Garage Wine Co. - great scores!

2013 Garage Wine Co. Lot #47 Truquilemu Vineyard...$29.99
There were 19 barrels of the 2013 Truquilemu Vineyard Lot #47, which is from the Empedrado zone in the Maule Valley. This is closer to the coast full of granitic soils with some layered parts, kind of schists, which allow the roots to go deep. The nose is floral, elegant and subtle, a little closed at first, becoming deeper and more nuanced with time in the glass. The palate shows great, citric freshness with a thread of fine acidity going through its backbone. This is mostly Cariñena mixed in the field with other varieties picked and fermented together, but the Cariñena represents more than 85% of the blend in the wine. It has character, notes of the earth and also those violets only the best Cariñena can provide. Plain great, with a long life ahead. I had the chance to visit the vineyard later on and it's one of those places that when you see them, you understand IT HAS to produce great wine. And in a fresh vintage like 2013, it certainly does. Some 6,800 bottles were produced.

Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate

2013 Garage Wine Co. Lot 51 Cabernet Sauvignon...$29.99
The 2013 Lot #51 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with a little Cabernet Franc (15 to 16 barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon and one of Cabernet Franc), and is sourced from the San Juan de Pirque Vineyard. Most of the wines ferment in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts (some small lots are done in plastic bins) and then age in used barrels. There is good herbal freshness, ripe berries, earth, iron and a touch of blood. The tannins are very fine and there is a nice thread of acidity, with good balance. This vineyard is the second terrace of the Maipo river, with the classical rolling stones of Puente Alto, at almost 1,000 meters altitude. The bottles now show a round stamp saying 'Mountain Grown'. The 2009 tasted together with this shows classical notes of bottle evolution, layered with developed notes of cigar box, tobacco and graphite. Classical Chilean Cabernet. 5,000 bottles produced.
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate


2013 Garge Wine Co. Lot 50 Cabernet Franc....$29.99
The 2013 Lot #50 Cabernet Franc is sourced, like all the lots of Cabernet Franc, from the Pirque Vineyard in Maipo, and in this vintage the vineyard is shown on the label (well, it's actually painted on the bottle!). It has that note of freshness I find in some of the best high-altitude vineyards, with some blue fruit aromas, something minty, leafy, herbal, balsamic, very fresh and a little wild. This is a vineyard at some 700 meters altitude. The palate is also very fresh, medium-bodied with very fine tannins, a fine texture and is very elegant. I tasted the 2009 for context and aging potential, and even when they used more oak at the time, the wine is aging very nicely, with some rusticity. 5,513 bottles were filled.
Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate

"I sat down to taste through an exciting collection of wines with Derek Mossman. Garage Wine Co produces wines from Maipo and Maule, and their trademark is wines with great freshness and acidity from some seven vineyards they work. 42,000 bottles per year of highly personal and full of character wines. I later met with Mossman again to walk some of the vineyards for where he sources grapes for some of his Maule cuvées and the work he's doing there to support the local 'huasos' and their vineyards is remarkable. The common thing that I've seen between Mossman, Cancino, Luyt, Parra and the other guys working in the south is respect -- for the people, the traditions and the places. These are wines of respect. An exciting project to keep in mind. I get a bit confused with the numbering of the wines, though..."- The Wine Advocate

Jack Daneils new Single Barrel Rye

Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye....$44.99

Rye Features First New Grain Recipe from Jack Daniel’s in More Than 100 Years
"The Jack Daniel Distillery announces the nationwide release of the brand’s third offering within the Single Barrel Collection and first new grain bill in 100 years, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye. This expression marks the first time consumers can experience a fully matured rye product from Jack Daniel’s. The newest member of the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands will be on shelves February 2016 and will be available across the U.S.

“Rye was one of the earliest forms of American whiskey and as the Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s, I’m proud to honor that history with the release of Single Barrel Rye. There is a reemerging trend of rye whiskeys and we are excited to be able to give friends of Jack Daniel’s a chance to experience it,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “You never want to over-barrel a rye whiskey so it was important for us to stay true to the style with grain forward character rather than barrel character while still allowing our barrels to interplay with the whiskey. I’m confident that everyone will be as impressed as I am with the taste and character of this bold new rye offering.”

