2019
Stellar Clement Cellar Live Auction 2019
Red Wine Chateau des Eyrins Margaux 1994 1 Bottle
On a hillside plateau in the heart of Margaux, on the left bank of the Gironde River, Château des Eyrins produces a classic Margaux: dense and deep, with incredible finesse and freshness, the wine undeniably expresses the identity of this glorious appellation. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot.
Penfolds Bin 407 2014 1 Bottle
Deep red. Varietally correct, with all the right “ingredients”—dried herbs, tobacco, mint, rosemary and thyme. Familial aromas of cold roasted lamb, dark olive and pulpy tomato attest to regional and varietal parentage. Bold and seductive, with accents of dark chocolate—covered espresso bean, fresh sage, and licorice to the core of blackberry and plum flavors. The tannins show plenty of polish. Drink now through 2028. | 92 Points Buena Vista Chateau Buena Vista 2015 1 Bottles
Earthy-cherry aromas linger in this elegant, restrained red. Great acidity integrates with cranberry and sandalwood while red fruits abound. The finish sweetens the palate with a hint of maple but keeps things dry with violet petals. The luxurious mouth feel can be attributed to 28 months of aging in French oak. | 96 Points
Chappellet Mountain Cuvée Proprietor’s Blend 2016 1 Bottles
Lush, layered and complex, this Bordeaux blend begins with concentrated aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, and dark chocolate. As the wine evolves in the glass, notes of anise, clove and bay leaf emerge, creating an inviting combination of fruit and spice. On the palate, a creamy texture underscores the wine’s richness, while accentuating flavors of ripe plum, vanilla, and roasted coffee that glide to a long, lingering finish. Blend : 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc | 92 Points
Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet 2015 2 Bottles
Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage, and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins, and notes of fig, licorice, and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish. Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc | 93 Points Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet 2012 1 Bottles
The stunning 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a 30-year wine. Loads of crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice, incense, and oak jump from the glass of this huge, massive, concentrated and ripe wine that reminds those of some of the early vintages from Michael Dunn’s father, Randy, particularly the 1982 and 1984. This is a beauty of great intensity and purity that should age effortlessly for 25-30+ years. If you can find it, it will be certainly worth having, as it flirts with perfection.| 96 Points Frog’s Leap Estate Grown Cabernet 2016 3 Bottle
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot. Bold and luscious, with generous dark cherry, plum spice, leather. Forward and supple, the 2016 will drink well right out of the gate, and yet it also has enough freshness to age nicely for a number of years. In 2016, the Cabernet has gorgeous depth to play off a classic, mid-weight sense of structure. This is a positively joyous Cabernet Sauvignon from Frog’s Leap. | 93 Points Honig Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 3 Bottles
Bright blackberry, red plum, and raspberry fruit with notes of cranberry, black tea, spice and coriander seed. Luscious and balanced, with toasty oak and a long finish. Medium-bodied and well balanced, it shows nice purity in the mouth with grainy tannins and good length. Blend: 83%Cabernet Sauvignon, 9%Petit Verdot, 4%Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot | 90 Points Joseph Phelps Insignia 2014 1 Bottle
Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc A deep garnetpurple color and nose of crushed blackberries and fresh blackcurrants with touches of cigar box, sandalwood, dried lavender, beef drippings and mocha plus a waft of wild thyme. Medium to fullbodied and incredibly elegant and fine in the mouth, the lively fruit is well structured by grainy tannins and seamless acid, finishing long and earthy. Rating: 97+ Lail Vineyards Blueprint 2016 1 Bottle
Deep ruby with purple edges in color, with exotic aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis and dark chocolate. Echoing the aromas, spicy flavors of blackberry, mint and boysenberry add further intrigue and complexity. It is creamy, rich, lush and simply delicious. Structured as it goes, it finishes soft and silky. This is a wine for the cellar as well. Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. | 96 Points
Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Cabernet 2012 1 Bottle
Extremely elegant and restrained at first on the nose, this bottling eventually shows gravel and crushed rocks, with hints of blackberry and forest underbrush also emerging. A very firm structure weaves together an incredibly well-integrated wine, with dense mulberry and dried-fennel notes that morph into crushed herbs with time. Drink 2018–2032. Cellar Selection. | 95 Points Orin Swift Palermo 2016 1 Bottle
Blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc and aged for ten months in 35% new French oak, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon gives up notions of stewed plums, baked blackcurrants and mulberries with hints of tobacco, sautéed herbs and damp soil with a touch of forest floor. Full-bodied, firm and chewy, it gives loads of savory layers and has an herbal lift on the finish. | 90 Points Pahlmeyer Jayson Cabernet 2016 2 Bottles
Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon reveals its classic expression with deep, elegant black fruit aromas, and hints of plum, licorice, vanilla, fresh cream and the suggestion of forest floor. A juicy entry leads into a dense mid-palate; mocha, dusty chalk, and attractive herbal hints round out the rich flavors. Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot Complex elements of dried herb and sage nip at the palate with ease, complementing the undeniable richness.| 94 Points Robert Foley Napa Valley Cabernet 2014 1 Bottle
