FINE WINE & PREMIUM SPIRITS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2020 - LCBO
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FINE WINE & PREMIUM SPIRITS
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2020
1 VINTAGES
The long and winding Mosel River, Germany. ON THE COVER: San Caterina in the Dolomites, Italy. 2 VINTAGES
3 VINTAGES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Classics Collection
The Vintages Classics Collection puts the world’s finest wines and spirits into your cellar. From Burgundy
grands crus to sky-high single-vineyard Argentine expressions and everything in between, the Classics
Collection offers an exciting assortment of the best, most iconic, most collectible wines from top regions,
stellar vintages, legendary producers and more. Whether you’re a neophyte or a seasoned collector,
these curated selections are sure to satisfy.
November 2020 December 2020
6 FRANCE 20 FRANCE
10 GERMANY 22 GERMANY
10 HUNGARY 22 ITALY
10 ITALY 24 PORTUGAL
13 SPAIN 24 SPAIN
14 CANADA 24 AUSTRALIA
14 AUSTRALIA 25 NEW ZEALAND
15 NEW ZEALAND 26 SOUTH AFRICA
15 SOUTH AFRICA 26 ARGENTINA
16 ARGENTINA 26 CHILE
16 CHILE 27 USA
16 USA 28 FORTIFIED WINE
28 DESSERT WINE
32 PRODUCT SUMMARY
42 ORDERING INFORMATION 38 PRODUCT SUMMARY
42 ORDERING INFORMATION
ORDER ONLINE AT PLEASE NOTE:
LCBO.COM/VINTAGES-CLASSICS For each Classics Collection, we do our best
to secure enough stock to satisfy all customer
November Collection: starts November 5 at 8:30 a.m. orders. We regret that sometimes customer
December Collection: starts December 3 at 8:30 a.m. demand exceeds supply. Opening inventory for
See page 42 for ordering details. each Classics Collection will be available at lcbo.
com/vintages-classics one week before online
First-come, first-served. Shop early for best selection. ordering begins.
Prices in this catalogue are subject to change without notice. Vintages cannot assume
responsibility for typographical errors. All prices include applicable container deposit and HST.
4 VINTAGES OPPOSITE: Sheer limestone cliffs and an ancient
hilltop castle in Arco di Trento, Italy.
ONLINE ORDERING
STARTS NOVEMBER 5
NOVEMBER
CLASSICS COLLECTION
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
FRANCE notes of plum sauce, pastis and
blueberry coulis to stride through.
its balanced tannins. The whole wine is
finely integrated, black berry flavors shot
A striking array of cellar-worthy Shows serious grip at the very end. through with acidity and touches of
wines from Bordeaux and Best from 2016 through 2035. wood. Certainly a wine for aging.
Burgundy, and a selection of Score: 94 (James Molesworth, Cellar Selection.
Champagne that includes the winespectator.com, March 31, 2013) Score: 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
stunning Dom Pérignon 2008. April 1, 2011)
454207 (XD) 750 mL $156.00
15954 (XD) 750 mL $146.00
BORDEAUX CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON 2016
3e cru, AC Saint-Julien
RED WINE
TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas of
BURGUNDY
flowers and berries, intermingled in fresh
CHÂTEAU BRANE-CANTENAC 2014 and brambly mode with a cedary edge.
CÔTE DE NUITS
AC Margaux This is very fresh. The tannins carve an RED WINE
TASTING NOTE: This is a complete wine, exceptionally deep, long line through the
full of both tannins and great swathes of dark berries and cassis and deliver a MARCHAND-TAWSE BONNES
ripe fruit. It has a serious side as well in very powerful, unwavering finish. This is MARES GRAND CRU 2013
its solid structure and concentration. The in great form. Very powerful and focused. AC
juicy blackberry fruits are beginning to Try from 2024.
TASTING NOTE: Strong reduction masks
calm down and meld into a fine dense Score: 96 (James Suckling,
the underlying fruit. There is outstanding
wine that will age very well. Drink from jamessuckling.com, Feb. 3, 2019)
intensity to the big, robust and overtly
2025. Cellar Selection. 16244 (XD) 750 mL $132.00 powerful flavors that possess superb
Score: 95 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, length on the equally austere, backward
Feb. 1, 2017) and beautifully long finale. This is an
CLOS BEAUREGARD 2015
16243 (XD) 750 mL $157.00 AC Pomerol old school Bonnes Mares that will also
require an extended snooze in a cool
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of dark fruits, cellar. Drink: 2028+.
CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON 2006 tile, cedar, dried basil leaves, and smoked Score: 92-94 (Allen Meadows,
3e cru, AC Saint-Julien almonds. Full-bodied, tight and focused burghound.com, Jan. 15, 2015)
TASTING NOTE: Tasted at Bordeaux with polished tannins and a beautiful
long finish. Love the texture and balance. 411413 (XD) 750 mL $345.00
Index’s annual 10-Year On tasting in
London. The 2006 Château Langoa Try it in 2021 or later.
Score: 94 (James Suckling,
Barton has a lifted nose of small dark
jamessuckling.com, Feb. 2, 2018) CÔTE DE BEAUNE
cherries, blackberry, incense and
marmalade – quite showy for Langoa 16242 (XD) 750 mL $69.00
RED WINE
Barton – but there is joie-de-vivre here.
The palate is medium-bodied with supple DOMAINE DE BELLENE HOMMAGE
tannin, ripe and demonstrating impressive CLOS RENE 2015
À BARTOLO MASCARELLO
AC Pomerol
density plus a firm grip. This really coats SAVIGNY-LÈS-BEAUNE 1ER CRU 2017
the mouth in tannin, although it is still TASTING NOTE: Wow. Gorgeous aromas AC
balanced. It just needs another 4-5 years of perfume, spices and dark fruits such TASTING NOTE: From two crus: Les Haut
in bottle ... Drink date: 2019-2035. as bramble berries. Full body, ultra-fine Jarrons, planted in 1974, and Les
Score: 91 (Neal Martin, robertparker.com, tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows Peuillets planted in 1993, both at high
May 29, 2016) strength with finesse. Give it three or density, 10,000 vines per hectare, this
four years to come completely together homage to the great Bartolo Mascarello
903344 (XD) 750 mL $165.00
but beautiful already. of Barolo fame is a stunning wine off the
Score: 94 (James Suckling, top. Fruit is certainly ripe, still very much
CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON 2010 jamessuckling.com, Feb. 2, 2018) in the red berry spectrum, but sweet and
3e cru, AC Saint-Julien
15971 (XD) 750 mL $68.00 plump, with a pretty, dried rose/violet
TASTING NOTE: Tightly focused, with note and a gently leafy-forest floor tone.
a beam of cassis and blackberry fruit Tannins are abundant – this has excellent
framed by integrated espresso and DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 2008 structure – if also fine and tight-grained.
