After doing some quick math and realizing the walls and shelves are looking more like what I like vs. what I need to sell (I do this exercise twice a year – It sucks but is necessary and the results are usually better for the guests; both in price and in selection).
So, after a quick check of the Aussies, here is what we have to offer you today:
- 2006 Earthworks Shiraz ($17): The 2006 Shiraz saw an identical regimen of tank and barrel. Purple-colored, it exhibits aromas of smoke, sausage, bacon, and blueberry which jumps from the glass. Medium-bodied, ripe, and sweet with no hard edges, this superb value can be enjoyed over the next 4-6 years (90 points in WA).
- 2005 Langmeil Three Gardens ($20): The 2006 Shiraz (44%) – Grenache (35%) – Mourvedre (21%) “Three Gardens” was aged for 12 months in seasoned French and American oak. It offers a lovely perfume of cedar, tobacco, plums, and black cherry. Medium-bodied, the wines has ample spicy blue and black fruit flavors but narrows slightly in the finish. Drink it over the next 6-8 years (90 points in WA).
- 2005 Craneford Quartet ($35): The proprietary Bordeaux blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc as well as 8% Shiraz, the 2005 Quartet, is a brilliantly crafted effort revealing flamboyant aromatics of lavender, black currants, cedar, licorice, and roasted meats. It is a juicy, medium to full-bodied red with loads of sweet tannin, glycerin, and length. Drink it over the next 10-12 years (91 points in WA).
- 2005 Elderton Nurioopta/Barossa Valley Shiraz ($35): The 2005 Shiraz “Nurioopta” is purple/black with a brooding nose of smoke, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and voluptuous, it is dense and concentrated, with gobs of spicy black fruit flavors. It will evolve for 3-5 years and drink well through 2020 (94 points in WA).
- 2006 John Duval Plexus ($50): The 2006 vintage of Plexus is an intricately structured blend comprised of rich and vibrant fruit from Barossa Valley’s old, low yielding vines. A true reflection of Barossa’s soil and climate, Plexus expresses a fragrant, aromatic nose of red fruits and subtle oak. On the palate, red and dark, black fruit combine with layers of spice. Intense and elegant, Plexus demonstrates ripe, fine tannins, an impressive concentration, and a seamless balance. Traditional winemaking practices and 15 months in French oak barriques will ensure the age worthiness of this fourth release. Enjoy the 2006 vintage now or cellar it for 8-10 years to garner additional complexity (Unrated, yet past vintages have averaged in the low to mid-90s).
- 2006 John Duval Entity ($50): The 2006 vintage of Entity is an intricately structured wine comprised of rich and vibrant Shiraz fruit. Entity displays youthful blackberry, blueberry and savory French oak aromas. Entity’s palate is rich and generous, with concentrated dark fruit and fine, ripe tannins. The finish is elegant and carries through with excellent fruit intensity. Traditional winemaking practices and 17 months in French oak barriques will ensure the age worthiness of this third release. Enjoy the 2006 vintage now or cellar it for 10 years to garner additional complexity (Unrated, yet past vintages have averaged in the low to mid-90s).
- 2002 Elderton Ode to Lorraine ($51): An impressive blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Shiraz, and 7% Merlot, the 2002 Ode to Lorraine possesses an extroverted bouquet of red and black fruits, pepper, licorice, cedar, and sweet, toasty new oak. Full-bodied, heady, and rich, it appears to have been made for the quintessential hedonist. It should continue to drink well for 6-7 years (92 points in WA).
- 2006 Mitolo G.A.M ($55): The 2006 Shiraz “G.A.M.” (the initials of the Mitolo children) was aged in French and American oak, 60% new. Opaque purple in color, it has an aromatic array of roasted coffee, violets, lavender, pepper, Asian spices, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. In the mouth it is velvety-textured, deep, concentrated, opulent, and altogether hedonistic. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2026 (95 points in WA).
- 2006 Ben Glaetzer Anaperenna ($70): The 2006 Shiraz (75%) – Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) “Anaperenna” is the wine formerly known as Godolphin, the change resulting from a trademark dispute. It was aged for 15 months in new French and American oak. Opaque purple, it offers a sensational bouquet of pain grille, scorched earth, meat, game, blueberry, and black currants. This is followed by a surprisingly elegant yet powerful, structured wine with gobs of spicy fruit, ripe tannins, and a plush texture. The long, 60-second finish is succulent and sweet. Give this classy wine 4-6 years in the cellar and enjoy it through 2030. Hats off to Ben Glaetzer for producing an extraordinary portfolio (94 to 97 points in WA).