It possesses wonderful, charming, nearly irresistibly ripe, juicy fruit, succulence, opulence and a medium to full-bodied personality. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. | 94 Points
Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 1 Bottle
Has a garnet color with a ruby red rim and bluish tint. It has an alluring nose of chocolate-covered strawberries, vanilla, nutmeg, truffle and sage. On the palate, it has a broad yet delicate entry and offers cranberry flavors. These flavors are complemented by raspberry and pluot with savory black olive characters on the mid-palate. The wine finishes with silky tannins, cedar and bramble flavors with excellent length and return. This wine is drinkable upon release, but given proper cellaring conditions can be enjoyed through 2038.Blend: 97.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.3% Merlot, 0.5% Petit\ Verdot, 0.3% Malbec, 0.2% Cabernet Franc. | 93 Points St. Clement Armstrong Ranch 2014 1 Bottle
The St. Clement Armstrong Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by wonderful boysenberry, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder aromas with classic Diamond Mountain tannins. | 90 Points
St. Clement Johanna 2014 1 Bottle
The 2014 Johanna Cabernet Sauvignon is a dynamic blend of valley fruit sourced primarily from Oakville and St. Helena augmented with mountain fruit from Diamond Mountain. It opens with appealing ripe red plum and blackberry notes fortified by a distinct dark chocolate element. On the palate it is full-bodied with macerated black cherry and blackberry compote, dark chocolate and sweet baking spice. Densely fruited and well-structured, this wine begs to be paired with rich meat dishes. | 91 Points Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS 2016 1 Bottle
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Deep purple-black in color, it opens with notions of crushed black cherries, warm blackberries and mulberries with hints of unsmoked cigars, fragrant soil and wild sage plus a waft of allspice. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with expressive black berry and earthy layers with a frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. | 92 Points Tarot Tempérance Cabernet 2014 1 Bottle
The 2014 Tarot Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, dense, dark, powerful and velvety. With black cherry, boysenberry and a hint of dustiness, the nose is reminiscent of walking through a raspberry patch. The wine has good intensity and intrigue coming out of the glass, and the palate follows the nose. With a very full entry, this medium bodied wine has a round and supple mid-palate and lingering fruit notes on the finish. | 90 Points Château Haut-Bailly Pessac-Léognan 2010 1 Bottle
Great aromas of crushed blackberries with flowers and stones that follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. It fills your mouth with beautiful fruit and velvety tannins yet shows tension and form. This lasts for minutes on the palate. Structured and superb. Don’t touch until 2020. | 98 Points
Patrick Jasmin Côte-Rôtie 2012 1 Bottle Has a good, running bouquet, led by dark berry fruit with a light floral undernote – this is a clean and confident start. Likeable mix of airborne qualities and fine depth. The palate gets off and goes well, bearing up tempo fruit of clarity, finesse and lively length. It even drinks well now! The tannins are fine, the style accomplished. This is an expressive, natural Côte-Rôtie. Licorice and a slight tar note appear on the finish. Well made, tasty wine. 90 Points Qupé Grenache Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard 2009 2 Bottles
The aromas are heady and spicy, with a black pepper character normally associated with Syrah. It has that classic wild cherry aroma as well. In the mouth it is full bodied without being heavy, great acidity and that small addition of Syrah helps it sneak in just under 14% alcohol. Drink this young for its spicy exuberant fruit, or put it in the cellar for 10-15 years to drink at its best! | 90 Points
Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Cuvée Impériale Cháteauneuf-du-Pape
2016
1 Bottle
The Imperiale wine is from our older vines, mostly centennial planted in 1901-1902. The yields are extremely low guaranteeing a dense and deep wine. The old vines of Grenache are elegant in this vintage and capable of aging dozens of years. Blend: 90% Grenache, 10% Mixture of Old Grapes. Scents of roses, black tea and raspberries set the scene, while the palate is full-bodied but silky and nearly weightless, delivering an intricate, detailed interplay of red fruit, dried spices and orange zest. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a stunner. | 97 Points Tikal Amorío Malbec 2014 2 Bottles
Aromas of smoky oak and cherry. Mouthwatering, penetrating flavors of ripe red and black cherries and red berries. Quite rich and velvety on the palate, and finishes with just enough grip to make it a real winner with food. This is some seriously sexy Malbec. Pairs well with grilled or smoked meats such as beef, pork, and lamb. Also complements dishes prepared with cheese or cream sauces. | 92 Points
Ornellaia Le Volte 2016 1 Bottle
Few vintages have expressed all the virtues of the Tuscan coast’s climate as eloquently as 2016. An almost perfect combination of sunshine, warm summer days and cool nights, with just about enough rain to slow down the vine’s growth without making them suffer from drought have led to one of the purest expressions of Le Volte, combining perfectly ripe yet vibrant fruit with a silky and generous texture underlined by a fresh and lively acidity. Drink now. | 92 Points Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana 2016 1 Bottle
Intense deep ruby red. Great aromatic richness and a complex bouquet of black currant, small black fruits and delicate balsamic notes. Velvety tannins and aromas of blackberry that fill the palate with lingering persistence. A delicious companion with full flavored meats and roasts. Drink now through 2028.| 93 Points Pepper Bridge Merlot 2013 3 Bottles
