United States

2007 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($99.99) – "Floral notes intermixed with creme de cassis, white chocolate, plum, and licorice characteristics are followed by a wine with supple tannins, fabulous concentration, a multilayered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 40+ seconds. This incredible Cabernet can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years." 95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #186
2007 DuMol Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Sonoma, California ($78.99) - "A seductive, luscious Pinot Noir in the making is the 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River. The good news is that there are 2,700 cases of this wine, which exhibits sweet plum and black cherry notes intermixed with forest floor, cloves, and spice. The wine is rich, fresh, medium to full-bodied, and long. This is a blend of five or so vineyards, and also a blend of not only Dijon clone material but also old California heritage clones such as the Martini, Calera, and Swan. This wine should drink nicely for 4-5 years." 90-93 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #180
2007 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard, Sonoma, California ($149.00 net) - "Vivid red color. Powerful aromas of raspberry, cherry, potpourri and smoky minerals, with a suave anise quality adding interest. Deep, impressively pure red fruit flavors stain the palate and are framed by silky tannins. This vivacious pinot combines sweetness and energy deftly, and finishes with excellent clarity and smoky persistence." 94 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 09
2007 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Peay Vineyard, Sonoma, California ($112.00 net) - "Bright red. Strikingly pure raspberry, wild strawberry, rose and mineral aromas are deepened by a subtle note of smoky Indian spices. Sharply focused, energetic red fruit flavors stain the palate, with silky tannins providing structure and grip. The red berry character gains strength with air and dominates the long, intensely spicy finish. One of the more graceful pinots I came across in this year's tastings." 94 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 09
2007 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Flax Vineyard, Sonoma, California ($112.00 net) - "Inky ruby. Deep, youthfully brooding cherry and dark berry skin scents are complicated by anise and black tea. Very rich, with fleshy blackberry and kirsch flavors, a chewy texture and slow-building tannins. The tannins gain power on the finish, which strongly echoes the cherry and licorice notes. No way I'd touch this one for at least another five years." 93(+?) points,  Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 09

2006 Maybach 'Materium', Napa Valley, California ($135.00 net) – "The 2006 Materium may be an even greater achievement as it is an undeniably brilliant success in a less consistent vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Full-bodied and powerful with surprisingly silky tannins, it exhibits abundant black fruit, charcoal, and loamy soil characteristics as well as a 40-45-second finish. This stunning 2006 should age effortlessly for 25+ years." 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #180

