Products Greater Than $50

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is richly layered, with cassis, crushed plum and blackberry puree flavors moving through slowly but steadily, while warm earth, ganache and black licorice notes follow along. Picks up a tarry edge on the finish as the fruit takes an encore. For fans of the muscular, fruit-driven style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2036. (2018). 

Wine Advocate 97 Points | The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes storming out of the glass with powerful notes of blackcurrant cordial, stewed black plums and boysenberries, plus hints of cedar chest, graphite, menthol and wet slate with a fragrant waft of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate already demonstrates remarkable balance at this youthful stage, featuring a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the tightly wound, crunchy black fruits, finishing long and spicy. (2018).

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Very much in the style of the vintage with its pure, concentrated, yet also elegant and focused style, the 2018 Insignia offers up a vivid purple hue to go with lots of red and blue fruits, menthol, tobacco, graphite, and distinct minerality. With an almost Bordeaux-like style, medium to full-bodied richness, present tannins, and a great finish, it's a beautiful, classic Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this team that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more. (2018). 

James Suckling 99 Points | Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now. (2018). 

Produce Description 

Duncan Taylor was originally based out of Glasgow where they were merchants and brokers of Scotch whisky casks. They have been laying down casks from distilleries all over Scotland for decades and now have one of the largest privately-held collections of rare and vintage Scotch Whisky.

Islay is a great place to make whisky if you were living in the 1800s. Remote but great water and barley. In 1815 Laphroaig was founded by brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston. Donald tragically died in 1847 after falling into a vat of hot pot ale at the distillery. It became famous in the early 1900s as it became released as a single malt. It has always been known to produce a heavily peated style.

TASTE
It is extremely rare to find Laphroaig in independent bottlers and what a great whisky this must be if from Duncan Taylor! 

Expert Reviews

Allen Meadows Burghound 91-93 Points | Here too the nose is quite fresh with its combination of apple, white flowers and just sliced citrus, especially lemon. There is both excellent punch and a lovely texture though only average density to the lingering and balanced finish where a touch of youthful austerity slowly emerges. While this could be enjoyed young, it has apparent development potential so at least a few years of keeping are recommended. (2022). 

Vinous 93-94 Points | The 2022 Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru had a lot of reduction when I tasted it from barrel though its intensity was clear. The palate is very promising: wonderful tension here steely and spicier than the Meursault Village with touches of fennel and white pepper on the finish. Quite feisty and surely one for long-term aging. (Drink between 2026-2048).

Expert Review - Vintage 2010

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 98 Points  | Dinner starts with a fresh, briny oyster and a glass of 2010 Dom Ruinart. It’s a beautiful pairing. I have always loved the 2010 for the way it straddles the worlds of Champagne and still wine. It is absolutely glorious on this night. In fact, I could have had it for the entire meal. A deep, luscious morel broth and Brittany scallops are other highlights among the amuse-bouches. (Drink between 2023-2050).

Winemaker Description 

Indulge in the pure expression of Chardonnay with Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010. A vintage Champagne capturing the elegance and finesse of Chardonnay, with notes of citrus blossom, green apple, and a refined minerality. A perfect aperitif or accompaniment to delicate seafood dishes.

Winemaker Description

This wine’s aroma has it all: plums, incense, tobacco leaf, violets, and exotic spices. Zero racking and extended lees contact has given the 2011 FUTO a satisfying balance of creamy richness and superb freshness. Generous and inviting flavors of black-skinned fruits, cappuccino, citrus and cloves work in harmony with the sweet tannin and well integrated oak. While texturally approachable now, the inner density and complexity of this wine will continue to unfold with cellar age.

Expert Reviews

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 97 Points: The 2011 Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. It offers sweet blackcurrant and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of toast and white flowers, beautiful body and a savory personality. A top success for the vintage, it should drink well for 10-12 years.

Winemaker Description

Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Disgorged in July 2016 with only three grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos Lanson is showing very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with notes of dried white flowers, citrus oil, toasted brioche, oyster shell and smoke. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with a racy spine of acidity, good concentration and chalky structuring extract. This is quite a tightly knit, tensile wine, despite the warm mesoclimate and two years on cork, which suggests it will enjoy a long future.

