Highly-Rated Wines: New World
2008 Leonetti Merlot
92 WA $72.99
2008 Leonetti Merlot
Washington
2008 Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington Net Price $72.99 “The 2008 Merlot (100%) spent 15 months in a mix of new and used French oak. It exhibits an aromatic array of smoke, spice box, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Elegant on the palate with excellent volume, concentrated, spicy flavors, and a hint of minerality, it has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2022 if not longer.” 92 Points, The Wine Advocate
92 WA $72.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2008 Alban "Reva"
96+WA $99.99
2008 Alban "Reva"
California
2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah “Reva” Alban Estate Vineyard, Central Coast, CA On Sale $99.99 “The 2008 Reva (Syrah) is stunningly beautiful. This is a relatively delicate, feminine Reva that impresses for its length, balance and utter purity of fruit. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and silky, saline notes wrap around the expressive fruit on the long, polished finish. A hint of truffles adds to the wine’s sensual, totally beguiling personality. In 2008, the Reva is drop-dead gorgeous. Readers should note that, in this vintage, there is no Lorraine or Seymour’s, so the 2008 is a “super-Reva!” Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”
96+WA $99.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Conn Valley Right Bank
94WA $55.99
2010 Conn Valley Right Bank
California
2010 Anderson’s Conn Valley Right Bank Proprietary Red Wine, Napa Valley, California On Sale $55.99 “Freshly cut flowers, violets, leather and spices jump from the 2010 Proprietary Red Right Bank. There is an element of freshness and vibrancy in the 2010 that is highly appealing. Today, the 2010 is a bit compact, but I expect it will flesh out over time. Hints of leather, licorice, menthol and tar add complexity on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2020.”
94WA $55.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2007 Ravenswood Zinfandel
93-94ST $34.99
2007 Ravenswood Zinfandel
California
2007 Ravenswood Winery Zinfandel, Teldeschi Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California On Sale $35.99 “Deep ruby. Highly perfumed bouquet of black raspberry, apricot and potpourri expands with air and picks up a subtle tobacco quality. A real basket of fruits on the palate, offering flavors of plum, cherry, red and dark berries and exotic apricot and peach pit. The finish repeats the sweet red berry note and clings impressively. I'd drink this sexy wine on the young side, for its bodacious fruit character.”
93-94ST $34.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2009 Dierberg Pinot Noir
93WA $35.99
2009 Dierberg Pinot Noir
California
2009 Dierberg Pinot Noir Estate, Santa Maria Valley, California On Sale $35.99 “The 2008 Pedestal Merlot is fashioned by the peripatetic Michel Rolland. Made up of 81% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it was aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak. It reveals a nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, cassis, and black currant. Structured and savory on the palate with spicy black fruit flavors, it has the balance to evolve gracefully for 2-3 years and will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2023.”
93WA $35.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2009 BenMarco Expresivo
92WA $33.99
2009 BenMarco Expresivo
Argentina
2009 BenMarco Expresivo Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina On Sale $33.99 “The 2009 Expresivo is a blend of 50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, with the balance Tannat and Petit Verdot. It offers up considerably more sophistication and complexity in its suave personality. In the glass it displays enough structure to evolve for several years and will deliver prime drinking from 2014 to 2024.”
92WA $33.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Luca Malbec
93WA $28.99
2010 Luca Malbec
Argentina
2010 Luca Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina On Sale $28.99 “The 2010 Malbec (100%) was sourced from 46-year-old vines and spent 16 months in 60% new French oak. It offers up an inviting nose of exotic spices, incense, cherry cola, wood smoke, and black cherry. On the palate it opens to reveal a plush, moderately structured Malbec that will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age. Drink this lengthy, seamless effort from 2013 to 2022.”
93WA $28.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Mendel Unus
93WA $51.99
2010 Mendel Unus
Argentina
2010 Mendel Unus Proprietary Blend, Mendoza, Argentina
On Sale $51.99
“The 2010 Unus is a blend of 82-year-old un-grafted 65% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Perdriel, Mayor Drummond and Altamira that is aged in new Taransaud oak for 16 months. It has a lifted, feminine bouquet of ripe black currant, red currant, rose petals and violets that is beautifully defined. The palate has very fine tannins, crisp red berry fruit and a poised, understated finish that has a crystalline purity. Drink now-2020.”
