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"This is a very special library release. The 2016 vintage is one of the greatest of our lifetime. A forward-thinking family estate, known for their impeccably balanced and polished Barolos, agreed to release a small parcel of their classic 2016 from their cellars for us. Now with years of perfect cellaring, this wine is entering its prime. The tannins have resolved into silk, revealing complex notes of dried cherry, tar, leather, and cocoa. It is a harmonious, complete, and utterly classic Barolo that is ready to drink tonight. A rare chance to enjoy a perfectly aged wine without having to wait."

Readers will find a rich, flamboyant wine in the 2016 Barde-Haut. There is not a ton of subtlety here, but I am not sure that matters all that much given how immensely pleasing the 2016 is. Crushed rocks, graphite, lavender, blackberry, plum, and violet infuse a Saint-Émilion that offers tremendous textural richness as well as vibrancy. Most importantly of all, the 2016 is flat-out delicious. This is a decidedly opulent, dark Saint-Émilion with all of the elements impeccably balanced. I loved it. (AG)

Simply spectacular Blanc de Blancs from the steepest slopes of the Côte des Blancs grand crus in Cramant! This all stainless, all old-vine vintage Champagne has the electricity and refreshment married to rich toasty character that reminds me of the greatest of the 2002s. I love the sourdough and citrus combination on the nose and vivacious acidity that follows the rich mid palate. Don't miss this great vintage offering from Damien Hugot!

The 2016 Paradigm is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. This is a stunning wine, currently in a phase of compact fruit and impressive density that highlights its remarkable potential. Notes of black currant pressed violets and rose petals dominate the profile, underpinned by a deep vein of electric acidity, black truffle, and loamy earth. The full-bodied richness builds beautifully on the palate, showcasing a seamless integration of superfine tannins already beautifully polished at this stage. This wine is a testament to patience—please hold onto this as long as you can, as it promises to evolve into something extraordinary over time—a masterpiece of balance, density, and elegance. I find myself shaking my head over the lack of critical praise for these wines over the years and applaud the consumers who have locked into a spot on the mailing list at Paradigm because they are world-class wines from pedigreed vines, ageworthy, and offer just about the best QPR (quality-to-price ratio) in Napa these days. (JC)

The precision, hewn and cut tannins, wet stones, black tea, anis, liquorice root, bilberry and blackcurrant fruit, juicy tannins, understated power, settling in to itself at 10 years old, a superb wine that captures Margaux finesse with the more blunt power and concentration of the year.

Our Discovery Series has arrived! At the core of this program is a mission to showcase wines of impeccable quality, unmistakable regional typicité, and exceptional value. As I often say, we’re not just placing a label on someone’s latest release—we’re curating standout selections from our deep, trusted network of sources. Each wine must rise above its peers, often outperforming bottles at multiples of the price. Only those that meet this high bar make it into the lineup. For many, including myself, 2016 is the “Goldilocks” vintage in Bordeaux—everything in just the right proportions. It will long be remembered as one of the great reference-point vintages for the region, but perhaps even more distinctly in the Northern Médoc, where nearly every top château produced an epic bottling. That is one of the many reasons I fell so deeply for this wine. The other is its source: a producer we’ve long admired, making a wine I would happily feature at full price. As part of our Discovery Series, it stands out as an extraordinary value. Now, at nearly ten years past the vintage, the wine is in full voice. Aromatically, it shows a floral and mineral lift surrounding layers of dark red fruit. On the palate, it is textured and generous, with enough structure to express the typicité of St-Estèphe, while remaining open and approachable. With striking precision, impressive depth of flavor, and a vivid expressiveness right from the first sip, this is a brilliant expression of Bordeaux—and still a bargain at twice the price. I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

A complex and smooth-honed pinot that has aromas of violets and blueberries and sappy, leafy notes. There’s a gently meaty element, too, with spicy notes dealt into the fresh, ripe fruit. This has such integral fruit presence and a seamless, silky palate, infused with supple and glossy tannins. Very even, this holds cherry and blueberry flavors so long and so pure. Impressive concentration here. Drink or hold.

