95 to 99 Points - Vinrare - Buy Fine Wine Online - Fine Wines International

1991 Vega Sicilia Unico (750ml)

$360.00

Robert Parker 95

The current release of Vega Sicilia�s flagship offering, the 1991 Unico Reserva, will have to satisfy lovers of this great Spanish red until the 1994 is released in 2005. The 1991 is a gorgeous, deep ruby/purple-colored, remarkably youthful effort offering sweet vanilla notes intertwined with black currants, cherry liqueur, flowers, spice box, and tobacco leaves. Full-bodied and intense, with sweet tannin, outstanding density as well as purity, and a layered mouthfeel, this unevolved 1991 needs another 3-4 years of cellaring; it should last for 20-25 years. It�s a wine of great elegance as opposed to power.

1993 DRC La Tache (750ml)

List Price: ~~$2,525.00~~ Our Price: $1,995.00

$1,995.00

Robert Parker 90

"As usual, La Tache reveals the most saturated deep ruby color of the DRC's, a tight but promising nose of smoky, game-like aromas intertwined with red and black fruits, minerals, and vanillin from new oak. Medium to full-bodied, with sweet, concentrated, berry fruit, this tannic, spicy, backward wine appears to possess the requisite extraction to ensure a long, positive evolution. Give it 7-10 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 12-15 years."

Wine Spectator 93

"A superb tasting experience: this really builds on the palate. Elegant yet showing some richness, full of lovely plum, berry and vanilla notes. The tannins are refined in this medium- to full-bodied La Tache"

Allen Meadows, Burghound 95

(As noted in Issue 4, I have experienced a fair amount of bottle variation with the '93 but both this bottle and a second bottle that I had in early May were outstanding). ("severe, closed and understated but I am convinced it will be a great La T�che" - AdV). This too evidences a slight floral quality, and a fascinating mix of earth, leather, tea and spice notes plus an interesting green bark component. The slightly austere, tannic, wonderfully rich flavors are dense, in fact extremely dense with excellent depth and terrific complexity and a finish that seems to go on forever. Though there are now hints of secondary aromas, this remains very young, structured and remarkably intense. When you get the right bottle, the '93 can be a real stunner. Note: the inconsistency of this wine continues unabated as a bottle opened at the Domaine recently was almost aggressively vegetal and awkward. In short, when it's good it's very good but I've now had too many disappointing bottles not to be wary.

1994 Caymus Special Selection California (750ml)

$195.00

Wine Spectator 95

"Big, ripe, rich and concentrated, with layers of currant, plum, black cherry, spice, cedary oak and a dash of vanilla. Picks up complex tobacco and coffee notes, and reveals even more flavor nuances on the finish. The texture is smooth and polished, finishing with a thick, plush core of tannins."

Robert Parker 95

This hedonistic Cabernet Sauvignon's saturated purple color is accompanied by an exuberant, sweet, enveloping fragrance of smoky new oak, and jammy blackberry and cassis fruit. In the mouth, this lavishly wooded, black fruit-filled Cabernet is extremely full-bodied, with superb levels of fruit, glycerin, and extract. Like many 1994 Cabernet Sauvignons, it possesses extraordinary equilibrium, with the sweet tannin giving the wine considerable accessibility. The finish lasts for nearly 30 seconds. This will be a fun wine to drink young, but do not discount its aging ability as it should last for two decades.

1994 Phelps Insignia California (3.0L)

$915.00

Robert Parker 96

"The 1994 Insignia (a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc) is spectacular. I have had the wine a half-dozen or more times, and it is unquestionably opulent, sexy, flamboyant, explosively rich, concentrated, and a thrill to drink. Already gorgeous, it promises to evolve gracefully for two decades or more. The color is a healthy saturated dark purple. The spicy nose offers aromas of black currants, allspice, pain grille, and soy, with scents of a burning wood fire thrown in for additional complexity. This full-bodied, opulent, dazzling wine is exhilarating to drink."

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

"Here is the wine we would list among our top ten Cabernets of the entire decade in California. It has fruit, richness, depth, incredible mouthfeel and magnificent balance without bombast-all the the things one wants in California Cabernet and cannot often find even in the very highest rated wines."

Wine Spectator 93

"A tremendous wine that combines dark, rich, deeply concentrated flavors with a sense of grace and finesse. This is still a bold, potent youngster, with a wealth of currant, mocha, anise and sage flavors. The tannins are big, too, but they're ripe and they let the rich flavors push through." --California Cabernet '74/'84/'94 retrospective. 8,000 cases made.

1995 Bollinger R.D. (750ml)

$220.00

Wine Spectator 95

A dry, oxidative style, with wholegrain bread, ginger, roasted hazelnut and yeast notes lending complexity. Its structure comes into relief due to the dryness, but overall this is balanced and well-integrated, with a very long finish and an expansive aftertaste. Ideal with seafood and rich sauces or game birds. Drink now through 2020.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 93

Tasted at the Bollinger RD vertical in Paris. The 1995 RD has a more exotic nose than the 1996, perhaps more similar to the 1999 RD. It takes more time to unfurl, more introspective and delicate with touches of quince, litchi and mandarin. Good definition and focus. The palate is certainly more forward than the 1996 RD, but it has a beautiful entry with subtle honey notes, dried apricot, a touch of yeast, perhaps a finer thread of acidity that renders this a more elegant RD than the 1996, but not with the same sense of thrust and power and just a tad drier towards the finish. I would be drinking this now, but would cellar the 1996. Tasted July 2011.

1995 Bollinger R.D. (1.5L)

$450.00

Wine Spectator 95

A dry, oxidative style, with wholegrain bread, ginger, roasted hazelnut and yeast notes lending complexity. Its structure comes into relief due to the dryness, but overall this is balanced and well-integrated, with a very long finish and an expansive aftertaste. Ideal with seafood and rich sauces or game birds. Drink now through 2020.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 93

Tasted at the Bollinger RD vertical in Paris. The 1995 RD has a more exotic nose than the 1996, perhaps more similar to the 1999 RD. It takes more time to unfurl, more introspective and delicate with touches of quince, litchi and mandarin. Good definition and focus. The palate is certainly more forward than the 1996 RD, but it has a beautiful entry with subtle honey notes, dried apricot, a touch of yeast, perhaps a finer thread of acidity that renders this a more elegant RD than the 1996, but not with the same sense of thrust and power and just a tad drier towards the finish. I would be drinking this now, but would cellar the 1996. Tasted July 2011.