2006 Caymus Vineyards 'Special Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($129.00 net) - "Complex, riveting aromas of spice, cola and sassafras join wild berry, spice, black cherry and sage notes in this full-bodied, intensely flavored, tightly focused and very persistent display of fruit that's long and lingering. Drink now through 2017." 94 points, Wine Spectator, Mar 31, 2009
2005 Shafer 'Hillside Select' Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California ($229.00 net) - "The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select continues to put on weight, and displays a Bordeaux-like personality because of the vintage’s cool growing season. A black purple color, stunningly sweet fruit, and a gorgeous bouquet of underbrush, forest floor, creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, and toasty barrique are found in this ripe, full-bodied, deep, stunningly well-balanced, substantial wine with undeniable complexity as well as richness. It is approachable now, but promises to evolve for 25 or more years." 97 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #180
2004 Harlan 'The Maiden' red blend, Napa Valley, California ($249.00 net) - “I was blown away by the 2004 The Maiden, which out of bottle is even better than it was from barrel. This wine exhibits a rather flamboyant scorched earth, lead pencil, incense, licorice, and blackberry and cassis-scented nose and flavors. The wine has superb concentration and is opulent, fleshy, and very much in keeping with the style of the vintage.” 95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #174
2004 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, California ($199.99 net) - "A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec. A flashy, style, with  a gorgeous nose of creme de cassis, incense, licorice, smoke, and spice, the wine has supple tannins, a flamboyant, full-bodied mouthfeel, and tremendous length.  Despite its up-front style, this wine should evolve easily for 20 or more years." 95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #174
2005 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($129.00 net) - “... Spottswoode’s strongest effort since their superb 2002 and 2001. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by a classic bouquet of violets, graphite, blueberries, and creme de cassis with hints of licorice and cedar. Stunningly pure and elegant as well as substantial and authoritatively flavored, this is a long, rich, concentrated wine with the grace of a ballerina.” 96 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #174
2005 Pride Claret Reserve, Napa/Sonoma, California ($189.00 net) - “... should turn out to be a top-notch example of Pride Mountain winemaking….notes of black raspberries, espresso, sweet cherries, and notions of cedar as well as graphite. Full-bodied with strong tannins, a velvety texture, a voluptuous, long mouthfeel, and a 45+ second finish, this gorgeous 2005 should age for 15 or more years." 95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #174
2004 Pride Merlot, Napa/Sonoma, California - 1.5 Liter (Magnum) ($195.00 net) - “Sexy, expressive, slightly high-toned nose melds redcurrant, cranberry, leather and nuts. Supple and refined, with a creamy texture to the red fruit and spice flavors. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins and lovely aromatic persistence. Slightly high-toned throughout but not overly sweet. I find this quite suave.” Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/Jun 07
2006 DuMol Chardonnay Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California - 1.5 Liter (Magnum) ($165.00) - “... beautifully floral, with plenty of honeysuckle, citrus oil, mineral, and hazelnut. It is ripe, fleshy, and altogether a delicious example of this varietal that should drink nicely for 4-5 years. Proprietor Kerry Murphy and his winemaker, Andy Smith, are doing sensational work in the cool-climate areas of the Russian River.” 91-93 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #174
2005 Delectus 'Cuvee Julia' red blend, Napa Valley, California  ($169.00 net) - “Deep and absolutely brimming with very rich, oak-buttressed fruit, it offers far more than a one-note display of ripeness and shows touches of vanilla, tea leaf, dark earth and black olives as accents to its central themes of currants. Its ample tannins and finishing heat are par for very ripe Cabernet, but they are countered step for step by its remarkably tenacious fruit.” Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, Volume 33 Issue 2
2004 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($100.00 net price) - "The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits that wonderful floral, black currant nose with hints of licorice, tar, and very subtle background oak. It is deep, full-bodied opulent, pure, rich, and savory. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years." 93 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #174
2006 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, California (reg. price $69.99 / sale price $49.99) – "The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain reveals some of the same raspberry and blueberry notes, but they are less intense. It comes across like an impressive, Margaux-styled wine displaying a floral character, elegance rather than power, and a long, textured finish. Drink it over the next 12-15+ years." 90+ points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #186
2006 Montes ‘Napa Angel’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($49.99) – Aurelio Montes' new project, 'Napa Angel' represents a pure expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with big, plush fruit balanced by a restrained touch of oak, thanks to a mere ten months in oak. Cassis, dark cherry and currants are the prominent flavors in this food-friendly wine, which would be great with a sage and cracked pepper crusted pork loin.
2006 Joseph Phelps 'Insignia' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (reg. price $200.00 /  sale price $145.00 net) – "The 2006 Insignia (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot; 16,000 cases produced) is a superb effort in this vintage. Another 30+ year wine, it boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as abundant notes of licorice, black currants, charcoal, black olives, and graphite. Full-bodied, pure, and rich with moderately high tannins, it represents a California version of a Bordeaux from Pauillac or St.-Julien."  95+ points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #186
2007 Adelsheim ‘Elizabeth’s Reserve’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($53.99) – "The 2007 Pinot Noir Elizabeth’s Reserve offers up a fragrant bouquet of smoke, mineral, bright cherry, and raspberry. Medium-bodied, on the palate it is soft, flavorful, and moderate in length. Drink this friendly effort over the next 6 years." 89 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #185

