Fine Wines Sale 2479 November 4,, 2009 Boston Lower Falls Wine Co. SKINNER
Nov 17, 2014
SKINNERLower Falls Wine Co.
Fine WinesSale 2479 November 4,, 2009 Boston
Fine WinesSPECIALISTS IN CHARGE
2366 Washington Street Newton Lower Falls, MA Phil Minervino Chris Minervino Owners
Marie Keep 508.970.3296
General Inquiries: finewines@skinnerinc.com
Please note: Quotes cited as R. Parker used by permission of Robert Parker. Tasting notes attributed to PhM are Phil Minervino.
AUCTION 2479 Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 6 p.m. 63 Park Plaza Boston, Massachusetts PREVIEWTo arrange preview, please contact the department at 508-970-3296 or e-mail finewines@skinnerinc.com
ABSENTEE BIDDINGTel: 617.874.4318 Fax: 617.350.5429 Online: www.skinnerinc.com
GENERAL INQUIRIES617.350.5400
COVER : 49; FRONTISPIECE : 280 ; BACK COVER : 86, 263, 87, 88
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TABLE OF CONTENTS1 2 5 52 53 59 60 61 62 63 Auction & Specialist Information Web Site & Online Bidding Lots 1-396 Glossary of Terms Index Collection of Wines Conditions of Sale Absentee Bid Form Company Directors & Specialty Departments Administrative Staff & Client Services
Please Note: All lots sold subject to our Conditions of Sale. Please refer to page 60 of this catalogue for the full terms and conditions governing your purchase.
Copyright Skinner, Inc. 2009 All rights reserved
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Property of a Massachusetts gentleman, from a climatecontrolled cellar. 1. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1986 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 12 bottles (owc) $7,000-10,000 2. Chateau Latour 1986 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 12 bottles (owc) $2,400-3,600 3. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1985 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 12 bottles (owc) $2,000-3,000 4. Chateau Margaux 1986 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe 12 bottles (owc) $3,000-4,000 Petrus - In the renowned village of Pomerol, pack-leader Chateau Petrus is unassumingly modest. Close by the road, lacking some formal alley, it is easy to overlook when contrasted with some architecturally grander neighbors. The robins-eggblue shutters against the limestone create a hushed and dignified exterior to the chai. Of course the hedonistic treasures crafted within are anything but reserved... On average, only about 4,000 cases are made each vintage. -PhM 5. Chateau Petrus 1979 Pomerol 3 bottles $1,000-1,500 The cellar of a New England Collector, removed from custombuilt climate-controlled cellar by Skinner staff. 6. Chateau Calon Segur 1982 St. Estephe u. three top shoulder, three high mid shoulder, all light bin soil R. Parker, 94+ pts. 06/09 6 bottles $350-550
Cos dEstournels next-door-to-Pauillac proximity belies its reputethe property is situated literally just above Lafite... Successive generations of the Pratts family appear as if to live and draw breath entirely to drive Cos (pronounce the s) to whatever heights the Pauillac trio (Latour, Mouton, and Lafite) pull out. -PhM 7. Chateau Cos dEstournel 1970 St. Estephe, 2eme Cru Classe u. four very top shoulder, one mid shoulder, one low mid shoulder 6 bottles $150-250
8. Chateau Cos dEstournel 1982 St. Estephe, 2eme Cru Classe u. all into neck, light bin soil R. Parker, 95 pts. 06/09 5 bottles $850-1,200
9. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 1979 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe u. five bottom neck, one very top shoulder, one top shoulder, two labels missing, one label partially unattached, some capsule corrosion 7 bottles $275-375
10. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 1982 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe u. two into neck, nine bottom neck, one very top shoulder, four labels partially unaffixed, all with light bin soil and capsule wrinkling R. Parker, 96 pts. 12 bottles $1,800-2,400
11. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 1982 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe u. three into neck, seven bottom neck, one very top shoulder, one label taped, one partially unaffixed, two labels missing R. Parker, 96 pts. 06/09 11 bottles $1,500-2,200
12. Chateau Haut Brion 1982 Pessac Leognan, 1er Cru Classe u. all 5cm or better, some light label discoloration, capsule corrosion and light bin soil I know Jean Delmas, whom I respect as one of the worlds greatest wine producers, has always thought the 1982 Haut Brion was similar to the 1959, but I have yet to see that. It seems to me the 1989 is closer to the 1959, another perfect wine and one of the all-time great Haut Brions. While the 1982 is a beauty, it has never hit the highest notes this vintage or terroir can achieve. Complex aromatics of scorched earth, smoked herbs, and sweet red and black currants are followed by a full-bodied, silky-textured wine, but I have never felt this offering has possessed the concentration, texture, or multidimensional personality found in such vintages as 1989, 1990, and more recent years. Nevertheless, this is essentially splitting hairs as the 1982 remains a superb Haut Brion. Seemingly less evolved than the 1990, it is capable of another 20-30 years of longevity. Perhaps there is something in reserve that will reveal itself in the next decade. Drink now-2035. R. Parker, 95 pts. 06/09 12 bottles $4,750-7,000 13. Chateau Haut Brion 1982 Pessac Leognan u. all five cm or better, light label discoloration, some capsule corrosion R. Parker, 95 pts. 06/09 11 bottles $4,400-6,400 14. Chateau Leoville Poyferre 1982 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe u. seven bottom neck or better, five very top shoulder, bin soil and some labels partially to greatly unaffixed There is no question that Leoville Poyferre was not making wines at the level of quality they have since 1990. That said, the 1982 is a great wine, no doubt because of the vintage rather than the winemaking at that time. A brilliant effort, it boasts a dense purple color as well as a sweet, flowery bouquet revealing plenty of crme de cassis, plum, and cherry notes, stunning concentration, a boatload of power, sweet tannins (the sweetest and easiest to taste among the St.-Juliens), and a long finish. Although close to full maturity, it has at least 20-25 years of life remaining. R Parker, 95 pts. 06/09 12 bottles owc (lid missing) $900-1,400 15. Chateau Lynch Bages 1982 Pauillac, 5eme Cru Classe u. all bottom neck or better R. Parker, 94 pts. 06/09 3 bottles $450-650 16. Chateau Margaux 1981 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe u. two into neck, three bottom neck, four very top shoulder, two top shoulder, all with light bin soil, two labels with light pen marking 11 bottles $1,400-2,200
17. Chateau Margaux 1982 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe u. five bottom neck, one top shoulder, light bin soil and some capsule corrosion R. Parker, 98 pts. 06/09 6 bottles $2,800-4,000 18. Maurice Chapuis, Corton Charlemagne 1982 Cote de Beaune u. all 5cm or better, three labels missing, two with rips, others partially unaffixed 9 bottles $450-650 19. Chartron et Trebuchet, Corton Charlemagne 1994 Cote de Beaune one with bin soil and label scuffs, all light bin soil 7 bottles $350-550 20. Dujac, Gevery Chambertin, Aux Combottes 1979 Cote de Nuits one label partially missing, three labels missing entirely 4 bottles $400-600 21. Louis Jadot, Nuits St. Georges, Les Boudots 1988 Cote de Nuits u. all 3cm or better 11 bottles $275-375 22. Louis Latour, Batard Montrachet 1983 Cote de Beaune 9 bottles $650-950 23. Louis Latour, Batard Montrachet 1990 Cote de Beaune all with bin soil 4 bottles $300-450 24. Louis Latour, Corton Charlemagne 1995 Cote de Beaune 12 bottles $600-900 25. Louis Latour, Corton Grancey 1979 Cote de Beaune u. all 4cm or better, capsule corrosion and some corks slightly elevated, light bin soil 11 bottles $800-1,200
26. Louis Latour, Montrachet 1995 Cote de Beaune 12 bottles $1,200-1,800 27. Olivier Leflaive, Corton Charlemagne 1986 Cote de Beaune staining to labels, one label torn, two unaffixed, corrosion to capsules and light bin soil to all 5 bottles $225-375 28. Legros, Nuits St. Georges, Bousselots 1993 u. all 3cm or better, light bin soil, wear and nicking to some capsules 7 bottles $400-600 29. Geoffrey Lucien, Gevery Chambertin, Clos Prieur 1979 Cote de Nuits light label scuffing and light bin soil to all 5 bottles $225-325 30. Mongeard Mugneret, Vosne Romanee, Les Suchots 1985 Cote de Nuits 11 bottles $600-900
36. Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV (1 bt, 18 demis) Moet & Chandon White Star (1 bt) light bin soil 2 bottles 18 demi bottles $350-550 37. Piper Heidsieck 1979 12 demi bottles $700-1,100 38. Piper Heidsieck 1979 14 demi bottles $800-1,200 39. Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne 1981 7 bottles (all individually boxed in original cartons) $700-1,100 40. Veuve Clicquot, Grande Dame 1979 5 bottles $1,500-2,200 41. Krug, Grande Cuvee MV Moet & Chandon, Brut Imperial 1975 Perrier Jouet, Fleur de Champagne NV Pol Roger, Brut NV Taittinger, Brut La Francaise NV Pol Roger 1990 Veuve Clicquot NV (oc) 7 bottles $325-475 42. Henri Bonneau, Chateauneuf du Pape, Reserve des Celestins 1989 Southern Rhone neck vintage label existent, but detached Inching closer and closer to the celestial 1990, is the 1989. This cuvee was fabulous when tasted in Bonneaus cellars, but it closed down after bottling. Possibly even more powerful and tannic than the 1990, as well as more backward, the 1989 looks to be a great classic. It is a Reserve des Celestins to forget for another 3-8 years. It possesses all the characteristics of the 1990, but everything is packed into a more linear personality. Amazing stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2009-2035. R. Parker, 99 pts. 01/03 1 bottle $425-625 43. Lisini, Brunello di Montalcino 1977 Italy u. two bottom neck, two very top shoulder, one top shoulder 5 bottles $300-450
Champagne31. Louis Roederer, Cristal 1976 The 1976 Cristal offered an additional level of ripeness and sweetness and depth, with notes of candied apricots and figs. A. Galloni for R. Parker, 96 pts. 05/08 1 bottle $500-750 32. Louis Roederer, Cristal 1981 7 bottles $1,400-2,000 33. Louis Roederer, Cristal 1983 3 bottles $500-750 34. Louis Roederer, Cristal 1988 (oc) 1 bottle $300-450 35. Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial 1980 light bin soil and label fading 8 demi bottles $400-600
44. Ruffino, Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 1964 (1 bt) 1988 (2 bts) Italy 3 bottles $125-175 45. Bouchard, Montrachet 1980 (1 bt) Camus, Chambertin 1979 (1 bt) J. Germain, Merusault-Genevrievres 1981 (1 bt) P. Moufoux, Puligny Montrachet, Les Folatieres 1983 (2 bts) Roulot, Meursault Les Tillets 1979 (1 bt) Thevenet, Saint Veran, Clos de lErmitage Cuvee Vieille Vignes 1995 (1 bt) 7 bottles $275-350 46. Aldegheri, Armarone Reciota della Valpolicella 1984 Bellini, La Chiesa de S. Restituta, Brunello de Montalcino 1977 Bertani, Amarone Reciota della Valpolicella 1986 Chateau Brane Cantenac 1982 Chateau Cos dEstournel 1990 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 1989 Barton & Guestier Chateauneuf du Pape 1978 Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 8 bottles $400-600 From the climate-controlled Massachusetts cellar of a true collector. 47. Chateau Angelus 2005 St. Emilion, Grand Cru Classe This 7,000 case blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc will rival or perhaps eclipse vintages such as 2000, 1998, 1990, and 1989. Its dense purple color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, espresso roast, blackberries, blueberries, and a hint of wood. In spite of its thick texture, terrific acidity, high tannins, and enormous intensity as well as richness, it is surprisingly approachable, but given how slowly the 1989 and 1990 have aged, I would recommend cellaring it for 8-10 years. It should keep for three decades. A brilliant wine! R. Parker, 98 pts. 04/08 11 bottles (owc) $2,200-3,200 48. Chateau Haut Bergey 2000 Pessac Leognan 12 bottles (owc) $250-350