Rye, at 94-proof, is the Jack Daniel Distillery’s third offering in the Single Barrel Collection which includes Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select and Barrel Proof. Select is a 94-proof single barrel Tennessee Whiskey and Barrel Proof ranges from 125 to 140 proof. Each expression in the Single Barrel Collection offers a robust, full-bodied flavor complemented by Jack Daniel’s smooth, unmistakable character. Together, Select, Barrel Proof and Rye combine to create the world’s finest collection of single barrel Tennessee Whiskey.

Rye is crafted using a unique 70 percent rye, 18 percent corn and 12 percent malted barley grain bill giving the whiskey a clean, sweet tone at the tip of the tongue with a more distinct and slightly shorter finish than other Single Barrel offerings. Rye also uses the same cave spring water from the Jack Daniel’s Hollow and proprietary yeast that’s been used in the distillery’s 150-year-old Tennessee Whiskey recipe. From there, the liquid enters a charred White American Oak barrel, crafted at Jack Daniel’s very own cooperage and set to age in the upper regions of the barrelhouse. In this resting place, the whiskey is exposed to the extreme temperature variations that a Lynchburg, Tennessee season brings. The interaction of the whiskey, the wood and the environment brings out distinct flavor profiles that transcend what you would expect of a rye whiskey to become Single Barrel Rye.

Single Barrel Rye completes the distillery’s journey into rye whiskies, following limited release batches of Rested Rye in 2014 and Unaged Rye in 2012, allowing fans to taste the maturing rye over time. Rye starts off lightly sweet and mid-palate opens up to a dried fruit and trail mix flavor, finishing slightly shorter than the other Single Barrels as Rye is much more about grain rather than barrel character. Rye is a complex and robust whiskey that brings something unique to the palates of Jack Daniel’s friends and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

New Holland Cask and Smoke

New Holland Cask and Smoke Whiskey...$28.99
Peated malts create balanced smokiness in this barley-based, barrel-aged whiskey.
Spirits Style: Whiskey
Proof" 90
Domestic 2-row malted barley and peat-smoked barley malt sourced from the UK, mashed and fermented in house.  Twice-distilled to 140 proof. Matured in 15-gallon American white oak casks for 18 months. Non-chill filtered at bottling.

Lucky Buddha Enlightened Beer - now in CANS

Lucky Buddha Enlightened Beer....$9.99 / 6pk CANS
Enlightening the senses.
Created to put a smile on your face
In a world a world that's full of change, it's good to know that Lucky Beer offers something consistently good natured. Although the distinctive laughing Buddha bottle is central to our brand, Lucky Beer - and the good fortune it shares - transcends all religions, cultural boundaries and beliefs.
In its simplest form, we stand for goodwill for all humanity.
"If you think that enlightenment is separate from the drinking of beer you have not yet understood" Ancient Taoist Saying.

Chateau Beaulon Cognac

Just a few bottles of each at great prices.  Very rare cognacs

Chateau Beaulon Cognac 7 Year Old Folle Blanche...$39.99

Lowest price online is $55

A 7 year old Cognac
A Château de Beaulon classic
Robe : Amber, glints of warm gold,
Nose : Markedly Folle Blanche, floral, touch of geranium, candied orange and broom.
Palate : Very fruity, angelica and raisin, perfectly balanced, round. Good character rarely found in a cognac of this age.
Delicious as a long drink with tonic water or simply ? on the rocks?.

Chateau Beaulon Cognac Grande Fine 12 year old....$49.99
Grande Fine

A 12 year old Cognac
Robe : Golden almost orange highlights.
Nose : Bread, almond, gorse and wild peach, cinnamon, racy and complex, clearly defined, Folle Blanche, refined distillation.
Palate : Fruity, very rich, orange, fresh, very long aftertaste.

Chateau Beaulon Coganc Tres Vieille Reserve 1976....$99.99
A rare, very exceptional cognac
Robe : Old gold with copper tints.
Nose : Intense, riche and strong evolving towards fruit notes followed by soft spices, dried fruit.
Palate : Supple, fresh, elegant. Candied fruit. A multitude of floral and fruit aromas with ?
Finale : Gourmand and spicy touches.

A. de Fussigny Cognacs

Just got some great Cognac at a great price....
A. de Fussigny Selection Fine Cognac....$29.99

A. de Fussigny Superieur Fine Cognac....$44.99
Lowest prices in the country
A. de Fussigny is a range of exceptional cognacs that marry tradition and innovation. Fussigny Cognacs include XO, Superieur and Selection. The cognac was established in 1814 by Italian merchant Alfonso de Fussigny in the heart of the historical city of Cognac, by the river Charente where the products are still crafted today. Fussigny Cognacs are distilled, aged and bottled entirely on this site of operation.