2007 Martinelli ‘Zio Tony Ranch’ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California ($63.99) – "Another impressive effort is the dark ruby-hued 2007 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch. Sweet cherry, raspberry, and spice box as well as a mineral component are present in this dark ruby-colored wine. Full-bodied and nicely layered with good purity, depth, and equilibrium, it can be drunk over the next 5-6 years." 91 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #180
2007 Melka ‘CJ’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($54.99) – "A good bargain (Napa speaking) is the 2007 CJ, a 1,300-case blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot. This seductive, hedonistic, dense ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits plenty of black currant, licorice, smoke, and earth characteristics along with an outstanding texture, good plushness and opulence, and 7-10 years of life ahead of it." 90 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #186
2005 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, ($74.99) – "The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain exhibits scents of red and blackberry fruit along with hints of roasted herbs, crushed rocks, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, moderately tannic, and slightly austere, it should drink easily for 12-15+ years." 89+ points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #180
2005 Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($119.00 net price) - "Firm, rich and chewy, this is tight, concentrated and focused, with a layered, complex mix of loamy currant, cedary oak, sage and wild berry, gaining depth and length on the finish, where the flavors are deep and persistent. Best from 2009 through 2015." 93 points, The Wine Spectator, June 30, 2008

2007 Barnett Vineyards ‘Rattlesnake Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, California ($135.00 net price) - "A fabulous effort, and perhaps Barnett’s best wine in twenty years, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill possesses an inky/blue/purple color as well as an exquisite nose of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blue, red, and black fruits, full-bodied power, a layered, multidimensional personality, and serious concentration and length. This classic Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon should age effortlessly for 30+ years. Bravo!" 95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #186
2007 L’Aventure ‘Optimus’ red blend, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California ($58.99) – “...the 2007 gushes with blackberry and cassis fruit, smoky, burning embers, charcoal, and toasty new oak. Full-bodied and powerful with supple tannins, decent acids, and an overall impression of voluptuousness as well as extravagant fruit and opulence, it should drink beautifully for a decade.” 93-95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #184

 

France ~ Bordeaux

2005 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux  ($109.00) - “This is the finest Brane-Cantenac I have tasted in over thirty years. Unusually perfumed and already approachable (atypical for most 2005 Medocs), it reveals a deep plum/purple color as well as a stunningly flamboyant bouquet of smoked herbs, licorice, camphor, black cherries, currants, and notions of plums and blackberries. Elegant with silky tannin and medium body, it is clearly a classic statement on the Margaux appellation. While not a powerhouse, it is beautifully concentrated, stunningly balanced, and surprisingly forward. It could be drunk now after several hours of decanting, but it should age easily for 20+ years.” 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #176 
2003 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac ($169.00) - "The brilliant, opulent, fleshy 2003 Pichon Lalande (65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot) possesses a high pH of 3.8 as well as 13% alcohol. Reminiscent of the 1982 Pichon Lalande (which never shut down and continues to go from strength to strength), the dense plum/purple-colored 2003 offers gorgeous aromas of blackberries, plum liqueur, sweet cherries, smoke, and melted licorice. Fleshy, full-bodied, and intense, displaying a seamless integration of wood, acidity, tannin, and alcohol, this beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 20 years or more." 95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #164
2005 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Leognan  ($145.00) - “Haut-Bailly’s American proprietor, Robert Wilmers, backed up by the brilliant Veronique Sanders, continues to go from strength to strength. A fabulous example of this estate, the 2005 is an ethereal, delicate, finesse-styled offering with intensity as well as richness. It has all the concentration one could want, but it comes across as gorgeously elegant and sublime because of its combination of delicacy, power, and depth. Beautiful raspberry, black cherry, currant, graphite, and scorched earth notes are subtle, but provocative. In the mouth, there is good acidity, medium body, ripe tannin, and terrific length. This is a beauty of haute couture from Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.”  95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #176 
2005 La Bon Pasteur, Pomerol  (reg. $149.00 / sale price $95.00 net) - “A superb effort from proprietors Dany and Michel Rolland, the 2005 Bon Pasteur is the antithesis of the kind of wine Rolland’s critics claim he makes (which they ignorantly suggest are over-oaked, over-extracted, and over-the-top). Nothing could be further from the truth. Rolland, a brilliant oenologist, has done more than any other person alive today for the quality of Bordeaux. His 2005 Bon Pasteur is an elegant, subtle, deep ruby/purple-colored wine offering hints of graphite, sweet mocha, black cherries, and berries that build incrementally in the mouth, ending in a cascade of full-bodied, concentrated fruit with good acidity, beautiful tannin, and stunning precision as well as length. The tannin structure suggests 3-5 years of cellaring is warranted, but based on past examples (even the opulent 1982, which is still going strong), the 2005 should age for 25-30 years.” 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #176
2005 Quinault l’Enclos, St. Emilion  ($84.99) - “The well-known winemaking consultant, Dr. Alain Raynaud, is the proprietor of this estate. The 2005 Quinault l’Enclos is a pure, elegant, stylish wine from a blend of 70% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and an unusual 6% Malbec. This highly-focused wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue in addition to a beautiful bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, camphor, spring flowers, and spice box. With superb concentration, a hint of minerals, and a lovely textured mouthfeel, it should be approachable in 5-6 years, and age easily for two decades or more.” - 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #176
2005 Chateau Gigault ‘Cuvee Viva’, Premieres Cotes de Blaye  ($35.99) - “A lush, seductive bouquet of black cherries, licorice, roasted herbs, and spice jumps from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged 2005. Medium-bodied with heady glycerin, loads of fruit, beautiful purity, and no hard edges, it should be drunk over the next 3-4 years.”  89 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #178

