2000s - Vinrare - Buy Fine Wine Online - Fine Wines International

2003 Xtant Extant California (750ml)

$75.00

Robert Parker 92

The 2003 Xtant (a 1,400-case blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, and 10% Merlot) offers complex aromas of cedar, earth, chocolate, espresso roast, cassis, and blackberries. Even though it is from St. Helena, there is a Rutherford dust component to its aromatics. The wine possesses sweet tannins, full body, rich, concentrated fruit, and a long finish. It should drink well for a decade or more.

2003 Yquem (375ml)

$201.00

Wine Spectator 98

Subtle and racy with lemon rind, vanilla cream and dried pineapple. Very spicy and intense. Full-bodied, electrified yet refined with wonderful length and flavors. Medium sweetness. Wonderful finish. I love the class and length here. It has afterburners.

Robert Parker 94-96

2003 Yquem (750ml)

$405.00

Wine Spectator 98

Subtle and racy with lemon rind, vanilla cream and dried pineapple. Very spicy and intense. Full-bodied, electrified yet refined with wonderful length and flavors. Medium sweetness. Wonderful finish. I love the class and length here. It has afterburners.

Robert Parker 94-96

2004 Albrecht Riesling Clos Himmelreich (750ml)

List Price: ~~$125.00~~ Our Price: $108.90

$108.90

Wine- Maker Notes

From a steep, chalky, nearly five acre monopole near the Pfingstberg,

2004 Albrecht Riesling Cuvee Henri (750ml)

List Price: ~~$31.00~~ Our Price: $27.00

$27.00

Robert Parker 87

"Named for his grandfather, Albrecht's 2004 Riesling Cuvee Henri smells of sage, almond extract, raspberry, and a hint of mothballs -- high toned and almost eaux de vie-like in its penetration. Bright and well-focused on the palate, it carries its message of herb and red fruits into a satisfyingly long, savory finish." David Schildknecht

2004 Albrecht Riesling Pfingstberg (750ml)

List Price: ~~$44.00~~ Our Price: $37.80

$37.80

Robert Parker

"The domaine's 2004 Riesling Pfingstberg shares its high-toned, distilled fruit personality with other Albrecht Riesling cuvees, plum and almond dominating in this instance. A clear, polished, refined, analytically dry palate leads to a juicy if rather spare and brashly bright finish, tinged with fruit pit bitterness, salt and chalk." David Schildknecht

2004 Araujo Eisele California (750ml)

$350.00

Wine Spectator 95

Massive yet smooth and polished, with a subdued offering of ripe plum, floral and black cherry fruit that slowly builds intensity and depth. Gains momentum on the finish, where the tannins are ripe and the flavors are tapered.

Robert Parker 94

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard shows surprisingly more tannin than the 2005. Perhaps it is at the stage where it has been in the bottle for about a year and is beginning to shut down ever so slightly. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color and some sweet and spicy notes intermixed with white chocolate, black currant, crushed rock, and some underbrush and floral scents. It is medium to full-bodied, firmly structured, and reminiscent of a top first- or second-growth Bordeaux because of the tannin structure and austerity. It is an interesting, almost atypical wine for this vintage in Napa, but the Eisele Vineyard is a world unto its own, so I am not actually surprised.

2004 Araujo Eisele California (750ml)

$129.00

Robert Parker 94-96

Although production is tiny (300 cases), Araujo�s Eisele Vineyard Syrah is an ageworthy effort that is generally co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier (around 4%), and aged in French oak (50% new). An exotic, floral, litchi nut, blackberry jam, licorice, and spice-filled bouquet soars from the glass of the inky/blue/purple-hued 2004 Syrah Eisele Vineyard. The dollop of Viognier included in the blend provides uplift to the aromatics of this opulent, flamboyant, ostentatious 2004. It should drink beautifully for 7-10 years.

2004 Artisan Wines Old Press Syrah, Passo Robles California (750ml)

$25.00

FineWine International

John Hulihan, wine director of the Bradley Ogden group of restaurants and Bob Lindquist, wine maker/owner of Qupe Winery have joined forces to produce this lovely Syrah. Dark garnet in color, with fragrant blueberry and blackberry aromas. The tannins and acidity are in balance. The wine is smooth and has a well rounded structure. The flavors will remind you of a classic Crozes Hermitage from a producer like Alain Graillot. This is not your typical Calfornia Syrah.

2004 Aubert, Quarry Vineyard California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$215.00~~ Our Price: $184.50

$184.50

Robert Parker 95

Made from an old Wente clone, the 2004 Chardonnay Quarry Vineyard offers notes of lemon oil, crushed rocks, white peaches, and a hint of orange blossoms in a full-bodied, gorgeously textured, super-fresh format buttressed by terrific acidity. This stunning Chardonnay should drink beautifully for 4-5+ years. This Chardonnay tends to be aged in 100% new oak (which is totally concealed) and is bottled without fining or filtration. Consequently, if it has just been shipped or moved, it can reveal a slight haze.

