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DECEMBER 2004
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| Spirits France |
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| 622555 | 'BARON DE SIGOGNAC' BAS ARMAGNAC 1989 | $79.95 |
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15 Years Old (Adex-La Maison de l'Armagnac) [Pre Mat] |
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This Armagnac won a Gold Medal at the 2000 Concours des Grandes Eaux de Vie d'Armagnac competition in Armagnac, France. By vintage dating their products, Armagnac producers give the consumers a level of confidence in the age of the distillate that cannot be found under the VS/VSOP/XO designations. | |
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| France |
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| 590695 | EAU-DE-VIE DE MARC DES HOSPICES DE BEAUNE 1992 | $67.95 |
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700 mL (Dufouleur Père et Fils) [Atl Tra] |
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Marc des Hospices de Beaune is derived by distilling the seeds, skin and stems of the Pinot Noir grapes from the 1992 vintage of the wines that were sold at the legendary Hospices de Beaune fundraising auction. Marc, like Italian grappa, is a classic after dinner contemplation libation. | |
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| France |
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| 650721 | CALVADOS VIEUX | $36.95 |
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(Distillerie G.E. Massenez) [Aut Win] | |
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The distilling and maturing of great brandies does not lend itself to a mass-production approach. Their work therefore remains the art of craftsmen. (store.yahoo.com) These exquisite 'after-dinner' spirits are truly exceptional. (Robert M. Parker Jr.) This legendary Alsace-based distillery produces this aged Calvados in Normandy, France. | |
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| Greece |
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| 724856 | IDONIKO TSIPOURO | $22.95 |
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500 mL (Domaine Costa Lazaridi) [Dio Win] |
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Tasting note: Aromas suggest aromatic grape and a hint of orange peel. On the palate, this smooth as glass libation is dry with orange blossom flavours gently coming forth. Medium-bodied with a medium long, slightly off-dry finish. (David Churchill, Vintages, Oct. 2004) | |
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| France |
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| 590703 | CRÈME DE CASSIS DE BOURGOGNE | $34.95 |
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700 mL (Dufouleur Père & Fils) [Atl Tra] |
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De rigueur for the classic cocktail Kir Royale (one part Crème de Cassis, five parts Champagne) and an exceptional addition to desserts - try drizzling over chocolate ice cream. A show stopper when served chilled in decorative liqueur glasses. | |
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| Greece |
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| 650929 | OUZO 'BARBAYANNI' | $26.95 |
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(J. Barbayannis Liquor Distilleries) [Ver Imp] | |
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How much [water] to pour [into Ouzo] is a matter of taste. A good trick is to water it down as you drink it. In other words, you keep adding water. The key to drinking ouzo is to eat snacks known as mezedes [the Greek version of tapas] with it. (Matt Barrett, gogreece.about.com) | |
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| Greece |
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| 721050 | OUZO 'PLOMARI' | $19.95 |
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700 mL (Issidoros Arvanitis) [Dio Win] |
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Tasting note: Typically clear until the water is added [whereupon it turns cloudy], Ouzo Plomari has an intense anise-blackball nose but it's light and easygoing on the palate, with some peppery spice on the finish. Score - 89. (Patricia Noonan, Wine Access, "First In Line E-Report", Dec. 2002) | |
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| Fortified Wine Portugal |
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| 403873 | QUINTA DE VARGELLAS VINTAGE PORT 1991 | $88.95 |
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(Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman) [Whi Age] | |
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Tasting note: Taylor Fladgate's 1991 Quinta de Vargellas is the finest Vargellas I have tasted. The opaque purple color is followed by aromatics that are more closed than most 1991s. In the mouth, it is a wine of extraordinary richness and brilliantly delineated components. ... It is an exquisite port that will age for 25-30 years. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr., www.eroberparker.com, Feb. 1995) | |
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| Portugal |
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| 597096 | VINTAGE PORT 1997 | $59.95 |
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(Quinta do Portal) [Sch Age] | |
