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Finding a properly aged Montepulciano d'Abruzzo of this pedigree is a rare thrill. While visiting one of the region’s most historic, traditional estates—a family famous for holding their top wines back for a decade or more before release—I was offered a tiny allocation of this magnificent 2011 from their personal library. The 2011 vintage was warm and generous, yielding a wine of immense concentration that has now softened into absolute elegance after years of perfect cellaring. The nose is incredibly complex, offering layers of baked blackberry, dried plum, cured tobacco, leather, and a signature hint of dark cocoa. On the palate, the once-massive tannins have melted into a velvety, seamless texture, carrying savory notes of balsamic and earth through a remarkably long, persistent finish. It is a profound, soul-stirring expression of mature Abruzzo that is fully ready to drink tonight, offering an unforgettable experience of aged Italian wine without the typical premium.

Bid on this magnum of 2011 Lillian "Gold Series #1" California Syrah (1.5L).

The 2011 Pétrus is another utterly magical example of the vintage that will take plenty of cellaring before it fully blossoms, but will eventually outpace the more powerful 2010 at this estate. Olivier Berrouet commented that “with the 2011 having between ten and fifteen percent more tannins than the 2010, its elevage in new oak will be shorter this year as a result.” The team at Pétrus emphasized that “this was a vintage to restrain oneself in the vineyards and do nothing, so that the vines that were already suffering from the hydric stress would not be further shocked by any human intervention.” The wine has turned out brilliantly and will be a classic in fifteen or twenty years, as it offers up a deep and intense nose of black plums, black cherries, raw cocoa, woodsmoke, a beautiful base of soil, a touch of fresh herbs and a very suave and understated base of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and impressively opulent in the mid-palate, with great focus and balance, ripe, substantial tannins and very long, pure, primary and perfectly balanced finish. A great Pétrus in the making.

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2011 Peter Michael "L'Apres Midi" Knights Valley Sauvignon Blanc (93VN, 92RP, 92ST, 91WS). Vinous: "One of my long-time favorites in this range, the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc L'Apres-Midi is gorgeous in this vintage. Citrus lychee, jasmine, melon, fig, smoke, and pear notes all flesh out in the glass. The 2011 is impeccably layered and balanced from start to finish. Hints of lemon oil and white flowers add brightness on the crisp, bracing finish. The blocked malo style works particularly well here. (AG)" (07/2013) Vinous: "One of my long-time favorites in this range, the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc L'Apres-Midi is gorgeous in this vintage. Citrus lychee, jasmine, melon, fig, smoke, and pear notes all flesh out in the glass. The 2011 is impeccably layered and balanced from start to finish. Hints of lemon oil and white flowers add brightness on the crisp, bracing finish. The blocked malo style works particularly well here. (AG)" (07/2013)

Bid on this 5-bottle lot of 2011 Siduri "Ewald" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (91VN). Vinous: "The 2011 Pinot Noir Ewald Vineyard is beautifully balanced from start to finish. A supple, harmonious Pinot, the 2011 impresses for its round, sensual personality. This is one of the more seamless, beautifully integrated 2011s in the Siduri range. All the elements are very much in balance. (AG)" (07/2013)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Cayuse "The Widowmaker" Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (95RP, 93VN). Wine Advocate: "The 2011 The Widowmaker is a beauty. One of the top Cabernet Sauvignons in the vintage, it offers up classic red and black currant fruit, earth, smoked meats and spice to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless texture on the palate that carries masses of beautifully polished tannin. Aged 18 months in 50-60% new French oak, it’s a relatively forward vintage for this cuvée (which is the norm for the vintage) that can be enjoyed anytime. (JD) 95+" (06/2014)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Bodegas Muga "Prado Enea" Gran Reserva Rioja (99JS, 96DC, 96RP, 96WE, 95JD, 94WS). James Suckling: "The most structured Prado Enea ever. A reduced center palate that is so compact with dark fruit, dark mushrooms and cedary spice. Full body. Wonderfully polished tannins and a long, long finish. Electric acidity. Muscular and well toned. The is a new classic that reminds me of great Spanish wines from the 1940s and 1950s." (07/2019)

Bid on this 3-magnum lot of 2011 Lillian Gold Series #2 California Syrah (1.5L).

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Seaver Family Vineyards "GTS" Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon ((89-91RP), 90WS). Wine Advocate: "Seaver’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon GTS has all of the signatures of this site, but in a more medium-bodied style than is typically the case. Incense, savory herbs, crushed rocks and flowers add complexity as the 2011 opens up in the glass. The 2011 impresses for its balance and persistence. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. (AG)" (12/2012)

The dried-mango and pineapple character is so delicious in this wine. It’s full-bodied and medium-sweet, with a pretty density and a fruity finish. Wonderful balance to this super Sauternes. This is a little in reserve now, with so much for the future.