93WA $51.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2011 Tolentino Malbec
90WA $11.99
2011 Tolentino Malbec
Argentina
2011 Bodegas Cuarto Dominio Tolentino Malbec, Winemaker’s Selection, Mendoza, Argentina
On Sale $11.99
“The 2011 Tolentino Malbec Winemaker’s Selection, which sees six to eight months in French oak, has a pinched bouquet of raspberry, mulberry and a touch of banana skin (from a little reduction). The palate is medium-bodied, with sappy, ripe red berry fruit on the entry. The acidity is well-judged and builds nicely with copious raspberry jam and boysenberry notes, towards the satisfying, structured finish that is pure and silky smooth in the mouth. This is a delicious Malbec to savor over the next five or six years. Drink now-2018.”
90WA $11.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 "Lake Doctor" Shiraz
90ST $17.99
2010 "Lake Doctor" Shiraz
Australia
2010 Zonte’s Footstep “Lake Doctor” Langhorne Creek Shiraz, Australia
On Sale $17.99
“Full ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet evokes blueberry and boysenberry, dried violet and cracked pepper. Lush, seamless and gently sweet, offering weighty dark berry flavors and supple texture. The blueberry note repeats on the velvety, very persistent finish.”
90ST $17.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Chapoutier Shiraz
97WA $49.99
2010 Chapoutier Shiraz
Australia
2010 Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz de Malakoff, Australia
On Sale $49.99
“These Chapoutier wines are sometimes reviewed by my colleagues David Schildknect in his Languedoc-Roussillon report and Lisa Perrotti-Brown in her reviews of Australian wines, so I will just list the wines, my score, and the region from which they emerge. They are of very high quality and deserve readers’ attention. Hopefully my prose has convinced more than a handful of readers to try these remarkable wines from one of the most fascinating and compelling personalities in the entire wine world, and one dedicated to the highest quality.”
97WA $49.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2009 Kilikanoon Mort's Block
91WA $18.99
2009 Kilikanoon Mort's Block
Australia
2009 Kilikanoon Riesling, “Mort's Block,” Clare Valley, Australia
On Sale $18.99
“The winery has always excelled with Riesling from the Clare Valley. The 2009 Mort’s Block Riesling is light straw-colored with a splendid nose of mineral, spring flowers, lemon-lime and other citrus aromas that jump from the glass. Just off-dry (1.4g/L RS), it is reminiscent of a high quality Mosel Kabinett. It will evolve for 5-6 years and drink well through 2021.”
91WA $18.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Mollydooker Maitre D'
90WA $23.99
2010 Mollydooker Maitre D'
Australia
2010 Mollydooker Cabernet Sauvignon “The Maitre D’,” South Australia
On Sale $23.99
“Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2010 The Maitre d' Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of creme de cassis and black cherry preserves with a hint of mocha and a touch of hung meat. Full-bodied, the palate fills the mouth with warm berry and savory flavors supported by crisp acid and a medium level of fine grained tannins, finishing long. Drink it now 2017.”
90WA $23.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
Highly-Rated Wines: Old World
2010 Dom. Lafond CdP
92WA $44.99
2010 Dom. Lafond CdP
France
2010 Domaine Lafond Roc Epine Chateauneuf-du-Pape, S. Rhone, France
On Sale $44.99
While the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Roc-Epine has closed down slightly, it remains a sexy Chateauneuf filled with sumptuous black currant, black cherry and raspberry flavors interwoven with garrigue, licorice and roasted Provencal herbs. Full-bodied with good acidity and precision, it is somewhat forward for a 2010, and should drink well over the next 10-15 years.
