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VINTAGES CLASSICS COLLECTION FINE WINE & PREMIUM SPIRITS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2014 ON THE COVER: World-renowned Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza. Proprietor Nicolas Catena is recognized as one of Argentina’s most important wine pioneers. November & December 2014 CLASSICS COLLECTION New collections on vintagesshoponline.com Our monthly Classics Collections can be viewed and purchased via our VINTAGES Shop Online site. All orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis! See page 52 for ordering start dates and other important details. TABLE OF CONTENTS November 2014 Collection Serious collectors of Bordeaux, take note – this edition of Classics offers the opportunity to add the star-studded 2010 Bordeaux Collection to your cellar (see page 53), in addition to a handful of other standout red, white, and sweet wines from that monumental vintage. The Rhône is here in full force with an array that includes the famed ‘La La’ wines of Guigal. Piedmont is well represented with a stellar showing of 15 top Barolos, the New World offers gems from Argentina’s Catena Zapata plus Napa Cabernet from Duckhorn and Dyer, and whisky connoisseurs can mark triple-decade milestones with 30-year-old single malts from The Balvenie and Glenglassaugh. NOVEMBER 2014 COLLECTION 4 FRANCE 11 AUSTRIA 12 ITALY 18 PORTUGAL 18 SPAIN 20 CANADA 20 AUSTRALIA 21 ARGENTINA 22 USA 24 FORTIFIED WINE 25 SPIRITS December 2014 Collection This edition of Classics hits close to home with four revelatory wines from the Niagara Peninsula. California heats things up with a fascinating spectrum of everything from mountain Cabernets from Dunn Vineyards and Lokoya, to blockbuster Chardonnays from Mount Eden Estate and Plumpjack. A stable of more than a dozen premium examples of Bordeaux’s lauded 2010 vintage is sure to turn heads; Piedmont impresses with a shortlist of top Barolos; and Spanish wines add some sizzle with a selection of red wines from four top regions. ONLINE ORDERING STARTS November Collection: November 6 at 8:30 a.m. December Collection: December 4 at 8:30 a.m. See page 52 for ordering details. VINTAGESSHOPONLINE.COM First-come, first-served. Shop early for best selection. DECEMBER 2014 COLLECTION 28 FRANCE 32 ITALY 35 PORTUGAL 35 SPAIN 37 CANADA 38 AUSTRALIA 39 ARGENTINA 40 USA 42 FORTIFIED WINE 43 SPIRITS 44 PRODUCT SUMMARIES 52 ORDERING INFORMATION IMPORTANT For each Classics Collection, we do our best to secure enough stock to satisfy all customer orders. We regret that sometimes customer demand exceeds supply. Opening inventory for Classics Collection will be available on vintages.com one week before online ordering begins. VINTAGE CHART The Vintage Chart is available on our website at vintages.com/vintagechart 2 VINTAGES OPPOSITE: Sloping vineyards with a rustic hill town as backdrop: quintessential Piedmont. NOVEMBER CLASSICS COLLECTION Online ordering starts November 6 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • FRANCE – BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU 2010 AC Saint-Julien, 2e Cru Robert Parker Jr. gave this wine a score of 98+ (erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013). RED WINE CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2010 AC Pauillac, second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild TASTING NOTE: Another brilliant second wine, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) is elegant and amazing for a second wine from Lafite. “Carruades de Lafite” is now engraved in the bottle to prevent unscrupulous sommeliers and merchants from trying to pass it off as Lafite Rothschild. The wine displays much of the same lead pencil, charcoal and black currant notes of its bigger sister, although it is forward, precocious and far less structured than the grand vin. Nevertheless, this wine, which can be drunk now, will cellar beautifully for at least 20-25 more years. Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 263020 [XD] 750 mL $288.85 NOVEMBER 2014 TASTING NOTE: The nose is phenomenal with perfect aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon with currant bush, blackberries and minerals. A pure expression of Cab. The palate is perfect with a full body, but has perfectly integrated tannins with a texture like the finest cashmere. It’s strong but noble with perfect form and beauty. All in harmony. A fabulous wine that everyone who loves Bordeaux should have a bottle or case of. Better in 2020. Score: 100 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 14, 2013) 262311 [XD] WHITE WINE CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM 2010 AC Sauternes, 1er Cru Supérieur TASTING NOTE: The purity of Botrytis in this wine is so impressive with dried fruits such [as] apple and mango. And then spicy character. Full body and very sweet but it is incredibly fresh and lively. Such class and elegance. Perfectly manicured wine. Everything in the right place. This shows a delicacy and intensity that are spellbinding. Drink in 2018. Score: 97 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 14, 2013) 263129 [S] 263152 [S] VINTAGES $524.85 $1,044.95 750 mL $388.85 DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER BLANC 2010 AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé TASTING NOTE: This is a remarkable wine with a density of fruit that reminds me of a Montrachet from a great vintage. it’s full bodied, dense and rich – almost oily – but then it turns bright and fresh with a powerful backbone of acidity. A marvel. Score: 100 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 20, 2011) 259580 [XD] 4 375 mL 750 mL 750 mL $159.85 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT 1995 AC Sauternes, 1er Cru Classé From the celebrated 1995 vintage, this offering from one of Bordeaux's most revered Sauternes producers is now, after nearly two decades, is in the prime of its life and drinking beautifully. Reviewing the wine in 1998, James Suckling, writing in Wine Spectator, awarded it 90 points and deemed it "gorgeous." The cellaring has been done for you; simply enjoy. 387894 [S] 750 mL $76.00 FRANCE – BURGUNDY CÔTE DE BEAUNE RED WINE DOMAINE BLAIN-GAGNARD VOLNAY LES PITURES 1er CRU 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: High-toned and notably cool aromas speak of a mix of red berry fruit scents and subtle stone nuances. There is good midpalate concentration to the silkytextured middle weight flavors that also evidence ample minerality on the firm and moderately austere finish. This presently brooding effort will require a solid 10 to 12 years of cellar time before it’s completely ready for prime time. Drink: 2020+. Special Designation: Outstanding. Score: 91 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, April 2012) 182618 [XD] 750 mL • NOVEMBER 2014 LOUIS JADOT POMMARD EPENOTS 1er CRU 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: In contrast to a number of the preceding wines, this is almost devoid of wood influence which allows the ripe and very earthy cassis and black raspberry aromas to enjoy center stage. The rich, full-bodied and enveloping middle weight plus flavors possess a suave, even silky mouth feel though the typical Pommard-like tannins arrive just at the very end of the exceptionally persistent finish. This is really quite good and well-worth considering though note that it will require extensive cellar time. Drink: 2022+. Special Designation: Outstanding. Score: 90-93 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, April 2012) 387878 [XD] 750 mL $89.00 $91.00 VINTAGES 5 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • FRANCE – BURGUNDY WHITE WINE CÔTE DE BEAUNE RED WINE MAISON AMBROISE LE ROGNET CORTON GRAND CRU 2006 AC TASTING NOTE: Sweet cherry, berry and spice notes are backed by wellintegrated tannins in this smooth red. Beautifully balanced, with the length to match its pedigree. Best from 2011 through 2023. Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, April 30, 2009) 209486 [XD] 750 mL NOVEMBER 2014 VINTAGES WHITE WINE LOUIS JADOT BÂTARDMONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: Butter, floral and spice aromas and rich flavors of peach and melon come together with the creamy texture in this intense and opulent white, which has a lingering, complex aftertaste, where a mineral element emerges. Harmonious and expressive, but this will be even better in two to three years. Best from 2016 through 2027. Special Designation: Collectibles. Score: 95 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, July 31, 2014) $91.00 333542 [XD] 6 CHABLIS 750 mL $399.00 DOMAINE LONG-DEPAQUIT LES VAUCOPINS CHABLIS 1er CRU 2012 AC (Albert Bichot) TASTING NOTE: A pretty and welllayered nose offers up aromas of both yellow and white orchard fruit with additional notes of white flowers, spice and iodine. There is a refined mouth feel to the rich, even lush medium-bodied flavors that possess good volume on the dry and clean finish. Like the Vaillons this seems to presently lack a bit of verve though again, I suspect that this is more of a phase than anything permanent. Drink: 2015+. Score: 88-91 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, Oct. 15, 2013) LOUIS JADOT CHASSAGNEMONTRACHET LES CAILLERETS 1er CRU 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets, which occupies similar elevation to the Grands Ruchottes, is more reticent on the nose and does not display the verve of the Grands Ruchottes, at least at this moment. The palate is crisp and vibrant on the entry with touches of lemon peel, walnut and a hint of dried orange peel toward the finish. It would need to show a little more breeding on the finish to merit a higher appraisal, but this is a fine Caillerets. Drink now-2022. Score: 92 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) DOMAINE SERVIN VAUCOUPIN CHABLIS 1er CRU 2012 AC TASTING NOTE: An expressive, cool and airy nose of mineral reduction, wet chalk, iodine and algae introduces understated and borderline salty middle weight flavors that display excellent delineation on the intensely mineral-infused, harmonious and wonder-fully persistent finish. Textbook Vaucoupin. Special Designation: Outstanding. Drink: 2017+. Score: 90-92 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, Oct. 15, 2013) 387852 [XD] 384164 [XD] 750 mL $100.00 76695 [XD] 750 mL 750 mL $33.00 $37.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE LES LYS CHABLIS 1er CRU 2012 AC TASTING NOTE: Séguier indicated that this had just finished its malo and thus the nose was heavily reduced. The medium-bodied flavors though display excellent concentration with plenty of mouth coating dry extract that buffers the firm acid spine on the mineral-driven, lemony and explosive finish. This is not quite as complex as the Vaillons though it may catch it in time as the underlying material appears to be first-rate. Drink: 2018+. Special Designation: Sweet spot. Outstanding. Score: 90-92 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, Oct. 15, 2013) 76984 [XD] 750 mL 750 mL 378166 [XD] 750 mL $73.00 $51.00 DAMIEN & ROMAIN BOUCHARD VAILLONS CHABLIS 1er CRU 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: This is a crisp, bright wine packed with apple and grapefruit flavors, and laced elegantly with wood notes. It wears its toastiness lightly, and a punch of steel on the finish gives it a tight, nervy texture. Drink from 2016. Special Designation: Best Buy. Score: 91 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2013) 384073 [XD] PASCAL BOUCHARD BLANCHOT CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: From half an acre of vines within the Blanchot Grand Cru, this is a smooth, rounded wine. It has weight from intensely ripe fruits, along with structure. Beautifully sun-exposed vineyards add a warmth to the wine, but there’s also a mineral texture, nervy acidity and tart appleskin and green-plum flavors. While concentrated, it’s still a young wine, so drink from 2017. Special Designation: Best Buy. Score: 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2013) $40.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 LA CHABLISIENNE CHÂTEAU GRENOUILLES CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: Similar to the Preuses, there is an abundance of Chablis character to the green fruit and mineral reduction suffused nose. There is superb density to the large-scaled and palate coating flavors that brim with dry extract on the stony, detailed, powerful and imposingly long finish. But the really surprising aspect to this wine is just how refined it is; indeed only the Preuses is more refined in 2010. Drink: 2018+. Score: 94 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, Sept. 10, 2012) 82974 [XD] 750 mL $ BILLAUD-SIMON VAUDÉSIR GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: Pure, cool minerality is at the heart of the 2010 Chablis Vaudesir. Introspective and reticent, the Vaudesir clearly needs time to fully emerge. White peaches, flowers, mint and crushed rocks are all layered into the vibrant, bright finish. There is plenty of energy and focus in the glass, yet the Vaudesir remains a bit closed today. In 2011, Billaud-Simon moved to oak aging for this wine. Tasting the 2010, it is easy to understand why. Anticipated maturity: 2013+. Score: 93+ (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012) 328336 [XD] 750 mL $ VINTAGES 7 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • FRANCE – RHÔNE E. GUIGAL LA LANDONNE CÔTE-RÔTIE 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: Scheduled to be bottled in February of 2014, the 2010 Cote Rotie La Landonne is a more fresh, pure and focused example of the 2009. While it doesn’t have the over the top exuberance of the prior vintage, it offers incredibly pure, detailed and classic aromas and flavors of black pepper, currants, blackberry, mineral and smoked bacon fat. Full-bodied, layered and deeply concentrated, yet also graceful and seamless, this knockout effort should require a decade to come around and have 3-4 decades of longevity. Score: 98-100 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) NORTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE E. GUIGAL VIGNES DE L’HOSPICE SAINT-JOSEPH 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: Scheduled to be bottled this coming February and slightly lighter in style, the 2011 Saint-Joseph Vignes de l’Hospice (100% Syrah aged 30 months in 100% new French oak) offers perfumed spice, red currants, blackberry and bouquet garni-styled aromatics, medium to full-body and an overall seamless, forward and silky profile. It should be ready to go on release, yet evolve gracefully for 10-15 years. Score: 91-93 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 393520 [XD] E. GUIGAL LA TURQUE CÔTE-RÔTIE 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: More fresh and pure, with knockout aromas and flavors of pepper, cassis, spice-box, coffee bean and edgy minerality, the 2010 Cote Rotie La Turque possesses spectacular purity, full-bodied power and a massive finish. Despite the slightly burly profile here, it stays seamless and elegant on the palate, with the overall purity, freshness and concentration of the vintage. Like the 2009, this blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier should start to shine around age 10 and have 3 decades of longevity. Drink: 2013-2043. Score: 98-100 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 393371 [XD] 393389 [XD] E. GUIGAL LA MOULINE CÔTE-RÔTIE 2010 TASTING NOTE: Scheduled to be bottled in early February of next year (the La Mouline is the first of the single vineyard releases to be bottled), the 2010 Cote Rotie La Mouline is certainly in the same league. More fresh and focused, with heavenly black raspberry, wild flower, underbrush, crushed rock-like minerality and hints of vanilla, it flows onto the palate with a seamless, pure silk texture that carries awesome concentration, ultra-fine tannin and incredible length. It will need more cellar time than the 2009, and have 2-3 decades of prime drinking. Drink: 2016-2046. Score: 99-100 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 750 mL $469.00 