AC Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé
charcoal notes. The ample structure Acids are perfectly comfortable and
drives the polished finish, allowing extra TASTING NOTE: Dense, powerful wine the finish is long. In 3-5 years, this will be
that impresses both with its rich fruit and a terrific bottle of wine, and it has the
6 VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
stuffing to go deep into the ’30s sans JEAN-CLAUDE BOISSET
problems. Brilliant at the price. POMMARD 2016
Score: 95 (John Szabo, MS, winealign. AC
com, Oct. 26, 2019) TASTING NOTE: A blend of two climats
14780 (XD) 750 mL $78.00 (Brescul and La Combotte). This draws
on two very different parts of the
appellation. A very upbeat style with
DOMAINE JESSIAUME VOLNAY 2017 ripe, red cherries and berries, as well
AC as chocolate and light spices. The palate
TASTING NOTE: Youthful and unformed, is very refined. Shows very long and
this wine smells as earthy as braised detailed flavors of cherry compote. A
tripe; then the fruit slowly comes into long, succulent finish. Superb freshness
focus, with notes of raspberry and and dense, fine tannins. Try from 2021.
strawberry over the herbal savor of Score: 94 (James Suckling, DOMAINE LATOUR-GIRAUD
the tannins. This needs a year or more jamessuckling.com, Feb. 15, 2018) MEURSAULT-GENEVRIÈRES
in the cellar to evolve. 1ER CRU 2018
15968 (XD) 750 mL $87.00 AC
Score: 90 (wineandspirits.com,
Oct. 2019) TASTING NOTE: Smoky, cool and elegant
VINCENT GIRARDIN CLOS aromas are composed primarily of
15969 (XD) 750 mL $67.00 SAINT-JEAN CHASSAGNE- various white orchard fruit, acacia
MONTRACHET 1ER CRU 2016 blossom, citrus rind, wood and a hint of
DUBREUIL-FONTAINE AC
exotic tea. The racy, intense and
CORTON-BRESSANDES TASTING NOTE: Bursting from the glass admirably concentrated flavors possess
GRAND CRU 2017 with expressive aromas of berry fruit very good volume as well as an
AC compote and dried flowers, the 2016 appealing minerality that adds a sense of
TASTING NOTE: There is an overt Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos lift to the sneaky long, balanced and firm
spiciness to the even more restrained Saint-Jean is medium to full-bodied, finale. This too is lovely and a wine that
nose that blends notes of both red supple and succulent, with an ample core will need at least a few years of cellaring
and dark cherry, plum, violet, lavender of fruit, melting tannins and tangy acids, as it’s presently fairly tightly wound.
and a whiff of warm earth. The silky, concluding with a precise and delicately Drink: 2026+. Outstanding.
intense and chiseled middle weight fragrant finish. This captures all the site’s Score: 92 (Allen Meadows, burghound.
flavors flash a subtle minerality before inherent fleshiness but none of the com, June 10, 2020)
terminating in a youthfully austere potential structural rusticity that so often
111344 (XD) 750 mL $144.00
and wonderfully persistent finish that, accompanies it. Its gourmand, lavish
like the Perrières, is well-balanced. profile makes it already irresistible. Drink
Drink: 2029+. Sweet spot. date: 2020-2036. LOUIS JADOT BÂTARD-MONTRACHET
Score: 93 (Allen Meadows, burghound. Score: 92 (William Kelley, robertparker. GRAND CRU 2017
com, April 10, 2019) com, April 30, 2019) AC
297200 (XD) 750 mL $128.00 15937 (XD) 750 mL $100.00 TASTING NOTE: There are eight barrels
of the excellent 2017 Bâtard-Montrachet
Grand Cru (Maison Louis Jadot), an
HENRI DE VILLAMONT WHITE WINE impressive wine that unfurls in the glass
LES RENARDES CORTON with aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit,
GRAND CRU 2017 pear, pastry cream and honeycomb. On
AC DOMAINE AU PIED DU MONT the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep
TASTING NOTE: The great exposure of CHAUVE LES VERGERS
and satiny, with more concentration and
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
the vineyard gives this complex wine cut than this year’s Bienvenues, with an
1ER CRU 2015
depth and richness. Bringing out black AC elegant sense of completeness and a
fruits, the wine also has freshness and long, lively finish. This will be well worth
layers of firm tannins. Aging should be TASTING NOTE: Richly structured with seeking out.
slow and steady and the wine is unlikely strong minerality, tight fruits and a steely Score: 93-95 (William Kelley,
to be ready to drink before 2024. Cellar edge, this wine has plenty of texture. Its robertparker.com, Jan. 31, 2019)
Selection. concentrated acidity and white fruits are
crisp, edgy and will benefit from time. 445007 (XD) 750 mL $617.00
Score: 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
Dec. 1, 2019) Drink from 2023.
Score: 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
561225 (XD) 750 mL $150.00 Oct. 1, 2018)
15972 (XD) 750 mL $133.00
7 VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
CHABLIS LOUIS MICHEL & FILS BUTTEAUX
VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS RHÔNE
WHITE WINE 1ER CRU 2017
AC SOUTHERN RHÔNE
DOMAINE COURTAULT BEAUROY TASTING NOTE: A formidable rendition of RED WINE
CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2017 this reliably superb cuvée, Michel’s 2017
AC Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux Vieilles Vignes DOMAINE DU PEGAU CUVÉE
TASTING NOTE: A solidly crafted premier wafts from the glass with a complex but LAURENCE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
cru that delivers a classic expression reserved bouquet of fresh peach, crisp 2014
of Chablis. There’s considerable depth yellow apple, iodine, mandarin oil and AC
to the flavours, with lemon citrus and paraffin wax. On the palate, it’s medium TASTING NOTE: This wine shows
apricot standing out, followed by a to full-bodied, deep, dense and complexities of cocoa, leather, rose petal
sharply defined, mineral-led finish. The concentrated, with a racy spine of acidity and earth that juxtapose mouthwatering
mouthfeel has a pleasing roundness. cloaked in vibrant fruit, concluding with blackberry and plum flavors. Its fruit is at
Very fresh and crisp. This will be ideal for a long, searingly saline finish. This is the forefront but anchored by a mineral
seafood. (Vintages panel, Jan. 2020) well worth seeking out. Drink date: undertow that should intensify with age.
2023-2040. It’s a beauty already, framed by fine,
15952 (XD) 750 mL $41.00 Score: 94 (William Kelley, robertparker. chalky tannins. Editors’ Choice.
com, Aug. 30, 2019) Score: 98 (Anna Lee Iijima, Wine
JEAN-MARC BROCARD BOUGROS 16239 (XD) 750 mL $61.00 Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2019)
CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2018
AC 168161 (XD) 750 mL $135.00
TASTING NOTE: A background ROPITEAU VALMUR CHABLIS
GRAND CRU 2018
application of wood surrounds notably AC GABRIEL MEFFRE
phenolic elements (think olive oil SAINTE-CATHERINE GIGONDAS 2016
nuances) together with aromas of both The 2018 vintage in Chablis was warm AC
white and yellow orchard fruit that are and dry and has wrought wines that TASTING NOTE: Juicy cherry paste and
nuanced by iodine and sea breeze offer a full, intense character and a plum preserve flavors stretch out, with
wisps. I very much like the intensity of supercharged, exciting, sun-driven ripe roasted apple wood, tar and licorice snap
the solidly constituted medium weight fruit quality. A refined chalky minerality notes filling in throughout. Shows a slight
plus flavors that deliver excellent length is also a hallmark of this year. This is a gutsy edge, but feels fresh and pure
on the rustic, bold and muscular finish. vintage that permits early consumption overall. Best from 2020 through 2028.
This is still a bit raw but the underlying but will also reward cellaring. Score: 93 (James Molesworth,
material is impressive. Drink: 2026+. 16232 (XD) 750 mL $103.00 winespectator.com, May 31, 2019)
Score: 90-93 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, Oct. 10, 2019) 370270 (XD) 750 mL $40.00
259846 (XD) 750 mL $104.00
ALSACE
JEAN-MARC BROCARD
LES PREUSES CHABLIS WHITE WINE
GRAND CRU 2018
AC JEAN BIECHER & FILS
You can expect this Chablis to be a SCHOENENBOURG RIESLING 2018
characterful, complex expression of AC Alsace Grand Cru
the ripe, full 2018 vintage. Look for TASTING NOTE: A hint of wet chalk and
superbly defined apple and citrus tones, smoky reduction hover above ripe,
with a saline-inflected minerality. This peachy fruit on the nose of this wine.
will continue to evolve through the mid With more air, hints of mandarin and
to late ’20s. candied peach shine through. The palate
411322 (XD) 750 mL $123.00 frames this ripe fruit with Amalfi lemon
freshness that gives poise and concen-
tration to the opulence. The finish is dry,
vivid and fresh.
