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1983 Margaux (750ml-12pk OWC)

$8,995.00

Robert Parker 96

"The 1983 Margaux is a breathtaking wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes achieved perfect maturity in 1983, and the result is an astonishingly rich, concentrated, atypically powerful and tannic Margaux. The flavors are extremely long on the palate, with a clean, incredibly long finish."

Clive Coates

"Heaps and heaps of overy classy concentrated fruit. Fullish, very good grip. Great intensity and consistency from start to finish.. Essence of fruit. Great complexity. Finely balanced. Great depth. Great class. Great wine."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

"Deep ruby-red. Exotic aromas of cassis, meat and smoke, plus a whiff of funky wood. Then remarkably sweet, lush and suave, with a flavor of raw berries. Pure Margaux silkiness allied to firm structure. Finishes very long, with rich, sweet tannins. Remarkable wine, particularly considering that the bottle was not perfect. Pristine bottles of this wine are just now embarking on their period of peak drinkability, which should last another 20 years or more."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 97

Tasted single blind at the Fine Wine Experience horizontal in London. This has an incredibly deep, almost opaque colour. A very intense, backward, masculine nose with brambly black fruits and cedar, with more secondary notes than the ex-chateau magnum poured earlier in the year, touches of scorched earth and leather. The palate is full-bodied, very well balanced, fresh and lively with some joyful blackberry, blueberry and raspberry leaf then hints of rock oysters towards the lingering finish. This could benefit from further bottle ageing. Complete and magnificent. Drink now-2020+. Tasted October 2008.

1986 Margaux (750ml-12pk OWC)

$9,500.00

Robert Parker 96

"The 1986 Margaux continues to be the most powerful, tannic, and muscular Margaux made in decades. One wonders if the 1928 or 1945 had as much power and depth as the 1986? The wine is mammoth, with extraordinary extract, superb balance, and a frightingly tannic finish. A Margaux of immense stature, it is made in a masculine, full-bodied style that is in complete contrast with the 1990. It should prove nearly immortal in terms of ageability."

Wine Spectator 98

"An absolute classic; incredibly concentrated, complex, elegant and firm without a hint of hardness. Layers of blackberry, cassis, plum, cedar, vanilla and spice, yet there is also a sense of reserve, indicating this has plenty of room to grow. Hold until 1995 to 2000."

1989 Haut-Brion (750ml-12pk OWC)

List Price: ~~$31,320.00~~ Our Price: $27,240.00

$27,240.00

Robert Parker 100

The prodigious 1989 Haut-Brion is one of the greatest first-growths I have ever tasted. It has always reminded me of what the 1959 must have tasted like in its youth, but it is even richer and more compelling aromatically. The wine exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color, as well as a sweet nose of jammy fruit, tobacco, spicy oak, minerals, and smoke. Fabulously concentrated, with huge levels of fruit, extract, and glycerin, this wine is nearly viscous because of its thickness and richness. Low acidity gives the wine even more appeal and adds to its precociousness. The wine has not budged in development since it was first bottled, although it has always provided thrilling drinking because of its voluptuous texture. It needs another 5-6 years of bottle age before it will begin to develop Haut-Brion's fabulous fragrance. Expect it to hit its plateau of maturity around 2003-2005 and drink well for 15-25 years.

Wine Spectator 100

This is unbelievable. Greatest Haut-Brion ever made. It's so evocative and multitlayered. Exotic aromas of fruit, leather, tobacco and earth and hints of spices. Full-bodied, with an amazing concentration of fruit and velvety tannins. The finish goes on for minutes.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal.

Clive Coates

Medium-full colour. Lovely nose. This is ravashing and complex and has very lovely ripe, lush, fragrant fruit. Real class, depth and intensity. Fullish, opulent, very mature tannins. Excellent harmony. Very fine grip. Grand vin!

eRobert Parker Hedonist's Gazette 100

The 1989 Haut-Brion is, of course, a modern-day legend, and while it may be the most concentrated Haut-Brion of the last 50 or more years, it is also classic Haut-Brion with its notes of red and black fruits, scorched earth, camphor, and charcoal. Unctuously textured, thick, but at the same time elegant and even surreal, it�s a fabulous wine, and I hope to drink every bottle I have before my time comes to pass. May, 2010

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 100

Finally, the immortal Ch�teau Haut-Brion 1989. Of course, this is a terrible wine: a hideous, unpalatable First Growth that is an insult to humanity. But being the philanthropic gentleman that I am, I am willing to accept any bottles that you wish to dispose of. I deserve a knighthood for my chivalry! Seriously, it remains one of the few 20th century icons to truly unite every critic, every consumer; a multi-dimensional Graves that you should try once in your life.

1989 Lafite (750ml-12pk OWC)

$11,995.00

Wine Spectator 95

Enticing, with rich berry, cassis and herb aromas and flavors and well-integrated tannins.

Robert Parker 90

As I suspected, the 1989 and 1990 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild have gone dormant. Both wines were among the more closed, backward examples in my blind tasting. The 1989 Lafite is also outstanding, but closed, with the tannin more elevated, and the wine so stubbornly reticent as to make evaluation almost impossible. Lafite's 1989 was far more easy to taste and understand several years ago. It appears to have gone completely to sleep. This medium ruby-colored, medium-bodied wine reveals new oak in the nose, and a spicy finish. It is a quintessentially elegant, restrained, understated style of Lafite.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 96

Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. Without question, the bouquet on the 1989 is much fresher and livelier than the 1990. It offers similar aromas to the bottle broached at the end of 2010 with blackberry, dried herbs, a touch of menthol developing. The palate is medium-bodied with great tension and finesse on the entry. Notes of dusky black fruit, sage, a touch of spice and balsamic. It has a fine backbone and superb focus, the finish very elegant and composed with lovely decayed red fruit and a hint of cloves towards. Superb. A point. Tasted February 2012.

1989 Latour (750ml-12pk OWC)

$8,750.00

Robert Parker 89

An evolved dark ruby color reveals amber at the edge. The nose offers aromas of caramel, coffee, ripe black cherry and currant fruit, cedar, and spice box. Although medium-bodied, with low acidity, the wine lacks richness in the mid-palate, and is surprisingly abrupt in the finish. It is a very fine, delicious Latour, but it is hard to believe it will attain the weight and flavor dimensions its producers suggest. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.

Wine Spectator 94

This is so decadent and exciting on the nose, with very ripe fruit, tobacco, meat and cedar. Full-bodied, offering amazing raspberry fruit in the core of the palate. Ultrapolished, velvety tannins wonderfully coat every inch of your palate. This will age for years ahead, but it's so lovely now. Much better than many people think.'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009).

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 90

Conspicuously mature, even for a 1989 Left Bank with a distinct tawny rim. A rather loose-knit, mature nose with dark chocolate. Capsicum, liquorices and burnt toast. Lacking some lift and vigor (although less prune-scented than previous bottles.) The palate is medium-bodied, very savory as if there is a high percentage of Cabernet Franc. Dried blood. Moderate length, this is just lacking breeding and length and on this showing I would certainly drink this over the next 5-8 years. Tasted December 2006.

1993 Prieur Volnay Santenots (750ml-6pk OWC)

$490.00

Wine Spectator 90

Amazingly silky, boasting mouth-coating ripe tannins, medium body and beautiful mineral, earth, currant and plum flavors. The wood is surprisingly well integrated for a red wine from this estate. Better than a barrel sample tasted earlier this year.

Allen Meadows, Burghound 88

...the Clos de Santenots offers beautiful fruit, dense, rich flavors and a long finish. While it is not particularly complex or nuanced, it does offer undeniable style and a certain seductiveness.

