Fine Wine & Spirits

Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 1996

US$53.23 The 1996 Beaucastel is performing better after time in the bottle. With high acidity, this tannic, austere example is reminiscent (at least texturally) of a young Medoc. Blackberry, earthy, leathery, spicy notes can be found in the aromas. In the mouth, the wine exhibits medium body, tangy acidity, plenty of meaty Mourvedre characteristics, and a structured, austere finish. It should only be purchased by those with the patience to wait for this wine to develop. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015 89 pointsScore: 89 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (121), February 1999

Pontet Canet - Pauillac 1996

US$104.14 I was shocked by how backward the 1996 Pontet-Canet was on the three occasions I tasted it in January. This wine possesses superb potential, but it appears a decade's worth of patience will be necessary. The color is a saturated dark purple. With coaxing, the wine offers aromas of black currant jam intertwined with minerals, sweet oak, and spice....

Leoville Poyferre - St. Julien 2003

US$153.12 The spectacular 2003 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a dense purple color with a touch of lightening at the edge as well as notes of creosote, barbecue smoke, jammy black currants, licorice and spice box. This intense, voluptuously textured, full-bodied St.-Julien possesses low acidity and ripe tannin. Still fresh and exuberant, it is just entering its plateau of full maturity where...

Leoville Barton - St. Julien 2000

US$145.77 Undoubtedly one of the most majestic wines ever made at Léoville Barton, this behemoth displays massive power and structure. A prodigous, saturated purple-colored effort, it boasts layers of concentrated fruit along with notes of graphite, camphor, damp earth, and jammy cassis. Immense, even monstrous in the mouth, it posseses awesome extraction and richness, but the boatload of tannin will...

Lafite - Pauillac 1983

US$606.16 The wine exhibits a deep/ruby garnet colour with only a slight amber at the edge.The perfumed nose of lead pencil, toast, red and black fruits, minerals, and roasted herbs is provocative. In the mouth, this wine displaysconsiderable body for a Lafite, plenty of power, and a fleshy, rich, sweet mid-palate. Long, elegant, plump, and surprisingly fleshy, this outstanding example...