- 2006 Ben Glaetzer Amon-Ra ($90): Amon-Ra has become one of Australia’s icon wines. Made from 100% Shiraz sourced from vineyards ranging in age from 80-120 years and with microscopic yields of 0.5 tons per acre, the 2006 Amon-Ra was aged for 15 months in new French and American oak. The wine is a thick, glass-coating, purple/black in color. The aromas cover a wide range of scents including smoke, vanilla, pepper, Asian spices, coconut, espresso, blueberry, and chocolate. Thick, rich, layered, and complete, this monumental wine offers extraordinary intensity and length. It requires 10-15 years to fully evolve and should easily last through 2040. Hats off to Ben Glaetzer for producing an extraordinary portfolio (97 to 100 points in WA).
- 2004 Elderton Command ($100): The 2004 Shiraz “Command” comes from a single block of 104-year-old vines. It was aged in 100% new oak puncheons (400 liter barrels). Opaque purple-colored, this Shiraz has fabulous aromatics of smoke, melted tar, licorice, espresso, game, and blueberry compote. Layered but tight, this full-bodied wine is thick, rich, and totally hedonistic. The finish lasts for 60 seconds. However, be warned. This monumental Shiraz needs 10-15 years to fully unfold. It will provide pleasure through 2035 (98 points in WA).
There you have it … lots of Aussie winners needing homes.
Cheers,
Michael
Showing posts with label Amon Ra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amon Ra. Show all posts
Back Room Beasts
Some folks stopped by this week (people who have been coming to our shop since we opened) and commented on the fact that we never highlight the wines that we sample in the “back room” or display behind the counter. While I might disagree with the notion of “never” I do believe you can “never” showcase a great wine too much.
To make the masses happy here are some of our “Back Room Beasts:”
· 2005 Viader DARE Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): The DARE emits concentrated aromas of ripe black cherry, dark currant, cassis, tobacco and cedar notes with faint hints of caramel. On the mid-palate, the vibrant tannins and well-integrated oak flavors give the impression that the wine is lightly dancing over one’s taste buds. Firm tannins grace the finish (Unrated) ... $40
· 2003 Domaine Monperituis Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC (French Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre): Racy, with lots of red currant and raspberry fruit stitched with tangy mineral, grilled herb and subtle spice notes. There’s a nice feel through the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2017 (90 points in WS) ... $40
· 2000 Cennatoio Rosso Fiorentino IGT (Italian Cabernet Sauvignon): A good amount of blackberry and dark chocolate character with an underlying coffee flavor. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Slightly austere new wood but should come around (Unrated) ... $45
· 2003 Lorenzo Begali Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOC (Italian Corvina/Molinara/Rodinella): Sturdy and young, with fresh red fruit, floral character on the nose and a good dose of spicy oak. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a firm finish. Only 1,000 cases made (90 points in WS)... $50
· 2006 John Duval Plexus (Australian Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre): On the palate, red and dark, black fruit combine with layers of spice. Intense and elegant, Plexus demonstrates ripe, fine tannins, an impressive concentration, and a seamless balance. Good for 8 to 10 years. (Unrated and hot) ... $50
· 2001 Marchesi di Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): Aromas of dried meat and ripe fruit follow through to a full-bodied palate, with a peppery, light raisin flavor. Chewy yet ripe tannins. It goes on for a long time on the palate (91 points in WS) ... $50
· 2006 John Duval Entity (Australian Shiraz): Entity’s palate is rich and generous, with concentrated dark fruit and fine, ripe tannins. The finish is elegant and carries through with excellent fruit intensity. Enjoy it now or cellar it for 10 years (Unrated and hot) ... $50
· 2006 Mitolo G.A.M (Australian Shiraz): It has an aromatic array of roasted coffee, violets, lavender, pepper, Asian spices, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. In the mouth it is velvety-textured, deep, concentrated, opulent, and altogether hedonistic. It will evolve for 5 to 7 years and drink well through 2026 (95 points in WA) ... $55
· 2001 Paitin Sori Paitin Barbaresco DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): This is a sumptuous, modern-styled Barbaresco with a complex and intriguing nose of crushed raspberries and sweet spices. On the palate the wine is packed with lush fruit, minerals, and tar, closing with an attractive balsamic note (91 points in WA) ... $55/bottle or $105/Magnum
· 2005 Lail Vineyards Blueprint (Napa Valley Meritage): The wine reveals dark notes of blackberries intermixed with vanilla, cacao and coconuts. In the mouth it is round with a pure attack and good balance finishing with well-integrated sweet tannins (Unrated) ... $55
· 2005 Long Shadows Saggi (Washington Sangiovese, Cabernet & Syrah): This Washington Super Tuscan offers delicate fig and baking spice aromas. Bright red fruit and dark cherries enhance the balanced structure. The long finish concentrated with a hint of pomegranate (Unrated) ... $57
· 2000 Cennatoio Etrusco IGT (Italian Sangiovese): The Etrusco uses a healthy amount of the property’s best Sangiovese, and it offers penetrating aromas of red currant fruit, resin, rosemary, and vanilla, a firm but fine-grained texture, and important length and continuity. Drink: Now through 2018 (90 points in WA) ... $60
· 2006 Daniel Schuster Omihi Selection (New Zealand Pinot Noir): Deeply colored, full bodied Pinot with complex, dark berry fruit aromas, and gamey/ spicy flavors in a long finish. The firm tannic structure will ensure continuing development of greater flavor richness for 5 to 7 years from vintage date (Unrated and very limited) ... $60/bottle or $225/Magnum (We received 2 of the 20 limited edition magnums for the US allocation. Each in a wooden box!)