Score: 94 (Anne Krebiehl, MW,
Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2020)
469767 (D) 750 mL $30.00
8 VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
CHAMPAGNE 8g/L of sugar and the legacy of both oak
fermentation and long yeast maturation,
RUINART BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS
CHAMPAGNE
the latter under cork. The vinous power is AC
such that this will match rich, savoury TASTING NOTE: A graceful Champagne,
BOLLINGER BRUT ROSÉ
CHAMPAGNE dishes such as quail, venison, pigeon and sleek and finely knit, with a subtle range
AC guinea fowl. A triumph! Drinking window of nectarine, lemon curd, almond blossom
2020-2035. and ground ginger flavors, expanding
TASTING NOTE: This offers ripe plum Score: 96 (Simon Field, MW, decanter. on the silky mousse. Offers a lingering,
and nectarine fruit, with mouthwatering com, Feb.16, 2020) mineral-laced finish. Drink now through
acidity in abundance, as well as accents
993378 (XD) 750 mL $250.00 2024.
of anise, tea rose and orange peel. Bright
Score: 93 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.
and finely knit, featuring a satiny mousse
com, Nov. 30, 2019)
and good focus through to the chalk- BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE
laced finish. Drink now through 2024. BRUT CHAMPAGNE 62984 (XD) 750 mL $130.00
Score: 93 (Alison Napjus, winespectator. AC
com, Nov. 30, 2019)
TASTING NOTE: There’s a pleasing, RUINART BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
100503 (XD) 750 mL $122.00 snappy quality to the acidity framing AC
this elegant Champagne, enlivening TASTING NOTE: Raspberry and nectarine
accessible flavors of currant, Marcona fruit flavors are ripe and appealing in
BOLLINGER LA GRANDE ANNÉE
BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2012 almond and orchard blossom, with a this elegant rosé Champagne, with a fine,
AC minerally touch of saline-laced oyster satiny mousse, neatly layered with
shell that lingers on the finish. Drink accents of ground ginger, blanched
TASTING NOTE: Disgorged in July 2019, now through 2022.
Bollinger’s 2012 Brut La Grande Année almond and blood orange pith. Lightly
Score: 92 (Alison Napjus, winespectator. mouthwatering, offering a lingering finish.
is showing well, offering up an incipiently com, Nov. 30, 2019)
6 Drink now through 2021.
complex bouquet of crisp yellow orchard
fruit, fresh peach, orange oil, toasted 490482 (XD) 1500 mL $203.00 Score: 92 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.
walnuts and dried apricot that’s still quite com, Nov. 30, 2019)
reserved with less than a year on cork. DOM PÉRIGNON 239806 (XD) 375 mL $76.00
Full-bodied, deep and muscular, the BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2008
2012 is blockier and broader-shouldered AC
than its 2008 predecessor, with a
weightier and even more concentrated
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Dom Pérignon PROVENCE
is once again stunning. More than
palate built around a bright spine of RED WINE
anything else, I am surprised by how well
acidity, concluding with a chalky finish
the 2008 drinks given all the tension
that carries appreciably dry extract. This
and energy it holds. Then again, that is DOMAINE LA SUFFRENE
isn’t quite as elegant as the exquisite TRADITION BANDOL 2015
precisely what makes 2008 such a
2008, but it is a superb effort and AC
unique vintage – namely that the best
obviously built to age. Drink date:
wines are so chiseled and yet not at all TASTING NOTE: The outstanding 2015
2024-2050.
austere. Lemon peel, almond, mint, smoke Bandol is a blend of 55% Mourvèdre,
Score: 95 (William Kelley, robertparker.
and crushed rocks are all finely sculpted, 20% Grenache, 15% Cinsault and 10%
com, March 12, 2020)
but it is the wine’s textural feel, drive and Carignan, fermented in concrete with no
145169 (XD) 750 mL $195.00 persistence that elevate it into the realm added yeasts and then aged 18 months
of the sublime. The 2008 will be even in foudres. It starts off smoky and red
better with time in the cellar, but it is fruited, then folds in black cherries as it
BOLLINGER LA GRANDE ANNÉE
BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2012 absolutely phenomenal even today, in the sits in the glass. Full-bodied and rich, it’s
AC early going. Three recent bottles have all supple and creamy in texture, with a long,
been nothing short of magnificent. plush finish.
TASTING NOTE: 5% of red wine has Drinking window: 2020-2048. Score: 93 (Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.
been added by assemblage from the Score: 98 (Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, com, May 16, 2019)
legendary La Cote Aux Enfants vineyard July 2019)
in Aÿ. The resulting power is subtle, 15970 (XD) 750 mL $37.00
gastronomic and bewitching: as a 461145 (XD) 1500 mL $709.00
corollary to a lighter, onion-skin colour,
there’s an intensity and length on the
palate allied to perfect integration of the
9 VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
GERMANY HUNGARY RIZZI NERVO BARBARESCO 2016
DOCG
A lush, elegant Riesling. A beautifully accomplished
A precise articulation of the 20-year-old Tokaji. TASTING NOTE: Aromas of wild berry,
unique soils of the Mosel. rose and baking spice align with a whiff
WHITE WINE of menthol. Elegantly focused, the
vibrant, youthfully austere palate delivers
MOSEL TOKAJ-HÉTSZOLO 5 PUTTONYOS
crushed raspberry, Morello cherry and
licorice framed in taut, close-grained
WHITE WINE TOKAJI ASZÚ 2000 tannins and fresh acidity before a rather
Tokaj drying, tight finish. Give it a few more
TASTING NOTE: A gorgeous dessert years to fully unwind. Drink 2024-2036.
J.J. PRÜM WEHLENER SONNENUHR white, now showing some maturity, Score: 95 (Kerin O’Keefe, Wine
RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2017 Enthusiast, Oct. 1, 2019)
with butter, spice, salted caramel and
Prädikatswein
mulled citrus flavors. It all hangs together 539247 (XD) 750 mL $63.00
TASTING NOTE: The 2017 Wehlener beautifully on the supple texture,
Sonnenuhr Spätlese is impressively deep, its acidity well-integrated, with a long,
dense and expressive on the nose that satisfying aftertaste. Drink now RIZZI PAJORE BARBARESCO 2016
is more mineral rather than fruity. On the through 2025. DOCG
palate, this is a lush, tensioned, very Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson, TASTING NOTE: Red berry, rose, menthol,
precise, elegant, sharply defined and winespectator.com, June 30, 2010) new leather, cracked pepper and wild
complex Riesling. It’s not as exuberant as herb aromas come together on this.
282376 (S) 500 mL $94.00
the Sonnenuhr can be, but it represents Linear, elegant and youthfully austere,
more of the gray/blue slate soil. The the palate delivers red cherry,
finish is really lush, perfectly concen- pomegranate, licorice and star anise
trated and salty. This is a great Prüm icon
Spätlese. Drink date: 2020-2050. ITALY framed in tight, close-grained tannins
and racy acidity before an orange zest
Score: 95 (Stephan Reinhardt, A selection to set a collector’s heart finish. Drink 2026-2036.
robertparker.com, June 28, 2019) aflutter, including the 100-point Score: 96 (Kerin O’Keefe, Wine
990184 (S) 750 mL $78.00 Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2015 and Enthusiast, Sept. 1, 2019)
multiple sizes of the 2017 Sassicaia
and Tignanello. 16743 (XD) 750 mL $63.00
PIEDMONT TUSCANY
RED WINE RED WINE
GAJA DAGROMIS BAROLO 2016 CASANOVA DI NERI BRUNELLO
DOCG DI MONTALCINO 2015
DOCG
This Barolo is from one of the most
TASTING NOTE: The Neri family has
prominent names in Italian fine wine, and
created a classic expression of
it doubles down on the excitement by
Sangiovese from a classic vintage, while
also coming from the highly touted 2016
remaining faithful to the house style. In a
vintage. Though it could be served now, it
nutshell, these wines always tend to offer
will benefit from at least another five
dark plum, clove and fig confit over the
years in the cellar and will then continue
tiny berry and blue flower aromas you
to evolve to 2030, if not longer.
get from the traditionalists. That said, this
92742 (XD) 750 mL $143.00 Brunello needs ample time to open, and
16962 (XD) 1500 mL $347.00 I suggest you splash it into the decanter.
The Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di
Montalcino (this is the one with the white
label) stays safely within your expectation
of the vintage with its variety-driven
aromas of wild berry, licorice, blue flower
and balsam herb. This wine sees fruit
10 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
sourced from a vineyard on the northeast Agglomerate. Drink date: 2022-2045. and lots of chocolate, berry, walnut and
side of Montalcino, with Galestro soils Score: 97 (Monica Larner, robertparker. currant flavors. Excellent finish. Triumph
ranging from 330 to 480 meters above com, June 4, 2020) for the vintage. Drink after 2022.
sea level. Some 95,376 bottles were Score: 97 (James Suckling,
11470 (XD) 1500 mL $380.00
made. It was bottled in June 2019, and jamessuckling.com, June 22, 2020)
it hit the market in January 2020. You 10618 (XD) 750 mL $175.00
might want more from the aromatics GUADO AL TASSO MATAROCCHIO 10619 (XD) 1500 mL $385.00
(while you wait for the bouquet to come 2016
16145 (XD) 3000 mL $850.00
around), but this wine goes gangbusters DOC Bolgheri Superiore
(Antinori) 16192 (XD) 6000 mL $1847.00
in terms of mid-palate and overall texture.
Drink date: 2021-2035. TASTING NOTE: The 2016 Matarocchio
Score: 94 (Monica Larner, robertparker. is a wine of muscle and brawn that opens PIAN DELLE VIGNE ROSSO
com, Jan. 31, 2020) to dark thickness and deep layers of DI MONTALCINO 2018
black fruit, spice, leather and tar. If you DOC
85498 (XD) 750 mL $89.00 (Antinori)
472340 (XD) 1500 mL $206.00 like big and bold, this Tuscan Cabernet
Franc will prove quite agile when pairing TASTING NOTE: The aromatics are dark
with coal-fired barbecued T-bone steak. at first, showing crushed black cherry
GUADO AL TASSO 2017 This wine was produced in 2017, but and plum, yet opening to reveal sweet
DOC Bolgheri Superiore it was not made in 2018 because the herbs and tobacco, with moist soil and
(Antinori) variety had a hard time reaching optimal hints of worn leather. On the palate, silky
TASTING NOTE: From a warm and ripeness. This full-bodied wine is textures flood the senses with a mix of
sunny vintage that produced darkly absolutely linear and direct in terms of black and red berry fruits, enlivened by
concentrated fruit, the Tenuta Guado al aromas; however, it shows fleshy brisk acids, as sweet spices and minerals
Tasso 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Guado succulence in terms of mouthfeel. It settle in. The finish is long, with a dark,
al Tasso is a teaser and a super pleaser. closes with midnight black notes of alluring sweetness, as notes of spiced-
This is one flashy wine. This carefully dried berry and exotic spice. Drink date: black cherry and sweet floral tones
calculated blend of 65% Cabernet 2021-2045. slowly fade. There is a balance and sheer
Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and Score: 97 (Monica Larner, robertparker. enjoyability factor to the 2018 Pian
15% Merlot pours from the bottle with com, May 16, 2019) delle Vigne Rosso that’s impossible to
a beautifully saturated and rich color. ignore. Drinking window: 2020-2026.
340174 (XD) 750 mL $640.00
I double-decanted my sample before Score: 91 (Eric Guido, vinous.com,
writing this review, and the wine’s aromas April 2020)
showed immediate harmony and LUCE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 467787 (XD) 750 mL $32.00
intensity. The wine seduces and flirts with 2015
all your senses. This vintage caps many DOCG
years of study regarding blending: The (Luce della Vite) SASSICAIA 2017
Merlot is slightly decreased here, and the TASTING NOTE: Amazing aromas of DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia
Cabernet Franc is slowly taking on a crushed berries, cherries, flowers, black (Tenuta San Guido)
more important supporting role. The Petit truffles and wet earth, turning to violets TASTING NOTE: Aromas of exotic spice,
Verdot that was used as a peppery and black tea. Extremely aromatic. baked plum and French oak mingle with
accent two years ago has now been Full-bodied, deep and profound with camphor and blue flower on the nose.
removed altogether. The results are pliant, fantastically strong tannins that just This boasts extraordinary elegance and
seamless and fluid, and that’s the big melt into the wine. Fantastic length freshness despite the hot vintage,
takeaway here. The wine is bountiful, and intensity. Truly great. Drinkable, delivering flavors of juicy Marasca cherry,
round, supple and full-bodied. Unless but better in 2024 and onwards. spiced blueberry, tobacco and licorice.
you are decidedly not a fan of this Score: 100 (James Suckling, Velvety, fine-grained tannins provide
style, there’s nothing not to love. I had jamessuckling.com, March 2, 2020) support while coffee and crushed mint
anticipated more tightness in terms of 244665 (XD) 1500 mL $340.00 linger on the finish. Drink 2022-2032.
possible hot-vintage tannins, but I am 526715 (XD) 3000 mL $730.00 Cellar Selection.
very pleased by the general integration Score: 97 (Kerin O’Keefe, Wine
of the mouthfeel. The Guado al Tasso Enthusiast, July 1, 2020)
vineyards are located not too far from LUCE LUX VITIS 2017
480541 (D) 1500 mL $600.00
the sea, at a low elevation of about IGT Toscana
(Luce della Vite) 480558 (D) 3000 mL $1115.00
60 meters above sea level. The soils are 184275 (D) 6000 mL $5924.00
alluvial with a unique mix of limestone TASTING NOTE: Wow. This is really well
clay and sand, with pockets of rocks and crafted with rich fruit and polished
are generally known as the Bolgheri tannins. It’s full and layered with ripe fruit
11 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
VENETO
RED WINE
BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2015
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The grapes are left to
dry for 120 days, with the wine then
spending one year in barrique and two
years in large-volume 25hl Slavonian oak
barrels. It’s a blend of 45% Corvinone,
45% Corvina and 10% Rondinella.
Michael Garner: Ethereal red fruit aromas
joined by shades of tobacco and spice,
followed by an intense palate of bright
TIGNANELLO 2017
IGT Toscana
UMBRIA fresh fruit underscored by notes of
seasoned oak and charred spice. Heady
(Antinori) WHITE WINE and distinctive. Andrew Jefford: Refined
TASTING NOTE: The Marchesi Antinori and elegant aromas: subtle and enticing,
2017 Tignanello (made with Sangiovese with great harmony. It’s light and graceful
CASTELLO DELLA SALA CERVARO
and smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon DELLA SALA 2018 on the palate, in a very classical style
and Cabernet Franc) is a dark, exuberant IGT Umbria akin to ultra-traditional Barolo, aged to
and inviting wine. I tasted my sample (Antinori) a state of great harmony and finesse.
after a double decanting and was Monty Waldin: Seems nicely unforced
pleased by the profound nature of the TASTING NOTE: Compared to the 2017
and easy to enjoy, with a wonderfully
wine and the immediate openness of the vintage that shows a more accessible
transparent fruit and oak profile. We
aromas. There is a symphony of dark fruit and full-bodied style, the 2018 Cervaro
have here a gratifying antidote to the
with black cherry, plum, spice and sweet della Sala is a classic edition – it’s
caricature that contemporary Amarone
tobacco. I am particularly attracted by a about as classic as I have ever tasted
can be – namely big blockbusters, too
distant hint of medicinal or menthol herb this landmark white from Umbria to be.
bold and boisterous. Drinking window:
that I also discovered in other wines with This cooler vintage prizes finesse and
2019-2026.
fruit from the Tignanello estate in 2017. elegance, and those traits are matched
Score: 95 (decanter.com, May 2019)
There’s a drying mineral note of crushed by efforts in the winery to accomplish
that same goal. On many levels, the 16752 (D) 1500 mL $149.00
chalk as well. The heat and dryness of
the vintage has added to the aromatic 2018 vintage opens a new chapter for
intensity of the wine (yields were reduced Cervaro della Sala, with a stronger
REMO FARINA MONTEFANTE
by a third), but the mouthfeel is carefully emphasis on preserved lemon, crisp RISERVA AMARONE DELLA
crafted to maintain its softness and pear and crushed mineral. The wine VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2013
smoothness. Fruit comes from a 57-hectare offers beautiful freshness and linearity. DOCG
section of the Tenuta Tignanello from a I must also mention that this vintage is
released while the fruit is still a bit closed This is always a powerhouse Amarone,
vineyard that is located 390 meters but one that keeps a firm grip on balance
above sea level with Alberese limestone or shy. That slightly reductive approach
bodes very well for the wine’s future and is never overwhelming. Look for a
rock and soils of marine origin. The wine mix of ripe and dried black fruit notes,
is fermented in conical oak tanks and is evolution. Drink date: 2020-2035.
