Australia
2005 Noon Reserve Shiraz Langhorne Creek
"The 2005 Shiraz Reserve, aged in large American oak hogsheads and foudres for 18 months, boasts great intensity, superb richness, and a glorious perfume of camphor, acacia flowers, blueberries, and blackberry liqueur. Unctuously textured, rich, and dense, this brilliant Shiraz should age effortlessly for 12-15 years.
This estate's brilliant owners/winemakers, Drew and Rae Noon, are meticulous about everything, including what happens at the vineyards where they contract for fruit. The results are some of the most precise, full-bodied yet remarkably vibrant wines produced in Australia.
98 Points, Wine Advocate."
2004 Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz
Barossa Valley: 100% Barossa Valley Shiraz 15 months in a combination of 30% new French, 20% newAmerican oak. The balance is a mix of 1, 2 & 3-year old barrels Alc/Vol: 15.5%
The “Stonehorse” wines are vinified to make styles that highlight the fruit
characteristics without too much influence from new oak.
The fruit for the Stonehorse bottling comes off of Kaesler’s 40-year-old estate.
The critics agree.....
93 Points “...exhibits a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cassis, pepper, and spicy oak...
opulent, richly fruity, full-bodied, yet well-balanced style ....” The Wine Advocate 10-31-05
Marquis Philips 2004 Shiraz 9
Southeast Australia ~ Owner: Dan Philips
Winemakers: Chris Ringland and Lisa Weatherell
This mouth-filling blockbuster has a superbly concentrated nose with loads of
blackberries, spice, and plum fruit. Opulent and elegant, with a beautiful texture,
its powerful structure exhibits espresso, raison and chocolate layers intermixed
with toasty vanillan oak and beautiful lingering silky tannins.
The fruit comes from McLaren Vale 60% and Padthaway 40%.
The age of the vines are between 5 and 7 years and they crop on average
3 to 4 ton / acre. The wine was matured in 100% American oak with 85% being
new oak and 15% one-year-old oak.
The critics agree.....
“No Shiraz Integrity was made in 2004, so the superb 2004 Shiraz 9 includes
the wine that would have been earmarked for that flamboyant cuvee.
The rich, full-bodied, opulent Shiraz 9 boasts abundant amounts of concentrated
blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with smoke, camphor, and tar notes.
It is a powerful Shiraz (16.9% alcohol), so those looking for restraint and delicate
European-styled reds should steer clear of this monster.
It should drink well for at least a decade.” 93 Points Robert Parker
Shirvington ~ Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2004
The wine was 100% barrel fermented and matured for about 16 months in
95% American oak and 5% French oak. 75% was new oak and 25% was one year old.
This wine is deep maroon with perfumed aromas of dark chocolate and blackberry.
There are also some hints of coffee and golden syrup. The palate is an intense explosion
of sweet, luscious fruit and toasty oak, even so the texture is silky smooth and
creamy and seems to glide over the tongue. Well balanced, the wine finishes with
flavors of cinnamon and licorice that linger for some time.
It is drinking well now and will cellar for many years.
The Critics Agree....
“The sensational 2004 Shiraz’s inky/purple color is followed by aromas of graphite,
blueberries, and creme de cassis. It offers wonderful purity, plenty of stuffing, toasty
espresso notes from new oak barrels, admirable intensity, and a tremendous finish.
Drink it over the next decade. Former winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis have left
Shirvington and the wine is now being made by Kim Johnston. Little has changed,
although the 2004s appear to be more streamlined and delicate than their 2003 and 2002 counterparts.” - Wine Advocate
95 points Robert Parker
Rusden ~ Ripper Creek Blend 2004
Christian Canute is surely in the running to be named the reigning l'enfant terrible of the
Barossa wine scene. (Something about an APB out for him concerning an overzealous
New Year's Eve fireworks celebration or something).
After gigs at Rockford and Torbreck, he took over the family vineyard and
opened up a winery. In addition to producing distinctive versions of the Australian holy
trinity of red grapes (Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet), Christian is the only guy with the
guts to make Chenin Blanc in the Barossa and actually label it as such.
The Critics Agree....
“A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz that was aged 18 months in
100% used French oak, the 2004 Cabernet/Shiraz Ripper Creek is a big, harmonious,
dense purple-colored red displaying a sweet perfume of black and red fruits intermixed
with incense, cedar, pepper, and spice. This weighty yet beautifully balanced, elegant,
long stunner can be drunk now or cellared for a decade or more.
If you haven’t yet noticed, Christian Canute is one of Australia’s finest young mavericks.
At the ripe old age of 28, he’s doing work that suggests someone with twice as much
experience.” - Wine Advocate
94 points Robert Parker
Hazyblur ~ Shiraz, Barotta 2004
Jet black in color, with a sultry perfume of menthol, black licorice, vanilla and barbeque
smoke. It is thick, almost oily in the middle, with a wave of over-the-top flavors that include
plum, black and blueberry, cola, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans.