The river’s proximity makes for the perfect humidity in the Fussigny aging cellars, which allows more alcohol than water to evaporate bringing out the aromas of the cognac and creating a rounder, more subtle taste. The cognacs age in Limousin oak barrels which have a high tannin level and higher proportion of extractable material. Aging in Limousin oak barrels allow for a longer aging process and makes the eau-de-vie richer and have more body.

Patrick Giudicelli, the Master Blender, samples hundreds of eaux-de-vie and chooses the ones that will achieve the Fussigny Cognac signature style: balanced, rich and elegant.

Jonata from Screaming Eagle ----

AMAZING SCORES AND PRICES

2011 Jonata El Alma de Jonata....$89.99
Next lowest price online is $99.99
While there was no El Almas produced in 2010 due to late rains, the 2011 El Alma de Jonata is beautiful. Most similar to the 2008, with pure, pretty notes of wild herbs, dark chocolate, tobacco, crushed flowers and currants, it flows onto the palate with beautiful freshness and purity, big richness and a great finish. Give it another couple of years and enjoy it through 2026. Drink 2015-2026. 
This was an incredible tasting with winemaker Matt Dees. This estate continues to produce some of the most impressive, long-lived wines in Santa Barbara. As I’ve learned from past tasting, it’s always best to schedule this appointment at the end of the day as these effort have no shortage of tannin and can wreak havoc on one’s palate. While I’ve routinely tasted the La Sangre de Jonata for a number of years now, it was great to be able to go back through past vintages of this estate’s other wines.
Rated 96/100 The Wine Advocate

2010 Jonata La Sangre de Jonata...$89.99
Next lowest price online is $119.99

Looking at Matt’s Syrah blend, the La Sangre de Jonata is normally co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier and is aged all in larger format barrels. Showing just as good from bottle as from barrel, the 2010 La Sangre de Jonata is a brilliant Syrah. Co-fermented with 3% Viognier, its inky purple color is followed by a massive, concentrated and structured wine that tastes like the essence of Syrah. Cassis, spice, ink, chocolate, flowers and roasted meat-like aromas and flavors all emerge from the glass and this is formidably structured and tannic on the palate. In need of another 3-4 years of bottle age, it will have 15-20 years of longevity. Drink 2016-2025.

Rated 97/100 Wine Advocate

Cheese Features

Always cut fresh to order, come in for a taste.
All stores carry a different selection, check each store for selection.

New Ballas Cheese Feature:

Bruder Basil Smoked (Naturally Smoked)
Bruder Basil Semi-soft, pasteurized cow milk, brick shaped loaf. Creamy paste has few lacey holes and the finish is smokey. Nice served with beer as a table cheese or makes an excellent melting cheese.

New Ballas Location Cheese Feature
Tomme Noir with Peppercorns
The Black Coat Pyrenees Cheese comes from the south-west of France in the district of Ariege, Hautes-Pyrenees. Half pressed and made with uncooked pasteurized cow milk, it falls into the semifirm cheese category. The black skin coating gives the lacy white paste interior a fine finished appearance. The milk comes from the specific areas defined by the "Certification de conformite” (conformity certification). Tomme des Pyrenees is made and aged entirely within the same place as the milk is, produced by local business’ workshops. Rennet is added to the cheese, and after curdling, the curd is cut for extra lactose removal. It is put into a mold and shaped. Once removed from the mold, it is then salted and aged in cool, humid cellars where it is turned by hand every day and cured for 21 to 45 days
Tomme Noir Pyrenees is a fine cheese board companion, lending to the none aggressive side of a selection. The 50% maître grasse (butterfat content) is perfect for melting in sandwiches, on soups, or shreds for casseroles and signature pizzas. It slices and cubes wonderfully for buffet style servings and is delicious with the Autumn apple bounty. Note: Tomme des Pyrenees pur vache, also known as Tomme Noire, was made in the twelfth century in the region of SaintGirons. Until the nineteenth century, this cheese was particularly famous in its region but now can be found throughout France.