1995 Calon-Segur (750ml)

List Price: ~~$130.00~~ Our Price: $115.00

$115.00

Robert Parker 92

As I have said many times since I first tasted this wine, the 1995 Calon-Segur is one of the great sleepers of the vintage (I bought the wine as a future for a mere $250 a case). The wine has closed down completely since bottling, but it is a sensational effort that may ultimately merit an even higher score. The wine is opaque purple-colored. With coaxing, the tight aromatics reveal some weedy cassis intertwined with truffles, chocolate, and beef blood-like aromas. On the palate, there is an element of sur-maturite (1995 was an extremely late harvest at Calon-Segur), fabulous density and purity, and a boatload of tannin. This deep, broodingly backward, classic Bordeaux will require a decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2035.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95-98

This has a very backward nose with an almost animal-like intensity. The Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant with cedar, smoke and sous-bois characteristics coming through. Superb definition with a little more ?attack? than the 1996 (which is not dissimilar in style.) The palate is extremely backward, almost chunky and tannic, much more primal than the ?96 with blackberry, briary, bilberry complemented by hawthorn and leather. Very well balanced towards the charming finish which is developing an enthralling sense of harmony and effortless. A wine that put Mdm. Gasqueton on the map and still with so much to give in future years. Drink 2015-2040. Tasted November 2008.

1995 DRC La Tache (750ml-12pk OWC)

$32,955.00

Robert Parker 95

"It is intensely profound, and super-ripe yet harmonious. Its extraordinarily long finish (it tails off with a sweet kirsch kiss) flabbergasted me. I could not help but think of the finishes of two wines I love - Chateau Rayas and Chateau Lafleur."

Wine Spectator 95

"A sensational La Tache. Balanced with lots of beautiful fruit, but above all it has harmony etched all over it."

Allen Meadows, Burghound 94

Stylistically, this borrows elements from both the '97 and the '96 as it combines moderate floral notes with most of the spice, soy and hoisin of the '96 plus the densest flavors of any vintage to this point. The mid-palate doesn't have quite the same sap of the '96 and the long, dusty finish offers a hint of chocolate. This too has the potential to be very long lived. Multiple notes with consistent results; in fact, a recent bottle tasted in Burgundy was even better than the bottle in the big La T�che tasting held in early '03.

1995 Lafite (750ml)

$995.00

Robert Parker 95

The 1995 Lafite-Rothschild (only one-third of the harvest made it into the final blend) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The wine was showing spectacularly well when I tasted it in November, 1997. It exhibits a dark ruby purple color, and a sweet, powdered mineral, smoky, weedy cassis-scented nose. Beautiful sweetness of fruit is present in this medium-bodied, tightly-knit, but gloriously pure, well-delineated Lafite. The 1995 is not as powerful or as massive as the 1996, but it is beautifully made with outstanding credentials, in addition to remarkable promise. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028.

Wine Spectator 97

"As terrific as usual, this '95 Lafite could very well equal the producer's majestic 1959 for its pure tobacco, cedar and wild fruit on the nose and palate, full body, massive velvet-like tannins and extended finish."

1995 Latour (750ml)

$650.00

Robert Parker 96

A beauty, the opaque dense purple-colored 1995 exhibits jammy cassis, vanillin, and minerals in its fragant but still youthful aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, whith exceptional purity, superb concentration, and a long, intense, ripe, 41-second finish, this is a magnificent example of latour. As the wine sat in the glass, scents of roasted espresso and toasty new oak emerged. Anticipating maturity: 2012-2050

Wine Spectator 94

This is showing wonderfully at the moment. Dark ruby color. Aromas of mint, blackberry and currant rise gracefully from the glass. It's full-bodied, with supple, fine tannins and a long finish. Wonderful texture. Best after 2002.

1995 Leoville Las Cases (750ml)

$225.00

Robert Parker 95

If it were not for the prodigious 1996, everyone would be concentrating on getting their hands on a few bottles of the fabulous 1995 Leoville-Las-Cases, which is one of the vintage's great success stories. The wine boasts an opaque ruby/purple color, and exceptionally pure, beautifully knit aromas of black fruits, minerals, vanillin, and spice. On the attack, it is staggeringly rich, yet displays more noticeable tannin than its younger sibling. Exceptionally ripe cassis fruit, the judicious use of toasty new oak, and a thrilling mineral character intertwined with the high quality of fruit routinely obtained by Las Cases, make this a compelling effort. There is probably nearly as much tannin as in the 1996, but it is not as perfectly sweet as in the 1996. The finish is incredibly long in this classic. Only 35% of the harvest was of sufficient quality for the 1995 Leoville-Las-Cases. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.

Wine Spectator 95-97

Superb. Exotic aromas of spices, smoke and berries introduce this full-bodied wine, with its big, luscious tannins and long, long finish. A monster.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 96

Tasted at the Las-Cases off-line at The Square. The 1995 and 1996 Las-Cases are both monumental wines and the former does not disappoint here. It has a spellbinding nose of blackberry, cassis, melted tar and sous-bois with so much vibrancy and vivacity. The palate is full-bodied with succulent, rounded tannins, enormous depth and power. The finish is beautifully poised and minerally, much more feminine than the ?96. This is a Las-Cases with guile and grace, but it deserves at least 2 hours decanting to open up. Tasted February 2011.

1995 Leroy Richebourg (750ml)

$2,700.00

Robert Parker 97

Exhibiting a black color and deep, powerful cassis and mineral aromas, the other-worldly Richebourg (100 cases) is a rugged, mammoth wine. Broad-shouldered, thick-textured, full-bodied and intensely lively, it is packed with sweet toasty red and black currants. Long and stunningly structured, this refined and highly extracted mind-boggling wine needs 10 years of cellaring, it will last for 15+ years.

1995 Mouton (750ml)

$495.00

Robert Parker 95

"A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot..this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. In the mouth the wine is "great stuff", with superb density, a full bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that last for 40+ seconds."

Wine Spectator 96

"Mindblowing. Absolutely breathtaking. This wine is full-bodied with licorice, tobacco and cassis permeating nose and palate, has super tannins and an ultralong finiish."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95-97

First tasted blind for Wine magazine when it was "utterly pure & beguiling". Brilliant. Then at the CECWINE 1995 horizontal in September 2004. A sensuous nose with notes of black cherry and blueberry with a dash of black pepper. Becomes more savory and meaty in the glass. The palate is very harmonious with fresh acidity, well knit unobtrusive tannins and layers of sweet black fruits. Quite a showy, ostentatious wine, spoilt by a lack of cohesion on the finish. Stylish, quite brash. Drinking from 2006 I would say. Finally in September 2005, where it was showing beautifully at the Mouton vertical. A very deep garnet core. An attractive, rounded nose of black cherry, black olives and mocha. Complex and well-knit. The palate is very concentrated, more focused than the 1996, with well-knit new oak. Decadent, sweet ripe red fruits: raspberry, black cherry. Superb length. A slightly more complete wine than the 1996.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

"Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains." Ian D'Agata

1995 Mouton (750ml)

$495.00

Robert Parker 95

"A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot..this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. In the mouth the wine is "great stuff", with superb density, a full bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that last for 40+ seconds."