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 Dominus California (750ml-6pk OWC)

$620.00

Robert Parker 93

"An exceptional example of Cabernet. The color is deep, thick-looking purple. The wine possesses a sweet, cassis-scented aroma.It is a large-scaled, more noticeably structured style of Dominus that will age well for two decades."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

"Full deep red. Sexy, perfumed aromas of black and red raspberry, currant, plum, graphite and spicy oak. Fruit driven flavors of currant, cherry and leather. Expands nicely on the aftertaste."

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

1998 Leoville Las Cases (750ml-12pk OWC)

$1,760.00

Robert Parker 93

"Only 40% of the harvest was included in this wine, which along with Lafite-Rothschild, is one of the finest Medocs of the vintage. It boasts an opaque black/purple color, superb intensity, surprising weight for a 1998 Medoc, and classic, blackberry and cassis flavors interwtwined with vanillin and minerals. Full-bodied, with remarkably mature, sweet tannin, this blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc is an exceptional effort in a tricky Medoc vintage."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92+

Medium ruby. Spicy, highly aromatic nose combines currant, lead pencil, licorice, minerals and roasted nuts. Dense, spicy and penetrating, with lovely clarity of fruit and considerable power. Quite suave and stylish. Finishes very long, with firm tannins that are quite fine for the year. "We'll prefer the '99 for the first ten years, but afterwards this '98 may be better," notes Jean-Hubert Delon.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 93

A deep garnet core with ruby rim ? still quite unevolved for a nine-year old Las-Cases. The nose is relatively light and leafy, but with great definition. Blackberry, a touch of cassis, mineral, limestone with a touch of cold black tea. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced with lots of freshness and vitality. Good acidity, quite lively and spritely, an attractive lightness of touch you do not often find with Las-Cases. Blackberry, blueberry, cedar, a touch of orange peel leading to an almost citrus-like finish. A very attractive wine, quite feminine in style like the 2001. Excellent. Drink 2012-2025+. Tasted December 2007.

Wine Spectator 93

Impressive dark, almost purple color. Intense aromas of crushed blackberries, minerals, mint and currant follow through to a full body, with licorice and berry character and a long, velvety finish. Needs a bit of time still, but very enjoyable already. Very serious for the vintage.?'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective

2000 Clos de L'Oratoire (750ml-12pk OWC)

List Price: ~~$1,284.00~~ Our Price: $1,115.00

$1,115.00

Robert Parker 94

This is one of St-Emilion's foothill (pieds de cotes) vineyards planted with 90% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vinification is classic Stephan von Neipperg and Stephane Derenoncourt. Undoubtedly the finest effort this property has yet produced, the black-colored 2000 offers up sexy notes of espresso, chocolate, Asian spices, black cherry liqueur, and blackberries. Opulent, chewy, and powerful, this deep, full-bodied wine has layers of ripe fruit, huge power, yet a classic, well-delineated style. A brilliant wine. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2019.

Wine Spectator 92

Subtle, yet rich. Refined, yet powerful. Full-bodied, with super silky tannins, yet it's elegant and caressing. Joy to taste. Fantastic 1 Oratoire. From the same people who bring you La Mondotte and Canon-La Gaffeli�re. B

2000 Haut-Brion (750ml-12pk OWC)

$18,540.00

Robert Parker 99

Its bigger sister, the 2000 Haut-Brion (a blend of 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc) showed incredibly at the tasting, and for me is one of the three or four most prodigious wines of the vintage. A compelling nose of roasted herbs, scorched earth, sweet blueberries, plums, black currants, and a hint of graphite is followed by a deep, layered, sumptuously textured, full-bodied Haut-Brion, but one with extraordinary complexity. This wine seems more evolved and approachable than I had expected it to be at age 10. My window of maturity seven years ago was 2012-2040, but I would change that to 2010-2050.

Wine Spectator 92-94

Really ripe, with a powerful berry and marmalade character on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Very fresh and fine. Almost classic. Not the fabulous 1998 Haut-Brion, but damn good.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 97

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index?s 2000 tasting in London. A pure, finely tuned, delineated nose with touches of leather, clove and mint embroidered into the black brambly fruit, wisps of espresso with time. The palate is full-bodied with firm, grippy tannins, very good weight but quite austere and straight-laced. Good acidity though, touches of graphite and smoke towards the weighty finish that loosens up with time. Pencil lead on the aftertaste with breathtaking persistency. Classy?very classy, perhaps more so than La Mission at the moment, although in the long-term?we will see. Drink 2015-2045. Tasted March 2010.

2000 L`Evangile (750ml-12pk OWC)

$4,020.00

Robert Parker 96

This fabulous L'Evangile rivals such recent great vintages as 1998, 1995, 1990, and of course, 1982. With aeration, the thick, unctuous, saturated purple color is followed by scents of blueberries, blackberries, truffles, acacia flowers, tar, and graphite. Full-bodied, with tremendous opulence, intensity, and purity as well as silky tannin and a long, powerful, concentrated finish, with a hint of cocoa/chocolate, I initially thought this was a modern-day clone of the 1975, but now I am not so sure. The 2000 is a prodigious, intense, powerful offering, but the tannins are clearly sweeter than those of the controversial 1975. I kept a bottle of this wine open for 11 days, re-corking each evening after pouring an ounce or two for evaluation. The wine simply refused to oxidize, hitting its stride on day 3, and then beginning to drop some fruit by day 8. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030+.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

Saturated ruby. Superripe aromas of black and red fruits and dark chocolate; almost but not quite pruney. Then pliant, sweet and lush, with explosive black raspberry fruit and lots of early personality. This is downright hedonistic and deceptively soft. Finishes very long and ripe, with extremely fine tannins.

Robert Parker 98

This is an absolutely spectacular L'Evangile. It remains to be seen whether 2009 will eclipse this great effort. Largely a Merlot-dominated blend with some Cabernet Franc in it, the greatness of this terroir is exhibited in the complexity of the nose, which offers up hints of subtle chocolate, blueberry, blackberry, truffle, barbecue smoke, and graphite. Dense, rich, and full-bodied, with an opulence and succulence that are prodigious, the tannins are present but extremely sweet, and the wine multi-dimensional and just emerging as a compellingly complex, head-turning beauty. Drink it now and over the next 20-25 years. Kudos to L'Evangile. June 2010

2000 La Conseillante (750ml-12pk OWC)

List Price: ~~$3,300.00~~ Our Price: $2,940.00

$2,940.00

Robert Parker 96

La Conseillante made an excellent wine in 2001, another great one in 2005, and the estate hit home runs in both 2008 and, above all, in 2009. In fact, the latter vintage may well end up being the modern-day reference point for La Conseillante. Nevertheless, ther'e's a lot to be said for this 2000. An elegant, gentle style that is never a blockbuster, the 2000 La Conseillante has a deep ruby/plum/purple color and an unbelievably expressive nose of sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries, incense, toast, and licorice. Full-bodied yet ethereal in the sense that it seems to combine power along with eloquence and delicacy, this is a beautifully pure wine that has just hit its plateau of full maturity, although ideally I think it would benefit strongly from another 4-5 years of bottle age and drink well for two to three decades.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Tasted at the La Conseillante vertical at Chez Bruce. The millennial La Conseillante sports an almost Burgundian bouquet with bilberry, iodine, black olive and blackberry dominating that beautifully defined aromatics that seem a little more tightly wound than I expected. The palate is medium-bodied with robust tannins rendering this a more masculine, uncompromising La Conseillante, whilst the sinewy finish needs a little more flesh that will develop as the wine softens and melts with age. What you might describe as a "rigid" Pomerol at the moment although it does soften with further aeration towards a silky, Richebourg-like finish. Tasted December 2010.