49. Chateau Haut Brion 2000 Pessac Leognan, 1er Cru Classe It will always be tempting to compare the 2000 Haut-Brion with the perfect 2000 La Mission Haut-Brion. However, it is not as fat, unctuous, flamboyant, or voluminous as La Mission. Yet, like a great diplomat, it is a wine of intensity, authority, and measured restraint. A supremely elegant offering, its dense ruby/purple color, and burgeoning perfume of scorched earth, liquid minerals, plums, black currants, cherries, lead pencil, and subtle spicy oak are followed by a delicate yet powerfully flavorful, multi-layered, highly nuanced, and extraordinarily pure and seamless wine. There have been so many recent classics from Haut-Brion, it is premature to suggest the 2000 is better than the 1998, 1995, 1990, or 1989, but it is certainly a prodigious wine of dazzling persistence, length, and complexity. A blend of 51% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc, it should prove to be uncommonly long-lived, even by the standards of Haut-Brion. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040. R. Parker, 98 pts. 04/03 8 bottles (owc) $3,250-5,750 50. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2000 Talence, Cru Classe R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/03 3 bottles $1,200-1,800 51. Chateau LEglise Clinet 2005 Pomerol A sensational effort from proprietor Denis Durantou, this 2005 is a compelling wine, but purchasers should wait at least a decade to begin the magical liquid tour. One of the monumental wines of the vintage, it boasts a dense purple color as well as a glorious perfume of caramelized blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, a hint of toast in the backward, fully integrated oak, full body, and exceptional density and richness. Prodigiously concentrated, this layered, broad Pomerol reveals a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood. It is a massive, yet remarkably elegant wine that is as singular as it is exhilarating. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/08 6 bottles (owc) $2,000-3,000 52. Chateau Leoville Barton 2000 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe R. Parker, 96 pts. 04/03 6 magnums $1,200-1,800 53. Chateau LEvangile 2005 Pomerol R. Parker, 95 pts. 04/08 12 bottles (owc) $1,800-2,400
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54. Chateau Pavie 2000 St. Emilion Give Gerard Perse credit. People thought his numerous assurances that 2000 was the greatest Pavie ever produced were premature as well as arrogant. However, after tasting this extraordinary blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (made from low yields of 28-30 hectoliters per hectare) six separate times in 2003, it is unquestionably one of the most monumental wines Bordeaux has ever produced. Bottled in March, 2003, about nine months later than other 2000s, the color is an opaque purple, and the bouquet offers up notes of liquid minerals, blackberries, cherries, and cassis intermixed with spice box, cedar, and white flowers. On the palate, it exhibits a massive display of richness and extract, yet with pinpoint delineation and vibrancy as well as a 60+ second finish, this is the kind of phenomenal wine that Perses critics were afraid he might produce - a no-compromise, immortal wonder that represents the essence of one of Bordeauxs greatest terroirs. Life is too short not to own and consume the 2000 Pavie. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/03 6 bottles $1,500-2,200 55. Clos de lOratoire 2000 St. Emilion 12 bottles (owc) $700-1,000 The Priorat Spains otherworldly vinous frontier. Staring at the craggy slopes of dry, baked earth, its a wonder that vines can survive, indeed thrive. -PhM 56. Clos Erasmus, Terrasses 2005 Priorat The 2005 Clos Erasmus is produced from three vineyard sites originally terraced by the Greeks. The current blend is 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah with a long-term goal of making a 100% Garnacha wine. The wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is super-fragrant with aromas of crushed stone, slate, cinnamon, baking spices, cassis, kirsch, blueberry, and wild black cherry. Perhaps a bit tighter than the 2004, on the palate there is a liquid minerality that must be tasted to be believed. Opulent, harmonious, and awesome are words which really cannot do justice to this extraordinary vinous achievement. In a perfect world, purchasers would have the patience to cellar it for 10-15 years but this will be a severe test of ones ability to delay gratification. J. Miller for R. Parker, 100 pts. 02/98 2 bottles $400-600 57. Clos Erasmus, Terrasses 2005 Priorat J. Miller for R. Parker, 100 pts. 02/98 2 magnums $800-1,200
58. Palacios, LErmita (Velles Viynes) 2005 Priorat The 2005 LErmita comes from a parcel of 70-year-old headpruned vines of which 85% is Garnacha, the balance Carinena and Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky purple-hued, it has a totally seductive perfume of slate, black cherry, black raspberry, and toasty new oak. Tight but complete, give this sensational effort 10-12 years to fully express itself and drink it through 2045. J. Miller for R. Parker, 98 pts. 02/08 2 bottles $1,000-1,500 Highlights from the cellar of an East Coast collector. Removed from ideal cellar conditions by Skinner staff. 59. Chateau Calon Segur 2000 St. Estephe, 3eme Cru Classe 4 bottles $250-350 60. Chateau Cos dEstournel 2001 St. Estephe, 2eme Cru Classe 3 bottles $200-300 61. Chateau Haut Brion 1986 Pessac Leognan u. into neck 1 bottle $200-250 62. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2000 Talence, Cru Classe A superstar of this great vintage, the 2000 La Mission HautBrion is as profound as the 1989, 1982, and 1975. It is more structured and tannic than the 1989, more civilized and refined, but not as thick as the 1982, and sweeter as well as purer than the 1975. The 2000 is neither flamboyant nor accessible, but what upside potential it possesses! In time, one might have to return to the prodigious duo of 1959 and 1961 to find a La Mission with this much potential. While still tight from bottling, its inky purple color is accompanied by extravagantly sweet aromas of blackberries, blueberries, toast, scorched earth, coffee, asphalt, graphite, and smoke. Super-intense and unctuouslytextured, with a sumptuous mid-palate and finish, this is an explosively rich, layered effort that possesses everything I could ever want from a terroir that has given me as much hedonistic and intellectual pleasure as any other wine in the world. It is an amazing achievement for administrator Jean-Bernard Delmas, his son, Jean-Phillipe, and the entire winemaking team. The phenomenal aftertaste goes on for over a minute. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2045. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/03 1 bottle $400-600
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63. Chateau Lynch Bages 2000 Pauillac, 5eme Cru Classe An utterly profound Lynch-Bages, this wine continues to remind me of a hypothetical blend of the 1990 and 1989. Interestingly, when I asked Jean-Michel Cazes to rank his top four vintages of Lynch-Bages, he ranked the 1989 first, followed by three vintages that he said were essentially equivalent in quality - 1990, 1996, and 2000. The 2000 Lynch-Bages exhibits a dense purple color, loads of glycerin and extract, big, muscular, sweet crme de cassis notes, with hints of new saddle leather, earth, and tobacco leaf. The 2000 is forceful yet plush, with a thick, juicy, succulent mid-palate, ripe tannin, and a long, layered finish. I know it will be tempting to pull corks on this wine in its youth, but it really will not hit its stride for 7-10 years and will last for at least 25. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. R. Parker, 95 pts. 04/03 8 bottles $650-950 64. Chateau Pavie 1999 St. Emilion The 1999 Pavie is a candidate for wine of the vintage. It boasts an opaque ruby/purple color in addition to gorgeous aromas of crushed minerals, smoke, licorice, cherry liqueur, and black currants. The wine is exceptionally pure and multilayered, with stunning texture and overall balance. The tannin level suggests 34 years of cellaring is warranted; it should age gracefully for 25+ years. If readers are wondering why Pavie has become so much better under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse, keep in mind that yields are one-third of what they were under the previous owners. R. Parker, 95 pts. 04/02 3 bottles $300-450 65. Chateau Pavie 2000 St. Emilion Give Gerard Perse credit. People thought his numerous assurances that 2000 was the greatest Pavie ever produced were premature as well as arrogant. However, after tasting this extraordinary blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (made from low yields of 28-30 hectoliters per hectare) six separate times in 2003, it is unquestionably one of the most monumental wines Bordeaux has ever produced. Bottled in March, 2003, about nine months later than other 2000s, the color is an opaque purple, and the bouquet offers up notes of liquid minerals, blackberries, cherries, and cassis intermixed with spice box, cedar, and white flowers. On the palate, it exhibits a massive display of richness and extract, yet with pinpoint delineation and vibrancy as well as a 60+ second finish, this is the kind of phenomenal wine that Perses critics were afraid he might produce - a no-compromise, immortal wonder that represents the essence of one of Bordeauxs greatest terroirs. Life is too short not to own and consume the 2000 Pavie. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/03 1 bottle $250-350
66. Chateau Talbot 2000 St. Julien, 4eme Cru Classe 4 bottles $200-300
67. 1995 Bordeaux Survey Chateau Haut Brion Chateau Margaux (some wine staining to label) Chateau Mouton Rothschild Chateau Cheval Blanc Chateau Pichon Longueville, Lalande Chateau Pichon Longueville, Baron Chateau Beychevelle Chateau Calon Segur Chateau Cantemerle Chateau Lagrange Chateau Lynch Bages Chateau Trotanoy Chateau Haut Brion, R. Parker, 96 pts. 10/98 Chateau Margaux, R. Parker, 95 pts. 02/98 Chateau Mouton, R. Parker, 95 pts. 02/98 12 bottles $1,500-2,500
68. Chateau Gruaud Larose 2000 (2 bts) Chateau Lynch Bages 1998 (1 bt) Chateau Palmer 1989 (1 bt) Chateau Pichon Longueville, Baron 2000 (1 bt) - R. Parker 96 pts. 04/03 Chateau Pichon Longueville, Lalande 1989 (1 bt) Chateau Croix de Labrie 1998 (1 bt) 1999 (1 bt) bin soil to some 8 bottles $625-900
69. dArenberg, The Dead Arm Shiraz 1999 McLaren Vale R. Parker, 96 pts. 10/02 1 bottle $75-125
70. dArenberg, The Dead Arm Shiraz 2000 McLaren Vale 10 bottles $400-600