Medium dark ruby. Aromatic nose offers fresh blackcurrant and lead pencil scents. Pure but austere on the palate, with black fruit and cedar flavors leading to a persistent finish featuring slightly gritty tannins.

Pure Castellina in Chianti alberese translated directly into the glass. . Bibbiano’s staunch refusal to mask their top site with small, toasted oak preserves a profound nervous energy that slices right through the natural density of the fruit. It delivers a distinctly crunchy profile of dried blood orange, tart wild cherry, and crushed iron. Everything here is anchored by a rigid vertical spine.

The vast majority of the liquid from this Highland distillery that dates back to 1798 ends up in the Bells line of blended scotch whisky, but among enthusiasts, it’s highly regarded when found in independent bottlings. This one in particular highlights the classic highland style, dominated by the toasted oaky spice from the four-and-a-half year secondary aging in toasted French barrique casks. Honey and orchard fruits emerge in plenty, with the creamy toasted oak connecting the dots between floral and butterscotch notes. It finishes with a touch of nuttiness that emerges through the oaky spice. This is a lovely, rich dram that defies its age.

This is a fabulous gran reserva from a very good but lightly heralded vintage. Aromas of spiced plum, black olive, fig, tobacco and cassis come together like a puzzle. A deep, pure palate shows near-perfect balance, while this tastes of plum, berry fruits and earthy spice. Smooth, elegant and chocolaty on the finish, this delivers all one can ask for from Rioja. *Editors’ Choice* (MS)

A fleshy, showy youngster, putting ripe fruit and jazzy oak on display. An impressive 2011 that reverberates with ripe cherry, plum and currant notes that will be at their most appealing early on, as this veers toward dryer tannins on the finish. (JL)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2011 Fontodi "Flaccianello della Pieve" Toscana (96WS, 95JS, 94RP, 94ST, 94VN, 93DC). Wine Spectator: "Rich and opulent, with a sheen to the black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. Additional notes of thyme, leather, mineral and tar add depth, while the burly tannins still ride roughshod on the finish. Nonetheless, all the components are there and this shows fine length. A more muscular style for this wine, reflecting the vintage. Sangiovese. (BS)" (07/2018)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (97JS, 96DC, 96TWI, 96VN, 93RP, 93WS). James Suckling: "Fabulous floral aromas of currants, flowers, stones and rosemary stem. Purity. Full body with a fabulous backbone of chewy tannins with a gorgeous austerity. Elegance with power." (10/2014)

Bid on this 3-half-bottle lot of 2011 d'Yquem, Sauternes (375ml) (99WS, 98JS, (95-97WE), 96DC, 95JD, 95TWI, 94JG, 94RP, 94VN). Wine Spectator: A lovely, creamy, tropical style, with mango, papaya and guava notes lending a caressing feel, while singed almond and warm piecrust accents blossom through the lush finish. Just when you think that's all there is, toasted coconut, fig, orange blossom and persimmon details kick in, lending length and dimension. The finish is ridiculously long. *Collectible* (JM) (03/2014)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Domaine Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru "Foret" ((89-91BH), (90-91VN), 90RP, 90ST). Vinous: "Raveneau's 2011 Chablis Foret comes across as relatively easygoing in this vintage. Still, there is a pretty sense of inner minerality that gives the wine its crystalline precision. Although not overly complex, the Forest is texturally quite attractive." (08/2012)

Bid on this bottle of 2011 Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet (90VN). Vinous: "Sauzet's 2011 Puligny-Montrachet is rich and expressive, yet also weightless. Freshly cut flowers, mint, spices and white-fleshed fruit all meld together in a deep, resonant wine. The 2011 is particularly beautiful for its textured finish. (AG)" (09/2013)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Colgin "IX Estate" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (98JD, 95VN, 94JS, 94ST, 92RP). Jeb Dunnuck: "Founded in 1992 by art expert and auctioneer Ann Colgin, Colgin makes three tiny production wines of which their IX Estate (pronounced Nine Estate) is the best known. IX Estate is located in the eastern mountains at about 1, 200 feet. In warm vintages, the wines are powerful, lush, and textural. In slightly cooler years, they can take on incredible beauty and precision. The 2016 (which also includes a small amount of Petit Verdot) is darkly savory, spicy, and minerally, with a compelling lit-from-within quality. What winemaker Allison Tauziet called herbes de Napa adds a complex subliminal note of mountain bay laurel, sage, and chaparral. (KM)" (08/2019)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Abreu "Las Posadas" Howell Mountain Bordeaux Blend (95VN). Vinous: "The 2011 Las Posadas is a relatively delicate wine for Howell Mountain, but the vines were pretty young back then. Inky dark fruit, licorice, menthol, lavender, graphite and rose petal all grace this understated, elegant Abreu wine. The 2011 is such a pretty wine. Even so, it has never been as exciting as it was from barrel. Note: Las Posadas is the same wine formerly known as the Howell Mountain bottling. (AG)" (10/2021)

