Fine Wine > Still > 92-95 Pts > $20-50

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"... Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sumptuous nose of blackberries, new saddle leather, licorice, camphor and crushed rocks. With a superb texture and full-bodied mouthfeel, and built like a skyscraper, this multidimensional Ribera del Duero is already drinking fabulously well. It..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"From tank, the l'Oustal Blanc 2009 Minervois Giocoso - incorporating some Cinsault along with its usual Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan - is redolent of incense, freshly-baked ginger cookies, and confitured cherry and black raspberry ... There is terrific grip and lingering spice here, while a..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The exceptional 2009 Crozes-Hermitage is one of the top wines of the vintage. A complex bouquet of black olives, licorice, ground beef, spring flowers and red and black currants soars from the glass of this 100% Syrah that is aged in 3-year-old barrels as well as larger foudres. With remarkable..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
A knockout Chardonnay with an arresting hazelnut-butterscotch bouquet and the richness, texture, complexity and palate refreshing acidity of a $50 wine. Bravo! Our best-selling mid-priced Chardonnay.

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"Even richer is the 2010 Almirez, which comes from a vineyard planted at an altitude of 2,300 feet. Yields were 18 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine was aged 12 months in mostly French oak (30% new). This fabulous, inky/purple-colored wine exhibits notes of violets, graphite, licorice,..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"Fascinating aromas of ripe berries and hints of coconut and vanilla bean follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a long and intense finish. Lots going on here. Excellent value...so excellent now."

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"Domaine Grand Venuer's 2010 Lirac Clos de Sixte is outstanding. It is a full-bodied, rich, textural wine with abundant blue and black fruits interwoven with garrigue and licorice..."

Cellar/Tasting Notes
“A sensational offering from Navarra, the 2007 Baron de Magana is an intriguing blend of 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, ..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"Beautifully pure, with salted butter, chamomile and quinine notes lacing up a core of creamed Jonagold apple and lanolin flavors. The long, creamy finish lets the chamomile edge play out elegantly."

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"This rich, powerful and buttery sweetie is refined, featuring touches of elegance to its apple compote and passion fruit flavors. The long finish of mango and orange spice is pure and fresh-tasting, with plenty of nutty overtones."