2000 Lafite (750ml-12pk OWC)

$37,500.00

Robert Parker 100

Well, well, well - Lafite Rothschild does it again. Ever since manager Charles Chevalier was transferred from his beloved Sauternes property of Rieussec (also owned by the Rothschilds) to Lafite in 1994, there has been a succession of profound wines to emerge from this noble estate. The 2000 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.7% Merlot (only 36% of the crop made the grade) has an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by an extraordinary aromatic expression of liquid minerals/stones interwoven with the tell-tale graphite notes, mulberry, black currants, caramel, and tobacco. In the mouth, it is remarkably light on its feet, but somehow seems to pack intense flavors into layer upon layer of fruit and richness that cascade over the palate. A compelling wine, with extraordinary precision, great intensity, and a seamlessness in spite of what are obviously elevated levels of tannin, this wine was provocatively open and beautiful when tasted in January and February, but I am sure it will soon close down. The finish lasted a whopping 72 seconds! This is utterly fascinating stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2050.

Wine Spectator 100

Since taking over this first-growth estate in 1994, director Chareles Chevallier has taken the wines from strength to strength. He is now the most capable winemaker of the top estates in the Medoc. This is the best young Lafite I have tasted. A triumph. Subtle aromas of currants, leather, tobacco and cedar-a classic cigar box nose, with plenty of fruit. It's full-bodied, with silky, ripe tannins. This is a wine that completely coats your palate, but caresses it as the same time. Best after 2012.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93-96

Bright medium ruby. Pure, perfumed aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice, lead pencil, violet and minerals. Extremely primary and pure, with sharply defined cassis, violet and mineral flavors of great class. Conveys a rare lightness of touch for today Bordeaux. Finishing flavors grip the palate in a way too few wines from this vintage do. Very strong but subtle on the back end. 93-96 points

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94

Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 2000 Lafite is darker in colour and appears less mature than the 2003. It has a glorious bouquet with very good fruit intensity: blackberry, small dark cherries, crushed stone and a touch of cedar, a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon nose. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins: broody dark fruit, a touch of sandalwood, graphite and a hint of balsamic. It is very nicely balanced although not as powerful as expected, a wine that is perhaps gone into its shell. The finish is well defined, the graphite element coming through strongly, with a long tail of supple, primal dark fruit lingering in the mouth. Graceful and refined, this is a very assured expression of its terroir. Tasted February 2012.

2000 Leoville Las Cases (750ml-12pk OWC)

$5,880.00

Robert Parker 99

This wine has put on weight and, as impressive as it was from cask, it is even more brilliant from bottle. Only 35% of the crop made it into the 2000 Leoville Las Cases, a blend of 76.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.4% Merlot, and 8.8% Cabernet Franc. The wine is truly profound, with an opaque purple color and a tight but promising nose of vanilla, sweet cherry liqueur, black currants, and licorice in a dense, full-bodied, almost painfully rich, intense style with no hard edges. This seamless classic builds in the mouth, with a finish that lasts over 60 seconds. Still primary, yet extraordinarily pure, this compelling wine, which continues to build flavor intensity and exhibit additional layers of texture, is a tour de force in winemaking and certainly one of the great Leoville Las Cases. In another sense, it symbolizes / pays homage to proprietor Michel Delon, who passed away in 2000. Michel has been succeeded by his son, Jean-Hubert, another perfectionist. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040.

Wine Spectator 100

The hard work and dedication of owner and director Jean-Hubert Delon have helped realize his family's dream: The 2000 Leoville Las Cases is absolutely fantastic. This is one of the most exciting young reds I have tasted in a long, long time. It shows inense aromas of berries, currants and minerals, with hints of mint. Full-bodied and packed with fruit and seamless tannins, it is refined, silky and long on the finish. A benchmark for the vintage. Best after 2012.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 97

Tasted at Roberson?s Las-Cases vertical. The millennial Las-Cases is very well defined on the nose, although there is still a lot of oak to be resolved. Ripe blackberry and a touch of sloe, tobacco and graphite, a puff of smoke with time. Very controlled and assured, perhaps a little more generous than I expected. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, typically obdurate tannins, very masculine with tobacco and a touch of white pepper towards the finish. Tasted February 2011.

2000 Monbousquet (750ml-12pk OWC)

$1,595.00

Robert Parker 95

From an unheralded terroir, this Monbousquet was made from extremely low yields of 28-30 hectoliters per hectare. Aged sur lie and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it exemplifies proprietor Perse's enormous efforts. Black and blue to the rim, this wine represents the essence of this terroir. Its saturated black/purple color is accompanied by extraordinary aromatics of sweet blackberries, chocolate, coffee, incense, new saddle leather, and vanilla. Remarkable intensity, lively acidity, and abundant tannin provide definition and grip. This is the most intense, muscular, and "biggest" Monbousquet made to date, and that is saying something considering the 1998 and 1999! So be prepared, it is remarkable wine. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Bright ruby-red. Roasted currant and black cherry scents complicated by sexy oak. At once chewy and silky in the mouth, with complex, fresh flavors of plum, redcurrant, vanilla, coffee, smoky oak and woodsy underbrush. Finishes sweet and long, with thoroughly ripe tannins. This was bottled in February of this year after 28 months in barrel; it wasn't too long ago that this wine received barely 18 months of elevage

2000 Montrose (750ml-12pk OWC)

$2,450.00

Robert Parker 96

This estate has frequently hit the bull's eye over recent vintages, and the 2000 Montrose is the finest effort produced since the compelling 1990 and 1989. This gigantically sized, tannic, backward effort boasts a saturated inky purple color followed by a huge nose of acacia flavors, crushed blackberries, creme de cassis, vanilla, hickory smoke, and minerals. Extremely full-bodied, powerful, dense, and multi-layered, this unreal Montrose should last for 30+ years. A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, this is a special wine that has exceptional purity and length.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

Full red-ruby. Roasted, smoky aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice. Plush, dense and large-scaled; expands impressively in the mouth. Chocolatey-ripe but kept fresh by nicely integrated acidity. Offers lovely sweetness without going over the top. Finishes with big, dusty, horizontal tannins and lovely aromatic persistence. Offers extraordinary texture and depth of flavor for a wine with just 12.8% alcohol.

Robert Parker 95+

I found this to be one of the more backward wines of the 2000 vintage and gave it a window of maturity of 2015-2040 when I reviewed it in 2003. In my two recent tastings of it, I changed that window to 2018-2050, which probably says more than the following tasting note could say. This is a behemoth � dense, highly extracted, very tannic, broodingly backward, with a dense purple color and very little evolution since it was bottled 8 years ago. Wonderfully sweet cedar and fruitcake notes are intermixed with hints of creme de cassis, licorice, and earthy forest floor. It is full-bodied and tannic, with everything in place, but like so many wines that come from Leoville Barton, it makes a mockery of many modern-day consumers wanting a wine for immediate gratification. Those who bought it should continue to exercise patience and be proud to own a wonderful classic with five decades of longevity ahead of it. June 2010

2000 Pavillon Rouge de Chateau Margaux (1.5L-6pk OWC)

$3,410.00

2000 Troplong Mondot (750ml-12pk OWC)

$1,776.00

Robert Parker 96

Extremely young with an unbelievable deep purple color, the 2000 Troplong Mondot has hardly budged since I tasted it in 2003. Two recent tastings confirmed that this is the greatest Troplong Mondot between their profound 1990 and more recent vintages such as 2005, 2008, and 2009. Copious chocolate, graphite, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, and ink characteristics are present in this full-bodied, powerful, massive St.-Emilion. While the tannins are noticeable, they are better integrated than they were seven years ago, and the fruit, extract, and richness clearly outweigh the wine�s structure. This 2000 will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring (longer than I originally predicted), and has at least two decades of drinkability ahead of it.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Served as a part of a trio of 2000 Saint Emilion wines, this stood out easily. A intense, vivacious nose with brilliant definition: blackberries, blueberries, limestone and a touch of cassis. The palate is full-bodied with wonderful balance, a symmetrical wine with layers of blackberry, plum and cassis. Sensuous, silky finish with great harmony and superb length, lingering long in the palate. Great sense of minerality with a floral flourish on the finish. This has barely started motoring, so leave it another 5-6 years. Drink 2014-2025+ Tasted September 2008.

