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Champagne Bollinger 24943

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2009

Champagne, France

August 28, 2020
 Vieilles Vignes Françaises is one of Champagne’s most mythical cuvees, produced from miraculously preserved and ungrafted 100% Pinot Noir vines. Phylloxera destroyed the vines of Champagne in the early 20th century, but amazingly enough two of Bollinger’s classified Grands crus plots, Chaudes Terres and Clos St. Jacques, survived and are still grown the traditional way. Madame Lily Bollinger first had this wine produced in 1969 as an anniversary cuvee to commemorate her 70th birthday. Following the wine’s launch in 1974, Vieilles Vignes Françaises promptly became a collectible and a symbol of a bygone era. Over the decades, its uniqueness and scarcity have made it one of the most sought-after and expensive Champagnes.

96

Vinous (96+) -August 28, 2020 "With a few hours of air, apricot, plum, spice, dried cherry and candied orange peel start to appear. In some years, VVF can be quite opulent, 2002 and 2010 come…

Chateau Montelena 24875

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Calistoga, Napa Valley, California

August 20, 2020
 The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is Chateau Montelena’s flagship wine and a quality icon of Napa Valley. The winemaking team works obsessively and passionately with each vintage to capture the best expression of their historic terroir. This is a show-stopper that reveals the perfect blend of flavors, aromas and textures to reach the pinnacle of balance. We are please to offer the 2005 as part of Chateau Montelena's new "Decade Release" program.

93

James Suckling -August 20, 2020 “This has a leafy currant, mint, and raspberry nose. Complex and very pretty. Full bodied and very firm, with super fine tannins and a long, long finish. This is subtle…

94

Jeb Dunnuck -August 20, 2020 “The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a slightly more perfumed, complex nose with its cassis, currants, mint, and spring flowers. This pretty, elegant wine has fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity,…

94

Vinous -August 20, 2020 “Suave, pure and mouthfilling, with its fine-grained dark berry and spice flavors broadening on the back half. Boasts a lovely balance of sweet and savory qualities, with bright acidity and…

Lynmar Estate 24613

Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2018

Russian River Valley

July 30, 2020
 This classic representation of Russian River Chardonnay from Lynmar features a selection of clones, each vinified separately and blended together, that show the range of flavors and textures that can be achieved in this climate. 

94

Wine Enthusiast (Editor's Choice ) -July 30, 2020 Full Review to be Published in October, 2020

Rotem and Mounir Saouma 24553

Inopia Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Rouge 2017

Côtes-du-Rhône

July 28, 2020
 Burgundy meets the Rhône. An utter respect for tradition, and in some ways a total break. We’ve watched as Mounir and Rotem Saouma, of Burgundy producer Lucien Le Moine, slowly developed their estate and wines in the Rhône Valley, and the results today are too extraordinary and distinct to ignore.

92

Jeb Dunnuck (90-92) -July 28, 2020 "The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Village Inopia comes from vines around the estate and is mostly Grenache yet includes smaller amounts of Counoise, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. It offers a perfumed,…

Château de Nalys 24022

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin Blanc 2018

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

July 08, 2020
 Guigal's mastery of growing and producing white wine varieties in the Rhône Valley is exemplified in this wine of immense breadth and power, elegance and expression.  Intensely aromatic nose of white flowers, citrus and a touch of vanilla, on the palate the presence is undeniably penetrating, with a deep minerality joining the notes above.

93

Wine Enthusiast -January 26, 2021 Cellar Selection  "This smoky, spicy blend of Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc introduces itself with heady aromas of Bourbon barrels and charred toast. Vinified in oak (18% new barriques), it's…

93

Wine Spectator -January 14, 2021 "Lush in feel, with lemon curd, glazed pear, quince and acacia notes backed by a subtle hint of creamed melon on the finish."

96

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96) -July 08, 2020 "The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc looks to be the finest white to date and unquestionably ranks with the finest whites in the vintage. Beautiful notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle,…

94

Wine Advocate -July 08, 2020 "Mainly Roussanne and about half barrel fermented, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin Blanc is a plump, silky-textured effort. Toast accents honeyed tangerine, melon and fig notes in this…

Château de Nalys 24008

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2018

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

July 08, 2020
 The second white wine to the Château de Nalys Grand Vin Blanc has a character all its own, with a strongly different varietal and plot composition, and like its red Saintes Pierres counterpart, a fermentation, and aging geared towards emphasizing freshness. The hallmark seamlessness of Guigal's white wines is especially evident in this wine, which is unlike any Châteauneuf white we have experienced in its grace and lift.

