2015 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon by La Jota is a seductive blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Cabernet Franc, 7.5% Merlot, 6% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot which was aged for 22 months in 65% new French oak prior to bottling. Needing more than a two hour decant at this juncture, the wine takes on glorious creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, blueberry cordial and wild thyme aromatics. The palate shows marvelous complexly and range. Black tea, blueberry compote, mocha and blackberry pie flavors all beautifully mingle in the glass. Rich and layered, this hedonistic effort will cellar marvelously for decades. Be sure to give this at least a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2045- 9
2014 Lewis 'Napa Valley' Chardonnay- The 2014 Lewis 'Napa Valley' Chardonnay is another gorgeous release from this great Napa estate. This outrageously good, heavyhitter of a Chardonnay by Lewis, shows a gorgeous combination of poise, opulent fruit and condensed oak treatment in a hot vintage. There are rich aromatics of butterscotch, toasted Macadamia nut, bananas foster, Meyer lemon zest and ripe golden delicious apple. This leads to dense flavors reminiscent of creme brulee, butterscotch, vanilla cream, buttered popcorn, poached pear and meringue, with hints of Meyer lemon zest. With rich weight on the mid-palate, and marvelous acidity, this is a stunner from this estate. There is an oily and sexy Chardonnay, bordering unctuous, as the stunningly plush texture coats the palate. The finish is exceedingly long, as this Chard is one that will only improve with a few years of bottle age. This Chardonnay wine is up there with the best California Chardonnay releases that I have reviewed in the past year. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2012 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc- This wine opens with intense aromatics of gooseberry and lemon rind in the nose. The palate has flavors of Meyer lemon, orange peel, gooseberry, and the finish lingers. This has complex lemon and lime flavors. Unreal juice. Drink 2014-2022 -95
2015 Orin Swift ‘Mercury Head’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘Mercury Head’ by Orin Swift is a stunning bottling by superstar winemaker David Phinney. This intense wine had heady aromatics of mocha, crushed mint, creme de cassis and anise. The palate is lithe and seductive as the wine reveals uber-dark fruit flavors of mocha, anise, creme de cassis and red bell pepper. This incredible wine will cellar marvelously for decades. Try to resist this intense and seductive wine for another year at least. Drink 2019-2333- 95
2012 Opus One Red Wine- The 2012 Opus One is a stunning release from this storied Napa Valley producer. While there is intense fruit, it is hard to describe the silky texture and plush mouthfeel, which brings you back to the glass for more decadence. This blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6%Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec begins with seductive aromatics of black cherry, crème de cassis, mocha, tar and anise, all coming together beautifully in the glass. There are vivid flavors of crème de cassis, blackberry, mocha, sage and black olive which lead to an exceedingly long, voluptuous finish. Overall, this possesses incredible poise and elegance, showing a simply gorgeous seamless quality throughout. While this is drinking beautifully at this stage, it certainly has the potential to cellar for two more decades, or even more. Drink 2016-2035- 98
2013 Opus One Red Wine- The 2013 Opus One is an absolute stunning release, and is certainly one of most impressive young wines I have ever tasted from this estate. This shows a darker, more forward profile from this warm vintage, and is clearly one to contemplate, as there are so many complexities and working parts to this compelling wine. This instantly impresses as it opens to intense aromatics of crème de cassis, black cherry, blackberry compote and black plum woven together with mocha, sandalwood. The mouthfeel is voluptuous and beautifully concenrated with deep and penetrating flavors of black cherry, créme de cassis, blackberry cobbler, anise, sage and anise, which all resonate beautifully across the palate. This is already extreamly appealing, but try to resist this hedonistic wine for at least another few years, as there is undoubtedly a long future ahead. Drink 2017-2035- 99
2007 Opus One Red Wine- The 2007 Opus One is composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. It comes from a near perfect growing season. During fermentation and maceration, component lots received an average of 20 days of skin contact prior to 19 months of barrel aging in 100% French oak. This exceptional red blendbegins with aromas of anise, hazelnut, mocha and creme de cassis. This leads to rich flavors of creme de cassis, kalmata olive, Turkish coffee, black cherry and anise. This is rich and layered with major intensity and a long finish. Drink 2016-2026- 96
2013 Ovid Red Wine- The 2013 Ovid Red Wine is a shockingly good blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc. Intense and sexy black currant, anise, creme de cassis and coffee ground aromatics fill the glass. There are downright delicious flavors of anise, black cherry compote, creme de cassis, graphite and mocha flavors alongside some serious tension. The mouthfeel and weight is absolutely exceptional as the near minute long finish lingers long on the tongue. Firm tannins back the dark fruits. Texturally astounding the 2013 Ovid Red Wine is a headturner that really needs at least another year in the bottle to fully settle. Drink 2018-2040- 98
2014 Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 Quintessa is a profound wine that needs an hour in the decanter to settle. Once aroused the wine opens with a whiff of fresh oak followed by baked dark fruits mingling with chocolate and wild mushroom tones. The palate is exceedingly plush and dense as the lovely rich mouthfeel entices the senses. The body of the wine showcases tar, coffee grounds and coconut. This is an opulent, defined wine that shows refined tannins and a long, dark fruit driven finish. If enjoying young, be sure to give this a long decant. Drink 2017-2032- 95 (J.H.)
2015 Pharoahmoans Syrah- The Pharoahmoans Syrah is made by superstar winemaker, Guillaume Fabre. The inky colored Pharoahmoans is a stunning wine that shows the warmth of the vintage while providing really good tension. The lighter citrus tones compliment the copious dark fruits on the palate. Chocolate and Turkish coffee with minty undertones complete this stunning wine. This has the stuffing to cellar for a long time. Drink 2018-2030- 96
2013 Ridge ‘Monte Bello’ Cabernet- A hedonistic monster that somehow shows wonderful restraint, the 2013 ‘Monte Bello’ Cabernet confirms why it commands a cult following. The wine begins with dense aromas of black tea, anise, crème de cassis and coffee grounds. There are rich flavors of mocha, dill, anise, casssi and hints of milk chocolate. Polished, lithe and moderately tannic right now, this is best enjoyed in a few years. This is literally a slumbering giant. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2010 Robert Mondavi Winery 'Reserve' Cabernet- This wine opens with an extremely dense nose with mocha, blackberry and oak. The palate has rich flavors of anise, mocha, blackberry and is highly tannic. A sleeping giant that needs a ton of time. Drink 2018-2035. -95
2001 Robert Mondavi Winery 'Reserve' Cabernet- The 2001 Robert Mondavi Winery 'Reserve' Cabernet shows all the grace and poise of this incredible vintage in Napa. More than 15 years after its release, it is a gorgeous showing. The wine is comprised of 50% To Kalon Vineyard fruit and nearly all Oakville fruit. The resultant wine is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine begins with aromas reminiscent of black cherry, anise, creme de cassis and crushed wet rock. The tannins have mellowed considerably through the mid-palate, yielding wonderful rich flavors of Turkish coffee grounds, blackberry cobbler, dark chocolate shavings and graphite. The finish is memorable and precise. Drink 2016-2021- 95
2012 Paul Hobbs ‘Nathan Coombs Estate’ Cabernet- This impressive wine has aromatics of anise and blackberry. The richness is profound. There are deep flavors of milk chocolate, anise and blackberry with moderate tannins. Very serious. Drink 2018-2035 -95
2014 Robert Biale 'Varozza Vineyard' Zinfandel- The Varozza family has been farming on this site since 1913. This seamless wine opens with aromatics of black plum, black cherry, prune and blackberry cobbler. There are plush flavors of black cherry, cola, prune, boysenberry preserves, blueberry compote and hints of dark chocolate shavings. The smoothness and silky texture of this wine makes this wine a true heavyhitter. There is almost a Bordelaise character to this exceptional wine. Drink 2016-2027- 95
2015 Sanguis ‘Wildflower’ White Wine- The 2015 Sanguis ‘Wildflower’ is a compelling proprietary blend of Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne that was aged for an extended period of time in oak puncheons. Showing a golden hue, this starts off with a bright bouquet of lemon blossom, apricot jelly, star jasmine, vanilla cream and toasted macadamia nut. The striking nose really brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Once in the mouth, a ripe, almost unctuous texture greets you. The weight of the wine delights the senses, as does the wonderful poise. Lemon oil, kumquat, apricot jelly and honeydew melon flavors come to mind. A stunning white blend, this one of a kind wine is one for the cellar and will continue to develop marvelously over the next decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2015 Sanguis ‘Bossman’ Red Wine- The ‘Bossman’ is an intense blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Grenache with a touch of Viognier. Needing roughly a two hour decant to fully express itself the wine slowly unveils rose petal, red cherry candy, guava puree and coffee ground aromatics with a touch of honeysuckle from the Viognier. The aromatic range at play is simply stunning. The silky mouthfeel wonderfully coats the mid-palate. As the wine continues to build in the glass it showcases a marvelous combination of red and dark fruits with a touch of chocolate covered espresso bean. Seductive, decadent and refined, this one of a kind bottling by superstar Mattias Pippig is not to be missed. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2014 Sanguis 'The Eighth Veil' White Wine- The 'Eighth Veil' is a proprietary white blend which was aged for 24 months in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak. This golden colored wine opens with aromatics of beeswax, nectarine purée and mango. The viscosity and texture to this wine is decadent. Bananas foster, pineapple upside down cake, vanilla cream and brioche all beautifully mingle in the glass. The finish is highly memorable, showing strong shades of Meyer lemon creme. Unctuous and intoxicating, this is a stunner by superstar winemaker Mattias Pippig. Drink 2017-2027- 95
2014 Sanguis 'Bossman' Syrah- The 'Bossman' is sourced from cooler climate Vineyards in the Santa Ynez valley. Brooding in color, this Syrah shows graphite, bulls blood, black tea and blackberry compote flavors. Round and seductive, the wine showcases flavors reminiscent of milk chocolate, coffee grounds, sweet pipe tobacco and black cherry preserves. The combination of weight and tension is downright scintillating. Drink 2017-2033- 95