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Tasting note: More spirity and closed than the 95 but there`s baked blackcurrant fruit and liquorice notes underneath; the power-house palate shows strong alcohol and big but sweet-textured tannins, solid concentration fighting with tight bite; leather notes develop followed by delicious dry coating of fruit and tannin extracts. Great power on the finish, needs even longer than the 95. Score - 92. (Richard James, www.winewriting.com, Aug. 25, 2002) | |
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| Portugal |
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| 597997 | VINTAGE PORT 1995 | $42.95 |
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(Quinta do Portal) [Sch Age] | |
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Tasting note: Lovely now just about, but needs plenty of time ... Just showing a hint of colour change, delicious ripe black fruits on the nose with liquorice and gamey/smoky notes too; gorgeous concentrated juicy fruit, still a bit firm but round and ripe leading to bitter chocolate coating, very intense and balanced then tightens up on the powerful length. Score - 90. (Richard James, www.winewriting.com, Nov. 2002) | |
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| Portugal |
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| 985424 | VINTAGE PORT 1980 | $159.95 |
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(Taylor Fladgate Yeatman) [Whi Age] | |
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A great gift for the port lover. Tasting note: Very evolved ruby with brick at the rim. Gentle, low key, hint of licorice. Neat, very sweet, dense and compact. Lots of pleasure to come. Taut. Tannins definitely on the finish. Score - 18.5 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson, www.jancisrobinson.com, Oct. 15, 2004) | |
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| White Table Wine U.S.A. |
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| 346304 | CHARDONNAY 2001 | $67.95 |
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Napa Valley (Grgich Hills Cellar) [Rog Com] |
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Tasting note: Crisp and refreshing with its zesty grapefruit, lemon-lime and tart pear flavors, it picks up a mineral and flinty taste on the finish. Drink now through 2006. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2003) | |
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| U.S.A. |
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| 677161 | 'EROICA' RIESLING 2002 | $35.95 |
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Columbia Valley (Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen) [Cha Hob] |
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Tasting note: Ripe, fresh and juicy, with immense generosity, brimming with mineral-scented, honey-kissed apricot and peach flavors, supple on the finish and nicely laced with just enough acidity to keep it long and lively. Drink now through 2008. Score - 91. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Web Only 2003) | |
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| Australia |
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| 650408 | BOTRYTIS GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2003 | $19.95 |
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'Gold Label', Clare Valley, South Australia --- 375 mL (Wolf Blass) [Max Can] |
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The fruit was left on the vine well beyond the harvest period to allow greater concentration of sugar and flavour. As a result, the Gewurz qualities are accentuated. Absolutely delicious. Food match: producer recommends: mini orange cheesecakes with cinnamon double cream. | |
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| Australia |
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| 597054 | RIESLING 'Vineyard Select' 2003 | $19.95 |
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Clare Valley, South Australia (Angove's) [Cip Win] |
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Sourced from two distinctly different mature vineyards, each of which imparts a differing array of flavours and aromas, the two parcels are kept separate until fermentation and settling is complete when they are blended to provide an outstanding example of the Clare Valley style. Enjoy with grilled chicken or smoked salmon. (www.angoves.com.au) | |
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| New Zealand |
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| 642694 | RIESLING 2002 | $17.95 |
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Marlborough, South Island (Babich Wines) [Pr Can] |
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Tasting note: The 2002 vintage shows lovely harmony. Full-bodied, with strong, ripe flavours of citrus fruits, lime and passionfruit, it is fresh, lively and slightly honeyed, with good richness of citrus fruits, palate. Score - 4 (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2004) | |
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| France |
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| 745091 | GEWURTZTRAMINER 2002 | $22.95 |
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AC Alsace (Aimé Stentz et Fils, Prop.) [Gro Sol] |
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The grape everybody seems to have trouble pronoucing ('gaa-Verts-tra-meaner') is an aromatic wonder that is excellent on its own or, especially in its slightly sweet style you have here, it makes a superior partner for spicy Indian cuisine. | |
