MAC NA MARA RUM FINISH BLENDED GAELIC SCOTCH WHISKY 
Rum Finish, Unchilfiltered, Double Matured
(Pràban na Linne)

TASTING NOTE: Nose: As is often the case, the rum has hardened the aroma; Taste: beautifully crisp with fragile malts clashing with equally crisp barley; the touch of golden syrup works wonders; Finish: Serious depth to the malt; the grains soften out with vanilla; Balance: this is high quality blending, and the usage of the rum appears to have retained the old Mac Na Mara style. Sublime.

Score: 93 (Jim Murray, Whisky Bible, 2010)

677609  700 mL  $33.95 

DOMAINE J.A. FERRET AUTOUR DE FUISSÉ POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: Toast and delicate vanilla bouquet. Sweet fruit palate with nice acidity and intense oak adding complexity. It has fresh citrus, green apple and peach notes. Drink 2011-15.

Score: 3 Stars (out of 5) (decanter.com, Undated)

230417  (XD) 750 mL  $35.95 

CHÂTEAU DE SANCERRE CUVÉE DU CONNÉTABLE 2008
AC Sancerre
(Marnier-Lapostolle, Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: This is richer, fuller bodied and more fruit-driven than most Sancerres. Lovely glistening straw colour with concentrated aromas of grapefruit, quince, flowers, spice and mineral. The palate is rich and refreshing with integrated flavours of citrus fruit, pineapple and mineral notes that replay over and over again on the long finish. Outstandingly well-structured and complex. (VINTAGES panel, Oct. 2011)

672485  (XD) 750 mL  $47.95 

GROSSET SPRINGVALE WATERVALE RIESLING 2011
Clare Valley, South Australia

TASTING NOTE: Light straw-green; as ever, a more open and expressive bouquet early in its life, the palate likewise more effusive, with ripe lime/lemon fruit running through the length of its immaculately balanced palate. Drink [until] 2021.

Score: 95 (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Feb. 7, 2012)

210120  (D) 750 mL  $37.95 

DOMAINE EDEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
Santa Cruz Mountains
(Mount Eden Vineyards)

TASTING NOTE: Balancing bright berry notes with the earth tones of a cool cellar, this is a complex and forthright cabernet sauvignon. It includes merlot, franc and small amounts of petit verdot and malbec - Mount Eden estate fruit as well as grapes from three other vineyards in Saratoga and Los Gatos - all coming together in a wine that's completely satisfying to drink. There's suppleness to the texture, a silk brocade of strawberry-tinged fruit, wood, stem and earth. Brisk and mouthwatering, this is glorious California cabernet and an unbeatable value.

Score: 95 (wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Dec. 2011)

278036  (XD) 750 mL  $38.95 

STONESTREET WEST LEDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

TASTING DATE: Another massive, highly extracted monster that begs for a decade of patience is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon West Ledge. (234 cases produced). It should last for 50 years.

Score: 93+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2010)

275883  (XD) 750 mL  $89.95 

LEEUWIN ESTATE ART SERIES SHIRAZ 2008
Margaret River, Western Australia

TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Art Series Shiraz is intensely scented of black pepper and black cherries with nuances of ripe blueberries, baking spices, dusty earth and licorice. Medium bodied with a medium level of rounded tannins, it has medium high acid and plenty of ripe, varietally expressive fruit flavors, finishing long and peppery. Drink this one now to 2016+.

Score: 91 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)

4929  (XD) 750 mL  $44.95 

CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL 2008
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
(Claire Villars Lurton)

TASTING NOTE: Inky ruby color. Captivating aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant, licorice and minerals are complicated by a strong smoky note. Rich, round and deep, with pure flavors of raspberry and plum. A classic Bordeaux with a broad, mouthcoating finish featuring very fine tannins and excellent length. One of the three best wines from this property in the last 15 years.

Score: 89-91 (Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009)

134429  (XD) 750 mL  $49.00 

CHÂTEAU LA TOUR CARNET 2008
AC Haut-Médoc, 4e Cru
(Bernard Magrez, Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: [65% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot] A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with loads of sweet berry fruit, black cherries, licorice and camphor intermixed with hints of mocha and oak. Reminiscent of La Lagune, the texture is plush, round, generous and irresistible. Drink this pure, impressively endowed 2008 over the next 10-14 years.

Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, May 2011)

136655  (XD) 750 mL  $49.00 

CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2008
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
(Alfred & Gérard Tesseron)

TASTING NOTE: A candidate for the "wine of the vintage," Pontet Canet's 2008 boasts an opaque purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet blueberries, blackberries and black currant fruit intertwined with lead pencil shavings, subtle barbecue smoke and a hint of forest floor. Full-bodied, with fabulous richness, texture and tremendous freshness, this first-growth-like effort is more developed than the uber-powerful 2010. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. Bravo!

Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, May 2011)

137307 / 137299 (XD) 750 mL  $129.00 

JOSEPH DROUHIN GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: This is notably ripe with blue and red berry liqueur aromas that are liberally laced with an intense floral component. There is fine volume to the delicious, vibrant and relatively powerful medium-bodied flavors that also enjoy an abundance of dry extract that coats the palate on the long and balanced finish. Again, an excellent quality level for a villages level wine. Drink [from] 2016+.

Score: 90 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, May 6, 2011)

993063  (XD) 750 mL  $69.95 

LOUIS JADOT BEAUNE BOUCHEROTTES 1ER CRU 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Beaune Boucherottes (on the border with Pommard) shows gorgeous vibrancy in its dark wild berries, violets and sweet spices. The aromas and flavors literally explode on the mid-palate. A big, broad-shouldered wine, the Pommard impresses for its powerful, authoritative personality and superb balance. Sweet, balsamic nuances linger on the textured finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2024.

Score: 90-93 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, May 2011)

121319  (XD) 750 mL  $52.95 

ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO 2006
IGT Maremma Toscana

TASTING NOTE: I was very impressed with the estate's top of the line 2006 Rocca di Frassinello both times I tasted it. Super-ripe aromas lead to an attractive core of vibrant dark fruit, spices, minerals and sweet toasted oak, all of which are framed by firm yet well-balanced tannins. This generous, inviting wine possesses tons of freshness and terrific overall harmony, with pretty notes of sweetness on the long finish. Rocca di Frassinello is 60% Sangioveto, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak. The 2006 is the best vintage yet. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018.

Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2009)

25692  (XD) 750 mL  $51.95 

MAGAÑA CALCHETAS 2007
DO Navarra
(Bodegas Viña Magaña)

TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Calchetas is a blend of 50% Merlot with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah. Saturated purple in color, it displays a superb bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, mineral, incense, blueberry, and blackberry. On the palate the wine is lifted by acidity and has the structure and balance for 6-8 years of evolution. Drink this impeccably made wine from 2017 to 2032.

Score: 93+ (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010)

272021  (XD) 750 mL  $47.95 

ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN THE ULTIMATE ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH 

TASTING NOTE: Powerful, muscular, well-textured, and invigorating. Even within the realm of Ardbeg, this one stands out. The more aggressive notes of coal tar, damp kiln, anise, and smoked seaweed are supported by an array of fruit (black raspberry, black cherry, plum), dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, bacon fat, kalamata olive, and warming cinnamon on the finish. Quite stunning!

Score: 96 (John Hansell, whiskyadvocate.com, Vol. 18 #3)

211730  ( ) 750 mL  $182.95 

KANBARA BRIDE OF THE FOX JUNMAI GINJO SAKE 
Niigata Prefecture
(Kaetsu Shuzo)

Bride of the Fox is named for the fox-bride famous festival held every year in Niigata.

TASTING NOTE: A refined sake - from at least 40 percent polished rice - that does its magic barely chilled and in a wineglass. Team it with big flavors like smoked fish and wild game. (Rob Willey, details.com, March 2011)

273383  (D) 300 mL  $18.95 

HIDDEN BENCH TÊTE DE CUVÉE CHARDONNAY 2008
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

TASTING NOTE: That is the highest mark I have ever given a Chardonnay in Niagara. And I might be underestimating it. This is perfection in a glass, or as close to it as it comes. The top Chardonnay at the estate takes the best barrels of fruit from Locust Lane and Rosomel and blends them into this magnificent cuvee ... The nose is spectacular with gorgeous minerality, bright lemon and white peach fruits and hinting at oak, nut and spice accents. It is a pure expression of the stony minerality derived from the Beamsville Bench's clay-silt-limestone soil. It is such a gloriously layered and textured Chard, with citrus-lemon, laser-sharp acidity, stone fruit, and spicy notes that are integrated rather than over-powering. This beauty is the epitome of elegant Beamsville Bench Chardonnay, with a long, lingering finish. It is built to cellar up to 10 years. Hurry, though, very few bottles remain for sale.

