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.
Parker 2004 Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Coonawarra)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $70
The 2004 is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 100% new French oak. There’s plenty of fruit to back up the lavish oak treatment, but this wine needs 3–5 years to integrate its cassis fruit with the overlay of vanilla, chocolate and toasted coconut. It seems a bit coarsely textured at first, then smoothes out nicely with air, gaining length on the finish. Drink…
— J.C.
(2/1/2008)
Ramos-Pinto 2003 Duas Quintas Reserva Especial Red (Douro)
- Cellar Selection
- $54
The darkest, most impressive version of the Duas Quintas brand, this Reserva is made in the open lagars, from foot-trodden grapes in the tradition still used by major Port houses. It gives a ripe, sweet, almost Port-like character, but still firmed by structure and dusty tannins to go with the superripe plums.
— R.V.
(9/1/2007)
Rustenberg 2004 Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $48
Rustenberg makes delicious, serious wines that will age beautifully, and this Cabernet is included, though it needs some time to mellow and unfurl. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has an assertive nose of cherry and herbs, and on the palate, it's taut and intense with spicy fruit flavors and firm tannins. This wine should be cellared for a good 5-10 years for maximum…
— S.K.
(7/1/2007)
Bernard Magrez 2004 Paciencia Tempranillo (Toro)
- Cellar Selection
- $75
It seems that all of Monsieur Magrez’s new wines from around the world have a similar DNA: size, ripeness, plenty of new oak and ultimately quality. This big-boned Toro shows tons of ripe black cherry flavors darkened by bitter chocolate and espresso. It’s immensely oaky now and should benefit from a couple to 10 years on its side. Imported by Bernard Magrez.
— M.S.
(11/1/2007)
Poonawatta Estate 2006 The Eden Riesling (Eden Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $35
Incredibly powerful, with bold lime sherbet aromas that are nearly overwhelming in their intensity. Flavors are strident and linear at this young stage, underscored by vibrant acidity and fantastic length. You can enjoy it now for its brute force, but will be better rewarded by cellaring it for 5–10 years.
— J.C.
(8/1/2007)
Muga 2004 Torre Muga Tempranillo (Rioja)
- Cellar Selection
- $90
This seems eminently ageworthy; it has the strong foundation and pulsing acidity required of a true cellar dweller. The raspberry and plum fruit have a beam of acidity and the tannins are not shy. Shows all the hallmarks of a fine modern Rioja: power, purity and balance. Imported by Tempranillo, Inc.
— M.S.
(9/1/2007)
Domaine Landrat-Guyollot 2005 Carte Noire Sauvignon Blanc (Pouilly-Fumé)
- Cellar Selection
- $33
A selection from old vines and made only in good years, Landrat-Guyollot’s Carte Noire is rich and creamy, with concentrated white and yellow fruit flavors, some melon, white currants and pink grapefruit. Weighty, promising aging over 5 years.
— R.V.
(9/1/2007)
Domaine Jo Pithon 2005 Les Treilles Chenin Blanc (Anjou)
- Cellar Selection
- $37
One of a range of three single-vineyard dry wines from Jo Pithon, this is the firmest, needing long aging as the Chenin develops its secondary flavors. For the moment, it’s very dry and closed down, with green fruits, but dominated by structure. Wait 5 years.
— R.V.
(10/1/2007)
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