93

Jeb Dunnuck (91-93) -July 08, 2020 "The 2018s, all of which were tasted as barrel samples, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys Blanc offers racy notes of sliced apples, tart peach, and salty…

90

Wine Advocate -July 08, 2020 "Mainly Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc, with smaller proportions of several other white grapes, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres Blanc looks to be a solid effort for drinking over…

Château de Nalys 23932

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin 2017

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

July 07, 2020
 The realization of the Guigal family's dream of Châfteauneuf-du-Pape: 3 extraordinary vineyards coming together in an intensely expressive, utterly complete wine. 

97

Wine Enthusiast -January 26, 2021 Cellar Selection "Piquant hits of shaved peppercorn and clove lend warmth to rich, glossy black plum and mulberry in this penetrating red. A blend of Grenache and Syrah accented by…

94

Jeb Dunnuck -July 07, 2020 "A more serious, concentrated wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape boasts a vivid ruby/purple color as well as rocking notes of dark fruits, ground pepper, violets, tobacco, and loads of…

95

Wine Advocate (93-95) -July 07, 2020 "To be bottled in November, I sampled the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin on two occasions (once blind), with consistent notes. Black cherry and raspberry fruit dominate, although subtle…

Château de Nalys 23913

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2017

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

July 07, 2020
 Translated as "holy stones", a play on the soils and history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the second red wine to Château de Nalys is an altogether different animal.  Differing varietal and plot selections, fermentation, and aging result in a wine that is rich and ample, yet offers immense direct and approachable pleasure; a wine of red fruits, supple structure and brightness.

94

Wine Enthusiast -January 26, 2021 Editors' Choice "This Grenache-dominant blend offers black cherry and cassis flavors edged by hints of leather and fire-roasted chestnuts. Fine-grained, integrated tannins make it approachable now, but this should drink…

90

Wine Spectator -November 19, 2020 "A traditional style, with a slightly dried edge to the mix of cherry, damson plum and red currant fruit, with a dusting of sandalwood and rooibos tea notes on the…

91

Wine Advocate -July 07, 2020 "Marked by hints of allspice and clove, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres delivers classic leather and cherry flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, yet silky and streamlined, well-balanced for…

92

Jeb Dunnuck -July 07, 2020 "Coming from tiny yields (the estate was down 40% in 2017), the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, balanced style as well…

Champagne Bollinger 23862

PN VZ15

Champagne, France

July 06, 2020
 PN, made entirely from Pinot Noir to underscore the very essence and DNA of the House style, is the first new cuvée added to Bollinger’s permanent range since rosé in 2008. Each release of PN, developed as a series to bring Bollinger’s unique vision of Pinot Noir to light, will showcase a different cru from the base year that highlights its distinctive terroir and taste. The first edition of the series, PN VZ15, explores the interpretation of Pinot Noir from Verzenay 2015 and features reserve wines dating back to 2009.

93

Wine & Spirits -October 13, 2020 "This new project from Bollinger explores 100 percent pinot noir presented as blanc de noirs Champagne. The first release is focused on Verzenay, which chef de cave Gilles Descôtes describes as…

94

Decanter -July 13, 2020 "Marvelously powerful aromatics with delectable scents of toast, smoked hazelnuts and pastry, as well as top notes of mint. From the start, the palate is impressively vinous and concentrated but…

94

Vinous -July 06, 2020 "A fabulous Champagne, the NV PN VZ 15 is a new wine from Bollinger and the first addition to the range in over a decade. As the name implies, it…

Marietta Cellars 23579

Gibson Block Syrah 2017

McDowell Valley, California

June 30, 2020
 Made from the oldest Syrah vines in California, in the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA, this wine reflects the hidden property where it is grown - quiet, obscure and profound. This ancient, dry farmed, mixed block next to the original Gibson Homestead has been producing grapes for over a hundred years. Limited in production due to the unique grape source, this wine is built to enjoy with food. The estate series from Marietta is made with terroir in mind above all else. For many years these sites were included in blends, though they routinely stood out as extraordinary. These wines are true expressions of unique sites, crafted with freshness, tension and longevity in mind.