Ripe and seriously fragranced on the nose, heady and inviting. A bit more strict and tight than the 2015, plenty of juice, but this has tension and is constricted a little bit by the frame and the saltiness. 2015 is more expressive, this is quiet and still hiding a little. Lovely form and structure, you can feel the sinew and the construction, graceful and shining. It's absolutely gorgeous, the clarity and the purity really transport you, beautiful, impressive, charming and characterful. Needs more time but with a good airing you could enjoy this today. I like the delicacy to the tannins, the integration with the fruit and the edges of sweet and savoury spice as well as the estate minerality underneath. Feels compelling. A fabulous wine. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. (GH)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2016 Ridge Vineyards "Monte Bello" Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon (100VN, 98IWR, 97JD, 96RP, 96W&S, 96WS, 95DC, 95JS). Vinous: "The 2016 Monte Bello is a masterful expression of this lauded site in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s powerful, broad and infinitely layered, but it also possesses an incredibly finessed tannin structure that speaks clearly and forcefully but yields dutifully. Saturated blueberry, gravel, eucalyptus, charcoal, cedar and India ink build gradually and steadily through the long and sizzling finish. Just beginning to soften and develop beyond the primary stage, it wouldn’t be a crime to open a bottle now, but this has many, many lives left to live and should be even better (if you can fathom) in a few more years. This is what Monte Bello is all about. (BN)" (09/2024)

Bid on this 2-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2016 Albino Rocca "Ronchi" Barbaresco (96KO, 96WE, 96WS, 95DC, 95VN, 94JS, 93RP) and 1-bottle of 2016 Nada Fiorenzo "Rombone" Barbaresco (96VN, 95WS). Of the 2016 Albino Rocca "Ronchi" Barbaresco, Wine Enthusiast writes: "Forest floor, new leather, underbrush and eucalyptus aromas mingle with a whiff of peppercorn. On the full-bodied, focused palate, tightly knit, noble tannins and bright acidity frame juicy Morello cherry, licorice, tobacco and a hint of truffle. Drink 2026-2036. (KO) *Cellar Selection*" (09/2019)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2016 Clos du Marquis, St-Julien (95JD, 95JS, 94RP, 94VN, 94WS, 93WE, 92DC), 1-bottle of 2016 Marquis d'Alesme, Margaux (96JD, 96RP, (93-95CK), 95JA, 94VN, 93DC, 93JS), and 1-bottle of 2016 Pape Clément, Pessac-Léognan (98JS, 97JA, 97JD, 96DC, 96IWR, 96RP, 96TWI, 96WS, 95VN, 95WE). Of the 2016 Pape Clément, Pessac-Léognan, James Suckling writes: "Stunning concentration of perfectly ripe blackcurrants here with a delicate whiff of vanilla oak and extremely fine tannins that are almost perfectly integrated on the seductive and delicate palate, right through the almost literally breathtaking, super-long and very polished finish." (01/2019)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2016 Bellevue, St-Emilion (97JS, 95TWI, 94JD, 93DC, 93VN, 93WS, 92WE), 1-bottle of 2016 Fonplégade, St-Émilion (96DC, 96RP, 95JS, 94JD, 94VN, 92WS), and 1-bottle of 2016 Tour St-Christophe, St-Emilion (96JS, 94JD, 94RP, 93VN, 92DC). Of the 2016 Bellevue, St-Emilion, James Suckling writes: "A dense and layered red with ripe plums and blueberries, as well as hints of wet earth and moss. Full-bodied, velvety and layered with fantastic fruit and creamy, velvety tannins. Plush and deep. Great wine. " (02/2019)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2016 Fonbadet, Pauillac (94WE, 93VN, 92CK, 92JD, 92JS, 91DC, 91RP). Wine Enthusiast: "This 50-acre, family-owned property is surrounded by some of the most famous names in Pauillac. The wine shares some of the same fine Cabernet Sauvignon flavors, ripe with intense black-currant fruitiness that partners with dusty tannins and acidity. It's a wine for aging. *Editors' Choice* (RV)" (05/2019)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2016 To Kalon Vineyard Co. "Highest Beauty" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (99JS, 97JD, 97WS). James Suckling: "This pure Cabernet Sauvignon is the real deal with redcurrant and terracotta character on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied, yet really reserved and ultra-refined. The quality of the tannins is super with such fine grain, yet it continues on for minutes. This is the first release and it shows beautiful classicism. Shows the essence of the place. Needs four or five years to come around." (12/2020)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2016 Clos Mogador Priorat (98RP, 95IWR, 94VN). Wine Advocate: "Keeping the classical profile, the 2016 Clos Mogador has been fine tuned, reducing the French grapes, and it matured approximately 18 months in oak foudre and barriques. There is a lively sensation on the palate, vivacious and with very fine tannins. It has a meaty touch and feels really young , despite the long élevage. There is a strong mineral sensation on the palate, something that is a texture and mouthfeel rather than a flavor. This is an unusual, fresh vintage. (LG)" (08/2019)