Dark plum fruit and a hint of cocoa powder in the finish are the hallmarks of this giant
of a wine. Its luscious velvet rich fruit has spent time in French & American oak.
Juice is fermented in barrel and each is treated separately, blending them only when ready.
The Critics Agree....
““Made from 30-year old vines, the 2004 Shiraz Baroota is a generous, fruit-forward
offering boasting great intensity, more power, glycerin, and oomph than its siblings,
and a deep, full-bodied, muscular, extroverted personality.
It is not meant for consumers who enjoy a more European-styled, finesse-filled,
elegant Shiraz as it represents unbridled power and intensity.”
92 points Robert Parker
Argentina
2003 VistAlba Corte B
This classy red blend out of Mendoza offers a plush, rich texture with ripe fruit
interspersed with notes of loam and chocolate. Composed of Malbec,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and Merlot this flashy wine brings forth
gorgeous fruit but manages to keep everything in balance.
Very ripe and lush, with lots of plum, boysenberry and fig fruit layered with cocoa,
loam and spice notes. Powerful, but not heady, with a long finish. Malbec,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and Merlot. Drink now through 2008.
Incredibly fun to drink! For the fruit-bomb loving crowd.
The wine critics agree.....
Wine Spectator (June 30, 2006): 90 points.
Total Case Production: Only 3,000 cases.
Tikal Patriota ~ Bonarda - Malbec
Boisterous aromas of black raspberries, plums, blueberries, and spices burst
from the glass of the Patriota, a blend of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec.
So named because it is produced from the two red cornerstones of
Argentina's wine industry, this lush, exquisitely ripe, balanced,
hugely flavorful effort conquers the palate with a
plethora of spice-laden red and black fruits.
Pairs well with grilled meats such as beef and pork, smoked ham, and even
pizza with meat toppings. Incredibly fun to drink! For the fruit-bomb loving crowd.
The wine critics agree.....
Wine Spectator (June 30, 2006): 90 points.
Total Case Production: Only 3,000 cases.
2003 Ben Marco ~ Expresivo
Bright ruby-red. Pure, primary aromas of black raspberry, black cherry,
violet and smoke, with a suggestion of of slightly roasted ripeness.
Sweet, silky, and lush with black cherry, bitter chocolate and menthol flavors
building in exorably on the palate and lingering impressively on the finish,
which features aromatic suggestions of leather and sweet oak.
The tannins are broad and suave. Perfectly balanced, it pairs well with a wide range of foods including grilled steak, roasted pork loin, veal, medium-strong cheeses, and most cream sauces. This wine should also age beautifully for 10-25 years.
The wine critics agree.....
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec 2005, 91 Points
Total Case Production: Only 1,000 cases.
California
Elyse 2003 Le Corbeau
Harvest Dates: 10/15
Grape Source: 100% Hudson Vineyard, Napa Carneros ~ Blend: 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah
Harvest Brix: 25.3 ~ Aging: 18 months in French Oak (20% new)
Alcohol: 14.4% ~ Production: 574 cases 750 ml, 10 cases 1.5 L
Tasting Notes: We are absolutely delighted to have this lovely Grenache from the famed
Hudson Vineyard in Carneros. Le Corbeau (The Raven) is a hauntingly beautiful Grenache,
made in the style of the seductive and expressive wines of the Chateauneuf du Pape region of the Rhone Valley. This saturated ruby-colored wine has alluring aromas of raspberries, kirsch liqueur, dried herbs and hints of smoke and bacon. On the palate, it exhibits flavors of black raspberries, plums and an intriguing earthiness followed by silky tannins and a long lingering finish. This medium to full-bodied wine possesses great acidity and depth. It is best
enjoyed after an hour of decanting. Or simply pour in a generous glass and enjoy as its delicate yet powerful aromas and flavors unfold. This gorgeous wine will age beautifully for the next 7-10 years and will pair nicely with duck, lamb, venison, wild mushrooms, cassoulet and stews.
“Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe” -from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”.
Cosentino's "THE POET"
VINTAGE: 1999 ~ Appelation: Napa Valley
COMPOSITION: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes: Black roses, black fruit, a trace of mint and a hint of cedar in the nose.
Deep ruby color. A rich wine with big structure and yet balanced.
Youthful with tart plums and currants up front, bright and polished in the
middle with cherries, berries and pomegranate that evolve into a long spicy finish.
Gold Medal - 2004 Orange County Fair Wine Competition
Silver Medal - 2004 Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition.
2003 Martin Estate Reserve
The outstanding 2003 MARTIN ESTATE Cabernet is darkly fruity and
classically "Rutherford" to the nose, which offers blackberry, blueberry,
Cassis, vanilla and earth, with background hints of rose and bell pepper
and a general impression of juicy ripeness. It is very plush on the palate,
covering a firm tannic spine in a bath of fruit. The finish is extremely long
and deep and just beginning to show how attractive it could become.
With airing, the flavors veer toward red currant and red cherry, but retain
the classic terroir of the appellation. It is already delicious, but expect it to get
even better over the next three years and beyond.