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| France |
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| 650804 | CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2000 | $31.95 |
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AC, Vaillons (Domaine Jean Collet & Fils) [Mih Sel] |
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Tasting note: Perfumed aromas of acacia flower, mint and minerals. Bright and intensely flavored, with harmonious acidity, a ripe flavor of white peach and a brisk suggestion of grapefruit. Not yet especially complex but fresh, juicy and persistent. Score - 88. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2002) | |
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| Germany |
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| 704247 | 'SATYR' MÉTHODE CLASSIQUE | $38.95 |
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(Karl Lingenfelder) [Hhd Imp] | |
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Owner/winemaker Rainer Lingenfelder has successfully obliterated a few 'truisms' about wines in his time, but perhaps none more so than the notion that Riesling cannot make good traditional method sparkling wine. With his 'Satyr' fizz he has proven these theories all wrong. The flavours are correct and the intensity is beautifully realized. | |
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| Red Table Wine U.S.A. |
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| 590299 | 'CAIN CONCEPT' 2000 | $73.95 |
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Napa Valley (Cain Cellar) [Rog Com] |
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The 2000 vintage is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot. Tasting note: Firm and intense, decidedly earthy, with cedar, roasted herb, green olive and black currant flavors that will benefit from another year in bottle. Lead pencil character and chunky, solid tannins linger in the concentrated finish. (www.wine-club-central.com, 2003) | |
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| U.S.A. |
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| 642249 | PINOT NOIR 'TWELVE CLONES' 2002 | $33.95 |
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Santa Lucia Highlands (Morgan Winery) [Epn Win] |
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Pinot Noir likes to be a clone. It is, without question, the most 'clone happy' grapevine in any vineyard; it's always changing. That is one of the reasons good Pinot Noir is so difficult to make. Morgan Winery combats this grape's irrepressable nature by blending together 12 carefully chosen clones for this wine. | |
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| U.S.A. |
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| 590356 | SYRAH 2000 | $49.95 |
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Napa Valley (Stag's Leap Wine Cellars) [Phi Dan] |
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Stag's Leap adds a splash of Viognier (2%) and a dollop of Petite Sirah (1%) to their Syrah for aromatic richness and earthy charm. Unlike many California producers, Stag's Leap finds that if they use new oak to age the wines, it tends to overpower the Syrah flavours of blackberry and pepper, so they use 90% seasoned and only 10% new French oak. | |
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| U.S.A. |
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| 589630 | CABERNET FRANC 2001 | $28.95 |
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Finger Lakes (Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard) [DA Low] |
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Beginning in 1852, this is the sixth generation of Hazlitts to run the winery. Their Cabernet Franc includes 8% Cabernet Sauvignon to add a touch of richness to the wine. They age the wine for 10 months in new American oak. Food match: roasted stuffed red peppers, grilled steak. | |
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| Australia |
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| 677104 | 'BLACK NOBLE' | $36.95 |
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New South Wales --- 375 mL (De Bortoli) [Dio Win] |
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Multiple vintages of Botrytis affected Semillon are set aside then blended together to give a consistency of taste. The average age of each blend is 8+ years. Tasting note: Rich, round and intense with stewed apricot, roasted walnut, spicy buttery flavors with a long roasted rancio, coffee marmalade finish. Very unique and highly enjoyable. Score - 92. (Anthony Gismondi, www.gismondionwine.com, Jan. 2003) | |
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| Australia |
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| 599787 | PINOT NOIR 'Gold Label' 2003 | $29.95 |
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Adelaide Hills, South Australia (Wolf Blass) [Max Can] |
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Tasting note: Earthy, meaty aromas with hints of cherries and chocolate. Quite full fleshy plum flavours; rich and dry with dusty tannins. Score - HHH 1/2 (out of 5). (Winestate Magazine, May/June 2004) Food match: producers recommends: Chinese five spice duck with wild mushrooms and steamed greens. | |
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| Australia |
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| 599829 | SHIRAZ 2001 | $29.95 |