Forsyth Location Cheese Feature: Sweet Grass "Green Hill"

Sweet Grass Dairy Green Hill
From Thomasville, Georgia

Green Hill is made from our pasteurized cow’s milk and soft-ripened. Its buttery flavor, silky texture and thin bloomy rind highlight the quality of our milk. Each wheel is individually handcrafted and ripened for two weeks before we hand wrap them for shipping. Green Hill is an eight-time winner at the American Cheese Society Annual Conference. Drizzle a little honey (or Sweet Sophie Barrel Aged Maple Syrup) over a slightly warm wheel and serve with crunchy French bread or arrange on a cheese board with jams, nuts, and crisp apples. This cheese pairs perfectly with a white or sparkling wine or a crisp apple cider.

Pairing SuggestionsTo make the occasion truly sparkle, pair it with a Champagne or sparkling wine. The bubbles just cut right through the rich double cream of the cheese. Beer drinkers can pick up a Belgian Trippel ale to refresh your palate.

Bourbon Barrel Aged Looking Up

Alpha Brewing Barrel Aged Looking Up....$11.99 / 4pk 
Our friend Grady Powell is as "Merika" as it gets.  Why would his beer be any different.  Brewed with hints of oak, smoke and a whole lot of freedom.
Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Moonlight Mead -

Moonlight Mead - online now too!

Moonlight Mead Utopian...$119.99 / 375ml 

18% ABV Semi-sweet
Batch #9
Truly a unique mead that offers a flavor not just unlike any other mead but unlike any other beverage in the world. We aged and fermented this mead in hand-selected, Samuel Adams Utopias® casks from the award-winning Boston Beer Company. This flavorful, slightly fruity mead has a sweet, complex flavor that is reminiscent of a deep, rich vintage port, fine cognac or aged sherry. Back to back International Mazer Cup winner bronze 2012, and silver 2013. Batch #9 will be available starting in February 2016, aged for 5 years in the oak.

Moonlight Mead Slow Dance Dry...$21.99 / 375ml
Orange Blossom Honey / Cabernet Sauvginon Grapes

The orange blossom honey follows the lead from the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Enjoy with some Cantalet, aged Gouda or Berkshire Blue cheese.

Moonlight Mead Brazen Sweet....$19.99 / 375ml   

Chocolate Habenaro Meadowfoam Honey combine to create a very unique mead, that has a Tootsie Roll like note, with a bit of heat from the spices.

Moonight Mead Coffee in Bed Sweet...$13.99 / 375ml  
This unique dessert mead is a simple reminder to stop and savor moments. The sweet honey notes are balanced by silky smooth Sumatra coffee. This is luscious dessert style mead that pairs wonderfully with German chocolate cake, or tiramisu. This mead came in 5th out of 353 entries at the 4th New England Regional Homebrew Competition, and took a 3rd place at the International Mazer Competition in the Open Mead Category.

Moonight Mead Embrace Dry....$13.99  / 375ml  
Blackcurrant

Rich with blackcurrant notes that last long into the finish, considered dry to semi-sweet. It will pair well with cheese, dark chocolate, red meats, and a wide variety of dishes. Deep tart finish that is clean and flavorful. As we say there's nothing like a wonderful EMBRACE.
Gold Medal winner at the 2015 Mazer Cup International

Moonlight Mead Fury Sweet....$19.99 / 375ml 

Habanero / Ghost / Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Peppers

Any of the avenging deities in Greek mythology who torment criminals and inflict plagues, that just about sums up the amount of heat that the Habanero, Ghost, and Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers contribute in making this one.
Gold Medal winner at the 2015 Mazer Cup International

Moonlight Mead Smolder...$19.99 / 375ml

Raspberry Chipotle

14% ABV Sweet
Forward sweet raspberry notes prepare you for the smoldering chipotle spice that makes a grand entrance without overplaying it. Spice lingers on the tongue and settles to a raspy finish. Perfect balance of sweet fire.

Moonlight Mead Wicked Sweet...$15.99 / 375ml 
Ginger / Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla

Wicked as in awesome, the ginger and Madagascar-Bourbon vanilla each add a nuance to the honey flavor and aroma. Spice from the ginger balances well with the smoothness of the vanilla. It lures you in for more, wicked things may be in store.
Gold Medal winner at the 2014 Mazer Cup International

Moonlight Mead Warm and Fuzzy...$15.99 / 375ml
Peach Mead
A winning combination, honey and peaches with an assertive smack of ginger, not as sweet as you might expect, but ever so delicious. All the elements play together so nicely....you will see why it's called Warm & Fuzzy