· 2004 Ernie Els Cirrus (South African Syrah): Rich and dark, with lots of blackberry, espresso and mineral flavors and a long, velvety finish. Showy, but balanced and pure. Only 500 cases made in partnership with Silver Oak (91 points in WS) ... $64
· 2004 Long Shadows Pedestal (Washington Merlot): Opaque purple in color, it offers a classic perfume of pain grille, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry from Michel Rolland. It’s followed by a rich, intensely flavored wine with depth, concentration, and length (94 points in WA) ... $65
· 2004 Chateau Pontet-Canet AOC Grand Cru (French Cabernet/Merlot): Shows beautiful aromas of crushed berries and currant, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with lovely currant, licorice and mint. Long and caressing (93 points in WS and #34 out of the Top 100) ... $70
· 2001 Le Gode Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Italian Sangiovese): Very pretty blackberry, violet and light vanilla aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Only 500 cases made (91 points in WS) ... $70
· 2001 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Italian Sangiovese): It presents a very dark color along with more classic profile in its expressive nose and nuances of tobacco, sweet cherries, tar and minerals. Drink from 2009 to 2021 (92 points in WA) ... $75
· 2001 Cennatoio Archibaldo IGT(Italian Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon): Blackish in tonality, weighty and mineral on its expansive nose and ample palate and endowed with a full load of peppery and tobacco-laced black fruit flavors on its long, firm finish through 2018 (92 points in WA) ... $75
· 2001 Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG (Italian Sangiovese): Loads of raspberry, toasty oak and tar on the nose lead to a full-bodied palate that’s chunky and impressive, with lots of everything. A big, powerful wine. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made (94 points in WS) ... $85
· 1999 Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna d’la Roul Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): It opens with a delicate, expressive nose with nuances of flowers, spices, smoke and earth. It is rich and dense on the palate, where it offers super-ripe fruit and notable concentration, with outstanding length and overall balance. Drink over the next 25 to 30 years (92 points in WA) ... $85
· 2000 Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna d’la Roul Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): It presents chocolate, caramel, and nutmeg sensations in a muscular, structured format of good intensity and important continuity. Drinks well through 2018 (92 points in WA) ... $85
· 2001 Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna d’la Roul Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): It reveals phenomenal balance in its layers of dark cherries, violets, tar, new leather, sweet toasted oak and mentholated, balsamic overtones that develop in the glass. Drink 2013 - 2026 (95 points in WA) ... $85
· 2006 Glaetzer Amon-Ra (Australian) Shiraz: The wine is a thick, glass-coating, purple/black in color. The aromas cover a wide range of scents including smoke, vanilla, pepper, Asian spices, espresso, blueberry, and chocolate (97 to 100 points in WA) ... $90
· 2004 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Full-bodied and powerful with velvety tannin, fabulous intensity, and stunning aromas of smoked herbs, charcoal, chocolate, creme de cassis; it’s a rich, voluptuously textured wine (94 points in WA) ... $90
· 2004 Phillipe Melka Metisse (Napa Valley Meritage): Seductive with hints of violet, vanilla and dried herbs. A Bordeaux styled wine exhibiting pure elegance, fabulous dark fruit, an attractive freshness as well as intensity. It is luscious, rich, and opulent. Gorgeously integrated acidity, alcohol and sweet tannins. Decanting highly recommended (Unrated) ... $100
· 1999 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG (Italian Sangiovese Grosso): Aromatic and fruity, with hints of flowers and perfume. Very generous. Full-bodied, with silky and caressing tannins and a long, long finish (95 points in WS) ... $135
· 2004 Pahlmeyer Red (Napa Valley Meritage): Well-focused on a rich, vibrant core of ripe blackberry and wild berry fruit. Elegant, balanced, well-structured, ending with a long, complex finish that’s trim and tight. Best 2009 through 2015 (93 points in WS) ... $135
· 2000 Pianpolverre Soprano Barolo Riserva (Italian Nebbiolo): Dark ruby in color, with intense aromas of ripe plum, coffee, cedar and cigar box. Full-bodied, with glorious dried fruits, vanilla and coffee on the palate. Chewy and rich on the finish. Layered and generous. Ultra rich and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2009 - Only 800+ cases produced (95 points in WS) ... $160