92WA $44.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2011 Nostre Pais Viognier
93WA $15.99
2011 Nostre Pais Viognier
France
2011 Michael Gassier Nostre Pais Costieres de Nimes Viognier, Languedoc Roussillon, France On Sale $15.99 “I know some readers will find it hard to believe, but the 2011 Nostre Pais Blanc’s aromas and rich, honeyed, full-bodied texture reminded me of the famous white Chateauneuf du Pape made by Beaucastel, which sells for three or more times the price. An amazing blend of 90% Grenache Blanc, 5% Roussanne and 5% Viognier aged six months in French oak, the Roussanne component jumps from the glass, offering notes of acacia flowers, honeysuckle, white peach, quince and pineapple. The flamboyant, intense aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, exuberant, dry white wine that must be tasted to be believed. I suspect this offering has some aging potential, but why risk it given how beautiful it is showing at present. I recommend consuming it over the next several years.”
93WA $15.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Ch. Puech-Haut
94RR $16.99
2010 Ch. Puech-Haut
France
2010 Chateau Puech-Haut Cuvee Le Prestige Coteaux de Languedoc, France
On Sale $16.99
“Even better than the brilliant ’09, with more elegance and freshness, the 2010 Château Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drézéry Cuvée Prestige is a custom cuvee made by Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon. An absurd value and a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan that’s aged half in concrete and half in neutral barrel, it possesses a vivid, semi-opaque purple color to go with captivating aromas of raspberry liqueur, cassis, fresh flowers, sappy underbrush, and licorice-like qualities that simply soar from the glass. On the palate, this impeccably put together Languedoc has a pure, polished profile, with a sappy, resinous tactile sensation in its full-bodied texture, perfect balance, and a long, seamless finish. While no lightweight, it is in no way over the top and has real poise and elegance that is married to plenty of power and depth. While it has the balance and tannin structure to evolve gracefully for upwards of a decade, I see no reason to hold off.”
94RR $16.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Charvin CdP
95+WA $64.99
2010 Charvin CdP
France
2010 Domaine Gerard Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape, S. Rhone, France On Sale $64.99 “More backward and concentrated, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as dense, black raspberry, black currant, garrigue, licorice and lavender characteristics. Full-bodied with undeniable elegance, minerality and precision, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should keep well for 15-20.”
95+WA $64.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2007 Collosorbo Brunello
94WA $42.99
2007 Collosorbo Brunello
Italy
2007 Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
On Sale $42.99
“The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with freshly cut flowers, spices, rose petals and sweet red berries. The 2007 impresses for its poise and fabulous overall harmony, especially in the way expressive aromatics and fruit are woven together. I very much admire the wine’s feminine, gracious personality. This is a terrific showing from Collosorbo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”
94WA $42.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2007 Rocca Barolo
93WA $39.99
2007 Rocca Barolo
Italy
2007 Giovanni Rocca Barolo, Bricco Ravera, Piedmont, Italy
On Sale $39.99
“An elegant version, whose raspberry, strawberry, eucalyptus and tobacco notes are wrapped in muscular tannins. This finishes on the dry side, but there's sweet fruit up front, so be patient. Best from 2015 through 2030. 100 cases made.”
93WA $39.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2008 Moccagatta Barbaresco
94WA $46.99
2008 Moccagatta Barbaresco
Italy
2008 Moccagatta Barbaresco, Bric Balin, Piedmont, Italy
On Sale $46.99
“The 2008 Barbaresco Bric Balin wafts from the glass with crushed flowers, dried cherries, tobacco and cedar. It is less overt than the Basarin, with the structural components playing a greater role in the wine’s balance. The energy and focus here are both attractive, while the oak seems to have come down, all of which adds up to a wine with terrific overall balance. The Bric Balin can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will require some air for the fruit to flesh out. It is a fine effort from the Minuto brothers. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”
94WA $46.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2007 Ruffino Chianti
92JS $34.99
2007 Ruffino Chianti
Italy
2007 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico, Italy
On Sale $34.99
“A wine with lots of dried fruits and raisings that turn to cedar and spices. Full and velvety. Juicy finish.”