Wine Spectator 94

"Intense and vibrant, with vivid mineral, green apple, lime and pear flavors that are subdued at first before opening up to reveal a rich core of hazelnut and nutmeg that adds a wonderful dimension to the fruit flavors. Complex and concentrated, it can stand short-term cellaring."

2004 Ausone (750ml)

List Price: ~~$750.00~~ Our Price: $650.00

$650.00

Robert Parker 94+

One of the vintage's most compelling wines (what's new about that?), Alain Vauthier's beloved 2004 Ausone has closed down considerably since I tasted it out of barrel, but it remains among the most concentrated wines of the vintage. Furthermore, along with Petrus, it will probably be the longest-lived. A dense purple color is accompanied by a celestial perfume of blue and black fruits, wet stones, flowers, and incense. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional power and concentration, but this historic terroir has also provided a surreal lightness to the wine's impression. Beautiful flavors, sensational depth, and abundant structure suggest this 2004 will not be close to full maturity for 8-10 years. It should last for four decades.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94-96

A very deep purple colour. The nose needs some coaxing. It is more delicate than usual, not as precocious than the 2003. The palate is more about poise than power - very fine acidity. Robust tannins, more masculine than in previous years. Huge grip though, its concentration creeps up on you and makes its presence felt on the persistent finish. Very broody at the moment. Perhaps missing that profundity of the 2000 or 2003, yet it has that brilliant poise that makes Ausone so special. A return to the more classic style definitely. It may need time to come around though, perhaps 5 to 6 years. Tasted April 2005.

2004 Ausone (1.5L)

List Price: ~~$1,495.00~~ Our Price: $1,300.00

$1,300.00

Robert Parker 94+

One of the vintage's most compelling wines (what's new about that?), Alain Vauthier's beloved 2004 Ausone has closed down considerably since I tasted it out of barrel, but it remains among the most concentrated wines of the vintage. Furthermore, along with Petrus, it will probably be the longest-lived. A dense purple color is accompanied by a celestial perfume of blue and black fruits, wet stones, flowers, and incense. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional power and concentration, but this historic terroir has also provided a surreal lightness to the wine's impression. Beautiful flavors, sensational depth, and abundant structure suggest this 2004 will not be close to full maturity for 8-10 years. It should last for four decades.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94-96

A very deep purple colour. The nose needs some coaxing. It is more delicate than usual, not as precocious than the 2003. The palate is more about poise than power - very fine acidity. Robust tannins, more masculine than in previous years. Huge grip though, its concentration creeps up on you and makes its presence felt on the persistent finish. Very broody at the moment. Perhaps missing that profundity of the 2000 or 2003, yet it has that brilliant poise that makes Ausone so special. A return to the more classic style definitely. It may need time to come around though, perhaps 5 to 6 years. Tasted April 2005.

2004 Ausone (1.5L)

List Price: ~~$1,495.00~~ Our Price: $1,300.00

$1,300.00

Robert Parker 94+

One of the vintage's most compelling wines (what's new about that?), Alain Vauthier's beloved 2004 Ausone has closed down considerably since I tasted it out of barrel, but it remains among the most concentrated wines of the vintage. Furthermore, along with Petrus, it will probably be the longest-lived. A dense purple color is accompanied by a celestial perfume of blue and black fruits, wet stones, flowers, and incense. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional power and concentration, but this historic terroir has also provided a surreal lightness to the wine's impression. Beautiful flavors, sensational depth, and abundant structure suggest this 2004 will not be close to full maturity for 8-10 years. It should last for four decades.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94-96

A very deep purple colour. The nose needs some coaxing. It is more delicate than usual, not as precocious than the 2003. The palate is more about poise than power - very fine acidity. Robust tannins, more masculine than in previous years. Huge grip though, its concentration creeps up on you and makes its presence felt on the persistent finish. Very broody at the moment. Perhaps missing that profundity of the 2000 or 2003, yet it has that brilliant poise that makes Ausone so special. A return to the more classic style definitely. It may need time to come around though, perhaps 5 to 6 years. Tasted April 2005.

2004 B.V. Private Reserve California (750ml)

$103.00

Wine News 92

Aromas of cassis, fresh oak and leather. Intense flavors of cooked cherry and red licorice with a viscous quality. Youthful tannins surface in the finish along with red fruit, pencil shavings and cedar.