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2016 Giscours, Margaux (96JS, 96WE, 95JA, 94DC, 94VN, 93JD, 93RP). Wine Enthusiast: "This nearly 200-acre estate lies in the south of the Margaux appellation. The wine is another great success in a series of superb years. It is rich but the structure and finely textured fruit give it style and longevity. (RV)" (05/2019)

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2016 Kistler "Kistler Vineyard" Sonoma Valley Chardonnay (98JD, 97RP, 96VN). Jeb Dunnuck: "Another borderline perfect Chardonnay from this estate is the 2016 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard, which tastes almost identical to the Cuvée Cathleen, only slightly less intense. Killer white flower, citrus blossom, orchard fruits, and salty minerality all flow to a medium to full-bodied, ultra-pure, precise, and elegant Chardonnay. With a little less minerality, yet a similar textural richness and depth, give it a year or two, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade." (06/2018)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2016 Aubert "UV-SL Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (100JD, (97-99RP), 96VN). Jeb Dunnuck: "From a cooler site (it’s one of the last to be harvested), the 2016 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard is a perfect wine any way you look at it. Caramelized pineapple, marzipan, citrus, candle wax, and layers of complex Chardonnay fruit all flow to a beautifully pure, silky, perfectly balanced 2016 that has depth, freshness, complexity, and length. It develops even more complexity with time in the glass and is a brilliant effort from this estate." (06/2018)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2016 Aubert "Hudson Vineyard" Carneros Chardonnay (99JD, (96-98RP), 97VN, 95WS). Jeb Dunnuck: "Borderline perfection, the 2016 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard has a liqueur of rocks-like minerality as well as more Burgundian candied lemon, white flowers, and oyster shell characteristics. Brought up in 80% new French oak, it has a deep, rich, concentrated profile, vibrant acidity, and remarkable purity." (06/2018)

The 2016 Champagne Cristal is chalky and pristine, with a crystalline nature and notes of white peach, fresh citrus blossoms, and bright salinity. Tasted for the first time last year, it captures a precise and focused energy that’s unmatched. It boasts the energy and tension of 2002 and the precision of 2008. The wet-stone minerality of fresh chalk texture is profound, opening with medium body, showing pinpoint mousse, and sustaining a weightless energy through the long finish. This is not an obvious wine on opening, but it is by far one of my favorite wines of the year. It is going to require some patience, but it is worth stashing away and should have fantastic longevity. (AF)

Here we have another wine communicating the dark and ripe confidence of the vintage, with some wonderful smoky and roasted-fruit character on the nose, showing plenty of crushed black cherry scents with more than a hint of grilled character to it. A pretty bold style on the palate to match, the cherry and red plum fruits twisted with vanilla, toast and tobacco leaf. There is a nicely creamed and ripe quality to it, the midpalate feeling rather textural and seamless, with a long, energetic, polished and structured finish. A top Branaire-Ducru, with fine potential.

What a brilliant vintage this is - just so complete. Honestly at this level, where prices don't change that dramatically between vintages, you should go for the 2016 if you have the option. It's on a different level in terms of depth and structure, and has opened up further from my tasting two years ago. You can drink it now, although will probably improve again over the next few years. Excellent Pessac-Léognan character, polish and balance but also plenty of black fruits and great chocolate; hard to argue with. (JA)

A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish.