393413 [XD] E. GUIGAL CHÂTEAU D’AMPUIS CÔTE-RÔTIE 2009 AC Robert Parker, Jr. (erobertparker.com) gave this wine a score of 95+ in December of 2012. TASTING NOTE: A behemoth that satisfies on all accounts, the 2009 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis (93% Syrah and 7% Viognier) got a big “Wow!” in my notes. Deep, rich and incredibly layered, with massive Syrah fruit, bacon fat, espresso roast, licorice and chocolate, as well as a striking minerality that emerges with time in the glass, this full-bodied, dense and superbly concentrated 2009 should be given another handful of years in the cellar, and consumed over the following two decades. Drink: 2015-2035. Score: 96+ (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 750 mL $469.00 398081 [XD] 8 VINTAGES 750 mL $469.00 750 mL $469.00 750 mL $105.00 E. GUIGAL EX VOTO ERMITAGE 2010 AC TASTING NOTE: Most likely just as good, with additional freshness and focus, the 2010 Ermitage Ex-Voto offers up an incredibly pure, fresh and nuanced bouquet of creme de cassis, licorice, crushed stone and spring flowers that flows to a full-bodied, detailed and yet gorgeously rich and textured palate. A serious barrel sample, with massive mid-palate depth and concentration, this beauty will require patience, yet should have an easy 3-4 decades of longevity. Score: 97-99 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 393363 [XD] NOVEMBER 2014 750 mL $ THE CLASSICS COLLECTION SOUTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC LA GUIGASSE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DUPAPE 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: Looking at the 2011s, both of which showed much better from bottle than barrel, the 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse (100% Grenache from sandy soils) has a Rayas-like perfume of sweet red cherries, currants, white pepper, spring flowers and underbrush. Fermented with 100% whole-cluster and aged all in neutral, larger barrels, this medium to full-bodied, dense and beautifully textured effort is superb now, yet should easily have 10-12 years of ultimate longevity. Drink now-2023. Score: 94 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 378174 [XD] 750 mL $ PIERRE HENRI MOREL LIEU-DIT PIGNAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: There was a scant 339 cases of the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Lieu dit Pignan produced. Stunning in the vintage, it possesses a smoking bouquet of sweet raspberries, strawberries, licorice, incense and flowers that give way to a medium to full-bodied, layered and textured palate. Showing loads of sweet fruit, great acidity and a big finish, it will dish out loads of pleasure for at least a decade. Drink now-2021. Score: 93 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 384115 [XD] 750 mL $ XAVIER CUVÉE ANONYME CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: The top wine of the estate, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme is a hidden gem in the vintage! A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise and Vaccarese, from 90-year-old vines and aged in one-third new barrels (although you wouldn’t know it), it possesses fabulous notes of blackberry and currant fruit, big minerality, roasted meats and leather. Full-bodied, with beautiful freshness, big tannin and a layered, thrillingly concentrated mid-palate, it will be better in another year or two, and have over 15 years of longevity. Drink 2015-2026. Score: 95 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 393421 [XD] • NOVEMBER 2014 DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009 AC TASTING NOTE: The deep purplehued, savory Vieux Lazaret 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Exceptionnelle (a blend of 90% concrete-aged Grenache and 10% small barrel-aged Syrah from 40- to 85-year-old vines) is a richer, fuller, more intense and compelling example of the traditional cuvee. Given the voluptuous nature and opulence of the 2009 vintage, this wine can be drunk now or cellared for 15 years. It is expansive and fullbodied with copious black cherry and black raspberry fruit notes intertwined with hints of licorice and incense. This seductive effort is irresistible. Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011) 957274 [XD] 750 mL $61.00 750 mL $469.00 VINTAGES 9 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • FRANCE – RHÔNE FRANCE – ALSACE FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE SOUTHERN RHÔNE WHITE WINE CHAMPAGNE ROLLY GASSMANN OBERER WEINGARTEN DE RORSCHWIHR VENDANGES TARDIVES GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2008 AC Alsace TASTING NOTE: The Rolly-Gassmann 2008 Gewurztraminer Oberer Weingarten Vendange Tardive projects a seamlessly rich, creamy, almost weightless personality, with vanilla, butter cream, white raisin, nougat, glazed pineapple, quince jelly, and litchi conveying an extremely confectionary aromatic and palate impression. Layered atop this is a high-toned, metaphorically cooling sense of herbal-floral liqueur (suggesting iris, rose petal, chamomile, mint), while the depth of toasted nuttiness only emerges in the long finish to help balance this elixir’s candied, liqueur-like, and confitured elements. Here is another of those nobly sweet 2008s possessed of a strikingly savory finishing salinity that will leave your mouth watering for the next sip. Expect this to perform brilliantly for a quarter century. As these vines are reaching middle age, Pierre Gassmann points out, they are starting to show their stuff, or perhaps one should say, showing the quality of which this site is capable. Score: 94 (David Schildknecht, erobertparker.com, May 2011) HENRIOT BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE AC TASTING NOTE: A rich and toasty version, featuring roasted almond, brioche, honey and graphite notes. Vibrant acidity and a finely textured bead keep this mouthwatering and light-footed, carrying flavors of dried cherry, wild strawberry and licorice. Drink now through 2020. Score: 94 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2013) WHITE WINE XAVIER CUVÉE ANONYME CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2012 AC TASTING NOTE: The first vintage of the cuvee and also brilliant, with a similar level of richness, yet additional focus and purity, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme (50% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc and 10% Clairette all aged two-thirds in barrel and one-third in stainless steel) is pure class. Rich white peach, toasted almonds, white currants and citrus all emerge from the glass, and it shows a similar saline-like minerality on the palate. A big wine, it stays beautiful fresh and lively. Like the straight Chateauneuf, it should drink nicely for at least 2-3 years. Drink now-2017. Score: 94 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 387845 [XD] 750 mL $62.00 NOVEMBER 2014 378125 10 VINTAGES [S] 750 mL $ 384099 [XD] 750 mL $79.00 TARLANT CUVÉE LOUIS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC TASTING NOTE: Equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is a powerfully rich wine based on the 1998 and 1997 vintage. It is full, packed with citrus, peach and apricot flavors mingling with a beautiful, generous creamy texture. This is a glorious Champagne, a worthy homage to Louis Tarlant who pioneered the family’s Champagne in the early 20th century. Special Designation: Best Buy. Score: 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, May 2013) 293811 [XD] 750 mL $90.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION VILMART & CIE GRAND CELLIER PREMIER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC TASTING NOTE: Vibrant, finely cut acidity structures this seamlessly integrated version, backing layered flavors of poached apple, quince, honey, candied ginger, lemon zest and crème de cassis with hints of coconut and orchard blossom. Shows lovely texture and length. Drink now through 2023. Score: 95 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2013) 65110 [XD] 750 mL $81.00 BOLLINGER R.D. EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002 AC TASTING NOTE: Super fresh, this is striking given the 10 years in the cellars; it has a fine citrus nose – plenty of lemon, grapefruit, yellow chalky notes, some lighter floral elements too. The palate is super dry (dosage at 3-4g) and there’s a silky, sherbet-like texture, smooth, fine and long. The citrus flavours give way to the driving surging acidity, thunderous acidity, really driving and powerful. The finish twists very slowly through to light-toasted cashew fruit flavours, but lemon citrus prevails. This is thrilling Champagne. Disgorged 22nd October, 2013. Drink from 2016. Score: 99 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, May 9, 2014) 933606 [XD] NICOLAS FEUILLATTE CUVÉE PALMES D’OR BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002 AC TASTING NOTE: Refined and focused, this sleek version offers ripe flavors of poached apple, ground anise, almond financier, cassis and candied lemon zest, carried by the fine, silky finish to a lightly smoky finish. Drink now through 2025. Score: 93 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2013) 732743 [XD] 750 mL $147.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 AUSTRIA WHITE WINE NIKOLAIHOF STEINER HUND RESERVE RIESLING 2004 Wachau TASTING NOTE: Long-awaited, latebottled, and now at last released, the Nikolaihof 2004 Riesling Steiner Hund Reserve is scented with iris, musk, lemon zest, red currant, and herbs. Youthfully sappy and vivacious, the only evidence of its stay in cask being an added measure of subtly spicy, woodsy complexity, this pours forth saline, stony, floral, and tart fruit like a torrential force of nature and leaves the tongue and gums quivering with a sense of spice, citrus zest, herbal resin, and mineral deposits for which words like -tactile- and -tenacious- are insufficient. Guard as much of this as you can and don’t drink the last of it for at least 12-15 years. Score: 97 (David Schildknecht, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009) 391136 750 mL $110.00 750 mL $280.00 VINTAGES 11 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • ITALY – CAMPANIA MASTROBERARDINO RADICI TAURASI RISERVA 2006 DOCG Ranked #91 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2013. RED WINE MONTEVETRANO 2010 IGT Colli di Salerno TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Montevetrano is flat-out gorgeous. Vibrant, floral aromatics lead to layers of beautifully delineated fruit in this finely sculpted chiseled Montevetrano. A wine of extraordinary beauty, the 2010 impresses for its clarity and nuance. I don’t think I have ever tasted a young Montevetrano with this much pure silkiness and finesse. There is a level of precision and delineation in the 2010 that is truly marvelous. I can’t wait to see how it ages. The 2010 is also notable for a much higher percentage of Aglianico (30%) than has been common in the past, while the international varieties are less prominent in the blend. In 2010 Montevetrano is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Aglianico and 20% Merlot, which means the Cabernet Sauvignon now plays a much smaller role in the blend. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. Score: 96 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 352971 750 mL $97.00 NOVEMBER 2014 ITALY – PIEDMONT RED WINE TASTING NOTE: Dark and polished, with fine tannins framing the complex mix of game, cherry reduction, cassis and mineral notes. Concentrated, delivering a long finish of tangy fruit and tar. Drink now through 2030. Special Designation: Highly Recommended. Score: 94 (Nathan Wesley, winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2013) AZELIA SAN ROCCO BAROLO 2010 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blueberries and spices with hints of flowers. Full body with silky tannins and a fresh finish. Refined and pretty. Needs two or three years to soften. Score: 93 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 14, 2014) 75499 304436 [XD] [XD] 750 mL $52.00 BROVIA GARBLÈT SUE’ BAROLO 2010 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Good medium red. Very fresh, nobly rustic aromas of red raspberry, medicinal cherry, marzipan, tobacco, menthol and blood orange. Large-scaled and concentrated, with terrific sappy energy and tension to the powerful red cherry and menthol flavors. Not a particularly elegant style but the wine’s huge, firm tannins are nicely supported by its strong fruit. With its impressive spine and superb length, this wine should evolve positively for two or three decades. Cristina Brovia noted that the tannins in 2010 are sweeter and less aggressive than those of the classic 1996 vintage. Score: 94-95 (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2013) 105569 [D] 12 VINTAGES 750 mL $103.00 750 mL $92.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION CHIARA BOSCHIS VIA NUOVA BAROLO 2010 DOCG (E. Pira & Figli) TASTING NOTE: A bright, elegant style, this red shows cherry, strawberry, spice and tea aromas and flavors. Tannic and austere on the finish, with lingering elements of fruit, spice and tobacco. Best from 2017 through 2032. Score: 92 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2014) 395400 [XD] 750 mL $92.00 ATTILIO GHISOLFI BUSSIA BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Aromatic, with cherry, floral, licorice, tar and tobacco notes, married to a silky texture and a graceful, intense profile. Should show fine harmony and potential once all the elements knit together. Best from 2016 through 2030. Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2014) 382788 [XD] 750 mL $51.00 CAVALLOTTO BRICCO BOSCHIS BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Cavallotto still travels under the radar, but is one of the finest Barolo producers. Its Bricco Boschis is bold and beautiful, offering intense rose and berry aromas layered with eucalyptus. The creamy palate delivers cherry, spice and balsamic notes, along with hints of Alpine herbs. To let this complex wine develop fully, drink it after 2019. Special Designation: Editor’s Choice. Score: 95 (Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 2013) 579276 [XD] 750 mL $83.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 MARCHESI DI BAROLO CANNUBI BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Instead, with the 2009 Barolo Cannubi, you get the finesse and elegance of one of the world’s most stunning vineyard sites with the added personality of the producer. There’s elegance here and a tight, streamlined feel that points towards longevity and sophistication. This is a spectacular wine that allows ample space for the floral and wild berry aromas that are characteristic of this vineyard site to shine through. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. Score: 94 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, June 2013) 980912 [XD] MARCARINI BRUNATE BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: A light colored Barolo with a wonderful mouthfeel with ripe fruit and soft, silky tannins. Full body with tangy acidity and lots of delicious fruit from mangos to berries. A joy to drink already but better in two or three years. Score: 94 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Jan. 13, 2014) 167494 [XD] 750 mL $70.00 750 mL $69.00 MICHELE CHIARLO CEREQUIO BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Barolo Cerequio is a richly layered expression that sees mint and licorice meld into underbrush and forest berry. This medium-bodied Barolo plays its elegance card well and will undoubtedly continue to do so as it evolves. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. Score: 94 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, June 2013) 393355 [XD] 750 mL $92.00 VINTAGES 13 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • ITALY – PIEDMONT SERIO & BATTISTA BORGOGNO CANNUBI BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Forward and spicy nose of chestnut and sugar plum. This wine is round, ripe, full and juicy with great aromatic development, well-balanced tannins and good length. Drink: 2015-2024. Score: 95 (Michael Garner, decanter.com, May 23, 2013) RED WINE PIO CESARE ORNATO BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Rich aromas of white truffles, dark fruits and dried flowers. Blueberries, too. Full body that kicks in on the finish. It goes on for minutes. Tight and very integrated with beautifully polished tannins and pretty fruit. Seems more structured than the 2008. Try in 2018. Score: 96 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2013) 324186 [XD] NOVEMBER 2014 387803 [XD] $58.00 314211 [XD] VIRNA CANNUBI BOSCHIS BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Intriguing nose of prunes, chocolate and cinnamon. Ripe, fleshy and juicy, but with good balance. Understated structure with hugely impressive length and definition. Drink: 2015-2025. Score: 96 (Michael Garner, decanter.com, Nov. 15, 2013) 378448 [XD] 750 mL 750 mL $83.00 TASTING NOTE: This is a stunning and vibrant Barolo that defies the heat of the vintage thanks to 47-yearold vines, amazing terroir and noninvasive winemaking. It shows floral aromas of violet layered with spice and truffle, while the palate delivers rich wild cherry, mint and cinnamon. This already shows excellent complexity, but it’s still young. Drink after 2022. Special Designation: Editor’s Choice. Score: 97 (Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 2013) $53.00 317958 [XD] 14 VINTAGES 750 mL $122.00 CAVALLOTTO VIGNOLO RISERVA BAROLO 2007 DOCG This wine was ranked No. 41 on the 2013 Wine Enthusiast Top 100. 750 mL $112.00 SCHIAVENZA BROGLIO BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Fresh and riveting, with bright cherry, raspberry, floral and spice flavors, this is racy and linear, revealing a tight focus. This balanced version finishes with a touch of black pepper. Fine length. Best from 2016 through 2028. Score: 92 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2013) 121301 [XD] 750 mL BORGOGNO CANNUBI BAROLO 2008 DOCG TASTING NOTE: A dense, chewy wine with plum and dried fruit character. Lots of mineral, sandy and balsamic character. Full body, ripe tannins and a flavourful finish. Structured and rich. Serious Cannubi. Needs at least three or four years of bottle age. Score: 96 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2013) 750 mL $115.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION ELIO ALTARE CERRETTA VIGNA BRICCO BAROLO 2007 DOCG TASTING NOTE: With the 2007 Barolo Cerretta Altare demonstrates the elegance that can be coaxed from this site in Serralunga. The Cerretta is the only Barolo Altare makes from vineyards outside his hometown of La Morra, but the house style nevertheless comes through in spades. Dark fruit, tar, licorice, smoke and scorched earth are some of the nuances that flow from this muscular, virile Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com) 295766 [XD] 750 mL $142.00 ROBERTO VOERZIO MERLOT 2007 DOC Langhe TASTING NOTE: Voerzio’s 2007 Merlot is a sumptuous red laced with grilled herbs, black fruit, espresso and French oak. There is an expressive spiciness to the bouquet that could easily be confused with Cabernet Franc. This, too, shows marvelous concentration and richness all the way through to the seamless, intense finish. I would be very tempted to cellar this for a decade or more. It is yet another compelling wine from Roberto Voerzio that is elevated by the quality of the year to unprecedented heights. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011) 384172 [XD] 750 mL $221.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 ITALY – SICILY ITALY – TUSCANY RED WINE RED WINE FEUDO MONTONI VRUCARA NERO D’AVOLA 2009 IGT Sicilia TASTING NOTE: In 2009, the flagship 2009 Nero d’Avola Vrucara is drop dead gorgeous. Black cherries, tar, licorice and melted rocks meld together in a big, boisterous Nero d’Avola. Here, too, the style is very much forward and full-throttle, especially within the context of Nero d’Avola, but it all works. The 2009 is all about power wedded to expressive inner perfume and sheer depth of fruit. I see a wine of exceptional richness and character in the glass. Tobacco, mint, licorice and juicy dark cherries add complexity on the rich, enveloping finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) PETROLO GALATRONA 2011 IGT Toscana TASTING NOTE: This is a phenomenal pure merlot with blueberries, raspberries and hints of milk chocolate. Some nutmeg, too. Full body with very fine yet chewy tannins and a long, intense finish. Reminds me of the amazing 1998. Best ever from here. Needs four or five years of bottle age to soften. Score: 99 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2013) 111286 [XD] 750 mL $66.00 21998 [XD] 750 mL $125.00 FONTODI VIGNA DEL SORBO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 DOCG TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is a timeless expression that embraces all the canons of great winemaking. This vineyard-designate expression (Sangiovese and a small part of Cabernet Sauvignon are planted here) boasts a delicately floral side in 2010 with dried violets and blue flower that gracefully lift the bouquet. Beyond the floral tones are shadings of cassis, wet earth, anisette and tobacco. Like the other wines of Fontodi, Vigna del Sorbo shows an ethereal side and inner elegance that is impossible to repeat elsewhere. It’s sure to develop bottle complexity over the years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. Score: 95 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) 963827 [XD] 750 mL $81.00 VINTAGES 15 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • ITALY – TUSCANY CASTELLO DI BOSSI CORBAIA 2009 IGT Toscana (C. Berardenga) TASTING NOTE: Made with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Corbaia is a richly layered red that reveals elegant tones of red rose, cherry, freshly milled black pepper, prune and dried blackberry. This is a multifaceted and fascinating wine with a firm tannic backbone surrounded by fleshy fruit, bitter chocolate and exotic spice. The 2009 vintage shows a uniquely plump quality of fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. Score: 95 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) RED WINE QUERCIABELLA CAMARTINA 2010 IGT Toscana TASTING NOTE: A powerful red wine with an abundance of berry, dried fruits and hints of vanilla on the nose and palate. Full body, with chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Needs at least two or three years of bottle age to come together. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese. Score: 94 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, July 2, 2013) NOVEMBER 2014 393512 [XD] 123653 [XD] 750 mL $65.00 750 mL $124.00 TESTAMATTA ROSSO 2010 IGT Toscana (Bibi Graetz) TASTING NOTE: This is the same quality or better than the legendary 2006. Lovely aromas of berries, chocolate and walnuts follow through to a full body with loads of fruit, and chewy tannins that are polished and velvety. Pure sangiovese. Needs at least four to five years of bottle age still. Try in 2017. Score: 98 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2013) CASTELLO DI BOSSI GIROLAMO 2009 IGT Toscana (C. Berardenga) TASTING NOTE: Powerful and voluptuous, the 2009 Girolamo is a landmark Merlot with quintessentially Tuscan characteristics of Mediterranean herb, wet terracotta and bright berry. The wine offers excellent fruit quality with optimal ripeness and compelling extraction. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. Score: 94 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) 393322 [XD] 393330 [XD] 16 VINTAGES 750 mL $160.00 750 mL $58.00 TENUTA DI TRECCIANO DANIELLO 2009 IGT Toscana TASTING NOTE: Starting with exuberant cherry, blackberry, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors, this enticing red is well-built and balanced, with fine harmony and a lingering, fruit- and spice-filled aftertaste. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2017 through 2028. Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Oct. 21, 2013) 395343 [XD] 750 mL $34.00 MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Full of eucalyptus and balsamic notes, this red boasts a core of cherry and raspberry fruit, with tobacco and leather flavors. Firm and well-proportioned, delivering a lingering aftertaste. Very approachable and harmonious. Best from 2014 through 2028. Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, June 15, 2013) 91587 [XD] 750 mL $83.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION LISINI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Dark cherries, plums, tobacco, incense and savory herbs flesh out on a big, broad-shouldered frame in the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. Anise, rosemary and cedar notes appear later, but only reluctantly. There is plenty of promise on the 2007, but readers will have to be patient, as the early appeal of the vintage is nowhere to be found in this powerful, brooding Riserva. With further time in the glass, the wine begins to open, giving some sense of what the future holds. This is a striking wine from Lisini. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. Score: 94+ (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2013) 378182 [XD] 750 mL TASTING NOTE: This is absolutely gorgeous, with generous tones of earthy tobacco, leather, cured meat, licorice, smoky ash and crushed mineral. In terms of fruit flavors, it offers cassis, dried raspberry and cherry. The wine should age 10 years or more to allow the tannins to become finer and even more elegant. Special Designation: Cellar Selection. Score: 96 (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, May 2013) 750 mL 244194 [XD] 750 mL $70.00 $90.00 PADELLETTI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 DOCG Ranked #33 in Wine Enthusiast’s Cellar Selections of 2013. 382739 [XD] CASTELL’IN VILLA POGGIO DELLE ROSE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio delle Rose brings together all of the best elements of this site and house style. Firm tannins frame a core of deeply expressive, opulent fruit in this full-throttle, huge Chianti Classico. Threads of sweet perfumed fruit run through the 2006 as it shows off its class and personality. Mint, flowers and sweet red berries punctuate the explosive finish. This is a dazzling showing from Castell-in Villa. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2012) $83.00 ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI BURIANO 2006 IGT Toscana TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Buriano speaks of varietal expressiveness but with a distinctly Tuscan accent. It possesses remarkable concentration and depth in its dark fruit, spices, flowers and licorice, all supported by an unmistakable sense of Tuscan acidity and structure. A persistent, beautifully nuanced finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011) 84285 [XD] 750 mL $52.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 ITALY – VENETO RED WINE G. CAMPAGNOLA CATERINA ZARDINI RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008 DOC TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Caterina Zardini is a delicious effort with pretty floral notes of dried rose potpourri and church incense. The bouquet starts with highly perfumed aromas and steadily moves toward fruit, tar, spice, and root beer as the wine evolves. It hits all the right marks in terms of intensity and persistency: This is a bold wine that never goes over-the-top. Score: 93 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 265819 [XD] 750 mL $63.00 VILLA ERBICE TREMENEL AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2007 DOC TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Tremenel may be the best version of this single-vineyard expression made in the past decade. It shows a soft and richly textured consistency that is animated with black cherry, dried currant, chocolate and exotic spice. A dark mineral tone runs through the wine, shaping a beautiful sense of elegance and finesse that is rare in Amarone. Drink 2015-2025. Score: 93 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 388629 750 mL $66.00 VINTAGES 17 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • PORTUGAL QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO MIRABILIS GRANDE RESERVA TINTO 2011 DOC Douro TASTING NOTE: The 2011 Mirabilis Grande Reserva red is a new brand, a small production blend of 10% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinto Cao, 10% Tinta Amarela, 35% old vines and 35% barrel selection field blend, all aged in a mixture of new and used French oak ... It is hard to say what to admire more about this winery – the wine quality or the marketing genius. ... All the marketing would be in vain, of course, if the wine didn’t meet the challenge. It does, showing precision, structure, concentration and fine focus. Of the three Grande Reservas here, this shows the most finesse, perhaps, projecting a silkier feel early on, with a more Burgundian mid-palate, relatively speaking. There are earthy notes around the edges that give it both complexity and character. Like all of them, it is tight, powerful, a bit astringent and unevolved at the moment. It requires some cellaring and patience. It was brilliant – and still hard edged – on Day 2. This, like the others, has the potential for significant improvement in the cellar and it will require a little patience. In a certain sense, this stands out the least of the three. It is the least obvious early on. However, its focus and concentration make me suspect that it will be the tortoise overtaking the hares in the long run. It may yet be entitled to an uptick after it has five or six years of age on it. It was the one here that I feared I was underrating. Drink 20162033. Score: 95 (Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) RED WINE QUINTA DO VALLADO FIELD BLEND RESERVA 2011 DOC Douro TASTING NOTE: Sinewy yet refined, with impressive power behind the firm, crisp flavors of dark plum, olive and boysenberry, matched to notes of tarragon. Presents focused minerality midpalate, offering a long, vibrant finish of dried wild herb and slate. Best from 2015 through 2022. Special designation: Highly Recommended. Score: 96 (Kim Marcus, winespectator.com, May 31, 2014) 385872 [XD] 750 mL $ NOVEMBER 2014 392944 [XD] 18 VINTAGES 750 mL $136.00 SPAIN RED WINE AALTO 2011 DO Ribera del Duero TASTING NOTE: (aged for two years in small French and American oak barrels): Opaque ruby. Assertive aromas of blackberry, bitter cherry, spicecake and floral pastilles. Sweet and expansive on entry, then tighter in the middle, with an alluringly perfumed quality to the dark berry, cherry-cola and vanilla flavors. Finishes sappy and long, with fine-grained tannins adding shape and grip. Score: 92 (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2013) 120436 [XD] 750 mL $61.00 CASA CASTILLO PIE FRANCO 2010 DO Jumilla (Julia Roch e Hijos) TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Pie Franco was aged for 18 months and bottled in February 2012. It might be going through a difficult phase, a little reductive, but shows denser, meatier, spicy, and at this moment needs a lot of air. It slowly develops and can be the successor of the 2006, with a fine-grained texture, notes of Mediterranean herbs and a long finish. 15% alcohol. Drink 2014-2022. Score: 95 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 384107 [XD] 750 mL $67.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION CLAVE DE TÁBULA 2010 DO Ribera del Duero TASTING NOTE: Rich and alluring, this red packs juicy, ripe flavors of blackberry and blueberry into a dense texture framed by smoke, mineral and dark chocolate notes. The muscular, well-integrated tannins keep this focused through the floral, spicy finish. Modern but grounded. Drink now through 2022. 