Wine Enthusiast 95

B.V. Private Reserve has been on a roll. This Georges is enormous and impressive, gigantic in fruit, explosive in blackberry tart, cherry pie, blueberry, plum, cigar box and vanilla aromas and flavors. Structurally, it's an impeccable wine, showing the fine acidity and firm, dusty tannins that always constitute George. Beautiful now, and should age well for 10-20 years.

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine 92

A rich blanket of rooty, slightly briary spice overlies plenty of well-defined, cassis-like fruit in both the deep aromas and nicely filled flavors of this very solid young Cabernet. If not readily showing the dusty spice that so often typifies Beaulieu's Private Reserve bottlings, the wine is nonetheless a fairly classic varietal working with fine continuity, a good bit of flesh and an admirable sense of balance. Its nominal tannins lend spine with-out being abrasive, and there is real promise here for five to ten years of steady improvement.

2004 Beaucastel Coudoulet Blanc (750ml)

$37.00

FineWine International

"From vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone near Chateauneuf du Pape, this wine is a blend of Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc, and Clairette showing aromas of tropical fruit with notes of peaches and pears. Soft, velvety texture with hints of white pepper and spice."

2004 Blankiet Estate California (750ml)

$147.00

Robert Parker 96

"There are 1,300 cases of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard. Boasting delicious fudge-like aromas intermixed with blackberry, coffee bean, and pain grille scents, this super-rich, full-bodied effort displays a Graves-like, volcanic, scorched earth/hot stone element in its flavors. With moderately high tannin, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following two decades."

2004 Blankiet Estate California (750ml)

$147.00

Robert Parker 96

"There are 1,300 cases of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard. Boasting delicious fudge-like aromas intermixed with blackberry, coffee bean, and pain grille scents, this super-rich, full-bodied effort displays a Graves-like, volcanic, scorched earth/hot stone element in its flavors. With moderately high tannin, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following two decades."

2004 Blankiet Estate California (750ml)

$170.00

Robert Parker 94

"The 2004 Merlot Paradise Hills Vineyard (1,100 cases) includes a dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend. It exhibits gorgeous notes of chocolate, espresso, plums, blackberries, and cherries. Full-bodied with terrific intensity and opulence, it makes a dramatic statement about how great Napa Merlot can be. It should drink beautifully for 15 or more years."

Wine Enthusiast 95

This is a stunning Merlot, impossibly rich. Saturated and opaque in color, it tastes fat and flashy, with masses of cherry and blackberry jam, anise, chocolate and Provencial herb flavors. Yet this opulently soft wine has a classic structure, backed up with firm tannins. This is profound Merlot. Steve Himoff

2004 Bond, Matriarch California (750ml)

$186.00

Robert Parker 93

I think the 2004 Matriarch is opulent and impressive. Dark ruby/purple, beautifully exotic and full-bodied, with notes of incense, toasty oak, blackberry, licorice, and chocolate espresso, the wine is round, fleshy, and succulent. Drink it over the next 12-15+ years.

2004 Bond, Pluribus California (750ml)

$295.00

Robert Parker 95

The newest wine, E Pluribus, will give just about any vineyard on Spring Mountain a run for its money. The 2004 E Pluribus has a dense purple color and an elegant, sweet nose of creme de cassis intermixed with some camphor, graphite, and a hint of blueberry (or is it very ripe raspberries?). Quite opulent, full-bodied, but with good underlying acidity, this wine is fresh and remarkably light on its feet for a wine of such enormous intensity and richness.

2004 Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne (750ml)

List Price: ~~$152.00~~ Our Price: $132.30

$132.30

Wine Spectator 93

A focused beam, this white wraps its lime, mineral, apple and vanilla notes around a core of bracing acidity. Has intensity and balance, yet this is firm and crisp on the finish for now, with real stony length. Best from 2010 through 2030.

Allen Meadows, Burghound 93

Now that this is in bottle, it's even better than I originally thought with a still reserved yet elegant nose of white flower, green apple, pear and natural spice and wet stone notes that introduce detailed, fresh and wonderfully intense flavors that are exceptionally clean and bright, culminating in a bone dry finish replete with superb minerality. This is not as dense as the '05 but the purity here is really something to see and as noted last year, it's sufficiently structured that it will need the better part of a decade to reach its apogee. Note that there was a trace of reduction on the nose and this would benefit from 30 minutes in a decanter should you elect to try one anytime soon.

2004 Buccella Napa California (750ml)

$136.00

Robert Parker 94

The dense purple-colored 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon?s hefty 15.1% alcohol is well-disguised by classic aromas of white chocolate, black currants, blackberries, licorice, and coffee beans. This dense, medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, powerful effort boasts sweet tannin and low acidity. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Wine Spectator 92

Impressive. Supple and harmonious, with rich, polished currant, herb, mocha and wild berry flavors that are intense and concentrated, offering power with finesse. Shows a dash of heat on the finish, but fans of full-throttle Cabernet won't be disappointed.

