Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann 1996“. . . Brought back memories of my childhood, when my mother would bake mincemeat pies. The wine's bouquet, an exotic concoction of spices, pie dough, jus de viande, and honey, soared from the glass of this awesomely-endowed Pinot Gris. In the mouth, it tasted of white truffle oil, something I have only rarely experienced (on occasion, I have had white Hermitage as well as Hermitage Vin de Paille exhibit similar characteristics). Extremely full-bodied and thick, moderately sweet, and mammothly-endowed, this is a winemaking monument.” ~ 95, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Peter Michael Les Pavots 2006“. . . Exhibits big notes of chocolate fudge intermixed with dark berry fruit, forest floor, underbrush, and some smoky oak. The wine is full-bodied, with remarkable intensity, low acidity, and a fleshy, opulent mouthfeel.” ~
96, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006
“Bright red. Vivid red berry, cherry and blood orange aromas are complemented by fresh rose and dusty minerals. Racy strawberry and raspberry flavors are impressively precise, with tangy orange zest and floral pastille qualities adding verve. Gentle tannins emerge with air and extend through the long, spicy finish.”
~ 91, Josh Reynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2005
“. . . This estate’s strongest vintage since 1998, has put on serious weight since last year. Dense ruby/purple-colored with an exquisite perfume of black raspberries, kirsch, ground pepper, and incense, this full-bodied, powerful, concentrated wine reveals fabulous purity as well as a finish that lasts over 45 seconds. Purchasers of this beauty will need patience.”
~ 95+, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Maume Mazis-Chambertin 2002
“From a 0.7 ha parcel in Mazis-Bas of 70 year old vines . . . . Intense red and black fruits, earth, underbrush and truffle notes . . . that introduces robust yet detailed flavors that are rich, extremely long and this finishes with a touch of toast. What I really like here though is the sophistication of the tannins as they are quite fine and completely buffered by the buckets of mid-palate sap. A marvelous effort of imposing potential that possesses so much extract that it could be approached now . . .” ~ 93, Allen Meadows, Burghound.com
Ridge Vineyards Geyserville 2001
“Rich and aging beautifully, with exotic Asian spice and smoky, meaty aromas following through to sleek blackberry, tea and leathery sage flavors, which take on complexity and tannins on the finish.” ~ 91, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
Château Rauzan-Ségla 2000
“Tight and muscular, with a solid core of fruit and racy tannins. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, yet silky and refined. This is very, very toned and serious. A wine for long-term aging.” - 95, James Suckling, Wine Spectator
Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret des Sabon 2000
“For readers fortunate enough to latch onto the super-expensive Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret des Sabon, the 2000 may not be as profound as the 1998, but it is a terrific effort. A deep plum/purple color is accompanied by subtle notes of pepper, spice, truffles, earth, smoked meats, prunes, and a wealth of black currant and cherry fruit. Although full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with majestic layers of flavor that unfold on the palate . . .” - 94, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Château Angélus 1995
“. . . A massive, powerful, rich offering with plenty of ripe, sweet tannin. The wine's aromatics include scents of Provencal olives, jammy black cherries, blackberries, truffles, and toast. A very full-bodied wine, it is layered, thick, and pure. This is the most concentrated of the 1995 St.-Emilion premier grand crus.” ~ 95, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