 

France ~ Rhone Valley

 

2007 Tour Saint-Michel ‘Cuvee des Deux Souers’ Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($49.99) – “The most traditional offering, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Deux Soeurs is a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest mostly Mourvedre and Cinsault. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by copious aromas of spice box, Christmas fruitcake, wood smoke, lavender, black cherries, and black currants. This big, bold, exuberant, attention-grabbing wine should drink well for a decade or more.” 90 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #185
2007 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($115.00 net) – “Beaucastel’s 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape has turned out even better out of bottle than I predicted. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious nose of blue and black fruits, truffles, pen ink, licorice, and meat juices as well as glorious levels of acidity and sweet tannin, buttressing the fruit’s fabulous freshness and vibrancy. This full-bodied effort still displays considerable tannin, no doubt because of the relatively high Mourvedre content. It should resolve its tannins in 2-4 years, and last for 25 or more.” 96 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #185
2007 Brunel ‘Les Cailloux’ Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($49.99) – “Two brilliant successes are Brunel’s cuvees of 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. The 2007 Les Cailloux Tradition (a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah, and 3% other authorized varieties) comes from 60-year-old vines and is aged completely in tank except for the Mourvedre and Syrah components, which are kept in small barrels. Explosively fruity, this dense plum/purple-colored wine displays grilled meat notes intermixed with Provencal herbs, spice box, black cherry and black currant, in addition to having a lush, opulent texture. The finish goes on and on, and the wine is beautifully pure. It can be drunk now or cellared for 12 or more years.” 93 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #185
2003 Les Cailloux 'Cuvée Centenaire' Châteauneuf-du-Pape  (reg. price $199.00 / Sale Price $149.00 net) - "The limited production but exquisite 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire is a riper, more concentrated version of the 2000 Centenaire. There are about 500 cases of this Grenache-dominated wine produced from a vineyard planted in 1889 with some Syrah and Mourvedre (about 20%) added to the blend. The latter components are aged in small barrels. The wine has a dense ruby/purple-tinged color to the rim, a strikingly pure nose of kirsch liqueur, creme de cassis, and hints of vanilla and espresso. Hitting the palate with full-throttle opulence, superb concentration, fabulous purity, and striking multiple levels of raspberries and black cherry jam, this is a beautifully full-bodied, brilliantly concentrated and structured wine that reveals sweet but abundant tannin and a finish that goes on for close to a minute." 96 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #163