Gracious and racy, the 2011 Le Pergole Torte is superb. A younger version of the 2007, the 2011 is all about spherical texture and pure voluptuousness. Although 2011 was a warm vintage, the Pergole Torte still needs a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften fully. Dark red cherry, tobacco, plum and spices meld into the dense, plush finish. A late September harvest had not been seen at Montevertine since 2003. This is the last vintage made by Giulio Gambelli. (AG) 95+

A complex nose with delicate oxidative notes of tobacco and moss, dried herbs and then figs, dried apricot and marmalade. More dry than sweet on the palate, with a beautifully poised, long and agile progression and a succulent, raisiny finish with a savoury mineral freshness. Pure elegance. Deep, old sherry shade. (RB)

Glorious aromas of roses, whole white truffles, earth and raspberry. Dusty. Subtle rosemary and lemon grass too. Full-bodied, tight and structured. Yet it opens and caresses every inch of your palate. So gorgeous now to drink. No Monfortino in this year; so absolutely amazing because it all went in here. Wow. Drink or hold.

This shows incredible freshness and power, with dried pineapples, mangoes and papayas. Full body, medium-sweet with electrifying acidity. Vibrates your palate. Barrel sample still.

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2011 Rarecat "R.Cat" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2011 Guido Porro "Vigna S. Caterina" Barbera.

Bid on this bottle of 2011 DRC Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche Grand Cru (98DC, 96BH, 96JG, 96JM, 96ST, 95RP, 95VN). Decanter: "As is often the case, La Tâche seems a perfect nexus of ripeness, accessibility, and power. The surprisingly open aromas of ripe black cherries and mulberry are complemented by hints of violets, liquorice, and sweet Asian spices. The texture is also approachable, with impressive density given depth by firm tannic grip and bright acidity that draw the wine to a lingering finish. La Tâche 2011 is starting to open already and will easily charm for another thirty years. (CC)" (01/2023)

A second-fill bourbon barrel has already held whisky once after its original bourbon use. This 14-year-old Speyside single malt, distilled in 2011, comes from barrel No. 161765 and was bottled by independent bottler Single Cask Nation. Presented at cask strength, it retains the barrel’s alcohol strength rather than being reduced to a standard bottling proof.

A really fascinating rosé with light plum, walnut and hints of toffee. Medium-to full-bodied with a light cream and cheese undertone. Unique experience. Aged and wonderful.

Glenfarclas has been owned by the Grant family since 1865, a longstanding independent presence in Speyside. Released under the Blacksboat Bridge name by Single Cask Nation, this 2011 single malt is 13 years old and bottled at cask strength from first-fill American oak Pedro Ximénez sherry cask No. 180642.

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2011 La Rioja Alta "904" Gran Reserva Rioja (96JS, 95DC, 95JG, 94RP, 94VN, 94W&S, 92WS). James Suckling: "Lovely dried red fruit, such as plums with just a hint of prunes. Cedar, walnut and leather undertones. Full-bodied with lots of fruit, considering its age, as well as hints of smoke, tobacco, bark and black tea. Some balsamic at the finish. Traditionally styled with lovely results. " (10/2020)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2011 Va Piano "Estate" Walla Walla Valley Syrah (92WE). Wine Enthusiast: "Rich and aromatic, this black label reserve displays excellent power and concentration. A dense core of cassis, licorice and espresso is brightened with vivid acidity, slowing fading through a long, smoky finish. Wait until 2016 for optimum enjoyment. (PG)" (09/2014)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2011 Houndstooth Napa Valley Pinot Noir, a rarely seen small-production Pinot Noir from California’s Napa Valley. The cool, late-ripening 2011 vintage, one of the coolest growing seasons in recent California history, produced elegant, lower-alcohol Pinot Noirs with a more classic, Burgundian profile than usual. Expect red cherry, raspberry and cranberry layered with rose petal, baking spice, cola and earthy forest-floor notes, with a silky, medium-bodied palate, bright acidity and a savory, mature finish after more than a decade in bottle. A hard-to-find Napa Valley Pinot Noir, ideal with roast duck, mushroom dishes and salmon.

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2011 Kistler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Kistler Vineyards produces some of the most sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California, thanks to glowing accolades and top-tier scores from the likes of Robert Parker and Antonio Galloni. Their ridge-top vineyards between the Russian River Valley and the Pacific Ocean offer great exposure and cool evening fog--just perfect for these varietals. The Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir bottling draws from several select vineyard sources.

