Highly Allocated Gems
Showing 199–207 of 645 results
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Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus 2017 Laurel
$59.99Priorat, Spain
Wine Advocate 95 Rating
The 2017 Laurel is a blend of the younger vines, some barrels that were declassified from Clos Erasmus and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon, and in the low-yielding and dry 2017 vintage, it's 70% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% alcohol. The wine fermented mostly in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in a combination of oak vats, concrete, used barriques and amphorae for 16 months. They produce this to be approachable from the moment it's released. The 2017s feel very aromatic, open, expressive and young, quite primary, tender and juicy and surprisingly fresh for a dry, warm year that resulted in a very early harvest. There is a peachy, soft, approachable quality here that I like very much. Surprisingly enough, winemaker and proprietor Daphne Glorian sees reminiscences of the 2013s in the 2017s, and I have to agree. SP40-1 -
Clos Saint Jean 2018 Chateauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous
$149.99Southern Rhone Valley France
Jeb Dunnuck 98 Rating
The star of the show in 2018 is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous, which has an incredible mix of complexity, power, and elegance that’s something to behold. Sporting a deep purple/plum color as well as a killer bouquet of blackcurrants, lavender, peppery garrigue, graphite, and white chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, incredible tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This is as good as 2018 gets, and while it’s already impossible to resist, it’s going to evolve for 15+ years. SP34-4 -
Col d’Orcia 2016 Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
$159.99Tuscany Italy
James Suckling 98 Rating
Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage, being released now. The perfume to this is really something, with cherries, flowers, lead pencil and light hints of graphite. Then it moves to raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and succinct tannins that fill the mouth and show super tension and form. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but this will age for decades ahead. Drink or hold. -
Collina Dalla Valle 2013 Red
$119.99Napa Valley California
Antonio Galloni 92+ Rating
The 2013 Collina Dalla Valle is dark, powerful and inviting. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice, graphite and lavender are all super-expressive in the glass. Vibrant and finely-cut, the 2013 is another exceptional vintage for the Collina. In this vintage, the Collina is 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, in other words heavy on the Franc, which is the result of newer plantings making it into the blend. R41-4 SP22-1 -
Conti Costanti 2012 Brunello di Montalcino
$79.99Tuscany Italy
Wine Enthusiast 98 Rating
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Immensely inviting, this opens with fragrant pipe tobacco, crushed berry, new leather and pressed violet aromas. On the palate, firm, refined tannins underpin juicy black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon flavors, while orange zest accents and an energizing mineral note lift the finish. It’s beautifully balanced with bright acidity and will reward a bit of cellaring. Drink 2020–2032. R3-1 -
Continuum 2018 Proprietary Red
$289.99Napa Valley California
Wine Advocate 100 Rating
Composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2018 Proprietary Red has a fantastically fragrant nose of candied violets, red roses, Morello cherries and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of wild blueberries, red currant jelly, iron ore and forest floor, plus a waft of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely packed with tightly wound black and red berry layers, framed by firm, ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredibly persistent and evocative floral and mineral layers. An absolute head-turner, this 2018 is all that and then some. Tim Mondavi mentioned that this is due to be bottled in just a few weeks—mid-August—meaning this barrel sample I tasted is pretty close to being a finished wine. With the estate vineyard turning 10 year's old in 2018, here's where we see how incredibly special this singular Pritchard Hill site really is. SP11-1 -
Corley Family Reserve 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
$89.99Napa Valley California
Wine Enthusiast 95 Rating
A terrific Napa Cabernet, dry and smooth and tremendously layered in flavors. Blackberries, blueberries, currants, crême de cassis, anise, dark chocolate and cedar flood the palate and are just delicious. Best of all is the structure, so rich in firm tannins and acidity. Wonderful now, and should develop for at least a decade. R42-7 -
Corley Reserve 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
$79.99Napa Valley California
Wine Enthusiast 93 Rating
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has rich, flashy flavors of spice and crème de cassis, and it will reward some time in the cellar. The tannins are strong, but the wine is drinkable now after decanting and especially when paired with steak. It will soften and mellow in 7–8 years, and it should last at least 15 years while gradually losing fruit. SP27-6 R41-3 -
Corley Reserve 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
$99.99Napa Valley California
Wine Enthusiast 93 Rating
This is a deeply extracted, rich and robust wine. It is bursting with black cherry and blackberry aromas, with hints of cocoa and coffee. On the palate the wine has an immediate presence, as the attack and mid-palate are robust. The dark berry aromas follow through with consistency onto the palate. The tannins are big, but round and well-resolved and quickly round out what is a long, lingering finish. This wine will age gracefully for 20+ years. R43-1 SP22-2
