Published in September 2007

Cellar Selection

Price $450

Dense and rich but also incredibly complex, long and elegant, this is a momumental Côte-Rôtie. It’s darkly fruited and superripe, yet doesn’t lose its essential sense of terroir, remaining marked by scents of pepper and espresso to go with the chocolate and cassis fruit. Velvety in texture, this is the one of Guigal’s 2003 Côte-Rôties that demands a few years of… — J.C. (9/1/2007)

98

points

E. Guigal 2003 La Turque Syrah (Côte Rôtie)

Cellar Selection

Price $450

This is breathtaking stuff, incredibly complex on the nose, where it features hints of vanilla, clove, cinnamon, cassis, pepper and asphalt. It would be a wine to sit and smell all day if it weren’t so delicious to taste. Rich waves of cassis fruit cascade over the palate without losing complexity, buffered by incredibly supple tannins. The virtually endless finish… — J.C. (9/1/2007)

97

points

Viñedos de Paganos 2005 La Nieta Tempranillo (Rioja)

Price $150

The best new release in the Eguren family’s collection of modern Rioja wines is this small-production, 100% Tempranillo. It’s a true nuevo classico with proper touches of smoked meat, herbs and sweet black fruits as well as a lush, round mouthfeel that culminates in a mile-long finish. Destined to rock your socks off. Just over 300 cases produced. Imported by… — M.S. (9/1/2007)

97

points

Domaine Jamet 2003 Syrah (Côte Rôtie)

Cellar Selection

Price $96

Sure, this wine shows the effects of the hot summer in its slightly jammy raspberry flavors, but there’s also incredible complexity to complement the fruit intensity—Asian spices, tea, pepper and meat, to name just a few nuances. It’s all wrapped in a blanket of soft tannins, but stays fresh-tasting thanks to great minerality despite low acidity. Drink now–2030 or… — J.C. (9/1/2007)

96

points

Viñedos de Paganos 2004 El Puntido Tempranillo (Rioja)

Price $57

As expected, the wine exhibits a dense black color, with mineral, burnt toast and dark fruit on the bouquet. The flavor profile offers cured meat, leather, graphite and plenty of blackberry, mocha, caramel and coffee. Beautiful modern Rioja. 4,000 cases made. Imported by Tempranillo, Inc. — M.S. (9/1/2007)

96

points

Sierra Cantabria 2005 Finca El Bosque Tempranillo (Rioja)

Price $150

Dark as night, and dominated by meaty plum and beef jerky aromas. The palate is huge, with pure fruit, tannin and chocolate pooling at the finish. A new classic in every sense, with stellar balance and complexity. Less than 400 cases made. Imported by Tempranillo, Inc. — M.S. (9/1/2007)

96

points

M. Chapoutier 2004 De L'Orée Marsanne (Hermitage)

Cellar Selection

Price $160

Chapoutier’s top white in 2004 is this knockout cuvée parcellaire he calls De L’Orée. Aromas of truffles and honey burst from the glass, while the flavors lean toward peaches and toasted nuts. It’s full-bodied and undoubtedly high in alcohol, but there’s no trace of heat, and while it’s broad and mouthfilling because of its size, it still finishes fresh and minerally. — J.C. (9/1/2007)

96

points

M. Chapoutier 2004 Le Méal Syrah (Hermitage)

Price $202

Le Méal is said to be the warmest terroir on the Hermitage hill, and thus it is no surprise that this bottling fared the best in the challenging 2004 vintage. Flamboyant, creamy waves of raspberry fruit flood the palate, bringing hints of meat, smoke and pepper along for the ride and developing lovely soft tannins on the caressing finish. Approachable now, but… — J.C. (9/1/2007)

Published in September 2007

E. Guigal 2003 La Landonne Syrah (Côte Rôtie)

E. Guigal 2003 La Turque Syrah (Côte Rôtie)

Viñedos de Paganos 2005 La Nieta Tempranillo (Rioja)

Domaine Jamet 2003 Syrah (Côte Rôtie)

Viñedos de Paganos 2004 El Puntido Tempranillo (Rioja)

Sierra Cantabria 2005 Finca El Bosque Tempranillo (Rioja)

M. Chapoutier 2004 De L'Orée Marsanne (Hermitage)

M. Chapoutier 2004 Le Méal Syrah (Hermitage)

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