2013 Sanguis 'Loner R13-c' Pinot Noir- This outstanding Pinot Noir is crafted by superstar winemaker Mattias Pippig. Sourced from the Santa Rita Hills, this gorgeous wine needs at least two hours in the decanter to be fully expressive. After the long decant, the wine begins with a beautiful bouquet of ripe raspberry preserves, strawberry pie, cloves and ripe mulberry. The silky mid-palate glides and delivers ripe red raspberry cordial, spicebox, cherry cola and pomegranate seed flavors. The combination of weight and range here is particularly striking. Lithe and delicious at this juncture, this outstanding Pinot Noir can be enjoyed over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2017-2033- 95
2014 Sanguis 'Misfit' Red Wine- Novel and tooth staining, the 'Misfit' is a combination of Grenache, Petite Sirah and Viognier that was aged in a combination of new and used oak, as well as stainless steel for 26 months prior to bottling. This begins with red cherry syrup, white flowers, boysenberry preserves and a touch of milk chocolate. The palate is exceedingly dense, yet there is a striking minerality from the Viognier component. Roasted figs, lemon blossom, dark chocolate shavings and Turkish coffee all marvelously connect. This is unlike any wine in California. Drink 2017-2027- 95
2013 Sanguis 'John Sebastiano Vineyard' Loner Pinot Noir- This Santa Rita Hills bottling needs more than two hours in the decanter to open up. Once aroused it begins with aromatics of cherry cola, red raspberry preserves, lavender and nutmeg. There is a viscous and velvety texture to this scintillating wine. Flavors of cherry pie, cherry cough syrup, cola and red raspberry persist. An absolutely seamless wine, with brightness and decadence. Drink 2016-2026- 95
2013 Sanguis 'Loner R13-b' Pinot Noir- Sanguis and superstar winemaker Mattias Pippig have another stunning new release wine with their 2013 'Loner R13-b' Pinot Noir release. This absolutely exceptional Pinot is sourced from the Santa Rita Hills, and displays an intense aromatic and flavor profile from this hot vintage. The wine opens with a bouquet of forest floor, black truffle oil, candied cherry, and cola. There are rich flavors of Black Forest cake, cherry cola, black raspberry, black truffle crudo and Asian spices. With a plush mouthfeel, this robust Pinot Noir is out of this world delicious. Be sure to give this wine at least a one hour plus decant if enjoying it in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2012 Sanguis 'Chinese Fortune' Proprietary White Wine- This wine is an absolutely superlative and intoxicating blend of Rousanne, Marsanne, Chardonnay and Viognier. This has the kind of aromatics that makes you go back to your glass for one hedonistic whiff after another. It is drinking absolutely out of this world at this time. Following a two hour decant, this wine opens up considerably. This blend begins with aromas of lemongrass, honeydew melon, and star jasmine. This leads to flavors of lychee, red delicious apple, poached pear, nutmeg and bananas foster. This has a long and lingering finish that coats the tongue. There is a botrytis like character to this exceptional viscous white blend. Drink 2016-2028- 96
2012 Sanguis 'My Soul Is Rested' Proprietary Red Wine- Needing more than two hours to open up in the decanter, this is aromatically invigorating wine. A bouquet of creme de cassis, mocha, pencil shavings and blackberry pie explodes out of the glass. There are dense flavors of mocha, red bell pepper, creme de cassis, anise and blackberry cobbler. Highly seductive, the intensity and richness showcases this outstanding vintage. Try to cellar for at least one more year. I have never sampled a better red blend from this region. Drink 2017-2035- 95
2005 Shafer ‘Hillside Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2005 Shafer ‘Hillside Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon is starting to hit its upper register at now the fourteen year mark. The tertiary notes entice aromatically with its wild mushroom and damp earth tones that combine with the dense core of dark fruits and cocoa powder on this exotic bouquet. Silky smooth throughout, the 2005 ‘Hillside Select’ glides effortlessly across the mid-palate, unveiling its gorgeous mouthfeel and texture. Blackberry cobbler and mocha flavors mingle with the lovely earthy and tertiary tones on the palate. Fantastic now, the 2005 ‘Hillside Select’ is starting to peak and should drink well for at least another ten years. Drink 2019-2032- 95
2016 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, with 6% Petit Verdot. Needing a one hour decant to fully awaken, the 2016 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon slowly unveils deep Turkish coffee, creme de cassis, cocoa powder and sweet pipe tobacco aromas with lighter suggestions of blueberry pie and graphite that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and powerful yet shows a wonderful restraint and vibrant sense of tension that runs through the core of the wine. Moderate tannins frame the dense dark currant jelly, mocha, black tea, anise, exotic spice and herbal undertones round out this expressive palate. Fantastic and literally thrilling in its youth, the 2016 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for the next two plus decades. Drink 2020-2040- 96
2015 Sin Qua Non ‘Trouver l’arene’ Syrah- The stunning, profound and downright decadent ‘Trouver l’arene’ Syrah is an opulent blend of 80.5% Syrah, with 7% Petite Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, which were sourced from their estate vineyards. The wine was aged in both neutral and new French oak for 22 months prior to bottling. On the nose this exudes class with sagebrush accents that collide with the blueberry pie, blackberry cordial and potpourri aromatics that all build steam in the glass. The texture to this wine exudes class. Ripe black cherry syrup, Turkish coffee, tar and leather with shades of sweetened licorice all impress on the palate. While a delight to savor in its youth, this stunning wine will evolve well over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2035- 99
2013 Sin Qua Non ‘Female’ Grenache- The 2013 Sin Qua Non ‘Female’ Grenache is sinfully good following a little time in the bottle. The wine has 19% Syrah blended in with just a touch of Mourvedre, as the ‘Female’ was largely sourced from their Eleven Confessions estate vineyard, located in Sta. Rita Hills AVA. On the nose there is wonderful underbrush undertones that collide with chocolate covered raspberry and shades of pomegranate puree that all continue to impress in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, delivering a soft and satisfying mouthfeel. Red raspberry cordial, lavender, red cherry pie and exotic spices all build momentum on the palate. A delight to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2035- 97
2006 Sin Qua Non ‘Mr. K Nobleman’ Chardonnay Dessert Wine (.375 L)- The ‘Mr. K Nobleman’ Chardonnay weighs in at a whopping 200 grams per liter of sugar. Once aroused, the wine slowly unveils intense tropical fruit aromatics that mingle with shades of vanilla creme brûlée and toffee. Unctuous and soft, the wine shows off its unctuous, fleshy texture. The ‘Mr. K Nobleman’ is quite bright once on the mouth, with candied ginger, apricot jelly and shades of honeyed banana and ripe pineapple accents here. Am I really tasting Chardonnay? This unique and vibrant wine still has many years left in the bottle but is fantastic at the thirteen year mark. Drink 2019-2035- 95
1999 Stag’s Leap ‘Reserve’ Merlot- A monumental wine, this displays and insanely good aromatic range with black olive tapenade to red fruits and gobs of dark fruits with coffee grounds. The palate has a plush texture and an exceedingly good mouthfeel. Black fruits connect with blueberry compote and Turkish coffee flavors. A long-ager, this will cellar well for twenty years. Drink 2005-2025- 95
2015 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ’S.L.V.’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘SLV’ by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is an incredible new release that is amongst the best that I’ve had from this storied estate. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was aged in 95% French oak for 21 months prior to bottling. Upon arousal the seductive nose shows beautiful sandalwood, mocha, anise and creme de cassis aromas. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine is simply fabulous. Flavors of blueberry compote, blackberry cobbler, mocha and anise impress. Delicious now this is Cabernet Sauvignon that will have a long life. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2015 Viader ‘Proprietary Red’ Red Wine- First crafted in 1989, the Viader ‘Proprietary Red’ Red Wine is a Howell Mountain red blend comprised of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Cabernet Franc. The mother/son winemaking team of Delia Viader, PhD and Alan Viader have created an awesome new release red wine. Needing roughly two hours in the decanter to be fully awoken, the wine emerges with wonderful earthy terroir with red bell pepper, damp earth, sweet pipe tobacco and leather, all parading with dark and blue fruits on the nose. Silky smooth on the mid-palate, the wine unveils a wonderful sense of place. The tension, weight, mouthfeel and depth here is absolutely lovely. Blueberry compote, wild blackberry preserves, milk chocolate and roasted fig flavors all mingle beautifully in the glass. Lightly tannic, this gorgeous effort will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2040- 95
Oregon:
2014 Archery Summit 'Arcus Estate' Pinot Noir- Having a deep core, the wine starts with perfumed aromatics of black cherry, black raspberry, black truffle, white pepper and black plum. There are flavors reminiscent of black cherry, black truffle oil and black raspberry. The weight and balance of this wine is simply gorgeous. Try to avoid drinking this exceptional Pinot for another two years. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2005 Argyle ‘Cowhouse’ Pinot Noir- This incredible wine has earthy aromatics with forest floor and mushroom. The palate has incredible fatness and viscosity. There are deep flavors of raspberry, cherry and nutmeg with vanilla. Possibly the best Oregon Pinot I've had. Drink 2008-2020. -95
2006 Argyle 'Spirithouse' Pinot Noir- Taken from an esteemed vintage this wine has black fruits, darker than the 2007. Black cherry, boysenberry and cherry cough syrup on the nose. Palate is dense and viscous. There are rich flavors of cherry pie, raspberry, vanilla and a long, lingering finish. Serious weight and complexity. This thing could age another 5. Opulent expression of Oregon Pinot. Drink 2014-2030. -96
1998 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’- This is their signature sparkling wine at Argyle. This seamless wine begins with flavors of pear, cream, golden delicious apple and wonderful effervescence. The finish lingers in this amazing domestic sparkling wine. Drink 2010-2020 -96
2000 Argyle 'Extended Tirage' - This wine has improved with some age. The nose begins with aromatics of baked apple and oak with mushroom. The palate yields rich flavors of brioche, baked apple and pear, with light vanilla nodes. Tremendous effort, effervescent with strong minerality for its age. This could cellar 5 more years. Drink 2010-2020 -96
2005 Argyle 'Extended Tirage' Sparkling Wine- This intense sparkling wine begins with a dense bouquet of Pazzaz apple, apricot, cantaloupe and baking spices. With wonderful mid-palate weight this exceptional wine yields dense flavors reminiscent of white flowers, white grapefruit oil, Granny Smith apple, nutmeg, and kumquat. Exotic, layered and downright exceptional, the silky mousse captivates, leading to an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2017-2027- 95