Vinous 93 Points | Clos Lanson's 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs is a very pretty, soft Champagne that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Bright citrus and floral notes, along with soft contours, give much of its immediacy and sheer allure. Understated and classy, the 2007 will drink well for a number of years, but it is also remarkably giving and enjoyable today for a relatively young Blanc de Blancs. Although it is not super-complex, the 2007 offers quite a bit of freshness and character. An open bottle was still in great shape when I re-tasted it a few days later. Disgorged: July 2016.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fragrant, featuring lime blossom and ground spice notes, this fine and creamy Champagne offers a broad range of lemon parfait, chopped hazelnut, spun honey and dried cherry flavors, underscored by chalky minerality. Elegant and well-knit, with a firm, focused finish. Disgorged July 2016. Drink now through 2030. 665 cases made.

Expert Review

Burghound | Note: from 3 different parcels measuring 1.36 ha, two at the bottom in Baudes Basses and another at the top in Montiotes Hautes Moderate reduction dominates the fruit though there is a lovely sense of underlying tension and freshness to the succulent, palate coating and powerful medium weight flavors that also conclude in a chalky, sappy and lingering finale. This is also going to need at least some patience as it's presently quite tightly wound.

Expert Review

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cornas Chaillot comes from a mix of lieux-dits (it's mostly Chaillot) as well as some younger vines. It's an incredible wine in its own right and certainly doesn't give much in terms quality to its big brother. Awesome aromatics of crème de cassis, violets, crushed stone, and bouquet garni-like notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, and ultra-fine tannins. It's a touch more finesse-driven and elegant compared to the Reynard and should round into form with just 5-7 years of bottle age. This is legit awesome Cornas that will have 20-25 years of ultimate longevity. (2020). 

Producer Description 

The Miyagikyo is Nikka’s second distillery, having been founded in 1969. The distillery uses chimney and large steel stills, so itswhiskies tend to be fruity and light, in comparison with the heavier Yoichi whiskies.

This affordable, non-age statement, single malt is perfect for those wishing to try out the wonderful whiskies that come from the Miyagikyo distillery. 

Producer Description 

Las Beatas is a spectacular 1.9 hectare property which Telmo and Pablo have invested tremendous time and energy: 15 years of renovative viticultural work took place before a single bottle was made.

There are at least ten grape varieties grown on eight terraces, predominantly Tempranillo with 30% Garnacha, some Viura and traces of many other rare, perhaps unidentified cultivars, all planted on cold sandy soils. Las Beatas was made and aged in a single 1200 liter old French foudre. This is a refined, elegant and fluid wine with great complexity and nuance that will age beautifully. 

Producer Description 

Crafted only from casks which exhibit a rich depth of natural colour, a distinctive sweet raisin flavour and a rich, velvety smooth mouthfeel. The Macallan Rare Cask is crafted from the finest and rarest sherry seasoned oak casks to deliver The Macallan’s full-bodied character, unearthed by the Whisky Mastery Team in their quest to seek out the extraordinary. 

This single malt whisky reveals the art and science of the Whisky Maker in selecting the unique oak casks that exhibit a distinctive and complex flavour profile. Our latest release, The Macallan Rare Cask, 2023 Release, boasts a collaboration with renowned musician, Charlie Burchill of Simple Minds. Embarking on an exquisite journey, we explored the intricacies of the sensory world, discovering the striking parallels between sound, aroma, flavour, and colour, all intertwined through the shared element of wood.

Charlie's remarkable talent in identifying rare tasting notes, such as raisin, resonates beautifully with his ability to compose and play music. The art of creating exceptional single malts and music share a common language, where each note and flavour combine in perfect harmony, complementing one another in a remarkable way.

Expert Review

Vinous 95 Points | The 2017 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has an expressive bouquet that is a dead ringer for a Dujac, conveying plenty of energy and earthy black fruit laced with undergrowth and sea cave scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite a firm backbone. Fresh from the start to the refreshing, elegant, saline finish that gets the saliva flowing. Excellent."

Producer Description 

With its copper-bronze color, its flavor notes of fruit and spice.

The spirit is initially matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks, yielding soft vanilla and honey notes. For its final maturation, the whisky is transferred into casks which have held 30-Year Old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry.