Wine Spectator 95

Smooth, plush and concentrated. A multidimensional expression of Cabernet, with layers of currant, blackberry, plum and spice. Supple-textured, this keeps a focus on the fruit and is supported by firm, ripe tannins. Yet fruit glides through on the finish.

2004 Buccella Napa California (Magnum (1.5L))

$260.00

Robert Parker 94

The dense purple-colored 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon?s hefty 15.1% alcohol is well-disguised by classic aromas of white chocolate, black currants, blackberries, licorice, and coffee beans. This dense, medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, powerful effort boasts sweet tannin and low acidity. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Wine Spectator 92

Impressive. Supple and harmonious, with rich, polished currant, herb, mocha and wild berry flavors that are intense and concentrated, offering power with finesse. Shows a dash of heat on the finish, but fans of full-throttle Cabernet won't be disappointed.

Wine Spectator 95

Smooth, plush and concentrated. A multidimensional expression of Cabernet, with layers of currant, blackberry, plum and spice. Supple-textured, this keeps a focus on the fruit and is supported by firm, ripe tannins. Yet fruit glides through on the finish.

2004 Buccella, Napa Valley California (750ml)

$147.00

Robert Parker 94

The dense purple-colored 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon's hefty 15.1% alcohol is well-disguised by classic aromas of white chocolate, black currants, blackberries, licorice, and coffee beans. This dense, medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, powerful effort boasts sweet tannin and low acidity. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Wine Spectator 95

2004 Cerbaiona Brunello (750ml)

List Price: ~~$175.00~~ Our Price: $145.00

$145.00

Robert Parker 97

The estate's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is simply extraordinary. Enticing layers of mint, violets, black cherries, menthol and minerals lead to an explosive core of fruit. The wine continues to grow in the glass, showing off its first-class pedigree. Amazingly pure, textured and rich, this vivid, chiseled Brunello dazzles from start to finish, where balsamic notes make a final appearance. If forced to drink only one wine from Montalcino, I might very well choose Diego Molinari's sumptuous Brunello. This is an incredible wine! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Diego Molinari's Brunellos are among the finest wines of Montalcino, and Italy, for that matter. This small vineyard is one of the most privileged spots in all of Tuscany. The property has been rumored to be for sale for some time, and the new owners, whoever they ultimately are, will have a very tall order in trying to match the level of these wines. I can only hope they succeed, because a world without the Brunellos of this jewel of an estate would be tragic.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

Bright, saturated dark red. High-pitched, perfumed aromas of crushed raspberry, pungent minerality and rose petal. Silky, suave and refined, with lovely clarity and class to the pure flavors of crushed red berries and flowers. Not as big as the 2001, and more dominated in the early going by treble notes, but this is wonderfully sappy and insinuating wine with a superb rising finish. Its almost liqueur-like red cherry flavor is joined by deeper notes of leather and earth-plus a suggestion of exotic flowers-after extended aeration. A beauty, and now routinely one of the best Brunellos of each new vintage.

2004 Chappellet Pritchard Hill California (750ml)

$129.00

FineWine International

The 2004 vintage of the this wine does not disappoint. It's big, but balanced with superb fruit, black currents, cassis and chocolate overtones. The tannins are ripe and fine and the wine has a long and lingering finish. Outstanding in everyway.

Wine Spectator 90

Rough-hewn, dense, abundant and chewy, with concentrated, extracted dried currant, mineral and hefty oak and mineral flavors that make this broad-shouldered, framed by potent tannins. Needs lots of time. Best from 2009 through 2018.

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine 92

In its last two outings, Chappellet's Pritchard Hill bottlings have been among the best Cabernet's of the vintage, and, if not quite at the very head of the class in 2004, this wine still conveys an immense measure of well-ripened currants and is infused with lots of very sweet oak. It is fairly plush on the palate and a touch softer in feel, and its relatively silky tannins allow its generous fruit to shine through even now. It might well grow for a decade or more, but it could become open enough to enjoy in but three to five years.

Robert Parker 94

The full-bodied 2004 Pritchard Hill Estate Proprietary Red (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, and 8% Merlot) boasts a sensational inky/ruby/purple color to the rim as well as broad, rich, creme de cassis, licorice, graphite, and spice-like flavors, and a tannic finish. While approachable, it will benefit from several years of bottle age, and should age gracefully for two decades.

