Wine Type: Award Winning
Lillypilly Estates ‘Noble One’ Botrytis Semillon/Sauvignon
Leeton, Australia 2008
- Price (glass) ~ $12
- Price (bottle) ~ $65
Pinot Noir, Hanzell Vineyards
Sonoma Valley, California USA 2007
- Price (bottle) ~ $225.
Pinot Noir, Merry Edwards 07
Sonoma Coast, California USA 2007
91 points "Year's Best Pinot Noir" "This pinot noir has substantial weight and it also has drive, the flavors of bosky cherry, foresty mushroom and pine held tight within a rich texture. Oak contributes to the smoky scent and adds to the mineral tannin without blocking the clean fruit." Wine & Spirits Magazine, reviewed June 2010, "Year's Best Pinot Noir," April 2011
- Price (bottle) ~ $150
Pinot Noir, Merry Edwards
Russian River Valley, California USA 2006
"It's easy to pay a lot of money for domestic pinot noir. Some wines aren't worth the money, but these are some good ones if you have the cash... The 2006 Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is more generous, with juicy cherry and raspberry, nice spice and fine tannins."
- Price (bottle) ~ $148.
Pinot Noir, Littorai
Sonoma Coast California USA 2010
WS: 89 Firmly concentrated, with a tight, compact focus on crushed rock, wild berry and raspberry flavors that show savory herb and pepper notes. Needs time. Best from 2014 through 2023. –JL
- Price (bottle) ~ $140
Cabernet Sauvignon Shafer
Napa Valley, California USA 2002
WS: 91 Firm, dark, rich and concentrated, with layers of spicy, grapey plum, currant and blackberry, with hints of herb, coffee and cedary oak. The tannins are tight yet ripe and the finish sails on. Best from 2006 through 2012. 7,000 cases made
- Price (bottle) ~ $150
Zinfandel ‘Black Chicken’ Robert Biale Vineyards
Napa Valley California USA 2010
- Price (bottle) ~ $145
Cabernet Sauvignon, Neyers, Neyers Ranch,
Conn Valley, California USA 2006
"Pure, ripe and richly flavored, this fruit-driven red offers a complex mix of blackberry, black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit, picking up mineral and cedar notes and ending with a dash of black licorice. Has the right amount of tannins. Best from 2010 through 2017. 726 cases made." 90 Points Wine Spectator
Conn Valley is a sub-appellation of Napa Valley.
- Price (bottle) ~ $110.
Claret, Ramey
Napa Valley 2007
91 Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2010: The 2007 Claret, which is Ramey’s easiest to drink and appreciate wine, is a seductive blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec included. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by a velvety textured, plush, round, generous wine with lots of texture and fruit. This high quality effort should be drunk over the next decade.
93 Wine Spectator October 15, 2010: Bordeaux-like in its subtlety and restraint, yet rich, flavorful, full-bodied and expansive, with a mix of cedar, currant, cigar box, tar and mineral. Firm and focused, its elegance and refinement are impressive. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2018.
- Price (bottle) ~ $98
Syrah, ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Cayuse Vineyards
Walla Walla Valley, Washington USA 2007
The saturated purple 2007 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard contains 4% Viognier in the blend. It displays a Cote-Rotie-like nose of smoked meat, olives, herbs, game, and bacon. Layered, plush, and super-rich, this full-bodied, pleasure-bent effort has exceptional length. Difficult to resist now, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years. 97 Points.: Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate
Strong notes of tar, hot stone and licorice weave through the rich, dark plum, mulberry and currant aromas and flavors. A complex, beautifully knit wine that lets its flavors sail through a long, compelling finish. Best from 2012 through 2020. 95 Points: Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator
- Price (bottle) ~ $220.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills
Walla Walla, Washington USA 2009
"Focused, elegant and expressive, offering a lovely bead of mineral-accented cherry and herb flavors at the core, hinting at mocha as the finish lingers against fine tannins. Drink now through 2017. 658 cases made." Wine Spectator/Harvey Steiman: 91 Points
- Price (bottle) ~ $95.