71. dArenberg, The Dead Arm Shiraz 2001 McLaren Vale small stain to one label Readers should be on the look out for the 2001 The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of the greatest examples of this cuvee. Its dense black/purple color is accompanied by celestial aromas of melted licorice, graphite, blackberries, cassis, incense, anise, and toasty oak. Fabulously concentrated, with great purity, an unctuous, viscous texture, and an amazingly long, 60-second plus finish, this fabulous baby will need 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 20-25 years. Chester Osborn, the remarkable person behind this enormous array of both impeccably high quality and value-priced wines, deserves considerable accolades for what he is able to achieve at all price ranges. If you love Australian wines, dArenberg is a winery to seek out as these offerings all possess abundant soul as well as character. In short, the accolades that proprietor/winemaker Chester Osborn receives not only from The Wine Advocate, but virtually everybody in the wine world, are all well deserved. R Parker, 98 pts. 10/03 8 bottles $400-600 72. dArenberg, The Dead Arm Shiraz 2003 McLaren Vale R. Parker, 95 pts. 10/05 6 bottles $250-350 73. Henrys Drive, Reserve Shiraz 2002 Padthaway, Australia 6 bottles $250-350 74. Penfolds Grange 1998 South Australia A wine that flirts with perfection, and should rival the 1986 as one of the legendary Granges produced, the 1998 has one of the highest alcohol contents (nearly 15%) as well as one of the highest percentages of Shiraz in the blend (97%). Its stunning purple color is accompanied by exceptionally sweet aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with barbecue spices, an endearing, smoky earthiness, pepper, roasted meats, and coffee. Huge, massive, unctuously textured, and extraordinarily youthful, this impressive wine is a candidate for perfection. It should continue to evolve over the next three decades. Grange, Penfolds flagship wine, is, by many accounts, the most renowned and world-famous wine produced in Australia, and these six vintages from my cellar all acquitted themselves well. These wines are almost always Shiraz, but many vintages include less than 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and there are crossappellations blends from vineyards in the Barossa and McLaren Vale. R. Parker, 98+ pts. 06/09 3 bottles $700-1,000
75. Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (2 bts) Shiraz 2003 (2 bts) McLaren Vale, Australia 4 bottles $200-300 76. Torbreck Descendant 2001 (2 bts) The Factor 2002 (1 bt) Run Rig 2001 (1 bt) Barossa Valley The youngest Run Rig, the 2001, should equal the 1998 as it is almost a clone aromatically, texturally, and flavor-wise, just much younger. This opaque purple-colored beauty should flirt with perfection over the next 10-15 years. Torbrecks flagship wine, the Run Rig, is made from 40- to 120year-old Shiraz vines with some co-fermented Viognier (usually around 3%), tips the scales between 14-15% alcohol, and is aged 30 months in French oak. In contrast to the way they taste upon release, neither the 1998 or 1997 Run Rig revealed any oak. R. Parker, 99 pts. 06/09 Descendant - R. Parker, 98 pts. 08/03 The Factor - R. Parker, 98 pts. 10/04 4 bottles $375-500 77. Glaetzer, Amon Ra Shiraz 2003 Marquis Philips, Integrity Shiraz 2002 Mitolo, G. A. M. Shiraz 2003 South Australia The virtually perfect, limited production (1,000 cases) cuvee of 2002 Shiraz Integrity is a 100% Shiraz fashioned from four specific vineyard blocks (surprisingly young vines of 4-6 years in age). It boasts terrific minerality, structure, definition, and prodigious levels of concentration as well as perfume. An inky/black color is followed by aromas of melted road tar, licorice, Asian spices, sweet crme de cassis as well as blackberries, and a hint of acacia flowers. There is compelling density, great purity, and tremendous viscosity, yet it is not over the top. There is real definition/delineation to this large-scaled Shiraz. It was aged in 100% new American oak for 13 months. A tour de force in winemaking, it stood out as one of the most singular and greatest wines I tasted for this report. Anticipated maturity: now-2012. R. Parker, 99 pts. 08/03 3 bottles $200-300 78. Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Napa 1 magnum $200-300 79. Dominus Estate 1997 Napa 1 magnum $250-350
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80. La Jota Vineyard, Howell Mountain 16th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Napa 1 magnum $150-250 81. Phelps Insignia 1997 Napa R. Parker, 96 pts. 10/00 1 magnum $225-325 82. Phelps Insignia 2000 Napa 2 magnums $250-350 83. Sine Qua Non, Mr. K Semillon, Vin de Paille 1999 CA One of the most compelling sweet wines being made in California, it rivals the worlds finest. Tasting notes do not do it justice. Readers need to taste it themselves to see what Manfred Krankl and Alois Kracher, along with Krankls talented wife, Elaine, have concocted. This is a tour de force in sweet winemaking, with remarkable concentration and intensity as well as striking underlying acidity. One of the worlds most creative wineries, Sine Qua Non is turning out world-class wines of extraordinary complexity and individuality. R Parker, (98-100) pts. 02/02 1 demi bottle $150-250
86. Behrens & Hitchcock, Merlot Unfiltered Reserve 1997 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Napa 2 magnums $175-250 87. Sine Qua Non No. 6 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2001 Albino 2001 2 bottles $225-325 88. Sine Qua Non Hollerin M Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2002 (loss to wax capsule) Whisperin E 2002 The 2002 Hollerin M Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir (704 cases) is absolutely mind-blowing Pinot, one of the most compelling examples I have ever tasted from Oregon. Deep plum/ruby/purple to the rim, with a glorious perfume of forest floor intermixed with acacia flowers, sweet cherries and plums, as well as hints of pomegranate and blackberries, it cuts a broad swath across the palate. The texture inundates the palate, and it finishes with tremendous voluptuousness and purity. A great hedonistic treat for all the senses, it will provide immense pleasure over the next decade. R. Parker, 96 pts. 08/04 Whisperin E - R. Parker, 95 pts. 08/04 2 bottles $250-350 89. Chateau Soutard 1989 Beaulieu Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 1997 4 bottles $225-325 90. Thackrey, Orion Old Vine Syrah 2000 (mag) - R. Parker, 95 pts. 08/03 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (mag) dArenberg, The Dead Arm Shiraz 2001 (mag) 3 magnums $400-600 Magnificent Bordeaux from the cellar of north shore collectors, removed from ideal cellar conditions by Skinner staff. 91. Chateau Batailley 1979 Pauillac, 5eme Cru Classe u. into neck, signs possible seepage 1 jeroboam (owc) $325-425
Chateau Montelena is one of Napa Valleys icon wineries. Working atop the foundation of a century old property, the father Jim and son Bo Barret might just have the best track record in California for longevity and quality. Fads dont exist here, this team doesnt need razzle-dazzle. Montelena wines are prized for their ability to improve with ageand not merely endure. -PhM 84. Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (1 bt) 1999 (2 bts) 2001 (2 bts) Napa 5 bottles $250-350 85. Gemstone Proprietary 2000 (2 bts) 2002 (5 bts) Napa light bin soil 7 bottles $500-700
A Fourth Growth, Beychevelle is a particularly attractive estate admired for its supple style. -PhM 92. Chateau Beychevelle 1945 St. Julien, 4eme Cru Classe u. high shoulder, bin soil 1 bottle $400-600 93. Chateau Beychevelle 1959 St. Julien, 4eme Cru Classe u. high shoulder, capsule tears, bin soil 1 bottle $150-250 94. Chateau Beychevelle 1964 St. Julien, 4eme Cru Classe u. four top shoulder, two top-high shoulder, four with detached labels, one label partially detached, one torn, bin soil to all 6 magnums $425-625 95. Chateau Beychevelle 1964 St. Julien, 4eme Cru Classe u. three top shoulder, three top-high shoulder, three labels detached, one slightly detached, slight label losses, capsule corrosion to two, bin soil to all 1 bottle 5 magnums (owc) $400-600 96. Chateau Beychevelle 1960 (2 bts) (one top, one high top shoulder) 1967 (1 bt) (top-high shoulder) 1970 (2 bts) (both high shoulder) St. Julien, 4eme Cru Classe bin soil, some label and capsule tearing to all 5 bottles $375-550 97. Chateau Haut Brion 1964 Pessac Leognan, 1er Cru Classe u. three 3.5cm or better, five 4.5cm or better, two at 6cm, two with possible seepage, some capsule corrosion, one capsule deteriorated, light label wrinkling, staining and small losses, bin soil to all 10 bottles $1,300-1,900
98. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1953 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. low-mid shoulder, bin soil Tasted 5 Times with Consistent Notes On two occasions I rated the 1953 100 and on another occasion, nearly perfect. According to some old-timers, the wine has been fully mature for almost 30 years. It possesses that extraordinary Lafite fragrance of minerals, lead pencil, cedar, and spice. It is velvety-textured, wonderfully round, and sweet, but so welldelineated and balanced. It is best purchased today in magnum and larger formats unless you can be assured the wine came from a cold cellar and has not been traded frequently. R. Parker, 99 pts. 10/94 1 bottle $600-900 99. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1959 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. six top shoulder, two top-high shoulder, two high shoulder, slight label losses and nicking, one label with wrinkle to vintage mark (though still legible) three with capsule nicks, two with capsule corrosion, all with bin soil Tasted 9 Times with Consistent Notes Except For One Corked Magnum The 1959 is unquestionably the greatest Lafite-Rothschild that has approached full maturity. It remains to be seen whether vintages such as 1982, 1986, and 1990 will reach a similar height. The super-aromatic bouquet of flowers, black truffles, cedar, lead pencil, and red fruits is followed by one of the most powerful and concentrated Lafites I have tasted. Medium to fullbodied, velvety-textured, rich, and pure, it is a testament to what this great estate can achieve when it hits the mark. This youthful wine will last for another 30 or more years. R. Parker, 99 pts. 10/94 10 bottles (owc-lid partially missing) $11,000-16,000 100. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1964 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. two very top shoulder, give top shoulder, four top-high shoulder, some with slight label losses and staining, some capsule corrosion, all with bin soil 11 bottles (owc) $1,500-2,000 101. Chateau Latour 1964 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. three very top shoulder or better, six top shoulder, one tophigh shoulder, one label detached and adhered to another bottle, one importer label migrated and obscuring vintage to one label, all with bin soil 10 bottles (owc) $1,400-2,000
