vintage: Older

Penfolds Shiraz Blend Grange 2001

98
Penfolds
Fanciful Name: Grange
Varietal: Shiraz Blend
Vintage: 2001
Country of Origin: Australia
Retail Price: $800.00

Tasting Notes: After 45 minutes of decanting and a slight chill, the first sip of this 100% shiraz showed blueberry, blackberry and hints of spice. As it evolved chocolate, cocoa and cinnamon underpinned a complex, perfectly balanced wine supported by firm, lush tannins. While it seemed perfect, it probably has at least 10 more years to develop. What a treat!
Penfolds Shiraz Blend Grange 2001

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Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 1953

99
Château Haut-Brion
Varietal: Bordeaux Red Blend
Vintage: 1953
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Pessac-Leognan

Tasting Notes: Michael Broadbent, one the first Masters of Wine, declared the '53 Haut-Brion as one of his favorite wines of the 20th Century. Sixty-eight years after the harvest, the wine still shows outstanding power, with plenty of finesse as well. It still possesses dark fruit characteristics, with a spicy, meaty complexity. The finish was long, leaving echoes of its superb complexity and quality.(If you can find it.)
Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 1953

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Lopez de Heredia Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva 2007

97
Lopez de Heredia
Fanciful Name: Viva Tondonia
Varietal: Tempranillo Blend
Vintage: 2007
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $50.00

Tasting Notes: One of the most iconic wineries in Rioja, Lopez de Heredia makes wines that age for many decades. Leather and spice on the nose, with gamy, elegant red fruit on the palate, and a tangy zip of acidity. The wine is lovely now and may very well outlive you.
Lopez de Heredia Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva 2007

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Mondavi Reserve Cabernet 1978

96
Mondavi Reserve
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 1978
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Napa Valley

Tasting Notes: A hidden gem from the cellar and a big surprise. Absolutely pristine and gorgeous. Still full of life with layers of black cherry, vanilla and a touch of spice.
Mondavi Reserve Cabernet 1978

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La Rioja Alta Arana 2009

93
La Rioja Alta
Fanciful Name: Arana
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja Alta
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Powerful and rich — full-bodied flavors of truffle and blueberry. Cellar, or decant now to release all the inviting aromas and flavors of a classic Rioja. Great value. ($30)
La Rioja Alta Arana 2009

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Bodegas Larchago Izarbe Reserva 2008

93
Bodegas Larchago
Fanciful Name: Izarbe Reserva
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2008 
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $26.99

Tasting Notes: Intense and inviting, classic oak-aged aromas of toast, vanilla, with plum and dried cherry fruits. Fine-grained tannins help this well-balanced medium-bodied red sail through a long finish.
Bodegas Larchago Izarbe Reserva 2008

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La Rioja Alta Arana 2009

94
La Rioja Alta
Fanciful Name: Arana
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $30.00

Tasting Notes: Powerful and rich Full-bodied flavors of truffle and blueberry Cellar, or decant now to release all the inviting aromas and flavors of a classic Rioja Great value.
La Rioja Alta Arana 2009

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Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2008

98
Dal Forno Romano
Fanciful Name: Amarone
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2008 
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $320

Tasting Notes: Intense aromas that exude from the glass. Licorice and leather with balsamic and dried cherries are in the forefront. As you sip on this wine, the dried raspberries, rose petal, olive and mineral slate notes come forward. Clove and bitter chocolate come out on this long, long finish. The tannins are structured and need a little time in the glass to soften. A wonderful example of great quality Amarone. Enjoy with roasted or cured meats. 
Dal Forno Romano Amarone 2008

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Blackbird Paramor Red 2007

94
Blackbird
Fanciful Name: Paramor
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2007
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $90

Tasting Notes: A wonderful red blend with nuance of spice, red pepper, cassis and oak on the nose. The palate showcases the rich plums, blackberries and graphite with a finish of beautiful, dense, yet smooth tannins, with slight basil and dried fruit lingering minutes later.
Blackbird Paramor Red 2007

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La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Reserva 2009

92
La Rioja Alta Vina
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Rioja
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Rich, powerful and full bodied. Loaded with inviting black truffle and blueberry. Well balanced. Drinking great right now but will continue to develop for a few years.
La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Reserva 2009

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Jean Michel Fichet Blanc de Meunier Brut 2008

95
Jean Michel Fichet
Fanciful Name: Blanc de Meunier
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $52.99

Tasting Notes: Overlooking the Taittinger estate, Olivier Michel and his wife produce stellar Champagne, none more unique than this 100% pinot meunier expression. More fruity aromas than you ever expect from Champagne and equally complex on the palate, the grip, length and character of this Champagne will shock you for the price.
Jean Michel Fichet Blanc de Meunier Brut 2008

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The Weekender Experience Merlot 2009

95
The Weekender Experience
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: A venture of Donny Sebastian and the Lamonica Family, who own prime vineyards just outside of the Stag’s Leap AVA. They produce five stunning wines, displaying gorgeous varietal characteristics along with subtle terroir hints. The Merlot is beautiful and elegant with a lush floral bouquet that leads to flavors of blueberry, black currant and a slight toasty nuance. The velvety texture finishes with supple tannins that balance the whole. Even die-hard Cabernet Sauvignon aficionados will love this Merlot!
The Weekender Experience Merlot 2009

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