2007 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- Aged on the lees for ten years prior to disgorgement, the 2007 'Extended Tirage' by Argyle is a stunning wine that does not seem a decade old. Aged in 80% neutral oak and 20% stainless, steel, the wine has beautifully amalgamated citrus fruits with a touch of white flowers on the nose. The mousse and weight to this wine is luxurious as the wine showcases baked pear, marzipan, wet stone and lemon oil flavors that combine with wonderful tension. The combination of power and poise here is hard to find in Oregon. Drink 2017-2027- 95
2008 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The 2008 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine is a simply marvelous effort from this storied vintage in Oregon. Spending ten years on the lees until disgorgement in 2018, the 2008 ‘Extended Tirage’ opens with a highly complex bouquet of marzipan layered with orchard fruits and baking spices, with pear moss undertones that all take beautiful shape in the glass. The combination of weight and balance of the wine is exquisite. A beam of salinity runs through ripe pear, kumquat, Shitake mushroom and green papaya flavors. Seductive and rich from this incredible vintage in Oregon this will continue to evolve well over the next fifteen plus years. I have found that this wine tends to show more beautifully a touch on the warmer side and is even more expressive in an Oregon Pinot Glass. This is truly one of the glorious sparkling wines of North America. Drink 2019-2035- 96
2008 Arterberry Maresh 'Juliard Vineyard' Pinot Noir- The 2008 Arterberry Maresh 'Juliard Vineyard' Pinot Noir shows incredible development at this juncture in its drinking window. Sourced from Pommard clone fruit from vines planted in 1988 and 1976, the wine captures this exceptional balanced vintage. This perfumed wine opens with aromas of rose petals, red cherry, red raspberry, and hints of cola. The flavors of cola, cranberry, guava, orange rind and tamarind are rich and intense, with lively minerality. Rivaling the best in Oregon, this is one of them more superlative Pinot Noirs that I have ever sampled from this esteemed vintage Drink 2016-2026- 95
2014 Big Table Farm 'Earth' Pinot Noir- Head winemaker Brian Marcy, has had previous stops at Neyers Vineyards and Marcassin before starting Big Table Farm with Clare Carver. The 2014 'Earth' Pinot Noir is one for the cellar. This intense wine starts with aromas reminiscent of unami, black truffle oil, tar, Marcona almond, wild blackberry preserves and white pepper. Gorgeous range of aromatics at play. There are flavors of black cherry, wild blackberry, cola, black truffle and sandalwood. the finish lingers. The texture and fruit weight is exceptional. Head winemaker Brian Marcy has created a scintillating bottling here that will only improve with some bottle age. Only 100 cases produced of this incredible wine. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2015 Big Table Farm ‘Earth’ Pinot Noir- This massive Pinot Noir is in need of a two plus hour decant at this juncture. Showing a deep core, this wine begins with an aromatic profile of rose petals, forest floor, cigar box, black truffle oil and suggestions of loganberry cobbler. Silky, burly, yet light on its feet, this wine impresses with rich flavors of wild blackberry preserves, black truffle oil, black cherry and peat moss. The texture is absolutely gorgeous, as this is another outstanding wine crafted by superstar winemaker Brian Marcy. Try to put off enjoying this incredible wine for at least one more year. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2016 Big Table Farm ‘Earth’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 'Earth' Pinot Noir is a barrel selection that the utterly talented winemaker Brian Marcy deems to be the best. Translucent in color, this starts off with beautiful aromatics of smoked brisket, white pepper, forest floor and cigar box with a smattering of dark fruits. There is a wonderful elegance and restraint to this silky bottling. Blood orange zest, red cherry candy, peat moss and cigar ash flavors mark this exceptional wine. Rich and inviting, this one of a kind Pinot displays a remarkable sense of place and purity. Just over 100 cases made of this stunning wine. Overall, this Pinot Noir is one of the most compelling that I have tasted from the Willamette Valley in the past year. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2016 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is another marvelous effort by Big Table Farm. They have made this wine starting with the 2011vintage. The Pinot Noir shows beautiful aromatic range on the nose from blood orange, to peat moss to guava and beautiful bing cherry. The mouthfeel is seductive as the wine shows a similarly striking range on the palate. Black fruits, red fruits, citrus rind and earthy tones all marvelously weave together in the glass, and combine with stunning tension and minerality. A long ager, this is another complete wine made by the talented team at Big Table Farm. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2014 Beaux Freres 'The Beaux Freres Vineyard Cuvée '59' Pinot Noir- This special wine is sourced from the two oldest blocks in the vineyard. The Pinot Noir begins with exotic aromatics of guava puree, pomegranate, Shitake mushroom and blood orange. This wine has flavors reminiscent of rose petals, guava, marionbeery jam and strawberry pie. This wine has an absolutely outstanding finish to this feminine style bottling. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2013 Brittan Vineyards 'Gestalt Block' Pinot Noir- This deep colored Pinot has aromas of crushed wet rock, loganberry preserves, black truffle and first floor. There are flavors of wild blackberry, cran-pomegranate, slate, blueberry compote and guava purée as red and dark fruits mingle beautifully. The structure is profound. This is novel and an absolute heavyhitter, up there with the best in Oregon. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2014 Brittan Vineyards Chardonnay- -The 2014 Briittan Vineyards Chardonnay is one of the best wines out of Oregon that I have sampled in the past year. Aromatics of poached pear, lemon blossom and nutmeg with Granny Smith apple are downright intoxicating. The Chardonnay has some ripe flavors of Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, creme brulee and green papaya. You have to admire this special aromatic and flavor range. The texture and mouthfeel is simply gorgeous. The exceedingly long finish lingers for nearly a minute. This memorable Chardonnay wine will cellar brilliantly for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2028- 95
2014 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Edition Limitee’ is a barrel selection that is a truly sensational wine by Domaine Drouhin that is truly one of the finest of its kind in the Willamette Valley. The nose is extremely seductive with spicy character and dark fruits with black truffle shining. The mouthfeel is stunning with a silky smooth throughout the mid-palate that glides and enchants. Black truffle, forest floor and citrus rind with red cherry candy flavors all marvelously combine. Complex and layered, this gorgeous bottling will cellar well for many years to come. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2012 Domaine Serene 'Recolte Grand Cru' Chardonnay-This rich and layered Chardonnay wine begins with aromatics of brioche, hazelnut, Gala apple and suggestions of allspice. This leads to flavors of poached pear, with a huge finish and lingers for more than 40 seconds. The weight and viscosity is there. Hugely impressive effort to this true heavyhitter. This is gorgeous right now but will continue to build lovely secondary characteristics. Drink 2017-2028- 95
2014 Domaine Serene ‘Récolte Grand Cru’ Chardonnay- The 2014 'Récolté Grand Cru' Chardonnay is a truly epic wine in this vintage from Domaine Serene. As this slowly begins to unwind it releases alluring aromatics reminiscent of Meyer lemon zest, kumquat, crème brûlée and nutmeg. The mouthfeel of this wine is exotic and unctuous, showing tremendous weight as it yields flavors of marzipan, vanilla, crème brûlée, Pazzaz apple and nutmeg, which sit alongside lovely minerality. Stunning and profound, this is a completly compelling Chardonnay by Domaine Serene, and while this will cellar marvelously for many years to come, it is just about impossible to resist at this stage in its development. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2015 Domaine Serene ‘Récolte Grand Cru’ Chardonnay- The 2015 'Recolte Grand Cru' Chardonnay is an drop-dead gorgeous wine from Domaine Serene. It begins with aromatics which are simply intoxicating, with Meyer lemon oil, pink grapefruit blossom, butterscotch and beeswax all coming together beautifully. Intense, layered and absolutely stunning, this wine demonstrates an amazing combination of acidity, tension and weight, as this wine shows serious range as well as a gorgeous seamless quality which is truly amazing. A wonderful wine to approach now or watch evolve in the cellar. Drink 2018-2035- 96
2012 Domaine Serene 'Monogram' Pinot Noir- This absolute heavyhitter of a wine utilizes 75% new oak (aged for 17 months) and is chosen from the winemaker Erik Kramer's finest Pinot Noir barrels. The wine opens with intense aromatics of red cherry, herbs de Provence, red raspberry, black truffle and black pepper. The gorgeous aromatics continue to bring you back to the glass. As the wine slowly evolves in the glass this leads to dense flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, cran-pomegranate and crimini mushroom compote. The Pinot Noir has a minute-long finish. The texture and mouthfeel of this wine borders ethereal. There is a seamless quality to this wine that showcases the fruit and balance of the 2012 vintage. Hats off to Kramer and his winemaking team for creating this incredible new release wine that is the finest that I have sampled from this amazing vintage. Drink 2016-2033- 96
2014 Domaine Serene ‘Monogram’ Pinot Noir- Monogram is a project by Domaine Serene owner Ken Evenstad and the 2014 is a simply breath-taking release. This is a limited production wine that is a barrel selection of what Ken and winemaker Michael Fay considers to be the choicest of lots. The wine is massive and brooding on the palate, showing a wonderful combination of dark and red fruits aling with wonderful earthy nuances, black truffle and peat moss which all come into play. The wine finishes exceedingly long with dark fruits and minerals lingering on and on. A majestic Pinot Noir which has the potential to evolve for many years. Drink 2020-2040- 96
2015 Domaine Serene ‘Mark Bradford Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Mark Bradford Vineyard has high elevation plantings to Pinot Noir and was the first vineyard planted by Grace and Ken Evenstad, aptly named after their son. Showing a deep core, the wine begins with intense aromas that instantly excite. Red cherry cola, cigar ash, peat moss, blood orange zest and pomegranate seed aromas all come to mind. There is a beautiful, seamless quality to this wine, as it effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Wild strawberry, red cherry candy, black tea, cranberry, pomegranate and peat moss flavors all combine marvelously leading up to the finish. While this possesses notable weight, there is also a striking elegance. Surprisingly open and accessible, this is another stunning Pinot Noir from Domaine Serene and talanted winemaker, Michael Fay. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2015 Domaine Serene ‘Grace Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 Domaine Serene Grace Vineyard Pinot Noir is a stunning wine from by this renowned estate. It begins with an intoxicating bouquet of peat moss, blood orange, red rose petal, black truffle shavings and red cherry cordial. The palate is absolutely monumental, as it delivers a wonderful range of flavors inclufing cola, red cherry cordial, black truffle and white rose water which all mingle together seamlessly in the glass. This continues to impress with its wonderful richness and minerality as well as its comples flavor profile. This is an age-worthy Pinot Noir which will cellar marvelously for decades. Drink 2019-2040- 96