Cornas, Jean Luc Colombo ‘Terres Brulees’
France 2010
(W&S•90) Blended from several plots ranging from 20 to 60 years old, this is sweet and bright, with jazzy acidity lifting the dark, gravelly fruit. It’s polished but not shiny, an inviting introduction to a region known for formidable wines - and yet one that will last well over the next decade. only 15 cases imported to Ontario.
- Price (bottle) ~ $130.
Merlot, La Vieux Pin ‘Kalalla Vineyard’
Golden Mile, S. Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada 2008
- Price (bottle) ~ $100.
Cabernet Franc, ‘Bella Terra,’ Pond View Estate (500ml)
Four Mile Creek, Niagara, Ontario Canada 2009
(500ml)
- Price (bottle) ~ $45
‘Premier Cuvee’ 13th Street Winery
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario Canada NV
- Price (bottle) ~ $59
Pinot Noir ‘Las Alturas’ Belle Glos
Santa Lucia Highlands 2005
WA 94. This Pinot Noir is part of the Wagner family (Caymus) legacy, and true to its lineage displays supple, delicious elegance that is the essence of the Caymus brand. The 2005 Pinot Noir Las Alturas Vineyard possesses a broad texture, deep, sweet fruit, forest floor, black raspberry, cherry, and currant aromas in a seamless, gorgeous package.
- Price (bottle) ~ $125.
Pinot Noir, Rochioli Vineyards
Russian River Valley, California USA 2009
WS 92. Openly fruity, with plum, black cherry, mineral and spice notes that show a touch of cedar. Medium- to full-bodied, retaining its delicate profile. Drink now through 2017. 3,550 cases made. –JL
- Price (bottle) ~ $145.
Pinot Noir ‘Clark & Telephone’ Belle Glos 2010
Santa Maria Valley 2010
- Price (bottle) ~ $125.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Telegramme’ Domaine de Vieux Telegraphe
France 2010
WS 91. Silky, with a lovely mouthfeel to the linzer torte, warm currant confiture and blueberry paste notes. The finish throws off embers of toasted spice, black tea and incense, with a shiso leaf note imparting good cut. Drink now through 2020 - JM
- Price (bottle) ~ $110.
Chardonnay, Hanzell
Sonoma Valley, California USA 2008
WS 91. Complex and layered, offering a full-bodied mix of toasty vanilla oak, ripe pear and fig, with touches of floral and spice. Ends with a complex finish. –JL
- Price (bottle) ~ $145.
Gruner Veltliner, ‘Privat’ Nigl
Kremstal, Austria 2007
WS 93. A luscious spicy aroma is followed up by concentrated flavors of ripe peach, glazed apricot, honeydew melon and cream. The long, well-structured finish is dominated by lemon zest and smoke. Drink now through 2014.
- Price (bottle) ~ $75
Zinfandel, ‘Black Chicken’ Robert Biale Vineyards 08
Napa Valley, California USA 2008
WS 91. A rarity indeed - this wines' name harkens back to the prohibition era, when farmer Robert Biale would take orders for wine over the party line for things like " two dozen eggs - and one Black Chicken" - a thinly veiled method of accounting for his bootlegging operation up and down the valley! decades later, the name still stands! Dense yet sleek, with blackberry and cracked pepper aromas and complex, layered flavors of plum, licorice and roasted sage, finishing with firm, loamy tannins. Needs time. Best from 2012 through 2016.
- Price (bottle) ~ $133.
‘Nota Bene’ Black Hills Winery
Black Sage Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia Canada 2008
A gorgeous Bordeaux blend from a single vineyard winery in BC, Black Hills is not open to the public except by appointment. Hand picked, hand crafted and every drop of juice that goes into each bottle is produced from their small 27 acre vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. This is some of the most special terroir in the Okanagan, with deep sandy soils and a sheltered microclimate in the heart of the high-desert. Even locally this wine sells out, so see for yourself what all the fuss is about: a deep dark, plummy blockbuster of a wine. possibly your new favorite!
- Price (bottle) ~ $95
Pinot Noir ‘Clark & Telephone’ Belle Glos
Santa Maria Valley 2009
Okay, this one is pure guilty pleasure ... never mind that it's a high-scoring over-achiever from the git-go, Belle Glos is truly one of the most hedonistic wines that will ever pass your lips! Joseph Wagner (of the 'Caymus' Wagners) crafts these wines from select vineyards, and has never ceased to outdo himself in quality vintage after vintage. The alluring package design is just a precursor to the spicy wonders of what's inside. If the Caymus (and hence the Wagner) name is synonymous with top Cabernet Sauvignon, Belle Glos is synonimous with top Pinot Noir. At least, it's exactly how I like it ...