2001 DRC Assortment (750ml-12pk OWC)

$34,500.00

FineWine International

Case Consts of: Romanee Conti (1), La Tache (3), Richebourg (2), Echezeaux (2), Romanee St vivant (2), Grands Echezeaux (2)

2002 DRC La Tache (750ml-6pk OWC)

$15,900.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 96

Good deep, bright red. Dee p aromas of cherry, raspberry, minerals and Asian spices, lifted by a floral quality. Fat, sweet and full but lively; offers great volume without any undue weight. This shows exciting inner-palate energy and finishes with a sexy, deep core of spice. Very pretty, and very long. A superb showing today.

Pierre Rovani, Wine Advocate 93

Soy sauce, candied blood oranges, and dark cherries make up the nose of the outstanding 2002 La Tache. Extremely elegant and pure, this light to medium-bodied wine displays a superb satiny texture and a broad blackberry, black cherry, spice, and mineral-flavored character. It boasts a refined, noble personality with an exceedingly long, supple finish. The qualitative and ripeness differences between this wine and the Richebourg is striking as well as confounding.

Wine Spectator 96

Limpid garnet. Absolutely stunning aromas of pure cherry, strawberry and raspberry mark this La T�che. It's vibrant, balanced and very elegant, with ripe fruit and tannins and a long finish. Very promising future.

Allen Meadows, Burghound 96

This is still rather reserved though determined swirling reveals a nose that is exceptionally fine and pure with fantastic aromatic detail and an almost diaphanous transparency of expression that reveals all of the kaleidoscopic La T�che spice box nose, including anise, clove, plums, high-toned black cherry, crushed red raspberry and more. The broad, expansive and powerful flavors are still on the strict side with a mid-palate of massive depth yet the finish is round, generous, sappy and superbly complex culminating in a finish that lasts for minutes. Despite the aromatic fireworks and opulent character, there is an underlying tenderness here that suggests that this will be approachable relatively early but the balance is so fine that this should easily age for 30 years, perhaps longer. Tasted thrice recently with consistent notes. 96/2020+

2002 Latour (750ml-12pk OWC)

$7,200.00

Robert Parker 96

The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn�t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality.

Wine Spectator 96

Loads of ripe currants, licorice and toasted oak on the nose. Subtle yet impressive. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and chewy tannins. Big and juicy. Deep midpalate for a 2002. This is the wine of the vintage. A solid, classic Latour that needs bottle age.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Served blind at the chateau, it is amazing how well this wine performs in blind tastings. There is great clarity on the nose, you can almost smell those "caillou" in the vineyard, pure black fruits, freshly rolled tobacco, crushed stone and just a faint hint of Xmas cake (must be the time of season!) The palate is well structured with firm tannins, quite masculine even for Latour with cedar and graphite, underpinned by exquisite delineation on the finish. Wonderful. Tasted December 2009.

2003 Cos d'Estournel (750ml-12pk OWC)

$3,480.00

Robert Parker 98

The prodigious, fantastic 2003 Cos d'Estournel is a candidate for wine of the vintage. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon (unusually high for this chateau), 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 17,500 cases were produced from low yields. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by a compelling perfume of black fruits, subtle smoke, pain grille, incense, and flowers. With extraordinary richness, full body, and remarkable freshness, elegance, and persistence, this is one of the finest wines ever made by this estate. The good news is that it will be drinkable at a young age yet evolve for three decades or more. Kudos to winemaker Jean-Guillaume Prats and owner Michel Reybier.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

"Red-ruby. Knockout nose combines currant, espresso, earth and exotic spices. Wonderfully round and sweet, with outstanding volume and density. A spherical, seamless wine that saturates the entire palate. The huge but lush tannins coat the teeth. This is accessible now but has the sheer material for long aging."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 96

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner?s Left Bank tasting. This is very lifted on the nose: blackberry, melted tar, sandalwood and a touch of autumn leaves. Very fine delineation married with power. The palate is full-bodied, harmonious with silky smooth tannins, fresh and surfeit with vigour and brio towards the saturated finish. Great backbone and focus here, persistent and compelling. Tasted October 2010.

2003 Lafite (750ml-12pk OWC)

$19,500.00

Robert Parker 100

"A modern day version of the 1959 Lafite, the 2003 Lafite Rothschild was bottled in mid-May, 2005 after achieving 12.9% natural alcohol - hardly an astonishing figure given the vintage's weather conditions. A combination of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, it represents a ripe version of the essence of Lafite-Rothschild. Dense purple-colored, with classic notes of graphite intertwined with melted licorice, creme de cassis, smoke, and flowers, it reveals extraordinary richness, opulence, power, purity, intensity, and viscosity. Whether this wine will close down or not is questionable as it is somewhat atypical given its sweetness and softness. Analytically, there are extremely high tannins, which I suspect will assert themselves in the future. Production in 2003 was less than half of normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner?s Left Bank tasting, the Lafite ?03 has a deep garnet core. A very fragrant bouquet with warm summer fruits, hot roof tiles and sous-bois: fresh and natural. The palate is medium-bodied, not a particularly complex 2003 where the vintage makes more of an impression than the wine. A little attenuated on the fleshy, plush finish as soft as a feather-down pillow. Tasted October 2010

2003 Leoville Las Cases (750ml-12pk OWC)

$2,460.00

Robert Parker 93

The solidly made 2003 Leoville Las-Cases (13.2% alcohol) is a blend of 70.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.2% Merlot, and 12.6% Cabernet Franc. In this incredibly hot vintage, the alcohol is slightly lower than achieved in 2002, a cool-climate year. While not a profound example of Las-Cases, the 2003 is muscular, deep, and full-bodied with an impressive ruby/purple color, a tight but juicy bouquet of vanilla, black cherries, crushed rocks, and flowers, a sweet attack, and moderately high tannin. Backward and fresh, displaying impeccable delineation and purity, it can be enjoyed between 2012-2023.

Wine Spectator 97

"Incredible nose of crushed berry, licorice, violets and lightly toasted oak. Pure cr�me de cassis. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Solid. Best after 2011"

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner?s Left Bank tasting. Lifted red fruits on the nose with wild strawberry, raspberry, mocha and earthy aromas, touches of wild heather developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly coarse entry, but good weight with lively earthy red-berried fruit intermingled with rosemary and a touch of sage. Well defined on the finish. Very fine. Tasted October 2010.

2003 Leoville Las Cases (750ml-12pk OWC)

$2,460.00

Robert Parker 93

The solidly made 2003 Leoville Las-Cases (13.2% alcohol) is a blend of 70.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.2% Merlot, and 12.6% Cabernet Franc. In this incredibly hot vintage, the alcohol is slightly lower than achieved in 2002, a cool-climate year. While not a profound example of Las-Cases, the 2003 is muscular, deep, and full-bodied with an impressive ruby/purple color, a tight but juicy bouquet of vanilla, black cherries, crushed rocks, and flowers, a sweet attack, and moderately high tannin. Backward and fresh, displaying impeccable delineation and purity, it can be enjoyed between 2012-2023.