Seductive aromas of red cherries, ripe black currant, violets and exotic spices mingle delicately with rich, melting dark chocolate. The mouthfeel is wonderfully plush with silky tannins, an appetiteencouraging level of acidity and impressively restrained minerality. Rich and concentrated, this expansive Merlot finishes with a smooth, refined elegance. Best from 2018 through 2023. 1,306 cases made. | 90 Points Juan Gil Jumilla Blue Label 2015 2 Bottles
This is a very concentrated, complex and elegant wine, kept for 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Purple/black in color, it proffers a nose of pain grille, graphite, earth notes, spice box, black fruits, and a hint of balsamic. It opens in the glass to reveal excellent density, savory flavors, plenty of spice, and a lengthy, pure finish. It will evolve well for 2-3 years and drink well for many years. | 92 Points
Damilano Barolo Cannubi 2012 1 Bottle
The color is garnet red with orange reflections. The bouquet is ample and embracing, with pronounced fruity notes of cherry and plum. On the nose there are notes of tobacco, licorice, and cocoa. The taste is harmonious, and pleasantly dry with soft tannins. Medium-to full-bodied, chewy and muscular — yet polished and well-formed. Drink or hold. Better in 2020 but so classy now. | 95 Points De Forville Barbaresco 2015 1 Bottle
Obtained from Nebbiolo grapes cultivated in the vineyards of Loreto, Ovello and Cavanna in the commune of Barbaresco. It is a full-bodied wine, with balanced tannins and texture. It matures for two years in wooden casks to express its velvety taste and perfumes after some years in the bottle. dry and round, thanks to its powerful structure and balanced tannins. | 90 Points G.D. Vajra Albe Barolo 2013 1 Bottle
A traditional Barolo, where character and refined balance, beautiful flavors and ripe tannins merge and gift, with their perfect harmony, a true and authentic identity to this Barolo. Bright ruby color. Red fruit and plum flavors, flowers, pine needles and a finish that reminds of bushes. Albe is the harmony of sophisticated and delicate perfumes, supported by an elegant acidity and ripe tannins. Best from 2021 through 2032. | 93 Points Orin Swift Machete 2016 2 Bottles
Violet ink in the glass, a nose of black plums, cassis, and cacao engage. The robust entry consists of a progressing palate of blackberry and boysenberry compote, a reduction of dark plum and ripe figs, and pure Amarena cherry. Flashes of vanilla and traces of minerality evolve into chalky tannins and a smooth lingering finish. Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2024. | 92 Points Au Contraire Dutton Ranch 2013 1 Bottle
Brilliant ruby color. On the nose are layers of cherry, raspberry and plum with a hint of violet surrounded by subtle spice. An elegant and silky mouthfeel with fine-grained tannins and firm acidity showcase the wine’s ripe fruit. Pairs well with grilled and roasted meats such as lamb, pork, poultry, duck and light sauces, or with delicate cheeses. | 90 Points Calera Mills Vineyard 2014 1 Bottle
Possesses a captivating bouquet of red currant, tart cherry, mineral, white pepper and blueberry. Beautiful flavors of violets, rose petals and boysenberry are wrapped around an intense, concentrated core of fine-grained tannins with hints of sweet oak. Moderate viscosity and great depth continue into a long, juicy, mouthwatering finish. | 93 Points Comptche Ridge Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012 1 Bottle
Wonderfully layered and sensual in the glass, the 2012 Comptche Ridge Pinot Noir is all about texture, silkiness and polish. Dark red cherry, plum, licorice, smoke and star anise are some of the many notes that grace the palate in this exquisite, layered Pinot. The 50% whole clusters add lift, but are also beautifully integrated. | 94 points
Davis Family Vineyards Starr Ridge Pinot Noir
2014
2 Bottles
This is a soft, smooth and earthy wine, still unraveling from its youth, that’s crisp and fresh in acidity. Chewy still in texture, it offers a glorious celebration of red cherry, rhubarb, tea and clove. | 91 Points
Flowers Vineyards Pinot Noir 2016 1 Bottle
Pale ruby-purple colored with a pronounced red currants and cranberries-scented nose with hints of rose hips, raspberry leaves and dried herbs plus a waft of fungi. Medium-bodied, delicately fruited and with beautifully pure cranberry and earth-inspired layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. | 91 Points Loring Wine Company Clos Pepe Vineyard 2011 1 Bottle
Intense and vibrant, with focused notes of rich, zesty raspberry puree, blackberry, black licorice and pomegranate, easing into the plush texture. Drink now through 2020. 600 cases made. | 92 Points
Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2016 3 Bottles
Ripe red raspberries, blueberry pie, dark cherry preserves and blue plums vie for attention in the intense aroma. Floral scents of lilac and roses are apparent along with cola, milk chocolate and savory mushrooms. Fine French oak frames all this abundance, providing lushness without being overbearing. Generous fruit spills over into the palate. Added to this are flavors of artisanal chocolate-hazelnut spread, fig compote, lingonberries and cocoa powder. The acidity is lively—the mouth feel is full and juicy - the finish long. Every swirl of the glass reveals more, promising long life for this Pinot Noir, and beckons the sampler to take just one more sip. | 92 Points Maison Capitain-Gagnerot Ladoix 1er Cru ‘La Micaude’
2011
1 Bottle
Shiny and sustained ruby. Deep aromas of red and black fruits, slightly spicy. Fleshy, balanced. Moderately deep golden color. Solidly concentrated and rich middle weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality onto the clean, crisp and intense finale where a hint of butter arises. Note while this could easily be enjoyed now, I would actually suggest holding it for 2 to 3 years as I suspect this will become both more texturally more interesting as well as possibly adding more depth. | 90 Points Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve 2015 1 Bottle