Wine Spectator 96

"Mindblowing. Absolutely breathtaking. This wine is full-bodied with licorice, tobacco and cassis permeating nose and palate, has super tannins and an ultralong finiish."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95-97

First tasted blind for Wine magazine when it was "utterly pure & beguiling". Brilliant. Then at the CECWINE 1995 horizontal in September 2004. A sensuous nose with notes of black cherry and blueberry with a dash of black pepper. Becomes more savory and meaty in the glass. The palate is very harmonious with fresh acidity, well knit unobtrusive tannins and layers of sweet black fruits. Quite a showy, ostentatious wine, spoilt by a lack of cohesion on the finish. Stylish, quite brash. Drinking from 2006 I would say. Finally in September 2005, where it was showing beautifully at the Mouton vertical. A very deep garnet core. An attractive, rounded nose of black cherry, black olives and mocha. Complex and well-knit. The palate is very concentrated, more focused than the 1996, with well-knit new oak. Decadent, sweet ripe red fruits: raspberry, black cherry. Superb length. A slightly more complete wine than the 1996.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

"Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains." Ian D'Agata

1995 Niellon Chevalier Montrachet (750ml)

$720.00

Wine Spectator 95

Shows great class. A superconcentrated wine, subtle and racy, its loads of mineral, wet stone, and vanilla-cream flavors both powerful and subtle. Remarkable harmony. Full-bodied and a pleasure to taste now, but clearly better after 2005

Allen Meadows, Burghound 95

A definite candidate for wine of the vintage with its superb fruit offering powerful mineral, limestone and intensely detailed citrus aromas followed by muscular, dense and incredibly long flavors of remarkable complexity. The purity this displays rivals that of the spectacular 96 though the tactile impression is quite different between the two wines. More than a few Burgundy lovers believe that the B�tard is Niellon's best wine but for my money and taste preferences, the Chevalier is the clear class of this cellar.

1995 Opus One California (750ml)

$275.00

Wine Spectator 95

"True to form, this renowned California red weaves a complex array of currant, plum, leather, spice and mineral flavors, with a seamless texture and lush but firm tannins. Finishes with an extra lift that keeps the flavors alive and lingering. Quite impressive."

Wine News 95

"Slow to open nose of berry cassis,toasty oask, vanilla, caramel, clove and lead pencil. Even bigger than the 1994 with extracted, concentrated blackberry-cassis frit and medium-full, supple tannins. Mouth-filling with plush textures, this is a massive,intense Opus with excellent aging potential. From 20th Anniversary Tasting held October 1999."

FineWine International

86% Cabernet, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec

E Robert Parker In Asia, Lisa Perrotit-Brown 93

Medium brick colour. Intense nose of dried blackberries and cherries laced with complex aromas of coffee grounds, tobacco leaf, cumin and soy. Nice concentration of mature berry and spice fruit balanced by medium to firm, slightly chewy tannins and medium to high acidity. A more structured style of Opus. Very long finish. Drink now to 2020. Tasted April 2009. Lisa Perrotti-Brown

1995 Royal Tokaji, Tokaji Aszu Essencia (500ml)

$163.00

FineWine International

The Tokaji Aszu Essencia is the wine of legends. Made from super-concentrated botrytisized grapes, the Essencia is only made in exceptional years. Because of its high concentration of sugar it can take years to ferment. The alcohol is a very modest 8.5%. It can age almost indefinitely. The just released 1995 most be tasted to be belived. The wine is thick, unctuous but not in the least cloying thanks to the the acidity of the Fermint grape. The aromas and flavors combine peach, apricot,quince, orange, raisin, honey, and fig. The finish lingers on the palate for minutes. If you were down to your last sip of wine...this is the one you would want.

Wine Spectator 95

Thick and dense yet never heavy, with aromas that flit from floral and vegetal to caramel and smoke and back again. There's noticeable sweetness matched by a brisk acidity that need time to integrate. Fine, lingering finish. Seems monolithic today, so be patient.

1996 DRC La Tache (750ml)

List Price: ~~$3,395.00~~ Our Price: $2,895.00

$2,895.00

Allen Meadows, Burghound 96

Fantastically pure with the classic spice box, hoisin and soy nose followed by big, rich, very structured flavors that display notes of earth, leather and tea. The tannins are big, ripe and are completely buffered by the sap with length that is simply phenomenal. This remains completely primary in character and seems not to have budged at all since it was bottled. A genuinely great vintage for La T�che that is softer in the mouth than the '

Robert Parker 94-97

This blockbuster wine possesses a profound nose. It exhibits awesomely ripe red and black fruits, raw meat, and Asian spices, all of which are encased in sweet toasty oak. This full-bodied, wide, thick, focused, harmonious, and intense wine releases amazingly powerful layers of candied black cherries and blackberries. It is structured, totally precise, pure, and possesses an exceptionally long finish loaded with abundant sweet tannins. It will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. Pierre Rovani

Wine Spectator 96

Deep color. Very pure fruit confit aromas of cassis and blackberry. A rich La T�che, with a combination of ripeness and high acidity. It's up front in its appeal today, with a great nose and tight finish.--La T�che non-blind vertical. Best from 2015 through 2040.

1996 DRC Richebourg (750ml-6pk OWC)

$15,300.00

Robert Parker 96

"A massive explosion of profound and intense cherries, raspberries, boysenberries, and strawberries coated my palate. It is a medium-to-full-bodied, densely-fruited, and powerful wine that is perfectly balanced and delineated.

Fine Wine Review 98+

"The Richebourg at this point is more open and caressing than the Romanee-St.-Vivant. The nose shows spicy, exotic aromas, and the mouth is filled with yellow and green plums, blackberries, plenty of flesh,notable tannin, and a finish that does what Maggie Thatcher wanted to do--go on and on. Power, elegance, and exoticism, the hallmarks of great Richebourg, are all exemplified here."

Allen Meadows, Burghound 92

A gorgeous, spicy and expressive nose of mostly black fruit aromas combines with rich, sweet and still tight medium full and quite firmly structured flavors that possess a long though slightly edgy and austere finish. Note that this bottle showed better than the one reviewed in the big Richebourg retrospective held in October, 2001. I would not touch another bottle for at least 5 years and this easily has 20 year+ potential as it will require a long time to completely unwind. Tasted on multiple occasions with consistent notes. Oct 2010

1996 DRC Richebourg (750ml)

List Price: ~~$2,450.00~~ Our Price: $2,050.00

$2,050.00

Robert Parker 96

"A massive explosion of profound and intense cherries, raspberries, boysenberries, and strawberries coated my palate. It is a medium-to-full-bodied, densely-fruited, and powerful wine that is perfectly balanced and delineated.

Fine Wine Review 98+

"The Richebourg at this point is more open and caressing than the Romanee-St.-Vivant. The nose shows spicy, exotic aromas, and the mouth is filled with yellow and green plums, blackberries, plenty of flesh,notable tannin, and a finish that does what Maggie Thatcher wanted to do--go on and on. Power, elegance, and exoticism, the hallmarks of great Richebourg, are all exemplified here."