- Price (bottle) ~ $125.
Dolcetto, Palmina
Santa Barbara County California USA 2009
You may be familiar with Steve Clifton of Brewer-Clifton wines' fame, but whether you are or not, Steve's name on the bottle means it's something special. Formed in 1995, Palmina Winery produces a full range of wines crafted from Italian varietals grown in Santa Barbara County. They are not trying to emulate the Italian versions of those grapes, but rather interpret the styles to the growing conditions and vineyard sites of the very unique characteristics of Santa Barbara County. The wines are Italian by tradition and modern by design, and all are designed to be an “extension of the plate”. While stylistically, they are most definitely new world, there is no mistaking any of these varietal wines for something that they are not - each wine is so true to its varietal nature, that it's almost impossible to fathom. But the truth, as always, is in the glass.
- Price (bottle) ~ $75
Chardonnay, Closson Chase Vineyards
Prince Edward County, Ontario Canada 2009
Barrel fermented, the oak is seamlessly integrated into its wildflower and vanilla character, soft tangerine notes on the finish.
- Price (glass) ~ $10
- Price (½ litre) ~ $28
- Price (bottle) ~ $43
Bandol, Domaine Tempier
France, 2008
A deep ruby color. Aromas of dark fruit. Intense, smooth tannins. After 5 or 6 years of aging, the wine will develop notes of leather, forest-floor and small red fruit. Long on the finish and quite elegant.
- Price (bottle) ~ $140.
Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classé Château Coutet
France 1997
(375ml) 95 points Wine Spectator: Offers fascinating aromas of cooked apple, clove and honey that follow through to a full body, with superlively acidity and spicy blanched almond and honey character on the palate. Long and powerful, showing amazing botrytis character, with so much spice and richness, yet also freshness. Even better than the superb 2006. Best after 2015. –JS
- Price (bottle) ~ $75
Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Black Label’ Wolf Blass
South Australia 2001
- Price (bottle) ~ $145
Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Euphonium’ Keyneton Estate, Henschke
Barossa Valley, Australia 2002
Henschke is one of Australia's top producers, with the highly sought-after 'Hill of Grace' topping out its portfolio at around $600 a bottle -- this one being so much less, we do hope it may inspire you to go deeper. Here is the tasting note from their archives: "Deep crimson in colour. Lifted aromas of spicy, sweet ripe black berry fruits, plums and anise with hints of tar, vanilla and cedar. Soft rich fruit on the palate with good concentration and complexity. Fleshy in texture, the wine has velvety tannins and a long finish. Drink now through 2020." so as you can see, there's still plenty of time.
- Price (bottle) ~ $100
Pinot Noir ‘Gary’s’ Vineyard’ Testarossa
Santa Lucia Highlands 2004
The Gary's are indeed two - Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Planted in 1997, these guys have a rep for growing the most coveted Pinot Noir (and Syrah) in California, bar none. They sell their grapes only to select vintners, friends and revered colleagues - Testarossa being one such. It's expensive for a reason: low cropped to less than 1.5 tons per acre, and hand cultivated by two of the craziest guys in the biz. This vineyard is considered to be one of California's 'grands crus' and the origin of the cuttings is also stuff of legend ... one which isn't talked about openly, but suffice to say there's another big reason the grapes are so good ...
- Price (bottle) ~ $160
Dominus, Moeiux *Magnum*
Napa Valley, California USA 2001 1500ml
- Price (bottle) ~ $395
Touriga Nacional, Quinta de Ventozelo
Douro, Portugal 2003
A bit more complex than your average Portuguese wine, this 100% Touriga shows deep black fruit character with leathery and smoky grilled notes and a nice long finish.
- Price (bottle) ~ $49
Valpolicella Guiseppe Quintarelli
Classico Superiore 1998
The venerable Guiseppe Quintarelli makes the best wines the Veneto has to offer. His Amarones are sublime, though somewhat price-restrictive for us common folk. This is an excellent second choice at a much more acceptable price, though once you've experienced it you'll realize it's a steal!