Score: 94 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Oct. 8, 2011)

278812  (XD) 750 mL  $45.20 

CAMELOT HIGHLANDS CHARDONNAY 2009
Santa Maria Valley
(Kendall Jackson Highlands Estates)

TASTING NOTE: One of the finest Chardonnays I have yet tasted from K-J is the stunning 2009 Highland Estates Chardonnay Camelot, a classic California Chardonnay exhibiting notes of caramelized citrus, pineapples and mangos intermixed with a hint of spicy, smoky oak. It displays an attractive steely minerality, full-bodied richness, a layered mouthfeel and an extremely long finish. This beauty should drink well for 3-5 years.

Score: 95 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011)

59139  (XD) 750 mL  $36.95 

CHÂTEAU RAYMOND­LAFON 2007
AC Sauternes
(Famille Meslier, Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: Tasted single blind against its peers. It never ceases to amaze me just how well Raymond-Lafon performs year after year. The 2007 has an elegant bouquet with touches of tangerine and dried honey, the underlying minerality beginning to show through with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous entry, good acidity with a very taut finish that will need time to express itself. This remains one of the best value wines of the vintage. Tasted January 2011.

Score: 93 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)

98293  (S) 375 mL  $35.00 

DOMAINE GÉRARD DUPLESSIS MONTÉE DE TONNERRE CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: A pretty and expressive nose offers up notes of green apple, white flowers and pear that precede textured middle weight flavors that possess good verve and detail on the moderately persistent finale. Solid if not truly special. Drink [from] 2013+.

Score: 89-91 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, Oct. 2010)

168120  (XD) 750 mL  $31.95 

LAUGHING STOCK PORTFOLIO 2009
Naramata Bench

TASTING NOTE: Fast becoming an "icon" wine but still pretty fairly priced, this take on a classic Bordeaux blend again over delivers with seductive black fruit, wrapped in well managed tannins and layered complexity before a lengthy end. One of the valley's most brilliant packages too. Well worth putting away. (Tim Pawsey, The Vancouver Sun, Oct. 11, 2011)

71464  (D) 750 mL  $59.95 

DRY CREEK THE MARINER MERITAGE 2006
Dry Creek Valley

TASTING NOTE: Sleek, tight and focused, harmonious, well-proportioned and complex, offering layers of ripe plum, black cherry, currant, black licorice, mineral and spice. Ends with supple tannins and a flow of dark berry flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2019.

Score: 92 (James Laube, winespectator.com, Web Only, 2010)

271320  (XD) 750 mL  $47.95 

CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU 2008
AC St-Julien, 4e Cru

TASTING NOTE: A stunning success for the vintage, this enticing St.-Julien reveals notes of lead pencil shavings, sweet raspberries and black currants and a subtle touch of oak. Elegant, restrained yet authoritative and impressively intense, it is a medium to full-bodied, lightly tannic effort will be even better with 1-2 years of bottle age and will keep for 15-20 years.

Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, May 2011)

137265  (XD) 750 mL  $69.00 

CHÂTEAU FLEUR CARDINALE 2008
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
(D & F Decoster Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: A sleeper of the vintage, this evolved, soft/silky, dark ruby/purple/plum-colored 2008 offers up scents of blue and red fruits, earth and flowers. Medium to full-bodied as well as round, generous and seductive, it is a pure, impeccably made, wonderfully concentrated, endearing wine to enjoy now and over the next 7-10 years.

Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, May 2011)

136713  (XD) 750 mL  $59.00 

CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD 2008
AC Sauternes, 1er Cru

TASTING NOTE: Tasted single blind against its peers. Having been parsimonious with my score last year due to some sulphur issues, I can report that Guiraud has turned good -- very good. It has a very fine bouquet with scents of lemon curd, pineapple and quince that gains momentum in the glass. The palate is supremely well-balanced with crisp acidity. There are a myriad of flavors in this Sauternes with dried honey, quince, Seville orange marmalade and a touch of ginger. There is also great persistency towards the finish. This is a sublime Sauternes.

Score: 94 (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)

134312  (S) 375 mL  $44.00 

CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE 2008
AC St-Julien, 3e Cru

TASTING NOTE: This dense red exhibits a tangy damson plum note that leads the way for iron and lilting black tea flavors, all followed by darker charcoal and fig character. There's a nice ying-yang of velvet and iron on the finish. Drink now through 2019.

Score: 91 (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, April 30, 2011)

185181  (XD) 750 mL  $64.00 

CHÂTEAU LES ORMES DE PEZ 2001
AC St-Estèphe
(A. Cazes, Prop.)

The review is eight years old, so expect the fruit here to be mature, leaning towards dry plum rather than fresh.

TASTING NOTE: Some earthiness, but it opens to some good plum fruit character and a light toasted oak undertone. Medium body. Good tannins. Straightforward finish. Spicy. Slightly more stylish than the 2000. Best after 2007.

