Cellar Selections
Cellar Selections are wines deemed highly collectible and/or requiring time in a temperature-controlled wine cellar to reach their maximum potential. A Cellar Selection designation does not mean that a wine must be stored to be enjoyed, but that cellaring will probably result in a more enjoyable bottle. In general, an optimum time for cellaring will be indicated.
Château Lafite Rothschild 2005 Red (Pauillac)
- Cellar Selection
- $1200
Initially dense, almost black enough to be attacked with a knife. But then it becomes apparent that this is a beautifully integrated, balanced wine, bringing together power, with the hallmark Lafite style and poise. In the end, you have a wine that promises an impressive aging potential along with delicious black currant fruits, acidity and a layer of striking…
— R.V.
(6/1/2008)
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 2004 Masseto Merlot (Toscana)
- Cellar Selection
- $250
Even better than the highly acclaimed 2001 vintage, this Merlot from a tiny, clay soil vineyard in Bolgheri is just about everything you’ve ever dreamed of tasting. Gorgeous, generous, voluptuous, cheerful, succulent and intense: Masseto is all those things. The aromas are seamless and capture the essence of chocolate fudge, sweet cherry, blackberry, spice and…
— M.L.
(4/1/2008)
Avignonesi 1997 Occhio di Pernice Prugnolo Gentile (Vin Santo di Montepulciano)
- Cellar Selection
- $237
This sweet wine from Italy is guaranteed to blow your socks off. Its thickness and density resembles concentrated maple syrup or molasses. It is made with Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) grapes that are air-dried and then aged in small wood containers for many careful years. The gorgeous aromas include roasted chestnuts, brown sugar, prunes and sweet figs and you can…
— M.L.
(7/1/2010)
Moët & Chandon 1996 Dom Pérignon Oenothèque Brut Sparkling
- Cellar Selection
- $385
A magnificent Champagne, one that is light, delicate, yet packed with character. It is beautifully balanced, with a bone-dry character, just softened by the toastiness that is developing. Expect this to age for many years.
— R.V.
(12/1/2010)
Le Macchiole 2007 Messorio Merlot (Toscana)
- Cellar Selection
- $320
Here’s a “wow” wine you won’t easily forget. Messorio is all Merlot, and happily delivers the softness, richness and overall opulence that we love in this noble grape variety. What elevates this particular expression and vintage is the true elegance and sophistication evident here. This is a huge wine, but it’s not exaggerated and the finish is as long and smooth…
— M.L.
(12/15/2010)
Gaja 2007 Sorì San Lorenzo Nebbiolo (Langhe)
- Cellar Selection
- $440
Always a standout among Gaja’s five single-vineyard wines, Sorì San Lorenzo benefits from an excellent vintage to produce what will surely become a must-have bottle for collectors of Italian wine. There’s enormous beauty and elegance here, backed by power and intensity with ripe fruit, spice, toasted nut and cola. It also shows impressive linearity and focus. Hold…
— M.L.
(5/1/2011)
Gaja 2007 Sorì Tildin Nebbiolo (Langhe)
- Cellar Selection
- $440
This is an elegant Nebbiolo-based wine and arguably the most feminine of Gaja’s newest releases. There’s extreme balance and sophistication evident in the focused aromas of wild berry, white licorice, pressed violets and polished stone. The mouthfeel is tight, firm and those tannins need at least 10 more years to soften in your cellar. Beautiful.
— M.L.
(5/1/2011)
Domaine Huët 2009 Cuvée Constance 500ml Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $159
Even more concentrated than Huët’s superb 2009 Première Trie, this is outstanding. It has both great concentration and elegance. The wine is touched by botrytis, while retaining freshness. Made from ripe, just shrivelling grapes, this is sweet Vouvray at its magnificent best.
— R.V.
(6/1/2011)
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