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102. Chateau Margaux 1964 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe u. three very top shoulder, six top shoulder, one high shoulder, some bottles with paper adhesion, heavy bin soil 10 bottles (owc-no lid) $700-1,000 103. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1953 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. shoulder, bin soil R. Parker, 95 pts. 10/94 1 bottle $500-800 104. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1957 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. very top shoulder, bin soil 1 bottle $600-900 105. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1959 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. four top shoulder, three top-high shoulder, one high shoulder, all with capsule corrosion and bin soil I am always blown away by the 1959 Mouton, one of the greatest Moutons made in the last thirty-five years. Every time I have this wine it is undeniable that Mouton made a richer, more persuasive wine in 1959 than in 1961. Astonishingly young and unevolved, with a black/purple color, the wine exhibits a youthful nose of cassis, minerals, and new oak. It is exceptionally powerful and super-extracted, with the fruit supported by high levels of tannin and some lusty quantities of alcohol. This mammoth, fullbodied Mouton-Rothschild should continue to evolve for another 20-30 years. It may well be a 100-year wine! Last tasted 3/97. R. Parker, 100 pts. 01/98 8 bottles (owc, lid missing) $7,000-10,000 106. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1959 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. mid shoulder, bin soil R. Parker, 100 pts. 01/98 1 demi bottle $350-550 107. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1964 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. two very top shoulder or better, five top shoulder, three high shoulder, one with cork slightly protruding, four labels detached, three labels partially missing, all with capsule corrosion, one with heavy soil, and all bottles with bin soil 11 bottles $750-1,100 108. Chateau Pichon Longueville, Lalande 1980 Pauillac, 2eme Cru Classe u. all very top shoulder or better, all with staining to label 12 bottles $500-750
109. Chapoutier Cote Rotie 1949 (1 bt) Chateau Paveil de Luze 1953 (2 bts) Mouton Cadet - Blanc 1989 (1 bt) Peter Michael, Les Pavots 1991 (1 bt) Domaine Roumier, Morey St. Denis Clos de la Bussiere 1983 (1 bt) Taylor Fladgate 1985 (1 bt) 7 bottles $400-600
Port110. Fonseca Finest 1975 one possible seepage 12 bottles (owc) $500-750 111. Cockburn Smithes N. 10 Reserve Special Port 1950 (1 bt) Dows 1975 (1 mag) Warre Tercentenary 1970 Port (2 bts) 3 bottles 1 magnum $225-325 112. Cossart Gordon Madeira Solera 1836 Cossart Gordon Sercial Madeira Special Reserve 1837, bottled in 1938 catalogued by handwritten neck labels, no bottle labels existent 2 bottles $400-600 From the impressive cellar of a gentleman of Massachusetts featuring extraordinary new world gems. Many wines direct from the winery. Removed from custom-built climate-controlled cellar by Skinner staff. 113. Chateau Cos dEstournel 1990 (2 bts) 1996 (3 bts) 2000 (2 bts) 2001 (1 bt) 2002 (3 bts) 2005 (2 bts) St. Estephe, 2eme Cru Classe 13 bottles $1,100-1,600 114. Chateau Clerc Milon 2000 (2 bts) 2005 (2 bts) Pauillac, 5eme Cru Classe 4 bottles $150-250 115. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 2000 (3 bts) 2003 (3 bts) 2005 (3 bts) St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 9 bottles $825-1,200
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116. Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste 2005 Pauillac, 5eme Cru Classe 5 bottles $350-550
123. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2003 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 1 magnum $900-1,400 124. Carruades de Lafite Rothschild 2000 Pauillac 2 bottles $175-275
117. Chateau Haut Brion 2002 Pessac Leognan, 1er Cru Classe 2 bottles $200-300
118. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1997 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 3 bottles $600-900
119. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2000 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe Well, well, well - Lafite Rothschild does it again. Ever since manager Charles Chevalier was transferred from his beloved Sauternes property of Rieussec (also owned by the Rothschilds) to Lafite in 1994, there has been a succession of profound wines to emerge from this noble estate. The 2000 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.7% Merlot (only 36% of the crop made the grade) has an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by an extraordinary aromatic expression of liquid minerals/stones interwoven with the tell-tale graphite notes, mulberry, black currants, caramel, and tobacco. In the mouth, it is remarkably light on its feet, but somehow seems to pack intense flavors into layer upon layer of fruit and richness that cascade over the palate. A compelling wine, with extraordinary precision, great intensity, and a seamlessness in spite of what are obviously elevated levels of tannin, this wine was provocatively open and beautiful when tasted in January and February, but I am sure it will soon close down. The finish lasted a whopping 72 seconds! This is utterly fascinating stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2050. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/03 2 bottles $1,600-2,400
La Mission lies just across the road from Haut Brion. The descendents of American banker Clarence Dillon now run both properties (previously owning just Haut Brion). Given this fact, there exists an inevitable fixation to contrast the properties. Still, the arrangement between them is not really one of sibling rivalry at all. What is striking is how these wine estates and adjacent vineyards exist so close to the city center of Bordeaux (4 miles). Mercifully the unusually deep gravel soils so ideal for viticulture were never paved over! -PhM 125. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 1998 Pessac Loegnan minimal written notes to label 2 bottles $200-300 126. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2000 Pessac Leognan slight writing to label 2 bottles $800-1,200 127. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2002 Pessac Leognan minimal writing to label 2 bottles $125-175 128. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2005 Pessac Leognan minimal writing to label 1 bottle $400-600 129. Chateau Latour 1995 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 1 bottle $250-400 130. Chateau Leoville Barton 2000 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 4 bottles $300-450
120. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2000 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/03 1 magnum $1,600-2,400
121. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2001 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 2 bottles $450-650
122. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2002 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 5 bottles $1,000-1,500
Leoville Las Cases (LLC) is a St. Julien in name onlynot that there is anything wrong with that. This wine is generally quite well-endowed and possessing dramatic depth. LLC is quite a large property on the river side of the north-south road from the city of Bordeaux. Leoville Barton and Leoville Poyferre were cleaved off at various times in history ... further validation that this is a most special site (terrior in French). -PhM 131. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1982 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe R. Parker, 95+ pts. 06/09 1 bottle $250-350 132. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1989 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 2 bottles $200-300 133. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1995 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe R. Parker, 95 pts. 02/98 3 bottles $450-650 134. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2000 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe This wine has put on weight and, as impressive as it was from cask, it is even more brilliant from bottle. Only 35% of the crop made it into the 2000 Leoville Las Cases, a blend of 76.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.4% Merlot, and 8.8% Cabernet Franc. The wine is truly profound, with an opaque purple color and a tight but promising nose of vanilla, sweet cherry liqueur, black currants, and licorice in a dense, full-bodied, almost painfully rich, intense style with no hard edges. This seamless classic builds in the mouth, with a finish that lasts over 60 seconds. Still primary, yet extraordinarily pure, this compelling wine, which continues to build flavor intensity and exhibit additional layers of texture, is a tour de force in winemaking and certainly one of the great Leoville Las Cases. In another sense, it symbolizes/pays homage to proprietor Michel Delon, who passed away in 2000. Michel has been succeeded by his son, Jean-Hubert, another perfectionist. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040. R. Parker, 99 pts. 04/03 10 bottles $2,000-3,000 135. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2002 St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 6 bottles $425-625 136. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1998 (2 bts) 1999 (2 bts) St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 4 bottles $300-450
137. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1999 (2 bts) 2003 (2 bts) St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 4 bottles $325-475 138. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2001 (3 bts) 2003 (2 bts) St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 5 bottles $325-475 139. Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2000 (4 bts) 2003 (4 bts) St. Julien, 2eme Cru Classe 8 bottles $600-900 140. Chateau Lynch Bages 1986 Pauillac, 5eme Cru Classe 1 bottle $100-150 141. No lot. 142. Chateau Lynch Bages 1998 (1 bt) 2000 (1 bt) 2001 (1 bt) 2002 (3 bts) 2003 (3 bts) 2005 (2 bts) Pauillac, 5eme Cru Classe 11 bottles $500-750 143. Chateau Margaux 2000 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe 1 bottle $600-900 144. Chateau Margaux 2000 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe 1 magnum $1,400-2,200 145. Chateau Montrose 2003 St. Estephe, 2eme Cru Classe 2 bottles $250-400
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146. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1982 Pauillac,1er Cru Classe u. very top shoulder, slightly wrinkled label This wine remains one of the legends of Bordeaux. It has thrown off the backward, youthful style that existed during its first 25 years of life, and over the last 4-5 years has developed such secondary nuances as cedar and spice box. The crme de cassis, underlying floral note, full-bodied power, extraordinary purity, multilayered texture, and finish of over a minute are a showcase for what this Chateau accomplished in 1982. The wine is still amazingly youthful, vibrant, and pure. It appears capable of remaining fruity and vibrant in 2082! Thank God it is beginning to budge, as I would like to drink most of my supply before I kick the bucket. This is a great, still youthful wine, and, on occasion, one does understand the hierarchy of Bordeaux Chateaux when you see the complexity and brilliance of this first-growth. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050+. R. Parker, 100 pts. 06/09 2 bottles $1,200-1,800 147. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1986 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 1 bottle $450-650 148. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2001 (2 bts) 2002 (1 bt) Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 3 bottles $375-525 149. Chateau Pavie 2000 St. Emilion R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/03 3 bottles $750-1,100 150. Chateau Pavie 2003 St. Emilion 3 bottles $300-400 151. Chateau Pavie 2003 St. Emilion 1 magnum $200-300 152. Chateau Pavie 2005 St. Emilion 2 bottles $600-900