2016 Domaine Serene ‘Coer Blanc’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 'Coer Blanc' looks to be the most impressive example of this white Pinot Noir since it was first made. Domaine Serene sources this wine from a specific block in the Côte Sud Vineyard, which is planted to Pommard clones that offer low yeilds. The Coer Blanc is harvested roughly a week before the traditional Pinot Noir and then the wine is treated similarly to a Chardonnay, whole cluster pressed. The wine shows wonderful citrus aromatics with white peach and toasty oak coming in as well. Silky smooth, this shows remarkable viscosity and tension. The finish to this wine is long and persistent. While this is marvelous right now, this should continue to evolve beautifully. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2015 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 'Evenstad Reserve' offers everything you want in great warm vintage Oregon Pinot Noir. Aromatics of earthy tones connect with black cherry liquor and black truffle oil on the nose. On the palate this is robust, with a stunning texture, and a wonderful seamless quality. Complex flavors of black Forest cake, cigar ash, loganberry jam along with a touch of milk chocolate and blood orange round out this absolutely incredible wine. This is the most compelling Evenstad Pinot Noir I’ve tasted in many years. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2016 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad’ Chardonnay- The 2016 'Evenstad Reserve' Chardonnay is a stunning wine by the incredibally talented winemaking team at Domaine Serene let by Michael Fay. There is remarkable complexity aromatically as the the toasty oak element creeps in immediately and is immediately followed by hazelnut, brioche, lemon oil and white peach. The palate shows amazing complexity and range, lead by flavors of mango, white peach, vanilla crème brûlée, lemon zest and starfruit flavors which all mingle together marvelously in the glass. The acidity and viscosity of the wine is simply incredible, making it nearly impossible to resist now, however this fantastic wine has the potential to age beautifully over next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2014 Evening Land 'Summum' Chardonnay-This wine is sourced from a small section of the Seven Springs Vineyard. The wine opens with a bouquet of shitake mushroom risotto, lemon zest, challah bread and baking spices. This leads to flavors of lemon oil, tangerine rind, meringue and white truffle crudo. Intense, lithe and having wonderful fruit weight, this complete Chardonnay is a joy to savor. The exceedingly long, near one minute finish, connects this world class Burgundian style Oregon Chardonnay. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2015 Evening Land ‘Summum’ Chardonnay- The 2015 Summum Chardonnay is sourced from 14 rows of vines located in the heart of the Seven Springs Vineyard, Displaying a deeper hue than the La Source bottling, Summum starts off with wonderful range on the nose with poached pear, buttered cashew nut, vanilla crème brûlée and a touch of white truffle oil. The oily texture entices as this shows tremendous poise and weight. Beautifully focused flavors of Gala apple, brioche, kumquat and Meyer lemon cream work their way up to the long finish. A complete wine, this is a stunning effort from Evening Land that is showing well now, yet should contine to age gracefully over the course of the decade and even beyond. Drink 2018-2033- 95
2016 Evening Land ‘Summum’ Chardonnay- The ‘Summum’ Chardonnay is a barrel-selection wine sourced from the esteemed Seven Springs Vineyard. The nose is exceedingly good here with wild mushroom and toasty oak that connect with citrus and tree fruit aromatics. The palate is both plush and lithe, showing a wonderful sense of place. Intense lemon oil flavors connect with vanilla cream, Pink Lady apple and kumquat accents. The minute-long finish completes this stunning new wine. Delicious now, try to hold off on enjoying this wine for at least another year. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2016 Evening Land ‘Anden’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Anden’ Pinot Noir is a sensational new wine by Evening Land and is one of the best Pinot Noirs I have ever sampled from this famed winery. This wine was sourced from the oldest Pommard clones in the vineyard and was aged for sixteen months in French oak prior to bottling. The resultant wine starts off with a heady bouquet that is distinctly earthy with forest floor, black truffle crudo alongside red fruits and citrus rind aromas. The palate is plush and decadent, showing a delightful mouthfeel that excites. Red currant, wild blackberry preserves, cran-pomegranate and black truffle shaving flavors all come together brilliantly. Seductive and exceedingly good in its youth, this beauty will have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2040- 95
2012 White Rose 'Winemakers Cuvee' Pinot Noir- This Pinot was sourced from 5 vineyards and the winemaker thinks this is the best of the vineyards. Rich nose with pomegranate, red cherry, strawberry and mushroom. The palate has red cherry, pomegranate, mushroom, forest floor and raspberry. Delicious and layered wine. Drink now, 2015-2025. -95
Argentina
2013 Achaval-Ferrer 'Finca Mirador' Malbec- The 2013 'Finca Mirador' by Achaval-Ferrer is a stunner from this estate. This impressive wine starts with rich aromas of mocha, blackberry, blueberry compote and violets. This wine just has an incredible range of aromatics. There is lovely freshness and purity of fruit on the mid-palate. The wine has rich flavors of violets, blueberry, milk chocolate, wild blackberry and rose petals. The range and depth is enchanting. This is impossible to resist right now but it will continue to gain secondary components as it ages. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2009 Bodega Catena Zapata 'Nicolaus Catena Zapata'- One of the estates best wines, this one is every bit as good as the 2010 'Nicolaus' bottling. This wine begins with rich aromas of blueberry compote, Turkish coffee and creme de cassis. There are exotic flavors of graphite, anise, smoke and blueberry compote. Gorgeous range of flavors with incredible depth and Bordelaise elegance. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2010 Bodega Catena Zapata 'Argentino' Malbec- The wine is a blend of Catena Zapata’s historic Malbec vineyards, Adrianna and Nicasia. The wine is made from the best grapes from the Catena estate vineyards. This dense colored wine opens with incredibly rich aromas of Turkish coffee, mocha, anise and crushed spring flowers. There are flavors of boysenberry preserves, black cherry, espresso bean and a long and lingering finish. Stinking acidity and wonderful richness on the mouthfeel. This is impressive. Drink 2015-2029-95
2011 Bodega Catena Zapata 'Nicasia Vineyard' Malbec- The Nicasia vineyard is located in the far southerly growing region of Altamira en La Consulta. The grapes are hand-loaded into 225-500 liter new French oak barrels for a 100% barrel fermentation for a period of 15 days. Winemaker Alejandro Vigil ages the wine in French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by 24 months of aging in bottle before release. This wine opens with aromas of boysenberry, Turkish coffee, cedar and rose petals. This layered and complex wine delivers aromas of anise, creme de cassis, mocha and a wonderfully complex and mineral driven palate. This would pair marvelously with a juicy ribeye steak. Drink 2015-2030-95
2010 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Nicolaus Catena Zapata’ - This is a wonderful blend of 75% Cabernet with 25% Malbec sourced from La Pirámide, Domingo, Adrianna and Nicasia Vineyards and is named after the winery founder, Dr. Nicolás Catena. The 2010 is a massive wine, yet possesses wonderful elegance. It displays a dark, inky color, followed by aromas reminiscent of dark fruits, black cherries, milk chocolate, graphite and hints of sweet oak. On the palate this is richly textured with nice viscosity, leading to delicious flavors of blueberry, blackberry, graphite and milk chocolate. Overall, this is an outstanding wine from winemaker Alejandro Vigil which shows remarkable aging potential and should continue to evolve gracefully over the next two decades, however it will require a few more years of bottle age before it hits its stride. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2011 Catena 'Nicolaus Catena Zapata' Red Wine- This esteemed wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet and 20% Malbec that head winemaker Alexander Vigil aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak and then for an additional 24 months in the bottle. The wine was sourced from high elevation vineyards (La Piramide, Domingo, Adrianna and Nicasia) and some of the choicest fruit selected by the winemaker. The resultant wine is a stunner. There are rich aromas of anise, creme de cassis, coffee grounds, violets, rose petals and suggestions of leather. There are dense flavors reminiscent of creme de cassis, blueberry pie, anise, mocha, spicebox, sandalwood and a graphite edge. The silky texture is bordering ethereal. This is every bit as good as the absolutely exceptional 2010 'Nicolaus Catena Zapata' bottling, showing similar range and viscosity. Following more than two hours in the decanter, this wine displays a more prominent graphite edge, and a real left bank Bordelaise feel. There is little doubt this excellent blend will age gracefully for decades, but is completely impossible to resist at this juncture. Hats off to Vigil and his winemaking team with this gorgeous wine. Drink 2016-2030- 95
Australia:
2008 Clarendon Hills Australis Shiraz- Inky color and needs more than two hours to fully open up. The wine begins with dense aromatics of blackberry, smoked meats blueberry and and cherry cough syrup on the nose. The palate has rich flavors of blueberry, blackberry, anise, tar and smoked meats. Every bit spectacular Shiraz that is meant for a special occasion. Make sure to recant this for many hours before drinking. Drink 2015-2030. -95
2014 Mollydooker 'The Velvet Glove' Shiraz- Impossible to resist and not for the weary, the 2014 'The Velvet Glove' by Mollydooker is an insanely delicious and decadent treat. This incredible Shiraz wine has intense aromatics of prune, red cherry, thyme and blueberry compote. There are ultra-dark flavors of blackberry pie, dark chocolate, black cherry and coffee grounds. Scintillating and rich, this has a lovely acidity and mouthfeel. You can really grasp the fruit weight on the mid-palate. Drink 2016-2030- 97
2012 Mollydooker 'The Velvet Glove' Shiraz- This velvet labeled wine is ethereal and is clearly pushing perfection at this juncture. The Shiraz wine begins with an exceedingly dark core that stains the glass (and your teeth). The sexy, hedonistic and aromatically intense Shiraz begins with aromatics of toffee, blueberry compote, blackberry cordial and creme de cassis. There are intense flavors of cassis, blackberry pie, mocha, blueberry compote and hints of sage that sit alongside incredible acidity. The viscosity of this monstrous wine is incredible as the fruit weight on the mid-palate deliciously coats your tongue. The wine has some very serious aging potential as it is opulent right now but will slowly lose its intensity over time. I see no need to currently shy away from enjoying this gorgeous bottling. Kudos to the entire Mollydooker winemaking team in crafting this memorable Shiraz that is not for the weary. Drink 2016-2028- 99