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Hunter Valley (Brokenwood Wines) [Du Cha] |
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Tasting note: This cool climate Shiraz calls out for a braised beef or grilled backribs dish. The aromas suggest tar, plum and blackberry pie. Dry and crisp with good fruit beneath, this wine is enjoyable right now. Medium full-bodied with a medium long finish. (David Churchill, Vintages, Nov. 2004) | |
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| Chile |
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| 640870 | CABERNET SAUVIGNON GRAN RESERVA 2002 | $18.95 |
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Los Lingues, Colchagua Valley (Viña Casa Silva) [Chu Cel] |
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Tasting note: Medium deep purple colour with a ton of fruit aromas, including plums, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. Dry with the fruit replaying well on the palate. Medium full-bodied with a long fruity/smoky finish. (Vintages panel, Feb. 2004) | |
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| South Africa |
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| 743484 | CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT 2001 | $24.95 |
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WO Coastal Region (Jean Daneel Wines) [Win Wor] |
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Tasting note: Riper elements of 14.5% [alc./vol.] on 2001 moderated by the twist clean, toasty oak, gently handled tannins. Supple, dark berry fruits, lightish texture give traditional slant to New World style. (Angela Lloyd, John Platter South African Wines 2004) | |
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| France |
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| 650788 | CHÂTEAU TEYNAC 2000 | $23.95 |
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AC St-Julien --- 375 mL (F & Ph. Pairault, Vitic.) [Lif Age] |
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Tasting note: This cru remains faithful to the tradition of consistent good quality with this very nice 60:40 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, matured 14 months in oak. Supple and well constituted, it has resolutely chosen its guiding characteristics: elegance and finesse. Wait three or four years in order to enjoy it in full. (Hachette Guide to French Wines 2004) | |
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| France |
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| 977249 | CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2001 | $399.95 |
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AC Châteauneuf-du-Pape --- 3000 mL (Vign. Pierre Perrin) [Tor Tra] |
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Tasting note: This inky/ruby/purple-colored cuvee offers a classic Beaucastel bouquet of new saddle leather, cigar smoke, roasted herbs, black truffles, underbrush, and blackberry as well as cherry fruit. It is a superb, earthy expression of this Mourvedre-dominated cuvee. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. Score - 96. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2004) | |
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| Italy |
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| 650812 | BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 1998 | $69.95 |
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DOCG (Poggio San Polo) [Vin Vin] |
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Tasting note: Rich and decadent, with ripe berry and meaty aromas that follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a sweet fruit finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2008. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2003) | |
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| Italy |
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| 719872 | 'IL CARBONAIONE' 2001 | $59.95 |
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IGT Alta Valle della Greve Estate Bottled (Podere Poggio Scalette/Adriana Assje' di Marcora) [Vin Vin] |
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Previous vintages of this wine (the 1996, 1998 and 2000) received Three Glasses from Gambero Rosso - their highest honour. Made with 100% Sangiovese, Gambero Rosso recommends that all vintages of this spectacular wine need maturing in a cellar. | |
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| Italy |
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| 651018 | 'LUCE DELLA VITE' 2000 | $479.95 |
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IGT Toscana --- 3000 mL (Marchesi de'Frescobaldi/Robert Mondavi) [Max Can] |
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Tasting note: Really well-crafted. Gorgeous bright fruit, with perfume, berry and currant and hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Made in Montalcino. Best after 2005 [probably longer due to the large format]. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2003) | |
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| Champagne France |
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| 692699 | BLANC DE BLANCS GRAND CRU | $49.95 |
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(Champagne Philippe Gonet) [Tas Sel] | |
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Tasting note: Pale straw yellow. Classic yeasty, nutty nose. Rich and complex palate. Elegant, refreshing fruit flavour. Round and balanced. (Wine Magazine [UK], 2001) | |