The second wine of Cos d’Estournel is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc, and it took 55% of the crop. It was bottled in July 2018, after 13 months in barrel, using 30% new oak. This has a truly striking nose, with fragrant black fruits, black cherry, currant, damson and olive, but with a powerfully fragrant violet and white-flower element too, a real rose garden of a nose, with notes of crushed limestone. It is quite reminiscent of the floral intensity of Palmer in this vintage, which is a good thing. The palate is supremely fresh, pure and broad, showing a moderate texture, correct and sinewy, with a wealth of ripe tannins running beneath it all, supporting a layer of black summer fruits, all intertwined with toast, vanilla oak and some floral elements. Fresh, bold, pure and concentrated, this is a stunning second wine.

The 2016 Château Mouton Rothschild is nothing short of magical. It instantly begins to impress as it opens to seductive aromatics of blackberries and black currants woven together with espresso, charcoal, spring flowers, leather as well as hints of spice and gravel all taking shape in the glass. This continues to impress on the palate with its remarkable overall balance, concentration and silky, polished texture, which is beautifully underlined with a lovely trace of acidity. It shows wonderful precision and finesse through the finish, which leaves behind a long lasting impression. Overall, this is everything you want in a first growth Pauillac and it already showing exceptionally well. This is a simply breathtaking wine that should go down as one of the greatest vintages of Mouton ever made. (JD)

Founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston on Islay’s rugged south coast, Laphroaig has long been one of Scotland’s most distinctive distilleries, famed for its medicinal peat smoke, iodine richness, and unmistakable maritime intensity. There was a period not long ago when independent bottlers across Scotland were sounding the alarm about the availability of Laphroaig. Widespread consensus held that named Laphroaig would no longer trade on the open market as it once had, and for a time many teaspooned or unnamed Islay malts took the place of clearly identified stock. The result was significantly higher prices for casks bearing the Laphroaig name due to their perceived scarcity, and the few we encountered were often too expensive to consider. Fast forward three years and the market remains largely devoid of named Laphroaig, save for a few scattered casks, usually with the requisite markup. So when our friends at Dornoch indicated they had access to well priced, decade old Laphroaig, we knew we had to act quickly. This young and punchy Laphroaig features the famed Bessie Williamson and a peat fork on the label, an ode to the old ways. The whisky in this barrel was distilled on June 6, 2016 and bottled in March 2026. Matured in refill bourbon barrels, it drinks like a single barrel version of the classic 10 year cask strength at a healthy discount. A classical style with plenty of iodine and smoke, balanced by a creamy purity that is undeniable.

A firm, chewy Brunello with cherry, walnut and black-truffle character, as well as tile undertones. It’s full-bodied with dark fruit and mahogany and cedar undertones. Tight and wooded at the moment, but should come round with bottle age. Give it time. Try after 2023.

The precision, hewn and cut tannins, wet stones, black tea, anis, liquorice root, bilberry and blackcurrant fruit, juicy tannins, understated power, settling in to itself at 10 years old, a superb wine that captures Margaux finesse with the more blunt power and concentration of the year.

An inviting nose of berry fruit, floral fragrance and soft cedar tones. Crushed velvet textured tannins support a wide mouthfeel full of fresh and juicy red and black cherries, bright acidity with a salty, mineral undertone and soft liquorice and tobacco spices around the edges. Full, round, layered and so satisfying. Just opening up but will continue to give pleasure for a long time. (GH)

The 2016 is naturally a little more subdued but there's an aromatic complexity with earthy, dark fruit notes. The palate is juicy and fresh with good persistence, the tannic frame powerful but the tannins finely honed. This is clearly a wine for ageing and will reward a little patience. The 'best value' pick. (JL)

A stunningly successful Lagrange, easily one of the best ever at the property, with complexity, density, and staying power. Combines the exuberant texture of the 2009 with precision and clarity of fruit. The conditions of the vintage meant the smallest size of beries in 35 years, and although the tannins are clearly present they are finessed and sappy. A very young wine, but balanced and seductive, with lush cassis and blackberry fruits. 3.47ph, 60% new oak - this is an upscore from my last tasting of this vintage, but it is really singing. Harvest October 3 to October 24 with a record (since Suntory purchase) 49% of production making it to the 1st wine. Eric Boissenot consultant.

To kick off the 50 year retrospective of Haut-Bailly, we began with this exceptional 2016 (we had also tried the fragrant and nuanced 2019 in the tasting room). Still concentrated and powerful, its structure and poise is a clear reminder that the vintage sets the bar as one of the greatest Haut-Baillys in recent history. Fabulous wine, with layers of black olive paste, blueberry fruit, crayon, cigar box, luscious but still reserved, will go for decades. Harvest September 26 to October 18. Denis Dubourdieu's last year as consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker, Véronique Sanders director, 55% new oak for ageing.