Pavie Macquin is a smallish property with some illustrious landmarks close by. The village of St. Emilion fans out across the way. The hill of Ausone lies just off to the left. Turn around 180 degrees and just up a bit is Troplong Mondot. Pivot slightly and a short walk would bring one over to Pavie. -PhM 153. Chateau Pavie Macquin 2003 St. Emilion 4 bottles $250-350 154. Chateau Pavie Macquin 2005 St. Emilion 4 bottles $400-600 155. Chateau Pichon Longueville, Lalande 2000 (1 bt) (with minimal inked writing to label) 2002 (2 bts) 2003 (3 bts) Pauillac, 2eme Cru Classe 6 bottles $400-600 156. Chateau Pipeau 2003 (5 bts) 2005 (6 bts) St. Emilion 11 bottles $250-350 157. Chateau Talbot 2000 (1 bt) 2003 (2 bts) 2005 (2 bts) St. Julien, 4eme Cru Classe 5 bottles $125-175 158. Clos du Marquis 2000 (2 bts) 2001 (3 bts) 2005 (6 bts) St. Julien 11 bottles $475-700 159. Chateau Branaire Ducru 2005 (3 bts) Chateau Boyd Cantenac 2005 (4 bts) Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild 2000 (1 bt) 2003 (2 bts) 10 bottles $375-550
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160. Chateau Lascombes 2003 (4 bts) Chateau Sociando Mallet 2003 (3 bts) 7 bottles $225-325 161. 2000 Bordeaux Horizontal Les Forts de Latour 2000 (1 bt) La Chappelle de la Mission 2000 (1 bt) Le Petit Cheval 2000 (2 bts) Pontet Canet 2000 (1 bt) Chateau Palmer Alter Ego 2000 (1 bt) Chateau dIssan 2000 (1 bt) Chateau de Malmaison 2000 (1 bt) Chateau Figeac 2000 (1 bt) Chateau Grand Mayne 2000 (1 bt) Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge 2000 (2 bts) minimal ink lettering to a couple of labels 12 bottles $550-800 162. Chateau Pavie Macquin 2004 (1 bt) Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 2001 (1 bt) Chateau Prieure Lichine 2005 (3 bts) Chateau le Gay 2005 (2 bts) Chateau La Confession 2005 (4 bts) Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 2001 (1 bt) Chateau Vieux Donjon 2005 (2 bts) 14 bottles $550-800 163. Chateau dYquem 2001 Sauternes There are 10,000 cases of this perfect sweet white Bordeaux. The 2001 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically, with airing, it offers up honeyed tropical fruit, orange marmalade, pineapple, sweet crme brle, and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth, it is fullbodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scaled, youthful Yquem appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past, and will age effortlessly for 75+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2100+. R, Parker, 100 pts. 04/05 1 bottle $300-450
166. Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 (1 mag) 2006 (4 bts) - R. Parker, 98 pts. 10/08 Southern Rhone 4 bottles 1 magnum $425-625
167. Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf de Pape, Deus Ex Machina 2006 Southern Rhone In 2006, only a handful of other producers in Chateauneuf du Pape hit the heights achieved by Clos St.-Jean with the following wine. The inky/ruby/purple-colored 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus-Ex Machina reveals notes of graphite, roasted meats, figs, plums, blackberries, and smoked herbs. The complex aromatic fireworks are followed by a full-bodied, rich, meaty wine with gorgeous purity, depth, and length. This cuvee should age effortlessly for two decades or more. How Vincent Maurel and Philippe Cambie were able to produce such stupendous wines in 2006 is remarkable. Readers should hasten to buy this wine ASAP! R. Parker, 99 pts. 10/08 1 magnum $250-350
168. Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cuvee Reservee 2003 Southern Rhone R. Parker, (95-98) pts. 02/06 6 bottles $350-500
169. Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cuvee da Capo 2003 Southern Rhone 1 bottle $600-1,000
Champagne164. Krug 1990 2 bottles $500-700 165. Krug, Grande Cuvee MV 2 bottles $150-250
170. Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cuvee da Capo 2003 Southern Rhone Domaine de Pegaus magical 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo is a magnificent offering. Tipping the scales at 16.1% alcohol, it boasts a blockbuster nose of dry vintage port intermixed with pepper, herbes de Provence, and roasted meats. Frightfully concentrated with layers of glycerin and fruit, it should prove to be one of the appellations greatest classics. More backward than either the 1998 or 2000 Capos, it is an enormously endowed, hugely concentrated, exhilarating effort that will last for three decades or more. It is a strong candidate for the wine of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035+. When I asked Laurence how she would describe this beauty, she said, It consists of 80% of a great vintage of Chateauneuf du Pape, 20% a vintage port, and the rest some Syrah and other things we throw in for complexity. R. Parker, (99-100) pts. 02/06 1 bottle $300-450
171. Guigal, La Landonne 1983 Northern Rhone This murky, purple/garnet-colored wine offers up an exotic nose of tea, smoked duck, licorice, truffles, and earth. Extraordinarily concentrated, and almost too rich to be called a beverage, this viscous, compellingly endowed, massive La Landonne remains 57 years away from full maturity. The wine possesses excruciatingly high tannin in the finish, but awesome levels of extract and glycerin. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2025. Last tasted 6/96. R. Parker, 98 pts. 01/97 1 bottle $400-600 172. Guigal, La Landonne 1998 Northern Rhone The 1998 Cote Rotie La Landonne is a perfect wine ... at least for my palate. Its saturated black/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary nose of smoke, incense, tapenade, creosote, blackberry, and currant aromas. It is densely packed with blackberry, truffle, chocolate, and leather-like flavors. The wine possesses high tannin, but perfect harmony, impeccable balance, and gorgeous integration of acidity, alcohol, and tannin. It is a tour de force in winemaking. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/02 1 bottle $275-400 173. Guigal, Cote Rotie La Mouline 2001 Northern Rhone R. Parker, (94-97) pts. 12/04 2 bottles $300-450 174. Guigal, La Mouline 1998 Northern Rhone R. Parker, 97 pts. 04/02 1 bottle $275-400 175. Guigal, Cote Rotie La Mouline 2003 Northern Rhone The 2003 Cote Rotie La Mouline is by far the most delicate and elegant wine (11% Viognier is co-fermented with 89% Syrah). But the enormous aromatics of spring flowers intermixed with crme de cassis, black raspberry, mocha, caramel, and cola, and enormous full-bodied opulence and striking velvety, seamless texture make for one of the most memorable wines anyone could every drink. This wine should age effortlessly for 25-30 or more years. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/07 1 bottle $400-600
176. Guigal, Cote Rotie La Torque 2003 Northern Rhone A pure aromatic smorgasbord is offered by the 2003 Cote Rotie La Turque, which has an amazing aromatic profile of espresso coffee interwoven with scorched earth, tar, truffle, incense, blackberry, bacon fat, and flowers. Powerful, thick flavors ooze across the palate with a viscous texture, amazing purity, and just enough acidity and tannin to give uplift and precision to this remarkable tour de force in winemaking. Of the 2003s, this is also approachable, but ideally 2-5 years of cellaring would be suggested, and the wine will evolve for at least 30 more years. R. Parker, 100 pts. 04/07 1 bottle $400-600 177. Guigal, Chateau dAmpuis, Syrah 1999 (3 bts) 2003 (3 bts) Northern Rhone 6 bottles $450-650 178. Guigal Chateau dAmpuis, Syrah 1997 (1 bt) Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde, Syrah 2000 (2 bts) Hermitage, Syrah 2000 (3 bts) Northern Rhone 6 bottles $200-300 179. Paul Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage La Chapelle 1990 Northern Rhone label staining, tears The 1990 La Chapelle is the sexy and opulent. I had the 1990 at the Jaboulet tasting, and again out of a double magnum three months ago. On both occasions it was spectacular, clearly meriting a three-digit score. The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered. The color remains an opaque purple, with only a slight pink at the edge. Spectacular aromatics offer up aromas of incense, smoke, blackberry fruit, cassis, barbecue spice, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. As it sits in the glass, additional nuances of pepper and grilled steak emerge. There is extraordinary freshness for such a mammoth wine in addition to abundant tannin, an amazing 60-second finish, and a level of glycerin and thick, fleshy texture that have to be tasted to be believed. Despite its youthfulness, the 1990 La Chapelle is lovely to drink, although it will be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it should age for 35-40+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2050. R. Parker, 100 pts. 06/00 1 bottle $250-350
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180. Paul Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage La Chapelle 1997 (1 bt) 1999 (3 bts) 2003 (3 bts) Northern Rhone 7 bottles $375-550 181. Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 (2 bts) Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul 2006 (2 bts) Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Frres 2006 (2 bts) Southern Rhone 6 bottles $500-750 182. Domaine de Beaurenard, Chateauneuf du Pape 2001 (1 bt) Coulon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cuvee Boisrenard 2005 (1 mag) Chateau Fortia, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cuvee du Baron 2003 (2 bts) Southern Rhone minimal ink lettering to one label 3 bottles 1 magnum $175-250 183. Beaucastel, Chateauneuf du Pape 2003 (2 bts) Domaine de la Mordoree, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cuvee de la Reine des Bois 2002 (1 bt) 2005 (3 bts) Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf de Pape, La Crau 2005 (3 bts) Southern Rhone 9 bottles $350-500 184. Azelia Bricco Fiasco Barolo 2000 Antinori, Solaia 1999 2000 Gaja 1995 Graham 2000 (demi) Heidseick Brut Monopole Blue Top NV Rieussec 2001 Tuscany 1 demi bottle 6 bottles $400-600 185. Vino Cobos (Hobbs), Marchiori Malbec 2005 Argentina 4 bottles $400-600
186. Vino Cobos (Hobbs), Marchiori Malbec 2006 Argentina According to Hobbs, 2006 was one of the great vintages of his 20 year career in Argentina. The near perfect 2006 Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard is my favorite of this remarkable collection. A glass-coating, saturated opaque purple/black in color, the wine offers up a sexy/kinky bouquet of pain grille, Asian spices, pencil lead, mineral, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate there is layer upon layer of savory fruit, spice notes, espresso, and chocolate as well as exquisite balance. The wines finish lasts for more than a minute. Try a bottle, bury the rest in your cellar for ten years, and then drink them from 2018 to 2040. J. Miller for R. Parker, 99 pts. 12/08 6 bottles $700-1,000