Score: 96 (Monica Larner, robertparker. with underlying tones of forest, leather,
aged up to 16 months in a combination vanilla, herbs and spice. This is a wine
of mostly French and some Hungarian com, Oct. 17, 2019)
built to age; consider following its
oak, both new and neutral. Drink date: 693556 (XD) 1500 mL $188.00 evolution for another 5-10 years. Serve
2021-2040. 693531 (XD) 3000 mL $386.00 with hearty beef stews, braised beef or
Score: 96 (Monica Larner, robertparker. fine cheeses.
com, June 4, 2020)
63636 (D) 750 mL $83.00
534511 (XD) 375 mL $83.00
403527 (XD) 1500 mL $328.00
403535 (XD) 3000 mL $693.00
12 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
SPAIN TELMO RODRÍGUEZ LANZAGA 2011
DOCa Rioja
5% Parellada that aged sur lie for 51
months in bottle and was adjusted with
The ageability of Rioja is on full TASTING NOTE: The 2011 Lanzaga is six grams of sugar to make it a balanced
display here, with wines from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and and approachable sparkling. This is one
1970 to 2017. As well, look to the Graciano from different zones of the of the flagship wines from Gramona, with
Corpinnat from Gramona. They’re village of Lanciego fermented in cement a style that is marked by the old wine
one of only nine producers to use vats with indigenous yeasts and matured added in the expedition liqueur, which
this new designation. in a combination of 1,500- and 2,500- gives a specific profile that’s nutty and
liter foudres and 225-liter barriques. It is has aromas that always make me think
RED WINE a pure and elegant wine which does of an older wine. They have been
not transmit any notes that would give a moderating the use of this wine, and the
hint of the heat of the vintage, very touch is subtler, as what they have been
FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA 1970 using is an infusion of almond peel in
DOCa Rioja elegant. The palate is silky and balanced,
with very fine tannins and enough acidity. this old wine. They never used this
TASTING NOTE: Beautifully balanced, They used more grapes from the expedition wine for III Lustros or Celler
this shows all the positive attributes of higher-altitude vineyards and produced Batlle, because they thought the long
mature Rioja. Though 30 years old, it is a little less quantity to obtain this aging provided enough complexity.
still very alive, with deep sweet fruit that impressive wine. A very good showing, However, Imperial has been getting
wears tobacco and meat accents. Anise especially for the vintage. Drink date: fresher and fresher every year. This is still
accents the ultrasmooth palate. Full of 2015-2021. aged in bottle with a crown stopper, but
complex flavors, with a lingering finish. Score: 92 (Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker. the magnums keep under cork and all
Score: 92 (Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2001) com, April 29, 2015) the following wines are aged under cork.
522581 (XD) 750 mL $220.00 There is great freshness, which makes
107433 (XD) 750 mL $39.00 the wine vibrant and tasty, and it has a
balanced finish and integrated, small
PALACIOS REMONDO PROPIEDAD URBINA SELECCIÓN 2000 bubbles that provide a creamy texture.
2017 DOCa Rioja And the sugar is almost imperceptible,
DOCa Rioja just adding balance for the acidity. The
TASTING NOTE: A small step up from the percentage of Chardonnay will be lower
TASTING NOTE: The old-vine Garnacha
regular Crianza, this comes from parcels in following years to comply with the
2017 Propiedad was produced with
that are all over 20 years’ old and shows Corpinnat requirements. 2014 has to be
grapes coming from organically farmed
a little more concentration as a result. one of the finest vintages for Imperial. All
vineyards in Las Mulgas, Valfrío, Valviejo
Leafy, floral and wonderfully fragrant, with of the bottles display the disgorgement
and Corral de Serrano in Alfaro, vineyards
hints of leather, dill and fresh tobacco, date and the number of months the wine
that are organically farmed. The
it’s chalky and focused on the finish with matured with the lees in bottle.
destemmed and crushed grapes
a touch of oak sweetness. 2019-26. Score: 92 (Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.
fermented in oak vats with indigenous
Score: 93 (Tim Atkin, MW, timatkin.com, com, Aug. 30, 2019)
yeasts and the wine matured in larger
Rioja Special Report 2019)
oak vats (mostly 5,000-liter) for 12 16630 (D) 750 mL $51.00
months. It has the Mediterranean profile 11184 (XD) 750 mL $34.00
of the vintage with some jovial notes of
orange peel and red cherries intermixed
with aromatic herbs. The palate reveals
SPARKLING WINE
fine-grained, slightly dusty tannins. The
palate has more freshness than what you GRAMONA IMPERIAL GRAN
expect from the notes on the nose. This RESERVA BRUT CORPINNAT 2014
wine has a good evolution in bottle even DO
in warmer years like this or 2015. Drink TASTING NOTE: 2014 was the first year
date: 2019-2025. when the still wines from Gramona were
Score: 94 (Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker. certified by Demeter and when they
com, June 28, 2019) started using their Coquard press. It was
438671 (XD) 750 mL $53.00 not an easy year, one with plenty of rains
and maladies, which resulted in a crop
that was 15% smaller than the average
at Gramona. Their classical 2014 Brut
Imperial is a blend of 40% each Xarello
and Macabeo with 15% Chardonnay and
13 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
CANADA BY FARR TOUT PRÈS
PINOT NOIR 2016
Geelong, Victoria
A compelling, ageable
Cabernet Sauvignon TASTING NOTE: The more elevated of
and an elegant, complex the sites, with plenty of limestone,
Blanc de Noirs. ironstone and loam serving as the
chassis to volcanic, gravel and iron strand
bodywork. The vines are dense, echoing
ONTARIO Burgundy. While the other wines in the
swag incorporate a generous seasoning
RED WINE of whole-bunch, this is 100% non-
destemmed. This is a wine of a spicy, root
REIF ESTATE FIRST GROWTH spice-chinotto astringency meshed to
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 a chiaroscuro of lighter, darker and exotic
VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake fruit references. Edgy, spiky and of
TASTING NOTE: The fruit was hand- compelling depth. The least showy, yet
harvested from the Cabernet Sauvignon the depth and intensity augur for a
vineyard block planted in 1989 in the vineyard pinot noir, aged five years on wonderful future. Drink by: 2028.
