98 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Aalto PS is 100% Tinto Fino from vineyards over 60 years of age. It was aged for 32 months in 70% new French oak. Saturated in appearance, the wine offers up notes of pain grille, balsamic, crushed stone, floral notes, and wild black fruits. Exceptionally powerful, focused, and beautifully proportioned, this full-bodied wine is dense, rich, and structured for the long haul. Give this super-long, impressive effort a decade in the cellar and drink it from 2018 to 2040. Patient purchasers will be well ... Read More » 

96 points and #20 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: "A big, dense, concentrated wine, with wonderful aromas marked by chewy tannins, yet the core currant and blackberry flavors and savory herb and earth nuances provide a solid foundation. Best from 2010 through 2016." (08/09) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Outstanding for its purity, and the incredibly fine tannins, not to mention the compelling flavors. Black and red cherries, currants, cola, mushrooms, cedar, anise, and spice flavors mingle into a long, rich finish. So balanced and elegant. M... Read More » 

92 points and one of the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: "This is crisp, offering a lively mouthful of peach-accented grapefruit and mineral flavors, all hanging on effortlessly through the long, graceful finish. Drink now." Brancott planted the first commercial vineyard in Marlborough and produced their first Sauvignon Blanc in 1979. In 1995, they were among the founding members of the original sustainable winegrowing initiative. They have gone on to become one of the largest producers of wine in New Zealand with a broad portfolio of wines rang... Read More » 

91 pointsand one the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: "This subtle Riesling offers a finely woven mix of white peach and crushed pine needle flavors, with hints of brine and smoke. There's racy acidity, but it's well-meshed, and a mineral note lingers on the delicate finish. Drink now through 2015." (11/09) According to Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec 08: "Pure, subdued aromas of citrus peel, flowers and menthol. Pure and intense for this basic-level riesling, with good grip to the very dry flavors of white peach, lemon, flowe... Read More » 

95+ points Robert Parker: "The stunning 2006 Sirius, a Petite Sirah from the Eaglepoint Ranch that produced the gorgeous Sangiovese, is about as good as Petite Sirah gets in California. Long-time readers know I am a big fan of this underrated varietal in the Golden State, which also has a terrific track record of aging for 20-30 or more years when made in the manner such as Sean Thackrey's Sirius. This wine has no hard edges but is stacked and packed with black and blue fruits, camphor, and hints of pepper and spice. Moreover, the purity of the wine, the... Read More » 

According to the Wine Spectator: "A good, delicate red, with berry and leather character. Medium-bodied, with light tannins and a fruity, earthy finish. Drink now." (05/02) 

Listed in the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2008! 90 points and a Smart Buys designation from the Wine Spectator: "Lavender and blackberry aromas follow through to a medium-to-full body, with a solid core of fruit and a tangy aftertaste of citrus fruit and dried cherry. Best after 2009." (09/08) 89 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Chianti Classico is a beautiful, plump wine loaded with vibrant, sweet, ripe fruit. It offers lovely depth in an engaging style that is sure to find many admirers. This is a terrific effort from one of Ita... Read More » 

94 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Quimera reveals a similar luxurious personality, layers of flavor, and a finish that just won't quit. This sensational wine can be enjoyed in its succulent youth but should still be going strong in 12-15 years. In a brief period of time, Achaval Ferrer has become one of Argentina's benchmark wineries. A visit to the winery in April 2008 was eye-opening. They export 85% of their production, 40% to the USA. The newest releases will not disappoint." (12/08) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Aromas of rubber... Read More » 

93 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Gigondas possesses a dense purple color in addition to a stunning bouquet of charcoal, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, acacia flowers, and a hint of chalk. Full-bodied with terrific fruit intensity, a layered texture, gorgeous freshness, and acids that provide a well-defined personality to this blockbuster Gigondas. Despite its size, substance, and depth, the overall impression is one of sublime elegance and purity. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years." (10/09) 89-92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:... Read More » 

In the production of the OV Tinta Port, which is not vintaged, winemaker Peter Ficklin uses wine from the winery's unique Solera system. Because of this, the blend for any particular bottling cannot be precisely measured. 60% to 80% of the blend is Tinta Madeira, 2% to 10% is Tinta Cao, and Touriga and Souzao each constitute 10% to 25% of the final blend. Unique and a super value! 