· 2005 Chateau Teyssier Le Dome AOC Grand Cru (French Merlot/Cabernet Franc): Exhibits notes of blueberries, raspberries, menthol, and graphite along with terrific fruit, medium body, superb palate penetration, good acidity, and ripe tannin (94 points in WA) ... $250 (NFD)
· 2003 Bond (Harlan Estate) Vecina Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Deep and brooding, the aromas bring to mind a walk through a forest. Now a whiff of bay laurel, then pine cone and rich, mulchy humus, and hovering over all are ripe blackberries and oodles of caramelized new oak. This one should live for many years - EXTREMELY LIMITED (96 points in WE) ... $260 (NFD)
· 2004 Bryant Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): The 2004 exhibits a deep opaque purple color as well as a big, blackberry and floral-scented perfume offering notes of Creme de Cassis, spice box, & licorice. Beautifully opulent, full-bodied, and forward, it should drink well now, yet age through 2021 - EXTREMELY LIMITED (95 points in WA) ... $500 (NFD)
These wines are all great in their own special way but are not for everyone … just because they received a great review/score or their price points are at a certain level does not mean you will like them. Read about the tasting notes, ask questions, study the vintages or, at the very least, as us about these unique bottles … that’s our job! We do the research and you get the enjoyment (now or 20 years from now). They are all in limited supply so if you are interested, act now!
As a special thank you we are offering you 10% off any of these bottles (Except those marked NFD) through the end of the month by just mentioning this blog entry!
Happy drinking and/or happy collecting!
Michael
(Not to say we told you so but: The new wines from John Duval have met with rave reviews from our staff and our guests. These gems were highlighted last spring and we ended up selling more of the 2005 Entity and Plexus than any other retailer in Kansas City. In September, the reviews were released and, not that we rely on or wait for someone else to confirm our choices but WS and WA validated our reccomenations with 91+ point scores. By the time they did this, we were almost sold out of both versions. Please don't make the sme mistake so many made last time. We have the 2006 versions and we'll be one of the few shops to get the eserve Entity laster this month or early next Month)
To make the masses happy here are some of our “Back Room Beasts:”
· 2005 Viader DARE Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): The DARE emits concentrated aromas of ripe black cherry, dark currant, cassis, tobacco and cedar notes with faint hints of caramel. On the mid-palate, the vibrant tannins and well-integrated oak flavors give the impression that the wine is lightly dancing over one’s taste buds. Firm tannins grace the finish (Unrated) ... $40
· 2003 Domaine Monperituis Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC (French Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre): Racy, with lots of red currant and raspberry fruit stitched with tangy mineral, grilled herb and subtle spice notes. There’s a nice feel through the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2017 (90 points in WS) ... $40
· 2000 Cennatoio Rosso Fiorentino IGT (Italian Cabernet Sauvignon): A good amount of blackberry and dark chocolate character with an underlying coffee flavor. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Slightly austere new wood but should come around (Unrated) ... $45
· 2003 Lorenzo Begali Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOC (Italian Corvina/Molinara/Rodinella): Sturdy and young, with fresh red fruit, floral character on the nose and a good dose of spicy oak. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a firm finish. Only 1,000 cases made (90 points in WS)... $50
· 2006 John Duval Plexus (Australian Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre): On the palate, red and dark, black fruit combine with layers of spice. Intense and elegant, Plexus demonstrates ripe, fine tannins, an impressive concentration, and a seamless balance. Good for 8 to 10 years. (Unrated and hot) ... $50
· 2001 Marchesi di Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): Aromas of dried meat and ripe fruit follow through to a full-bodied palate, with a peppery, light raisin flavor. Chewy yet ripe tannins. It goes on for a long time on the palate (91 points in WS) ... $50
· 2006 John Duval Entity (Australian Shiraz): Entity’s palate is rich and generous, with concentrated dark fruit and fine, ripe tannins. The finish is elegant and carries through with excellent fruit intensity. Enjoy it now or cellar it for 10 years (Unrated and hot) ... $50