Allen Meadows, Burghound 92

A gorgeous, spicy and expressive nose of mostly black fruit aromas combines with rich, sweet and still tight medium full and quite firmly structured flavors that possess a long though slightly edgy and austere finish. Note that this bottle showed better than the one reviewed in the big Richebourg retrospective held in October, 2001. I would not touch another bottle for at least 5 years and this easily has 20 year+ potential as it will require a long time to completely unwind. Tasted on multiple occasions with consistent notes. Oct 2010

1996 Ducru-Beaucaillou (750ml)

List Price: ~~$210.00~~ Our Price: $185.00

$185.00

Robert Parker 96

I tasted the 1996 Ducru Beaucaillou on four separate occasions from bottle in January. The 1996 is long, with a deep mid-palate. It also reveals tannin in the finish. This wine is remarkable. It is muscular, concentrated, and classic. Bottled in late June, 1998, it exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a knock-out nose of minerals, licorice, cassis, and an unmistakable lead pencil smell that I often associate with top vintages of Lafite-Rothschild. It is sweet and full-bodied, yet unbelievably rich with no sense of heaviness or flabbiness. The wine possesses high tannin, but it is extremely ripe, and the sweetness of the black currant, spice-tinged Cabernet Sauvignon fruit is pronounced. This profound, backward Ducru-Beaucaillou is a must purchase. It will be fascinating for readers who own the 1996 to follow the evolution of this exceptional vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94+

Bright medium ruby. Deep, superripe aromas of dark berries, black cherry and bitter chocolate; slightly exotic crystallized fruit aspect. Dense, sweet and wonderfully rich; a lovely combination of palate-caressing chocolatey fruit and firm underlying structure. Finishes with excellent grip and great palate-saturating sweetness. Another outstanding 1996 Medoc wine in the making. Drink 2010 through 2030.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 91

Served at the Ducru offline in London. Like many 1996s, this is very ?masculine on the nose? with dark broody fruit, black plum, smoke, cigar box and earth. Then with aeration there is a touch of wild mint and it gains better definition. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced with black cherry and iodine, much more delineation on the entry than the nose would suggest with wild strawberry, tart cherry and cedar towards the finish. It still comes across as a little overdone, a Ducru that tried to hard in the winery, but it has a nice sense of tension. Fine. Drink now-2030. Tasted September 2009.

1996 Haut-Brion (750ml)

List Price: ~~$600.00~~ Our Price: $495.00

$495.00

Robert Parker 92

The backward 1996 Haut-Brion was bottled in July, 1998. Even administrator Jean Delmas was surprised by how closed it was when I tasted it in January. Only 60% of the crop was utilized in the final blend, which was 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc. Out of barrel, this wine exhibited far more forthcoming aromatics as well as a sweeter mid-palate than it revealed from bottle. I had expected it to be more forward, and thus slightly down-graded the wine, although I am thrilled to own it and follow what appears to be a slow evolution. It will be a potentially long-lived wine. The 1996 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, and a surprisingly tight bouquet. With aeration, notes of fresh tobacco, dried herbs, smoke, asphalt, and black fruits emerge ... but reluctantly. It is tannic and medium-bodied, with outstanding purity and a layered, multidimensional style. However, the finish contains abundant tannin, suggesting that this wine needs 5-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Full ruby-red. Initially mute nose opened slowly to reveal complex aromas of raspberry, plum, hot stones, tobacco, saddle leather and toffee. Really explodes on the palate; lush and minerally, with a compelling note of woodsmoke and firm acidity. Wonderful combination of sweetness and vibrancy. Finishes very long and subtle, with firm tannins.

Wine Spectator 93

Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries, cigar box, black licorice and tanned leather. Full-bodied, with fine silky tannins and a medium to long finish. Seems a little tight right now. But refined and pretty. Nice for the vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

I have a lot of time for the 1996 Haut-Brion, which was tasted twice in the same month (albeit 5,000 miles apart!) Here it has a gorgeous, quintessential Graves-like bouquet with superb intensity, expressive dark berried fruits, woodland, a touch of garrigues evolving with time (although not anis this time.) The palate is full-bodied with firm, solid tannins that do not obtrude the fruit. Masculine in style with dried herbs, sous-bois, cedar and black olive, then demonstrating outstanding length on the finish. Excellent. Tasted November 2011.

1996 Haut-Brion (750ml)

List Price: ~~$600.00~~ Our Price: $495.00

$495.00

Robert Parker 92

The backward 1996 Haut-Brion was bottled in July, 1998. Even administrator Jean Delmas was surprised by how closed it was when I tasted it in January. Only 60% of the crop was utilized in the final blend, which was 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc. Out of barrel, this wine exhibited far more forthcoming aromatics as well as a sweeter mid-palate than it revealed from bottle. I had expected it to be more forward, and thus slightly down-graded the wine, although I am thrilled to own it and follow what appears to be a slow evolution. It will be a potentially long-lived wine. The 1996 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, and a surprisingly tight bouquet. With aeration, notes of fresh tobacco, dried herbs, smoke, asphalt, and black fruits emerge ... but reluctantly. It is tannic and medium-bodied, with outstanding purity and a layered, multidimensional style. However, the finish contains abundant tannin, suggesting that this wine needs 5-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Full ruby-red. Initially mute nose opened slowly to reveal complex aromas of raspberry, plum, hot stones, tobacco, saddle leather and toffee. Really explodes on the palate; lush and minerally, with a compelling note of woodsmoke and firm acidity. Wonderful combination of sweetness and vibrancy. Finishes very long and subtle, with firm tannins.

Wine Spectator 93

Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries, cigar box, black licorice and tanned leather. Full-bodied, with fine silky tannins and a medium to long finish. Seems a little tight right now. But refined and pretty. Nice for the vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

I have a lot of time for the 1996 Haut-Brion, which was tasted twice in the same month (albeit 5,000 miles apart!) Here it has a gorgeous, quintessential Graves-like bouquet with superb intensity, expressive dark berried fruits, woodland, a touch of garrigues evolving with time (although not anis this time.) The palate is full-bodied with firm, solid tannins that do not obtrude the fruit. Masculine in style with dried herbs, sous-bois, cedar and black olive, then demonstrating outstanding length on the finish. Excellent. Tasted November 2011.

1996 Latour (750ml)

$895.00

Robert Parker 99

A spectacular Latour, the 1996 may be the modern day clone of the 1966, only riper. This vintage, which is so variable in Pomerol, St.-Emilion, and Graves, was fabulous for the late-harvested Cabernet Sauvignon of the northern Medoc because of splendid weather in late September and early October. An opaque purple color is followed by phenomenally sweet, pure aromas of cassis infused with subtle minerals. This massive offering possesses unreal levels of extract, full body, intensely ripe, but abundant tannin, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. Classic and dense, it displays the potential for 50-75 years of longevity. Although still an infant, it would be educational to taste a bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050.

Wine Spectator 97

"Clearly the wine of the vintage and better than the 1995. This is classic Latour with racy, firm tannins, full and well-integrated. It's full-bodied with a long palate; cassis mineral, violet and berry aromas changing to minerals and spices. A complete wine, with both power and finesse."