Wine Spectator 97

"Incredible nose of crushed berry, licorice, violets and lightly toasted oak. Pure cr�me de cassis. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Solid. Best after 2011"

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner?s Left Bank tasting. Lifted red fruits on the nose with wild strawberry, raspberry, mocha and earthy aromas, touches of wild heather developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly coarse entry, but good weight with lively earthy red-berried fruit intermingled with rosemary and a touch of sage. Well defined on the finish. Very fine. Tasted October 2010.

2003 Margaux (750ml-12pk OWC)

$9,400.00

Robert Parker 99

"Am I being too stingy with the 2003 Chateau Margaux? A wine of extraordinary complexity and intensity, it reveals a deep purple color, a style not unlike the 1990 Margaux (possibly even more concentrated), a velvety texture, and notes of spring flowers interwoven with camphor, melted licorice, creme de cassis, and pain grille. Not a blockbuster, it offers extraordinary intensity as well as a surreal delicacy/lightness. There is riveting freshness to this offering, which tips the scales at a lofty (for this estate) 13.5% alcohol, as well as an alluring sweetness and accessibility. It probably will tighten up over the next few years. Nevertheless, it is a profound Chateau Margaux that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of the 1982 and 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2035."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 96

"Full, saturated red-ruby. Knockout nose combines redcurrant, tropical chocolate, leather, woodsmoke and nutty oak with exotic chocolate mint and coffee liqueur; still manages to retain floral lift even in this beastly vintage. Then wonderfully fat, sweet and full, even if it comes across as almost heavy following the ineffable 2005 and 2004 examples. But "relatively inelegant" for Margaux still suggests a degree of refinement that few chateaux can match in the greatest vintages. A hugely rich and dense wine that finishes with elevated but ripe tannins and great length, with a subtle suggestion of dry spices. Pontallier says the terroir will take over in 20 years, "like with the '82." Splendid."

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95+

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner?s Left Bank tasting. The Ch�teau Margaux 2003 has closed down since I last encountered it. Much more tertiary on the nose with dried herbs, sous-bois and a touch of leather; it finds it difficult to attain the femininity it showed its youth. Nonetheless, the palate is very harmonious with supple tannins, lovely expressive red-berried fruit with blackberry, boysenberry and scorched earth. Harmonious and wily on the finish. Lovely?and improving in the glass. Tasted October 2010.

2005 Cos d'Estournel (750ml-12pk OWC)

List Price: ~~$3,360.00~~ Our Price: $2,940.00

$2,940.00

Robert Parker 98

While I am not convinced the 2005 Cos d'Estournel will eclipse the compelling 2003 Cos, it is unquestionably another superb classic from proprietor Michel Reybier and his brilliant winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats. Made from an unusually high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) and the balance mostly Merlot with a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc, this superb effort requires plenty of time in the bottle. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as a glorious perfume of licorice, Asian spices, creme de cassis, blackberries, and toasty oak. This full-bodied St.-Estephe is exceptionally powerful, pure, and dense with a layered mid-palate that builds like a skyscraper. While there are massive tannins, they are remarkably velvety and well-integrated in this big, backstrapping effort that should enjoy an unusually long life. Forget it for 8-10 years, and drink it between 2017-2040.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94

Tasted single blind at Southwold. This has a very deep, broody nose with immense concentration but it is tightly wound. Blackberry, boysenberry, minerals with a touch of rose petals it is certainly less opulent than last year. The palate has immense concentration, powerful black fruit, perfect acidity, great sense of symmetry and focus. Real poise and controlled power. Builds and builds in the glass. Slight meatiness on the finish that just takes its foot off the accelerator. A majestic Cos d?Estournel, of that there is no doubt. Drink 2018-2030+ Tasted January 2009.

Wine Spectator 98

Black in color, with aromas of orange peel, new leather, currant, berry and Christmas pudding. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and a long, long finish of fruit and spices. The cashmere texture is all there. 2003 plus 2000 equals 2005.

2005 Grand-Puy-Lacoste (750ml-12pk OWC)

List Price: ~~$1,680.00~~ Our Price: $1,440.00

$1,440.00

Robert Parker 95

The brilliant 2005 Grand-Puy-Lacoste exhibits classic Pauillac aromas and flavors of creme de cassis along with stony/floral notes. Proprietor Xavier Borie has created a wine that should rival the brilliant 1982, 1990, 1996, and 2000. Full-bodied with sweet tannin and superb length (a 40+ second finish), the purity of this beauty's black currant fruit is something to behold.

Wine Spectator 93

Has subtle blackberry, licorice and currant on the nose, with hints of mint. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a very pretty texture. Caresses everything. Refined and balanced. A beautiful wine that's hard to keep your hands off now

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 97

Tasted single blind at Southwold. This is a stunning showing for Xavier Borie?s estate, one of my highest scoring wines of the entire tasting and vindicating its performance in barrel. It has an incredibly intense nose of black fruits, a touch of pine cones, then dried blood and smoke, but again, brilliant definition with a sense that it is saving itself for later. Astounding definition on the palate, real depth here, ripe blackberry, earthy, a touch of briary, very controlled and refined on the finish. Great length. Majestic. Drink 2020-2040+ Tasted January 2009.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

Medium red. Very ripe aromas of plum and musky brown spices; redder in character and less precise than the 2006. Then big, sweet and plump on the palate, with full, mellow flavors of red berries, tobacco and mocha, plus a light smoked meat note. Finishes with sweet tannins and lingering, fully ripe fruit. This is showing its lush side today and is hiding its underlying structure.

2005 Lafite (750ml-12pk OWC)

$20,340.00

Robert Parker 96

While the 2005 is another brilliantly classic Lafite Rothschild, for my taste, it comes in slightly behind their extraordinarily opulent 2003 as well as the dramatically powerful 2000. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, the 2005 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to that exceptional Lafite perfume of graphite, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and sweet black cherry and black currant fruit that exudes class and nobility. The wine is medium-bodied with extremely high levels of tannin in addition to sensational purity, length, and overall harmony. However, it is exceptionally backward, and even more tannic than either the 1995 or 1996.

Wine Spectator 98

Delivers blackberry, dried porcini, tobacco and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and loads of dark chocolate, cigar box, currant, berry and mineral. The finish is long, with a coffee, almost meaty, aftertaste. Very beautiful and balanced. Best after 2013. JS

2005 Leoville Las Cases (750ml-12pk OWC)

$4,500.00

Robert Parker 98

Another titanic effort from the Delon family, the 2005 Leoville Las Cases is probably the greatest wine made at this estate since Jean-Hubert Delon�s father produced the 1986 and 1996. Only 37% of the production made it into the 2005, a blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with less than 13% Merlot and Cabernet Franc. An inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by reticent aromatics that, with considerable coaxing, offer up subtle notes of toasty vanillin intermixed with lead pencil shavings, wet rocks, and enormously ripe, intense black cherry and creme de cassis. The wine hits the palate with a full-bodied, layered mouthfeel as well as enormous extract, concentration, and purity. This ageless, monumental claret requires a minimum of 15-20 years to approach maturity, and should last for a half century. It is about as classic a Leoville Las Cases as one will find. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