"Dark red color. Intensely spicy and rich on the nose, with vibrant aromas of kirsch, raspberry, wild strawberry, anise and fresh rose. Amazingly concentrated, juicy and pure in the mouth, with compelling, energetic flavors of dark raspberry, cherry preserves, poached rhubarb and rose pastille. The minerally finish, which features completely buffered tannins, builds inexorably and goes on and on. This comes from vines planted in 1889, according to Brunel." 95 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 06
2007 Santa Duc ‘Tradition’ Grenache, Gigondas, Rhône Valley, France ($39.99) – “...a big-time sleeper of the vintage and well-worth latching onto, since its availability is very good. Dense purple to the rim, with an exquisite nose of charcoal, blueberry and blackberry fruit, chalk, and floral notes, the wine is rich, full-bodied, with sensational concentration, admirable purity, and beautiful texture and length.” 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #185

Temporarily out of stock

2007 Domaine Chante-Perdrix red blend, Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhône Valley, France ($41.99) – “High-pitched aromas of red berries, cherry, rose and Asian spices. Graceful and taut in a pinot way, with sweet strawberry and raspberry flavors and a firming note of bitter cherry skin. This juicy, precise wine finishes with impressive clarity and persistence. Delicious right now.” Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 10
Temporarily out of stock

2006 St. Damien Vieilles Vignes Grenache, Gigondas, Rhone Valley, France ($29.99) – In stark contrast to the 2005, which is still a tannic, brooding, monster of a wine, the 2006 is perfectly approachable now, sporting beautiful aromas of violets, cherries and bacon fat. This pure expression of Grenache would pair perfectly with a garlic-rosemary rack of lamb and roasted red potatoes with parsley butter.


 

France ~ Champagne

2000 Moët & Chandon ‘Dom Perignon’, Champagne, France ($125.00 net price) – "The 2000 Brut Dom Perignon is a gorgeous, seductive wine that floats on the palate with remarkable grace. Toasty aromas meld into freshly cut flowers, apricots and pears, with sweet notes of mint and licorice that linger on the long finish. This perfumed, inviting Dom Perignon is elegance personified, and in this vintage the wine fully merits its lofty reputation. According to winemaker Vincent Chaperone there is only one disgorgement date for the first release of Dom Perignon, and the 2000 was disgorged over a period of weeks in March and April, 2007, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018." 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #180

NV Krug ‘Grande Cuvee’ Brut, Champagne, France ($129.00 net price) – "Impressively complex nose displays an intriguing bouquet of pit fruit, smoked meat, floral and mineral scents. Rich poached pear and floral honey flavors coat the palate and are braced by dusty minerals and succulent herbs. Blends energy and depth smoothly, becoming more powerful on the finish, which leaves behind strong notes of apricot pit and brown spices. I found this wine to be richer than the last two releases under this label, which will no doubt come as good news for long-time fans of this singular multi-vintage blend." Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov 08

"A complex, refined Champagne, with vanilla, coconut, lemon and mineral aromas and flavors. Fresh and elegant, yet deep and persistent, evoking whole-grain toast. This dovetails nicely on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2012." 94 points, Wine Spectator, Nov 30, 2008
NV Michel Labbe Blanc de Noirs Brut, Chamery, Champagne, France ($49.99) – Michel Labbe's Blanc de Noirs from the village of Chamery is made in a big, broad, mouth-filling style. Full-bodied, with baked apple, poached pear and subtle cherry flavors on the palate and following through on the long finish. Enjoy this with roast chicken or a selection of strong cheeses.

Note: We do not ship sparkling wines outside of NC.