1996 Margaux (750ml)

$695.00

Robert Parker 99

The 1996 Chateau Margaux, which was bottled in September, 1998, is undoubtedly one of the great classics produced under the Mentzelopoulos regime. In many respects, it is the quintessential Chateau Margaux, as well as the paradigm for this estate, combining measured power, extraordinary elegance, and admirable complexity. I tasted the wine on three separate occasions in January, and in short, it's a beauty! The color is opaque purple. The wine offers extraordinarily pure notes of blackberries, cassis, pain grille, and flowers, gorgeous sweetness, a seamless personality, and full body, with nothing out of place. The final blend (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) contains a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. It tastes complete and long, although backward. My instincts suggest this wine will shut down, but at present it is open-knit, tasting like a recently bottled wine. The fruit is exceptionally sweet and pure, and there are layers of flavor in the mouth. I do believe this wine will develop an extraordinary perfume, and possess a high level of richness. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2040.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 96

"Bright full ruby. Pure, perfumed aromas of cassis and violet. Dense and tactile in the mouth; a huge, chewy wine with major extract but also considerable refinement. Almost painfully backward today, and a bit less perfumed than it was in the year or so after the bottling, but the huge tannins show no hardness. Another great expression of cabernet sauvignon from the '96 vintage. Drink 2015 through 2040."

Wine Spectator 95

"Sleek and racy Margaux. Inky black in color, with intense aromas of wood-tinged blackberry, violet, cherry followed by mineral and berry flavors that unfold across the palate and go on and on. Full-bodied and powerful, with a compact fruit and tannin structure."

1996 Mondavi Reserve California (750ml)

$95.00

Wine Spectator 95

"Rich and complex yet restrained in style, with pretty coffee, currant, black cherry, spice and anise flavors that fan out nicely, this California Cabernet turns particularly elegant and polished on the long finish."

Robert Parker 92

The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve may be no better than the Oakville, but it is made in a slightly different style. The color is opaque purple, and the wine reveals more vanillin, a touch of mint, and plenty of black currant fruit in its moderately intense aromatics. Some of the vintage's dry tannin (from this year's stressed vineyard conditions) is present in the wine's finish. A more stylish, restrained, less exuberant example than the 1996 Oakville, it is an outstanding offering that should be consumed between 2002-2025.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

"Deep ruby-red. Explosive, somewhat feral, highly aromatic nose of cassis, roast coffee, game, smoky oak and chocolate; shows a very strong torrefaction aspect. Lush, rich and deep; has a pliancy and degree of early personality I find in only the very best young California cabernets. Subtle notes of chocolate and tobacco contribute to the wine appeal. Finishes fairly tannic but very long. Distinctly more layered than the '95."

1996 Mouton (750ml)

$595.00

Robert Parker 94

"I agree that among the first-growths, this wine is showing surprising forwardness and complexity in its aromatics. It possesses an exuberant, flamboyant bouquet of roasted coffee, and new sadde leather. This full-bodied, ripe, rich, concentrated, superbly balanced wine is paradoxical in the sense that the aromatics suggest a far more evolved wine than the flavors reveal."

Wine Spectator 96

Incredible nose of ultraripe fruit, it's yet subtle and complex. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost sweet fruit and a long, long caressing finish. Superb. This is edging out the 1995.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

This is an excellent Mouton-Rothschild that might warrant a higher score if it continues to improve. It has a ?classic? Pauillac nose of graphite, pencil shavings and tobacco, later a whiff of a mahogany bureau in a stately home. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, quite austere tannins, but wonderful balance and the tension that the 2000 so badly needs. Very harmonious and youthful towards the finish. It actually reminds me of the 1986 in some ways. Superb. Tasted February 2011.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 96

" Bright ruby with a palish rim. Intense, fragrant aromas of strawberry, iris, coffee, white pepper and bay leaf are lifted by an aromatic spice note; one can recognize the cabernet franc here. Rich, dense and suave, with very pure red fruit, cedar and herb flavors that coat the palate and are nicely carried by vibrant, harmonious acidity. Finishes with outstanding length, noble tannins and a late spicy, floral kick. This outstanding Mouton has improved enormously since its release. Tourbier agrees: "We were a little worried initially that this Mouton seemed too rigid, almost austere. Instead, it did a complete turnaround once bottled, surprising us as well." Ian d'agata

1996 Opus One California (750ml)

$275.00

Robert Parker 94

"This is one of the finest Opus Ones to date, offering a dark ruby/purple color, as well as a striking, intense bouquet of sweet licorice intermixed with blackberries, cassis, plums, and saddle leather. The long finish is filled with glycerin, ripe fruit, and sweet tannin."

Wine Spectator 96

"Wonderful finesse and complexity. Not the up-front opulent flavor of the '94 or '95, but seemingly deeper, with more finesse to the toasty clove, currant, black cherry and spice."

Wine News 96

"Expansive, aromatic nose of dusty herbs, clove, sandalwood, ripe black fruits, leather and toasty oak. Deep, ulra-ripe black fruits are accompanied by a wisp of Medoc-like green herb, with flavors that show excellent concentration and avoid any suggestion of being overripe. A bigger style than bottling up to 1993 with medium-full tannins and considerable extraction that will require several years of cellaring." From 20th Anniversary Tasting held October 1999.

FineWine International

Blend: 86% Cabernet, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 3% Malbec

1996 Shafer Hillside Select California (750ml)

$385.00

Robert Parker 98

"The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the vintage's super-stars. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by super aromatics, immense body, great fruit extraction, superb purity and overall symmetry, as well as a 40+ second finish. Revealing exceptional intensity (but no heaviness) as well as perfectly integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, this fabulous Cabernet will drink wonderfully for three decades."

1996 Yquem (375ml)

$201.00

Robert Parker 95

Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality. There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 96

Tasted single blind at Farr?s 2005 dinner in Hong Kong. It is a while since I last tasted this vintage. Like before, the nose is tightly coiled and demands coaxing from the glass, but eventually it yields and offers a lovely bouquet of wild honey, honeysuckle, lemon curd and barleysugar. The palate is more tensile then I remember on the entry, with a keen thread of acidity and notes of mandarin, Seville orange, tinned apricot and honey, hints of almond sprinkled over the finish. It does not quite have the complexity of a top flight Yquem, but it is still a great Sauternes for long-term consideration. Tasted November 2011.

1996 Yquem (375ml)

$201.00

Robert Parker 95

Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality. There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 96

Tasted single blind at Farr?s 2005 dinner in Hong Kong. It is a while since I last tasted this vintage. Like before, the nose is tightly coiled and demands coaxing from the glass, but eventually it yields and offers a lovely bouquet of wild honey, honeysuckle, lemon curd and barleysugar. The palate is more tensile then I remember on the entry, with a keen thread of acidity and notes of mandarin, Seville orange, tinned apricot and honey, hints of almond sprinkled over the finish. It does not quite have the complexity of a top flight Yquem, but it is still a great Sauternes for long-term consideration. Tasted November 2011.