Moonlight Meadery Fling Strawberry/Rhubarb Mead...$13.99 / 375ml

Semi-sweet
Like a romantic tryst, this ménage a trios between the honey, rhubarb, and strawberries. Tease your senses... enjoy this semi-sweet wine with a wide variety of dishes. The rhubarb is distinctly tart, and pleasing. The color is well... sexy. Now made with Orange Blossom honey... adds just a hint of citrus, and a touch lighter in color. Enjoy with a goat cheese salad.
Silver Medal winner at the 2014 Mazer Cup International

Moonlight Meadery Sensual Mead...$13.99 / 375ml

Sweet
Traditional mead, made from just wildflower honey. This award winning recipe is a showcase of honey, that is aromatic, flavorful and deliciously sweet, but not overly so, has a long lasting finish. Finish a meal with this wildflower mead, some say they can taste concord grapes, which would have been in bloom when the bees were gathering nectar, see what you can find. Sensual is a great introduction to mead for the inquisitive who want to taste mead for the first time. Sensual pairs well with Asian foods or with cheese and fruit.

Moonlight Meadery Kurt’s Apple Pie Mead...$13.99 / 375ml

Sweet
One of our biggest selling meads made from local apple cider with Madagascar-bourbon vanilla and Vietnamese cinnamon spice added. Get your piece of the pie! This mead is a great after dinner dessert wine that is a perfect finish to any holiday meal. Gold Medal winner at the 2013 Mazer Cup International

Moonlight Meadery Desire Mead....$13.99 / 375ml

Sweet : Black Currant / Black Cherry / Blueberry Mead
Enticing, complex blend of blueberries, black cherries and blackcurrants balanced with basic elements of mead; honey, water and yeast. Our Flagship mead, Desire is a must with cheeses, Italian dishes, rich saucy meat dishes, or with Belgian chocolates. This mead won first place out of 353 entries at the New England Regional Homebrew Competition.

Returning Urban Chestnut seasonals...

Urban Chestnut Brewing Erlkonig....$9.49 / 4pk
This Maifest special is sweet, soothing, and a deceptive delight. So much so that it may deceive thy sight. Should you start to see visions of Elf King fame, heed the warnings from where this beer gets its name. Spelled out clearly in the Goethe poem…Hold on tight to a loved one, and head for home.

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 8.0%
HOP BITTERNESS (IBU): 20
COLOR: Pale Amber
HOPS: German 36, German Opal, US Cascade
MALTS: German Pilsner, German Munich, German Wheat

Urban Chestnut Dorfbier Bavarian Style Dunkel...$8.99 / 4pk pints
The Dunkel style is what many refer to as the original beer of Munich and the surrounding countryside and villages (Dorf in German) of Bavaria. This everyday beer ranges in color from amber to dark brown, depending on the amount of Munich and roasted malts used. Ours is a deep reddish brown with a rich malty flavor. The sweetness of the malt is balanced by the use of another Bavarian friend…the Hallertau hop…in this specific case Hersbrucker grown near Wolnzach, Hallertau.
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 5.2%
HOP BITTERNESS (IBU): 20
COLOR: Deep Amber
OG: 13.1 Plato
HOPS: Hallertau Hersbrucker, Hallertau Perle
MALTS: Munich

Speyburn 10 year old

Great price on the 1.75 liter bottle.  Get a 10 year old for about the same price as Dewars or J&B blends.

Speyburn 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch....$26.99 / 750ml (1.08 per ounce)

Speyburn 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch....$37.99 / 1.75ltr (.69 per ounce)
Speyburn 10 year old single malt is matured in a combination of American Oak ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.


COLOUR: Pale gold with amber highlights.NOSE Fresh, clean with a hint of lemon.

TASTE: Medium bodied with hints of toffee & butterscotch and a long, sweet finish. A global favourite, Speyburn 10 year old is ever the crowd-pleaser.

Named the “Best Blanco Tequila” by Epicurious

Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco

Named the “Best Blanco Tequila” by Epicurious, Casa Dragones Blanco is a small batch, 100% Pure Blue Agave silver tequila, crafted to deliver the true essence of agave through an innovative process that focuses on purity, for a crisp, smooth taste that is perfect to enjoy on the rocks or in signature craft cocktails.

93 Point Rioja under $20

In stock at our Rock Hill location only.