150 cases made. Score: 94 (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2013) 293795 [XD] 750 mL $119.00 SIERRA CANTABRIA AMANCIO 2010 DOCa Rioja TASTING NOTE: Everything in the 2010 Amancio is spectacular and noteworthy, homage to the current Eguren generation’s grandfather after whom the wine is named. It’s 100% Tempranillo from the same La Veguilla vineyard as its siblings. Again, the bunches are hand destemmed and the grapes ferment with their own yeast in 10-hectoliter French oak vats where they are foottrodden twice per day during the first six days. The wine ages for 24 months in French and American oak barrels and is racked every four months. The wine is still extremely young and closed with shy aromas of licorice, blackberries, damsons and spices and a great sense of harmony. It’s still in the making, but it has ultra-fine tannins, great, clean acidity and superb concentration of fruit. All signs point at to sublime evolution in bottle. This true Rioja is a world class wine, but you should hold on to your bottles for a couple of years (or four!) to really enjoy its true value. 4,000 bottles produced. Drink 2016-2032. Score: 96+ (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 393124 [XD] 750 mL $195.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 NUMANTHIA 2008 DO Toro TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Numanthia spent 18 months in new French oak. It sports an inviting nose of pain grille, graphite, Asian spices, licorice, lavender, and blackberry. In the glass it reveals its voluptuous proportions, savory flavors, and outstanding volume. Give this lengthy Toro 5-7 years of cellaring and enjoy it from 2017 to 2028. Score: 93 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2011) 260927 [XD] 750 mL $65.00 VIÑA DE MOYA LEÍROS 2007 DO Bierzo (Bodega Luzdivina Amigo) Gold Medal winner (HHHHH) at the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards. TASTING NOTE: The deep purplecolored 2007 Vinademoya Leiros is also 100% Mencia but aged for 24 months in French and American oak. It delivers a soaring bouquet of sandalwood, incense, Asian spices, lilacs, and black raspberry. Already complex on the palate with layers of succulent, spicy black fruits, lively acidity, and a nicely proportioned shape, this pleasure-bent offering will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and offer a drinking window extending from 2014 to 2022. Score: 93 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2011) 384446 [XD] 750 mL $64.00 VINTAGES 19 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • SPAIN CANADA – ONTARIO AUSTRALIA RED WINE RED WINE RED WINE REAL DE ASÚA 2004 DOCa Rioja (Compañia Vinícola del Norte de España) TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Real De Asua Gran Reserva is 100% Tempranillo exhibiting a deep purple color along with superb aromatics including violets, spice box, cinnamon, cassis, and black cherry. It conceals enough structure to evolve for another 6-8 years and will proffer a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2029. Score: 95+ (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2010) THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT BENCHMARK RED 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula This flagship Bordeaux blend from one of Niagara's iconic wineries blends 62% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Cabernet Franc, aged in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. From the literally and figuratively hot 2010 vintage, it's a robust effort that will provide pleasure till 2020. BY FARR FARRSIDE PINOT NOIR 2011 Geelong, Victoria TASTING NOTE: The colour has a touch more purple in the hue than Farr Rising, although is no deeper; here black/dark fruits make their presence felt on the bouquet and double that impact on the palate, the flavours reverberating continuously through to the aftertaste. This is the most powerful of the three ’11 Farr pinots. For release Jul/Aug ’13. Drink [until] 2021. Score: 97 (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, July 11, 2013) 371898 [XD] NOVEMBER 2014 373126 [XD] 750 mL $ 750 mL $105.00 392829 [XD] 750 mL $76.00 MOLLYDOOKER VELVET GLOVE 2011 McLaren Vale, South Australia TASTING NOTE: Very deep purpleblack in color, the 2011 Velvet Glove is chock full of ripe and spicy blackberries, fresh blueberries and creme de cassis aromas that are accented by Chinese five spice notes and hints of chocolate, vanilla and some tar. Full-bodied, it is ripe and rich with a nice line of acid and medium-firm, fine-grained tannins. Concentrated and persistent on the finish, it shows beautiful elegance and freshness and is a nicely delineated and expressive example of the varietal and its regional home. However, it needs another year or more in bottle. Drink it from 2015 to 2025+. Score: 97 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 393017 [XD] 20 VINTAGES 750 mL $215.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION TWO HANDS ARES SHIRAZ 2010 Barossa Valley, South Australia TASTING NOTE: Vivid flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, cream and spice mix smoothly as they play against refined tannins in this aristocratic Shiraz, which lets the finish linger gracefully. Gripping in its depth and ease of expression. Drink now through 2020. Score: 97 (Harvey Steiman, winespectator.com, June 30, 2013) ARGENTINA RED WINE GEOFF WEAVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2000 Adelaide Hills, South Australia TASTING NOTE: Estate-grown, and spent 24 months in French oak; the decision to keep a part of the make for extended bottle age, and thus a museum release, has been fully justified. This is a rare opportunity to buy a fully mature wine direct from the cellar of the maker. All the components of dark berry fruits, oak and tannins have joined seamlessly and harmoniously. There will, I suppose, be some bottle variation, but it’s hard to imagine a more perfect bottle than this one. Score: 96 (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, July 10, 2013) CATENA ZAPATA ADRIANNA VINEYARD MALBEC 2010 Mendoza TASTING NOTE: The awesome 2010 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard turned out to be one of my favorite wines of all that I tasted from Argentina, a wine that has me daydreaming of Gualtallary and the amazing Adrianna vineyard which is also the source of the superb White Bones and White Stones Chardonnays. Here the Malbec, grown at 1,480 meters above sea level in the Tupungato quarter of the Uco Valley, in the commune of Gualtallary where the soils are rich in calcium carbonate, is co-fermented with a little (7%) Viognier from that very same vineyard. It produces a sappy, tasty, umami-driven wine that has very high acidity (almost citric), 6.5 grams of it – so you might not like this wine if you prefer low acidity ones. It is austere and straight, but it packs quite a punch. The nose is somehow reticent, but it slowly displays floral notes and aromas of ripe fruit, some spices and aromatic herbs. The palate is also austere and straight, a very mineral wine, with a texture and an electricity akin to licking a chalky stone. This is a wine to age, very concentrated, with high natural acidity. It is a soil wine, not a fruit wine. It needs time in bottle. Drink 2016-2022. Score: 96 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, April 2014) 394684 [XD] 395418 [XD] 64816 [D] 750 mL $158.00 750 mL $56.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 CATENA ZAPATA ARGENTINO VINEYARD MALBEC 2010 Mendoza TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is a blend of grapes from Adrianna and Nicasia, from the deepest, coolest soils in those vineyards, in Gualtallary and Altamira. They were looking for something that represents the essence of Malbec. The first vintage for this wine was 2004, when they finally found the blend and character they were looking for. The name they wanted to use for the wine was Malbec Puro, but they didn’t want any confusion with cigars, so they called it Malbec Argentino instead! It is very aromatic with floral notes, mainly violets and blue fruit, and is nicely defined. It is opulent with sweet tannins but with the hallmark of the freshness found in all the wines from those two vineyards, precise and long. Drink 2015-2020. Score: 94 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, April 2014) 395426 [XD] 750 mL $110.00 750 mL $129.00 VINTAGES 21 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • ARGENTINA USA – CALIFORNIA RED WINE RED WINE MENDEL FINCA REMOTA MALBEC 2010 Mendoza TASTING NOTE: ... is a single vineyard from Altamira comprising 62-year-old vines. Roberto de la Mota noticed that one parcel was particularly fruity and subsequently aged it for 12 months in new French oak (Taransaud) and then another eight months in new French oak again. It does handle all that oak in its stride, with scents of blackberry, Hoi Sin, crushed violets and crushed stone. The palate is full-bodied with dense, quite thick tannins. It is very concentrated ... the oak impinges upon the fruit profile towards the finish, therefore I advise three or four years aging in bottle. Score: 92+ (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012) PATZ & HALL HYDE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2012 Carneros TASTING NOTE: Showing fabulously well, the 2012 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard is a nearly 1,000-case cuvee with a deep ruby color, a big, sweet kiss of raspberries, black cherries and forest floor as well as a floral note. Its beautiful texture, medium to fullbodied mouthfeel, stunning purity, length and richness make for a superb Pinot Noir to drink over the next 5-6 years. Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 271353 [XD] 750 mL $107.00 DOMINIO DEL PLATA NOSOTROS MALBEC 2009 Mendoza (Susana Balbo) TASTING NOTE: A dense yet vibrant red, featuring a focused core of boysenberry coulis, cassis and jammy plum notes, finely woven with silky tannins and nuances of spice, licorice and graphite. Malbec. Drink now through 2017. Score: 92 (Nathan Wesley, winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2012) 393025 [XD] 22 VINTAGES 750 mL $100.00 NOVEMBER 2014 926667 [XD] 750 mL $ DUCKHORN THREE PALMS VINEYARD MERLOT 2011 Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: It’s hard to remember, but as recently as 1978, just two years after Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded their eponymous winery, Merlot was rarely bottled in California as a varietal wine. The grape was used primarily for blending – to “soften” Cabernet Sauvignon. Duckhorn changed that. Their single vineyard bottling from northern Napa Valley’s Three Palms Vineyard showed the heights that this grape, in the right hands, could achieve. The vineyard takes its name from the three palm trees that arise in the middle of this rather warm part of Napa Valley. The 2011 vintage was unusually cool for Napa, which resulted in a spectacular Three Palms Merlot. Wonderfully aromatic, it’s a firm, young wine, with a riveting tension between fruitiness and herbal qualities. The tannins are fine, not aggressive, and provide perfect structure and balance. It expands in the glass, with layers of herbal earthy nuances, not just fruit flavors. Indeed, it’s the non-fruit elements that set this wine apart. This tightly wound wine, which stops you in your tracks now, should evolve beautifully over the next decade, so there’s no rush to pull the cork. Score: 97 (Michael Apstein, winereviewonline.com, April 8, 2014) 34785 [XD] 750 mL $94.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION BERINGER BANCROFT RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 Howell Mountain, Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch is wonderfully refined and pure. Silky, polished tannins support a radiant core of red fruit. Flowers, mint, licorice and sweet herbs are all layered together in a wine that stands out for its textural finesse and balance. Sweet floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift, intensity and a crystalline purity that is striking. Today, the Bancroft Ranch is the most polished of Beringer’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignons. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012) 377010 [XD] 750 mL $80.00 DYER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: Showing precision craftsmanship, this wine hails from a tiny vineyard on Napa’s famed Diamond Mountain. Only 225 cases were produced, but it’s worth a search if you’re looking for classic mountain Cabernet capable of extended aging. The wine has a linearity that defines elegance, yet is rich in blackberries and cassis, with oak nuances. Containing small quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for complexity, it will reward aging until at least 2018, and should be going strong in 2030. Special Designation: Cellar Selection. Score: 96 (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2013) 397810 [XD] 750 mL GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU VINTAGE RESERVE RED 2010 Sonoma Valley TASTING NOTE: On the other hand, the 2010 Proprietary Red Vintage Reserve is among the finest wines I have tasted from this estate. A blend of Bordeaux varietals (I assume, but the exact grapes and percentages are not revealed), it reveals a rich, dense purple color in addition to lots of creme de cassis and licorice notes in a full-bodied, opulent, tasty format. Enjoy it over the next 10-15+ years. Score: 94+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 395673 [XD] 750 mL $ • NOVEMBER 2014 OVID RED 2010 Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: Sweet dark cherries and plums are some of the notes that explode from the 2010 Ovid. An utterly vivid, breathtaking wine, the 2010 impresses for its incredible balance and overall sense of harmony. Flowers of all sorts, sage and rosemary develop in the glass, adding tons of complexity. Today the 2010 is a little reticent next to the decidedly more exuberant 2009, which is quite typical of wines from Pritchard Hill at this stage in the evolution of these vintages. Power, pure vibrancy and intensity are the hallmarks of the 2010. This is another stunning wine from the team at Ovid. I can’t wait to see how the 2010 develops in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030. Score: 96-98 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012) 328120 [D] 750 mL $309.00 $ VINTAGES 23 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • USA – CALIFORNIA WHITE WINE RED WINE PINE RIDGE STAGS LEAP DISTRICT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: From the Stags Leap District (the home base of Pine Ridge), the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with notes of dark chocolate, spring flowers, black cherries and black currants. This medium to full-bodied, flavorful, pure wine possesses lots of nobility, intensity and richness, but there is not a hard edge to be found in this beauty. For sheer complexity, it is hard to beat. Moreover, it should drink well for 10-15 years. Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) 38067 [XD] 750 mL $133.00 NOVEMBER 2014 MERRY EDWARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County TASTING NOTE: This shows good purity and focus to the flavors of honeydew melon, passion fruit, lime and pear, with floral and mineral details. The texture is succulent and smooth, finishing with a bright acidity. Drink now. Score: 91 (MaryAnn Worobiec, winespectator.com, May 31, 2014) 283705 [D] VINTAGES 750 mL $59.00 STONESTREET UPPER BARN CHARDONNAY 2011 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County TASTING NOTE: (from a Hyde Wente clone): Full bright yellow. Ripe, deep aromas of lemon peel, tangerine, beeswax, crushed rock and dusty herbs, with hints of honey and tropical fruits. Large-scaled, rich and tactile, with nearly viscous flavors of lemon, white peach and butterscotch. Really compelling, ripe, vibrant fruit here, and wonderfully broad and dry. Very complex and sexy wine, a brilliant rendition of this outstanding chardonnay vineyard. Score: 95 (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2013) 253542 [XD] 24 FORTIFIED WINE 750 mL $85.00 SHERRY FERNANDO DE CASTILLA ANTIQUE OLOROSO SHERRY DO Jerez TASTING NOTE: The NV Antique Oloroso is open and expressive in the nose, with a predominant note of hazelnuts and varnished wood, a sweet touch of spices, brandy filled chocolates and orange rind. The perfectly balanced palate shows intense, clean, pure flavors and great length. 