There is a darker fruit spectrum evident in the reserve, with notes of coffee, smoke, black fruits, a touch of charred wood all worked through, and without damping the core fruit flavors. Those bright flavors spotlight raspberry, plum and black cherry. A light cola flavor pokes through, with ripe tannins and proportionate acids. The barrel treatment is beautifully applied, adding sweet spice to the finish. | 94 Points
Lemelson Vineyards Jerome Reserve 2014 1 Bottle
Blending elements from the best of our seven certified organic estate vineyards, Jerome Reserve is intended to be our most balanced, expressive and age-worthy Pinot noir. The wine is bright with big cherry and red currant aromas and has nuances of anise, cinnamon and black pepper. There is also amazing concentration and structure leading into a long, juicy finish. This wine is sure to evolve gorgeously for the next decade or more in bottle. | 92 Points American Vintage Proprietary Red
2015
2 Bottles
A blend of 65% Zinfandel and 35% Petite Sirah, this rich, dark, dense wine presents as dark purplered in the glass. The bold, jammy, ripeness of the Zinfandel is well balanced with the blue-black notes of the Petite Sirah. On the nose, you are greeted with the essence of blackberry pie, black cherry, graphite and a hint of herbaciousness. On the palate, this wine is inky and thick while maintaining brightness and balance. Notes of marionberry, bramble and a hint of black pepper coat your mouth in an assertive, rich and lingering way. | 91 Points Château Julien La Conviviance 2012 1 Bottle
Produced from hand selected Bordeaux varietals, winemaker Bill Anderson’s final blend consists of 46% Merlot, 38% Malbec, and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. A freshly swirled glass offers aromas of ripe cherry, rich blackberry, currants, and vanilla. Classically structured and silky smooth, dark berry flavors, notes of pepper, along with hints of earth and leather, unfold on the palate. Take note of this one. It’s noteworthy. | 93 Points Chronology Red 2016 1 Bottle
The 2016 Chronology Red Wine unites Bordeaux and Rhône varietals in balanced harmony. Deep garnet in your glass, you are greeted with notes of black currant, violets, italian plum and hints of umami on the nose. From the first sip, you find notes of black cherries, blueberries, dried figs, baking spices and cacao nibs. Your palate will delight in the bright, rich, palate coating texture of the Chronology. Blend: 30% Petite Sirah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Mission, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 1% Merlot. | 92 Points Flora Springs Trilogy 2015 1 Bottle
Bold, rich and highly extracted, this generous red is packed with boysenberry, black cherry, dark plum and black currant layered with milk chocolate, vanilla bean, cola and a hint of earthy cedar. Seasoned French and American oak adds just the right amount of toasty warmth, and the wine’s tannins, while firm, are round and smooth. This is a decadent wine, almost Port-like in its abundant fruit, with an umami-like unctuousness that leads to a long, satisfying finish. Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot. |93 Points Domaine Lafond Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roc Epine
2015
1 Bottle
Big, chewy, full-bodied beauty that lacks a touch of elegance, yet has serious amounts of dark fruits, toasted spices, leather and savory herb aromas and flavors. Made from 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged in 70% stainless steel and the rest in a mix of new and old barrels, it will need short-term cellaring, but drink well for a decade. | 93 Points
Luce della Vite Luce 2015 1 Bottle
The wine’s complex nose of ripe fruit features dominant cherry and plum aromas introduced by spicy highlights of vanilla and ginger bread that pave the way for softer notes of cinnamon and cloves. To the palate, the wine is genuine and structured. The tannins are present but elegant and not aggressive, providing a broad and dense frame to the wine. The wine is pleasant with a sustained finish dominated by a wonderful crispness. Blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. | 97 Points Montepeloso Eneo Toscana 2014 1 Bottle
Tucked away in the hills of Suvereto near Bolgheri on the Tuscan Coast – one of the hottest areas in Tuscany – is the 15-acre Montepeloso estate. The winemaker admits about his wine that it’s “easy produce concentrated wines in such a hot climate…but it’s much harder to achieve elegance and finesse.” A juicy and fruity wine with succulent fruit, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, needs time to open. | 92 Points Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2012 1 Bottle
This seamless blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (7%) shows some of the roundness and softness of that summer heat. The wine’s density and extraction are spot-on and the bouquet is beautifully shaped by dark cherry nuances with spice, leather and tobacco at the back. There is a gorgeous sense of richness and plushness here. Some 160,000 bottles were produced. This edition of Ornellaia is more immediate in character and less suited to the decades-long aging that cooler vintages can affront so successfully. | 97 Points Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2015 1 Bottle
Le Serre Nuove dell’ Ornellaia 2015 perfectly represents its exceptional vintage, combining an ideal balance of elements in a way that rarely happens; a balance of ripeness, substance and a particular pleasantness. With an intense colour and youthful appearance, its intense and ripe fruity aroma with subtle spicey and toasted highlights are detected on the nose. Well-rounded and satin-smooth on the palate, great texture and harmoniously balanced, with a succulent fruitiness which ends with a zesty finish with no sharp edges, freshened by balsamic notes. Blend: 64% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot Best from 2020 through 2028. | 94 Points Poggio Al Tesoro Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia 2013 1 Bottle