· 2006 Mitolo G.A.M (Australian Shiraz): It has an aromatic array of roasted coffee, violets, lavender, pepper, Asian spices, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. In the mouth it is velvety-textured, deep, concentrated, opulent, and altogether hedonistic. It will evolve for 5 to 7 years and drink well through 2026 (95 points in WA) ... $55
· 2001 Paitin Sori Paitin Barbaresco DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): This is a sumptuous, modern-styled Barbaresco with a complex and intriguing nose of crushed raspberries and sweet spices. On the palate the wine is packed with lush fruit, minerals, and tar, closing with an attractive balsamic note (91 points in WA) ... $55/bottle or $105/Magnum
· 2005 Lail Vineyards Blueprint (Napa Valley Meritage): The wine reveals dark notes of blackberries intermixed with vanilla, cacao and coconuts. In the mouth it is round with a pure attack and good balance finishing with well-integrated sweet tannins (Unrated) ... $55
· 2005 Long Shadows Saggi (Washington Sangiovese, Cabernet & Syrah): This Washington Super Tuscan offers delicate fig and baking spice aromas. Bright red fruit and dark cherries enhance the balanced structure. The long finish concentrated with a hint of pomegranate (Unrated) ... $57
· 2000 Cennatoio Etrusco IGT (Italian Sangiovese): The Etrusco uses a healthy amount of the property’s best Sangiovese, and it offers penetrating aromas of red currant fruit, resin, rosemary, and vanilla, a firm but fine-grained texture, and important length and continuity. Drink: Now through 2018 (90 points in WA) ... $60
· 2006 Daniel Schuster Omihi Selection (New Zealand Pinot Noir): Deeply colored, full bodied Pinot with complex, dark berry fruit aromas, and gamey/ spicy flavors in a long finish. The firm tannic structure will ensure continuing development of greater flavor richness for 5 to 7 years from vintage date (Unrated and very limited) ... $60/bottle or $225/Magnum (We received 2 of the 20 limited edition magnums for the US allocation. Each in a wooden box!)
· 2004 Ernie Els Cirrus (South African Syrah): Rich and dark, with lots of blackberry, espresso and mineral flavors and a long, velvety finish. Showy, but balanced and pure. Only 500 cases made in partnership with Silver Oak (91 points in WS) ... $64
· 2004 Long Shadows Pedestal (Washington Merlot): Opaque purple in color, it offers a classic perfume of pain grille, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry from Michel Rolland. It’s followed by a rich, intensely flavored wine with depth, concentration, and length (94 points in WA) ... $65
· 2004 Chateau Pontet-Canet AOC Grand Cru (French Cabernet/Merlot): Shows beautiful aromas of crushed berries and currant, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with lovely currant, licorice and mint. Long and caressing (93 points in WS and #34 out of the Top 100) ... $70
· 2001 Le Gode Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Italian Sangiovese): Very pretty blackberry, violet and light vanilla aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Only 500 cases made (91 points in WS) ... $70
· 2001 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Italian Sangiovese): It presents a very dark color along with more classic profile in its expressive nose and nuances of tobacco, sweet cherries, tar and minerals. Drink from 2009 to 2021 (92 points in WA) ... $75
· 2001 Cennatoio Archibaldo IGT(Italian Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon): Blackish in tonality, weighty and mineral on its expansive nose and ample palate and endowed with a full load of peppery and tobacco-laced black fruit flavors on its long, firm finish through 2018 (92 points in WA) ... $75
· 2001 Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG (Italian Sangiovese): Loads of raspberry, toasty oak and tar on the nose lead to a full-bodied palate that’s chunky and impressive, with lots of everything. A big, powerful wine. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made (94 points in WS) ... $85
· 1999 Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna d’la Roul Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): It opens with a delicate, expressive nose with nuances of flowers, spices, smoke and earth. It is rich and dense on the palate, where it offers super-ripe fruit and notable concentration, with outstanding length and overall balance. Drink over the next 25 to 30 years (92 points in WA) ... $85
· 2000 Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna d’la Roul Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): It presents chocolate, caramel, and nutmeg sensations in a muscular, structured format of good intensity and important continuity. Drinks well through 2018 (92 points in WA) ... $85
