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 de Gaudou 2007 Réserve de Gaudou Malbec (Cahors)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $40
A dense wine, tannic and firmly structured. It’s one of those wines that are not for the faint-hearted with its power, concentration and medicinal character. Age for several years.
— R.V.
(3/1/2011)
Bodegas Gutiérrez de la Vega 2007 Casta Diva Recóndita Armonía Sweet Monastrell (Alicante)
- Cellar Selection
- $30
Composed and not the least bit pushy or punishing on the bouquet, this has gorgeous berry and spice aromas. It feels a bit racy and high in acidity, but that will only serve the wine well in the long run. Plum and boysenberry flavors lead to a racy, high-acid finish. Drink now–2020.
— M.S.
(10/1/2012)
Shypoke 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga)
- Cellar Selection
- $34
There’s something almost old-fashioned about this Cabernet. It’s in the tannic structure, which actually is firm and angular, not the melted variety that keeps too many wines from aging. Bone dry and efficiently oaked, it shows lovely blackberry, currant, dark chocolate and herb flavors that need a good five years to show their best.
— S.H.
(6/1/2011)
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
- Cellar Selection
- $28
A fine bottle — full, fleshy, immediately throwing out dense aromatics with toast and roasted coffee and bitter chocolate components. A deep vein of black cherry and cassis keeps the core tight and focused, and a small splash of Syrah adds the scent of black pepper.
— P.G.
(5/1/2011)
Fidelitas 2007 Optu Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Cellar Selection
- $40
The Optu red is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 9% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. No Cab Franc, which seems to be losing favor among Washington winemakers. The 2007 is a much better Optu than its predecessor, nicely structured and balanced, with a blend of fruit, leaf, earth and barrel that is seamless and complex. Elegant and detailed, this is a wine to tuck away…
— P.G.
(5/1/2011)
Stonestreet 2007 Legacy Red (Alexander Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $85
Dramatically rich and full-bodied in blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and oak flavors. With thick, fine tannins giving it a youthful astringency, this Bordeaux blend needs to be cellared. Should develop bottle notes over the next ten years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
Longboard 2007 Redgrav Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $50
There’s a very good wine in this bottle that wants to come out, but right now, it’s locked down in youthfully dry, herbal tannins. It’s a very rich, finely grown wine, showing the ripeness of the vintage in its blackberry, black cherry and mocha flavors. Should develop bottle complexity over the next 5–8 years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
Château la Tour de Bessan 2008 Red (Margaux)
- Cellar Selection
- $40
From one of the properties controlled by Marie-Laure Lurton, this is a finely made wine. It revels in its structure, while around that there are ripe, soft red berry fruits, spice and an intensely juicy acidity. Full of charm, ready to age.
— R.V.
(6/1/2011)
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