After just a few vintages Sondraia has become a classic in the Bolgheri area, thanks to a style that seeks a powerful profile but with harmony and finesse. Perfectly ripe grapes and painstaking work in the cellar yield a wine with intense notes of fresh fruit and herbs which follow through on the palate, where the wine opens up with great class and silky smoothness. Pungent aromas of black currant, plum, rosemary, sage and spice highlight this powerful red. Rich and dense at once, this lingers with sweet fruit and tannins on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best now through 2025. 1,880 cases imported. | 95 Points Villa Annaberta Amarone della Valpolicella 2012 1 Bottle
Sleek by Amarone standards, this opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, ground pepper, raisin and a whiff of blue flower. On the palate, finely woven tannins support raspberry jam, black pepper, cocoa and a cinnamon note. Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella. | 90 Points
Clos Erasmus Priorat 2013 1 Bottle
One of the greatest wines of Spain. Maximum representation of Priorat. Daphne Glorian is the owner and winemaker, a true artisan of wine, which expresses her love for the land in her wine. Made with a very meticulous elaboration, with careful selection of grapes and making a perfect blend of Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon and with a little bit of Syrah to round the coupage. A real gem of wine. | 100 Points Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva 2012 1 Bottle Black cherry, currant and floral notes are expressive and alluring, balanced by loamy earth, tobacco and mineral elements that add a savory quality. Firm, well-integrated tannins give support to the polished texture, while orange peel acidity fuels the fresh finish. Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano. Drink now through 2027. | 93 Points Force Majeure Parvata 2015 1 Bottle
This red blend was aged for 18 months in nearly all French oak prior to bottling. The nose shows nice smoky character with smoked pork shoulder, Hoisin sauce, blueberry compote and wild thyme. The aromatic range here his really good. The palate is plush and inviting showing good richness as well as excellent freshness. Black fruits mingle with blue fruits, chocolate, smoke and earthy terroir. The exceedingly long finish lingers. Drink 2018-2030. | 94 Points
Bibi Graetz Soffocone di Vincigliata Toscana 2014 1 Bottles
A silky and refined red with plum, berry and cherry character. Medium body and a fresh finish. Shows finesse and beauty. Lively acidity. Best ever. All the Testamatta and Colore is declassified into this. Wow. | 94 Points
Tenuta San Giorgio Ugolforte 2012 2 Bottles
Intense and brilliant garnet with light orange highlights. The nose is full and intense, with hints of cherries, plums and mint, enriched by pleasant notes of sweet tobacco. The palate is harmonious and full-bodied, with a persistent and fruity aftertaste. A zesty note of orange peel closes the firm finish while tightly wound fine-grained tannins provide the backbone. | 91 Points
Plumpjack Syrah 2016 1 Bottle
The 2016 vintage has great complexity and character. This wine has savory aromas of white and black pepper, dried meats, and grilled mushroom along with the sweet aromas of blueberry, plum, and huckleberry pie. A velvety texture meets a complex structure, with black raspberry, smoky mocha and beefy pepper flavors that pick up richness and speed toward big but polished tannins. Drink now through 2026. | 95 Points
Bedrock Wine Co. The Bedrock Heritage 2017 2 Bottles
Brooding but not a bruiser. Finesse combines with power, offering fervent blackberry, fruitcake spice, ground pepper and orange zest accents that build intensity toward big but polished tannins. Zinfandel, Carignan, Mataro, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. | 95 Points
Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2016 1 Bottle A robust, fruit-forward wine with plenty of ripeness, the 2016 Napa Valley Zinfandel offers perfumed aromatics of savory spices and dark coffee. Brambly blackberry, black cherry, and peppery cinnamon intermingle on the full-bodied palate. The right amount of acid and tannin balance out the concentrated palate, leading to a long finish. | 90 Points Ridge Three Valleys 2016 2 Bottles
Bright, floral and lifted, with very pretty red and purplish berry fruit, the 2016 holds tons of near and medium-term appeal. This mid-weight, gracious Zinfandel is all class. Don’t miss it. Appealing now, the wine shows beautiful fruit, layered with exotic spice, and complex minerals. It will be most enjoyable over the next five years. 68% Zinfandel, 15% Carignane, 12% Petite Sirah, 5% Grenache. | 91 Points Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel 2016 2 Bottles
Dark purple-ruby, with a bright crimson hue. On the nose, concentrated aromas of blackberry and raspberry meld with clove and spice. Lush flavors of raspberry, blackberry jam, plums and vanilla flood the palate, followed by touches of white pepper in the background. Plush and round tannins and great length make for a fresh and enticing finish. Recommended pairings for this wine include Pulled Pork with North Carolina Style Barbecue Sauce, Lamb Ragu or Fromage Fort. Blend: 94% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Sirah. | 90 Points Storybook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel Reserve
2013
1 Bottle
Deeply fruited, wonderfully alive and layered with the polish that we have come to expect from this estate, this very vigorous young Zinfandel is as varietally precise as it is impeccably balanced. It is, as is typically the case with the best efforts from Storybook Mountain, a wine that begs for time in the cellar, and its remarkable stamina, its ongoing sense of composure and its unwavering focus add up to an eminently collectable offering that will impress more and more as the years pass. Please be in no hurry here. | 94 Points