2012 Mollydooker 'Blue Eyed Boy' Shiraz- The wine has an inky color with black cherry and cassis on the nose with oak. The palate is incredibly complex and viscous. There are exceedingly dense flavors of black cherry, cedar, black olive, mocha and blackberry. Hard to not drink now. Drink 2014-2025. -95
2014 Mollydooker 'Carnival of Love' Shiraz- The 2014 Mollydooker 'Carnival of Love' Shiraz is an insanely good bottling from this storied producer in South Australia. Possessing an inky dark core, this intense wine opens with creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, and hints of mocha and crushed mint. The palate is intense and deep with intoxicating flyovers of creme de cassis, anise, black cherry cough syrup, violets, blueberry compote, ripe red strawberry, boysenberry liqueur and suggestions of black peppercorn. The minerality of this wine is apparent, as this shows a hedonistic bent while displaying beautiful structure. The finish is exceedingly long, and mocha driven. This masssive Shiraz will drink exceedingly well straight out of the bottle, but can benefit from a one hour decant. Drink this incredible wine over the next 15 years. Exceptionally bold at 16.5%. alcohol, this still maintains wonderful poise and balance. Drink 2016-2026- 96
2014 Penfolds 'RWT' Shiraz- The 2014 Penfolds 'RWT' is a Barossa Valley Shiraz that was aged only in French oak. The initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, which ironically was the name given to the project internally when the project was started in 1995. The 2014 'RWT' is a massive wine that will need some time in the decanter to develop. Once aroused, the wine begins with a massive nose with aromatics of black plum, Turkish coffee and black tea with mocha. This leads to flavors of mint, black cheeeg, creme de Cassie, mocha and hints of eucalyptus. Try to give this another year to settle before fully enjoying. Drink 2018-2030- 95
2016 Penfolds ‘Grange’ Shiraz- The 2014 Penfolds ‘Grange’ Shiraz is an absolutely stunning new wine that embodies precision, power and finesse. An ultra-ripe dense core, this 2014 Shiraz opens with intense tar, Turkish coffee, blueberry pie and sandalwood accents that round out this seductive nose. The palate is plush and inviting, showing off a downright sexy mouthfeel. This wine seamlessly glides across the mid-palate, delivering blackberry cordial, sweet pipe tobacco, anise and creme de cassis flavors that connect with the wonderfully refined tannins. Massive, yet showing a beautiful sense of elegance and place, this incredible new release will cellar marvelously for decades. Drink 2020-2045- 98
2010 Torbreck 'The Factor' Shiraz- This wine has an incredibly rich nose with rose petals, red cherry and prune. Palate has prune, vanilla cherry and raspberry flavors. Viscous and rich wine that is intense and has lovely layers. Drink 2015-2025 -95
2012 Torbreck 'Run Rig' Shiraz- this dense yet balanced wine begins with aromas of rose petals, mocha, anise, smoked pork shoulder and cassis. There are flavors of anise, smoked brisket, mocha, cassis and black cherry with black olive. Gorgeous and intense wine that captures the balance and viscosity of this incredible vintage. One of the best from 2012 down under. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2013 Two Hands 'Bella's Garden' Shiraz-The wine has intense aromas of mocha cassis and rose petals. There are very deep Flavors of anise spicebox blackberry and black olive. Gorgeous range of flavors from this estate that is impossible to resist right now. You can really taste the warmth of the vintage. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2010 Two Hands ‘Ares’ Shiraz- Flirting with perfection, the 2010 ‘Ares’ is a show-stopping, heavyhitter of a wine. The nose is highly perfumed with rose water, blueberry compote and black tea with wild blackberry jelly. The palate shows incredible weight and structure. The wine is beautifully evolved at this juncture, displaying a dazzling array of dark and blue fruits with coffee ground undertones. Finishing strong with light tannins, this gorgeous Shiraz will continue to age gracefully for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2030- 98
NV Yalumba 50 Year Old Tawny Port- Yalumba mentions that the wine possibly originates from the 30s, and is comprised of a host of varietals including Shiraz, Grenache, Dolcetto, Mourvédre and Muscadelle. The wine is then fortified with fine pot-still brandy produced in Yalumbas very own still. This has intoxicating aromas of roasted figs, vanilla, toffee and coffee grounds. This leads to dense and rich flavors of orange rind, toffee, Turkish coffee and wonderful minerality. This has the acid structure to cellar for decades but it is absolutely stunning right now. Drink 2015-2035- 95
France:
2013 Chateau d'Yquem- Literally a perfect wine, the 2013 Chateau d'Yquem comes from a growing season that saw a great amount of rain in the spring, followed by a near perfect summer. Harvest came under near perfect conditions. This incredible wine opens with an ethereal nose containing white flowers, honey, ginger and marzipan. The palate has dense flavors of creme brulee, bananas foster, vanilla cream, tangerine rind and an exceedingly long finish. There is a refreshing quality to this wine that leads to the exceedingly long finish. I can see some wonderful aging potential with this blockbuster release. Drink 2020-2050- 100
1999 Chateau d’Yquem- This expressive bottling begins with aromas of apricot and creme brûlée on the nose. Palate is balanced but has plenty of fruit. Pear, apricot, crème brûlée and minerals on the palate. Unbelievable complex and layered. Drink 2010-2030. -97
1998 Chateau D'Yquem- This wine has a lovely, rich nose with aromas of orange marmalade, creme brulee, pineapple and apricot. There is a silky texture and mouthfeel to this wine which leads to flavors of golden raisin, pineapple, creme brulee and tangerine marmalade. This viscous effort is seamless, having a memorable, nearly minute long finish. Drink 2015-2030-97
2005 Chateau Climens- The 2005 Chateau Climens is a perfect wine. At this juncture it is literally perfection in a bottle. Unctuous, intense, and simply gorgeous, this perfumed wine has aromatics of quince, creme brulee, bananas foster, candied mango and baking spices. The wine has dense flavors of vanilla creme brulee, roasted pineapple, ripe mango, and sweet marcona almond purée. Seductive, complete and gorgeous, this is one of the finest Sauternes I have sampled in the past five years. This has the structure, weight and intensity to cellar for another 40 years. Drink 2017-2057- 100
1998 Chateau Coutet- This wine has a beautiful golden hue with aromas of bees wax, honey and baking spices. Incredible balance in the palate with golden delicious, crème brulee, honey and apricot. Drink 2008-2020. -97
2003 Chateau Coutet- This balanced and Intsnse wine begins with aromatics of creme brûlée, roasted pineapple and banana foster. There are flavors of golden delicious apple pie, vanilla bean creme brûlée and a touch of butterscotch. Layered and structures wine that will continue to cellar beautifully. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2005 Chateau Coutet- In 2005 Botrytis arrived at Coutet towards the beginning of October. This outrageously good Barsac is a blend of 75% Semillon with 23% Sav Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The wine comes from a limestone based soil and was aged 18 months (70% new) in French oak. The wine has aromas of bananas foster, creme brulee, golden delicious apple and vanilla cream. There are flavors of lemon/lime, creme brulee, butterscotch, and candied Meyer lemon. This is incredibly balanced and has a dry, saline streak. This seamless wine will drink brilliantly into the next decade. Drink 2015-2028- 95
2003 Chateau Lafarie-Peranguay- This wine is near perfection in a bottle. It is a deeply concentrated wine with incredibly botrytis. The wine begins with spice, white raisin and honey on the nose. The palate has honey, apricot and incredibly thick. Delicious and memorable wine. Drink 2015-2030. -96
2001 Chateau Rieussec- this nose is out of this world. Bananas foster, creme brûlée, nutmeg, overripe golden delicious as well. Palate is viscous, smooth and rich and balanced. Apricot, banana, pineapple, golden delicious, creme brûlée, vanilla cream honey and light lemon rind flavors. Out of this world complexity. Drink now. Drink 2012-2030. -97
2003 Chateau Rieussec- This is one of the best Sauternes I’ve had. Balance is impeccable. Crème brulee and white raisin on the nose. The palate is elegant with crème brulee, apricot and caramel. This is pure liquid sex. Drink 2013-2035 -99
2005 Chateau Rieussec- This intense wine begins with aromas of creme brulee, crushed white flowers, marzipan and hints of vanilla bean. There are dense flavors of orange marmalade, poached pear, vanilla creme brulee and bananas foster. The viscosity and intensity of this wine is gorgeous, while the mid-palate glides into the exceedingly long and memorable finish. Drink 2016-2035- 95
2014 Chateau Rieussec- The 2014 Chateau Rieussec is a highly refined style of Sauternes. This golden hued wine begins with aromas of apricot jelly, vanilla creme brulee, white rose and roasted pineapple. Seamless and showing incredible weight, this has a gorgeous texture and marvelous acidity. While this doesn’t have the unctuous quality, this balance is exquisite. The salinity and terroir is simply gorgeous. Creme brûlée, salted caramel, ripe banana and vanilla cream flavors impress. Finishing exceedingly long, this outstanding effort will cellar marvelously over the next 30 plus years. Drink 2022-2052- 97
2003 Chateau La Tour Blanche- This tremendous bottling has a rich and dark color. The nose has aromatics of apricot and tropical fruit, as well as botrytis and creme brûlée. with suggestions of bananas foster. The palate is viscous and complex. This is as close to 100 point Sauternes that I've had recently. Apricot, rich cream, vanilla creme brûlée, pear, and minerality. Seamless wine as this wine is literally perfect. Drink 2013-2050. -100
2003 Chateau Doisy-Vendrines- Apricot and Creme brûlée and roasted pineapple on the nose. The palate has flavors of vanilla cream, creme brûlée, honey, and orange marmalade. Delicious, viscous and balanced. Drink 2012-2030. -95
2003 Chateau Suduiraut- Rich nose with pineapple and bananas foster with honeysuckle. Palate has incredible balance. Vanilla, creme brûlée, honey, pineapple and golden delicious. Ripe fruit but balanced. Incredibly complex. Drinking well now but has a long life. Drink 2012-2030. -95
2001 Chateau D'Arche- This is taken from an incredible vintage in Sauternes. Petrol, honey, pineapple and butter in the nose. Palate has creme brûlée, cinnamon, bananas foster and pineapple. Nice weight and balance. Long and lingering 30 second finish. Drinking exceptionally well in 2015. Drink 2015-2028 -96
2006 Chateau Guiraud- This is a silky smooth with the palate in this seamless expression with crème brulee, banana and vanilla cream flavors. Truly impressive bottling that will drink incredibly into the next decade. Drink 2015-2030-95
2009 Chateau Guiraud- Opulent, sexy and stunning come to mind when sampling this incredible Sauternes wine. The chateau is located in the heart of Sauternes and has a 100 vineyard on a single block. The 2009 Chateau Guiraud begins with a bouquet of honeysuckle, gardenia, honey, nutmeg and bananas foster. Racy and intense on the mid-palate, there are rich flavors of butterscotch, honeydew melon, vanilla creme brulee, apricot jelly and nutmeg. This stunning wine is one for the cellar. While this is clearly a long-ager, it is amazing how good this drinks young. Drink 2016-2036- 95
2007 Chateau Doisy-Vedrines- Intense, layered and flamboyant, this wine opens with aromas of butterscotch, creme brulee, orange blossoms, honey, passion fruit and apricot jam. There are idense flavors of creme brulee, pineapple upside down cake, passion fruit and candied kumquat. This is just an incredible value. Drink 2016-2027- 95