· 2001 Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna d’la Roul Barolo DOCG (Italian Nebbiolo): It reveals phenomenal balance in its layers of dark cherries, violets, tar, new leather, sweet toasted oak and mentholated, balsamic overtones that develop in the glass. Drink 2013 - 2026 (95 points in WA) ... $85
· 2006 Glaetzer Amon-Ra (Australian) Shiraz: The wine is a thick, glass-coating, purple/black in color. The aromas cover a wide range of scents including smoke, vanilla, pepper, Asian spices, espresso, blueberry, and chocolate (97 to 100 points in WA) ... $90
· 2004 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Full-bodied and powerful with velvety tannin, fabulous intensity, and stunning aromas of smoked herbs, charcoal, chocolate, creme de cassis; it’s a rich, voluptuously textured wine (94 points in WA) ... $90
· 2004 Phillipe Melka Metisse (Napa Valley Meritage): Seductive with hints of violet, vanilla and dried herbs. A Bordeaux styled wine exhibiting pure elegance, fabulous dark fruit, an attractive freshness as well as intensity. It is luscious, rich, and opulent. Gorgeously integrated acidity, alcohol and sweet tannins. Decanting highly recommended (Unrated) ... $100
· 1999 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG (Italian Sangiovese Grosso): Aromatic and fruity, with hints of flowers and perfume. Very generous. Full-bodied, with silky and caressing tannins and a long, long finish (95 points in WS) ... $135
· 2004 Pahlmeyer Red (Napa Valley Meritage): Well-focused on a rich, vibrant core of ripe blackberry and wild berry fruit. Elegant, balanced, well-structured, ending with a long, complex finish that’s trim and tight. Best 2009 through 2015 (93 points in WS) ... $135
· 2000 Pianpolverre Soprano Barolo Riserva (Italian Nebbiolo): Dark ruby in color, with intense aromas of ripe plum, coffee, cedar and cigar box. Full-bodied, with glorious dried fruits, vanilla and coffee on the palate. Chewy and rich on the finish. Layered and generous. Ultra rich and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2009 - Only 800+ cases produced (95 points in WS) ... $160
· 2005 Chateau Teyssier Le Dome AOC Grand Cru (French Merlot/Cabernet Franc): Exhibits notes of blueberries, raspberries, menthol, and graphite along with terrific fruit, medium body, superb palate penetration, good acidity, and ripe tannin (94 points in WA) ... $250 (NFD)
· 2003 Bond (Harlan Estate) Vecina Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Deep and brooding, the aromas bring to mind a walk through a forest. Now a whiff of bay laurel, then pine cone and rich, mulchy humus, and hovering over all are ripe blackberries and oodles of caramelized new oak. This one should live for many years - EXTREMELY LIMITED (96 points in WE) ... $260 (NFD)
· 2004 Bryant Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): The 2004 exhibits a deep opaque purple color as well as a big, blackberry and floral-scented perfume offering notes of Creme de Cassis, spice box, & licorice. Beautifully opulent, full-bodied, and forward, it should drink well now, yet age through 2021 - EXTREMELY LIMITED (95 points in WA) ... $500 (NFD)
These wines are all great in their own special way but are not for everyone … just because they received a great review/score or their price points are at a certain level does not mean you will like them. Read about the tasting notes, ask questions, study the vintages or, at the very least, as us about these unique bottles … that’s our job! We do the research and you get the enjoyment (now or 20 years from now). They are all in limited supply so if you are interested, act now!
As a special thank you we are offering you 10% off any of these bottles (Except those marked NFD) through the end of the month by just mentioning this blog entry!
Happy drinking and/or happy collecting!
Michael
(Not to say we told you so but: The new wines from John Duval have met with rave reviews from our staff and our guests. These gems were highlighted last spring and we ended up selling more of the 2005 Entity and Plexus than any other retailer in Kansas City. In September, the reviews were released and, not that we rely on or wait for someone else to confirm our choices but WS and WA validated our reccomenations with 91+ point scores. By the time they did this, we were almost sold out of both versions. Please don't make the sme mistake so many made last time. We have the 2006 versions and we'll be one of the few shops to get the eserve Entity laster this month or early next Month)
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