Sparkling Bollinger Special Cuvée Bru 2 Bottles
The official Champagne for James Bond. A golden color, distinctive of black grape varieties.Very fine bubbles. On the nose, it has a beautiful aromatic complexity, ripe fruit, and spicy aromas, with hints of roasted apples, apple compote, and peaches. On the palate, there is a subtle combination of structure, length, and vivacity. The bubbles are like velvet. The mouthwatering finish is long and spicy. | 94 Points
Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne 2009 1 Bottle
The stretch of excellent weather condition of 2009 was unprecedented, and allowed us to explore new frontiers of grape ripeness in Champagne. The vintage offers a taste of the ripest and richest fruit, grapes in their prime, with the promise of the future wine’s freshness and energy. The 2009 vintage brings a prodigious, sunny, bold and generous decade to a close. Delivers super fresh and intense aromas of lemons, grapefruit and blood-orange peel. Incredible freshness here. The palate has a very smoothly delivered, berry-pastry thread with light, sweet spices, stone fruit and fine citrus fruit. This really delivers. Drink now or hold. | 98 Points Michel Arnould & Fils Cuvée Cart d’Or Champagne Grand Cru
2006
2 Bottles
A pale yellow color, very bright and the froth gives a persistent fine and delicate ring of bubbles. The nose is rich and radiant. The aromas are generous, firstly with light citrus fruit notes, and develop harmoniously towards subtle grilled and roasted flavors. In the mouth the attack is both pure and silky. | 90 Points Laurent-Perrier Brut Cuvée Champagne Rosé 1 Bottle
Is truly remarkable for its highly expressive bouquet, stemming from very careful preservation of fresh fruit aromas during the wine making. Made with 100% Pinot Noir from 10 different villages. Intensely fruity flavors, clean and slightly sharp, the wine opens to the sensation of freshly picked red berries: strawberries, Morello cherries, black currants and raspberries. The finish is supple and rounded. rink now through 2022. | 93 Points
White Wine Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2016 2 Bottles
Honeysuckle, jasmine, and apple blossom, along with wispy notes of vanilla and lemon balm, highlight a harmony of classic Chardonnay aromas. Green apple, candied orange peel, and baking spices anchor a panoply of vineyard flavors. Seamlessly interwoven between each is fresh, bright acidity along with incredible minerality and depth that slowly build texture and weight. The contrast between silky toast and sweet pear highlights an exceedingly rich finish that will only become more supple and dynamic with age. | 94 Points Far Niente Chardonnay 2017 1 Bottle
Aromas of melon, sweet citrus, and white blossom floral layered with notes of flint, yeast, and sweet toasted oak. A smooth and focused entry is followed by a silky midpalate with ripe flavors of honeydew and lemon, supported by just of touch of wet stone, yeast, and toasted hazelnuts. The finish is long and structured with citrus rind and mouthwatering acid. | 93 Points
Hanzell Chardonnay 2014 1 Bottle
Engaging aromas of lemon verbena, honeysuckle, Bosc pear and a hint of hazelnut are carried by the bright citrus notes of pink grapefruit, lime and Meyer lemon. With a creamy, yet light texture, flavors of tangerine, pink grapefruit, golden delicious apple, pear, thyme and a saline character linger on the palate through a long and bright finish.
Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay 2012 1 Bottle
#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2015 | Very youthful with classic Mount Eden flavors of lemon and hazelnuts. The finish is long and complex which gives high expectation for a 20 plus year life span. Spicy, toasty, aromatic oak offers an enticing start, with a fresh, vibrant core of lemon-lime, lemon curd, white peach and stone fruit that is very tight, dense, focused and persistent. Ends with a juicy Key lime aftertaste. Drink now through 2029. | 95 Points Plumpjack Chardonnay Reserve 2017 1 Bottle
The cooler Carneros site imparts this wine with fresh green apple, Bosc pear, and lemon zest on the nose, while the warmer St. Helena site lends some tropical and melon notes. On the palate, the Carneros site gives gorgeous, bright acidity that is beautifully balanced by the creamy, lingering texture of the St. Helena fruit. A kiss of oak adds subtle layers to the nose and palate of toasted almonds, baked vanilla and spice. Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay 2017 2 Bottles
Enticing aromas of vanilla, peach, and mango are layered with apricots, creme brulee, butter, and a slight minerality. Those scents are echoed as flavors on the creamy, rich palate, along with peach, pie crust and baking spices. The long, smooth finish is marked by mouthwatering acidity. | 91 Points
Francois et Antoine Jobard Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru 2015
1 Bottle
Rich lemon curd and honied tea on the nose. Attack is elegant and layered in citric fruit. High acidity but comes through more into the aftertaste giving to mid palate a wonderful balance. | 91 Points
Joseph Drouhin Meursault 2013 2 Bottles
Concentrated peach, melon and spice flavors, accented by vanilla, nutmeg and clove notes, permeate the opulent texture. A grapefruit peel element emerges on the finish. Ready to drink now. | 92 Points
Château d’Yquem Y 2015 1 Bottle
With an annual production of 10,000 bottles a year, Y (pronounced “ee-grek” in French) is a rare wine. It is made from the same outstanding terroir and the same vines as Château d’Yquem. This offers creamed yellow apple, green melon and verbena notes surrounded by a brioche and salted butter frame. The long and flattering finish lets a second wave of coconut, candied lemon peel and heather glide through. Clearly on the opulent side of the ledger. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2025.| 95 Points
Donor Index Vineyard
Name
Vintage
Bollinger
Special Cuvée Brut
N.V.