2005 Chateau Climens- The 2005 Château Climens is an absolutely stunning showing, which at this juncture is not showing any noticeable flaws, as it dazzles with its striking aromas and flavors. Unctuous, intense, and simply gorgeous, this perfumed wine has sublime aromatics of quince, crème brûlée, bananas foster, candied mango and baking spices. On the palate the wine possesses profound flavors of crème brûlée, roasted pineapple, ripe mango, and sweet marcona almond purée all adding to the magnificent flavor profile. Seductive, complete and utterly brilliant, the 2005 is clearly is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Climens, and it has the structure, weight and intensity to cellar for another 40 years. Drink 2017-2057- 100
2014 Chateau Climens- Deep hued, this wine is somewhat aromatically reticent out of the gate. Roasted pineapple and bananas foster with butterscotch aromas entice. The unctuous quality of the wine is apparent as the mid-palate weight is sumptuous. The wine is highly elegant while maintaining obvious intensity. The weight and intensity of the wine is apparent. Vanilla creme brulee, lemon oil, apricot jelly and ripe pineapple flavors impress, as does the near minute long finish. This is highly focused and precise. Drink 2027-2057- 97
2014 Didier Dageuneau 'Silex' Pouilly Fume- From an enclave just outside the cuverie in Saint Andelain, the Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly Silex is produced by Didier Dagueneau’s son Louis-Benjamin (whose name now appears on the label). Benjamin Dagueneau oversees the estate’s 11 hectares (27 acre) vineyard. The smoky accents aromatically are immediately expressive. Ash, Serrano pepper, Bosc pear and cantaloupe aromatics impress. The palate shows incredible weight and plush texture. Smoke, white peach, Gravenstein apple, and gooseberry character complete this astringent and mineral driven wine. You have to admire the stony comportment here. The downright oily texture beautifully coats the mid palate. This has the tension to cellar well past the next decade. Drink 2017-2028 95
2006 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Vendages Tardives- This is from one of the most famous vineyards in the Alsace. 79 grams a liter of residual this wine has incredible lemon lime flavors of ripe Apple, honeydew, apricot and slate. Incredible minerality and slightly effervescent. Drink 2013-2025 -95
2009 Chateau Beychevelle- This estate has created an incredible wine from this amazing vintage. The wine starts with intense aromas of mocha, blackberry and anise with smoky accents. There are rich flavors of anise blackberry pie, mocha, lavender and coffee grounds. This is drinking surprisingly good considering its age. Drink 2016-2040- 95
2010 Chatrau Branaire-Ducru- The wine starts with rich aromas of anise, cassis, and mocha. There are vibrant palate with mocha, cassis, anise when graphite. The tension is there alongside moderate tannins. While this is nowhere near ready, the wine will give drinking pleasure for many decades. Drink 2019-2040- 95
2003 Chateau Certan de May- The founding family of this estate, presumably of Scottish origin sometimes documented as Demay, who lived in France since the Middle Ages and were installed in Pomerol at the end of the 16th century. Records indicate the family by royal ordnance became masters of the fief of Certan, or Sertan, making this the oldest vignoble of the district. The 5 hectare vineyard, set on clay and gravel soils, is comprised of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Pommerol begins with aromas of red currant, red cherry, mushroom and forest floor. This leads to flavors of mocha, anise, creme de cassis, blood orange and incredible warmth and minerality. This is intense and terroir driven wine -- an absolutely stunning effort from this estate. The wine has aged gracefully and is drinking at its peak. Drink 2016-2026 -95
2006 Chateau Haut Brion- This estate has made the best of this somewhat challenging vintage. The wine starts with overwhelming aromas of mocha, sage, anise and cassis. The wine has gorgeous and rich flavors of anise, smoke, spicebox, cassis and tar with coffee grounds. Sumptuous blend of flavors and minerality. Drink 2016-2040- 95
2006 Chateau de Beaucastel- This intense bottling begins with aromatics of graphite, provencale herbs and anise. This rich and layered wine has flavors of cassis, anise, red currant and red cherry. This is herbaceous and novel wine that is hugely age-worthy. Drink 2014-2025-95
2007 Chateau de Beaucastel- 2007 was an amazing vintage and this incredible Chateauneuf showcases this rich vintage. This incredible wine starts with deep aromatics of creosote, smoked ham, provencale herbs, and thyme crusted rack of lamb. There are rich flavors of blackberry cobbler, black olive, cloves, anise, cassis and leather. The wine is currently showing a darker fruit profile than most of the other vintages and showcasing the heat of the vintage right now There is a gorgeous range of flavors, with incredible intensity and poise. Drink 2016-2030- 97
2008 Chateau de Beaucastel- This incredible red wine begins with aromas of raspberry garrigue, provencale herbs, white truffle and tarragon. It has a lovely herbaceousness throughout, indicative of this earthier vintage. The wine has flavors of red raspberry, red cherry, red currant and vanilla cream. Lovely and viscous wine with a finish that lingers for nearly a minute. Sumptuous stuff from this estate. Drink 2016-2028- 96
2009 Chateau de Beaucastel- This impressive Chateauneuf starts with aromas of thyme, smoked pork belly, Bulls blood, wet rock and hints of blood orange. The rich aromatics continually take you back to the glass. As the wine lingers on the palate there are rich flavors reminiscent of red currant, anise, cassis, blood orange rind, allspice and tar. Very feminine considering the heat of the vintage, this wine has nearly a minute long finish. Drink 2016-2033- 96
2010 Chateau de Beaucastel- This gorgeous wine opens with aromatics of rose petals, smoked brisket, pipe tobacco, anise and spicebox. There are deep flavors of cassis, anise, black cherry seltzer, and black raspberry. The moderate tannins and bright minerality suggest this still could benefit from another year or two in the bottle. This is the masculine expression of Beaucastel. Right now this is a bit of a slumbering monster. Drink 2017-2035- 97
2012 Chateau de Beaucastel- One of the best estates in the Rhone, the wine starts with intense aromas of lavender, provencale herbs, coffee grounds, blackberry and leather with anise accents. There are deep flavors of milk chocolate, coffee grounds, anise and smoked pork shoulder with tar elements. This is a memorable bottling that has a long future ahead of it. Drink 2016-2028- 95
2015 Chateau de Beaucastel ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Roussanne- This golden hued wine by Chateau de Beaucastel has an incredible nose with beeswax, honeydew melon, nutmeg and brioche. With more air the wine becomes more earthy, imparting wild mushroom and unripe lemon notes. The mid-palate is silky and is incredibly seamless which becomes even more evident on the second day of tasting. The texture is downright ethereal. Buttered popcorn, poached pear, green papaya, and white peach flavors combine. The mouthfeel is downright unctuous as the range at play makes you savor every sip. Be sure to give this at least two to three hours of time in the decanter to breathe. Drink 2018-2033- 96
2015 Chateau de Beacastel Chateauneuf du Pape- This knockout wine utilizes all 13 varietals that are allowed in Chateauneuf du Pape. It has a stunning nose of green peppercorn, blackberry jam, herbs de provence, with bacon fat. The wet stone element comes on after roughly an hour decant. Firm and focused, the wine delivers delicious blackberry cordial, black olive tapenade, Umami and crushed wet stone flavors. The combination of weight and tension here makes this wine simply irresistible. Drink 2017-2033- 96
NV Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Grand Cuvee Brut Champagne- The new edition of the Grand Siecle Grand Cuvee by Laurent Perrier is a truly spectacular Champagne. Disgorged in October 2017 the wine is a blend of the top wines made from 2002, 2004 and 2006. The bouquet is simply intoxicating with amazing range from honeydew lemon to citrus rind, brioche and Japanese pear. Once in the mouth, this shows a really good combination of viscosity and tension. Apricot, Challah bread, marzipan and kumquat zest flavors all marvelously combine in the glass. While this is a marvelous Champagne that is built to age, it is simply impossible to resist right now. Drink 2018-2040- 96
2008 Pol Roger ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ Champagne- A simply magical 2008 Champagne, the 2008 ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ Champagne is a revelation from this dazzling vintage. The wine entices right away, showing lemon infused biscuit with shades of wild mushroom and baked pear aromatics that all mingle brightly in the glass. The palate shows incredible verve and freshness with a bright sense of effervescence and a silky soft texture. Once on the attack, the palate leads with bright bright lemon zest and green apple tones that collide with mushroom, peat moss and hints of freshly baked brioche. While outstanding now, this really needs another year of bottle age prior to being enjoyed. One thing is certain — the 2008 ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ will be exceedingly long lived. Drink 2020-2035- 96
1996 Moet & Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- The 1996 Dom Pérignon is a revelation at now twenty three years of age. On the nose this takes on some spectacular range from Challah bread tones to lemon zest as well as Pink Lady apple and candied ginger. Once on the attack this shows formidable weight and tension, while this seamless wine effortlessly dances across the mid-palate. Ripe Japanese pear, brioche, lemon zest and wild mushroom flavors collide with the strong salinity and minerality. A true heavyhitter, this wine has many rounds left to fight, but is simply intoxicating at this stage in its development. Drink 2019-2040- 98
1998 Moet & Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- I absolutely adore the 1998 Dom Pérignon at this stage in development, as this was a marvelous surprise to see how balanced and seductive this wine is now. Showing a slightly lower viscosity than the ’96, the 1998 Dom Pérignon greets you with a wonderfully nutty and musty bouquet, followed by great tension and linear progression on the mid-palate. The wonderful sense of freshness complements the nutty, wild mushroom, peat moss and orchard fruit flavors. This has a wonderful saline streak that runs through the exceedingly long finish. While marvelous now, this has at least fifteen years left. Drink 2019-2035- 97
2002 Moet e' Chandon 'Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- The 2002 Moet e' Chandon 'Dom Pérignon' is a stunning wine that speaks to this special vintage in Champagne. Showing an incredible bouquet of wild flowers, lemon zest and kumquat, the texture of this wine exudes elegance. I love the tension here which connects with the lovely weight of the wine. White peach, orange zest, wild mushroom and challah bread flavors show serious range and depth. The lemon cream and mineral driven finish entices the senses. Enjoy this thrilling wine over the next two decades. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2004 Moet e' Chandon 'Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- This exquisite bottling is a blend of 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay. The wine has a silky mousse and opens with aromas of Bartlett pear, brioche and hazelnut. It is silky and effervescent throughout, as sampling this wine is an ethereal experience. The texture and mouthfeel, combined with the structure and fruit of this wine is up there with the best of its kind. Flavors of lemon zest, kumquat, starfruit and red delicious apple come to mind. A magnificent bottling that will last for several more decades. Drink 2015-2030- 96