 

Italy

2004 Giuseppe Mascarello ‘Monprivato’ Nebbiolo, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy ($99.99) – "...an explosive wine with an almost Pinot-like expression of purity in its fruit. This round, sweet Barolo is extremely primary at this stage, with tons of dense fruit that almost cover the wine’s tannins completely. Subtle overtones of roses and tar develop in the glass, rounding out this majestic wine." 96 points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #179
2003 Sottimano ‘Cotta’ Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy ($68.99) – "The 2003 Barbaresco Cotta is, as usual, the most overtly fruit-driven of the wines. It offers a rich, luxurious texture and a potent expression of this site and the vintage with enough super-ripe dark fruit to balance the wine’s considerable tannic clout. As it sits in the glass balsamic, mentholated nuances emerge to complete this very strong effort. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018." 90 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #167 
2004 Cordero di Montemezolo ‘Monfalletto’ Barolo, Piedmont, Italy ($56.99) – "A beautifully balanced, elegant offering from the stellar 2004 vintage. "The 2004 Barolo Monfalletto is yet another of the gorgeous entry-level Barolos in this vintage. The wine offers up plenty of dark red fruits, smoke, licorice and spices with excellent density and depth on the palate. Although the intensity trails off a bit on the finish, this is a fairly large-scaled version of this wine. It is a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022." 89 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #179

2006 Giacomo Conterno ‘Cascina Francia’ Barbera, Alba, Piedmont, Italy ($47.99) – "The 2006 Barbera d’Alba is a knockout. The aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. This rich, sumptuous Barbera tastes just like it did in barrel, which is to say plump, juicy and full of vibrant dark fruit. Notes of iron, tar and smoke that are typical of the Cascina Francia vineyard develop in the glass. The wine possesses stunning length and textural depth not to mention a finessed, harmonious personality. Stylistically it is also remarkably complete, as it combines the richness of fruit found in the 2003 with the greater perfume and finesse of the 2004 and 2005. It is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016." 93 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #179
2005 Tenuta di Biserno ‘Coronato’ red blend, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy ($69.99) – "The estate’s 2005 Bolgheri Coronato is an absolutely delicious, joyful wine that captures the essence of this terroir. It reveals notable freshness and perfume in its dark fruit, licorice, leather, spices and toasted oak in a plump, accessible style. Coronato is Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015." 91 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #177
2003 Tomasso Bussola Amarone, Veneto, Italy ($59.99) – “The 2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a highly unusual wine of freakish dimensions. Bussola fans will recall that the estate released its 2004 Amarones last year. This 2003 Amarone took almost five years to finish fermenting; in fact one tank was at the tail end of fermentation when I visited the estate in April 2009! This is an exotic Amarone that captures an almost port-like expression of fruit while remaining light on its feet. There is plenty of clarity and detail in the dark fruit, flowers and minerals that waft from the glass. Despite its ripeness and richness, this remains a medium-bodied, accessible Amarone perfect for near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2023.” 92 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #185
Temporarily out of stock 2007 G.D. Vajra  Barbera, Alba, Piedmont, Italy ($26.99) – "The 2007 Barbera d’Alba is a plummy, generous wine with terrific definition and focus in its aromas and flavors. There is a wonderful minerality that frames the long, delicate finish. Sweet raspberries, menthol, licorice and spices add complexity on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013." 90 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #185
Temporarily out of stock 2006 La Spinetta ‘Ca’ di Pian’ Barbera, Asti, Piedmont, Italy ($29.99) – "La Spinetta’s 2006 Barbera d’Asti Ca’ di Pian offers good intensity in its dark blueberries, grilled herbs, cocoa and licorice. This medium-bodied, vibrant Barbera is best enjoyed while the fruit is fresh. Floral notes linger on the long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012." 88 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #184
Temporarily out of stock 2007 La Spinetta Nebbiolo, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy ($31.99) – "The 2007 Langhe Nebbiolo is simply beautiful. Medium in body, it floats on the palate with red cherries, flowers, spices and minerals, showing an ethereal, delicate personality that is utterly convincing. The fruit blossoms nicely on the palate, with an attractive roundness that balances that tannins exceptionally well..." 91 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #187
Temporarily out of stock 2006 Fontodi Sangiovese, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy ($35.99) – “...It is a big, super-ripe Chianti that captures all of the best qualities of the vintage in its rich fruit and beautifully defined aromatics. This is a serious, structured Chianti that can be enjoyed now, but that also has the stuffing to age gracefully for years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016.” 91 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #184