Saturated ruby-red. A confiture of dark berries on the nose, with a complicating torrefaction note of coffee. Fat, sweet, plump and full, with a silky, enveloping texture rare for this wine in its youth. The highly concentrated cassis, violet and bitter chocolate flavors really take over the mouth and stay awhile. The huge, chocolatey finish features big, ripe, building tannins. One can easily taste this massive wine today, but there are great reserves here to ensure a long and slow evolution in bottle-and I would not be at all surprised if it shut down soon for a very long time. Our cabernet sauvignon was perfectly ripe in both '05 and '06, noted cellarmaster Rolland

2005 Montrose (750ml-12pk OWC)

$1,740.00

Robert Parker 95

The 2005 Montrose is an exceptionally tannic, broodingly backward offering displaying a dense ruby/purple color along with a provocative perfume of crushed rocks, flowers, cassis, black raspberries, and blueberries. It continues to add weight and richness, good traits considering the substantial, forbiddingly high tannin levels and zesty acidity. If you are over the age of fifty, this backward, powerful wine will probably be more enjoyable to your descendants. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040+

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Tasted at Handford?s 21st Anniversary tasting in Holland Park. The Montrose 2005 is a gem of a wine that gets better every time I come back to it. Here, it has a nose that is packed with blackberry, cedar, cigar box, dark plum and strawberry with wonderful definition. The palate is full-bodied and very harmonious, crisp acidity with a little more sous-bois than a year ago, leading to a structure, off-dry finish that suggests it will need another decade before it truly reaches it drinking window. Tasted October 2010.

Wine Spectator 94

Black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral, lead to a full-bodied palate. Very chewy, with loads of tannins, yet this follows through with beautifully ripe fruit, mineral and mint. Fascinating.

Wine Spectator 94

Black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral, lead to a full-bodied palate. Very chewy, with loads of tannins, yet this follows through with beautifully ripe fruit, mineral and mint. Fascinating.

2005 Mouton (750ml-6pk OWC)

$4,470.00

Robert Parker 96

The 2005 Mouton Rothschild will have to take a back seat to the prodigious 2006, but administrator Philippe Dalhuin deserves considerable credit for pushing Mouton to higher quality levels over recent years. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot, the dark purple-hued 2005 exhibits a restrained but promising nose of cedar, tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, and toasty oak. Full-bodied, tannic, and extremely backward, with the vintage�s tell-tale acidity, it appears to be even more closed in the bottle than it was from barrel. It does possess a long finish and multilayered mouthfeel. This is an undeniably outstanding, yet restrained, shy wine for a Mouton Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 98

Tasted blind against its peers, this brilliant Mouton-Rothschild trumped both Latour and Lafite! If it lacked the same level of breeding out of barrel, then it sure as hell is making up for its now. The nose is incredibly ripe and is perhaps more accessible than those aforementioned Pauillacs. Dark cherries, kirsch, cedar and some lovely vanillary new oak, sleek and sophisticated. Great definition. The palate has a viscous entry, fat round tannins, voluptuous, generous and sensuous. Great depth with blackberry, raspberry, a touch of black olive tapenade. Sensuous, feminine finish. Sublime. Drink 2017-2040+ Tasted January 2009.

Wine Spectator 95

Dark purple black in color. Complex aromas of mineral, licorice, lead pencil and blackberry follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a caressing, pretty finish. Has a lovely texture. Shows elegance and refinement.

2005 Mouton (750ml-12pk OWC)

$8,940.00

Robert Parker 96

The 2005 Mouton Rothschild will have to take a back seat to the prodigious 2006, but administrator Philippe Dalhuin deserves considerable credit for pushing Mouton to higher quality levels over recent years. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot, the dark purple-hued 2005 exhibits a restrained but promising nose of cedar, tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, and toasty oak. Full-bodied, tannic, and extremely backward, with the vintage�s tell-tale acidity, it appears to be even more closed in the bottle than it was from barrel. It does possess a long finish and multilayered mouthfeel. This is an undeniably outstanding, yet restrained, shy wine for a Mouton Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 98

Tasted blind against its peers, this brilliant Mouton-Rothschild trumped both Latour and Lafite! If it lacked the same level of breeding out of barrel, then it sure as hell is making up for its now. The nose is incredibly ripe and is perhaps more accessible than those aforementioned Pauillacs. Dark cherries, kirsch, cedar and some lovely vanillary new oak, sleek and sophisticated. Great definition. The palate has a viscous entry, fat round tannins, voluptuous, generous and sensuous. Great depth with blackberry, raspberry, a touch of black olive tapenade. Sensuous, feminine finish. Sublime. Drink 2017-2040+ Tasted January 2009.

Wine Spectator 95

Dark purple black in color. Complex aromas of mineral, licorice, lead pencil and blackberry follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a caressing, pretty finish. Has a lovely texture. Shows elegance and refinement.

2005 Pichon Lalande (750ml-12pk OWC)

$1,740.00

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Tasted blind in a peer-group tasting, the Pichon-Lalande showed a ripe plumy nose with blackberry and raspberry, not quite as defined as the sample poured at the chateau. With time in glass there are scents of cedar wood, a touch of Xmas cake and cassis, all the time gaining vivacity in the glass. The palate is very ripe, beautifully defined with excellent balance. Finesse here, a well-bred Pauillac with a bright, cedar-infused finish that will hopefully just put on a little more weight. Excellent. Drink 2010-2035. Tasted January 2009.

Wine Enthusiast 95

In recent years, Pichon Comtesse has developed an elegance all its own, with great style, smoothing out the real intensity of the wine. This 2005 continues in that tradition, a spice, fruity wine, which has restraint as well as hidden power

Wine Spectator 93

Beautiful currant, berry and licorice aromas follow through to a full body, with tar and berry character, fine tannins and a long finish. I was expecting a little more from this, but it's still outstanding. Best after 2013.JS

2005 Pichon-Baron (750ml-12pk OWC)

$1,860.00

Robert Parker 94

As usual, this superb Pauillac possesses an inky/blue/black color in addition to a big, sweet nose of graphite, charcoal, burning embers, black currant liqueur, and toasty vanillin from new oak casks. Full-bodied with high but sweet, well-integrated tannins, the 2005 Pichon Baron is more backward than the blockbuster 2003 or prodigious 2000. Nevertheless, it is a superb effort whose power, length, and tannic structure suggest it should be at its peak between 2015-2035

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94+

Tasted single blind at Southwold. This does not quite have the same lift on the nose as the Les Forts or Carruades but with aeration I am certain it would have offered more. Aromas of macerated black cherries, boysenberry and a touch of graphite but always remaining tight. The palate has good depth, nice grip but not over-bearing. There is certainly a lot of unresolved new oak here and this certainly needs time with a slightly furry finish with notes of cedar and blackberry with just a touch of tar. Brooding intensity ? one for the cellar (perhaps akin to the ?90?) Drink 2015-2030+. Tasted January 2009.

2005 Rauzan-Segla (750ml-12pk OWC)

$1,560.00

Robert Parker 95

One of the most beautiful Rauzan-Seglas made in decades, this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot and tiny dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot exhibits a gorgeous perfume of spring flowers, subtle mint, black cherries, black currants, licorice, and a hint of new oak. It offers medium to full body, sweet tannins, and a layered mouthfeel that builds incrementally to a sensational finish. Although this beauty is performing well, it remains a decade away from its plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030+.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Tasted single blind at Southwold. After a couple of vexing showing out of barrel, this Rauzan-Segla is finally proving its mettle and I happily upgrade my score. Tasted blind, it shines amongst its peers with a well defined nose: blackberry, crushed stones and a touch of oyster shell. Great clarity. This is very well balanced on the palate, nice acidity, fresh, tannic backbone and really great focus. Sophisticated from start to finish. It has beautifully interwoven oak. This will be a great Rauzan-Segla but as always it needs patient cellaring. Drink 2015-2030+ Tasted January 2009.