5,000 bottles produced yearly. Drink 2013-2016. Score: 95 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) 387118 500 mL $51.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION SPIRITS PORT TAYLOR FLADGATE SINGLE HARVEST TAWNY PORT 1964 DOC Douro TASTING NOTE: I allowed my glass of 1964 Taylor’s Very Old Single Harvest Port a couple of hours to open up in the glass, monitoring its evolution along the way. It is not a shy or retiring Port. Clear mahogany in color with a slight green tinge on the rim, the nose races out of the blocks like a young terrier let free in the garden, with intense aromas of grilled walnut, smoke, brown sugar, hints of caramel and a fug of alcohol that ebbs with time. The palate is smooth and honeyed on the entry, a very seductive Port wine, quite sumptuous in style, but with enough volatile lift to maintain fieriness toward the viscous finish. I speculate that had the 1963s not been so prodigious, Taylor Fladgate would have elected to follow their 1960 declaration with a 1964. That is all in the past. It is a delicious Vintage Port firing on all cylinders, ready to drink and enjoy now rather than cellar. Score: 95 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, May 2014) 393009 SCOTCH WHISKY GLENGLASSAUGH 30-YEAR-OLD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT The first expression to be released by the new owners, Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old has been matured for over three decades in coastal warehouses. Bottled at 44.8%, this is a refined single malt with elegant sherry cask characteristics complementing the fruit and oak spice. Handsomely presented in a sleek glass bottle and gift box, it'll mark a thirty-year milestone in style. 393041 700 mL $606.00 • NOVEMBER 2014 THE BALVENIE 30-YEAR-OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT TASTING NOTE: Nose: Has kept its character wonderfully, with a real mixture of varied fruits. Again the smoke is apparent, as is the panting oak. Astonishing that the style should have been kept so similar to previous bottlings. Taste: Big, full delivery first of enigmatic, thick barley, then a gentle eruption of controlled, warming spices. Finish: Much more oaky involvement but such is the steadiness of the barley, its extraordinary confidence, no damage is done and the harmony remains. Balance: Rarely have I come across a bottling of a whisky of these advanced years which is so true to previous ones. Amazing. Score: 92 (Jim Murray, Whisky Bible, 2013) 665091 700 mL $1,000.00 750 mL $300.00 VINTAGES 25 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • SPIRITS ARMAGNAC COGNAC DELORD BAS-ARMAGNAC 1981 AC Armagnac, France TASTING NOTE: Secondary and tertiary aromas, such as miso, dried chanterelles and leather, sing in this long aged armagnac. The palate shows hints of stony mineral and tamari, along with a hint of butterscotch. An intricately balanced spirit. Special Designation: Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation. Score: 97 (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2013) REMY MARTIN CENTAURE DE DIAMANT AC Cognac, France TASTING NOTE: Generous nose with stylish aromas of prune, dried fruit and floral backing. Rich and robust in the mouth with excellent balance between fruit and oak. Wide array of flavours including nuts, figs, raisins, prune and orange. Rich and intense. Everlasting finish. Wonderful brandy. Score: Gold Medal (International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2010) SCOTCH WHISKY THE MACALLAN M HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT In Lalique crystal decanter TASTING NOTE: The rich amber-brown of the Macallan M single-malt whisky – a special iteration of the Macallan contained in a hand-blown 750 mL Lalique crystal decanter – is noticeably deeper and darker than even the Scotch maker’s iconic 25-year-old whisky. Yet there is no age statement on this bottle, for the spirit is composed of whisky from seven casks selected by the Macallan’s master whisky maker, Bob Dalgarno, after more than two years of searching through the Macallan’s vast cellars of over 195,000 barrels. The oldest whisky in it was distilled in 1940, and all of them were matured in first-fill olorososherry casks. In the M, Dalgarno has produced something unlike anything the Macallan has ever offered. The Macallan’s classic resiny, raisiny richness is abundant in the M, as are plump cherry and fruit-filled sherried overtones, but then comes notes of lemons, leather, cedar, apples, violets, and a long, tobacco-laden finish. Bottled in 2013 at 89 proof, the Macallan M is intended to be an ongoing (albeit rare) addition to the brand’s 1824 series of top-tier whiskies. (Richard Carleton Hacker, robbreport.com, Jan. 17, 2014) 354639 26 750 mL VINTAGES NOVEMBER 2014 388546 750 mL $136.00 393108 700 mL $ $5,000.00 OPPOSITE:Acres of thriving vineyards in the sun-soaked Napa Valley. DECEMBER CLASSICS COLLECTION Online ordering starts December 4 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • FRANCE – BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU BRANON 2010 AC Pessac-Léognan TASTING NOTE: Once again in 2010, notes of mocha, espresso roast, chocolate, creme de cassis and scorched earth soar from this opaque purple-colored wine. It is aged in 100% new oak, but that is hardly noticeable given the wine’s sensational richness and extravagant fruit. This wine is classic, full-bodied and intense. It’s just a shame that less than 8,000 bottles are usually made. This wine is still backward, but very full, rich, and impressively pure in texture. Give it another 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20+ years. Score: 97 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) RED WINE CHÂTEAU BÉLAIR-MONANGE 2010 AC Saint-Émilion TASTING NOTE: An absolutely magnificent wine from Christian Moueix and his son Edouard, this wine is right up there with their 2009 and may eclipse it in terms of its potential longevity. Dense purple, with a near-liqueur of crushed rocks and chalk intermixed with blueberry, black raspberry and cassis, this wine is very full-bodied for a Belair, with ethereal complexity and impressive texture and length. I believe this is the first vintage of the wine to be released in an engraved bottle, which seems to be the direction of all the top estates in the Jean-Pierre Moueix stable. More evidence of concerned Bordelais attempting to stop criminals intent on producing fraudulent bottles of these limited production wines. Forget this baby for 7-8 years and then look for it to evolve over three decades-plus. Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 257964 [XD] 750 mL $209.85 DECEMBER 2014 262147 [XD] CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY 2010 AC Pessac-Léognan TASTING NOTE: From Helene Garcin, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot displays classic tobacco leaf and smoky barbecue notes along with rich black currants and crushed rocks in a medium to full-bodied, seductive, attractively up-front style. Some Asian plum sauce is also noticeable in this complex, evolved and delicious wine, which can be drunk over the next 10-15 years. It is a sleeper of the vintage. Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 260018 [XD] 750 mL $54.85 750 mL $199.85 CHÂTEAU CALON SÉGUR 2010 AC Saint-Estèphe, 3e Cru Ranked #14 in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2013. TASTING NOTE: This is an architectural wine, very classical in its structure like so many of the top wines of 2010. It’s powered by ripe tannins and beautiful black currant fruits. While the wine is gorgeously ripe, it also has a powerful dark and structured character. For long-term aging. Special Designation: Cellar Selection. Score: 97 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, May 2013) 259127 [XD] 750 mL $149.85 CHÂTEAU LA CROIX DE GAY 2010 AC Pomerol TASTING NOTE: Beautiful nose with cranberries, crushed chalk and licorice. Opens up with some iron, chocolate and floral notes. Full-bodied with really soft velvety tannins and polished pure fruit on the palate. Long precise finish. Drinks already wonderfully but tannins will integrate further over the next years. Best ever from here. Drink from 2015. Score: 94 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Feb. 18, 2013) 261073 [XD] 1,500 mL $112.85 28 VINTAGES THE CLASSICS COLLECTION CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ 2010 AC Saint-Julien, 2e Cru TASTING NOTE: The wine out distances both Leoville Las Cases and Leoville Barton, but all three of them are compelling efforts. Fullbodied, dense purple in color, with floral notes intermixed with blackberries, cassis, graphite and spring flowers, this full-bodied, legendary effort is long and opulent, with wonderfully abundant yet sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate and a thrilling, nearly one-minute finish. This spectacular effort from Poyferre [should] drink well for 30+ years. Score: 98+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 259416 [XD] 750 mL $224.85 CHÂTEAU MONTROSE 2010 AC Saint-Estèphe, 2e Cru TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Montrose is a fabulous wine, and I was leaning toward giving it a three-digit score, which it may ultimately merit after it resolves some of its very sweet tannin. It is not as soft or flamboyant as the 2009, but it is a great classic, coming in at 13.9% natural alcohol. Representing 64% of the total production, the final blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot (which is one percent different than the barrel sample blends that were presented). Inky bluish/purple in color, with classic blueberry, black currant, crushed rock and floral notes, hints of graphite, and lots of wild mountain berry fruit, this wine is extravagantly rich, has very sweet but noticeable tannin, laser-like precision, a massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and a finish of close to 50+ seconds. This remarkable wine will probably tighten up somewhat in the bottle, and need most of a decade to shed some tannin and its rather grapy, primary personality. The finish blew me away, and the overall power, richness and balance of this wine are virtually perfect. Look for it to drink well for half a century or more. Drink: 2013-3038. Score: 99 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 260521 [XD] • DECEMBER 2014 CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT 2010 AC Pessac-Léognan TASTING NOTE: I certainly underrated the 2010 Pape Clement from barrel, rating it only 93-95+. (Thank God I put a “plus” there!) Having tasted it four times in Bordeaux, and rating it perfect three times and 99 the fourth time, this final blend of 51% Merlot, 47.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1.5% Petit Verdot is perfection in a bottle. Tipping the scales at 14.5% natural alcohol, there are 8,000 cases of it. Its sublime elegance, the power, the medium to full-bodied texture, the silky tannins, the subtle notes of smoke, lead pencil shavings, black currants, charcoal, camphor, blueberry and cassis fruit are all remarkable. It is a rich, full-throttle wine, but the elegance and the great terroir of Pape Clement come through in abundance. It is slightly more developed and evolved than the 2005 was at a similar point in its evolution, but it certainly needs another 5-7 years to develop further nuances, which it surely will. This wine will last 30-40+ years. Score: 100 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 322388 [XD] 750 mL $239.85 750 mL $349.85 VINTAGES 29 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • FRANCE – BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2010 AC Pauillac TASTING NOTE: An absolutely amazing wine, from grapes harvested between the end of September and October 17, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot has close to 15% natural alcohol. It comes from one of the few biodynamic vineyards in Bordeaux, but you are likely to see many more, given the success that Tesseron seems to be having at all levels, both in his vineyards and in his fermentation/winemaking. An astounding, compelling wine with the classic Pauillac nose more often associated with its cross-street neighbor, Mouton-Rothschild, creme de cassis, there are also some violets and other assorted floral notes. The wine has off-the-charts massiveness and intensity but never comes across as heavy, overbearing or astringent. The freshness, laser-like precision, and fullbodied, massive richness and extract are simply remarkable to behold and experience. It is very easy, to become jaded tasting such great wines from a great vintage, but it is really a privilege to taste something as amazing as this. Unfortunately, it needs a good decade of cellaring, and that’s assuming it doesn’t close down over the next few years. This is a 50-to 75-year wine from one of the halfdozen or so most compulsive and obsessive proprietors in all of Bordeaux. Is there anything that proprietor Alfred Tesseron is not doing right? Talk about an estate that is on top of its game! Pontet-Canet’s 2010 is a more structured, tannic and restrained version of their most recent perfect wine, the 2009. Kudos to Pontet-Canet! Score: 100 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) RED WINE CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE 2010 AC Pauillac TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Pichon Lalande is performing extremely well and at the top of the range I predicted several years ago. A final blend dominated much more by Cabernet Sauvignon than usual (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot), the wine is a tighter, more tannic and structured version of this famed Pauillac, which often tends to have more of a St-Julien-like personality than most Pauillacs. Structured, backward and tannic, yet showing a fat mid-palate that is more savory, broader and more expansive than I remember from barrel, this wine is somewhat reminiscent of the 1986, given the Cabernet Sauvignon domination of the blend. Full-bodied, impressively endowed, and less sexy and velvety than normal, this is a somewhat different style of Pichon Lalande than most readers have been used to. Whether you like it more or less will depend on your point of view, but this wine, unlike most Pichon Lalandes, needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep for 30+ years. Score: 95+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 260497 [XD] 750 mL $349.85 DECEMBER 2014 261206 [XD] 6,000 mL $2,199.85 30 VINTAGES DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 2010 AC Pessac-Léognan TASTING NOTE: Dark fruits such as raspberries and blueberries with subtle perfume on the nose. Full body, with super well-integrated tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Racy young wine. Shows classy structure and richness. Try in 2018. Score: 96 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 14, 2013) 261255 [XD] 3,000 mL $514.85 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION WHITE WINE CHÂTEAU FILHOT 2010 AC Sauternes, 2e Cru TASTING NOTE: Apricots and smooth honey come through strongly in this beautiful wine. It has a rich, mellifluous texture, and accents of sweet spice are lifted by a shot of lemon zest. Drink from 2017. Special Designation: Best Buy. Score: 92 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2014) 254748 [S] 750 mL $42.85 CHÂTEAU LARRIVET HAUT-BRION BLANC 2010 AC Pessac-Léognan TASTING NOTE: Lemon rind, orange marmalade, honeyed grapefruit and subtle smoke soar from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, this very classic wine is pure and charming, combining finesse with substance. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2013) 750 mL DECEMBER 2014 FRANCE – RHÔNE SOUTHERN RHÔNE NORTHERN RHÔNE CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL HOMMAGE À JACQUES PERRIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012 AC TASTING NOTE: More rich and layered, with thrilling aromas and flavors of blueberry, blackberry, licorice, crushed stone, lavender and underbrush, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin will most likely be the wine of the vintage. Compared to the 1989 by Marc Perrin, it is fullbodied and massively constructed, with a deep, layered mid-palate, stunning purity and massive structure that’s partially hidden by all of the fruit. It should be given a handful of years in the cellar (rest assured, it can deliver plenty of pleasure in its youth) and then consumed over the following two decades or more. Drink 2018-2028+. Score: 97-100 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) RED WINE PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ LA CHAPELLE HERMITAGE 2011 AC TASTING NOTE: More dense, concentrated and structured, the knockout 2011 Hermitage La Chapelle, which comes mostly from the warmer, Le Meal lieu-dit, is up with the top 7-8 wines in the vintage. Offering up layers of black raspberry, powdered rock, chocolate, roasted meats and graphite, it flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, solid mid-palate depth and masses of fine tannin that are sweet and polished. Reasonably approachable given the wealth of fruit and texture, it should nevertheless be given a handful of years in the cellar. It should have 20+ years of total longevity. Drink: 2015-2035. Score: 95 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013) 973735 [XD] 256396 [XD] • RED WINE 985622 [XD] 750 mL $416.00 750 mL $254.00 $64.85 VINTAGES 31 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • FRANCE – RHÔNE FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE ITALY – CAMPANIA SOUTHERN RHÔNE CHAMPAGNE RED WINE CLOS DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUFDU-PAPE 2012 AC TASTING NOTE: Tasted from multiple foudres, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is stunning! Showing surprising depth and concentration in the vintage, with full-bodied richness and texture, all of the samples showed perfumed, complex aromatics, fantastic midpalates and serious back-end structure. Less forward than the 2011, with plenty of oomph, it will most likely require short-term cellaring to come around, and have a broad drink window. Score: 95-98 (Jeb Dunnuck, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2013) SALON BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002 Le Mesnil Grand Cru, AC TASTING NOTE: The 2002 Salon is phenomenal quality. I tasted it in New York City yesterday. I was mesmerized. It is a subtle and intense Champagne that shows complex character of lilac, minerals, sliced lemon, apple, and white pepper. It is full body and dense yet racy and agile with a lightness and freshness. It has a gloriously long finish. It changes every moment in the glass. It has such clarity. It’s magnificent to drink now, but shows great texture and structure for aging. Score: 99 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, March 11, 2014) DI PRISCO TAURASI 2005 DOCG TASTING NOTE: We were convinced that it was merely a matter of time, and in fact Taurasi ’05 has earned Pasqualino his first Three Glasses. It is a reward for his constancy but above all for a splendid wine, aged in barrels of different sizes and ages, that is illuminated by citrus and floral hints and veined with earthy, austere minerality. It is a young wine but one with juiciness and flavour [that] already make[s] the difference. Score: BBB (Excellent) (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2010) RED WINE 398305 [XD] DECEMBER 2014 750 mL $130.00 398297 [XD] 32 VINTAGES 750 mL $629.00 384180 [XD] 750 mL $54.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION ITALY – PIEDMONT RED WINE PECCHENINO LE COSTE BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Blueberry and raspberries on the nose with hints of oyster shell. Full body, with fine tannins and an intense and long finish. This is very solid and structured and not giving much. This will be much better in 2016 but already super quality. Score: 95 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Jan. 13, 2014) 378141 [XD] 750 mL RENATO RATTI ROCCHE BAROLO 2008 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Aromas of hazelnuts and spices with ripe fruits follow through to a full body, with lots of flavor and a polished and caressing mouthfeel of ripe tannins. Really decadent and delicious already. Better in 2015. Score: 95 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, July 19, 2012) 103333 [XD] 750 mL $80.00 • DECEMBER 2014 PALLADINO PARAFADA BAROLO 2007 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Smelling this Barolo, with its balsamic, menthol, cherry, tar and spice aromas, you can almost see where it’s going. Floral and fruit elements intensify on the palate, and this is rich yet harmonious in its youthful way. The aftertaste is long, complex and expansive. Best from 2014 through 2032. Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2011) 280412 [XD] 750 mL $77.00 $72.00 SCHIAVENZA BRICCO CERRETTA BAROLO 2009 DOCG TASTING NOTE: A mix of fruity and savory elements, with floral, cherry, leather, menthol, spice and tobacco notes, this red is racy and elegant, backed by stern, dusty tannins. The flavors persist on the very long finish. Best from 2016 through 2030. Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2013) 384123 [XD] 750 mL $48.00 VINTAGES 33 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • ITALY – PIEDMONT ITALY – TUSCANY RED WINE RED WINE TRAVAGLINI GATTINARA RISERVA 2007 DOCG The 2013 Gambero Rosso guide awarded this wine BBM, denoting a rating of Very Good to Excellent. ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2010 DOC Bolgheri Superiore TASTING NOTE: A star on the vast stage that is the Antinori wine empire, the 2010 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is a seamless and stunning wine. It’s one of those rare wines that inspires praise and excited conversation from the very second you raise the glass to your nose. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Baritone aromas of black cherry, black currant, cured meat, sweet spice, Spanish cedar, mocha and wild Mediterranean herbs come together in graceful unity. In the mouth, the wine is exceedingly smooth and decadent with a long velvety trail that softly coats the palate. This is one for the cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. Score: 97 (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) TASTING NOTE: Pretty aromas of rose bush and ripe strawberries follow though to a full body with fine tannins and a cocoa, fruit and light hazelnut character. This is always a delicious expression of nebbiolo. Drink or hold until 2023. Score: 92 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Dec. 20, 2013) 398156 [XD] 750 mL $50.00 DECEMBER 2014 398107 [XD] 750 mL $100.00 BARONE RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 DOCG TASTING NOTE: A wine with lots of blueberries and mushrooms on the nose and palate. Full body, with chewy tannins that are polished and attractive. Long, intense flavours. Gorgeous. Perhaps the best Castello di Brolio since 1997. Score: 96 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2013) 942607 [XD] 34 VINTAGES 750 mL $60.00 CONIALE 2009 IGT Toscana (Castellare di Castellina) TASTING NOTE: A super rich Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Coniale mirrors the same themes of elegance and abundance seen in the other wines from Castellare di Castellina. Black fruit, leather and spice add muscle and staying power. Despite the wine’s massive power and concentration, it also reveals unmistakable finesse in the way its various elements are so seamlessly integrated. Tiny details of tar, black licorice and rosemary sprig add to its overall complexity and give it an all-Italian personality. The aging potential is great. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2033. Score: 95+ (Monica Larner, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) 606954 [XD] 750 mL $66.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION CASTELLO ROMITORIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Balsamic aromas and flavors lead off in this intense, sinewy red. Pure cherry, strawberry and spice notes add complexity as this glides to the lingering finish, with a very long aftertaste of fruit and spice. Best from 2016 through 2032. Score: 93 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, June 15, 2013) 236356 [XD] 750 mL $65.00 398289 [XD] 750 mL $55.00 DECEMBER 2014 PORTUGAL SPAIN RED WINE RED WINE PRATS & SYMINGTON CHRYSEIA 2011 DOC Douro TASTING NOTE: An elegant and monolithic red, pure and powerful, with hints of lushness to the concentrated red plum, raspberry and dark currant flavors. This is filled with black olive and baker’s chocolate notes, backed up by grippy tannins. Finishes with refined accents of slate and white pepper. Best from 2016 through 2022. Special Designation: Highly Recommended. Score: 97 (Kim Marcus, winespectator.com, May 31, 2014) VICTORINO 2011 DO Toro (Bodega Teso La Monja) TASTING NOTE: The 2011 Victorino was cropped at 18.5 hectoliters per hectare between September 25 and October 4 and is currently being matured for 20 months in new Bordeaux barrels (due to be bottled July 2013). The nose already displays good minerality, although it is quite terse and laconic at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very well-integrated oak that lends a slight creamy texture. This offers great freshness and is already tightly knit on the finish. This has great potential. Drink 2016-2025+. Score: 93-95 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, April 2013) 396937 [XD] CASTELL’IN VILLA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2001 DOCG TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Chianti Classico Riserva is a big, layered wine bursting with energy. It possesses striking aromatic nuance and delineation from the very first taste. Today the fruit is quite vibrant and the tannins, while present, are not completely unapproachable. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2031. Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2012) • 750 mL $81.00 399071 [XD] 750 mL $ ALONSO DEL YERRO PAYDOS 2010 DO Toro TASTING NOTE: Complex aromatics of red currants, blueberries and French oak lurking in the background. Wild herbs and flintstone notes build in the glass. Appetising albeit still quite young, with some apparent tannins of fine quality, waiting to blend in. A long, spicy finish. Drink: 2014-2023. Score: 96 (Decanter, March 2014) 397752 [XD] 750 mL $61.00 VINTAGES 35 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • SPAIN TAMARAL FINCA LA MIRA 2009 DO Ribera del Duero TASTING NOTE: Built on the power of the 2009 vintage, this combines a density of fruit with a firm structure and a textural grip that will take time to smooth out. Herbal aromas moderate the wine’s ripeness, while crisp acidity keeps it feeling vibrant. From 90-yearold vines in Pesquera del Duero, this will evolve for five years or more. Score: 93 (wineandspiritsmagazine.com, June 2013) RED WINE CAL BATLLET GRATALLOPS 5 PARTIDES 2010 DOCa Priorat (Cellers Ripoll Sans) TASTING NOTE: (100% carinena; aged for 15 months in small French oak barrels): Inky ruby. Sexy, floral aromas of red berry preserves and cherry-cola. Supple, palate-staining black raspberry and violet pastille flavors are impressively concentrated and focused, picking up smoke and spicecake nuances with air. Sweet, seamless and persistent on the finish, displaying fully absorbed tannins and deeper blue fruit character. This sexy wine is delicious now. Score: 93 (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2013) 397737 [XD] 750 mL $94.00 TERMANTHIA 2010 DOC Toro TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Termanthia is broody and introspective on the nose, the aromatics almost cowering following the 2009. The palate is full-bodied and robust with good weight. This is perhaps the most powerful Termanthia that I have encountered with waves of ripe dark cherries, cassis and blueberry washing over the palate, fanning out towards a dense, peppermint-tinged finish. This is a lovely wine, although to be frank, I actually find more soul in the Numanthia. Score: 93 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, April 2013) 393280 [XD] 36 VINTAGES 750 mL $208.00 DECEMBER 2014 397729 [XD] 750 mL $52.00 BODEGAS MAS ALTA LA BASSETA 2008 DOCa Priorat TASTING NOTE: The 2008 La Basseta is medium purple in color with a nose of slightly roasted mineral and spice elements, violets, black cherry, and black plum. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with a smooth texture, layered flavors, excellent volume, and a firm structure. This lengthy effort will evolve for 2-3 years and will deliver prime drinking from 2014 to 2023. Score: 94 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, May 2011) 397745 [XD] 750 mL $98.00 HERMANOS PECIÑA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA RESERVA 2001 DOCa Rioja TASTING NOTE: A vinous Rioja, this is complex and heady rather than directly fruity, its earthy scents of roots melded with green fig. The overall impression is classical, with an intriguing gaminess that makes it a hunter’s wine, one to serve with roast pigeon or other game birds. Score: 93 (wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Dec. 2010) 122606 [XD] 750 mL $47.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION CANADA – ONTARIO RED WINE TAWSE CHERRY AVENUE PINOT NOIR 2011 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula The Tawse Cherry Avenue vineyard is comprised of three blocks named for the children of Moray and Joanne Tawse and is planted with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Carly's Block was planted with Riesling in 1976 and is home to some of the Niagara Escarpment's oldest Riesling vines. The vineyard's Pinot Noir is sourced from Robyn's Block (one acre, planted in 2002 and 2005) and David's Block (two acres planted in 2005). As the vines in the latter two blocks have aged, the resulting wines have also evolved and, with each vintage, demonstrate greater complexity and depth. Factors that are attracting the attention of local and international press: David Lawrason described the 2010 vintage as being " ... a generous, quite complex pinot noir ... with cran-sour cherry and herbs nicely etched with wood smoke and spice ... ," while Allen Meadows of burghound.com said of the same vintage: " ... round, supple and delicious middle weight flavors possess solid depth and length on the balanced finish ... " Both reviewers awarded the wine a rating of 89 points. 