Saint-Émilion’s historic vineyard landscape earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999 as the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion. The 2016 Tour de Ripeau comes from this Bordeaux Right Bank appellation, where Merlot—the grape identified with this wine—plays a central role in the vineyards and winemaking tradition.

Another bargain alert! At this price level, perhaps the most subtle and elegant of all wines tasted. Not as expressive as Ormes de Pez, but top marks for delicate refinement and indeed a noticeably floral aromatic profile that accentuates the palate. As wine consultant Kevin Gagnon noted at a tasting: ‘Finesse and great length.’ Do not hesitate. (PK)

Bid on this magnum of 2016 Saxum "Paderewski Vineyard" Paso Robles Red Blend (1.5L) (97JD, 97VN, (94-96RP), 93WS). Vinous: "Brilliant purple. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet displays candied black and blue fruit, vanilla and musky earth qualities, while violet, licorice and dark chocolate nuances build in the glass. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering impressively concentrated, mineral-laced cassis, cherry compote and fruitcake flavors that are given spicy bite by a peppery flourish. Tightens up slowly on a wonderfully long, chewy, floral-dominated finish that's framed by talc-y, well-knit tannins. (JR)" (09/2018)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2016 Rhys "Horseshoe Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (97VN, 96JD, 94JG, 94RP, 92BH). Vinous: "Even better than it was from barrel, the 2016 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is a flat-out stunner. Crazy, beautiful, deeply spiced aromatics literally explode from the glass. Broad and ample on the palate, with tremendous intensity, the Horseshoe has a lot to offer. Orange peel, mint and spice overtones add an exotic flair. This is an utterly captivating Pinot Noir from Rhys. (AG)" (08/2018)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2016 Casanova di Neri "Tenuta Nuova" Brunello di Montalcino (99JS, 98IWR, 97DC, 97RP, 96JD, 96VN, 95WS). James Suckling: "Incredibly complex with black truffle, spice, flowers, currants and black cherries. Smells like a bouquet of flowers. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and incredible depth and length. Seamless and structured with great tannins for long-term aging. It goes on for minutes. Great class. This is a fabulous wine for the cellar. " (06/2022)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2016 Peter Michael "La Carrière" Knights Valley Chardonnay (97JS, 96JD, 95RP, 94VN). James Suckling: "A very complex yet subtle white with sliced cooked lemons, cream and hints of praline. Medium-to full-bodied, dense and layered with pretty fruit and lemon meringue. Love the savory and flavorful finish." (02/2019)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2016 Domaine Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons" (93RP, 92BH, 92JG, 91VN, 90DC). Wine Advocate: "The 2016 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is showing particularly well from bottle, exhibiting aromas of lemon oil, white flowers, green apples and a light framing of reduction. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, glossy and textural, with excellent concentration, chewy structure and a long, intense finish. It's one 2016 that can go head to head with its 2017 counterpart. (WK)" (08/2018)

Bid on this 5-bottle lot of 2016 Domaine Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru "Clos des Issarts" ((93-95VN), (91-94JM), (90-92BH)). Vinous: "(destemmed): Good dark red. Captivating perfume of raspberry, spices, crushed stone and red licorice. Intensely flavored and penetrating, boasting terrific energy and lift to its flavors of red berries, minerals and flowers. Very concentrated and dense but conveys a weightless impression. The palate-saturating finish offers spectacular rising perfume. A wine from very stony soil: I'm sure I would have picked it blind as coming from Chambolle-Musigny. (ST)" (01/2018)

