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.
Stonestreet 2007 Rockfall Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $75
This is Cabernet Sauvignon lifted to greatness, an impeccable statement concerning this region of the high Mayacamas Mountains on the Sonoma side that, by law, is forced to bear a “valley” appellation. The wine is awesome, vast and complex, fascinating in every aspect, yet locked down in tough tannins that exaggerate the acidity, making the wine functionally…
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
Château Latour 2009 Red (Pauillac)
- Cellar Selection
- $2300
A big, powerful wine that sums up the richness of the vintage. It is densely fruity, spicy with an enormous black plum and berry fruit character to go with the acidity. It’s concentrated while still showing such wonderfully pure fruit. The aging potential is immense.
— R.V.
(2/1/2012)
Château Latour 2010 Red (Pauillac)
- Cellar Selection
Stern, almost severe initially, this great wine takes time to show its immense fruit power. Black currant and blackberry notes are packed into the wine, along with an impressive array of spices from new wood that gives a more exotic element. At the end, though, it has a fine, structured sense of proportion. Obviously for aging over decades, so don’t drink before 2022.
— R.V.
(5/1/2013)
Château Ausone 2010 Red (Saint-Émilion)
- Cellar Selection
A big, bold wine with unbelievable power and concentration. Low yields and a dominance of Cabernet Franc have produced an immensely concentrated wine. Still very young, this magnificent wine holds the promise of great aging.
— R.V.
(5/1/2013)
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 2007 Ornellaia Red (Bolgheri Superiore)
- Cellar Selection
- $200
The 2007 Ornellaia is a masterpiece blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a tiny element of Petit Verdot. The intensity and purity are outstanding and the wine delivers beautiful notes of chocolate, black cherry, leather, cedar and spice. It’s a big, modern expression that closes long with luscious softness and opulent fruit. Hold 10 years or more.
— M.L.
(12/15/2010)
Cayuse 2007 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (OR))
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $65
The only one of the Cayuse Syrahs that is co-fermented with Viognier, this opens with a stunning, floral bouquet, showing extraordinary depth and texture. The wine has a floral top, a thickly fruity middle and a base with smoke, rock and meat. Still very young, it is already a complete, fully-realized, near-perfect wine with a finish that extends for many minutes…
— P.G.
(2/1/2011)
Charles Smith 2007 Royal City Stoneridge Vineyard Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $140
Depth and texture dominate; it’s all whole-cluster fruit, aged in new barriques. This fine follow-up to the 2006 features a little more delicacy, with a lovely floral component and some earth. The depth is astonishing in the weight and texture and the way the wine plays out across the palate. The finish never ends: a glorious mix of black cherry, earth, herb, spice…
— P.G.
(2/1/2011)
Williams Selyem 2010 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
- Cellar Selection
- $75
This expresses the greatness of its vintage and vineyard, offering wave after wave of raspberry and cherry pie flavors, plus notes of red currant, sweet licorice, spicy Dr. Pepper and smoky sandalwood. There’s also something exotically briary and wild that intrigues. Even more remarkable is the texture, an amalgam of acids and tannins that rivals any Pinot Noir…
— S.H.
(3/1/2013)
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