Canada
Italy
2002 La Spinetta Monferrato Rosso Pin
The wine color is a dark red ~ aroma is exotic and luxuriously textured
with black plum, currant and black cherry, smoke and spice.
Taste is warm with perfect tannins on the palate
and a healthy swathing of alcohol, allowing a long sweeter finish.
Evolution - 25 years
65%Nebbiolo, 35% Barbera ~ 14.5% by vol.
Awards; 94 Points Veronelli (Daniel Thomases)
Pair with; grilled and elaborated red meat and strong cheeses.
Boroli Barolo D.O.C.G.
Wine produced with Nebbiolo grapes, typical red garnet color. The bouquet is elegant
with hints of red mature fruits, leather, tobacco and sensations of oak, while on the
palate the powerful structure emerges with a long persistent finish.
It is a long-tasting wine matured in cask and barrique for 24 months and refined in
bottle for 18 months. Best served with; Red Meats, Ripe-Strong Cheeses.
France
2003 Chateau du Trignon Gigondas
Grape Varities; 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 8% Cinsault and 2% other varieties. Age of Vines; 35 Years "This is a successful effort for this appellation in 2003. Intense dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by a layered palate impression revealing notions of Provencal herbs, blueberries, raspberries, and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure, beautiful concentration and well balanced, it should drink well for 7-8 years."
91 points (Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Dec-2004) Food Pairings: Ground game, stew, truffles. Silver Medal — 2006 International Wine Challenge
Bronze Medal — 2006 Decanter World Wine Awards
2004 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape
Grape Varities; Grenache Noir-65%, Mourverdre-15%, Syrah-15%, Cinsault-5% Age of Vines; 50 Years Average Lots of lovely, very primary, fruit on the nose, which has a rich cherry confit character. This carries through onto the palate, which is full and creamy, with a lovely depth of fruit. Behind it all lies a wall of tannin, although there does seem to be a wealth of fruit to match this. Unremarkable acidity, which will also improve in bottle, it has an excellent potential for long term storing.
2003 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge "La Migoua"
(50% Mourvedre, 28% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, 2% Syrah) The Cuvée Spéciale La Migoua, contains 50-60% of the Mourvèdre grape depending on the year.The Cinsault grape is important mostly on the hillside of La Louffe which faces south.Good deep color; Mourvèdre resists oxidation, of course. Great nose; very typical, with fried meat, black cherry fruit and animalistic Mourvèdre notes. Full, ripe mouthfeel with plenty of body and grip too, showing through the midpalate. La Migoua is extremely complex with spicy concentration, and a great meaty presence. But with good acidity too, providing a touch of freshness. This is wine with years ahead of it and should improve even more over the next 5-8 years at least.
2003 Domaine de la Grange des Peres
Grape Varities; 40% Syrah, 40% Mourverdre and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Age of Vines; 15 Years Average A blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, and a little less Cabernet Sauvignon, the red sees up to two years in wood, but the oak comes across as seamlessly integrated even upon release.
Robert Parker on Grange des Peres:
"Voluptuously-textured, with superb concentration, this full-bodied, beautifully pure, intense, layered wine is a dead-ringer for a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape or Coteaux de Baux. Availability is limited, but readers who have access to it should consider buying it by the case. This estate’s wines are terribly hard to locate in the United States, selling out instantly
upon arrival on our shores. Nevertheless, it is important for The Wine Advocate to report on
them as doing so may inspire young winemakers in the Languedoc to follow in the footsteps of Laurent Vaille, the dedicated, highly talented winemaker of Domaine La Grange des Peres."
Germany
2004 JJ Prum Riesling Auslese Graacher Himmelreich
The aroma is marked by matchstick now, but this is positively crunchy
on the palate. The vibrant structure and clarity set the tone for its
peach, citrus and mineral notes. It's refreshing and alive, with a mouthwatering finish.
Score: 94 Pts Wine Spectator
"R" 1990 - Wachenheimer Gerümpel Riesling Auslese
A mature wine of great complexity, with a balance that allows its
use with richer foods, such as game and meats with fruited sauces.
"R" selections are the result of unfinished fermentations from healthy
Riesling grapes, given a minimum of five years' bottle age.
Oregon
Spain
2003 Dominio de Tares "Bembibre"
From six select Mencía plots, all nearing 100 years of age including
some ungrafted vines. Malolactic fermentation took place in new American oak
followed by 15 months in new French oak. A wine of great intensity and personality.
The critics agree.....
"This red achieves elegance with power, a seamless, silky wine with harmonious
blackberry, plum, licorice, mineral and floral notes supported by well-integrated
tannins and framed with refined oak. Modern structure with distinctive flavors." 94 points
---Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, Nov 15, 2005
Washington
2003 Big Kiona Zinfandel
Big, Bold, Late Harvest Port Style Wine,
naturally fermented to almost 17% alcohol.
Not for the Timid.
Stay Tuned - More Are Being Added All The Time!