2005 Moet e' Chandon 'Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- This incredible vintage champagne opens with aromas of brioche toast, fresh starfruit, mandarin orange blossom and shitake mushroom. This wine has flavors of gala apple, cut grass, dried apricot and Meyer lemon zest. The bubbles are delicate and glide along the tongue throughout this ethereal textural experience. There is a nice rich and layered approach to the wine, that finishes with vanilla cream. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2006 Moët e' Chandon 'Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- These guys continue to produce some of the best champagne in the world. This new bottling is no exception. This wine begins with aromas of brioche, porcini mushroom, gala apple and banana. This leads to flavors of red delicious apple, toasted macadamia nut, Meyer lemon rind, and Japanese pear. This is absolutely ethereal as the mousse is silky and incredibly textured. An absolutely stunning champagne. Drink 2016-2030- 96
2008 Moët & Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- The 2008 Dom Pérignon Champagne is a stunning new wine that showcases this outstanding vintage. Released after the ’09 edition, the 2008 is the last vintage releases by cave de chef Vincent Chaperon before he retired at the end of 2018. What was a very cool vintage, 2008 saw perfect conditions at harvest which led to very ripe berries. At the present the ripeness is quite evident on the nose with bright marigold flowers with kumquat and shades of nectarine rind alongside the lemon infused brioche accents that all build in the glass. The palate is round, yet tightly wound, delivering a nice sense of decadence. Bright Pink Lady apple, lemon zest and Challah bread all combine brilliantly with a good sense of salinity on the palate. While remarkable in its youth, this really needs a year or two of bottle age to fully come together. Drink 2020-2040- 97
2009 Moet e’ Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’ Champagne- Disgorged in June 2016, the 2009 Dom Pérignon is a simply fabulous effort from a challenging vintage in Champagne. The musty and earthy aromatics grab you straight away. Wild mushroom, brioche, poached pear and toasted hazelnut aromatics impress. Hugely balanced and smooth, this showcases lemon zest, baked apple and marzipan with biscuit flavors. This Champagne might be a touch young, needing time to develop, but it is a downright gorgeous wine with marvelous cellaring potential. Try to hold off on this stunner for at least two years. Drink 2020-2040-95
1998 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne- The 1998 'La Grand Dame' Champagne is a stunning effort that was sampled nearly 20 years into its development. The earthy tones are really coming on with wild mushroom and peat moss accents with baked apple. Citrus blossom and orange rind flavors frame this wine with toasty brioche and a silky mousse. This is a stunner that still has many years left. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2006 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne- The 2006 ‘La Grand Dame’ is a seriously good effort in this exciting vintage. This gorgeous wine showcases highly complex aromatics of lemon oil, brioche and roasted macadamia nut. The tension and balance is simply amazing. The mousse and weight is even more appealing. Ripe Japanese apple, green papaya, lemon cake and suggestions of key lime finish this outstanding wine. I love the weight of this wine on the mid-palate as this evokes almost an unctuous texture. This outstanding Champagne cellar marvelously for two plus decades. Drink 2018-2038- 95
2011 Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru- This wine comes from vineyards in the southwest and southeast portions of the hill of Corton. The seamless bottling begins with aromas of gala apple, nutmeg and roasted hazelnut. This leads to flavors of creme brûlée, poached pear, Meyer lemon rind and whipped butter. Absolutely gorgeous wine that will improve with some bottle age. The finish is rich and compelling as the vanilla cream flavors lift from the tongue. The viscosity and intensity are very prominent. Drink 2019-2035- 95
1999 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Rose Champagne- The 1999 ‘Cristal’ Rose Champagne by Louis Roederer is a glorious Champagne that is absolutely singing right now. The wine is composed of largely old vine Pinot Noir from the village of Cumières in the Marne region of Champagne. Upon entry, the Champagne is quite intense, particularly when enjoyed in a white wine glass. The aromatic range is glorious here, from cran-raspberry to wild mushroom to mulberry to peat moss. The red fruits are quite delicate as the tertiary notes are playing first chair. The palate shows a wonderful silky texture and mouthfeel. Red raspberry, orange rind, forest floor and hints of black truffle parade on the palate. A seriously good aged effort, I can see this cellaring well for the next ten to fifteen years — but why wait? Drink 2018-2030- 95
2006 Louis Roederer 'Cristal' Brut Champagne - This impressive bottling is a blend of of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay. The wine was 20% fermented in oak with weekly lees stirring to give the wine richness, even though there is no malolactic fermentation. The dosage is between eight to ten grams per liter. This wine has aromas of pear, brioche and mushroom. This leads to flavors of starfruit, red delicious apple, poached pear and a lovely effervescence. The wine sings and lasts for more than 30 seconds on the finish. Drink 2015-2030- 95
2008 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Brut Champagne- The 2008 'Cristal' Champagne is an absolutely magical effort from cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, who has crafted a simply dazzling wine from this sensational vintage. Composed of 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay the 2008 was bottle-aged for 8 years before being left to rest for at least 8 months after disgorging. This beautiful Champagne begins with highly perfumed aromatics, offering a gorgeous combination of musty and earthy tones up front, followed by white truffle shavings, peat moss, brioche and bright pear nuances that complete the exotic nose. Streamlined throughout, this shows incredible precision and clarity, as well as an unmistakable a seamless quality that makes it nearly impossible to resist. It goes on to impress with its incredible verve and energy, as well as racy acidity, which is all underlined by a remarkable saline character that echos through the palate. This continues to deliver an outstanding combination of weight and effervescence as flavors of Asian pear, marzipan, Marcona almond and kumquat all come together to delight the senses. The 2008 is truly one of the most compelling releases that I’ve ever had the opportunity to taste from this house. Although it is already utterly scintillating in its youth, this will ultimately need some more time in bottle, nonetheless its pedigree and potential are extremely evident. Drink 2020-2045- 98
2009 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Brut Champagne- The 2009 'Cristal' is a completely stunning Champagne which impresses with its polish, complexity, weight and silky mousse. The brightness is wonderful with intense lemon zest and kumquat aromatics that all mingle in the glass. The freshness really shows beautifully on the mid-palate, showing not only good weight but intense orchard fruits that mingle with the wet stone, and high-toned citrus zest accents. I love the silky mouthfeel that adds to the wonderful experience. This is settling in after some time after release. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2003 Krug Champagne- The 2003 Krug vintage Champagne is a stunning wine from this warm and somewhat challenging vintage. This is definitely one of the best (if not the finest) Champagnes I’ve sampled from the 2003 vintage. Aromatics of intense kumquat skin, honeydew melon, with earthy and smoky undertones all entice the senses once in the glass. The weight and freshness is stunning. Marzipan, and lemon cream are all beautifully woven together with shades of white truffle shavings. This has a wonderful effervescence and seamless quality, with formidable weight. The exceedingly long finish lingers. Outstanding now, this both the verve and viscosity to cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 95
NV Krug ‘Grand Cuvee’ (159EME Edition) Champagne- The NV ‘159EME’ Grand Cuvee’ was largely composed of wines sourced from the challenging 2003 vintage in Champagne. Released in, the ‘159EME’ is drinking magically at this stage in its development. One the nose this takes on good take from salted rice cracker to lemon zest that all mingle with the lovely damp earth and flinty tones that all connect in the glass. The weight is formidable once on the mouth, giving off an unctuous texture. The flinty, almost petrol tones also show up on the impressive palate, with baked Bosc pear, lemon curd, shiitake mushroom and shades of kumquat. This is absolutely irresistible stuff from Krug and the warm, highly difficult 2003 vintage as the Champagne will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 95
NV Krug ‘Grand Cuvee 162EME’ Champagne- This wine is an incredible blend of 142 wines. This was disgorged in 2014 and was also released that year. The wine opens with aromas of hazelnuts, brioche, red delicious apple and poached pear. This leads to flavors of brioche, pear and golden delicious apple with Meyer lemon rind rounding out the citrus component. Balanced and forward, this wine has an incredible effervecence. it is impossible to resist right now. A memorable bottling Drink 2015-2035- 95
NV Krug ‘Grand Cuvee 163EME’ Champagne- Truly one of the great NV Champagnes of the world, the 'Grand Cuvee' was disgorged in winter 2015, and is an intoxicating blend of wines from 12 vintages, spanning from 1990-2007. The resultant wine is a stunner, showing bright aromatics of kumquat, Meyer lemon rind, Gravenstein apple and Marcona almond. The mousse and silky texture borders ethereal, with flavors of Key lime, New York apple, honeydew melon, brioche and kumquat persist. The exquisite range of this wine and the weight on the tongue further adds to this incredible drinking experience. The gorgeous finish lasts for nearly a minute. Drink 2017-2035- 96
NV Krug ‘Grand Cuvee 166EME’ Champagne- A total stunner, the ‘166EME’ by Krug is a blend of 140 wines ranging from vintages 1996-2010. The wine spent seven years in the cellar before disgorgement in Winter 2016-17. Blending for the wine was crafted near harvest in 2010 with the final edition being 45% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Meunier. The wine shows dizzying light bubbles in the glass, showcasing lemon oil infused sourdough bread with nutty and earthy undertones that entice on the nose. The palate is sensationally refreshing, showing tremendous verve and elegance that the ‘Grand Cuvee’ is truly known for. Shades of marzipan dance with the copious citrus zest, and macadamia nut baked bread flavors. There are undertones of peat moss that line the high tones. Complex and delicious to the last drop, this magnificent wine is showing remarkably now but will continue to build for the next two decades or more. Drink 2019-2040- 97