 These casks are exclusively provided to The Dalmore from the renowned Gonzalez Byass bodega and give the whisky its rich, deep chocolate character.

Vanilla, dark chocolate, orange and cinnamon. Dark chocolate, candied citrus fruits, rich coffee, nutmeg and soft liquorice. Citrus fruits and rich molasses

Winemaker Descxription 

MUSE DE MIRAVAL is a rigorous selection of the château's oldest and best plots and the finest expression of this unique terroir!

Organically farmed.

This rosé cuvée, mostly vinified in egg-shaped concrete vats, is also aged to a lesser extent in special oak barrels (so-called demi-muids). Each of its aromas evokes a chapter in Miraval's history, reflecting the place and its fragrance, which is typical of this Provençal winery. The unique shape of its handcrafted bottle (available only in magnum) and its very own rosé wine celebrate Miraval's timeless style with rare elegance.

Winemaker Description

Eye: Deep dark ruby colour with mauve tints. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2007

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This has gorgeous espresso and roasted mesquite aromatics, followed by dense but velvety-textured plum sauce, blackberry paste and cassis flavors. Best from 2012 through 2025.

Stephen Tanzer 96 Points | Opaque ruby. Boysenberry, blueberry and smoky Indian spices on the expansive, heady nose, with a sexy floral quality that gains strength with air. Deep, sappy and palate-staining dark fruit compote flavors show unlikely energy and become spicier and smokier with air. A strikingly expressive, potent and compellingly fragrant wine that finishes with superb clarity and floral-driven persistence. 

Producer Description 

One of our most limited production items, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye continues the legacy of America’s first whiskey variety (rye) from America’s first whiskey company (Michter’s, originally known as Shenk’s).

The 10-Year Rye, 10-Year Bourbon reflects the exceptional results of uncompromising craftsmanship and Kentucky’s unrivaled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. Often significantly older than the age statement on the label, only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion in these highly limited releases.

Producer Description 

Released in 2023, the Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the latest edition to the coveted Master's Keep series. This premium 106-proof (53% ABV) iteration is a collaborative bottling between two Campari powerhouses - Master Distiller Eddie Russel and Appleton Estate Master Blender Joy Spence.

Master's Keep Voyage is said to be a 10 year old Kentucky bourbon whiskey finished for at least five weeks in hand-selected Appleton Estate ex-rum casks - casks which previously housed 14 year old pot still Jamaican rum. Offered in curated quantities, expect a nose of island fruits, citrus, and oak coated in molasses. The palate explores hints of caramel, brown sugar, and trails of warm spice. A beautifully crafted whiskey full of exotic flavors weaving into a sweet, medium-long finish, Master's Keep Voyage Bourbon is a tropical island in a bottle!

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Decanter 94 Points | This wine is fermented in cask and given a 15-month maturation without racking. The result is marvelously creamy and rich, yet there is an expressive lemony fruit, a pleasant floral note, and despite the weight, there is plenty of acidity. A fabulous starting point for the range. Enjoy now, but a few years of age will only reveal more nuance. A serious Bourgogne Blanc. Produced from parcels surrounding the domaine, including the lieu-dit Les Magny; the total surface area is 1.5ha.

Producer Description 

The Dos Artes Calavera Anejo Limited Edition stands out not just for its taste but also for its presentation. The bottle is beautifully crafted, showcasing a unique and intricate calavera (skull) design. This design is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, often associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations, making it a sought-after collector's item for many tequila enthusiasts.

In terms of flavor, while specific tasting notes for the edition remain elusive, Dos Artes tequilas have a reputation for their smooth and rich profiles. Expect to find hints of agave, oak, and other subtle nuances that are a testament to the meticulous aging process.

Speaking of production, Dos Artes takes pride in their traditional crafting methods. The agave plants, matured for several years, are carefully harvested, cooked, and distilled to produce a tequila that resonates with authenticity. The Anejo variant, in particular, undergoes a longer aging process in oak barrels. This not only imparts a deeper color but also enriches the flavor, distinguishing it from younger tequilas.