2004 Cheval Blanc (750ml)

List Price: ~~$450.00~~ Our Price: $395.00

$395.00

Robert Parker 90

Eighty thousand bottles of 2004 Cheval Blanc were produced from a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. Subtle herb, menthol, cranberry, black currant, and licorice aromas emerge from this dark ruby/plum-colored wine. It is medium-bodied and elegant with plenty of sweet fruit, but not a lot of weight or intensity. The complexity and nobility of Cheval Blanc?s gravelly terroir is apparent in this delicate, subtle St.-Emilion. Give it a few years to develop additional aromatics, and drink it over the following 12-15.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Bright medium ruby. Blueberry, blackberry, violet, pepper and bitter chocolate on the vibrant nose. Very bright on entry, then creamy-sweet and suave in the middle palate, with flavors of candied blackberry, violet and chocolate. Almost disconcertingly lush and easy to taste for young Cheval. Finishes very long and smooth, with sweet tannins and no undue oaky torrefaction at this early stage. Perhaps not as gripping as great vintages like 1998, but I may be splitting hairs. Incidentally, Cheval Blanc will soon be replanting a plot of 20-year-old merlot to cabernet franc.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94

Tasted blind at the 2007 Bordeaux horizontal in Southwold. Very broody and peppery on the nose: ripe Cabernet Franc in excelsis, very fine definition ? this has to be Lafleur. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, gritty and tertiary flavours, a touch of spice, almost curmudgeonly towards the finish ? but that would be Lafleur! Hints of chestnut and cooked meat towards the finish, this remains a more masculine, Left Bank style of Cheval Blanc but it certainly has class. Tasted January 2011.

2004 Cimarossa, Riva di Ponente Vyd., Howell Mtn. California (750ml)

$100.00

Wine Spectator

"Offers a tight mix of spicy currant and cherry, with a touch of sage, cedar and underbrush, leading to ripe, firm tannins on the finish, where this holds its focus. Needs time."

2004 Clos du Val California (750ml)

$61.00

Wine Enthusiast 92

This is the winery's flagship wine, the one that made it famous decades ago. It hasn't changed much over the years. It's still tannic and auctere in youth, reauiring many years to develop. But it's a cellar guarantee, with a wealth of concentrated cassis and cedar flavors that are just waiting for those tannins to drop out. Best after 2010. Cellar Selection.

2004 Colgin IX Estate California (750ml)

$410.00

Robert Parker 98

The 2004 IX Proprietary Red Wine (1,258 cases from a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot) is amazing out of bottle. Flamboyant, super-fragrant aromas of graphite, creme de cassis, espresso roast, flowers, and the entire black and blue fruit spectrum jump from the glass of this gorgeous wine. In the mouth, silky tannin and a multi-dimensional, skyscraper-like mouthfeel are offered without heaviness or coarseness. This totally profound wine exhibits what a great site, extraordinary winemaking, and a commitment to excellence can produce. It should drink well for two decades.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 96

"Flamboyant aromas of black fruits, licorice, smoke, crushed stone, black tea, lavender and wild sage. Sweet, lush and densely packed, with the wild character following through in the mouth. This comes across as a bit less oaky than the estate's other cabernet-based wines, which are aged entirely in Taransaud barrels (this one is about three-quarters Taransaud). The higher percentage of franc here adds freshness, as well as notes of black tea and rustic herbs. Energetic and firmly built, but quite backward in the context of the vintage. Still, there's terrific fruit here..."

2004 Colgin, Cariad California (750ml)

$465.00

Wine Spectator 96

A big, rich, flavorful style, with tiers of plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit, accented by anise, sage and dusty oak flavors. Yet for all its size, this is impeccably balanced, with a long, deep, persistent finish that keeps the focus on the fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Robert Parker 99

I was tempted to give the 2004 a perfect score as it jumped out in this tasting as one of the truly great Cariads. A 600-case blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc, it boasts extraordinarily complex aromas of chocolate, espresso roast, Asian spice, sweet meat, blackberries and cassis along with super intensity, a full-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel and a long finish with no hard edges. This is clearly a high fashion, flawlessly made wine that, while approachable now, is capable of lasting another 15+ years. My initial rating was also 99 points.

2004 Colgin, Cariad California (750ml)

$465.00

Wine Spectator 96

A big, rich, flavorful style, with tiers of plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit, accented by anise, sage and dusty oak flavors. Yet for all its size, this is impeccably balanced, with a long, deep, persistent finish that keeps the focus on the fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Robert Parker 99

I was tempted to give the 2004 a perfect score as it jumped out in this tasting as one of the truly great Cariads. A 600-case blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc, it boasts extraordinarily complex aromas of chocolate, espresso roast, Asian spice, sweet meat, blackberries and cassis along with super intensity, a full-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel and a long finish with no hard edges. This is clearly a high fashion, flawlessly made wine that, while approachable now, is capable of lasting another 15+ years. My initial rating was also 99 points.