Wine Spectator 97

Very beautiful aromas of crushed berry, flowers, currant and Indian spices follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely polished and beautiful, with a seamless texture.

2006 Haut-Brion (750ml-12pk OWC)

$7,355.00

Robert Parker 96

The 2006 Haut-Brion performed even better from bottle than it did from barrel. Sixty-four percent of the production went into this wine, and while it displays the vintage's powerful tannins and structure, it possesses superb concentration, and the minerality/scorched earth notes of a great Haut-Brion. Medium to full-bodied, with perhaps not quite the fleshiness of the 2005 or 2000, it is built more along the lines of the 1998 and 1996. It is a brilliant effort displaying sensational purity, texture, and length that should be exceptionally long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035 .

Wine Spectator 94

"Offers subtle and complex aromas, with violet, cedar and blackberry. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a very long finish. Tight and curled up in a ball."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

"Medium ruby-red. Inviting aromas of plum, warm stones, red licorice and menthol. Suave, gentle and elegantly styled; distinctly sweeter and lusher today than the La Mission, with even more mid-palate depth. Showing more red fruits today as well, with pungent minerality giving the wine lift and juiciness. Finishes with suave but substantial building tannins. Last year this wine was showing its spine while La Mission was more opulent; in bottle it's the other way around."

Wine Enthusiast 96

"Wonderful sweet fruit, velvet in texture, with concentrated ripe fruits and red berries. This is a wine that rolls sumptuously around the mouth, the tannins certainly dense but full of the same sweetness as the fruit. The final flavor is perfumed and fresh. Deceptively attractive, it will profit from many years? aging"

2006 Haut-Brion (750ml-12pk OWC)

$7,355.00

Robert Parker 96

The 2006 Haut-Brion performed even better from bottle than it did from barrel. Sixty-four percent of the production went into this wine, and while it displays the vintage's powerful tannins and structure, it possesses superb concentration, and the minerality/scorched earth notes of a great Haut-Brion. Medium to full-bodied, with perhaps not quite the fleshiness of the 2005 or 2000, it is built more along the lines of the 1998 and 1996. It is a brilliant effort displaying sensational purity, texture, and length that should be exceptionally long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035 .

Wine Spectator 94

"Offers subtle and complex aromas, with violet, cedar and blackberry. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a very long finish. Tight and curled up in a ball."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

"Medium ruby-red. Inviting aromas of plum, warm stones, red licorice and menthol. Suave, gentle and elegantly styled; distinctly sweeter and lusher today than the La Mission, with even more mid-palate depth. Showing more red fruits today as well, with pungent minerality giving the wine lift and juiciness. Finishes with suave but substantial building tannins. Last year this wine was showing its spine while La Mission was more opulent; in bottle it's the other way around."

Wine Enthusiast 96

"Wonderful sweet fruit, velvet in texture, with concentrated ripe fruits and red berries. This is a wine that rolls sumptuously around the mouth, the tannins certainly dense but full of the same sweetness as the fruit. The final flavor is perfumed and fresh. Deceptively attractive, it will profit from many years? aging"

2006 Haut-Brion (750ml-6pk OWC)

$3,680.00

Robert Parker 96

The 2006 Haut-Brion performed even better from bottle than it did from barrel. Sixty-four percent of the production went into this wine, and while it displays the vintage's powerful tannins and structure, it possesses superb concentration, and the minerality/scorched earth notes of a great Haut-Brion. Medium to full-bodied, with perhaps not quite the fleshiness of the 2005 or 2000, it is built more along the lines of the 1998 and 1996. It is a brilliant effort displaying sensational purity, texture, and length that should be exceptionally long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035 .

Wine Spectator 94

"Offers subtle and complex aromas, with violet, cedar and blackberry. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a very long finish. Tight and curled up in a ball."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 95

"Medium ruby-red. Inviting aromas of plum, warm stones, red licorice and menthol. Suave, gentle and elegantly styled; distinctly sweeter and lusher today than the La Mission, with even more mid-palate depth. Showing more red fruits today as well, with pungent minerality giving the wine lift and juiciness. Finishes with suave but substantial building tannins. Last year this wine was showing its spine while La Mission was more opulent; in bottle it's the other way around."

Wine Enthusiast 96

"Wonderful sweet fruit, velvet in texture, with concentrated ripe fruits and red berries. This is a wine that rolls sumptuously around the mouth, the tannins certainly dense but full of the same sweetness as the fruit. The final flavor is perfumed and fresh. Deceptively attractive, it will profit from many years? aging"

2006 Latour (750ml-12pk OWC)

$12,000.00

Robert Parker 95

The 2006 Latour performed even better from bottle than from barrel. Only 38% of the production (10,000 cases) made it into the grand vin, a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. From barrel, I thought it was a modern day version of the 1996 or 1986, and certainly the 1996 comparison still holds. I thought it was somewhat austere from barrel, but that is no longer an issue. This is a beautifully rich Chateau Latour boasting a dense ruby/purple color, a sweet, smoky, charcoal, cassis, graphite, and forest floor-scented nose, full body, an attractive freshness, and sweet, noble tannins. This layered Latour is one of the vintage's top dozen or so wines. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Served blind at the chateau. The nose on this particular bottle takes time to coalesce, eventually offering smoke, blackberry, a touch of iodine, graphite and earth. Fine definition although very compact and not as generous as the previous wine (that was de facto Latour ?03). The palate is tight but feisty, youthful and vibrant which contrasts nicely with the more austere, reserved finish that implies a cooler growing season. Tasted December 2009.

Wine Spectator 95

Offers a pure nose of currant and blackberry, with crushed fruit. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and very polished, refined tannins. Long and classy.

2006 Latour (750ml-6pk OWC)

$6,005.00

Robert Parker 95

The 2006 Latour performed even better from bottle than from barrel. Only 38% of the production (10,000 cases) made it into the grand vin, a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. From barrel, I thought it was a modern day version of the 1996 or 1986, and certainly the 1996 comparison still holds. I thought it was somewhat austere from barrel, but that is no longer an issue. This is a beautifully rich Chateau Latour boasting a dense ruby/purple color, a sweet, smoky, charcoal, cassis, graphite, and forest floor-scented nose, full body, an attractive freshness, and sweet, noble tannins. This layered Latour is one of the vintage's top dozen or so wines. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Served blind at the chateau. The nose on this particular bottle takes time to coalesce, eventually offering smoke, blackberry, a touch of iodine, graphite and earth. Fine definition although very compact and not as generous as the previous wine (that was de facto Latour ?03). The palate is tight but feisty, youthful and vibrant which contrasts nicely with the more austere, reserved finish that implies a cooler growing season. Tasted December 2009.

Wine Spectator 95

Offers a pure nose of currant and blackberry, with crushed fruit. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and very polished, refined tannins. Long and classy.

2006 Margaux (750ml-6pk OWC)

$5,360.00

Robert Parker 94-95

It is worth noting that when the bottled 2006 Chateau Margaux, which appeared closed and less impressive than I had predicted from barrel, was retasted alongside the remarkable 2008, I elevated my score to 94+. It does not possess the size or power of the 2008 or 2005, but the 2006 exhibits impressive density, a deeper color, and the beautifully textured, pure style that is a hallmark of this estate. Moreover, it is relatively precocious, and can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years.