91 points and two stars from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "The mildly leathery, coffee and loamy earth traits that mark all of the SLWC siblings is again evident here, but this wine conveys a bit more fruity depth and thus moves to the head of the clan. Fairly full-bodied and pleasantly supple in feel, it is at once both accessible and rather deep, and, if it has tannins in place for five years of growth, it is already inviting and will partner nicely with savory meats in the mid-term. Lacking the bombast of the bigger wines in this review... Read More » 

If you think of a vineyard as a living ecosystem, and you care deeply about the natural world when chossing what you put in your body, you'll want to buy this one by the case. Sterling sources fruit from small family-run and family-owned vineyards producing organically grown grapes, and there's a quality difference in this S.B., it's a pure expressions of Sauvignon Blanc and of Mendocino terroir as well. 

Limited quantities available. Orders sold into the negative may not be honored. 

Frappato is fun to say. With the addition of nero d'avola, it also makes a very tasty (and age worthy) big red wine from Eastern Sicily. Though Italian wine buffs will recognize cerasuolo as the term used on mainland Italy to refer to cherry pink or rosé wines, in Sicily Cerasuolo di Vittoria is an intense, dark red wine, with cracked pepper and tobacco notes along with strappingly ripe black cherry fruit. This one from Cantina Valle dell'Acate has consistently been a glass winner in Gambero Rosso. According to Wine Spectator: "Raspberry and blackberry ... Read More » 

96 points and #6 on the Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2009: "A solidly structured wine, packed with initially sweet fruit that then becomes drier as the ripe tannins show through. All the ingredients are there, supported ny a tense texture to go with the first sweetness. It's an exciting wine, obviously very ageworthy." (12/09) 94-97 points Wine Spectator: "Intense aromas of blackberry, wet earth and grape follow through to a full body, with medium-to-light sweetness, very big tannins and a mouthfilling finish. Round and delicious alrea... Read More » 

Shortly after Inveralmond Brewery was founded in 1997, its young brewers were already rated among the best in Scotland. Blackfriar is the first in a series of beers honoring the role of the familiar orders of Dominican monks in the history of Perth. It is, naturally, a dark brew, hardy and warming, with a slightly sweet malty character balanced by a nice hoppiness. (Okay, it's actually more of a deep burnt sienna than black, but "Deepburntsiennafriar" just didn’t have the same ring.) Blackfriar is loosely described as a 'wee heavy,' but its assertive hop... Read More » 

95 poins Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Medium salmon-amber colour. Delicate nose of fresh crushed raspberries, white pepper and chompoo / rose apple. The palate is well structured with a nice backbone of crisp acidity providing freshness to the silken texture and judicious amount of toast. Very long finish with lingering hints of fresh ginger. Drink now to 2018. Tasted October 2008." (03/09) 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Orange-pink. Redcurrant, cherry, dried flowers, botanical herbs and minerals on the nose. Pliant red fruit ... Read More » 

Rich, sultry oatmeal stout from Fairfax's green brewery. 

94-95 points Robert Parker: "A brilliant offering from a superb vineyard, the 2007 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard reveals aromas of pineapples, nectarines, waxy, honeyed corn, and quince, a striking minerality, excellent purity, and an exotic fruit character that lends additional complexity to its full-bodied, flavorful style." (12/08) 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Light gold. A sexy, complex bouquet displays scents of Anjou pear, quince paste, Thai basil and iodine, with a suave overlay of white flowers. Rich citrus and orchard fr... Read More » 

100-year anniversary bottling of Beaulieu's famed Georges de Latour Private Reserve. Cellared at the winery, this is an opportunity to taste a piece of Napa Valley history. 89 points Wine Spectator: "Balanced and lively, with aromas of plum, mint, flowers and shells. Full-bodied and velvety, with a very good but slightly one-dimensional fruit structure and a long finish.--Georges de Latour Private Reserve vertical." (02/00) 

Limited quantities. Please act soon. 