2004 Colgin, Lamb Vineyard California (750ml)

$335.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

Ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose offers black raspberry, black cherry, minerals and gravel. Dense, lush and sweet, with spicy black raspberry, dark chocolate, violet and licorice flavors complemented by oak. This is wonderfully rich but retains plenty of energy. Finishes very long, with firm but ripe tannins. Impressive.

Robert Parker 95

There are 188 cases of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard. This inky/purple cuvee exhibits a scorched earth, flowery, blueberry, and blackberry-scented bouquet with hints of barbecue spices, pain grille, licorice, and espresso roast. Full-bodied, opulent, and dense, with considerable tannin lurking underneath all the extract and structure, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should age nicely for 20-25 years.

2004 Colgin, Tychson Vineyard California (750ml)

$435.00

Robert Parker 98

Black truffles, asphalt, graphite, blueberries, and creme de cassis aromas soar from the glass of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard (168 cases). A wine of extraordinary nobility, it possesses a steely, well-delineated mouthfeel, full body, and enormous wealth of richness and length. This profound Cabernet Sauvignon is a candidate for wine of the vin

2004 DRC Echezeaux (750ml)

List Price: ~~$845.00~~ Our Price: $695.00

$695.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 89

Medium red. Rather exotic aromas of liqueur-like red fruits, spices, leather and underbrush. Silky, seductive and a bit decadent in its early sex appeal, but with its lively acids and apparent oak tannins this has a slight dry edge. Firmed up with air and gained in freshness.

Wine Enthusiast 93

Pure, fine fruits along the line of raspberry and dark plums-there's almost a dancing quality to this wine, with its freshness and lightness, with acidity and red currants giving the most delicate of finishing touches.

2004 DRC Romanee-Conti (750ml)

List Price: ~~$12,440.00~~ Our Price: $11,750.00

$11,750.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94+

Good deep red. Less expressive but still utterly sexy nose offers plum, raspberry, flowers, smoke and earth. Hints at its superb volume but this is quite closed and tightly knit today, and much less expressive and sweet than La Tache. But this superconcentrated wine seemed to gain sweetness with aeration, showing an increasingly fat, seamless texture without any loss of energy as it opened in the glass. Really saturates the palate on the aftertaste, where the tannins are thoroughly buffered by the wine's strong extract and superb depth.

Wine Enthusiast 97

tTis wine's considerable power derives from its solid texture, its multifaceted red-berry flavors, juiciness, freshness and perfect balancing acidity. You can, and you will want to, hold tis in the mouth for many minutes. It is a complete wine.

2004 Dujac Gevrey Chambertin Aux Combottes (750ml)

$152.00

Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-92

"A gentle hint of wood frames equally elegant and exceptionally pure red berry and cherry fruit aromas that display a bit of Gevrey earth and complement perfectly the round, rich, sweet and detailed flavors that are notably refined. The finish is dusty to the point of dryness though I suspect that this is from the racking that was done the day before this tasting as the mid-palate is really quite succulent plus there is good phenolic maturity. This too should age well though there is somewhat less structure present compared to the Gruenchers."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 90

Lovely floral lift to the aromas of red fruits, spices and minerals. Juicy and perfumed in the mouth, with captivating flavors of red cherry, rose petal and minerals. Little sign of greenness here. This boasts lovely clarity of flavor and a juicy, penetrating, youthfully tight finish featuring dusty tannins.

Wine Enthusiast 93

A ripe, open, opulent wine, with all the right generous Pinot Noir flavors. But it's also spiced with tannins, flaovrs ofloganberries, pepper, herbs and a healthy layer of acidity. Given its tannic structure, this wine should age well over 10 years.

2004 Dunn Napa California (750ml)

$98.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 89

Good ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, smoke and licorice. Sweet and wild, with flamboyant flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, leather and game. In its sauvage flavors, this reminded me of a Chateau Lafleur from the '80s! Finishes with firm, dusty tannins. 88-91 pts.

Robert Parker 91

I don?t know whether it?s me, the vintage character, or whether Randy Dunn and his son have intentionally softened their wines, but these 2004s are more opulent and up-front than previous renditions. Yet, they lack neither concentration nor richness. Those of us who have been cellaring Dunn?s wines for twenty years, waiting for them to reach maturity should be thrilled by this new development. The Howell Mountain is denser and richer with blacker fruits as well as more body. Both are full-bodied, powerful Cabernets very much in keeping with his style. However, the tannins are softer and the wines reveal surprisingly developed aromatics. Look for the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa to drink well for 15 years. It is a brilliant achievement.

