Penfolds Grange 2004

Smooth and seductive, this delivers a full-throated chorus of currant, plum, blackberry and spice flavors, hinting at coffee and cardamom as the finish floats and sails easily over a bed of polished, refined tannins. A touch of black olive balances nicely against it all. Beautifully structured, expressive and very long. ... more

Araujo Estate Wines Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Reflecting a superb growing season, this wine is immensely aromatic, exhibiting notes of ripe cassis and blackberries layered with hints of leather, dried sage, crushed rock and rose petals. In the mouth, the wine is a seamless expression of elegance and depth, perfectly balancing rich fruit, earthiness, minerality and powerful ... more

Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 2007

The newest baby, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah. All of these wines are from the estate's three major holdings in the northern part of the appellation, on the high plateau of Mont Redon and Cabrieres, and in ... more

Aubert Lauren Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

The 2008 Lauren Chardonnay reminds of a hypothetical vintage blend of 2005 and 2007. I keep going back to how the site lifts this wine’s aromatics up to a level of pure hedonism. This 2008 Lauren is naturally clear with green chlorophyll tints on edge. Aromatics are classic Lauren with ... more

Vérité La Muse 1999

This wine is noticeably denser and richer in texture than the 1998 Vérité. The wine retains a similar lineage with red and black fruit characters and a texture of velvet. What one notices last is the broad finish that lingers well after consumption. more

Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Boisrenard 2005

Parcels of old vines 60-100 years in age, planted in soils of great character and complexity, provide the grapes for this wine. They are picked when fully mature and meticulously sorted by hand to further enhance concentration. Yields are very low: 15-20 hectoliters/hectare. These old parcels, in which different varieties ... more

Remirez de Ganuza Rioja 2004

The 2004 Remirez de Ganuza is dark ruby-colored with a splendidly expressive perfume of pain grille, crushed stone, scorched earth, and assorted black fruits. Youthful and tightly wound on the palate, the wine has all the components for potential greatness. Dense, lengthy, and complex, with 6-8 years of cellaring this ... more

Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

A powerhouse vintage for To Kalon, this offering exemplifies the vineyard’s potential to bring forth a cabernet of tremendous concentration, power and complexity. Intriguing hints of black currant and espresso smolder beneath the intense, earthy aromatics that introduce this broad-shouldered, saturated, inky-black cabernet. On the palate, red and black fruits ... more

Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

So much of the fruit characters were preserved and once again, the telltale “Ritchie Vineyard” intensities—yellow hues and a green color on edge, definable tones of dried lemon and lime skins make up the aromatic profile of this wine. Wonderful uplifting changes in aroma and bouquet give a true expression ... more

K Vintners Phil Lane Syrah 2007

Only 6 barrels of the 2007 Syrah Phil Lane were produced from yields of 1 ton/acre. Deep purple-colored, it surrenders a captivating nose of pain grille, mineral, truffle, underbrush, and blueberry. Dense, savory, and mouth-coating on the palate, it is already showing signs of complexity. Give it another 2-3 years ... more

Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Bright with ripe, purple fruits, this wine will impress with complex, layered aromas of black licorice and briar patch. The silky entry progresses along the palate and gives way to dense, velvety chocolate and toast. Full-bodied and concentrated throughout, the wine lingers on with a long, layered finish.  more

Lewis Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

From the exceptional 2007 vintage, with production down 15% from 2006, we have crafted a densely woven, deeply fruited Reserve Cabernet rooted in Pritchard Hill, Calistoga, Rutherford and Oak Knoll hillside vineyards. Broad-shouldered and muscular, this blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc is packed with black currants ... more