- Price (bottle) ~ $100
Côte-Rôtie ‘Brune et Blonde’ E. Guigal
France 2001
WS 92. Delicious. Smooth and packed with sweet fruit; elegant and racy, delivering layers of rose petals, mocha, raspberries, black currants, smoke and mineral. Full-bodied, the finish seduces with its balance. Tempting now, but will improve with age. Drink now through 2015. 20,830 cases made. –PM
- Price (bottle) ~ $150
Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘La Crau’ Vieux Telegraphe
France 2003
WS 93. Tight at first, but quickly picks up steam in the glass, with dark cherry, plum, tobacco, pepper, mineral and hot stone notes pumping through the long, fruit- and terroir-filled finish. Really fleshes out nicely, with velvety tannins that are atypical in '03. Drink now through 2020. 17,000 cases made. –JM
- Price (bottle) ~ $95
Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru ‘Bourgeots’ Simon Bize
France 2004
- Price (bottle) ~ $90
Salon ‘Les Mesnil’, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 1995
Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Vintage 1995
WS 96. (Champagne) This is assertive and grainy in texture, a big-boned Champagne that's powerful and intensely flavored. Biscuit, graphite, honeysuckle, peach and floral notes come together, defined by the firm structure, and last throughout the complex finish. Needs a little more time for the elements to harmonize. Drink now through 2018. 500 cases imported. –BS
- Price (bottle) ~ $475
Merlot Redigaffi, Tua Rita 2005
‘Redigaffi’ Tua Rita, Tuscany, Italy 2005
WS 95. WA 93. IWC 93. A legendary wine, although the winery produced its first vintage only in 1992. Robert Parker called this wine ‘as close to perfection as a wine can get’ and on the heels of that kind of praise, this has become the most sought-after (and impossible to find) Super-Tuscan there is. Deep, intense purple in color, with tremendous extraction, Redigaffi is a monumental and beautifully structured wine that shows how well the non-native Merlot has adapted to the area around Suvereto on the Tuscan coast. It offers luscious layers of raspberry and blueberry jam, ripe plum and blackberry, followed by voluptuous notes of dark chocolate, licorice, black pepper, vanilla and incense. Full-bodied, lush, with polished tannins and an extra-long finish, Redigaffi is one of Italy’s greatest Merlots. A sought-after gem for collectors and wine lovers worldwide. A true masterpiece. **vigorous decanting required - please call in advance if possible**
- Price (bottle) ~ $425
Solaia Antinori 2003
IGT Tuscany 2003
WA 93: WS 95. The 2003 Solaia (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc) reveals the essence of blackberry jam, licorice, cassis, tar and minerals in a super-ripe, heady expression of the vintage. Richly sumptuous on the palate, this beautiful, expansive Solaia offers terrific length as well as stunning balance with plenty of style. It is sure to deliver much gratification over the next decade or so. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018 **decant**
- Price (bottle) ~ $300
Giusto di Notri, Tua Rita 2005
Tua Rita, Tuscany, Italy 2005
WS 93. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is the blend on this super-tuscan treat. Deep purple in color, Giusto di Notri offers abundant and very intense aromas of blackberry, plum, chocolate-covered strawberries, and currants followed by enticing notes of bell pepper, coriander, violet and a touch of vanilla. Full bodied, with rich, sweet tannins, and a jammy texture, Giusto di Notri is a stunning wine with great aging potential. **vigorously decant**
- Price (bottle) ~ $175
Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot ‘Black Label’ Wolf Blass, South Australia 2001
Wolf Blass, South Australia 2001
WS 92. WA 92. Velvety, round and generous with smoky blueberry and currant flavors, beautifully balanced to hold their shape and their flavors as the finish sails on and on. Has extra dimensions and excellent balance. Best from 2007 through 2016. 500 cases imported. –HS
- Price (bottle) ~ $135
Pinot Noir ‘Las Alturas Vineyard’ Belle Glos, Santa Lucia Highlands, California USA 2005
‘Las Alturas Vineyard’ Belle Glos, Santa Lucia Highlands, California USA 2005
WA 94. This Pinot Noir is part of the Wagner family (Caymus) legacy, and true to its lineage displays supple, delicious elegance that is the essence of the Caymus brand. The 2005 Pinot Noir Las Alturas Vineyard possesses a broad texture, deep, sweet fruit, forest floor, black raspberry, cherry, and currant aromas in a seamless, gorgeous package.