Niagara River sub-app and thinned to the lees. The nose shows well integrated Score: 96 (Ned Goodwin,
a restricted 2 tonnes per acre. After baked apple, hazelnut, sourdough and winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2019)
fermentation was complete the wine cedary spice. The palate is mid-weight, 14982 (XD) 750 mL $110.00
moved into new French and new with almost creamy mousse, very good
Hungarian oak barrels where the wine acidity, and dry, nutty, slightly bitter
pistachio shell finish. The length is GIANT STEPS APPLEJACK
completed malolactic fermentation and
excellent to outstanding. PINOT NOIR 2018
aged for 30 months. It has a powerful Single vineyard, Yarra Valley, Victoria
and seductive nose of ripe black Score: 93 (David Lawrason, winealign.
currants, blackberries, plums, cassis, com, Dec. 5, 2019) TASTING NOTE: Sourced from vineyards
graphite, sandalwood, mocha, leather and 361394 (XD) 750 mL $59.95 at 984-feet in elevation in the Upper
wonderful spice aromas. All that carries Yarra, the nose of this wine is intensely
to the palate and more, with an array of reminiscent of truffles, but there’s plenty
dark berries including concentrated of fruit, florals and spice, too, expressed
currants and cassis with kirsch, rich spice
notes, polished tannins and complex AUSTRALIA in tones of red berries, roses, white
pepper, dried herbs and minerals.
layers of ripe fruit that all lead to a long, History buffs take note: Beautifully nuanced and textured on the
energetic finish. This wine was delicious this selection features a Shiraz palate, it’s both broad and laser-focused,
when opened for the initial tasting, from 124-year-old vines and a slinking with savory tannins, crunchy
but was improved greatly a day later. Semillon from 150- year-old vines. red fruit and herbs. The finish is long and
I suggest it will improve for 10 years complex, making it impossible not to
plus in your cellar. The best Cabernet RED WINE take another sip. It’s delicious now, but it
Sauvingon I have tasted from Niagara. could cellar until 2029. Editors’ Choice.
Score: 94 (Rick VanSickle, Score: 95 (Christina Pickard, Wine
BROKENWOOD WADE BLOCK 2 Enthusiast, Jan. 1, 2020)
winesinniagara.com, Nov. 4, 2019) SHIRAZ 2017
17500 (XD) 750 mL $100.00 McLaren Vale, South Australia 10774 (XD) 750 mL $60.00
TASTING NOTE: Matured for 16 months
SPARKLING WINE in French oak. A most attractive wine, KAY BROTHERS AMERY VINEYARD
taking full advantage of the vintage BLOCK 6 SHIRAZ 2016
with its supple medium-bodied weight McLaren Vale, South Australia
13TH STREET GRANDE CUVÉE and mouthfeel. Then there’s the McLaren TASTING NOTE: Block 6 is east-facing,
BLANC DE NOIRS SPARKLING 2013 Vale dark chocolate, blackberry and
Traditional method, Whitty Vineyard, the 124yo vines running north-south.
fine tannins to come into focus. It ticks Hand-picked, crushed and destemmed,
VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula all the boxes. Drink by: 2037. open-fermented, 10 days on skins,
TASTING NOTE: Here’s a mature, nicely Score: 95 (James Halliday, matured for 23 months in puncheons
elegant, nuanced and complex traditional winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2019) (40% new). The most remarkable feature
method sparkler based entirely on single 681171 (XD) 750 mL $58.00
14 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
of the wine is its medium-bodied
elegance, with dark cherry and NEW ZEALAND GREYWACKE BOTRYTIS
PINOT GRIS 2015
blackberry fruits supported by soft Two aromatic and focused Marlborough, South Island
tannins. A tour de force. Special value. Pinot Noirs, a complex Chardonnay,
TASTING NOTE: The lush, honeyed
Drink by: 2046. and a botrytis-affected Pinot Gris.
2015 Botrytis Pinot Gris kicks off
Score: 97 (James Halliday, with scents of beeswax, marmalade
winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2019) RED WINE and candied ginger. It’s medium to
598870 (XD) 750 mL $108.00 full-bodied, broad and mouth coating
GRASSHOPPER ROCK on the palate but reasonably balanced,
EARNSCLEUGH VINEYARD with hints of fresh peaches, tangerines
MOUNT PLEASANT MAURICE PINOT NOIR 2017 and a bit of citrus pith on the finish.
O’SHEA SHIRAZ 2017 Central Otago, South Island
Hunter Valley, New South Wales Drink date: 2020-2025.
TASTING NOTE: Ample ripeness of red Score: 93 (Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.
TASTING NOTE: Fruit sourced from the com, March 31, 2020)
fruits and charming aromas of violet,
Old Hill, Old Paddock and Rosehill
thyme and plum. Structured and silky 16884 (S) 375 mL $37.00
Vineyards. Matured in 20% new large
on the palate, bursting with freshness,
format French oak for 14 months. This is
generous and ripe.
a truly sensational release. It has flow,
Score: 95 (Decanter World Wine Awards,
fruit and form, but the drama is in the
finish, which shoots majestically into the
2019)
SOUTH
distance. This wine pretty much has it all.
It fans classic regional red flavours across
493163 (XD) 750 mL $45.00
AFRICA
the palate; its core is strong and pure; A groundbreaking,
SCHUBERT BLOCK B PINOT NOIR
its balance would do a yoga instructor cellar-worthy Syrah sourced
2017
proud; and it has X-factor up to its Wairarapa, North Island from a rugged, steep vineyard.
eyeballs. Drink by: 2050.
Score: 98 (Campbell Mattinson, TASTING NOTE: Very attractive, brambly RED WINE
winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2019) red cherries with aromatic detail that
leads to a refined and focused palate
237941 (XD) 750 mL $250.00 that has a very punchy, fresh and vibrant PORSELEINBERG SYRAH 2017
core of succulent, rich, darker cherries. WO Swartland
WHITE WINE Succulent and long. Drink or hold. TASTING NOTE: Has any brand in
Score: 95 (James Suckling, South Africa achieved quite so much as
jamessuckling.com, Dec. 4, 2019) Porseleinberg in less than a decade?
CHÂTEAU TANUNDA 150-YEAR-OLD This is the best vintage yet from this
66985 (XD) 750 mL $69.00
VINES SEMILLON 2019 steep, brutal, extreme schist-rich site and
Barossa Valley, South Australia that’s saying a good deal. Big, bold and
TASTING NOTE: Exhibiting poise and WHITE WINE intense, with incredible, almost feral
elegance, the wine shows lemon peel, intensity, incense, tar and black pepper
Granny Smith apple and blossom aromas aromas and layers of inky dark fruit. A
ELEPHANT HILL RESERVE
on the nose with a hint of beeswax. It’s CHARDONNAY 2017 stunning wine from a stunning site made
linear and persistent with outstanding Hawke’s Bay, North Island by a gem of a winemaker. 2022-35.
concentration backed by vibrant acidity, Score: 98 (Tim Atkin, MW, timatkin.com,
finishing impressively long and engaging. TASTING NOTE: Gorgeously complex South Africa Special Report 2019)
A wine of splendid purity and style. and inviting, the wine shows ripe
peach, fig, lemon peel and vanillin oak 483941 (XD) 750 mL $100.00
At its best: 2022 to 2034.
Score: 96 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, characters on the nose, leading to a
Jan. 2020) concentrated palate that is wonderfully
expansive and creamy. It is opulent
17216 (XD) 750 mL $54.00 and sophisticated with an impressively
long refined finish. At its best: now
to 2023.
Score: 95 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz,
Nov. 2019)
17213 (XD) 750 mL $52.00
15 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
ARGENTINA SPARKLING WINE C
C
H
Three top-scoring single-vineyard
wines from the top of the world. VALDIVIESO CUVÉE ANIVERSARIO
BLANC DE BLANCS 2014 T
Traditional method, Casablanca Valley C
RED WINE M
TASTING NOTE: Made entirely with i
Chardonnay from Casablanca, this c
ACHÁVAL FERRER FINCA MIRADOR remarkable sparkling wine is one of the
MALBEC 2015 b
best I’ve tasted from Chile. With four t
Mendoza years on lees before disgorgement, it’s M
TASTING NOTE: Lots of plum liqueur, layered, complex and wonderfully fresh, fi
morello cherries, dried redcurrants, with bready, citrus-edged flavours and e
spices, cedar, ash, charcoal, vanilla and wonderful palate length. 2019-2026. fi
coffee with a touch of herbs and Chinese RUTINI SINGLE VINEYARD Score: 96 (Tim Atkin, MW, timatkin.com, D
spices. Full-bodied, very intense with CABERNET FRANC 2016 Chile Special Report 2019) S
tons of dense fruit and ripe tannins, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, 15633 (XD) 750 mL $48.00 r
leading all the way to the powerful, very Mendoza
long finish. Not for the faint of heart. 3
TASTING NOTE: 100% Cabernet Franc.