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2016 Pride Mountain "Reserve" Sonoma-Napa Counties Claret (96JD, 95RP, 92VN, 92WE, 92WS). Jeb Dunnuck: "There are just over 500 cases of the 2016 Reserve Claret, a more Merlot-dominated blend that includes 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. It's similarly hued to the Reserve Cabernet and has a terrific perfume of blackcurrants, black cherries, ground herbs, and black tea as well as a whiff of dark chocolate and new saddle leather. This beauty offers a stunning array of full-bodied richness and depth, building yet ripe tannins, notable purity, and a sense of power without heaviness. It is a fabulously complex Bordeaux blend from Napa/Sonoma that will continue drinking beautifully for another 20 years. " (01/2020)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2016 Saxum "Booker Vineyard" Paso Robles Rhône Blend (99JD, 96VN, 95RP), 1-bottle of 2016 Saxum "Broken Stones" Paso Robles Red Blend (97JD, 96VN, 94RP, 92WS), and 1-bottle of 2016 Saxum "Paderewski Vineyard" Paso Robles Red Blend (97JD, 97VN, 93RP, 93WS). Of the 2016 Saxum "Booker Vineyard" Paso Robles Rhône Blend, Jeb Dunnuck writes: "Flirting with perfection, the 2016 Booker Vineyard is a classic bruiser from this vineyard that has overflowing notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, smoked earth, and violets. Checking in as 73% Syrah and 27% Mourvèdre (13% stems) brought up new barrels, it hits the balance with full-bodied richness, incredible purity of fruit, ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. If you’re lucky enough to have a few bottles, do you best to hide them in the cellar for 2-3 years." (10/2019)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2016 Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Grosses Gewächs Nahe (97JS, 96RP, 94VN, 93DC). James Suckling: "The 2016 Hermannshöhle GG from Dönnhoff is once again one of the top dry rieslings of the vintage in Germany thanks to its stunning combination of concentration and finesse. The super-mineral finish tugs at your lapels trying to pull you with it into the distance. Don't resist! Good for several decades at least. " (12/2017)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2016 Cantina del Pino "Ovello" Barbaresco (98WE, 96DC, 96WS, 95RP, 94VN), 1-bottle of 2016 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco (95VN, 94KO, 94RP, 94WE, 94WS), and 1-bottle of 2016 Tenuta Roncaglia "Roncaglie" Barbaresco (95VN, 95WE, 93JG). Of the 2016 Cantina del Pino "Ovello" Barbaresco, Wine Enthusiast writes: "Rose, iris, woodland berry and crushed mint aromas shape the irresistible nose on this radiant, classy red. Showing a remarkable combination of structure, elegance and pedigree, the delicious, focused palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and an almost salty minerality while firm but ultrarefined tannins provide seamless support. Bright acidity bestows impeccable balance and youthful tension. *Cellar Selection* (KO)" (01/2020)

Bid on this 2-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2016 Domaine les Pallieres "Les Racines" Gigondas (96JD, 96JS, (94-96RP), 94VN, 93WS) and 1-bottle of 2016 Domaine les Pallieres "Terrasse du Diable" Gigondas (95JD, 95JS, 95VN, (92-94RP), 93WS). Of the 2016 Domaine les Pallieres "Les Racines" Gigondas, Wine Advocate writes: "The 2016 Gigondas Les Racines was in its foudres at the time of my visit, but I still think it is the equal of the Brunier family's Châteauneufs. Full-bodied and rich but silky and almost lacy in texture, it marries raspberries and apricots with lovely herbal nuances and a lingering finish. It's a tremendous Gigondas, made from 75-year-old vines. (JC)" (08/2018)

The 2016 Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie delivers old-school aromatics of dried cherries, complementary nectarine, musky rose petals, crushed rocks and leather strap. It is lifted and finessed with a pulse of zesty acidity and a solid core of tart wild berry and citrus. A bitter tinge lingers as nuances of tart blackberry and blood orange fade. There’s a pleasurable rusticity to the 2016 that I find very attractive. (EG)

A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Château Poesia is more open and showy compared to the Barde Haut, offering fabulous limestone-like character in its kirsch and currant fruits and notes of dried herbs, white truffle, and dried flowers. Possessing medium to full body, ripe, present tannins, terrific concentration, and a great finish, it's another incredibly classy Saint Emilion from the Garcin-Lévêque family.

Aromas of woodland berry, underbrush, hazelnut and camphor form the nose along with a whiff of rose petal on this captivating, delicious wine. The full-bodied, structured palate is still young and primary but already shows raspberry compote, ripe Marasca cherry, star anise, tobacco and the barest hint of game . Tightly knit, noble tannins and fresh acidity provide the firm frame and impart serious aging potential. Hold for even more complexity. (KO)