2004 Forman California (750ml)

$72.00

Robert Parker 91

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (includes Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot in the blend) spent 20 months in barrels prior to bottling. Dark ruby/purple with a restrained but sweet nose of black currants, plums, damp earth, licorice, and white chocolate, it is an elegant, medium-bodied, opulent effort with sweet tannin and a long finish. This is a strong vintage for Forman's Cabernet, and it should age nicely for 15 or more years.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Good bright ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and aromatic spices. Richer and seemingly riper than the young 2005, but with lovely definition to the flavors of redcurrant and sour cherry. This features a lusher, softer, sweeter middle followed by chewier and more obvious tannins that showed a firmer edge with aeration.

2004 Girardin, Vincent Chevalier Montrachet (750ml)

List Price: ~~$265.00~~ Our Price: $229.50

$229.50

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

"Medium yellow. Strongly mineral aromas of cold steel, crushed stone, apple and clove. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, with wonderfully aromatic flavors of peach, white flowers and minerals..."

Allen Meadows, Burghound 92-94

An elegant and high-toned airy nose with apparent but not intrusive oak influence dissolves into round, rich and sweet layered flavors that are surprisingly open and accessible for a young Chevalier but then the finish tightens up instantly and the expected explosion of pungent minerality arrives, almost without warning. This is a relatively powerful Chevalier, indeed it could be mistaken for a mineral-driven Montrachet.

2004 Honig Bartolucci Vineyard California (750ml)

$61.00

Robert Parker 90

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Bartolucci Vineyard is impressive. This deep ruby/purple-hued effort offers aromas of cedar, subtle toasty oak, black currants, sweet cherries, and loamy soil. Full-bodied with ripe tannin, an excellent mid-palate, and a long finish, it will benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring, and should last for 10-15.

Wine- Maker Notes

Located at the base of Spring Mountain, this vineyard has been farmed by the Bartolucci family for three generations. With its gravelly soil and warmer micro-climate, this vineyard is ideally suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold fruit, beautifully framed by French oak. Notes of cassis, black cherry and black tea, with red raspberry and allspice on the finish. A highly structured wine that is nicely balanced. 250 cases produced.

2004 Il Poggione Brunello (750ml)

List Price: ~~$70.00~~ Our Price: $60.00

$60.00

Robert Parker 95

"The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins. The wine remains extremely primary at this stage, and its full range of aromas and flavors have yet to emerge, but the sheer pedigree of this Brunello is unmistakable. The elegant, refined finish lasts an eternity, and subtle notes of menthol, spices, licorice and leather add final notes of complexity. The estate?s 2004 Brunello is a wine to buy and bury in the deepest corner of the cellar. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this is the real deal, and in relative terms, it is one of the world?s great values in fine, cellar worthy wine. Incredibly, there are 18,000+ cases of the 2004 Brunello, so it should be fairly easy to source in various markets. The Brunello is made from four vineyards ranging from 250 to 400 meters in altitude, all in Sant?Angelo in Colle. The wines from the various vineyards were aged separately in French oak casks prior to being assembled and bottled." Antonio Galloni

Wine Enthusiast 92

"High quality and easy availability (more than 17,000 cases are made) make this Brunello a sure bet for consumers who love the rich tastes of Tuscany. The wine boasts an immediate and intense delivery of blackberry, cedar and pressed blue flowers. It has natural denseness and firmness that fuel a long and satisfying finish."

Wine Spectator 91

"Has blackberry and coffee bean, with a hint of cream on the nose. Full-bodied and tight, with slightly austere and chewy tannins, but there is pretty, ripe fruit underneath it all."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

"Good deep red. Sexy nose offers raspberry, spices, coconut, dried flowers, tobacco and potpourri: almost Lafite-like. Then suave, complex and energetic in the mouth, offering lovely vinosity to the sappy red fruit and floral flavors. Finishes long and vibrant, combining enticing sweetness and firm, saline grip. Really spreads out horizontally on the back."

2004 Jericho Canyon Vineyard California (750ml)

$66.00

2004 Kistler, Cuvee Catherine California (750ml)

$150.00

Robert Parker 94+

The 2004 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Catherine Occidental Station boasts a glorious dark ruby/purple-tinged color as well as an extraordinary nose reminiscent of a Comte de Vogue Musigny Vieilles Vignes. Aromas of crushed rocks, violets, raspberries, sweet cherries, and a distinctive terroir character are present in this full-bodied effort. With oodles of vivacious fruit as well as wonderful freshness and palate penetration, this superb Pinot Noir should drink well for 10-12 years. Moreover, there are 1,000 cases.