398347 [XD] 750 mL THE FOREIGN AFFAIR GRAN Q 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula TASTING NOTE: The Gran Q, made from 100% dried grapes, is one of the biggest wines I have tasted from Niagara, made from grapes (Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and Merlot) dried for an average 90 days. The wine was aged for 24-28 months in 80% new French oak. The nose is astonishing; gobs of black currant compote, rich, thick cassis, leather, graphite and sweet spices. The whopping 17.5% alc on the palate is backed up by luxurious, sweet and complex dark fruits, well-defined tannins and an array of spices that echo on the finish. Drink heartily, but serve with grilled red meat. Score: 93 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, March 16, 2014) 397877 [XD] 750 mL $150.00 • DECEMBER 2014 WAYNE GRETZKY ESTATES NO. 99 THE ICON 2010 Single Barrel, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula TASTING NOTE: On Dec. 30, 1981, Wayne Gretzky scored five goals against the Philadelphia Flyers to seal a 7-5 victory for the Edmonton Oilers and record a currrently untouchable record of 50 goals in 39 games. That was then, and this is now and perhaps his greatest achievement from a wine point of view is the Icon 2010 red, a bold blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 22 months in new oak and is finished unfined and unfiltered. This is one heck of a wine. It’s dark and thick in the glass with highly extracted black cherry, black currants, roasted Espresso bean, vanilla toast, mocha and an array of thrilling spices swirling around on the nose. It’s big, bold and brash, but not clunky, on the palate and built for the cellar with black fruits, lifted spices, cocoa, vanilla, black licorice, campfire smoke, persistence through the finish and grippy tannins. Needs time for the moving parts to all come together but I sense it will be a beautiful wine once that takes place. Score: 92 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Jan 21, 2013) 314773 [XD] 750 mL $99.20 $57.95 VINTAGES 37 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • CANADA – ONTARIO AUSTRALIA WHITE WINE RED WINE PEARL MORISSETTE CUVÉE DIX-NEUVIEME CHARDONNAY 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula TASTING NOTE: Tragically singular in expression, regardless and in spite of the terroir, mixes metaphors and pulls it off. “Takes arms against a sea of troubles,” by convincing ADHD fruit of an uncertain vintage to settle, play nice and “by opposing, end them.” Now entering the load out zone, this Hamlet cuvée is “the first to come and the last to leave, working for that minimum wage.” A sentimental ballad here to stay, be remembered and to set the stage for all dixneuvième to come. Tasted July 2013. Score: 92 (Michael Godel, winealign.com, March 25, 2014) ELDERTON COMMAND SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2010 Barossa Valley, South Australia TASTING NOTE: Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Command Shiraz shows off pronounced blueberries and dark chocolate aromas laced with Szechuan pepper and Chinese Five Spice plus a touch of menthol. Full-bodied, very structured and still showing the oak, the palate is fresh, very clean and pure with plenty of spice lingering in the long finish. Drink it now to 2025+. Score: 95 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2014) TORBRECK THE FACTOR 2010 Barossa Valley, South Australia TASTING NOTE: Deep garnet-purple color and a 100% Shiraz wine aged in predominately older oak, the 2010 The Factor reveals a stunningly beautiful nose of creme de cassis, plum pudding and blackberry coulis with intriguing flourishes of licorice, dark chocolate, cloves and peppered salami. Big and voluptuously fruited in the full-bodied mouth, this is a fullon, complex Shiraz possessing a great foundation of firm, rounded tannins and an energized acid backbone to bring everything to a finish with outstanding length and harmony. Approachable now, it should drink best 2016 to 2028+. Score: 97+ (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2014) 398354 [XD] 97378 303602 [XD] 38 VINTAGES 750 mL $40.00 DECEMBER 2014 750 mL $90.00 [XD] 750 mL $ THE CLASSICS COLLECTION ARGENTINA RED WINE COBOS MALBEC 2011 Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (Viña Cobos) TASTING NOTE: The nose is phenomenal in this wine. It makes my head spin with so much beautiful perfumes of violets, lavender, sandalwood, mineral, dried fruits, figs. Full body, with phenomenal depth of fruit that gives layers of structure and richness. I am amazed. This is a wine to try in 2020 but so impressive now. This is the Harlan of Argentina but from malbec instead of cabernet sauvignon. 500 cases made. This is as good as it gets for malbec. Score: 100 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, June 11, 2014) 119289 [XD] 750 mL $215.00 COBOS VOLTURNO 2011 Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (Viña Cobos) TASTING NOTE: The 2011 Cobos Volturno is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec from the oldest ungrafted Malbec vines and 16-year-old Cabernet from the Marchiori vineyard in Perdriel (Lujan de Cuyo) fermented in inox and aged in new Taransaud oak barrels for 18 months. The wine shows very young, a little backward and reticent in the nose, where it takes some time to appreciate notes of black cherries, creamy oak, vanilla and sweet spices. The full-bodied palate shows a combination of the round, sweet tannins from the Malbec and the more austere ones from the Cabernet, with supple fruit, and a long, intense finish. A powerful Cabernet rounded by the Malbec. If you like powerful, concentrated wines, this is one of the best. Drink 2016-2025. Score: 94 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, April 2014) 396929 [XD] 750 mL $235.00 • DECEMBER 2014 NICOLÁS CATENA ZAPATA 2010 Mendoza (Bodega Catena Zapata) TASTING NOTE: Doctor Nicolas Catena always liked Cabernet Sauvignon so the wine that carries his name has a greater percentage of the noble Bordeaux grape. The 2010 Nicolas Catena Zapata is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Malbec sourced from La Piramide, Domingo, Adrianna and Nicasia. The fresh and balanced 2010 produced good ripeness of the fruit but the acidity was also great and the wine finished with 6.5 grams of acidity and a natural pH of 3.5, as the grapes are selected from cold soils. The first vintage was 1997, but this has to be one of their finest. This has the intensity of the Catena Alta Cabernet and the verticality and austerity of the Adrianna Malbec. It has very good acidity and intensity, while it has some velvety tannins. For a minute I was trying to remember the varietals as the sense of place, the freshness and the earthy sensations clearly take over. A superb bottle of wine. This is a wine to age. Drink 2016-2023. Score: 95 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, April 2014) 396960 [XD] 750 mL $110.00 VINTAGES 39 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • ARGENTINA USA – CALIFORNIA RED WINE RED WINE LUCA NICO BY LUCA MALBEC 2009 Uco Valley, Mendoza TASTING NOTE: It is always awkward when a wine is named after somebody’s son or daughter – what if the wine is awful? Fortunately, Luca’s flagship wine named after Laura Catena’s daughter is sublime. The 2009 Nico by Luca is a pure Malbec from Altamira and La Consulta in the Uco Valley, from 51-year-old vines. The fruit is aged in French barriques of which 70% are new. It has a very elegant bouquet of wild strawberry, red currant, orange zest and crushed stone that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins. It is a complex wine with blackberry, bell pepper, red peppercorns, cumin and a touch of fennel towards the finish, which is harmonious and very elegant. This is an outstanding Malbec that will age with style. Just 200 three-packs made. Drink 2013-2025. Score: 94 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012) SEA SMOKE TEN PINOT NOIR 2012 Santa Rita Hills Sea Smoke produces three Pinot Noirs: Botella, Southing, and Ten. Named for and produced from a barrel of each of the ten Pinot Noir clones in the Sea Smoke estate vineyard, the Ten is by far the heartiest and most robust of the winery's Pinots. The more aggressive style is achieved, in part, by using a greater percentage of new oak in the vinification process. The resulting wine has all of Sea Smoke's trademark fruit-driven style in an intense and brooding package with a noticeable tannic framework. The Ten is an excellent choice for long-term cellaring. 167320 [XD] 40 VINTAGES 750 mL $108.00 DECEMBER 2014 59014 [D] 750 mL $121.00 CONTINUUM PROPRIETARY RED 2011 St. Helena, Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: The 2011 Continuum is a dark, brooding beauty. The heavy presence of Petit Verdot, 11% in this vintage, is clearly felt in the wine’s somber, intense personality. The 2011 is going to require significant patience. It boasts superb density and pedigree, but it was also bottled just a few months ago, and is a bit unsettled at this stage. The 2011 was made from virtually all estate fruit, with a splash of Petit Verdot from Mount Veeder. Drink: 2016-2031. Score: 95+ (Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com, Nov. 2013) 397836 [XD] 750 mL $230.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION ALPHA OMEGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is seriously beautiful. A dark, imposing wine, the 2010 wraps around the palate with layers of persistent dark fruit. There is a brooding inner intensity that is highly appealing. Today, the 2010 is very primary, but it should develop nicely and continue to drink well for another decade, perhaps longer. Hints of mocha and espresso add complexity on the racy, expansive finish. The 2010 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Score: 93 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012) DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: Bright, deep red. Wild, highly aromatic nose combines raspberry, blackberry, coffee, leather and mocha. Broad, ripe and dry, with peppery acidity and a deep spicy character lifting the dried cherry, dark berry and pipe tobacco flavors. Savory and claret-like cabernet with a very long finish featuring fine-grained tannins and subtle notes of leather, black cardamom, black tea and licorice. Score: 92 (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2014) 397711 [XD] LOKOYA MOUNT VEEDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 Napa Valley TASTING NOTE: Chris Carpenter’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder is super-impressive from start to finish. A rich, dark wine, the 2010 saturates the palate with endless layers of huge fruit. Violets, menthol, tar, plums and blueberry jam all flow from this striking wine. Clean veins of piercing, saline Mt. Veeder minerality run through the 2010. Although just bottled, the 2010 is shaping up to be a jewel of wine. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. Score: 96 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012) 750 mL $119.00 193896 [XD] 10751 [XD] 750 mL • DECEMBER 2014 VÉRITÉ LE DÉSIR 2010 Sonoma County TASTING NOTE: Dark ruby. Blackberry, black cherry, bitter chocolate liqueur, graphite and licorice on the nose. Densely packed and youthfully taut, displaying outstanding energy to the deep, chewy dark fruit and mineral flavors. This very tightly coiled, sharply delineated Saint-Emilion blend has serious tannic clout that will require extended aging. Should evolve positively for 20 years or more. Score: 95(+?) (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2014) 397653 [XD] 750 mL $459.00 $95.00 750 mL $439.00 VINTAGES 41 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • USA – CALIFORNIA MOUNT EDEN ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2010 Santa Cruz Mountains TASTING NOTE: Mount Eden's 2010 Chardonnay is stunning. Honeysuckle, tangerine, apricot, and crème brulee literally jump from the glass[.] A vivid, exotic wine, the 2010 is constantly changing in the glass. Stylistically, the 2010 is a little richer than Mount Eden fans are used to, but all the elements are in the right place. The 2010 verges on the edge of tropical aromas and flavors that are quite rare for young Mount Eden Chardonnays. Ideally, the 2010 is best left alone for a few years to allow some of the baby fat to drop off. I imagine it will always be a bit on the exotic side. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com, July 2013) WHITE WINE PLUMPJACK RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2013 Napa Valley The fruit for the 2013 PlumpJack Reserve was sourced from two vineyards in the Napa Valley, with the majority coming from Pat Garvey's P&J Vineyard in St. Helena and the remainder from Andy Beckstoffer's Carneros Lake vineyard in Los Carneros. Winemaker Aaron Miller makes great use of the fruit from the cooler Los Carneros site to impart notes of apples and pear and infuse the wine with a fresh, lively acidity that works beautifully alongside the exotic and tropical fruit from the warmer St. Helena. The St. Helena vineyard produces fruit of such natural intensity and richness that it is not necessary for this wine to undergo malolactic fermentation. The 2013 saw some oaking, which adds layers of vanilla and spice, but not at a level that will impact the vibrancy of the aromatics and flavours. 397869 [XD] 42 VINTAGES 750 mL $67.00 DECEMBER 2014 603829 [XD] 750 mL $70.00 FORTIFIED WINE SHERRY BODEGAS TRADICIÓN PALO CORTADO VORS DO Jerez TASTING NOTE: The NV Palo Cortado Tradicion VORS, averages 32 years of age, which they consider the correct age for Palo Cortado, so it is not just an old Sherry. Light amber-colored, the nose has a sweet sensation, apricots, and almonds but then the mouth is very dry and saline, fine and light, with flavors of hazelnut, a little varnish, very elegant, intense, pungent, a little spirity. It has a delineated palate, superb intensity, and very long finish. Classical, elegant, clean, intense and delicate could be common descriptors for all their wines. A textbook Palo Cortado. Drink 2013-2019. Score: 94 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2013) 397760 [XD] 750 mL $129.00 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION SPIRITS PORT QUINTA DO VESUVIO VINTAGE PORT 1994 TASTING NOTE: Terrific aromas of berries and violets, with a hint of mint. Full-bodied and lightly sweet, with fine, silky tannins that build on the palate and caress the tongue. Outstanding concentration and harmony. Greatest Vesúvio this century. Best after 2010. Score: 96 (James Suckling, winespectator.com, April 30, 1997) 727222 [S] 750 mL $110.00 DECEMBER 2014 TEQUILA COGNAC HENNESSY PARADIS EXTRA RARE TASTING NOTE: It’s made from several hundred eaux-de-vie aged 25 to 130 years and on the decadence scale is like crème brûlée made with foie gras. Words kind of fail, but I’ll try: lavishly creamy, with a floral-citrus fragrance and slowly unfolding layers of caramelized sugar, chocolate, orange, banana and spice cake. Or maybe a rhyme is best: First pass the Courvoisier 21, then pass the Paradis and I’m done. Score: 96 (Beppi Crosariol, The Globe and Mail, Nov. 29, 2011) 208298 • 750 mL GRAN PATRÓN BURDEOS AÑEJO TEQUILA TASTING NOTE: Delightful aromas of dill, asparagus, baked bread and black peppercorn; following aeration subtle notes of vanilla, just-sawn oak, loose leaf tobacco and fennel are added. Entry is poised, sap-like and delicately honeyed; midpalate is regal, satiny textured, rich in grapy yet vegetal and spicy flavor. Concludes long, layered and succulent. Score: 96-100 (F. Paul Pacult, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2009) 286690 750 mL $700.00 $1,400.00 VINTAGES 43 NOVEMBER 2014 PRODUCT SUMMARY SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER PRICE (per btl.) SCORE CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2010 750 263020 $288.85 RP 94 CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU 2010 750 262311 $388.85 JS 100 CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM 2010 375 263129 $524.85 JS 97 CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM 2010 750 263152 $1044.95 JS 97 DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER BLANC 2010 750 259580 $159.85 JS 100 CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT 1995 750 387894 $76.00 750 182618 $91.00 BH 91 750 387878 $89.00 BH 90-93 750 209486 $91.00 WS 93 750 333542 $399.00 WS 95 750 387852 $100.00 RP 92 750 76695 $33.00 BH 88-91 750 384164 $37.00 BH 90-92 750 76984 $51.00 BH 90-92 PRODUCT FRANCE – BORDEAUX RED WINE FRANCE – BORDEAUX WHITE WINE FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE BEAUNE RED WINE DOMAINE BLAIN-GAGNARD VOLNAY LES PITURES 1er CRU 2010 LOUIS JADOT POMMARD EPENOTS 1er CRU 2010 MAISON AMBROISE LE ROGNET CORTON GRAND CRU 2006 FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE BEAUNE WHITE WINE LOUIS JADOT BÂTARD-MONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2011 LOUIS JADOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES CAILLERETS 1er CRU 2010 FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CHABLIS WHITE WINE DOMAINE LONG-DEPAQUIT LES VAUCOPINS CHABLIS 1er CRU 2012 DOMAINE SERVIN VAUCOUPIN CHABLIS 1er CRU 2012 DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE LES LYS CHABLIS 1er CRU 2012 DAMIEN & ROMAIN BOUCHARD VAILLONS CHABLIS 1er 750 384073 $40.00 WE 91 PASCAL BOUCHARD BLANCHOT CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2011 CRU 2011 750 378166 $73.00 WE 94 BILLAUD-SIMON VAUDÉSIR GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2010 750 328336 $ RP 93+ LA CHABLISIENNE CHÂTEAU GRENOUILLES CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2010 750 82974 $ BH 94 750 393520 $105.00 RP 91-93 E. GUIGAL EX VOTO ERMITAGE 2010 750 393363 $469.00 RP 97-99 E. GUIGAL LA LANDONNE CÔTE-RÔTIE 2010 750 