187. Vino Cobos (Hobbs) Bramare, Malbec 2006 (2 bts) Nico, Malbec 2006 (2 bts) Argentina 4 bottles $325-475
188. Almaviva, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Maipo Valley, Chile 11 bottles $450-650
189. Royal Tokaji Wine Company, Aszu Essentia 1995 Hungary 1 500 ml bottle $100-150
Port190. Dows 1997 (1 bt) 2000 (1 bt) Fonseca 1992 (1 bt) Taylor 1970 (1 bt) 2003 (1 bt) Quinto do Noval 1997 (1 bt) 2000 (2 bts) 8 bottles $475-700
191. dArenberg Coppermine Road, CS 2003 (2 bts) The Dead Arm Shiraz 2003 (2 bts) Glaetzer Amon Ra Shiraz 2004 (2 bts) Australia 6 bottles $200-300
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192. Henschke, Hill of Grace 2004 Eden Valley, South Australia 1 bottle $300-500 193. Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay 2003 (4 bts) 2004 (4 bts) Margaret River, Australia 8 bottles $300-450 194. Mollydooker, Velvet Glove Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, S. Australia J. Miller for R. Parker, 98 pts. 02/09 3 bottles $300-450 195. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2005 (3 bts) Enchanted Path 2005 (3 bts) Carnival of Love 2006 (1 bt) McLaren Vale, Australia 7 bottles $425-600 196. Noon Reserve Shiraz 1999 (1 bt) 2002 (1 bt) 2003 (1 bt) 2004 (1 bt) 2005 (1 bt) 5 bottles $425-600 197. Penfolds Grange, Shiraz 1998 South Australia one with minimal ink writing to label A wine that flirts with perfection, and should rival the 1986 as one of the legendary Granges produced, the 1998 has one of the highest alcohol contents (nearly 15%) as well as one of the highest percentages of Shiraz in the blend (97%). Its stunning purple color is accompanied by exceptionally sweet aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with barbecue spices, an endearing, smoky earthiness, pepper, roasted meats, and coffee. Huge, massive, unctuously textured, and extraordinarily youthful, this impressive wine is a candidate for perfection. It should continue to evolve over the next three decades. R. Parker, 98+ pts. 06/09 5 bottles (owc) $1,100-1,600 198. Penfolds Grange Shiraz 1993 (2 bts) 1995 (1 bt) 1996 (1 bt) 2001 (1 bt) 5 bottles $600-900
199. Marquis Philips, Integrity Shiraz 2002 McLaren Vale, Australia R. Parker, 99 pts. 08/03 1 bottle $100-150
200. Chris Ringland (Three Rivers) Shiraz 1998 Barossa Valley, Australia The Chris Ringland (formerly known as Three Rivers Shiraz), which is aged 42 months in 100% new French oak, and is rarely racked until bottling, represents an extraordinary expression of Barossa Shiraz. The perfect 1998, made from a single, 88-yearold vineyard cropped at one ton of fruit per acre, soaked up its wood component as if it is not even present. It boasts a sumptuous texture, great delineation, and a huge fragrance of bacon fat, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, toast, espresso roast, and hints of chocolate as well as pepper. Full-bodied yet remarkably well-delineated and fresh, this stunning wine is still a baby, but it promises to evolve for two decades or more. R. Parker, 100 pts. 10/04 1 bottle No. 0778 $500-700
201. Chris Ringland, Shiraz 2001 Barossa Valley, Australia R. Parker, 100 pts. 10/06 1 bottle $500-750
202. Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2006 (1 bt) Two Hands Ares Shiraz 2003 (1 bt) Bellas Garden 2004 (1 bt) 2005 (1 bt) The Standish Wine Co. Shiraz 2003 (1 bt) Kay Brothers Block 6 Amery Vineyard Shiraz 2005 (2 bts) Jasper Hill Georgias Paddock Shiraz 2003 (2 bts) Jim Barry Armagh 2001 (2 bts) De Bortoli, The Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2004 (2 demis) 2 demi bottles 11 bottles $550-800
203. Alban, Lorraine Estate Syrah 2005 Napa An absolutely monumental wine is the 2005 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard. The finest Syrah John Alban has yet produced, its inky/ruby/purple hue is accompanied by gorgeously sweet aromas of flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, blackberries, and subtle hints of smoky oak, bacon fat, and licorice. In the mouth, the wine is seamlessly constructed with fabulous fruit, brilliant concentration, and virtually perfect balance. Moreover, the finish lingers on the palate for over 60 seconds. It should drink beautifully for 15 or more years. R. Parker, 100 pts. 08/07 3 bottles $500-700
204. Alban, Reva Syrah 2005 Edna Valley R. Parker, 96 pts. 08/07 4 bottles $325-475 205. Araujo, Eisele, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa R. Parker, 97 pts. 02/05 2 bottles $400-600 206. Araujo, Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa R. Parker, 97 pts. 02/05 1 magnum $400-600 207. Araujo, Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa A potential candidate for perfection is the exquisite 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard. A 1,650-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot made from extremely low yields, it boasts superb intensity, flavor, elegance, and nobility in addition to a marvelously complex nose of minerals, licorice, cedar, crme de cassis, vanilla, and spice. Exceptionally rich, nuanced, and precise, it is a magnificent expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that offers the elegance of a Bordeaux with the power and potency of Napa Valley Cabernet. A tour de force, this wine can be drunk now or cellared for up to two decades. R. Parker, (98-100) pts. 02/05 3 bottles $650-950 208. Araujo, Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa R. Parker, (98-100) pts. 02/05 1 magnum $400-600 209. Araujo, Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Napa One of the candidates for wine of the vintage, the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard represents 1,600 cases produced from a 40-acre vineyard, which tells you how Draconian Araujos selection process is. The final blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot has resulted in a beautifully pure wine displaying an extraordinary floral, black currant, and mineral-scented bouquet, with no hint of new oak. The purity, richness and full-bodied power yet surreal finesse and impeccable balance should be cherished by wine lovers. This beauty can be drunk now and over the next two decades. Wow! R. Parker, 98 pts. 12/06 4 bottles $475-700
210. Araujo, Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa There are 2,600 cases of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard. As I indicated last year, this is a fabulous effort that manages to conceal its 100% new French oak aging. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by beautiful aromas of blueberries, black currants, acacia flowers, licorice, and spice. The tannins are softer than I remember, but this is certainly one of the vintages most extraordinary wines. Full-bodied with a seamless integration of tannin, acidity, alcohol, and wood, it is exceptionally pure and full as well as impeccably balanced. The impression is one of elegance allied with substantial flavor authority. It can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years. R. Parker, 98 pts. 12/08 3 bottles $450-650 211. David Arthur, Elevation 1147 Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (1 bt) 2000 (1 bt) 2001 (1 bt) 2002 (1 bt) 2003 (2 bts) 2004 (1 bt, 1 mag) Napa 7 bottles 1 magnum $1,000-1,500 212. Beringer, Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa 6 bottles $350-550 213. Beringer, Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 2001 (2 bts) 2004 Napa 4 bottles $225-325 214. Blankiet, Paradise Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 2 bottles 1 magnum $350-500 215. Bond Melbury 2002 (2 bts) St. Eden 2002 (2 bts) Vecina 2002 (2 bts) Napa 6 bottles (owc) $800-1,200
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216. Caymus, Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 (1 bt) 2001 (2 bts) 2002 (2 bts) Napa 5 bottles $400-650 217. Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (1 bt) (minimal lettering to label) 2001 (1 bt) 2002 (2 bts) 2003 (2 bts) Napa 6 bottles $240-360 217A. Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa 2 magnums $300-450 218. Dominus Estate 1994 Napa 1 magnum $250-350 219. Dominus Estate 2002 Napa 6 bottles (owc) $400-600 220. Dominus Estate 1994 (2 bts) 1999 (2 bts) (with minimal ink lettering to label) 2001 (2 bts) Napa 6 bottles $500-700 221. Robert Foley Claret 1999 (2 bts) 2000 (2 bts) 2002 (2 bts) 2003 (1 mag) 2004 (2 bts) 2005 (2 bts) Napa 10 bottles 1 magnum $800-1,250
222. Harlan Estate 1997 Napa The 1997 Harlan Estate is one of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines I have ever tasted. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this enormously-endowed, profoundly rich wine must be tasted to be believed. Opaque purple-colored, it boasts spectacular, soaring aromatics of vanilla, minerals, coffee, blackberries, licorice, and cassis. In the mouth, layer after layer unfold powerfully yet gently. Acidity, tannin, and alcohol are wellbalanced by the wines unreal richness and singular personality. The finish exceeds one minute. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2030. R. Parker, 100 pts. 12/00 3 bottles $2,400-3,600 223. Harlan Estate 2001 Napa L. Perrotti-Brown for R. Parker, 99 pts. 12/09 3 bottles $1,500-2,500 224. Harlan Estate 2002 Napa Very deep garnet-black colour with a purple rim. The nose is still a little closed giving notes of blackberry, black cherries, dark chocolate, tobacco, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The palate displays faultless structure and balance: very finely grained, firm tannins, medium to high acid and incredible intensity. Perhaps paradoxically, this wine is at once rich and full bodied yet exquisitely elegant. Although taut, it is already irresistibly tempting to drink. Epic finish with lingering flavours of Chinese dried plums, truffles, and an interesting iron/stony nuance. Drink 2009 2030+. L. Perrotti-Brown for R. Parker, 100 pts. 01/09 1 magnum $1,000-1,500 225. Harlan Estate 2004 1 magnum $750-1,100 226. Harlan Estate 1999 2003 Napa 2 bottles $600-900 227. Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa R. Parker, 95+ pts. 12/08 2 bottles $350-550
228. Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 1 magnum $400-600
235. Kongsgaard, Chardonnay 2005 Napa R. Parker, 96 pts. 12/07 8 bottles $500-700 236. Kongsgaard, The Judge Chardonnay 2005 Napa The Chardonnay The Judge, a special cuvee of 15 barrels (the equivalent of 320-350 cases), is an homage to John Konsgaards father, who was a judge. The 2005 Chardonnay The Judge flirts with perfection. Incredibly intense flowery notes along with a liqueur of honeysuckle and crushed rocks compete with some tropical fruit, quince, orange, and pineapple characteristics. This intensely full, fresh, lively, gorgeous white benefits from 22 months aging in barrel, and bottling off the lees unfiltered. R. Parker, 98 pts. 12/07 4 bottles $600-900 237. Kongsgaard, The Judge Chardonnay 2006 Napa 4 bottles $400-600 238. Kongsgaard Syrah 2004 (2 bts) Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (2 bts) Grenache/Syrah 2006 (1 bt) Syrah 2006 (4 bts) Napa 9 bottles $700-1,000 239. Levy & McClellan 2004 Napa 2 bottles $500-700 240. Levy & McClellan 2005 Napa 2 bottles (owc) $750-1,100 241. Merus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa R. Parker, 96 pts. 12/07 3 bottles $325-450 242. Merus Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa 3 bottles $300-450 243. No lot.
229. Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (2 bts) 2004 (1 dbl mag) 2006 (1 mag) Napa 2 bottles 1 magnum 1 double magnum $750-1,100
230. Paul Hobbs, Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa 4 bottles $400-600
231. Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (1 bt) Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (2 bts) Hyde Pinot Noir 2003 (2 bts) Hyde Cabernet Sauvignon (1 bt) 6 bottles $525-750
232. Paul Hobbs Richard Dinner Vineyard Cuvee Augustina, Chardonnay 2006 (3 bts) 2005 (1 bt) Kick Ranch, Syrah 2005 (1 mag) Lindsay Vineyard, Inaugural Vintage, Pinot Noir 2005 (1 mag) Ritchie Vineyard, Chardonnay 2007 (2 bts) Ulises Valdez, Pinot Noir 2007 (2 bts) 8 bottles 2 magnums $600-900
233. Kapcsandy, Robertas Reserve State Lane Vineyard, RB 2006 Napa 3 bottles $300-450
234. Kistler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2004 (2 bts) Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay 2004 (1 bt) Sonoma Valley Chardonnay 2004 (1 bt) Vine Hill, Chardonnay 2004 (1 bt) Stone Flat Parmalee Hill Chardonnay 2005 (1 bt) Sonoma 6 bottles $400-600
The Opulent Insignia wines are well adored from all quarters. Their fleshy ripe red fruit core provides up-front hedonism, their balance and grace create ethereal memories -PhM
244. Phelps, Insignia 1997 Napa R. Parker, 96 pts. 12/00 5 bottles $500-750
251. Pax Cellars Alder Springs Emerald Pool Syrah 2004 (1 bt) 2005 (2 bts) Alder Springs The Terraces Syrah 2005 (2 bts) Castelli Knight Ranch Syrah 2004 (1 bt) 2005 (2 bts) Cuvee Keltie, North Coast Syrah 2005 (4 bts) 12 bottles $500-700 252. Peter Michael, Les Pavots 2004 Sonoma 1 magnum $300-400 253. Peter Michael, Les Pavots 2003 (3 bts) 2004 (1 bt) 2005 (1 mag) Sonoma 4 bottles 1 magnum $500-700 254. Peter Michael, LEsprit Des Pavots 2004 Sonoma 4 bottles $250-350 255. Peter Michael Belle Cote, Chardonnay 2005 (2 bts) 2006 (1 bt) LApres-Midi, SB 2006 (1 bt) La Carriere, Chardonnay 2005 (2 bts) Ma Belle Fille, Chardonnay 2005 (1 bt) 2006 (4 bts) 11 bottles $600-900 255A. Robert Mondavi, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (1 bt) 1997 (1 bt) 1999 (2 bts) 2001 (2 bts) 2002 (1 bt) 1991 (1 bt) Napa 8 bottles $550-800
245. Phelps, Insignia 1997 R. Parker, 96 pts. 12/00 1 magnum $200-300
246. Phelps, Insignia 2002 Napa 5 bottles $500-700
247. Phelps, Insignia 1999 (3 bts) 2000 (2 bts) 2001 (2 bts) Napa 7 bottles $550-800
248. Pax Cellars, Griffins Lair Syrah 2006 Sonoma 12 bottles $450-650
249. Pax Cellars, Richards Family Vineyard Syrah 2006 Sonoma R. Parker, (96-98) pts. 12/07 6 bottles $500-700
250. Pax Cellars Kobler Family Vineyard Syrah 2005 (3 bts) Lauterbach Hill Syrah 2005 (4 bts) Obsidian Syrah 2005 (5 bts) 12 bottles $425-600
256. Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (2 bts) 2004 (2 bts) 2005 (2 bts) 2006 (3 bts) Washington State 9 bottles $1,100-1,600
257. Ridge, Monte Bello 1999 Santa Cruz 5 bottles $300-450
263. Sine Qua Non, Just for the Love of It Syrah 2002 Central Coast A dead-ringer (at least aromatically) for Guigals single vineyard Cote Rotie La Mouline, the 2002 Just For The Love of It is the greatest California Syrah I have yet tasted. A one-thousand case blend of 96% Syrah, 2% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, it is nearly equal parts Alban, Bien Nacido, and Stolpman fruit with a small amount from both Shadow Canyon and White Hawk. It boasts a provocative perfume of crme de cassis, toast, blackberries, licorice, barbecue spice, and exotic floral scents. Extremely fullbodied, with fabulous intensity, great purity, awesome length, and a finish that lasts over a minute, this classic is a must purchase. Already accessible, it will drink well for 10-15 years. R. Parker, 100 pts. 08/04 2 bottles $850-1,200 264. Sloan 2005 Napa R. Parker, 96+ pts. 12/08 3 bottles $700-1,100 265. Charles Smith, Old Bones Syrah 2005 Columbia Valley The 2005 Syrah Old Bones is a blend of The Heart and The Skull but aged in 500-liter barrels. It is more complex, opulent, and totally hedonistic. It will be at its best from 2017 to 2035. Charles Smith, the mastermind of K Vintners, bottles his very best wines from the obscure Royal Slope under a separate label. These are stunning Syrahs that must be tasted to be believed. They are technically within the massive Columbia Valley AVA but Smith feels the Royal Slope (or Royal Slut as he refers to it) should be recognized in its own right. For a fascinating demonstration of terroir, do a side-by-side tasting of the 2005 K Vintner and Charles Smith Syrahs but bring a lot of ribs and pulled pork barbecue and turn it into a party. J. Miller for R. Parker, 99 pts. 06/08 3 bottles $325-450 266. Charles Smith, The Skull Syrah 2005 Columbia Valley The 2005 Syrah The Skull comes from a different section of the Royal Slope. If it is possible, the wine is a bit more structured and powerful. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring and will be at its best from 2017 to 2035. Charles Smith, the mastermind of K Vintners, bottles his very best wines from the obscure Royal Slope under a separate label. These are stunning Syrahs that must be tasted to be believed. They are technically within the massive Columbia Valley AVA but Smith feels the Royal Slope (or Royal Slut as he refers to it) should be recognized in its own right For a fascinating demonstration of terroir, do a side-by-side tasting of the 2005 K Vintner and Charles Smith Syrahs but bring a lot of ribs and pulled pork barbecue and turn it into a party. J. Miller for R. Parker, 98 pts. 06/08 4 bottles $350-550 267. No lot.
258. Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2004 (1 bt) Southing Pinot Noir 2005 (3 bts) Ten Pinot Noir 2006 (3 bts) Santa Rita Hills bin scuffing 7 bottles $350-500
Shafers Hillside Select is consistently a bold, dramatic effort. This is primal wine, stunningly poised and vivid. Label this one: Attention Thrill Seekers. -PhM
259. Shafer Vineyards, Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Napa 2 bottles $550-750
260. Shafer Vineyards, Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa 2 bottles $400-600
261. Shafer Vineyards, Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Napa 6 bottles (owc) $1,800-2,400
262. Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select 2003 (2 bts) Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (1 bt) 2003 (2 bt) Napa 5 bottles $375-550
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268. Turley Hayne Petite Sirah 2003 (1 bt) 2004 (3 bts) 2005 (1 bt) 2006 (1 bt) Pesenti, Zinfandel 2006 (3 bts) 9 bottles $500-700
269. Turley, Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel 2003 (2 bts) 2004 (2 bts) 2006 (2 bts) 6 bottles $475-650
274. Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2001 (2 bts) 2002 (2 bts) (with minimal ink lettering to one label) David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (1 bt) 2002 (1 bt) 2003 (2 bts) Caymus Special Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (1 mag) Kongsgaard Chardonnay 2006 (2 bts) Levy & McClelland Ampersand 2004 (1 bt, oc) Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (3 bts) 14 bottles 1 magnum $750-1,100 275. Viader, RB 1999 (1 bt) Stags Leap Wine Cellars, S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (1 bt) Seavey, Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (1 bt) Rudd Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (1 bt) Plumpjack Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (1 bt) Pride Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (2 bts) Kosta Brown, Pinot Noir 2005 (2 bts) Hundred Acre Kayli, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (1 bt) Beaulieu Georges de Latour Private Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (1 bt) Chateau St. Jean, Cinq Cepages Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (1 bt) Chimney Rock, Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (1 bt) minimal ink writing to two labels 13 bottles $700-1,100
270. Turley Old Vines Zinfandel 2005 (1 bt) Cedarman Zinfandel 2006 (1 bt) Library Petite Sirah 2004 (1 bt) Moore Earthquake Vineyard Zinfandel 2004 (1 bt) Ueberroth Zinfandel 2006 (2 bts) 6 bottles $250-350
271. Turley 101 Alexander Valley, Zinfandel 2004 (1 bt) Dragon Howell Mountain, Zinfandel 2005 (3 bts) Duarte Vineyard Direct Cuvee, Zinfandel 2005 (1 bt) Grist Vineyard, Zinfandel 2004 (1 bt) 2005 (3 bts) 9 bottles $375-550
Highlights from an extensive Massachusetts cellar. Maintained in ideal climate-controlled storage. 276. Chateau Cos dEstournel 1953 St. Estephe, 2eme Cru Classe u. two high shoulder, one high-mid shoulder, one mid shoulder, damp staining, evidence possible seepage to all 4 bottles $1,200-1,800 277. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1982 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. very top shoulder or better, some capsule corrosion, damp staining to labels, some tissue adherence, evidence possible seepage to two This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same. R. Parker, 97 pts. 06/09 6 bottles $7,000-10,000
272. Aubert, Lauren Chardonnay 2003 (1 bt) Merus Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (2 bts) Carlisle Papas Block Syrah 2007 (3 bts) Sonoma County Sainfandel 2007 (2 bts) 8 bottles $400-600
273. La Croix Saint-Georges Pomerol 2005 (2 bts) Blankiet Merlot, Paradise Hills Vineyard 2003 (2 bts) 2004 (1 bt) Quintessa 2002 (2 mags) 5 bottles 2 magnums $450-650
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278. Chateau Margaux 1982 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe u. two w/cork slightly raised, five into neck, one very top shoulder, all w/staining to lower label and with bin soil R. Parker, 98 pts. 06/09 6 bottles $2,800-4,000 1961 is perhaps the last great example of old school Bordeaux. Nearing fifty, across the board these wines show tremendous depth and richness. They differ greatly from their brethren from 1982, which marked a clear departure into modern-era winemaking. -PhM 279. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1961 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. three top shoulder or better, one high-top shoulder, some bin soil, minor label staining, one w/evidence of possible seepage R. Parker, 98 pts. 10/94 4 bottles $3,250-5,500 280. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1982 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. all into neck, bin soil, slight staining to labels This wine remains one of the legends of Bordeaux. It has thrown off the backward, youthful style that existed during its first 25 years of life, and over the last 4-5 years has developed such secondary nuances as cedar and spice box. The crme de cassis, underlying floral note, full-bodied power, extraordinary purity, multilayered texture, and finish of over a minute are a showcase for what this Chateau accomplished in 1982. The wine is still amazingly youthful, vibrant, and pure. It appears capable of remaining fruity and vibrant in 2082! Thank God it is beginning to budge, as I would like to drink most of my supply before I kick the bucket. This is a great, still youthful wine, and, on occasion, one does understand the hierarchy of Bordeaux Chateaux when you see the complexity and brilliance of this first-growth. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050+. R. Parker, 100 pts. 06/09 6 bottles $3,600-5,500 281. Chateau Margaux 1967 (2 bts) 1971 (4 bts) Margaux, 1er Cru Classe u. 1967: both high shoulder, 1971: all very top shoulder, slight staining to labels of all, light capsule corrosion 6 bottles $300-450 282. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1970 (2 bts) Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1967 (2 bts) Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. Mouton: one top shoulder, one high shoulder, staining to labels, one with slight cork raise, one upper shoulder, one lower shoulder, Lafite: both very top shoulder, label staining 4 bottles $400-600