Given its limited edition nature, availability might be restricted, and it could command a premium price, especially considering its unique presentation and potential collector's value. Over the years, Dos Artes has been recognized with numerous awards for their tequilas, a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.

Producer Description 

Before dusk, there is a delightful moment when darkness embraces the light. This precious moment inspired this combination of spirits, pouring into a shimmering glass decanter fused to a night-colored ceramic base. 

Clase Azul Tequila Gold is an incomparable tequila joven, a blend that combines Clase Azul Tequila Plata with a special reposado tequila matured in French oak casks and an eight-year-old Extra Añejo aged in American whiskey casks and finished in sherry casks.

Soft amber with golden sparkles. Medium body.

Agave syrup, green apple, orange peel, fresh fig, raisins, light note of almond and walnut. Toasted wood, fig, green olive, ginger, cocoa / dark chocolate.

Recommended with seafood and fish with high-fat content (tuna, salmon, octopus, lobster, shrimp, mussels, and clams) cooked with butter and yellow lemon (avoid limes). Kalamata olive tapenade and brie cheese tapas. Semi-bitter or white chocolate with citrus jam or citrus ice cream.

Decanter |
The Clase Azul Tequila Gold decanter challenges the impossible: its shimmering glass is fused against a black ceramic base, a technique that took our experts 6 years to develop.

Winemaker Description

Since its 175th anniversary, Pol Roger has decided to offer a very limited range of older vintages from its iconic cuvées. After the original disgorgement, these bottles were then returned to the famously deep and cool Pol Roger cellars for additional extended maturation where they have rested undisturbed until their release.

Blanc de Blancs 2002 is a champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay selected from the finest Crus of the Côte des Blancs: Oiry, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize and Oger. Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée has matured for 10 years prior to disgorgement.

This is a thoroughbred, elegant sparkler. With its delicate acidity, apple and grapefruit flavors, and tense, steely texture, it is an extremely well-balanced wine. Although it is ready to drink now, it could certainly age in bottle for many years.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | This is a thoroughbred, elegant sparkler. With its delicate acidity, apple and grapefruit flavors, and tense, steely texture, it is an extremely well-balanced wine. Although it is ready to drink now, it could certainly age in bottle for many years.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Firm, with a toasty base mixing with flavors of quince paste, pastry, dried apricot, raw almond and a hint of lemon curd. There's a clean-cut note of minerally salinity throughout, accompanied by a fine bead and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2022. 100 cases imported.

Bottle Size: 750ml | Region: Champagne, France

Winemaker Description

Red black with deep dark tints. Small black fruits, liquorice and roasted notes and oriental spices. Powerful and intense aromas. Powerful attack with important tannic structure. Rich and concentrated. Fully expressive of the terroir. Great ageing potential, structured and concentrated with a rare intensity of flavour and colour.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2012 

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Intense, with a serious iron spine that drives from start to finish, while the core of dark currant, bitter plum and black cherry fruit is held in reserve. The grippy and mineral-driven finish sports loads of tobacco, warm iron and dark earth notes, while displaying terrific cut and drive. A formidable wine. Best from 2020 through 2040. 1,000 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

The Ramonet estate is one of the legendary estates of the Côte de Beaune. The grandfather, Pierre Ramonet, a talented winemaker, already sold his wines across the Atlantic before World War II and in French starred restaurants. Noël and Jean-Claude Ramonet continued his work, while putting the terroirs in the right direction thanks to better control of yields.

The two brothers come and separated, by mutual agreement. Noël just wants to work his vines and deliver his grapes to his brother Jean-Claude who will be in charge of winemaking and marketing. For wine lovers from this world famous estate, there will be no change. Just two labels, that of the Ramonet estate and that of the Jean-Claude Ramonet wine merchant. Jean-Claude will also take care of part of the vineyards of the Girardin estate, bought by the Bordeaux resident Philippe Capdouze, founder of Ficofi (an ultra-select club for the sale of great wines). Its whites remain a benchmark in Burgundy.

Producer Description 

100th Anniversary Limited Edition Design. The Hakushu 12 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, The Hakushu Distillery draws on its unique natural surroundings.