1997 Bollinger R.D. (750ml)

$260.00

Robert Parker 95

The 1997 R.D. opens with explosive aromatics that meld seamlessly into layers of ripe fruit. The signature slightly oxidative notes are there, but there is also more than enough fruit to provide terrific balance. This is an especially accessible, opulent R.D. that can be drunk young or cellared. The R.D. starts off as the same wine as the Grande Annee but sees an extended period of aging on its lees prior to being disgorged. In 1997 the R.D. is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. This bottle was disgorged on March 25, 2008. The 1997 is a great introduction to the R.D style, and a bottle that can be enjoyed while the 1995 and 1996 age. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 93

Tasted at the Bollinger RD vertical in Paris. The 1997 has a languid but persistent mousse. The nose displays good intensity with fine mineralit� intermingling with grilled walnuts, smoke and just a faint touch of beeswax. The palate is very well balanced with a citric thread of acidity, lemon peel, fresh red gooseberries, green apple and crushed stone. The acidity drives the finish, though it is just a little unruly on the bitter lemon and cantaloupe finish. Very good length, this 1997 RD evolves nicely in the glass, become ever more refined and elegant. Tasted July 2011.

1997 Campogiovanni Brunello Reserva Quercione (750ml)

List Price: ~~$163.00~~ Our Price: $125.00

$125.00

Wine Spectator 95

This is a wine that evolves wonderfully in your glass. It first smells like raw meat and earth and then quickly turns to flowers and tar and finally superripe fruit. Fascinating. Full-bodied and powerful, with supersilky tannins and a dense, yet refined finish. Best after 2004.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91

Deep ruby-red. Deep, slightly reduced, carnal aromas of blackberry skin, cassis, wild strawberry and gunflint. Powerful, concentrated and fresh, with tangy flavors of raspberry, strawberry, minerals and spices. Dense, deep and lush, but the wine's lovely vinosity gives the flavors excellent delineation. Finishes very long and strong, with fine tannins.

1997 Giacosa Barolo Rocche del Falletto (750ml)

List Price: ~~$250.00~~ Our Price: $165.00

$165.00

Robert Parker 96

Bruno Giacosa's 1997 Barolo Rocche de Falletto emerges from four blocks of his Falletto vineyard with a southeastern exposure. This amazing, deep plum/garnet-colored offering possesses huge body as well as a sweet, sexy, fleshy mid-palate and finish. Classic aromas of rose petals, melted tar, and cherry liqueur not only soar aromatically, but saturate the palate and coat the taster's teeth. Profoundly complex and multilayered, with an exquisite texture and overall harmony, for a Giacosa Barolo it is uncommonly precocious, making me think it will provide profound drinking in 2-3 years, and last for three decades.

1997 Jones Family (750ml)

$190.00

Robert Parker 94

"This wine is the product of a small micro-vinification from a 5-acre vineyard on the upper eastern hillsides of Napa Valley. David Abreu, the well-known vineyard manager, oversees the vineyard, and acclaimed wine consultant, Heidi Barrett, makes the wine. The sensational 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (800 cases produced) is the finest effort yet from the Jones Family. The color is a saturated blue/purple. The nose offers up classic mineral, blueberry, creme de cassis, and subtle toasty oak notes. Full-bodied, with stunning purity, a multi-layered, full-bodied palate impression, and an explosive finish, this wine requires 2-3 years of cellaring; it will age nicely for 20-25 years."

Wine Enthusiast 95

Enormous aromatics of vanilla and chocolate, dark berries and spice cake. An open palate with sweet-tart fruit and vanilla notes. The rich, round feel, the depth of fruit, and the velvety tannins nearly veil the solid structure. Finishes dry and long, with coffee and chocolate flavors. A newcomer with budding cult credentials. Hold three to five years if you can keep your hands off it.

1997 La Gerla Brunelllo Riserva (750ml)

List Price: ~~$147.00~~ Our Price: $125.00

$125.00

Wine Spectator 95

Dark ruby-garnet. Aromas of rose, plum and spices follow through to a full body, with silky tannins and a ripe fruit, plum and blackberry finish. Chewy and concentrated. This would still be better with age.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009

1997 Lisini Brunello (750ml)

List Price: ~~$136.00~~ Our Price: $105.00

$105.00

Wine Spectator 95

A rich yet refined red. Super-plummy on the nose, with hints of fresh spices. Full-bodied and wonderfully polished, with beautiful tannins and lots of fruit and spices. Long, long finish. Best after 2004.

1997 Mondavi Reserve California (750ml)

$150.00

Robert Parker 95

"The profound 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve boasts a saturated ruby/purple color. Production (about 20,000 cases) of this sweet, opulently-textured, rich, full-bodied wine should guarantee widespread availability. Aged in 100% new French oak, this blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot offers a textbook varietal nose of cedar wood, licorice, creme de cassis, and pain grille. Full-bodied, with explosive sweetness and fruit on the attack, this gloriously pure, superbly well-delineated wine should be drinkable young, and last for 3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025."

Wine Spectator 93

"Packed with currant, black cherry, plum, cedar and spice nuances, finishing long and complete, this Mondavi reserve is a dark, immense, deeply concentrated and sharply focused red."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93+

Very good deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of crystallized red berries, cassis, graphite and grilled nuts. Lush, sweet and minerally; already displays compelling inner-mouth complexity and superb delineation. Youthful fruit flavors show less of the meaty quality that characterized some recent vintages of this wine. Very strong underlying backbone. The wine's lovely sweetness carries through to the very long finish, which features dusty, even tannins.

1997 Schramsberg Reserve California (750ml)

$72.00

Wine Spectator 91

Austere, but with a tight, focused beam of spicy pear, ginger and creamy vanilla, all folding together nicely, gaining complexity and nuance, with a long, elegant creamy-textured finish.

Wine Enthusiast 95

Most Americans don't think to age sparkling wine, but this is one for the long-term cellar. It's very good now and will eventually become great. Still very young at six-plus years, it brims with fresh citrusy acids, and is very dry. There's a great undertow of lush peach fruit, vanilla, bread dough and smoke that fades into a long finish. Defines elegance and class.

1997 Yquem (375ml)

$190.00

Robert Parker 96

A sensational Yquem, 1997 may be this estate's finest effort since 1990 (although I would not discount the 1996 turning out to be nearly as good). The 1997's light gold color is accompanied a gorgeous perfume of caramel, honeysuckle, peach, apricot, and smoky wood. Full-bodied and unctuously-textured, with good underlying acidity as well as loads of sweetness and glycerin, it looks to be a great vintage for this renowned Sauternes estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2055.

Wine Spectator 95+

Extremely concentrated, yet subtle. Aromas of honey and spices, with an intense botrytis nose. Full-bodied, thick and fruity, with orange peel and lemon rind character. Medium sweetness. Balanced, yet thick and backward. This reminds me of the harmonious 1990--certainly the best since then. Best after 2008.