2006 Margaux (750ml-12pk OWC)

$10,710.00

Robert Parker 94-95

It is worth noting that when the bottled 2006 Chateau Margaux, which appeared closed and less impressive than I had predicted from barrel, was retasted alongside the remarkable 2008, I elevated my score to 94+. It does not possess the size or power of the 2008 or 2005, but the 2006 exhibits impressive density, a deeper color, and the beautifully textured, pure style that is a hallmark of this estate. Moreover, it is relatively precocious, and can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years.

2006 Mouton (750ml-12pk OWC)

$14,885.00

Robert Parker 98+

A sensational effort, the 2006 Mouton Rothschild exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a classic Mouton perfume of creme de cassis, flowers, blueberries, and only a hint of oak. Dalhuin told me that in whisky barrel-tasting vintages such as 1989 and 1990, Mouton was aged in heavily-toasted barrels, and they have backed off to a much lighter toast for the barrels� interior. I think this has worked fabulously well with the cassis quality fruit they get from their Cabernet Sauvignon. The full-bodied, powerful 2006 possesses extraordinary purity and clarity. A large-scaled, massive Mouton Rothschild that ranks as one of the top four or five wines of the vintage, it may turn out to be the longest-lived wine of the vintage by a landslide. The label will undoubtedly be controversial as a relative of Sigmund Freud, Lucian Freud, has painted a rather comical Zebra staring aimlessly at what appears to be a palm tree in the middle of a stark courtyard. I suppose a psychiatrist could figure out the relationship between that artwork and wine, but I couldn�t see one. This utterly profound Mouton will need to sleep for 15+ years before it will reveal any secondary nuances, but it is a packed and stacked first-growth Pauillac of enormous potential. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060+.

2007 Haut-Brion (750ml-12pk OWC)

List Price: ~~$7,120.00~~ Our Price: $6,120.00

$6,120.00

Robert Parker 92

A brilliant effort, the 2007 Haut-Brion offers up aromas of crushed rocks, graphite, plum sauce, raspberries, and black cherries. The aromatics are truly complex for a three year-old wine. While the wine does not possess the fat and succulence of its nearby neighbor, La Mission Haut-Brion, its elegance, finesse, and nobility are apparent. Medium-bodied, rich, and intense with stunning aromatics, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15 years.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Tasted blind at the 2007 Bordeaux horizontal in Southwold. The Haut-Brion 2007 displays appealing tertiary aromas on the nose with very fine definition: graphite, dried herbs and a faint touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a dash of pepper on the entry, supple tannins, good grip in the mouth that leads to a backward, tannic, allspice tinged finish. Very harmonious from start to finish, this is a class act. Re-tasted at the property with consistent notes. Tasted September 2011.

Wine Spectator 91

There's beautiful sweetness of fruit on the nose, with floral and ripe plum undertones. Very aromatic and subtle. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a delicate fruit finish. Refined. Best after 2013.

2008 DRC La Tache (750ml-6pk OWC)

$16,225.00

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

As usual, I leave my glass for 8-10 minutes to allow the wine to settle. The La Tache ?08 has a very subtle bouquet, very harmonious, the stems showing their faces a little more than recent vintages but the merely adds another dimension. The theme of this vintage seems to be an earthiness and that is evident on this La Tache: a wine born from under than above. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, lovely balance and poise, as usual, imbued with an unerring sense of effortless power. This is not a multi-dimensional La Tache but it has extraordinary persistency in the mouth. The finish is very fresh and with both weight and weightlessness. Tasted January 2011.

Antonio Galloni 97

The 2008 La Tache is another huge, powerful wine. Deep layers of perfumed fruit flow from this gorgeous wine. Mint, crushed flowers, orange peel and spices are just some of the notes that emerge from the wonderfully textured fruit. Darker hints of earthiness, tar and minerals frame the sweeping, eternal finish. This is simply dazzling. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2048.

Allen Meadows, Burghound 96

This takes a while to get going because like the Richebourg, this is initially reduced so you'll need to decant it if you're going to sacrifice a young wine on the altar of curiosity. After aggressive swirling, a highly expressive and kaleidoscopic nose offers up a dazzling breadth of aromas with more rose petal and violet notes combining with those of kirsch, herb and humus, all of which are reflected by the ripe, pure and extremely fresh silkily-textured big-bodied flavors that possess firm tannins that are completely enrobed by the impressive amount of extract that also coats the mouth on the hugely long and ever-so-slightly minty finish. The '08 La T�che is not an especially powerful wine by its standards and it's more like a gymnast with its sleek muscularity. That said and again like the Richebourg, all of the structural elements are not yet in perfect balance but the sheer length of the finish is immense, which is always a very positive sign.

2008 Ducru-Beaucaillou (750ml-12pk OWC)

List Price: ~~$2,925.00~~ Our Price: $2,583.00

$2,583.00

Robert Parker 95+

One of the stars of the vintage, and a remarkable achievement in 2008, with impressive richness, this dense purple colored wine is almost as opaque as the 2010. Spring flowers, crushed rocks, creme de cassis and some subtle oak are followed by a full-bodied, concentrated wine that transcends the vintage character in its power, richness, and aging potential. It also exhibits tremendous precision, purity, and depth of character. It is more forward than the 2010 is likely to be, but probably not as sumptuous as the 2009 will turn out to be. This is a wine to buy. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 95

Tasted at the chateau, the 2008 just surpasses my expectations from barrel. It has great clarity on the airy nose with blackberry, a touch of briary, cedar and graphite. The palate is finely balanced on the entry but then segues into a dense middle with bold, forthright tannins but counterbalanced with ample freshness and acidity. It is -classic- in style, linear but more feminine than masculine, with cedar and a touch of white pepper on the aftertaste. This is a great wine from Bruno Borie, perhaps a little more restrained in style than recent vintages with great breeding and elan. Drink 2014-2035. Tasted October 2010.

2008 Leoville Las Cases (750ml-12pk OWC)

$2,785.00

Robert Parker 93+

A classic style of Las Cases that is somewhat masculine for the vintage, tannic and backward, and less formidably concentrated than the 2009 or 2010, the 2008 needs 7-8 years of cellaring. Dense purple, the aromatics are closed, but with coaxing and aggressive swirling, notes of crushed rock, black currants and some forest floor notes emerge. Impressively built, medium to full-bodied, layered and stunningly concentrated, this is a sleeper vintage for Leoville Las Cases that should improve considerably, given how closed it was the day I tasted it. It is another 30+ year wine from proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon.

Neil Martin, Wine Journal, eRobert Parker 94

Tasted at the chateau, the Las-Cases 08 has a bloody gorgeous bouquet with sensual ripe black fruits, tobacco, black plum, dried orange peel - all with great definition and sense of panache. The palate is full-bodied with touches of blackberry, tobacco, cedar and burnt toast on the entry. Very well balanced with great depth on the back palate, real persistency here. The finish is not overpowering, very controlled and lacquers the mouth, a surprisingly gentle grip. Perhaps the 2008 will not be a long-term Las-Cases compared to recent vintages, but it is undeniably a classy 2008. Drink 2014-2030.

Wine Spectator 94

This is loaded, with layer upon layer of crushed blackberry, fig paste and mulled black currant offset by smoldering tobacco, charcoal and anise notes. The finish is all iron and roasted earth fro now, with the density to be among the longest-lived wines of the vintage.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

Full ruby-red. Deep, mineral-driven aromas of cassis, camphor, peat and spicy oak. Large-scaled and deep; at once powerful and seamless, with impressively concentrated, sharply delineated black fruit and mineral flavors. Seriously structured wine but at the same time quite suave. The rising, very long finish stains the palate with black fruits.

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