NV Krug ‘Grand Cuvée 167EME’ Champagne- The ‘Grand Cuvee’ by Krug is a simply sensational effort that is drinking marvelously now but will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. This particular wine was disgorged in Spring 2017 and is a blend of 191 wines ranging from vintages 1995-2011. The nose shows wonderful mustiness with white truffle and peat moss with bright nectarine rind, toasted macadamia nut, kumquat and Marzipan aromatics. The aromatic range is insanely good and as this beautiful wine continues to breathe the nutty and musty aromatics build power in the glass. The brightness and intensity on the palate excites with wonderful weight and a rich texture as well as a dazzling minerality. Mouth-watering acidity accompanies this beautiful Champagne with lemon zest, wild mushroom and ginger infused sourdough bread flavors with diatomaceous earth undertones all impress. A stunner, this heavyhitter of a Chamagne is glorious now but will continue to evolve over the next two decades. Drink 2018-2040- 97
Krug NV Rose Champagne - This comes from a host of vintages from 2000-2006 and sat on less for five years prior to bottling .This was disgorged in 2013. The The wine has ripe aromas of poached pear, brioche and raspberry, showing a full cornocopia of aromatics. There are flavors of raspberry, mushroom, red delicious apple and just a scintillating finish that lingers for nearly a minute. This is a powerful Champagne that is one of a kind. You can just enjoy every second enjoying this memorable wine that flows seamlessly. Drink 2015-2040- 97
2007 Salon ‘Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée S'Champagne- One of the storied Champagne houses, first formed in 1905, Salon has produced another stunning release to add to their long list of legendary wines. The 2007 'Cuvée S' was given 5 g/l dosage. Golden in color, this fabulous bottling displays remarkable salinity on the nose, showing overt diatomaceous earth. White rose, with Challah bread, and Gravenstein apple aromatics complete this outstanding vintage Champagne. The mousse is thick and viscous, as it beautifully coats the mid-palate. Lazer focused and intense, marked by flavors lemon oil, nectarine rind, sour apple and suggestions of sourdough bread flavors all brightly align. This is a age-worthy Champagne which will likely need another two plus years of bottle age before it begins to show its best. Drink 2019-2040- 97
2004 Salon ‘Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Cuvee S’ Champagne- The 2004 Salon ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne is one of the best wines that I have sampled in the past year. Scintillating, dazzling and showing razor sharp acidity, the wine takes on a beautiful salinity on the nose that combines with citrus zest, ripe pear, toasted hazelnut and mulberry aromas that simply dazzle in the glass. Full-bodied and compelling on the palate, the silky mousse effortlessly glides through the mid-palate which awakens the senses. Pink Lady apple, wild mushroom stew, kumquat and salted wet stone flavors show some serious range. Already at fourteen years of age, this seductive Champagne really needs at least two more years of bottle age If enjoying in its youth, be sure to enjoy this stunning wine out of a Pinot Noir glass. as it needs a lot of air to fully express itself. Drink 2020-2045- 99
1999 Salon ‘Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 'Cuvée S’ Champagne- The 1999 Salon ‘S Blanc de Blancs Cuvee S’ Champagne is a magical wine that is sinfully good at twenty years of age. Disgorged in 2011 this wine leads the way with an extraordinarily good nose of salted praline with shades of wet stone, damp earth and bright citrus fruits that all mingle marvelously in the glass. The silky mousse captivates the senses. Bright green apple and kumquat flavors connect with diatomaceous earth, and shades of white truffle on the palate. The freshness here is quite extraordinary. While delightful now, this one of a kind Champagne will provide drinking satisfaction for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2019-2039- 97
NV Jacques Selosse ‘Initial’ Champagne- Disgorged in 2013, the Jacques Selosse ‘Initial’ Champagne is a simply ethereal wine that is a revelation at this stage in its development. The wine is a blend of three consecutive vintages, and is entirely comprised of grand cru vineyard Chardonnay. The Champagne shows incredible toasted hazelnut with lemon oil and wild mushroom notes that fill this slightly intoxicating bouquet. The palate is silky smooth and glides across the frame. The texture is downright sexy as melon and lemon oil with toasted hazelnut and peat moss tones mingle with minerals on this dazzling palate. The exceedingly long finish lingers long. Simply magical now this has a very long life head of it. Drink 2019-2037- 96
Germany:
2003 Joh. Jos Prum 'Wehlener Sonnenuhr' Spatlase- Taken from a ripe vintage this wine has peach, lemon like and dried herbs on the nose. Palate is sweet without being unctuous. Pear, lemon lime and slate with white peach flavors. Just insanely delicious at this stage in the development, with the minerality to cellar for another 10. Drink 2012-2025-95
Italy:
2012 Antinori 'Solaia'- The 2012 Solaia is an absolutely tremendous wine from Antinori. This compelling blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc has a brooding, dark color with complex aromatics of ripe cassis, blueberry purée, black truffle, sandalwood and dark chocolate. On the palate this is full-bodied and well-structured with impressive balance and depth. This absolutely seamless wine leaves behind flavors of cocoa, dark chocolate, blackberry pie and blueberry preserves to linger on the finish. This needs time, but overall the 2012 is a classic Solaia, which has a long, bright future ahead. Drink 2019-2040 -98
2011 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino- This wine represents a wonderful growing season and you can smell and taste the wonderful warmth in the bottle. This Brunello begins with aromas of sandalwood, dried cherry, rose petals and stewed strawberry. This brings flavors of red raspberry, guava, cherry pie, pipe tobacco and anise. Just delicious and lithe wine that's open and expressive, straight out of the bottle. Drink 2015-2030- 95
2009 Lisini 'Ugolia' Brunello di Montacino- This single vineyard Brunello comes from a 1 hectacre parcel of land. This wine has aromas of red currant, red raspberry and dill. This leads to flavors of blackberry, black cherry, black truffle mushroom and red currant. Incredible combination. Of red and dark fruits alongside silky tannins. This is just incredible wine, the best I've tried from this vintage . Drink 2016-2030- 97
Portugal:
1977 Graham Vintage Port- This wine has cinnamon, nutmeg, hazelnut and cherry on the nose. The palate has serious concentration with Christmas spice and cherry. Lingers long. Drink 2012-2025-95
1983 Tuke Holdsworth Vintage Port- This gorgeous aged bottling begins with caramel and maple syrup on the nose. Incredible balance and finesse on the palate. Cherry pie, white raisin, caramel and maple syrup on the palate. Delicious. Drink 2014-2028. -95
1988 Blandy's Vintage Malmsey Madeira- This remarkable wine was aged in oak for 25 years. The winery regards this vintage to be the best of the '80s. This incredible wine opens with aromas reminiscent of burnt rubber, blood orange, toffee, and poached pear. There are rich flavors of Meyer lemon, marcona almond, toffee and Tangerine rind. This has incredible interplay between sweet and sour flavors. Hard to resist this out of control delicious dessert wine. The depth, richness and minerality is the best of its kind. Drink 2015-2030- 95
Spain:
2010 Bodega El Nido ‘El Nido’ Jumilla- The 2010 ‘El Nido’ is a magnificent wine by Bodega El Nido. The bouquet is intense as this comes off with gobs of stewed red fruits that connect with earthy and citrus rind tones. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more delight. Once on the mouth, this impresses with a smooth texture and wonderful viscosity. Stewed strawberry, blood orange zest, damp earth and a vibrant minerality all greet you on the palate. Delicious now, this beautifully aged effort still has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2014 Bodega Contador ‘La Cueva del Contador’ Rioja- The 2014 ‘La Cueva del Contador is one of the best Rioja wines that I have sampled over the past five years. Right away you are drawn to the inky color. The nose is highly perfumed with amazing range. Black tea, Asian spice, blackberry cobbler and milk chocolate aromas all marvelously come together in the glass. The palate is sexductive and deep offering a generous, silky mouthfeel. Wild blackberry jam, mocha, anise, cran-orange and hints of dried sage all impress. This is a complete wine made by the talented Benjamin Romeo. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a two plus hour decant. This has an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2040- 96
2015 Clos Mogador Red Wine- The 2015 Clos Mogador is a stunning bottling from this historic Priorat estate. Located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat hills, René Barbier, one of the founders of the Priorat revolution, crafts an incredible blend of 40% Garnacha (lauched from 80 year old vines), 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 5% Morvedre, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Straight out of the gate, the wine reveals downrgiht sexy aromas of rose petals, red cherry preserves and roasted figs. Ripe and intense, this yields bright orange rind, red cherry and red raspberry with wild thyme and garrigue flavors. Intoxicating and beautifully structured, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2016 Clos Mogador Red Wine- The 2016 Clos Mogador is a stunning new wine by this storied Priorat estate perched high in the Priorat hills. A blend of 49% Garnacha, 25% Cariñena, 16% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows off a deep core in the glass. Needing roughly an hour decant to be fully aroused, the wine slowly unveils ripe rose petals that mingle with bright orange zest and shades of black plum that all march in place in the glass. The texture and supple mouthfeel really entices as you are immediately greeted with wonderful bright acidity and a saline streak that races through the mid-palate. Layers of red and dark fruits collide with smoky and earthy undertones on the palate. Quite lithe and primary now, the 2016 Clos Mogador will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 20201-2040- 95
1994 Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva- brownish hue with plum, raspberry, red cherry oak and lavender on the nose. Palate is smooth and rich. Cran-cherry, orange rind, anise and cassis in this incredibly wide range of flavor profiles. Complex and delicious, this monster is drinking at its peak. One of the best Riojas I've ever tried. Drink 2010-2025 -95
Chile:
2013 Almaviva Cabernet Sauvignon- For the Chilean Cabernet purists, this herbaceous wine starts with dense aromatics of mocha, smoke, creme de cassis and sage. There are deep flavors of anise, creme de cassis smoke and graphite. This is an Intense and special bottling by this estate. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2010 Montes ‘M’ Red Wine- Aurelio Montes serves as head winemaker on this impressive wine. It is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from the Apalta estate in the Colchagua Valley which was aged 18 months in new French oak before bottling. The blended elements show through in the profoundly herbaceous aromatics of the wine as it begins with aromas of green bell pepper, Christmas spice, pipe tobacco and anise. In the glass, the wine develops deep favors of anise, spicebox, Turkish coffee and mocha which cascade through this dense, layered wine. This is drinking beautifully right now and should continue to evolve gracefully over the next decade and beyond. Drink 2016-2028- 95