1997 Yquem (375ml)

List Price: ~~$190.00~~ Our Price: $175.00

$175.00

Robert Parker 96

A sensational Yquem, 1997 may be this estate's finest effort since 1990 (although I would not discount the 1996 turning out to be nearly as good). The 1997's light gold color is accompanied a gorgeous perfume of caramel, honeysuckle, peach, apricot, and smoky wood. Full-bodied and unctuously-textured, with good underlying acidity as well as loads of sweetness and glycerin, it looks to be a great vintage for this renowned Sauternes estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2055.

Wine Spectator 95+

Extremely concentrated, yet subtle. Aromas of honey and spices, with an intense botrytis nose. Full-bodied, thick and fruity, with orange peel and lemon rind character. Medium sweetness. Balanced, yet thick and backward. This reminds me of the harmonious 1990--certainly the best since then. Best after 2008.

1998 Cheval Blanc (750ml)

List Price: ~~$890.00~~ Our Price: $775.00

$775.00

Wine Spectator 98

"Subtle, complex and refined, with aromas of cherry, licorice, mineral, berry and other sweet, ripe fruit. Full-bodied, compacted, with fine, silky tannins. Long finish."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

"Full, bright medium ruby. Nose shows an almost liqueur-like ripeness, along with notes of bitter chocolate and menthol; a great expression of ripe but youthfully unevolved cabernet franc. Extremely dense and pure but still quite tight and showing a minty austerity. Wonderful acids give the wine superb clarity of flavor. This will require another decade to unfold. Finishes impressively persistent and juicy. Drink 2010 through 2030."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 98

Slightly light in colour than Ausone 1998 with a little more maturity on the rim. The nose is more extrovert than Ausone, opulent and fleshy, not dissimilar to a more cultured version of the La Mondotte. It develops further nuances of sloes and black plum with ten minutes in the glass. The palate is very impressive: wonderful structure, a forceful assertive Cheval Blanc with a tad more weight and depth than Ausone. Very harmonious on the finish, the merlot dominating, although you can tell that the Cabernet Franc is lurking in the sidelines waiting to take over from 2010. A great Cheval Blanc fulfilling all its initial promise. Tasted March 2008.

Robert Parker 93

This blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as classic aromas of menthol, plums, mulberries, and assorted black fruits. The oak, texture, acidity, and tannin are all beautifully integrated. While full-bodied, elegant, concentrated, and impeccably balanced, it requires several years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 98

Enticing nose offers minty blackcurrant, rose petal, cedar, and red cherry liqueur aromas. Then rich, suave and dense in the mouth, with voluptuous red cherry, raspberry, mineral and cocoa flavors complicated by tobacco and flinty nuances. The finish is smoothly tannic and extremely long, with a strong mineral nuance and just a hint of phenolic dryness. An extremely refined Cheval Blanc, exhibiting impeccable balance and breed; very cabernet franc-dominated and hence very Cheval Blanc. The year was memorable for a bout of frost on May 29 that sharply reduced crop levels; the summer started hot, then turned cool, but temperatures warmed up again during a magnificent September. The harvest took place from September 18 to 27. Only 160 barriques were made from a freakishly low yield. I have encountered bottle variation with the 1961 Cheval Blanc, which I've tasted 11 times through the years, but this particular bottle was pretty unforgettable. Dan Agata

1998 Clarendon Hills Astralis (750ml)

$260.00

Robert Parker 98

Just beginning to emerge from a relatively dormant state, this prodigious wine was showing the best it has yet performed., suggesting again that Clarendon Hills wines behave more like European wines in terms of needing time in the bottle. The saturated blue/purple color offers up notes of ripe black fruits intermixed with graphite, vanilla, mineral, and spice. Extremely thick, with a viscous texture, good underlying tannin and acidity, and fabulous length (nearly 50 seconds), this is certainly a prodigious effort that is now living up to the fame and extraordinary quality of this vintage. Nevertheless, I thought the wine needed about five years of cellaring two years ago, but now I tend to think it needs at least another 5-7 years of cellaring before it will begin to become an adolescent. It is a majestic, multi-dimensional, individualistic wine that certainly is world-class and undoubtedly profound. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.

Wine Spectator 93

"Deep, dark and dense, a powerfully concentrated mouthful of cherry, blackberry, plum and exotic spice flavors that linger on the beautifully crafted finish. Stylish and graceful, it also has power."

1998 Lafite (750ml)

$895.00

Robert Parker 98

A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, this wine represents only 34% of Lafite's total harvest. In a less than perfect Medoc vintage, it has been spectacular since birth, putting on more weight and flesh over the last year. This opaque purple-colored 1998 is close to perfection. The spectacular nose of lead pencil, smoky, mineral, and black currant fruit soars majestically from the glass. The wine is elegant yet profoundly rich, revealing the essence of Lafite's character. The tannin is sweet, and the wine spectacularly layered yet never heavy. The finish is sweet, super-rich, yet impeccably balanced and long."

Wine Spectator 93

Beautifully proportioned. Aromas of blackberry and spice, with a hint of toasted oak. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Very well done. Best of the Medoc first-growths.

1998 Leonetti Washington (750ml)

$73.00

Wine Spectator 93

"Firm, flavorful and distinctly spicy, with cinnamon and nutmeg overtones to the yummy, focused black currant and blackberry flavors. A racy red with great style and depth. Fine-grained tannins can use cellaring."

Robert Parker 94

Medium to full-bodied and hugely ripe, it is crammed with Asian spices, chocolate, blackberry juice, and a cascade of cherries. This expansive, rich lively Melrot is unquestionably great stuff! There are no hard edges in its sultry character or exceptionally long, fruit-filled finish. Enjoy it over the next 7-9 years.

Wine Enthusiast 95

The 1998 vintage shows its forward, fat, lip -smackinly luscious qualities in this meaty, oaky Cab that boasts firm, tongue-lashing tanins and plenty of red berries and cassis. It's delicius and strong, with coffee, bitter chocolate and licorice lining the extended finish.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 90

"Bright, deep ruby-red. Spicy aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, black plum and sexy oak. Juicy, intense and tightly wound, with flavors of red berries, mint and spice. Rather tannic today and in need of aging, but spicy, chocolatey and very long."

1998 Meo Camuzet Nuits-St-Georges Murgers (750ml)

$125.00

Clive Coates 17.5

"Full, tannic, oaky, of course, but not to much so. Rich and fat. Fine."

Fine Wine Review 95

"The Nuits-Murgers has more black fruits, especially plums, and is rounder with a nice precision. Tannins are notably present."

1998 Mouton (750ml)

$495.00

Robert Parker 96

Like many of its peers, the 1998 has filled out spectacularly. Now in the bottle, this opaque black/purple-colored offering has increased in stature, richness, and size. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc (57% of the production was utilized), it is an extremely powerful, super-concentrated wine offering notes of roasted espresso, creme de cassis, smoke, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice. It is massive, with awesome concentration, mouth-searing tannin levels, and a saturated flavor profile that grips the mouth with considerable intensity. This is a 50-year Mouton, but patience will be required as it will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.