Sergeant Classick 100% Hawaiian Rums are made from molasses from the last remaining sugar mill on Kauai. It is shipped here to the San Francisco Bay. The Classick family picks up the molasses themselves to insure that is from Hawaii. It is then fermented with special yeast used just for Rum production and distilled in a beautiful copper Alambic still. The still was hand crafted by Jean-Louis Stupfler, a third-generation distiller in Bordeaux, France. This in combination with the highest quality ingredients and meticulous attention to details at ever... Read More » 

This is a blended Lambic beer brewed with fresh raspberries. Very elegant, with plenty of fruit, but not at all made in a sweet, cloying style. If you love Lambic beers, this is a must try! Great with food, too! Try chicken sausage. 

92 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Viognier The Virgilius was barrel-fermented with native yeasts and aged in French oak for 10 months. It has a superb, Condrieu-like perfume of peach, apricot, and tropical fruits. Mouth-filling and rich, the flavors are complex and the wine has exceptional length. Drink it over the next 2-3 years." 

In the early ’70s Michel and Louis Bronzo acquired the property of the Bastide Blanche, with the goal of producing top Bandol wines to rival their more famous cousins in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Their painstaking efforts were rewarded in 1993 when vintage conditions created the benchmark year that put both Bandol and Domaine de la Bastide-Blanche on the map. The brothers Bronzo have several cuvees, depending on the vintage, however, they always use a minimum of 75% mourvedre. Yields are kept very low, and never exceed more than 34 or 35 hl/ha. 14.5% abv. 

90 points from Burghound: "An extremely pretty and relatively high-toned red pinot fruit nose that is both airy and layered leads to fresh, vibrant and utterly delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess a sappy mouth feel and excellent depth and really the only nit is that there is a bit more warmth in evidence than what I typically find with this exceptionally dependable wine. Still, there is solid character and a real sense of place and this is definitely worth a look." (October 2006) Conventional wisdom has it that quality is incompatible with quant... Read More » 

This semi-sweet red hales from the Lechkhumi appellation of the Republic of Georgia. It is made from the indigenous varietals Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli. It has the ripe notes of cherries and raspberries with a velvety texture. 

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The one white wine among the $25 and over selections is the 2007 Chardonnay Cold Creek Vineyard. Light gold-colored, it offers up an excellent toasty, tropical perfume leading to a ripe, rich, vibrant, full-flavored wine. Well-balanced and concentrated, it will provide pleasure over the next 4-5 years." (10/09) 90 points from Wine Spectator: "Lithe, vibrant and appealing for its mineral-accented pear, apple and tobacco flavors, lingering on the juicy finish against mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2012. ... Read More » 

Isle of Jura is leaving the US market so get it while it lasts. Limited to quanity on hand only! To the north of Islay, just off Scotland's west coast lies Jura. The Herbridean island that fewer that 200 people call home and many, many red deer. Superstition is a union of two Jura malt whisky styles, one bold, strong and peated, the other warm and delicate. This innovative malt Scotch whisky is created from the marriage of traditional Islay style peated barley and a selection of aged malts. The result is a first in malt whisky and a sensational new t... Read More » 

As seen in Sunset Magazine! 

91 points Wine Spectator: "Very pure, with mouthwatering sanguine notes piercing through the deliciously ripe blackberry, blueberry and raspberry fruit. The long, silky finish lets incense and mineral notes play out. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Drink now through 2010." (06/09) 

92 points Wine Spectator: "Lush and round, with velvety-textured tannins carrying ample layers of plum sauce, crushed currant and fig fruit and dark licorice notes. Stays admirably fresh on the hefty finish, with a nice buried black tea hint. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2011." (06/09) 

This is a sustaining beer that is brewed to comfort in the gusty ides of March and welcome in a wealth of warmer weather. 7% abv 

Wine Mummy is an innovative bag that offers today's traveler an affordable and practical way to transport wine and spirits in their checked luggage. Compact and lightweight. Two layers of durable polyplastic and bubble padding for extra protection. Zip top to safeguard against leaks that could ruin the luggage contents. Works with a variety of bottle sizes. Affordable and re-usable. 