91

Wine Enthusiast -February 11, 2021 "Well-concentrated blackberry-jam aromas lead to ripe, vibrant black-cherry and dark-chocolate flavors in this full-bodied, moderately tannic wine made from un-irrigated old vines. It's big and hearty, great to pair with…

95

Vinous (92-95) -July 02, 2020 "The 2017 Syrah Estate Gibson Block is a total knockout. Inky, rich and voluptuous in the glass, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts fruit intensity. Even with all of its density, the…

Marietta Cellars 23577

Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Yorkville Highlands, California

June 30, 2020
 The Yorkville Highlands are the mountain pass between the north end of Alexander Valley and the west end of Anderson Valley. From a high elevation site with coastal influence and large diurnal shifts, the Game Trail Cabernet offers an intense, fragrant, savory, and fresh style of Cabernet that speaks of site and demands to be paired with food. This area, with trails worn by mushroom hunters and wild game that travel through the woods, was a refuge for Chris Bilbro, who hunted here and searched for Chanterelles. The mushroom on the label is a tribute to this unique place and its significance. The estate series from Marietta is made with terroir in mind above all else. For many years these sites were included in blends, though they routinely stood out as extraordinary. These wines are true expressions of unique sites, crafted with freshness, tension and longevity in mind.

93

Wine Enthusiast -February 11, 2021 Cellar Selection "This ageworthy wine grown at 1,400-feet elevation is dark in color, dense in flavor and braced by plenty of firm, chewy tannins. It is well packed with vivid…

93

Vinous (90-93) -July 02, 2020 "The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Game Trail is decidedly aromatic and peppery in its flavor profile, much of that a reflection of the personality of this site planted at 1400 feet.…

Marietta Cellars 23575

Angeli Zinfandel 2017

Alexander Valley, California

June 30, 2020
 Once a component of the Angeli Cuvée, this Zinfandel long stood out for its brilliance, clarity, and leanness. Now, showcased on its own, it speaks volumes about this unique little canyon off Alexander Valley known as Angeli Ranch. The halo-like image on the label pays homage to Viola Angeli, who sold the Angeli Ranch to Chris Bilbro in an angelic act that mirrors her name. The estate series from Marietta is made with terroir in mind above all else. For many years these sites were included in blends, though they routinely stood out as extraordinary. These wines are true expressions of unique sites, crafted with freshness, tension and longevity in mind.

90

Jeb Dunnuck -July 02, 2020 "The 2017 Zinfandel Angeli comes from the Alexander Valley and spent 12 months in neutral barrels. Lots of mulled black plums, blueberries, violets, spice box, and flowery incense notes emerge…

94

Vinous -July 01, 2020 "The 2017 Zinfandel Angeli, from a site in Alexander Valley, is rich, pliant and expressive. Super-ripe black cherry, hard candy, new leather, lavender and mint give the Angeli decidedly dark…

Marietta Cellars 23571

Armé Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

North Coast, California

June 30, 2020
 "Named after Armé, the husband of Marietta and great-great uncle of Owner/Winemaker Scot Bilbro, this Cabernet Sauvignon conveys a taut freshness and aromatic purity. Stylistically balanced between modern California and Old World, this wine is dense with fresh, dark fruit and tempered with a savory, earthy character. The dry fly on the label is a reference to Chris Bilbro's long family history of fishing with his great uncle Armé along the waterways that now adjoin the three estate vineyards. Marietta's family series is an ode to the elements that have unified the family's winemakers over time: family, hard work, passion, and a love for the creative process that is winemaking."

92

Wine Enthusiast -February 11, 2021 "This imposing wine blended from Sonoma and Mendocino county grapes offers great concentration and depth, a firm structure and a nicely polished texture that's still a bit tight with tannin.…

93

Vinous (91-93) -July 02, 2020 "The 2017 Armé is another gorgeous wine in this range from Marietta. Inky dark blue and purplish fruit, lavender, menthol and spice all grace this sumptuous racy and inky wine…

Marietta Cellars 23569

Román Zinfandel 2018

North Coast, California

June 30, 2020
 Named after cellarmaster Román Cisneros who has worked at Marietta for over 32 years, this Estate Zinfandel is from the Angeli estate vineyard in Alexander Valley and the McDowell Valley estate vineyard. One of the grape varieteies that Marietta is famous for, this wine captures the bright, juicy character of Zinfandel, and hearkens to an era before dark, thick and oaky styles of Zinfandel took hold. The Virgin of Guadalupe on the label is a nod to Roman's dedication, selflessness, and sacrifice, both for the Bilbro family and his own. It is also a nod to the Mexican-American heritage of Roman and many of Marietta's crew members. Marietta's family series is an ode to the elements that have unified the family's winemakers over time: family, hard work, passion, and a love for the creative process that is winemaking.