Wine Spectator 90

"Cigar tobacco, cedar and red fruit aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a delicate finish. Elegant, seductive Mouton."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 92

Tasted at the Claret Club Mouton-Rothschild dinner. The 1998 Mouton has a very deep garnet hue. The nose has good intensity and fine definition with blackberry, cassis, graphite and a touch of sous-bois. The palate is tight at first...a dense ball of Pauillac stubbornness are the exact words that I wrote. But it unwinds nicely: graphite and cedar interlacing the black fruit, almost brutal towards the finish that needs more persistency. This will been another 4-5 years in bottle. Tasted November 2010.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93+

"Very deep saturated ruby. Archetypical cabernet sauvignon-dominated nose offers fresh blackcurrant, lead pencil and flowers complicated by strong spice notes. Bright and juicy on entry, with very pure flavors of dark berries, underbrush and dried herbs, then slightly austere and linear in the middle palate. Finishes with a lingering saline nuance and very good length. A very refined and impeccably balanced Mouton, but I would have liked a little bit more concentration and opulence for an even higher score. This classic Mouton possesses relatively high acidity and a solid tannic structure; it offers early accessibility but should age effortlessly for another 15 or 20 years. In 1998, after a couple years of experimentation, Mouton began to de-leaf in a systematic fashion on both sides of the vine rows. Another vintage with a large crop, 1998 featured an unsettled September with rain falling during the cabernet sauvignon harvest (one of the reasons why 1998 is widely considered a Right Bank year.)" Ian D'Agata

1998 Penfolds Grange (750ml)

$515.00

Robert Parker 98+

A wine that flirts with perfection, and should rival the 1986 as one of the legendary Granges produced, the 1998 has one of the highest alcohol contents (nearly 15%) as well as one of the highest percentages of Shiraz in the blend (97%). Its stunning purple color is accompanied by exceptionally sweet aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with barbecue spices, an endearing, smoky earthiness, pepper, roasted meats, and coffee. Huge, massive, unctuously textured, and extraordinarily youthful, this impressive wine is a candidate for perfection. It should continue to evolve over the next three decades.

Wine Spectator 97

A wine of surprising subtlety for the vintage, playing its ripe cherry, red plum and herb flavors against firm tannins that have a bit of grit to them. But those lively cherry and raspberry flavors burst through, and there's a nice hint of green herbs lingering around the finish, which doesn't subside easily.

Wine Enthusiast 95

"Though the nose on this wine is still somewhat closed, it?s still remarkable. Individual notes (apart from eucalyptus and toast) aren?t discernible; instead, it?s an intense, penetrating sensation that fills the nose. Vanilla and coffee flavors are sumptuous foils to rich blackberries on the palate, which is muscular and plush as all get-out. Finishes long, with big but soft tannins. We can?t wait to revisit it in 10-15 years, when the gems that are locked up tight now will sparkle."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 97

"Very deep red-ruby. Smoky, deeply concentrated fruit bomb of a nose: blackberry, dark plum, cassis; creamy vanilla and lightly toasty coconutty oak; and ethereal background notes of white pepper, smoked meats, musky spices, tar and licorice. Profoundly concentrated but velvety-smooth and seamless; impressively muscular and thickly coated with oak, and bound by drying, astringent tannins. Without question the most concentrated Grange of all time, utterly steeped in blackberry flavors; a real show pony. It's also the most alcoholic Grange ever made, and at a declared 14.5% does taste warm and spirity - the first Grange to do so. It also ventures to some degree into the realm of currant and prune. No doubt a brilliant wine, but only time will tell if, with its elevated alcohol and its superripe flavors, this 1998 version ranks with the very best Grange vintages."

1998 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml-4pk)

$650.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

Deep Ruby-red. Redcurrant liquer, roast coffee, minerals,smoked meat and smoky oak on the nose. Wonderfully sweet and expansiveyet with great reserves of structure. Firm acidity keeps the flavors bright and juicy. A suggestion of medicinal austerity augurs well for the future of this Barolo.

Wine Spectator 95

It's harmonious and refined, yet powerful and rich. It has glorious aromas of roses, berries and minerals and is full-bodied, with pinpointed, silky tannins and a long finish. This is wonderfully crafted and classy. From my early tastings, I like the 1998 Cannubi Boschis better than the 1997 (93 points) and '96 (94), but time will tell. It may rival the amazing '90 (97) and '89 (95), which I tasted two years ago and were both going very strong. Best after 2006.

Robert Parker 94-96

The deep ruby/purple-colored 1998 Barolo Cannubi Boschis boasts a spectacular bouquet of mineral-infused black cherry liqueur, new saddle leather, and pain grille. This powerful, ripe 1998 offers full-bodied flavors, silky tannin, low acidity, gorgeous levels of glycerin, and a creamy mouthful of complex, layered, superbly pure Nebbiolo fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

Antonio Galloni 94

Luciano Sandrone?s 1998 Barolo Cannubi Boschis is another of the standouts in this tasting. Layers of perfumed dark fruit flow effortlessly from the glass with wonderful depth and purity. The wine offers a long, intensely harmonious personality and a refined, aristocratic finish. The 1998 is an excellent choice for readers who may also be cellaring bottles of the 1996 or the 1999, two wines that offer considerable upside potential. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.

1998 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml-6pk)

$975.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

Deep Ruby-red. Redcurrant liquer, roast coffee, minerals,smoked meat and smoky oak on the nose. Wonderfully sweet and expansiveyet with great reserves of structure. Firm acidity keeps the flavors bright and juicy. A suggestion of medicinal austerity augurs well for the future of this Barolo.

Wine Spectator 95

It's harmonious and refined, yet powerful and rich. It has glorious aromas of roses, berries and minerals and is full-bodied, with pinpointed, silky tannins and a long finish. This is wonderfully crafted and classy. From my early tastings, I like the 1998 Cannubi Boschis better than the 1997 (93 points) and '96 (94), but time will tell. It may rival the amazing '90 (97) and '89 (95), which I tasted two years ago and were both going very strong. Best after 2006.

Robert Parker 94-96

The deep ruby/purple-colored 1998 Barolo Cannubi Boschis boasts a spectacular bouquet of mineral-infused black cherry liqueur, new saddle leather, and pain grille. This powerful, ripe 1998 offers full-bodied flavors, silky tannin, low acidity, gorgeous levels of glycerin, and a creamy mouthful of complex, layered, superbly pure Nebbiolo fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

Antonio Galloni 94

Luciano Sandrone?s 1998 Barolo Cannubi Boschis is another of the standouts in this tasting. Layers of perfumed dark fruit flow effortlessly from the glass with wonderful depth and purity. The wine offers a long, intensely harmonious personality and a refined, aristocratic finish. The 1998 is an excellent choice for readers who may also be cellaring bottles of the 1996 or the 1999, two wines that offer considerable upside potential. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.