2003 Pelissero ‘Long Now’ Nebbiolo • Barbera, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy ($63.99) – The climate of the 2003 vintage presented a challenge to Piedmont’s growers, with intense heat roasting much of the fruit. Many struggled to find balance and elegance, but not Pelissero; the ‘Long Now’ is a terrific effort, regardless of vintage, with dark fruit aromas and flavors balanced by moderate tannins and fresh acidity. This can be enjoyed now or cellared for another decade.
2006 Felsina ‘Fontalloro’ Sangiovese, Tuscany, Italy ($59.99) – "...There is superb purity to the fruit and wonderful overall balance. Tar, smoke, licorice, and grilled herbs come to life on the finish. Fontalloro is made from vineyards in both the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi appellations. Simply put, this is a great, majestic Fontalloro. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018." 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #184

 

Spain

 

2004 Merum Priorati Osmin, Priorat, Spain ($89.00) - "The 2004 Osmin is a similar blend to the Ardiles but the Garnacha and Carignan are sourced from the estate’s older vines ranging from 80-100 years of age. The wine was aged for 12 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, the wine offers up a fragrant nose of scorched earth, spice box, cherry, raspberry, and blueberry liqueur. Full-flavored and opulent on the palate, this chewy wine has an extroverted personality with layers of supple fruit, ripe tannin, superb balance, and a 60-second finish. This sensuous wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years." 97 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #169
2005 Benjamin Romeo La Vina de Andres Romeo ($159.00 net) - "The 2005 La Vina de Andres Romeo is a bit more brooding and backward. Opaque purple/black, it has an alluring nose of toasty oak, pencil lead, scorched earth, espresso, truffle, and blackberry. Tightly wound but beautifully balanced, this is an opulent effort that requires patience. Give it 10-12 years of further aging and drink it from 2020 through 2040. Words can barely do justice to how singular these wines are. They must be tasted to be believed." 98 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #175
2005 Muga ‘Torre Muga’ Rioja, Rioja, Spain ($89.99) – "The 2005 Torre Muga is composed of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, and 10% Graciano. Purple-colored and made in a more international style, it presents a brooding bouquet of pain grille, mineral, scorched earth, incense, and blackberry. Massive on the palate, the wine has tons of material, great density, and 6-8 years of cellaring potential. This packed and stacked effort will have a drinking window extending from 2017 to 2045." 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #183
2007 El Nido 'El Nido' Monastrell • Cabernet Sauvignon, Jumilla, Spain ($139.00 net price) – “70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% monastrell) Glass-staining ruby. High-pitched, complex aromas of raspberry, blackberry, minerals, smoked meat and spices, plus a hint of gingerbread. Rich, round and very sweet; packed with black and blue fruit preserve, Asian spice, candied violet and mineral flavors. Velvety tannins add support to the expansive, palate-saturating fruit flavors. The floral and spice notes come on strong on the finish, which is strikingly fresh and very long. Offers a great combination of depth and vivacity." 95 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 09
2007 Bodegas Alto Moncayo ‘Aquilon’ Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain ($185.00 net price) – “The flagship 2007 Aquilon is 100% Garnacha from hillside vineyards planted between 1910 and 1967. It was also aged for 17 months in new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple/black color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of tar, licorice, pencil lead, Asian spices, black cherry, and black raspberry. Dense, layered, incipiently complex, and powerful, it is more structured than the Alto Moncayo and will benefit from 5-7 years of additional cellaring. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2015-2037.” 95 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #188
2007 Bodegas Alto Moncayo ‘Alto Moncayo’ Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain ($49.99 net price) – “The same can be said for the 2007 Alto Moncayo, also 100% Garnacha. It offers up a similar aromatic and flavor profile, just at a slightly higher octane level. This opulent effort is all about pleasure; give it 3-4 years of additional cellaring if you’d like it a bit more civilized.” 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #188
2007 Bodegas Alto Moncayo ‘Veraton’ Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain ($32.99) – “The entry-level 2007 Veraton is 100% estate-grown Garnacha aged for 17 months in new French and American oak before bottling without filtration. Deep crimson-colored, it has a sexy nose of smoke, spice box, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry that wafts from the glass. Full-bodied on the palate with layers of succulent red and black fruit, it is balanced, pure, and lengthy. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. The vocal low-alcohol crowd will have disdain for this wine; those who enjoy big, powerful, in-your-face wine will love it.” 92 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #188

