Showing items 1 through 10
of 6,118
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- 100
- $300
Chambers Rosewood Vineyards NV Rare Muscat (Rutherglen)
Not a Cellar Selection in the traditional sense of requiring additional aging, this venerable wine (it contains some material over 100 years old) is ready to drink now, but should hold in the bottle indefinitely. It’s dark coffee-brown, with delectable aromas of rancio, pressed flowers, molasses and honey, yet despite enormous concentration avoids excessive weight. Amzingly complex and fresh on the neverending finish. — J.C. (2/1/2011) — 100 -
- 98
- $135
Standish 2006 The Relic Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
This prodigious wine showcases Barossa’s ability to deliver big, mouthfilling flavors without any suggestion of heat or heaviness. Scents of stone fruit, pepper and red currants mark the nose, while the flavors take on a darker cast, heading toward black cherries and black olives. The tannins are supremely silky, but this graceful, feminine beauty should drink well through at least 2020. — J.C. (2/1/2010) — 98 -
- 98
- $220
Torbreck 2004 RunRig Shiraz-Viognier (Barossa Valley)
Despite being loaded with complexity—spicy, meaty, savory and vanilla notes all feature in this wine—there’s also explosive fruit. Swirls of blueberry and blackberry flavors are head-spinning and the texture is compellingly rich and velvety. If that isn’t enough, the finish lasts for minutes. A blend of Shiraz from eight vineyards, all at least 90 years old, plus a tiny proportion (3%) of Viognier. Drink now–2024. — J.C. (11/1/2007) — 98 -
- 98
- $325
Clarendon Hills 2004 Astralis Syrah (Clarendon)
The flagship of the Clarendon Hills line, this comes from a patch of 80-year-old vines that winemaker Bratasiuk claims routinely provides his best fruit. The 2004 is a stunner, yielding up scents of flowers and spice, framed by hints of vanillin oak. It’s dense and amply textured in the mouth, packed with wonderfully expressive blackberry and blueberry fruit, then shows layers of rich tannins on the finish that leave no doubt this needs time in the cellar to show its best. This is a tour de force of Australian winemaking that should be consumed 2010–2025. — J.C. (12/15/2006) — 98 -
- 98
- $97
Campbells NV Isabella Rare Tokay (Rutherglen)
Dark amber in color and going greenish at the rim, the basis of this wine is clearly old stocks going back well over 60 years. It’s full-bodied, unctuous and superrich, oozing with molasses and rancio character, but balanced by citrusy notes. The finish is incredibly sweet and long, coating the mouth with coffee-like essences that linger for minutes. — J.C. (2/1/2011) — 98 -
- 98
- $120
R.L. Buller & Son NV Calliope Rare Tokay (Rutherglen)
Just a tiny serving of this dark nectar will last a long time. The malty, porter-ish aromas intrigue, followed by incredibly rich and syrupy flavors accompanied by mouthwatering acids and enormous peristence. Layers of complexity gradually unfold in the glass, revealing hints of honey, caramel and beguiling rancio notes. — J.C. (12/15/2007) — 98 -
- 97
- $300
Chambers Rosewood Vineyards NV Rare Muscadelle (Rutherglen)
Incredibly concentrated and intense, this dark coffee-colored wine coats the glass and the palate with waves of luxuriously sweet, raisiny flavors. Layers of complexity follow in the form of rancio, dried fig and molasses, with a citrusy edge providing life and freshness to the nearly endless finish. — J.C. (2/1/2011) — 97 -
- 97
- $105
Torbreck 2005 The Factor Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
Tarry and peppery, dark and meaty, it’s difficult to describe how a wine that is so packed with lush blackberry and plum fruit can remain complex. The fruit completely fills the mouth, yet nuances of spicy, meaty complexity somehow permeate, building in intensity on the long finish. Supple enough to drink now, but should evolve positively through at least 2015 and last another 5–10 years beyond that. — J.C. (11/1/2007) — 97 -
- 97
- $225
Penfolds 2004 Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa Valley)
This is incredibly dark, concentrated stuff from what may be the oldest (planted in 1886) continuously producing Cabernet vineyard in the world. Minty, herbal notes combine with chocolate and cassis to yield a complex, balanced whole. Despite the density of the fruit, there’s absolutely no sense of heaviness or excessive weight, and while the tannins appear creamy on the midpalate, they fan out into a silky sheen on the lingering finish. About 500 cases produced. Drink 2012–2030. — J.C. (11/1/2007) — 97 -
- 97
- $75
Jim Barry 1996 The Armagh Rhône-style Red Blend (Clare Valley)
The structure may be massive, but the tannins are ripe and soft, and the fruit concentration is amazing. An explosive nose of black cherries and plums, as well as oriental spices and vanilla. The richness and depth of flavor are spectacular. The finish is long and the flavors fully delineated. — W.E. (11/15/1999) — 97
Showing items 1 through 10
of 6,118