Drink in 2022. Beautiful balsamic, floral, herbal, tobacco
Score: 95 (James Suckling,
jamessuckling.com, Dec. 27, 2018)
and plum aromatics. The palate is juicy,
rounded and fresh with chalky tannins,
USA C
2
High-scoring, collectible reds N
256008 (XD) 750 mL $140.00 tension and energy. Long and refreshing
from Napa, including multiple
finish with an aftertaste of tobacco T
large formats of the Ulysses 2016
and herbs. c
ALTA VISTA ALIZARINE and a brace of Syrah-led wines
Score: 96 (Decanter World Wine Awards, b
SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2015 from Paso Robles’s L’Aventure.
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2019) a
16507 (XD) 750 mL $60.00 c
TASTING NOTE: As was the case with
the other single-vineyard wine from Luján CALIFORNIA s
c
de Cuyo, I also found more freshness w
RED WINE
CHILE
and balance in the 2015 Malbec T
Alizarine than in the 2014. There is less c
alcohol and more balanced acidity. As An intense Cabernet from an AMUSE BOUCHE RED 2016 g
the vinification and aging was the same iconic producer, and a complex Napa Valley fi
(concrete and 66% new barrels), the Blanc de Blancs that would be 2
TASTING NOTE: A blend of 86% Merlot
differences are due to the vintage, but ideal for milestone celebrations. S
and 14% Cabernet Franc, the medium
I think this is more about the vineyard, r
garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary
Las Compuertas, a traditional zone RED WINE Red Blend Amuse Bouche sings of
that is being eaten by the city, the cost 3
crushed red and black plums, black 5
of land for real estate is too much of a
DON MELCHOR cherry compote, Ceylon tea, licorice and
temptation that is hard to resist. The
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 Indian spices with a waft of potpourri.
year was cooler, and the wine is fresher C
30th anniversary, Puente Alto, The palate is medium to full-bodied,
and had less alcohol than the 2014 Maipo Valley C
exquisitely elegant with firm yet satiny
I tasted next to it. Concentration with N
TASTING NOTE: Fantastic aromas of tannins, refreshing, perfumed, spicy and
harmony. This should age nicely in bottle.
blackcurrants and other dark fruit with very long with savory notions coming T
Drink date: 2019-2025.
crushed stone, iron and oysters, following through. Drink date: 2020-2042. S
Score: 94 (Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.
through to a full body that shows Score: 95+ (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, o
com, Oct. 31, 2019)
incredible energy and depth, offering ripe robertparker.com, Oct. 29, 2018) e
119834 (XD) 750 mL $60.00 yet fresh fruit, together with bright herbs v
362863 (XD) 750 mL $610.00
and earth. Precision and balance of the b
intensity of the vintage. Layered. Perhaps I
the greatest Don Melchor ever made. s
Try after 2022. p
Score: 99 (James Suckling, M
jamessuckling.com, March 2, 2020) S
c
403980 (XD) 750 mL $160.00
7
16 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
CADE ESTATE CLIFF LEDE POETRY EISELE VINEYARD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley Stags Leap District, Napa Valley Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2017 Cade Estate TASTING NOTE: Deep garnet-purple in TASTING NOTE: The 2016 Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 4% color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple
Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, Poetry gives up crème de cassis, baked color. Its nose begins a little reserved,
is deep garnet-purple colored and a little plums, blueberry compote, chocolate slowly revealing a quiet intensity of
closed, slowly giving up warm cassis, box, earth and aniseed scents on the freshly crushed blackberries, chocolate-
blackberry tart and mulberries with nose with wafts of cedar chest and covered cherries, cassis and aniseed
touches of spice box, pencil shavings and pencil lead. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, with compelling nuances of black tea,
Marmite toast. The full-bodied palate is it is concentrated, very classy and cigar box, truffles and charcuterie, plus,
firm, grainy and muscular with an earthy multilayered with great energy and a with coaxing, gentle wafts of red roses
expression and just enough freshness, long finish. Drink date: 2021-2052. and crushed rocks emerge. The medium
finishing on a lingering mineral note. Score: 98 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, to full-bodied palate is simply arresting,
Drink date: 2020-2037. robertparker.com, Oct. 31, 2019) offering a myriad floral and earth sparks
Score: 94 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, 14209 (XD) 750 mL $450.00
amidst a black fruit core and with
robertparker.com, Oct. 31, 2019) seamless, firm, very fine-grained tannins.
Well-knit freshness brings forth layer
325027 (XD) 750 mL $206.00
EISELE VINEYARD ALTAGRACIA after layer of delicate nuances on the
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 very long, mineral-laced finish. The team
CARDINALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley at Eisele, led by Frédéric Engerer (of
2016 TASTING NOTE: The Altagracia is Chateau Latour) and beautifully
Napa Valley produced almost exclusively from estate orchestrated by winemaker Hélène
TASTING NOTE: The deep garnet-purple fruit this year and was bottled at the Mingot, have knocked it out of the park
colored 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is end of June 2018. Deep garnet-purple this vintage with this singular expression
blended of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon that both embraces the site’s heritage
and 11% Merlot. It opens with Altagracia comes bursting forth with and reveals parts unknown.
compelling chocolate box and licorice vivacious black cherries, blackberries, Score: 100 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW,
scents over a core of black and red wild blueberries and cassis notes with robertparker.com, Oct. 29, 2018)
currants, warm plums and baking spices touches of cinnamon stick, cloves, forest 576140 (XD) 750 mL $820.00
with hints of cedar chest and pencil lead. floor, violets and dusty earth with a 575415 (XD) 1500 mL $1700.00
The palate is full-bodied with layers of waft of violets. The palate is medium to
cassis and kirsch flavors framed by firm, full-bodied, firm and grainy with loads
grainy tannins and fabulous freshness, of iron and mineral accents, finishing L’AVENTURE ESTATE CUVÉE 2017
finishing long and spicy. Drink date: long and perfumed. Paso Robles
2022-2048. Score: 95 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, TASTING NOTE: A blend of 49% Syrah,
Score: 97 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, robertparker.com, Oct. 29, 2018) 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21%
robertparker.com, Oct. 29, 2018) 390823 (XD) 750 mL $205.00 Petit Verdot, the 2017 Estate Cuvée
390310 (XD) 750 mL $499.00 has a very deep purple-black color and
575753 (XD) 1500 mL $1099.00 explosive nose of black cherry and
boysenberry preserves, crème de cassis,
cedar, violet, burnt orange peel, baker’s
CHATEAU MONTELENA ESTATE chocolate, thyme, grilled meats, loamy
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 earth and Indian spices. The silky,
Napa Valley full-bodied palate is expansive, spicy
TASTING NOTE: The 2015 Cabernet and floral laced, with a firm but incredibly
Sauvignon Estate is a brilliant wine and pixelated frame and great freshness
one of the gems out there from this on the long, dense finish. This merits
estate. It offers crème de cassis, crushed another 3-5 years in bottle at least.
violets, purple iris, and white flowers, with Drink date: 2021-2041.
beautifully integrated background oak. Score: 96 (Erin Brooks, robertparker.com,
It’s deep, rich, medium to full-bodied, and Feb. 6, 2020)
seamless, with fine tannins, truly brilliant 390880 (XD) 750 mL $178.00
purity of fruit, and a great, great finish.
Maturity: 2019-2044.