Call Kole at 314.962.8150 to reserve or transfer to other locations

or email kole@wineandcheeseplace.com

2010 Palacio del Burgo Rioja Reserva.....$16.99
Score: 93
Tasting Note
Plum, blood orange, black olive, toast and mineral notes mingle in this tight, bright red. Juicy acidity keeps this lively, while firm tannins impart focus. Graceful, with good intensity. Drink now through 2025. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 3,000 cases made.
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

Hair of the Dog collab....

12 more bottles in stock
call 314.727.8788

De Proef Collab with Hair of the Dog Flanders Fred...$15.99 / 750ml

The sixth edition of the De Proef Brewmaster’s Collaboration Series is our first blended beer. Legendary brewer, Alan Sprints of Hair of the Dog joins Dirk Naudts at De Proef to create this unique bottle conditioned beer. Flanders Fred is a blend of Flanders-sourced lambic with a collaboratively-brewed version of the famous Hair of the Dog Fred. The result is a deep golden ale topped with a creamy off white head. The nose is complex with notes of lemon, pine, tropical fruits and spice. The palate is rich and layered with toffee, apricot and almond, balanced by some green apple, a hoppy bitterness and barnyard funk. Please enjoy Flanders Fred with food and friends. This beer should pair very well with many cheeses, roasted vegetables and grilled meats. We believe this bottle will continue to evolve beautifully over the next few years, adding a subtle blending of the flavors.

MLB - St. Louis Cardinals Wine!!

IN STOCK NOW!!!

 Reserve yours now - the season is almost here!!!

2014 St. Louis Cardinals Cabernet Sauvignon....$19.99

The 2014 St. Louis Cardinals™ Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of selective sourcing, exceptional winemaking and expert blending from high quality grapes.The result is a rich, bold Cabernet, and a proud addition to the MLB® Wine Collection.  This 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a well rounded Cabernet with aromas of vanilla and cedar with notes of plum and boysenberry. 

The St. Louis Cardinals™ Cabernet Sauvignon is an officially licensed MLB product

Each bottle has a hologram affixed to ensure it is officially licensed.

2005 Bordeaux in stock!

In stock now.  We have the merchandise, no need to wait!

Not gray market, straight from the cellars in Bordeaux.  

Know where your Bordeaux has been!

2005 Chateau Leoville Las Cases...$375.99
This is breathtaking. Black in color, with incredible aromas of crushed blackberry, mineral, licorice and lead pencil. Full-bodied, with a mind-blowing texture of seamless tannins that coat every millimeter of the palate. Goes on and on, with licorice, currant and flowers. Time will tell if it's better than the 2000. Best after 2017.
Rated 100/100 The Wine Spectator

Rated 97+/100 Robert Parker

Rated 99/100 James Suckling

2005 Chateau Leoville Poyferre...$189.99
The Château Léoville-Poyferré 2005 has a rich and opulent bouquet with lavish ripe black cherries and wild strawberry, just a touch of licorice rendering its even more extravagant. The palate is full-bodied with ripe, rounded tannin, touches of licorices and glycerin on the mid-palate with savory notes flourishing towards the finish. This is almost a brash, hubristic Saint Julien, one for those who prefer a more opulent style of Bordeaux while maintaining complexity. Chapeau Didier Cuvelier.
Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate


2005 Chateau Pape Clement...$272.99

Owned by Bernard Magrez, this great terroir a few miles from Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion has produced one of the superstars of the vintage. A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, Pape Clement’s 2005 has an opaque purple color and smoky barbecue and chocolaty notes intermixed with cassis and blackberries. There is also some underlying minerality in this full-bodied, super-concentrated wine, which has wonderfully sweet, well-integrated tannins. This majestic, multidimensional wines is one of the great, great wines of the vintage. It should drink well for at least another 25 years.
Rated 99/100 Robert Parker The Wine Advocate

Rated 96/100 Wine Spectator

Rated 97/100 Vinous Media


2005 Chateau Sociando Mallet...$72.99
It’s hard not to admire the brilliant Jean Gautreau, who has run this great terroir and estate (just to the north of St-Estèphe’s Château Montrose) with meticulous perfection for decades. The 2005 is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Offering beautifully sweet crème de cassis and blueberries, this is concentrated essence of blue and black fruits, with some underlying minerality, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and stunning texture, length and purity. This is superb Sociando Mallet, with surprisingly sweet tannin, which is even more remarkable in this vintage of high and occasionally hard tannins. Give it another 4-5 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 30 years.
Rated 93+/100 Robert Parker The Wine Advocate