- Price (bottle) ~ $125
Solaia, Antinori 2001
IGT Tuscany, Italy 2001
WS 93. Masses of coffee and blackberry character in this youthful wine. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, loads of fruit and excellent wood. Big and juicy, with a long, long finish. A fine wine. Needs time. Best after 2007. 7,500 cases made. –JS
- Price (bottle) ~ $325
Shiraz Elderton ‘Command’ Barossa Valley, Australia 2002
Elderton ‘Command’ Barossa Valley, Australia 2002
WS 94. DL 91. Rich, dense and velvety, distinctive for its blueberry, boysenberry and spice flavors, shaded with subtle cocoa and tar notes, lingering beautifully on the subtle, generous finish. Best from 2008 through 2015. 1,550 cases imported. –HS
- Price (bottle) ~ $120
Grenache ‘Cadenzia’ DogRidge, McLaren Vale, Australia 2005
DogRidge, McLaren Vale, Australia 2005
DL 91. I’m sure you are very confused by all the doggie brands out there – Bad Dog, Dog House, Dog Point etc, - but let me assure you DogRidge’s offerings are not your typical critter wines. This 7,000- case family enterprise in McLaren Vale is actually quite non-conventional in terms of wine style. Winemaker Fred Howard said he was striving for “varietal elegance,” a throwaway line, I thought, having heard them all. But the wines are very much about the grapes: we’re talking natural balance here. I was suddenly getting a gut level varietal essence of Grenache, making me reflect; and I liked the dry, surprisingly not hot finish, despite being over 14% alcohol. The cool yet peppery Cadenzia Grenache is from 65 year old bush vines.
- Price (bottle) ~ $68
Shiraz Langmeil Valley Floor Barossa Valley, Australia 2004
Langmeil Valley Floor Barossa Valley, Australia 2004
WS 94 (#16 in the top 100 of 2006) For a wine that doesn't feel big or broad, this Shiraz has amazing depth of flavor and focus, delivering a seamless package of blueberry, currant, plum and vanilla-spice flavors that fan out over the palate. Has compelling purity and impressive persistence. Best from 2008 through 2016. 8,000 cases made. –HS
- Price (bottle) ~ $65
Meursault ‘Les Narvaux’ Domaine Vincent Girardin, Burgundy, France 2002
Domaine Vincent Girardin, Burgundy, France 2002
WS 89. A full-bodied, opulent Meursault, featuring hazelnut, lemon and spicy oak flavors. It's all defined by a vibrant structure,which drives the flavors to a long finish. 400 cases imported. –BS
- Price (bottle) ~ $90
Gewürztraminer ‘Wintzenheim’ Zind Humbrecht Alsace, France 2001
Alsace, France 2001
WS 90. Assertive aromas of smoked meat and spice introduce this full-bodied, powerful white. Grapefruit, honey and white pepper round out the flavor profile. 1,000 cases made. –BS
- Price (bottle) ~ $75
Savennières ‘Clos de St. Yves’ Domaine des Baumard, Loire Valley, France 2002
Domaine des Baumard, Loire Valley, France 2002
WS 90 – JM 100% Chenin Blanc, single vineyard, from vines more than thirty five years old. Riveting acidity from start to finish, along with freshly cut quince, peach, orange blossom and mineral flavors. Long and stony with nice precision, followed by a real mouth-watering tang. Best now through 2015
- Price (bottle) ~ $55
Rosso ‘Ca del Merlo’ Guiseppe Quintarelli
Veneto, Italy 1997
Considered to be the Master of the Veneto, Guiseppe Quintarelli’s Valpolicellas rival many Amarones! The blend for the Ca del Merlo is exactly the same as the regular Valpolicella, but the grapes come from a single hilltop vineyard. Add this to the not insignificant vintage (considered the best in Veneto and Tuscany) and you will find a rare treat in this bottling.
- Price (bottle) ~ $175