"The 2007 Gigondas Tradition possesses extravagant blackberry and cassis fruit, deep, full-bodied flavors, and even more power, structure, and depth than the 2006. With fresh acidity as well as remarkable aromatic penetration, it should provide pleasure for 15 or more years." Robert Parker
2001
Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a J Perrin 2001 Magnum, Beaucastel (DP)
CASE1
3
311.00
357.65
2010-2030
99 WA
"The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin is a blend of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise, and 10% Syrah. Full-bodied, excruciatingly backward, and nearly impenetrable, it boasts an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a promising nose of new saddle leather, melted asphalt, camphor, blackberries, smoky, roasted herbs, and Asian spices. A huge lashing of tannin as well as a formidable structure result in the antithesis of its more flattering, forward, and voluptuous sibling, the classic Beaucastel. Readers lucky enough to come across this cuvee should plan on waiting at least a decade before it begins to approach adolescence. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040." Robert Parker
2000
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul 2000, Pierre Usseglio (DP)
CASE12
1
400.00
460.00
Now-2020
95 WA
"The profound 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul (85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault) tips the scales at 15% alcohol. From an old vineyard and cropped at 15 hectoliters per hectare, and aged only in foudre, it boasts a dense purple color in addition to an exquisite nose of violets, minerals, blueberries and blackberries. Pure and concentrated, but atypically tannic, it requires considerable aging as it is one of the vintage's more backward, broodingly powerful efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020. " Robert Parker
Chateauneuf du Pape 2000, Vieux Donjon (DP)
CASE12
1
230.00
264.50
Now-2018
91 WA
"The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape represents an educational tour of the southern Rhone, in particular, Chateauneuf du Pape. It possesses all the appellation's classic components ... underbrush, garrigue, licorice, pepper, lavender, sweet black cherries, and incense. Extremely perfumed and heady, this full-bodied, moderately tannic offering comes close to matching the mass and blockbuster power of the 1998. Firm tannin in the finish suggests a long aging curve. Given my experience with Vieux Donjon, most of the classic vintages hit their peak at 7-8 years, where they remain for 5-6 years. Around age 15-16 they begin a slow decline. The 2000 should follow that path. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016." Robert Parker
Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Clos du Caillou 2000, Dom Clos de Caillou
CASE6
1
800.00
931.07
Now-2020
99 WA
"Possibly the wine of the vintage is the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Cailloux. I tasted this wine four times from bottle, and it has blown away some tough competition. A wealth of fruit, power, and balance, amazing purity, and a sumptuous, 65-second finish are the stuff of legends. As usual, it is a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah as well as miscellaneous varietals. The Mourvedre must be picked incredibly ripe as there is never any of that grape's astringency or toughness. However, being an anti-oxidant varietal, I am sure this is a sign of how much aging potential these wines possess. This is an enormous, well-delineated, superb wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2020+." Robert Parker
1999
Hermitage la Chapelle 1999 Magnums, Paul Jaboulet Aine (DP)
CASE3
2
200.00
230.00
Now-2018
89 WA
Cote Rotie 1999 Magnums, Patrick Jasmin (DP)
CASE6
1
557.00
640.55
Now-2018
90 WA
"The 1999 Cote Rotie offers pretty flavors redolent with scents of black cherries, raspberries, plums, and cherries, with smoke, mineral, and paper white Narcissus notes in the background. It is medium-bodied, pure, supple-textured, and delicious. If it builds in the bottle, it will merit an even higher score. This is undoubtedly the finest Jasmin Cote Rotie produced in over a decade. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016." Robert Parker
1998
Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition 1998, Domaine du Pere Caboche (DP)
CASE12
1
123.00
141.45
Now-2012
86-87 WA
Chateauneuf du Pape 1998, Vieux Donjon (DP)
CASE12
1
600.00
705.00
Now-2018
95 WA
"The 1998, a classic in the making, is, along with the 1990, one of the two finest Vieux Donjons I have tasted. The backward 1998 offers aromas of incense, roasted herbs, lavender, licorice, and kirsch liqueur in a full-bodied, sweet, expansive, structured style. It should last another 15-20 years." Robert Parker