Score: 97 (Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.
com, Jan. 31, 2019)
709881 (XD) 750 mL $230.00
17 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
SHAFER TD-9 2017 PATZ & HALL HYDE VINEYARD
Napa Valley CHARDONNAY 2016
Carneros
TASTING NOTE: Moving to the reds, the
2017 TD-9 Proprietary Red Blend is TASTING NOTE: The 2016 Chardonnay
mostly Merlot yet includes 22% Malbec Hyde Vineyard reveals evocative
and a small amount of Cabernet grapefruit, white peach and green mango
Sauvignon. Deep purple-hued with sweet notes with suggestions of fresh ginger,
aromas of jammy blackberries, spiced almond croissant and honeysuckle.
cherries, herbes de Provence, and dried Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers
flowers, it is a wonderfully textured, a fantastic intensity of citrus and tropical
medium to full-bodied, balanced red with flavors with a racy backbone and a
sweet tannins and a great finish. It’s long, mineral-laced finish. Drink date:
going to evolve nicely for 10-12 years. 2018-2028.
Maturity: 2020-2032. Score: 94+ (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW,
Score: 92 (Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck. robertparker.com, June 29, 2018)
L’AVENTURE OPTIMUS 2017 com, Jan. 31, 2020) 926659 (XD) 750 mL $99.00
Paso Robles
570788 (XD) 750 mL $110.00
TASTING NOTE: Blended of 49% Syrah,
41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10%
Petit Verdot, the deep ruby colored 2017 ULYSSES 2016
Optimus opens with aromas of fresh Napa Valley
fruits – wild blackberries, crushed TASTING NOTE: Aromas of sweet
blueberries and sour cherries – along berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and
with loamy earth, touches of cured meats, licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered
saline and olives, very fresh and crunchy and soft, velvety and focused tannins.
on the nose. Medium to full-bodied and Breathtaking texture. The focus and
silky, it has great intensity and interplay polish is phenomenal. Harmonious.
of red, black and blue fruits with spices Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful.
and savory touches. It has a very classy A blend of cabernet sauvignon,
frame of finely pixelated tannins and cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink
wonderful freshness, finishing long and or hold [till 2046+].
lifted. This shows excellent restraint! Score: 99 (James Suckling,
It’s drinking beautifully now but will jamessuckling.com, Dec. 17, 2018)
reward another 3-5 years in the cellar. 478818 (XD) 1500 mL $552.00
Drink date: 2021-2041. 518332 (XD) 3000 mL $1335.00
Score: 93 (Erin Brooks, robertparker.com, 518340 (XD) 6000 mL $3175.00
Feb. 6, 2020)
683409 (XD) 750 mL $90.00
WHITE WINE
LOUIS M. MARTINI LOT 1
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 EISELE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON
Napa Valley BLANC 2017
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: Broad-shouldered and
dense, with very ripe waves of raspberry, TASTING NOTE: The aromas to this great
plum and boysenberry reduction flavors white show wonderful sherbet, limes,
coursing through, inlaid with singed green melon, salt and honey blossom.
vanilla, apple wood and sweet tobacco Full to medium body, with a vertical,
accents. Cuts a wide swath through the compact fruit presence, firmness and
finish, with the fruit powering through in great length. Such energy and intensity
unison with the toast and a tug of loam. with focus and elegance. Best white of
A big ’un. Best from 2020 through 2030. Napa at the moment? Drink or hold.
Score: 94 (James Molesworth, Score: 99 (James Suckling,
winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2019) jamessuckling.com, March 2, 2020)
439976 (XD) 750 mL $230.00 210385 (XD) 750 mL $150.00
18 VINTAGES OPPOSITE: The red roofs of Dürnstein, Austria.THE CLASSICS COLLECTION • NOVEMBER 2020
ONLINE ORDERING
STARTS DECEMBER 3
DECEMBER
s CLASSICS COLLECTION
19 VINTAGESTHE CLASSICS COLLECTION • DECEMBER 2020
FRANCE MARCHAND-TAWSE LES SUCHOTS
VOSNE-ROMANÉE 1ER CRU 2017
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
RED WINE
Burgundy takes centre stage AC
in this month’s collection,
TASTING NOTE: The 2017 Vosne-
which also features two DOMAINE CHANSON CLOS
Romanée Les Suchots 1er Cru is 100%
vintages of Cristal. DES FÈVES MONOPOLE BEAUNE
whole cluster fruit raised in 50% new
oak (two barrels produced). It has a 1ER CRU 2017
generous bouquet of cranberry, wild AC
BORDEAUX strawberry and hints of Seville orange TASTING NOTE: The tasting ended with
marmalade, a vein of crushed stone Chanson’s monopole Clos des Fèves.
RED WINE tucked underneath. The palate is Here it owns 3.8ha of the 4.42ha Les
medium-bodied with sappy red berry Fèves, on prime mid-slope limestone soil.
fruit, firm grip and good structure, Reticent by comparison, with new wood
CHÂTEAU PRIEURE LICHINE 2015
4e cru, AC Margaux the whole bunches influence lending evident, this is a wine of grand cru quality
edginess and earthiness toward the to be drunk. 2023-2034.
TASTING NOTE: Some very ripe dark- finish. It will require three to five years Score: 95 (Steven Spurrier, decanter.com,
plum aromas with a wealth of sweet in bottle, but has good potential. March 2019)
spices and earthy notes. The palate has Drinking window: 2022-2040.
an impressively rich, suave and smooth 528034 (XD) 750 mL $142.00
Score: 91-93 (Neal Martin, vinous.com,
core of black fruit with a powerful palate Jan. 2019)
that delivers concentrated and intense DOMAINE TAWSE FRÉMIETS VOLNAY
structure. This is superb Margaux. Try 411447 (XD) 750 mL $208.00 1ER CRU 2017
from 2022. AC
Score: 96 (James Suckling, ROCHE DE BELLENE TASTING NOTE: The 2017 Volnay Les
jamessuckling.com, Feb. 2, 2018) CHARMES-CHAMBERTIN Fremiets 1er Cru contains 50% whole
15953 (XD) 750 mL $110.00 GRAND CRU 2012 clusters, matured in 20% new oak.
AC It has quite an intense, slightly broody,
TASTING NOTE: As always with a grand marine-influenced bouquet, the oak
BURGUNDY cru from Gevrey-Chambertin, this wine
shows immense power. It is dominated by
discreet in its supporting role. The palate
is well balanced and quite concentrated,
with touches of black olive infusing
CÔTE DE NUITS black fruits as well as signs of the 60%
wood aging. Behind, the red cherry fruits the black fruit. The taut, linear finish feels
RED WINE are developing along with the lively long and tender. Excellent. Drinking
acidity. It needs to age and should not be window: 2021-2036.
LOUIS LATOUR LES QUATRE drunk before 2019. Ranked #99 in the Score: 91-93 (Neal Martin, vinous.com,
JOURNAUX ROMANÉE SAINT-VIVANT 2015 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Jan. 2019)
GRAND CRU 2017 Selections. 577197 (XD) 750 mL $98.00
AC Score: 95 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
TASTING NOTE: Hints of ripe and bright July 1, 2015)
HENRI DE VILLAMONT
aromas of strawberries and cherries. 235390 (XD) 750 mL $320.00 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
Floral and very pretty. Full-bodied and MORGEOT 1ER CRU 2015
compact with pretty fruit. Vertical and AC
structured. Better after 2022.
Score: 95 (James Suckling, TASTING NOTE: This is a ripe wine,
jamessuckling.com, Feb. 12, 2019) concentrated with spice, wood aging
as well as the rich fruit of the vintage. Its
179598 (XD) 750 mL $860.00 bold fruits are generous and opulent,
demanding aging. The wine comes from
one of the best known of the Chassagne
premier crus. Drink from 2020.
Score: 91 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
Nov. 1, 2017)
15951 (XD) 750 mL $63.00
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