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| France |
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| 650978 | BRUT PREMIER CRU | $75.95 |
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Chigny-lès-Roses, Premier Cru --- 1500 mL (Champagne Cattier) [Dio Win] |
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Tasting note: Shows deepening straw colour. Generous, ripe mature pinot noir cherry fruit with lemon, brioche and straw on the nose. Medium weight, open knit yet delicate, with a hint of sweetness on the finish. Very good to excellent length. Score - 89. (David Lawrason, Wine Access, "First In Line E-Report", Nov. 2003) | |
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| France |
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| 907600 | BRUT ROSÉ | $59.95 |
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(Champagne Charles Ellner) [Esp Age] | |
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Tasting note: A medium-weight berry- and wheat-flavored rosé, with a firm structure and fine balance. Dense, with all the elements integrated. Drink now. Score - 89. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2003) | |
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| France |
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| 677203 | CHAMPAGNE BRUT 1997 | $49.95 |
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(Champagne Montaudon) [Esp Age] | |
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Tasting note: Simply delicious. Ginger, vanilla, pastry and citrus notes highlight this medium-bodied, focused bubbly. A firm, underlying acidity keeps the flavors pulsing through the finish. Drink now. Score - 91. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2003) | |
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| France |
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| 652982 | 'CUVÉE DES AMBASSADEURS' BRUT | $47.95 |
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(Comte Audoin de Dampierre) [Win Wor] | |
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Tasting note: Seamless and classy, this Champagne delivers subtle citrus, floral, smoke and hazelnut aromas and flavors on a very fine texture. Elegant and light- to medium-bodied, with a flavorful aftertaste. Drink now through 2005. Score - 91. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2003) | |
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| France |
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| 651059 | 'GOLD TOP' BRUT 1996 | $59.95 |
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(Heidsieck & Co. Monopole) [Pr Can] | |
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Tasting note: Light liquid honey aromas with a fresh cream palate. Grapefruit and linament nose, an austere structure and smoky undertones. Lovely soft apple and lemon fruit. Good. Score - 91. (Wine Magazine, Jan. 2002) | |
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| France |
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| 650747 | 'GRAND BLANC' BRUT 1998 | $86.95 |
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(Champagne Philipponnat) [Lor Win] | |
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Tasting note: A touch shy on the nose, with honey and brioche flavors gaining prominence on the palate. Its creamy texture and harmony are what stand out, lending a completeness to the whole package. Drink now through 2005. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2002) | |
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| France |
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| 651109 | ROSÉ BRUT 1996 | $69.95 |
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(Champagne Charles Heidsieck) [Max Can] | |
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Tasting note: Gorgeous from start to finish. Silky, harmonious and complex, boasting coffee, mushroom and citrus notes in a vibrant, elegant presentation. The flavors carry through on the finish. Has the structure for food. Drink now through 2010. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2003) | |
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| Sparkling Wine U.S.A. |
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| 479741 | L'HERMITAGE BRUT 1998 | $62.95 |
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Anderson Valley (Roederer Estate) [Cha Hob] |
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Tasting note: A very classy effort, with a sleek core of ripe, spicy, ginger and pear flavors, turning smooth and elegant, with hints of hazelnut and citrus carrying a long, refreshing aftertaste. Drink now through 2007. Score - 90. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2003) | |
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| U.S.A. |
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| 479741 | L'HERMITAGE BRUT 1998 | $62.95 |
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Anderson Valley (Roederer Estate) [Cha Hob] |
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Tasting note: A very classy effort, with a sleek core of ripe, spicy, ginger and pear flavors, turning smooth and elegant, with hints of hazelnut and citrus carrying a long, refreshing aftertaste. Drink now through 2007. Score - 90. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2003) | |
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Vintage Assessments Copyright Gargoyles Limited 2004 Toronto, Ontario mbv@total.net | ||