Bollinger
Special Cuvée Brut
Dom Pérignon
Regional Style
Color
Donated By:
French Champagne
Sparkling
Roemer family & Newburn family
N.V.
French Champagne
Sparkling
Jercinovic family & Holland family
Brut Champagne
2009
French Champagne
Sparkling
Pierce family
Michel Arnould & Fils
Cuvée Cart d’Or Champagne Grand Cru
2006
French Champagne
Sparkling
Bisciglia family
Michel Arnould & Fils
Cuvée Cart d’Or Champagne Grand Cru
2006
French Champagne
Sparkling
Ryan Family
Laurent-Perrier
Brut Cuvée Champagne Rosé
N.V.
French Champagne
Sparkling
Smith family
Francois et Antoine Jobard
Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru
2015
Burgundy Côte de Beaune White
White
Trina Heffley
Joseph Drouhin
Meursault
2013
Burgundy Côte de Beaune White
White
Luthman family
Joseph Drouhin
Meursault
2013
Burgundy Côte de Beaune White
White
Benvenuto family & Bennett family
Hanzell
Chardonnay
2014
Californian Chardonnay
White
Harper family
Mount Eden Vineyards
Chardonnay
2012
Californian Chardonnay
White
Bell family & Tracy family
Chateau Montelena
Chardonnay
2016
Napa Valley Chardonnay
White
Harriet McSweeney & Colleen Jones
Chateau Montelena
Chardonnay
2016
Napa Valley Chardonnay
White
Buhle Family
Far Niente
Chardonnay
2017
Napa Valley Chardonnay
White
Schetz family
Plumpjack
Chardonnay Reserve
2017
Napa Valley Chardonnay
White
Marietti family
Rombauer Vineyards
Chardonnay
2017
Napa Valley Chardonnay
White
Haravon family
Rombauer Vineyards
Chardonnay
2017
Napa Valley Chardonnay
White
Edmonds family
Vineyard
Name
Château d’Yquem
Y
Chateau des Eyrins
Vintage Regional Style
Color
Donated By:
2015
Bordeaux White
White
Smith family
Margaux
2015
Bordeaux Margaux
Red
Porter family & Creadon family
Penfolds
Bin 407
2014
Australian Cabernet Sauvignon
Red
Kath family & Stenlund family
Château Haut-Bailly
Pessac-Léognan
2010
Bordeaux Pessac -Léognan
Red
Smith family
Mount Eden Vineyards
Estate Cabernet
2012
Californian Cabernet
Red
Visconti family
Joseph Phelps
Insignia
2014
Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
Red
Miller family
Buena Vista
Chateau Buena Vista
2015
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
McNeil family
Chappellet
Mountain Cuvée Proprietor’s Blend
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
De La Cruz/Villares family
Duckhorn Vineyards
Napa Valley Caberne
2015
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Perona family
Duckhorn Vineyards
Napa Valley Caberne
2015
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
McCarthy family
Dunn
Howell Mountain Cabernet
2012
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Caltibiano family
Frog’s Leap
Estate Grown Cabernet
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Chamberlain family & Ablian/Frank family
Frog’s Leap
Estate Grown Cabernet
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Kerewich family & Holbrook family
Frog’s Leap
Estate Grown Cabernet
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Quinn family
Honig
Cabernet Sauvignon
2015
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Grainger family
Honig
Cabernet Sauvignon
2015
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Dausen family
Honig
Cabernet Sauvignon
2015
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Brandfonbrener/ Brauer family
Lail Vineyards
Blueprint
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Christie family
Orin Swift
Palermo
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Newlin family
Vineyard
Name
Vintage Regional Style
Color
Donated By:
Pahlmeyer
Jayson Cabernet
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Spainhour/Kelly family
Robert Foley
Napa Valley Cabernet
2014
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Jakola family
Silver Oak
Cabernet Sauvignon
2014
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Marschall Family
St. Clement
Armstrong Ranch
2014
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Hanson family
St. Clement
Johanna
2014
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Bargnes family
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
ARTEMIS
2016
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Cusick family
Tarot
Tempérance Cabernet
2014
Napa Valley Cabernet
Red
Karnick family & Lezotte family
Patrick Jasmin
Côte-Rôtie
2012
Northern Rhône Côte-Rôtie
Red
Newlin family
Qupé
Grenache Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard
2009
Californian Grenache
Red
Blust family
Qupé
Grenache Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard
2009
Californian Grenache
Red
Meissner family
Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils
Cuvée Impériale Cháteauneufdu-Pape
2016