92JS $34.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2007 Il Poggione Brunello
95ST $74.99
2007 Il Poggione Brunello
Italy
2007 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
On Sale $74.99
“Medium red. Reticent nose hints at red berries, marzipan and nutty oak. Fine-grained, fleshy and highly concentrated, without any undue impression of weight. Lovely sappy sweetness accentuates the wine's inner-mouth perfume. Really builds on the very long, even, sweetly tannic back end, which stains the palate with red fruits, flowers and complex soil tones. This strikes me as more typical perfumed sangiovese than the darker, more locked-up, more obviously structured 2006 riserva.”
95ST $74.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2008 Tommasi Amarone
93ST $69.99
2008 Tommasi Amarone
Italy
2008 Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
On Sale $69.99
“Deep purple-tinged ruby. Grapey, deep aromas of stewed plum, raisin, date and cocoa explode from the glass. Rich, smooth and very dense, with wonderfully tactile flavors similar to the aromas. This very pure Amarone finishes creamy-sweet but fresh, thanks to sound acidity. An extremely successful entry-level Amarone made from grapes that were air-dried for roughly four months.”
93ST $69.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Black Slate
94WA $19.99
2010 Black Slate
Spain
2010 Mas Romani (Mas Alta) “Black Slate,” La Vilella Alta, Priorat, Spain
On Sale $19.99
“When’s the last time anyone found a Priorat rated over 90 points for under $25 a bottle? A project of acclaimed Rhone Valley winemakers Philippe Cambie and Michel Tardieu from one of Priorat’s nine villages, La Vilella Alta, the 2010 Black Slate was fashioned from 60% Garnacha, 35% Carignan and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 12 months in French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Notes of graphite, blueberry liqueur, raspberries, crushed rocks and spring flowers jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored wine. It possesses fabulous intensity, a multidimensional mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long finish. The natural alcohol pushes 16%, and there are 1,000 cases exported to the United States. It should keep for 5-10+ years. Priorat wines such as this normally sell for over $100 a bottle.”
94WA $19.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2011 Zerran
92WA $13.99
2011 Zerran
Spain
2011 Bodegas Ordonez “Zerran,” Monsant, Spain
On Sale $13.99
“Even more so is the 2011 Zerran, which ratchets up the level of concentration and ripe fruit. It reveals abundant kirsch, lavender, black raspberry and dusty, loamy, earthy scents intermixed with notions of spring flowers and blackberries. There is not any oak evident in this dense effort. Its completeness and overall equilibrium are impressive, and this great value should drink well for 5-6 years, possibly longer.”
92WA $13.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Mas Alta
91ST $25.99
2010 Mas Alta
Spain
2010 Bodegas Mas Alta Artigas La Vilella, Priorat, Spain On Sale $25.99 “Even more so is the 2011 Zerran, which ratchets up the level of concentration and ripe fruit. It reveals abundant kirsch, lavender, black raspberry and dusty, loamy, earthy scents intermixed with notions of spring flowers and blackberries. There is not any oak evident in this dense effort. Its completeness and overall equilibrium are impressive, and this great value should drink well for 5-6 years, possibly longer.”
91ST $25.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 El Chaparral
91ST $13.99
2010 El Chaparral
Spain
2010 Vega Sindoa “El Chaparral” Old Vines Garnacha, Navarra, Spain On Sale $13.99 “Made from vines reportedly ranging from 60 to 100 years of age) Inky ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet displays black raspberry, cherry compote, licorice and dark chocolate, plus a sexy floral overtone. Fresh, focused red and dark berry flavors are given depth by a note of bitter chocolate and framed by silky tannins. Finishes with very good clarity and mineral snap, with the black raspberry note repeating. Year in and out this is a superb value.”
91ST $13.99
Phone: 314 863 6282
2010 Romanico
92WA $15.99
2010 Romanico
Spain
2010 Bodegas Teso la Monja “Romanico,” Toro, Spain On Sale $15.99 “The 2010 Romanico (100% Tinta de Toro aged in 100% new French oak for six months) exhibits a sensational bouquet of licorice, unsmoked cigar tobacco, blackberries and cassis. Full-bodied, smoky, rich, complex, big and dense without being heavy or awkward, this beauty will drink well for 5-7 years.”
92WA $15.99
Phone: 314 863 6282