2004 L'Arlot Nuits-St-Georges Clos de Forets (750ml)

List Price: ~~$87.00~~ Our Price: $80.00

$80.00

Allen Meadows, Burghound 89

The very fresh high-toned red berry fruit nose also displays more than a hint of floral and herbal nuances with wonderfully complex, intense and very pure flavors that possess excellent balance. The finish is long, understated and precise with ample punch and a hint of animale.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 89

Good medium red. Pure aromas of red fruits lifted by spices and rose petal; less mocha and underbrush here than in the Nuits bottlings. A lovely fruity 2004 with enticing flavors of spicy red berries; more charming than the Clos des Forets Saint-Georges but with a bit less energy. Finishes with firm-edged tannins and very good length.

2004 Lamborghini Campoleone (750ml)

List Price: ~~$78.00~~ Our Price: $55.00

$55.00

Gambero Rosso 3 Glasses

Lamborghini's Campoleone, a sangiovese-merlot blend from the Trasimeno hills, is a wine of pedigree which, like all thoroughbreds, can perform erratically, There's genius on the one hand and decadence on the other. When the year is right, the wine has few equals and goes beyond being impressive to take you by storm, and sometimes even knock you sideways. ..the '04 Campoleone is a deep ruby colour. The nose has extreme complexity and refinement, with small red and black berry fruit, nuances of new oak and swaths of balsam, all of which continually alternative and intermingle, to glorious effect. The palate is full of flesh, showing vibrant and deeply fruity, with a superb tannic weave. It has a clear stamp of Bordeaux about it.

Robert Parker 92

The 2004 Campoleone, the estate's signature wine, is simply gorgeous. This blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot spent 12 months in French oak. It is a firmly structured wine with superb density on the palate, where layers of tobacco, dark cherries, earthiness, smoke, licorice and toasted oak all come to life. The tannins finish slightly dry and astringent, likely a result of an overly exuberant use of French oak. Still, this is a beautifully delineated, focused Campoleone. Antonio Galloni

2004 Latour (750ml)

$575.00

Robert Parker 95

A terrific effort from Administrator Frederic Engerer and owner Francois Pinault, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Latour exhibits a strong cassis character intermixed with notes of crushed rocks, earth, cedar, and forest floor. Racy, elegant, but powerful with medium to full body, and sweet tannin, it will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for three decades. It is a very impressive offering

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Served blind at the chateau. Tight at first on the nose, but unfurling gracefully with cedar and graphite to the fore, underlying sweet, almost exotic fruits waiting in the wings, then with further aeration bilberries and damson. The palate is very well defined, fine tannins, youthful and harmonious, smooth and filigree towards the deft, silky finish. Sublime. Tasted December 2009.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

Bright ruby-red. Classic aromas of currant, plum, graphite and minerals. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with a compelling sweetness and lushness for the vintage. At once easygoing and wonderfully complex, conveying a powerful soil character. The finish is ripely tannic, sweet and very long. This is wonderfully expressive today but the young 2006 may have even longer aging potential. Along with Chateau Margaux, my candidate for wine of the vintage

2004 Leflaive Puligny Montrachet Les Folatieres Puligny Montrachet Les Folatieres (750ml)

$134.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 89-92

Very pure, perfumed aromas of peach and white flowers. Juicy and taut, with sharply delineated flavors of peach, lemon, flowers and minerals. Lovely harmonious acidity extends the wine's finish. The first of these wines to show "the real final balance" of 2004, notes Morey.

Allen Meadows, Burghound 93

A mildly reduced nose features honeysuckle and acacia blossom notes introduces sweet, rich and beautifully complex flavors of impressive purity and vibrancy with brilliant length. A terrific effort that has the hallmark softness of Pucelles while retaining a firm and tangy, indeed almost linear finish that displays more minerality than usual.

Wine Spectator 92

Very pure, perfumed aromas of peach and white flowers. Juicy and taut, with sharply delineated flavors of peach, lemon, flowers and minerals. Lovely harmonious acidity extends the wine's finish. The first of these wines to show "the real final balance" of 2004, notes Morey.

2004 Leoville Las Cases (750ml)

$163.00

Robert Parker 93

Performing better from bottle than it did from cask, this blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc has put on weight over the last year. It exhibits the classic style of both Las Cases and St.-Julien in its deep black currant notes interwoven with sweet cherries, wet stones, and toasty vanillin. Made in a structured, medium to full-bodied style with superb concentration, beautiful purity, and admirable symmetry, this beauty is one of the strongest efforts of the vintage.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 89

Red-ruby. Cassis, licorice and menthol aromas lifted by a floral nuance. Sweet and supple, with pliant flavors of crushed blackberry and violet. The rising finish features lovely length.

2004 Levy & McClellan Ampersand California (750ml)

$150.00