Southern Rhône Châteauneuf-duPape Red
Red
Jordan family & Mueller family
Tikal
Amorío Malbec
2014
Argentinian Malbec
Red
Watts family
Tikal
Amorío Malbec
2014
Argentinian Malbec
Red
Mattorano family
Ornellaia
Le Volte
2016
Tuscan Red
Red
Vaughn family
Tenuta Sette Ponti
Oreno Toscana
2016
Tuscan Red
Red
Peck family
Pepper Bridge
Merlot
2013
Washington State Merlot
Red
Holbrook family & Zink family
Pepper Bridge
Merlot
2013
Washington State Merlot
Red
Passante family & Redgate family
Pepper Bridge
Merlot
2013
Washington State Merlot
Red
Nabasny family
Juan Gil
Jumilla Blue Label
2015
Spanish Red
Red
Soukup family
Juan Gil
Jumilla Blue Label
2015
Spanish Red
Red
Michele Wagner
Vineyard
Name
De Forville
Barbaresco
Damilano
Vintage Regional Style
Color
Donated By:
2015
Italian Barbaresco
Red
Murray family
Barolo Cannubi
2012
Italian Barolo
Red
Ryan family & Swanson family
G.D. Vajra
Albe Barolo
2013
Italian Barolo
Red
Murer family
Orin Swift
Machete
2016
Californian Red Blend
Red
Krakora family
Orin Swift
Machete
2016
Californian Red Blend
Red
Sularz family
Maison Capitain-Gagnerot
Ladoix 1er Cru ‘La Micaude’
2011
Burgundy Côte de Beaune Red
Red
Trailov family & Colquoun family
Au Contraire
Dutton Ranch
2013
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Breen family
Calera
Mills Vineyard
2014
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Wilkey family & Buishas family
Comptche Ridge Vineyards
Pinot Noir
2012
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Stallkamp family
Davis Family Vineyards
Starr Ridge Pinot Noir
2014
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Montgomery family
Davis Family Vineyards
Starr Ridge Pinot Noir
2014
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Matejec family
Flowers Vineyards
Pinot Noir
2016
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Daly family
Loring Wine Company
Clos Pepe Vineyard
2011
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Jablonski family
Merry Edwards
Pinot Noir
2016
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Chewning family & Romero family
Merry Edwards
Pinot Noir
2016
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Schmaltz family
Merry Edwards
Pinot Noir
2016
Californian Pinot Noir
Red
Nabasny family
Domaine Serene
Evenstad Reserve
2015
Oregon Pinot Noir
Red
Brown family
Lemelson Vineyards
Jerome Reserve
2014
Oregon Pinot Noir
Red
Cincotta family & Dombroski family
American Vintage
Proprietary Red
2015
Californian Red Blend
Red
Berlin family
American Vintage
Proprietary Red
2015
Californian Red Blend
Red
O’Donohue family
Vineyard
Name
Vintage Regional Style
Color
Donated By:
Château Julien
La Conviviance
2007
Californian Red Blend
Red
Tirpak family
Chronology
Red
2016
Californian Red Blend
Red
Miedona family
Villa Annaberta
Amarone della Valpolicella
2012
Italian Amarone
Red
McTaggart family
Ornellaia
Bolgheri Superiore
2012
Italian Bolgheri
Red
Pasquini family
Ornellaia
Le Serre Nuove
2015
Italian Bolgheri
Red
Sylvia McHugh & Holtz family
Poggio Al Tesoro
Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia
2013
Italian Bolgheri
Red
Jennings family & Carey family
Flora Springs
Trilogy
2015
Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
Red
Weber family
Domaine Lafond
Châteauneuf-duPape Roc Epine
2015
Southern Rhône Châteauneufdu-Pape Red
Red
Schrage family
Clos Erasmus
Priorat
2013
Spanish Priora
Red
VanEekeren family
Marqués de Cáceres
Rioja Reserva
2012
Spanish Rioja
Red
Erfort/Kelly family
Luce della Vite
Luce
2015
Tuscan Red
Red
Chadwick family
Montepeloso
Eneo Toscana
2014
Tuscan Red
Red
Deichmann family
Force Majeure
Parvata
2015
Washington State Red Blend
Red
Fitzpatrick family & Leonard/Lynch family
Tenuta San Giorgio
Ugolforte
2012
Italian Brunello
Red
Calinog family
Tenuta San Giorgio
Ugolforte
2012
Italian Brunello
Red
Schmaltz family
Bibi Graetz
Soffocone di Vincigliata Toscana
2014
Tuscan Red
Red
Gress/Flores family
Plumpjack
Syrah
2016
Californian Syrah
Red
Gaughan/Hoffman family & Taylor family
Bedrock Wine Co.
The Bedrock Heritage
2017
Californian Red Blend
Red
Suss family
Bedrock Wine Co.
The Bedrock Heritage
2017
Californian Red Blend
Red
Halloran family
Vineyard
Name
Ridge
Three Valleys
Ridge
Vintage Regional Style
Color
Donated By:
2016
Californian Red Blend
Red
Pawlowicz family
Three Valleys
2016
Californian Red Blend
Red
Rottier family
Frank Family Vineyards
Zinfandel
2016
Californian Zinfandel
Red
Cummings family
Rombauer Vineyards
Zinfandel
2016
Californian Zinfandel
Red
Quinn family
Rombauer Vineyards
Zinfandel
2016
Californian Zinfandel
Red
Quinn family
Storybook Mountain Vineyards
Zinfandel Reserve
2013
Californian Zinfandel
Red
Serafini family