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "So-called because the vineyard resembles the wings of a butterfly (papillon), this is the top Baumard Savennières cru. It has richness, a touch of caramel, but an intense mineral, green plum and citrus character that gives it structure and ageability. Screwcap."-WE(10/1/2007) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Pure, with a porcelain like texture supporting mineral, lime and quince flavors that run along a rapier of a finish. Shows great precision and clarity. Drink now through 2012."-WS(05/07) 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:... Read More » 

92 points Robert Parker: "While not at the level of the phenomenal 2005, Grand-Puy-Lacoste has produced another classic wine with the creme de cassis fruit that I often find in both Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet, yet both of those vineyards are closer to the Gironde River. This wine has a pure personality, with the aforementioned classic creme de cassis notes, medium to full body, beautiful density, purity, texture, and length. If anything, this recalls a hypothetical blend of their brilliant 1995 and 1996. Tannins are elevated, so patience will be ... Read More » 

"Alessandro Masnaghetti's ENOGEA "I Cru" maps are an incredibly important contribution to the understanding of Italian wine. All lovers of Italian wine should have these incredibly detailed maps showing vineyard position and exposures with detailed contact information for all the producers shown on each map. The maps are broken down into commune levels and listed by the DOC and then commune, the detail is extraordinary. It is truly difficult to understand the complexities of these growing zones without a guide to the vineyards. I am sure that you could s... Read More » 

94 points Stephen Tanzer's IWC: " Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed nose offers an exotic bouquet of spicy redcurrant, cherry, graphite and fresh flowers. Deep, chewy red and dark berry flavors stain the palate and gain urgency with air. Sweet cherry compote and blackcurrant build through the finish, which leaves behind strong cured tobacco and floral qualities. This reminded me of an outstanding Bordeaux from the left bank." 

94 points and a Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast: "Yes, this wine is tannic. To being with it seems austere and mineral. But then the substrate of black berry juice asserts itself. The fruits are fresh rather than sweet, combining with leather, spice and a presence of new wood. Typical of Montrose, it is hard to appreciate this young, with those tannins needing to open out. But wait another 10 years." (03/09) 94+ points Robert Parker: "The 2006 is extraordinarily elegant and finesse-styled, but it exhibits stunningly concentrated, sweet blackberry and ... Read More » 

This "black beer" offers unplumbed depths of complexity, aroma and flavor with a fine aroma of roasted grains and bitter hops, flowery but also refreshing and very very pure. A beer to enjoy with food (especially grilled sausages) or without. 4.9% abv. 

This comes from the former Domaine René Manuel in Meursault, now called Chateau Laboure Roi. It comes entirely from a vineyard called Grand Coutures, located just below Meursault Limozin. When the AOC laws were instituted, René Manuel felt they added little value, and chose not to get Meursault status for this vineyard, in order to keep the taxes as low as possible. In the long run, that was not his best decision, but it works out for us, since the price is much lower than it would be if it the label said "Meursault". Still, it is estate grown and bo... Read More » 

90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Even tasted blind, this excellent Cab's smooth, velvety-clay feel says 'Coonawarra.' It's a restrained, balanced wine with pencil eraser and red plum fruit flavors, and cherry brightening the finish; even still, it's the texture you'll remember." (12/04) Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar listed this wine at $23 and had this to say on its behalf: "Medium ruby. Varietally accurate scents of cassis, cherry skin, licorice, hot asphalt, cigar box, eucalyptus and peppermint. Firm, tangy and tightly structured, with redcurr... Read More » 

It is form poor decomposed granite rich soils on the Schalk Burger senior farm in Wellington where this impossible to pronounce and impossible to resist estate sources Syrah grapes from a single vineyard for their much prized Syrah. It offers an enticing combination of new world and old world elements, with typical spicy and pepper notes and underlying violet aromas competing with dark berry fruit and strapping tannins. 

According to Robert Parker: "Gruaud-Larose has fashioned an elegant, less rustic wine than previous vintages. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple. The bouquet offers aromas of plums, black raspberries, and cassis. Stylish, with medium to full body, sweet tannin, and excellent purity as well as overall symmetry, it will drink well between 2004-2016." (04/01) K&L's notes - Dark purple color, big peppery, spicy, rich and sweet fruit. The tannin is very well integrated, giving this large-scaled wine outstanding aging potential.