2007 El Nido 'Clio' Monastrell • Cabernet Sauvignon, Jumilla, Spain ($54.99 net price) – “The 2007 Clio is made up of 67% old vine Monastrell sourced from a vineyard planted in 1944 and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted in 1979. The alcoholic fermentation is in oak followed by ML in new barrels and aging for 26 months in new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it displays an in-your-face bouquet of wood smoke, underbrush, incense, blueberry, and black currant. Dense, chewy, packed and stacked, the fruit quality is superb, the balance impeccable, and the finish lasts for nearly a minute. It will be controversial with those who prefer low alcohol and finesse in their wines. Those who like unrestrained power and richness will adore it quite aside from the fact that it over-delivers for its relatively modest price. Drink it from 2011 to 2022. The winemaking at Bodegas El Nido is overseen by the renowned Chris Ringland.” 94 points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #188

"A pungent, smoky bouquet displays rich dark berry preserves along with notes of licorice, violet, cured meat and black pepper. Brighter red fruits on the palate, which is surprisingly energetic for such richness. Tangy cracked pepper and mace notes build with air and carry into the finish. Leaves sweet red and dark berry notes behind on the very long, sappy and sweet finish. This energetic wine is already delicious." 93 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 09

 

Our Philosophy on Wine Ratings:

An Objective Measure for a Subjective Enterprise

Eschewing the deeper debate of whether influential wine critics dogmatically impose their tastes upon the wine-drinking public, here’s our basic philosophy on the utility of those controversial wine reviews. 

Although there are elements in a wine that are objectively right or wrong, the very nature of enjoyment is subjective.  Sometimes critics disagree with each other as to what is “bad”, “good” or “excellent”and that can be reflected in widely ranging scores for the same wine in the same vintage. Similarly, you may disagree with critics about a given wine.

Having said that, we do understand that what an “experienced palate” has to say about a wine can be an important factor in your decision to purchase a bottle. Therefore, browsing our store and our website you’ll see sporadic quotes from wine critics and others in the business describing the wine - though we prefer to give you our impressions of the wine - and occasionally we’ll even post a critical score to pass along that information as well. However, points from critics do not guide our buying decisions. We make our own decisions about what wines we like and try to empower our customers to do the same.

Look at points as one piece of information amongst many that can factor into your buying decision and never let anyone; a wine critic, us, your friends or even your spouse; tell you that you’re “wrong” if you like or dislike a wine. One thing that makes this pastime so much fun is that you are rarely “wrong”. We could all use more of that in our lives.

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(919) 831-0850 or email us at info@seaboardwine.com
 
Please note: Prices and vintages are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct pricing and description errors on this web site. Some items are net priced and not discounted further. Check with store for details. We will confirm price and availability when orders are placed.

This page was updated last on 07/27/10