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2011 Bond "Matriarch" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (91VN, 90JS, 90RP). Vinous: "The 2011 Matriarch is soft, silky and quite pretty. Naturally the 2011 is a smaller-scaled wine than normal, but there are no hard edges. I would prefer to drink the 2011 over the next few years, while the fruit is supple and forward. Hints of red cherry, mint and tobacco add to an overall impression of graciousness. (AG)" (12/2014)

Brothers Stergios and Perikles Tatsis have done something remarkable in the Greek appellation of Goumenissa. An early adopter of organics and biodynamic principles, they work in a low intervention style using only native yeasts, doing long macerations and with many of their wines, releasing them after they have had years in bottle to settle and find their best footing. Goumenissa is a traditional blend of Xinomavro and Negoska. *Natural Wine* *Biodynamic*

Distilled from organic barley grown at Mid Coul farm, located close to Inverness in the north of Scotland. From the distiller: "A forthright expression from Bruichladdich's Barley Provenance Series, this 2011 vintage showcases the clarity of flavour from organically grown barley when distilled slowly in our tall narrow necked stills. Rich and creamy, with a luxurious mouthfeel."

The 2011 Malvirà "Renesio" Roero Riserva Nebbiolo perfectly reflects the warmth of the vintage. It possesses a generous, opulent profile of sweet dried cherry, baking spice, and licorice, all wrapped in a plush, silky texture that makes it incredibly hedonistic today.

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2011 Trimbach Geisberg Riesling Grand Cru Alsace.

Bid on this bottle of 2011 DRC Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru (95BH, 95DC, 95VN, 94JG, 94RP, 94ST). Vinous: "A wine of depth, power and richness, the 2011 Richebourg brings together the intensity of the Grands-Échézeaux with floral overtones and tannins that resemble those of the Romanée St.-Vivant, making for a wonderfully complete Burgundy. Savory and floral notes meld into graphite, plum and violet notes, leading to a finish graced with substantial energy and polish. (AG)" (03/2014)

Bid on this 5-bottle tasting lot; including 1 2011 Bond "Melbury" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (96DC, 96VN), 1 2011 Bond "Pluribus" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (97DC, 97VN, 95JS, 95RP, 95TWI), 1 2011 Bond "Quella" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (96JS, 95DC, 95TWI, 95VN), 1 2011 Bond "St. Eden" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (96DC, 95RP, 93JS), and 1 2011 Bond "Vecina" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (99DC, 96TWI, 95VN). Of the 2011 Bond "Vecina" Bordeaux Blend, Decanter writes: "... The 2011 Vecina is a monument of wine with natural polish and a wealth of exceptional aromas and flavours backed by perfect structure. Dark-toned fruits, loamy earth, and yellow curry spices leap from the glass. Seductive, satiny black fruits and red currants are so fragrant. There's just real polish here with a warming, full-bodied richness that is so welcoming. It is polished, seamless, and expressive with a fabulous umami-rich finish and checks all the boxes... (JC)" (02/2024)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2011 Harlan "The Maiden" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (93JS, 91RP, 91VN). James Suckling: "This is fresh and fruity with a mushroom-dust and blackberry character. Walnuts, too. Full body with silky tannins. Juicy finish. I love the texture to The Maiden this year." (05/2014)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2011 Paul Jaboulet Aîné "La Chapelle" Hermitage (OWC - 97JS, 94JD, (92-94RP), 94VN, 94W&S, 92DC) in original wood. James Suckling: "A gorgeous intensity of plum, spice and grilled meat on the nose. Cloves and hints of dried spices. This is a big, structured La Chappelle. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A bit austere and muscular but gorgeous. Tar, spice, dried meat and asphalt. This is another 1991 in the making." (12/2014)

Bid on this bottle of 2011 Schrader "T6 - Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (93RP, 93WS). Wine Advocate: "The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 is slightly riper and richer than the RBS with plenty of toasty oak intermixed with lead pencil shavings, cedarwood, baking spices, plums and black currants. (RP)" (10/2013)

And a candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is always a rough blend of 85% Grenache and the balance Syrah, Mourvedre, Clairette and other permitted varieties, that has the Grenache aged all in foudre and the Syrah and Mourvedre aged in one-third new barrels (that’s less than 6% of the blend in new barrels). Exhibiting gorgeous black fruits, spice-box, toast, licorice and roasted meat-like qualities on the nose, it is full-bodied, concentrated and layered on the palate, with loads of texture, yet delivers no weight, heat, or ever puts a foot wrong. Shockingly good in the vintage, it should not be missed. Hats off to Christophe and Isabelle. (JD)

Product details coming soon.