The illustration on the bottle captures the Hakushu distillery in soft hues of verdant green, representing the forest surrounding the distillery. The blenders work with peat, while softening the palate using the exceptional mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks. This creates a fresh and gentle smoky single malt whisky, a true revelation in Japanese single malts that must be experienced. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

From Suntory’s mountain forest distillery, nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu® is the fresh and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes that is the revelation of Japanese single malts.

Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and fresh" whisky.   Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master brender, the unique taste made in distinct.

Four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt whisky, enlivens and liberates your senses.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Decanter 96 Points | This wine is among the best village-level Monthelies that I can remember. Coche produces it from his 0.3ha of south-facing vines in the village and some purchased fruit (which accounts for 15% of the total). The super-ripe cherry fruit is adorned with rose petal and licorice notes, and firm tannins and crisp acidity back up the pretty aromas. Perfect for drinking now for the fruit, or for mid-term ageing. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040.

John Gilman 92+ Points | The 2019 Monthélie “Côte de Beaune” from Domaine Coche-Dury is another beautifully sappy bottle in the making, with a more black fruity personality than the Auxey-Duresses. The nose jumps from the glass in an expressive blend of plums, black cherries, espresso, pigeon, bonfire, a lovely base of dark soil tones and a deft touch of new oak. On the e palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and already nicely plush on the attack, with a sappy core of fruit, fine soil signature, ripe, fine-grained tannins and a long, complex and beautifully balanced finish. Fine, fine juice.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2019 Monthélie Village is a little more backward on the nose compared to the Auxey-Duresses, well defined but just a bit timid at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, nicely structured with dark berry fruit towards the finish. (NM)

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011 

Wine Spectator 96 Points | Very dense, dark and brooding in feel, with a thick coating of Turkish coffee and bittersweet ganache over the copious blackberry and fig flavors. The long finish is studded with charcoal and smoldering tobacco hints. Patience is required. Best from 2018 through 2030. From France.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | Starting out the single vineyards and bottled in February (after over four years in new oak barrels), the 2011 Cote Rotie la Mouline is as slutty, sexy and seamless as they come. Full-bodied, thrillingly concentrated and unctuous, it offers classic Mouline notes of cured meats, violets, black raspberries, espresso and hints of vanilla bean. Philippe Guigal commented that the worst thing about 2011 was the it came after 2010, and while the previous two vintages will get all of the attention, this 2011 will deliver almost as much pleasure, and do it right from the start as well. It needs 3-4 years of cellaring and will drink sensationally through 2041.

Vinous 96 Points | (aged in new oak barriques for 42 months): Deep ruby. Sexy mineral- and spice-laced black raspberry, cherry compote and floral pastille aromas are complemented by notes of Asian spices, cola and smoky oak. Spicy and precise on the palate, offering vibrant, spice-accented red and dark berry and cola flavors and an undercurrent of smoky minerality. Fine-grained tannins sneak in very slowly and meld seamlessly with the energetic fruit. Clings with fantastic tenacity and focus, leaving behind vibrant spice, berry liqueur and mineral notes.

Producer Description 

Forager’s Keep 26 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the latest release from the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. It is the fourteenth release and the first single malt Scotch whisky to appear in the collection.

Perhaps the shortest lived of all Speyside distilleries, Pittyvaich—Gaelic for ‘farmstead at the birch wood’— was the innocent victim of industry restructuring. The distillery closed in 1993 through no fault of its whisky and has long since been demolished. Its pleasing single malt has never been widely available, though it has been proven to age well as none younger than 25 years of age remains. 

Most closed distilleries have produced for decades, even centuries before their closure. Pittyvaich lived for a mere 18 years, making it one of the most rarely seen single malts of all. This rare, limited release Forager’s Keep 26 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has lived longer than the distillery from which it came. It is the first of its kind for the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. 

Producer Description 

A real rarity: A tropical-fruity Single Pot Still Whiskey with fine nut aromas and delicate spices. Order now! 21 years old: The high age and the long maturation period explain the complex flavors. Ex-Bourbon cask:

This cask type provides round caramel and vanilla notes in the single malt. Non-Chill-Filtered - Nothing has been removed here. full aroma. Great gift: Form and content go together here. The noble drop comes in a noble gift box. Former sherry casks: The selection of sherry casks ensures an intense color and a fruity taste.