Terrific Bordeaux from a Massachusetts connoisseur. Removed from professional climate-controlled storage by Skinner staff. 283. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1996 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 12 bottles (owc) $2,400-3,400 284. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1996 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 6 magnums (owc) $2,400-3,400 285. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2002 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 6 magnums (owc) $1,800-2,400 One sumptuous bottle, from the cellar of a Massachusetts collector. Stored in ideal conditions. 286. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1953 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. high shoulder, light label staining, evidence possible seepage On two occasions I rated the 1953 100 and on another occasion, nearly perfect. According to some old-timers, the wine has been fully mature for almost 30 years. It possesses that extraordinary Lafite fragrance of minerals, lead pencil, cedar, and spice. It is velvety-textured, wonderfully round, and sweet, but so well-delineated and balanced. It is best purchased today in magnum and larger formats unless you can be assured the wine came from a cold cellar and has not been traded frequently. R. Parker, 99 pts. 10/94 1 magnum $3,500-5,000 Harlan (make your own vertical) and Opus One from the cellar of a passionate collector. Removed from custom-built climatecontrolled storage by Skinner staff. 287. Harlan Estate 1991 Napa 1 bottle $400-600 288. Harlan Estate 1994 Napa 2 bottles $1,200-1,800 289. Harlan Estate 1995 Napa 2 bottles $900-1,300
290. Harlan Estate 1996 Napa 2 bottles $800-1,200 291. Harlan Estate 1997 Napa 2 bottles $1,600-2,400 292. Harlan Estate 1998 Napa 2 bottles $500-700 293. Harlan Estate 1999 Napa 2 bottles $600-900
296. Chateau Cheval Blanc 1995 St. Emilion, 2er Grand Cru Classe (A) 1 bottle $175-250 297. Chateau Clinet 1997 Pomerol 14 demi bottles $200-300 298. Chateau Cos dEstournel 1982 St. Estephe, 2eme Cru Classe u. both into neck, slight label wrinkling and staining, light bin soil R. Parker, 95 pts. 06/09 2 bottles $400-600 299. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1966 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. top shoulder, slight nicking and label staining 1 bottle $600-900 300. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1982 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 1 bottle $900-1,400 301. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1990 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. all into neck R. Parker, 96 pts. 06/09 8 bottles $3,000-4,500 302. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1998 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 1 bottle $325-475 303. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1986 1990 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. bottom neck or better 2 bottles $850-1,300
The Opus One project marked an important milestone in American winemaking. For the first time, a towering figure from the European side, Baron Philippe Rothschild, saw fit to enter into a collaborative venture with the leading California vintner, Robert Mondavi. This association gave a renewed luster to Napa Valley winemaking. The wines tend to be elegant and silkythey are not cumbersome. -PhM 294. Opus One 1994 (1 bt) 1996 (1 bt) 1997 (2 bts) 1998 (1 bt) 1999 (1 bt) 2000 (1 bt) Napa 7 bottles $850-1,200 Property from various cellars, ideally stored. 295. Carruades de Lafite 2000 Pauillac 12 bottles $1,200-1,800 Cheval Blanc doesnt scream out for attention, rather it is passionately pursued by a knowing few. Unquestionably worthy of First Growth stature. In keeping with the Right Bank scene, the beautiful park-like setting feels surprisingly casual. Formal to a point, but not overly so. Cheval Blanc is comprised of cabernet franc and merlot. The vinous equivalent of grace and good taste. -PhM
304. Chateau La Fleur de Bouard 2000 Pomerol 12 bottles $250-350
305. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 1989 Talence, Cru Classe I am certainly not going to argue with anyone who believes La Mission-Haut-Brions 1989 is every bit as profound as the 1989 Haut-Brion. It is a spectacular wine, and as it ages in the bottle, it is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite La Mission-HautBrions, ranking alongside the 1982, 1975, 1961, 1959, and 1955. The 1989 boasts a dense, thick, purple color, followed by a sweet, roasted cassis, chocolatey-scented nose with whiffs of tobacco, tar, and minerals. The wine is extremely full-bodied, unctuously-textured, sweet, jammy, and rich. Although it is still a youthful, unformed wine, it is already delicious to drink. It should develop additional bottle bouquet by the turn of the century, after which it will drink well for 15-20 years. R. Parker, 99 pts. 02/97 1 bottle $600-900
311. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1956 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. high shoulder, label staining, bin soil 1 bottle $400-600 312. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1975 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe u. all very top shoulder, capsules lightly corroded, one torn, labels show glue striping, one nicked, one ripped, one label with pen marking, one label unaffixed 3 bottles $250-350 313. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2000 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe The 2000 Mouton Rothschild is at its best with about 24-48 hours of decanting. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, the wine offers a saturated ruby/purple color in addition to reticent but promising aromas of toast, coffee, licorice, crme de cassis, and roasted nuts. Dense, chewy, and backward, with tremendous purity and density in addition to obvious toasty oak, it is full-bodied, powerful, tannic, and backward. Twenty-four to 48 hours of aeration only hints at its ultimate potential. This blockbuster will be exceptionally longlived. It is not as expressive as the other first-growth Medocs, but give it time. R. Parker, 97 pts. 04/03 1 bottle $450-650 314. Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1979 (2 bts) one high-top shoulder, one upper mid shoulder, capsule tears and slight cork deterioration 1983 (4 bts) all top shoulder, light label smudging and capsule tears Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 6 bottles $550-850 315. Chateau Petrus 1960 Pomerol 1 bottle $550-800 Pichon Longueville - The visually stunning Pichon Longueville could serve as the postcard-image one conjures up when imaging a chateau in France. A Second Growth for certain, but given Pichons lofty neighbors, their competitive juices must be constantly flowing. An intriguing aspect with many these older, established estates is how rigorously they embrace modernity one could be forgiven for erroneously assuming that time has stopped inside the front door. In Pichons case, it was the first property to attain the ISO 14001 standard in the entire Bordeaux region! -PhM 316. Chateau Pichon Longueville, Lalande 1970 Pauillac, 2eme Cru Classe 12 bottles (owc) $600-900
306. Chateau Latour 1983 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 2 bottles $300-450
307. Chateau Margaux 1981 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe u. all bottom neck 12 bottles (owc) $1,200-1,800
308. Chateau Margaux 1982 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe u. both very top shoulder or better 2 bottles $950-1,400 309. Margaux 1982 Margaux, 1er Cru Classe all bottom neck or better, four with very slightly protruding corks, staining to labels Consistently scoring between 98-100, the superb 1982 Margaux may be slightly bigger, bolder, and more masculine than vintages produced over the last 15-20 years. Its dark plum/purple color is followed by notes of melted tar intermixed with sweet cassis and floral underpinnings. Very full-bodied and dense for a Chateau Margaux, with a slight rusticity to the tannins, it boasts blockbuster power, richness, and impressive aromatics. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. R. Parker, 98 pts. 06/09 7 bottles $3,000-4,500
310. Chateau Marquis de Terme 1981 Margaux, 4eme Cru Classe u. one top shoulder, others very top shoulder or better, heavy staining to some labels 9 bottles $175-250
317. Chateau Pichon Longueville, Lalande 1983 Pauillac, 2eme Cru Classe u. three bottom neck, three very top shoulder 6 bottles $600-900 318. Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 2000 Margaux 12 bottles (owc) $700-1,000 319. Chateau Calon Segur 1982 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux 2003 2 bottles $125-175 320. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1970 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 1985 Lacroix de Beaucaillou 1999 La Mission Haut Brion 1996 4 bottles $275-400 321. Chateau Lynch Bages 1990 (2 bts) Chateau Pichon Longueville, Lalande 1990 (1 bt) 3 bottles $300-450 322. Chateau Lynch Bages 1989 (1 bt) Chateau Montrose 1989 (1 bt) Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1973 (1 bt) Fonseca (1 demi) Taylor 1992 (2 demis) 3 demi bottles 3 bottles $450-650 323. Les Forts de Latour 1982 Chapoutier, Hermitage 1990 2 bottles $225-325 324. Chateau Pape Clement 1970 (4 bts) Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1975 (1 bt) Chateau Lynch Bages 1976 (2 bts) 7 bottles $225-325 325. Chateau dYquem 1976 Sauternes u. very top shoulder, light bin soil, evidence possible seepage, amber color R. Parker, 96 pts. 01/98 1 demi bottle $175-250
326. Domaine de la Romanee Conti, Romanee Conti 1960 Cote de Nuits u. one 8cm, one 9cm, capsule losses, bin soil No. 04159 No. 04170 2 bottles $1,800-2,400
327. Gaillot, Batard Montrachet 1971 Cote de Beaune u. 6cm or better, glue striping, label abrasion over vintage to one, bin soil 7 bottles $1,900-2,500
328. Georges Jayer, Echezeaux 1982 Cote de Nuits u. 2.5cm or better, bin soil 3 bottles $1,200-1,800
329. Lucien Jayer, Echezeaux 1978 Cote de Nuits u. 6.5cm, some capsule losses, bin soil 1 bottle $500-700
330. Pierre Matrot, Puligny Montrachet 1998 Cote de Beaune 5 bottles $200-300
331. Remoissenet, Corton Charlemagne Diamond Jubilee 1994 Cote de Beaune 6 demi bottles 9 bottles $475-650
332. Bichot, Echezeaux Clos Frantin 1988 (1 bt) Truchot-Martin Gevrey Chambertin, Aux Combottes 1988 (1 bt) Rion, Nuits St. Georges, Clos des Argilleries 1988 (2 bts) Rion, Nuits St. Georges, Les Vignes Rondes 1987 (1 bt) 5 bottles $225-350
333. Drouhin, Clos des Mouches 1986 (3 bts) Faiveley, Clos de Vougeout 1988 (2 bts) Jadot, Bonnes Mares 1985 (1 bt) 6 bottles $375-550
334. Dujac, Gevrey Chambertin aux Combottes 1974 (2 bts) Grivot, Vosne Romanee 1976 (4 bts) Cote de Nuits 6 bottles $350-500 335. Gouges, Nuits St. Georges Les Pruliers 1996 (3 bts) Lignier, Morey St. Denis Les Chaffots 1995 (3 bts) 6 bottles $425-600 336. Grivelet, Pommard 1957 (1 bt) Jules Regnier, Chambolle Musigny 1970 (1 bt) Beyerman, Hospices de Beaune, Corton, Cuvee Dr. Peste 1972 (1 bt) Mongeard Mugneret, Fixin 1987 (2 bts) u. all 7cm or better (most 3-5cm), oxidation and wrinkling to capsules, bin soil 5 bottles $150-250 337. Louis Latour, Chambertin, Cuvee Heritiers Latour 1976 (1 bt) (3 cm) Henri Rebourseau, Clos Vougeot 1967 (5 bts) (5cm or better) label staining to all 6 bottles $350-500 338. Clerget, Les Rugiens, Tete de Cuvee Pommard 1979 (1 bt) Louis Latour, Puligny Montrachet 1985 (2 bts) Meursault Perrieres 1990 (2 bts) Dom Perignon 1995 (1 bt) 6 bottles $425-625 339. Bollinger, Grande Annee Brut 1990 6 bottles $600-900 340. Cristal Brut 1993 3 bottles $275-450
343. Veuve Clicquot, Brut NV 3 magnums $125-175 344. Antinori, Tignanello Sangiovese 1997 Tuscany one label with bin scuffs and light staining 6 bottles $400-600 345. Aldo Conterno, Bussia Soprano Barolo 1985 Piedmont 3 bottles $450-650 346. Parrusso, Mariondino Barolo 1990 (3 bts) Elio Altare, Barolo 1990 (2 bts) Piedmont 5 bottles $300-400 347. Avignonesi, Grifi 1993 (1 bt) Coltassala, Castello di Volpaia 1985 (1 bt) Poggio Antico, Brunello 1985 (1 bt) Lisini, Brunello di Montalcino 1993 (1 bt) Manzone, La Gramolere Barolo 1990 (1 bt) 1996 (1 bt) Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 1997 (2 bt) Strozzi, Sodole Reserva 1985 (2 bts) Italy 10 bottles $375-525 348. Bott-Geyl Gewurtztraminer Sonnenglanz, Vielles Vignes 1995 (3 bts) Gewurztraminer Furstentum 1995 (3 bts) Riesling G