91

Wine Enthusiast -February 11, 2021 "This bold and expressive wine starts with mild mint and other oak-spice aromas and then brings a blast of superfresh and vibrant fruit flavors to the palate. Just-crushed grapes, blueberries…

92

Vinous (90-92) -July 02, 2020 "The 2018 Román is bright, punchy and full of Zinfandel character. Dark red and purplish fruit, spice and mint all race out of the glass effortlessly. Dollops of Petite Sirah…

Marietta Cellars 23563

Old Vine Red Lot 70

California, United States

June 30, 2020
 Affectionately known as "OVR," Marietta's Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine made to replicate the field blends of the old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. A groundbreaking combination of varietals and multiple vintages first produced in 1982, this wine has blazed the path for red blends for decades. With an historic underground following, it is one of the longest lasting and best known red blends produced today. Predominantly comprised of fresh, young Zinfandel, OVR gets its backbone from Petite Sirah with about three years of age in neutral barrel, and its savory component from Syrah with about two years of age in neutral barrel. Occasionally, other varieties like Barbera, Carignan, or Grenache will be blended in to complement the other elements. The goal is always to create an enjoyable table wine made with integrity that combines pure fruit, a supple mouth feel and a rich, solid structure.

90

Wine Enthusiast -February 11, 2021 "Mint and chocolate notes merge with ripe blackberries in this full-bodied but polished wine that has good balance and mild tannins. Made from multiple vintages, it's a timeless, value-oriented Zinfandel…

Ornellaia 23445

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2018

Toscana IGT

June 24, 2020
 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia combines a Mediterranean expression of generosity with structure and complexity, reflecting the philosophy of Ornellaia. It represents the first step into the Ornellaia family, and is an ideal wine for everyday enjoyment.

90

Jeb Dunnuck -September 03, 2020 "Le Volte Dell'Ornellaia can be thought of as the entry-level wine of this great estate and is mostly Merlot with small amounts of other red varieties. It has a juicy,…

93

James Suckling -July 07, 2020 "There’s purity of fruit here with crushed plums, flowers, fresh sage and rosemary on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied, yet soft and pretty at the finish. Very drinkable…

Champagne Ayala 23387

N° 7 2007

Champagne, France

June 19, 2020
 Champagne Ayala’s No.7 is the second opus from the “The Ayala Collection”, a series of unique cuvée created to express the specificity of a vintage and a selection of exceptional crus through the lens of this boutique Maison.  Produced in limited quantities and released only upon indication that the elements in this wine are integrated and evolved to a point of perfect harmony.

91

Wine Spectator -December 08, 2020 "Toast and spice notes enrich the lemon curd, glazed apricot and candied ginger flavors in this racy Champagne, with a fine, lively bead. Well-knit and bright, featuring a minerally finish."

95

Wine Enthusiast -October 20, 2020 "A blend from seven grand crus across the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, this is dry in the classic Ayala style. Its freshness has been tempered by bottle aging although it…

93

Decanter -July 22, 2020 "A gentle nacreous silver, with a persistently fine bead. It has aromas of almonds and sourdough, then limes falling with late-season apples, slate and the faintest whisper of honey. The…

94

Wine Advocate -June 19, 2020 "A new cuvée for Ayala that was disgorged in July 2019, the 2007 Brut No. 7 derives from fruit sourced in seven grands crus—Chouilly, Oger, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Aÿ…

Gary Farrell Winery 23206

Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2018

Russian River Valley, California

September 08, 2020
 The Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the winery’s top vineyard sources. They are beautiful expressions of their varietal type and of the appellation’s unique terroir, each blend capturing the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks. This layered and complex Chardonnay brings together fruit from several of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites.

