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Wine Scores
Below is a listing of the wine review scores we frequently reference in our notes. While these sources remain an excellent source of information, we always recommend that you trust your own palate. Scores in these publications often represent the personal taste of an individual critic, which may not always coincide with your own. We have a huge team of excellent wine professionals that can match wines you've had in the past with new arrivals that meet your flavor profile.
- Allen Meadows - Burghound
- Connoisseurs Guide
- Gambero Rosso
- James Halliday
- James Suckling
- Malt Advocate
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- International Wine Cellar
- Wine & Spirits
- Wine Enthusiast
- Wine Spectator
- The Wine News
- Malt Advocate
Reviewers
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Staff Favorites - Melissa Smith
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Reviews
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1999 York Creek Spring Mountain District Meritage
Review Date: 5-7-2013
Quite possibly one of the most perfect wines being offered. A wine that had been allowed to develop and age for fourteen years, that has incredible balance, fruit, acidity, well integrated tannins, and a finish that goes on and on. Fine cherries with single origin cocoa powder, and a touch of spice.
Price: $24.99
2010 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Léognan Pre-Arrival
Review Date: 4-25-2013
Such a stunning wine. I had the privilege of pouring this at the 2013 Wine Spectator Grand Tour, as well as tasting it back in January at the 2010 Vintage UGC tasting in San Francisco. The wine maker Fabian is truly a talented man that blew me away with his 2009 vintage, and took my breath away with the 2010. 64% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, are fermented in small oak vats before spending 18 months in barrels made at the estate's own cooperage; the attention to detail and respect for the grape are clearly evident in every bottle of Smith Haut Lafitte. After acquiring a case for my personal cellar I look forward to experiencing the evolution, as long as I can discipline myself to hold onto them.
Price: $149.99
2008 Caiarossa "Pergolaia" Toscana
Review Date: 4-18-2013
In the words of Greg, "Wowza!" A very lovely wine, with beautiful fruit and a very lively and elegant nose. I could definitely see sipping this with just a touch of chill and an herb and goat cheese spiked barley salad with roasted root vegetables or a simple ravioli with a cream sauce.
Price: $24.99
2002 Louis Lequin Santenay 1er Cru "Le Passe-Temps"
Review Date: 4-15-2013
The intensity on the nose of this is incredible. Dusty dried roses, dried blue berries, and a background of toasted wood. This would have gone really well with the spinach and toasted barley risotto I served for dinner last week utilizing a bag full of organic handpicked spinach from Clyde's garden that I then blanched, pureed, and folded into the risotto with a heavy portion of cream and butter.
Price: $39.99
2010 Domaine Beaurenard "Cuvée Boisrenard" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 4-4-2013
Everything they (^) said and more. This is quite a slutty Chateauneuf du Pape. I'm interested to see how this will age, but quite honestly this is ready to drink now, and extremely delicious.
Price: $63.99
Price: $6.99
2011 Smashberry Central Coast Red Wine
Review Date: 3-15-2013
My first inclination is to pour this over shaved ice and drink it on a paddle boat out on Lake Chabot. Or Lake Tahoe, any old lake would do really. If you are into big delicious jammy chewy reds, this one will satisfy. It has a real softness from the Merlot, and fun spice from the Petite Sirah.
2010 Domaine la Colliere Rasteau
Review Date: 3-15-2013
Like Grenache candy in a glass. Nicely restrained, this will make the perfect daily drinker or wine to serve at your summer wedding along beef wellingtons or barbecued ribs and a spicy slaw.
Price: $18.99
2010 Bernabeleva Navaherreros Blanco Vinos de Madrid
Review Date: 3-6-2013
I taste this and I start thinking about Summer, then I start thinking about corn...soup? Charred? In a salad?! In the traditional Mexican dish Elote, with crema, lime, cotija cheese, and chili powder! Grilled prawns with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette...Gah! Can you tell I'm ready for warm weather and chilled whites in the outdoors? Thanks for putting this one in my glass Joe M!
Price: $17.99
2010 d'Armailhac, Pauillac Pre-Arrival
Review Date: 2-5-2013
An elegant wine and probably one of the true bargains of the vintage. Pretty currants intermingle with pencil lead and bramble.
Price: $59.99
2010 Saint-Pierre, St-Julien (1.5L) Pre-Arrival
Review Date: 2-5-2013
Higher in tannins than most, with a persistent finish of lingering raspberry and spice box. I'm looking forward to drinking a case or two over the next several decades.
Price: $199.99
2010 Saint-Pierre, St-Julien Pre-Arrival
Review Date: 2-5-2013
Higher in tannins than most, with a persistent finish of lingering raspberry and spice box. I'm looking forward to drinking a case or two over the next several decades.
Price: $129.99
2010 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac Pre-Arrival
Review Date: 2-5-2013
I had the opportunity to taste the Lynch-Bages on several occasions over the UGC weekend. Still a bit disjointed, it was also one of the most layered and intriguing wines. I expect for it to really flush out and come into its own in about 20 years, but right now it shows pencil lead, a little green, bramble berry and high acidity.
Price: $189.99
2010 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac (1.5L) Pre-Arrival
Review Date: 2-5-2013
I had the opportunity to taste the Lynch-Bages on several occasions over the UGC weekend. Still a bit disjointed, it was also one of the most layered and intriguing wines. I expect for it to really flush out and come into its own in about 20 years, but right now it shows pencil lead, a little green, bramble berry and high acidity.
Price: $389.99
2010 Langoa-Barton, St-Julien Pre-Arrival
Review Date: 2-4-2013
This was perhaps my favorite at UGC, and just in case I wasn't sure, I got to taste it again at the Fête. Riper, with crushed blackberries and black cherries on the palate and cigar box on the nose, this is always a stunning wine at a great price. This vintage the Langoa is a bit more approachable than the Léoville. It will continue to show well for the next few years before it goes dorman, and then it will continue to age, mature and evolve for the next 20-plus years.
Price: $82.99
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More Favorites
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2009 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Syrah Stellenbosch South Africa ($24.99)
2011 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch ($19.99)
2010 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Chardonnay Stellenbosch ($19.99)
2009 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch South Africa ($24.99)
2010 Charles Baur Pinot Blanc ($12.99)
2009 Patricius Sárga Muskotály (Yellow Muscat) Tokaj (Dry) ($14.99)
Campo de Encanto Pisco de Peru 750ml ($32.99)
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum 750ml ($34.99)