393389 $469.00 RP 98-100 E. GUIGAL LA MOULINE CÔTE-RÔTIE 2010 750 393413 $469.00 RP 99-100 E. GUIGAL LA TURQUE CÔTE-RÔTIE 2010 750 393371 $469.00 RP 98-100 E. GUIGAL CHÂTEAU D’AMPUIS CÔTE-RÔTIE 2009 750 398081 $ RP 96+ FRANCE – RHÔNE – NORTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE E. GUIGAL VIGNES DE L’HOSPICE SAINT-JOSEPH 2011 SCORES We have included scores from the following sources: AWC BH DEC IWC IWSC JS Australian Wine Companion burghound.com decanter.com International Wine Cellar International Wine & Spirit Competition jamessuckling.com RP USC WB WE WS erobertparker.com Ultimate Spirits Challenge Whisky Bible Wine Enthusiast winespectator.com Opening inventory for Classics products will be available on vintages.com one week before the release date. 44 VINTAGES THE CLASSICS COLLECTION PRODUCT SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER • NOVEMBER 2014 PRICE (per btl.) SCORE FRANCE – RHÔNE – SOUTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC LA GUIGASSE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011 750 378174 $ RP 94 PIERRE HENRI MOREL LIEU-DIT PIGNAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011 750 384115 $ RP 93 XAVIER CUVÉE ANONYME CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011 750 393421 $62.00 RP 95 DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009 750 957274 $61.00 RP 93 750 387845 $62.00 RP 94 750 378125 $ RP 94 HENRIOT BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 750 384099 $79.00 WS 94 TARLANT CUVÉE LOUIS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 750 293811 $90.00 WE 94 FRANCE – RHÔNE – SOUTHERN RHÔNE WHITE WINE XAVIER CUVÉE ANONYME CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE BLANC 2012 FRANCE – ALSACE WHITE WINE ROLLY GASSMANN OBERER WEINGARTEN DE RORSCHWIHR VENDANGES TARDIVES GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2008 FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE VILMART & CIE GRAND CELLIER PREMIER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE 750 65110 $81.00 WS 95 NICOLAS FEUILLATTE CUVÉE PALMES D’OR BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002 750 732743 $147.00 WS 93 BOLLINGER R.D. EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002 750 933606 $280.00 JS 99 750 391136 $110.00 MONTEVETRANO 2010 750 352971 $97.00 RP 96 MASTROBERARDINO RADICI TAURASI RISERVA 2006 750 75499 $52.00 WS 94 AUSTRIA WHITE WINE NIKOLAIHOF STEINER HUND RESERVE RIESLING 2004 ITALY – CAMPANIA RED WINE ITALY – PIEDMONT RED WINE AZELIA SAN ROCCO BAROLO 2010 750 304436 $103.00 JS 93 BROVIA GARBLÈT SUE’ BAROLO 2010 750 105569 $92.00 IWC 94-95 CHIARA BOSCHIS VIA NUOVA BAROLO 2010 750 395400 $92.00 WS 92 ATTILIO GHISOLFI BUSSIA BAROLO 2009 750 382796 $51.00 WS 94 CAVALLOTTO BRICCO BOSCHIS BAROLO 2009 750 579276 $83.00 WE 95 MARCARINI BRUNATE BAROLO 2009 750 167494 $70.00 JS 94 MARCHESI DI BAROLO CANNUBI BAROLO 2009 750 980912 $69.00 RP 94 MICHELE CHIARLO CEREQUIO BAROLO 2009 750 393355 $92.00 RP 94 PIO CESARE ORNATO BAROLO 2009 750 324186 $112.00 JS 96 SCHIAVENZA BROGLIO BAROLO 2009 750 121301 $53.00 WS 92 SERIO & BATTISTA BORGOGNO CANNUBI BAROLO 2009 750 387803 $58.00 DEC 95 VIRNA CANNUBI BOSCHIS BAROLO 2009 750 378448 $83.00 DEC 96 BORGOGNO CANNUBI BAROLO 2008 750 314211 $122.00 JS 96 CAVALLOTTO VIGNOLO RISERVA BAROLO 2007 750 317958 $115.00 WE 97 ELIO ALTARE CERRETTA VIGNA BRICCO BAROLO 2007 750 295766 $142.00 RP 95 ROBERTO VOERZIO MERLOT 2007 750 384172 $221.00 RP 95 VINTAGES 45 PRODUCT SUMMARY PRODUCT SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER PRICE (per btl.) SCORE 750 111286 $66.00 RP 94 ITALY – SICILY RED WINE FEUDO MONTONI VRUCARA NERO D’AVOLA 2009 ITALY – TUSCANY RED WINE PETROLO GALATRONA 2011 750 21998 $125.00 JS 99 FONTODI VIGNA DEL SORBO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 750 963827 $81.00 RP 95 QUERCIABELLA CAMARTINA 2010 750 123653 $124.00 JS 94 TESTAMATTA ROSSO 2010 750 393322 $160.00 JS 98 CASTELLO DI BOSSI CORBAIA 2009 750 393512 $65.00 RP 95 CASTELLO DI BOSSI GIROLAMO 2009 750 393330 $58.00 RP 94 TENUTA DI TRECCIANO DANIELLO 2009 750 395343 $34.00 WS 93 MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 750 91587 $49.00 WS 93 LISINI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 750 378182 $90.00 RP 94+ PADELLETTI RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 750 382739 $83.00 WE 96 CASTELL’IN VILLA POGGIO DELLE ROSE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 750 244194 $70.00 RP 95 ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI BURIANO 2006 750 84285 $52.00 RP 94 ITALY – VENETO RED WINE G. CAMPAGNOLA CATERINA ZARDINI RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008 750 265819 $63.00 RP 93 VILLA ERBICE TREMENEL AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2007 750 388629 $66.00 RP 93 750 391136 $110.00 RP 97 QUINTA DO VALLADO FIELD BLEND RESERVA 2011 750 385872 $ WS 96 QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO MIRABILIS GRANDE RESERVA TINTO 2011 750 392944 $136.00 RP 95 AALTO 2011 750 120436 $61.00 IWC 92 CASA CASTILLO PIE FRANCO 2010 750 384107 $67.00 RP 95 AUSTRIA – WACHAU WHITE WINE NIKOLAIHOF STEINER HUND RESERVE RIESLING 2004 PORTUGAL RED WINE SPAIN RED WINE CLAVE DE TÁBULA 2010 750 293795 $119.00 WS 94 SIERRA CANTABRIA AMANCIO 2010 750 393124 $195.00 RP 96+ NUMANTHIA 2008 750 260927 $65.00 RP 93 VIÑA DE MOYA LEÍROS 2007 750 384446 $64.00 RP 93 REAL DE ASÚA 2004 750 371898 $105.00 RP 95+ 750 373126 $ BY FARR FARRSIDE PINOT NOIR 2011 750 392829 $76.00 AWC 97 MOLLYDOOKER VELVET GLOVE 2011 750 393017 $215.00 RP 97 TWO HANDS ARES SHIRAZ 2010 750 64816 $158.00 WS 97 GEOFF WEAVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2000 750 394684 $56.00 AWC 96 CANADA – ONTARIO RED WINE THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT BENCHMARK RED 2010 AUSTRALIA RED WINE 46 VINTAGES THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2014 SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER PRICE (per btl.) SCORE CATENA ZAPATA ADRIANNA VINEYARD MALBEC 2010 750 395418 $129.00 RP 96 CATENA ZAPATA ARGENTINO VINEYARD MALBEC 2010 750 395426 $110.00 RP 94 MENDEL FINCA REMOTA MALBEC 2010 750 271353 $107.00 RP 92+ DOMINIO DEL PLATA NOSOTROS MALBEC 2009 750 393025 $100.00 WS 92 PATZ & HALL HYDE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2012 750 926667 $ RP 94 DUCKHORN THREE PALMS VINEYARD MERLOT 2011 750 34785 $94.00 BERINGER BANCROFT RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 750 377010 $80.00 DYER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 750 397810 $ WE 96 GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU VINTAGE RESERVE RED 2010 750 395673 $ RP 94+ OVID RED 2010 750 328120 $302.00 RP 96-98 PINE RIDGE STAGS LEAP DISTRICT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 750 38067 $133.00 RP 94 MERRY EDWARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 750 283705 $59.00 WS 91 STONESTREET UPPER BARN CHARDONNAY 2011 750 253542 $85.00 IWC 95 500 387118 $51.00 RP 95 750 393009 $300.00 RP 95 GLENGLASSAUGH 30-YEARS-OLD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT 700 393041 $606.00 THE BALVENIE 30-YEARS-OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 700 665091 $1000.00 THE MACALLAN M HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT 750 354639 $5000.00 750 388546 $136.00 USC 97 700 393108 $ IWSC GOLD MEDAL PRODUCT ARGENTINA RED WINE USA – CALIFORNIA RED WINE RP 95 USA – CALIFORNIA WHITE WINE FORTIFIED WINE SHERRY FERNANDO DE CASTILLA ANTIQUE OLOROSO SHERRY FORTIFIED WINE PORT TAYLOR FLADGATE SINGLE HARVEST TAWNY PORT 1964 SPIRITS SCOTCH WHISKY WB 92 SPIRITS ARMAGNAC DELORD BAS-ARMAGNAC 1981 SPIRITS COGNAC REMY MARTIN CENTAURE DE DIAMANT VINTAGES 47 DECEMBER 2014 PRODUCT SUMMARY SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER PRICE (per btl.) SCORE CHÂTEAU BÉLAIR-MONANGE 2010 750 257964 $209.85 RP 96 CHÂTEAU BRANON 2010 750 262147 $199.85 RP 97 CHÂTEAU CALON SÉGUR 2010 750 259127 $149.85 WE 97 CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY 2010 750 260018 $54.85 RP 92 CHÂTEAU LA CROIX DE GAY 2010 1500 261073 $112.85 JS 94 CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ 2010 750 259416 $224.85 RP 98+ CHÂTEAU MONTROSE 2010 750 260521 $349.85 RP 99 CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT 2010 750 322388 $239.85 RP 100 CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE 2010 750 260497 $349.85 RP 95+ CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2010 6000 261206 $2199.85 RP 100 DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 2010 3000 261255 $514.85 JS 96 CHÂTEAU FILHOT 2010 750 254748 $42.85 WE 92 CHÂTEAU LARRIVET HAUT-BRION BLANC 2010 750 256396 $64.85 RP 92 973735 $254.00 RP 95 PRODUCT FRANCE – BORDEAUX RED WINE FRANCE – BORDEAUX WHITE WINE FRANCE – RHÔNE – NORTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ LA CHAPELLE HERMITAGE 2011 750 FRANCE – RHÔNE – SOUTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL HOMMAGE À JACQUES PERRIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012 750 985622 $416.00 RP 97-100 CLOS DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012 750 398305 $130.00 RP 95-98 750 398297 $629.00 JS 99 FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE SALON BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2002 SCORES We have included scores from the following sources: DEC GAM GR IWC JS RP VM decanter.com The Globe and Mail Gambero Rosso Italian Wines International Wine Cellar jamessuckling.com erobertparker.com vinousmedia.com WAL WAS WB WE WN WS winealign.com wineandspiritsmagazine.com Whisky Bible Wine Enthusiast Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com winespectator.com Opening inventory for Classics products will be available on vintages.com one week before the release date. 48 VINTAGES THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • DECEMBER 2014 SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER PRICE (per btl.) SCORE 750 384180 $54.00 GR BBB PECCHENINO LE COSTE BAROLO 2009 750 378141 $72.00 JS 95 SCHIAVENZA BRICCO CERRETTA BAROLO 2009 750 384123 $48.00 WS 93 RENATO RATTI ROCCHE BAROLO 2008 750 103333 $80.00 JS 95 PALLADINO PARAFADA BAROLO 2007 750 280412 $77.00 WS 94 TRAVAGLINI GATTINARA RISERVA 2007 750 398156 $50.00 JS 92 ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2010 750 398107 $100.00 RP 97 BARONE RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 750 942607 $60.00 JS 96 CONIALE 2009 750 606954 $66.00 RP 95+ CASTELLO ROMITORIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 750 236356 $65.00 WS 93 CASTELL’IN VILLA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2001 750 398289 $55.00 RP 94 750 396937 $81.00 WS 97 VICTORINO 2011 750 399071 $ RP 93-95 ALONSO DEL YERRO PAYDOS 2010 750 397752 $61.00 DEC 96 CAL BATLLET GRATALLOPS 5 PARTIDES 2010 750 397737 $94.00 IWC 93 TERMANTHIA 2010 750 393280 $208.00 RP 93 TAMARAL FINCA LA MIRA 2009 750 397729 $52.00 BODEGAS MAS ALTA LA BASSETA 2008 750 397745 $98.00 RP 94 HERMANOS PECIÑA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA RESERVA 2001 750 122606 $47.00 WAS 93 PRODUCT ITALY – CAMPANIA RED WINE DI PRISCO TAURASI 2005 ITALY – PIEDMONT RED WINE ITALY – TUSCANY RED WINE PORTUGAL RED WINE PRATS & SYMINGTON CHRYSEIA 2011 SPAIN RED WINE VINTAGES 49 PRODUCT SUMMARY SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER PRICE (per btl.) 750 398347 $57.95 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR GRAN Q 2010 750 397877 $150.00 WN 93 WAYNE GRETZKY ESTATES NO. 99 THE ICON 2010 750 314773 $99.20 WN 92 750 303602 $40.00 WAL 92 ELDERTON COMMAND SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2010 750 398354 $90.00 RP 95 TORBRECK THE FACTOR 2010 750 97378 $ RP 97+ COBOS MALBEC 2011 750 119289 $215.00 JS 100 COBOS VOLTURNO 2011 750 396929 $235.00 RP 94 NICOLÁS CATENA ZAPATA 2010 750 396960 $110.00 RP 95 LUCA NICO BY LUCA MALBEC 2009 750 167320 $108.00 RP 94 SEA SMOKE TEN PINOT NOIR 2012 750 59014 $121.00 CONTINUUM PROPRIETARY RED 2011 750 397836 $230.00 ALPHA OMEGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 750 397711 $119.00 RP 93 DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 750 193896 $95.00 IWC 92 LOKOYA MOUNT VEEDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 750 10751 $439.00 RP 96 VÉRITÉ LE DÉSIR 2010 750 397653 $459.00 IWC 95(+?) PLUMPJACK RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2013 750 397869 $67.00 MOUNT EDEN ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2010 750 603829 $70.00 PRODUCT SCORE CANADA – ONTARIO RED WINE TAWSE CHERRY AVENUE PINOT NOIR 2011 CANADA – ONTARIO WHITE WINE PEARL MORISSETTE CUVÉE DIX-NEUVIEME CHARDONNAY 2009 AUSTRALIA RED WINE ARGENTINA RED WINE USA – CALIFORNIA RED WINE VM 95+ USA – CALIFORNIA WHITE WINE 50 VINTAGES VM 95 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION PRODUCT • DECEMBER 2014 SIZE (mL) PRODUCT NUMBER PRICE (per btl.) SCORE 750 397760 $129.00 RP 94 750 727222 $110.00 WS 96 750 208298 $1400.00 GAM 96 750 286690 $700.00 WE 96-100 FORTIFIED WINE SHERRY BODEGAS TRADICIÓN PALO CORTADO VORS FORTIFIED WINE PORT QUINTA DO VESUVIO VINTAGE PORT 1994 SPIRITS COGNAC HENNESSY PARADIS EXTRA RARE SPIRITS TEQUILA GRAN PATRÓN BURDEOS AÑEJO TEQUILA VINTAGES 51 THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2014 ORDERING INFORMATION VINTAGESSHOPONLINE.COM NEW! All orders are first-come, first-served. Our improved online ordering system lets you place your orders, make payments, view your purchase history, and more. Visit vintagesshoponline.com to start shopping the Classics Collection on the ordering start date. To view each collection online prior to its ordering start date, visit vintages.com/classics. ONLINE ORDERING STARTS November Collection: November 6 at 8:30 a.m. December Collection: December 4 at 8:30 a.m. DON'T HAVE AN ONLINE ACCOUNT? Sign up at vintagesshoponline.com. PAYMENT NOTE VINTAGES requires full payment at the time of order placement. Payment can be made by VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Prices are subject to change without notice. DELIVERY Upon confirmation and payment, your order will be delivered to the LCBO store of your choice. Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery within Toronto and GTA, and up to 6 weeks for delivery to areas outside GTA. A store representative will contact you when your order is ready for pick-up. Please provide your final receipt and valid identification as proof of purchase at pick-up. Orders not picked up within 30 days of notification are subject to cancellation. VINTAGES LOCATIONS For a complete list of VINTAGES locations, visit vintages.com/locations NEW NUMBER FOR PHONE ORDERING Call helloLCBO at 416-365-5900 or toll-free at 1-800-668-5226, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PER-CUSTOMER LIMITS We strive to secure enough stock to satisfy all customer orders, but regret that sometimes customer demand exceeds supply. Products in this offer are subject to per-customer limits between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (note new time) on the first day of ordering. Better Online Shopping! 52 VINTAGES SAVE THE DATE! Watch for these upcoming Classics Collections on vintages.com/classics, then order at vintagesshoponline.com on these dates: January 8, 2015 February 5, 2015 March 5, 2015 April 2, 2015 At vintagesshoponline.com, you can now order from our Classics Collection, Bordeaux Futures and Special Offers, buy event tickets right up until the event start time, and more. Shop or review your purchase history 24/7! CHÂTEAU MARGAUX CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD CHÂTEAU LATOUR CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION the 2010 CHÂTEAU PÉTRUS CHÂTEAU CHEVAL BLANC Bordeaux Collection CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM This beautifully boxed set contains wine from nine of Bordeaux’s best producers. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire these legendary wines. 263566 9 x 750 mL $18,995 V i n ta g e s Order at vintagesshoponline.com QUANTITIES ARE VERY LIMITED. ACT NOW! V I N TA G E S 55 Lake Shore Blvd. East Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1A4 Please enjoy responsibly. 3096149 20598 Telephone 416-365-5900 Toll-free 1-800-668-5226 vintages.com