95

Wine Enthusiast -October 19, 2020 Editors' Choice “This wine offers such tremendous value and quality – it should be on everyone’s go-to list for Russian River Valley Chardonnay.  Lime, fig and grapefruit rind flavors ride…

92

Wine & Spirits -September 16, 2020 Full Review to be Published in December, 2020

Cobb Wines 23169

Coastlands Vineyard Diane Cobb Pinot Noir 2017

Sonoma Coast

June 10, 2020
 When Coastlands was first being planted in 1989, very few varieties of pinot noir were available commercially, and fewer still tested under conditions on the edge of the continent. Working with the University of California at Davis, Diane Cobb established a University licensed nursery block at Coastlands that contained over 20 relatively unknown pinot noir varieties. In 1996, Diane doubled the size of the nursery block. For the new plantings she selected a single pinot noir variety she thought was both especially flavorful and well suited for the coastal climate. The Coastlands Vineyard: Diane Cobb Pinot Noir comes exclusively from this block and commemorates Diane’s life at Coastlands from its founding in 1989 until her death in 2006. It is an expression of the love of her family, and of the 1.5 acres of vines she hand-tended, which now yield a lovely, complex and distinctive wine.

98

Vinous -June 10, 2020 "The 2017 Pinot Noir Diane Cobb: Coastlands Vineyard is an outrageously beautiful wine that shows just how magical this vintage is in the right spots in Sonoma. Deep, sumptuous and…

Cobb Wines 23164

Rice Spivak Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Sonoma Coast

June 10, 2020
 This 6-acre vineyard is owned by Russell Rice and his wife, Dr. Helene Spivak. It is a few miles further inland than Cobb Wines’ other vineyards, but is still influenced by the Pacific Ocean to the west. A unique soil composition, northern exposure, and the distinct varieties of Dijon and Swan pinot noir planted here, collectively produce a characteristically aromatic, complex wine. 

96

Vinous -June 10, 2020 "Ross Cobb's 2017 Pinot Noir Rice-Spivak Vineyard is light on its feet, perfumed and gracious. Crushed red berries, wild flowers, cinnamon and citrus all perk up this ethereal, mid-weight Pinot.…

Cobb Wines 23160

Emmaline Anne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Sonoma Coast

June 10, 2020
 Often the most subtle and sophisticated expression of Cobb Pinot Noir, Emmaline Anne Vineyard sits at the western margin of Sebastopol, California, in one of the Sonoma Coast’s coldest microclimates and gets the most shade and fog of any of the vineyards Cobb works with. The combination of pinot noir varieties and the terroir of this small vineyard result in pinot noirs that are delicate and beautifully complex, with relatively low levels of alcohol.

96

Vinous -June 10, 2020 "The 2017 Pinot Noir Emmaline-Ann Vineyard is another stellar wine in this range. Bold, rich and explosive, the 2017 possesses tremendous depth and nuance. Black cherry, plum, menthol, licorice and…

Ferren Wines 23154

Silver Eagle Vineyard Chardonnay 2017

Sonoma Coast

June 10, 2020
 A briny and and tense expression of Chardonnay from Stoetz Ridge, straddling the border between the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.

97

Jeb Dunnuck -June 15, 2020 "More white flowers, brioche, honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, and apple blossom notes emerge from the 2017 Chardonnay Silver Eagle Vineyard, a remarkably pure, balanced, classic Chardonnay that does everything right. It's…

93

Vinous -June 10, 2020 "The 2017 Chardonnay Silver Eagle Vineyard is a decidedly overt wine laced with copious notes of tropical fruit, passion fruit, popcorn, sweet oak, butter and lemon confit. The rich, sumptuous…

Ferren Wines 23147

Frei Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Sonoma Coast

June 10, 2020
  Located near the village of Graton in the rolling hills south of the Russian River, Frei Road Vineyard produces a wine of great complexity, tension, and minerality.

96

Jeb Dunnuck -June 15, 2020 "Moving to the reds, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast comes from a mix of the single vineyard releases and spent 18 months in just 20% new French oak. Awesome…

94

Vinous -June 10, 2020 "Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch pomegranate, mint, blood orange, kirsch and exotic spice all run through the 2017 Pinot Noir Frei Road. Sumptuous, bold and flamboyant, the Frei Road is decidedly…

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