Score: 89 (James Suckling, winespectator.com, March 31, 2004)

252577  (XD) 750 mL  $59.00 

CHÂTEAU LES ORMES DE PEZ 2004
AC St-Estèphe
(A. Cazes, Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: A chewy red, showing intense aromas of raisin and spices, with hints of cedar. Full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins and a long finish. Best after 2010.

Score: 89 (James Suckling, winespectator.com, March 31, 2007)

252619  (XD) 750 mL  $59.00 

CHÂTEAU LES ORMES DE PEZ 2003
AC St-Estèphe
(A. Cazes, Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: ... this estate is under the ownership of the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages. With the same winemaking team, it's no wonder that Ormes de Pez is up with classed growths in quality. The character of 2003 gives this wine black tarry flavors, but it hasn't spoiled the wine's dry tannins, structure or its long-term potential.

Score: 93 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2006)

252593  (XD) 750 mL  $59.00 

CHÂTEAU LES ORMES DE PEZ 2002
AC St-Estèphe
(A. Cazes, Prop.)

TASTING NOTE: Under the ownership of the Cazes family (also owners of Lynch-Bages), this estate produces richly satisfying wines, even in lighter years like 2002. This is finely constructed, with acidity along with the tannins and dense black fruits. It certainly has power, but there is also great elegance.

Score: 90 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, June 1, 2005)

252585  (XD) 750 mL  $59.00 

CHÂTEAU SAINT-PIERRE 2008
AC St-Julien, 4e Cru
(Domaines Martin)

TASTING NOTE: As I predicted from barrel, this stunning effort is a wine to buy by the case. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of graphite, barbecue smoke, blackberries and black currants. The full-bodied, textured 2008 Saint-Pierre reveals a skyscraper-like mouthfeel along with tremendous viscosity and unctuosity. One of the richest and potentially longest-lived 2008s, it is a fabulous sleeper of the vintage. Drink it over the next 20+ years.

Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, May 2011)

137646  (XD) 750 mL  $69.00 

DOMAINE AMIOT-SERVELLE CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY 2009
AC

Free sulphur: 11 mg/L.

TASTING NOTE: Pinkish cherry colour. Dusty, almost leafy note over the red cherry fruit. Sweet oak spice on the mid palate. Fine dry tannins, upright and pretty austere at the moment. Drink 2014 to 2021.

Score: 16.5 (out of 20) (Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com, Jan. 27, 2011)

92254  (XD) 750 mL  $69.95 

DOMAINE DANIEL RION & FILS VOSNE-ROMANÉE LES BEAUX-MONTS 1ER CRU 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: Again that shockingly intense cherry fruit on the nose. Almost too concentrated, as if in some way denatured, hence the minus. (Certainly not for lovers of delicate styles.) That same concentration carries through on the palate. Dry, fine and savoury on the finish. Impressive fruit almost covers the tannins though they are tight and fine. Drink: 2016 to 2024.

Score: 17- (Julia Harding, MW, jancisrobinson.com, Jan. 27, 2011)

278234  (XD) 750 mL  $74.95 

LOUIS JADOT POMMARD CLOS DE LA COMMARAINE 1ER CRU 2009
AC

TASTING NOTE: A high-toned and beautifully nuanced ripe red berry fruit and liqueur-like nose introduces intense, pure and well-balanced medium-bodied flavors that exude a fine minerality on the ripe, dusty and ever-so-mildly austere finish that delivers excellent intensity and very good length. This should be lovely with a decade or so of bottle age. Outstanding. Drink [from] 2019+.

Score: 90-92 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, May 10, 2011)

278713  (XD) 750 mL  $71.95 

CABREO IL BORGO 2007
IGT Toscana

TASTING NOTE: There's lovely licorice and crushed blackberry on the nose, with some raisin notes. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and powerful fruit. The mineral, aniseed and crushed dark berry flavors are impressive. Dense and concentrated, yet balanced. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011.

Score: 94 (James Suckling, winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2009)

122770  (XD) 750 mL  $34.95 

JOAN SIMÓ SENTIUS 2006
DOQ Priorat

TASTING NOTE: Celler Joan Simo's 2006 Sentius is a blend of 48% Garnacha and the balance Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah from the estate's younger vines aged for 15 months in French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple/black color, it offers up a nose of mineral, espresso, pepper, licorice, black cherry, and plum. Dense, rich, and full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific volume and concentration for its price. It is an amazing value in Priorat for drinking over the next 6-8 years.

Score: 92 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010)

35477  (XD) 750 mL  $28.95