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Château Canon has been taking off over the past few years, and here you see why. Just so much complexity, depth, power, interest in the whole thing. This buzzes with life, rises above the palate, full of gunsmoke, truffle, raspberry, blueberry, so delicious. Needs time but already showing it will be worth the wait. 45hl/h, 3.5ph, Harvest September 11 to October 4, 50% new oak. Thomas Duclos consults.

The 2019 Clendenen Family Vineyards “The Pip” Santa Maria Valley Nebbiolo (Winery Direct Library Release) is absolutely lovely to sip. As I write this, it’s late at night, and I’m having it with crackers and some cold leftover steak after receiving it as a reward from an esteemed K&L colleague for catching (and later releasing in the wooded area of my backyard) a massive wolf spider in her bathroom. I wasn’t planning on drinking wine or even eating dinner, but I couldn’t resist opening this bottle as soon as I got home. After the first sip, I felt more than fairly compensated for my efforts. Black plum, juicy berries, dried rose petals, lemon balm, rooibos tea, and a subtle tarry note unfold across the palate, with a stony mineral quality adding another layer of complexity. It’s light on its feet, with food-friendly acidity and the kind of easygoing character that makes it just as enjoyable with a few casual snacks as it is at the dinner table. At full price, it’s an excellent value. At more than 45% off right now, it’s a screaming deal. Buy this for dinner with friends who know and love wine, particularly fans of the late, great Jim Clendenen and Au Bon Climat. As a library release from such a storied producer, it’s the kind of bottle your host or fellow guests will appreciate without ever knowing how little you paid for it. True to Italian tradition, “The Pip” spent three years aging in large 500-liter Hungarian oak puncheons, followed by another year in bottle before its original release. It has now had an additional seven years to rest and is still going strong, a thoughtful and elegantly rendered expression of Nebbiolo. Dog lovers may also get a kick out of the fact that the Pip series is named for Jim’s beloved late Border Collie, Pip. I can’t help smiling at the thought of the two of them being together again. I like to think that all dogs and great winemakers go to heaven.

The 2019 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is their more traditional Rioja, a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, mostly from Rioja Alta (Sajazarra, Cellorigo and Fonzaleche) at 550 to 700 meters in altitude, but the Garnacha is from different plots in the zone of Tudelilla at a high altitude. They didn't produce Prado Enea in 2017 or 2018, so this is the follow-up of the superb 2016. The bunches were harvested into 200-kilogram boxes, destemmed, put through optical sorting and fermented in small oak casks with indigenous yeasts. The élevage in barrel was extended to 36 months. The nose is phenomenal, keeping the essence of Muga with a touch of Garnacha perfume; it's still young and undeveloped for its age, not yet tertiary. The wine is full-bodied but fine-boned and has 14.7% alcohol, a pH of 3.46 and 5.81 grams per liter acidity. Still young, the wine has power and elegance and very good aging potential. (LG)

This is a very classically structured Bordeaux with blackcurrant, walnut, cedar and hints of toasted oak. It’s reserved now, but shows very serious, polished tannins. Persistent and powerful with fantastic length. Very precise.

Big rich, powerful wine with pencil lead precision. This is a brilliant wine, I loved it En Primeur and it is delivering on expectations. It's big, as is Langoa in this vintage, with damson and black cherry fruits, and tons of gourmet notes from brioche to bacon rind to chocolate shavings. The tannins are going to need a good decade to soften, but when it is ready, this is going to be such a fun wine to share with friends.

The appellation 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is terrific and well worth seeking out. Coming from 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and tiny amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it reveals a ruby/purple hue as well as a Graves-like nose of darker currants, scorched earth, leafy tobacco, and iron. Ripe, round, and seamless on the palate, with medium-bodied richness, it has beautiful tannins and outstanding length. This beauty is well worth seeking out and can be drunk any time over the coming 15 years.

The debut label of our Discovery Series continues to impress. 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. Such is the case with our 2019 Pauillac, crafted by a classified growth—though the name must remain a secret, thanks to a special arrangement secured for the Discovery Series. This wine captures the triumph, accessibility, and layered depth of the 2019 vintage. It’s a vivid expression of Pauillac—unforgettable in its elegance and authenticity. I especially adore its character and how clearly it reflects the region’s typicité. On the nose, a vibrant mélange of red and black fruits takes center stage—cassis, blackberry, and black plum—woven with a hint of graphite and pencil lead. The palate delivers a beautifully refined texture, with bright, energetic red fruit at the core and a structured finish layered with black fruit. A subtle richness plays off the wine’s firm structure, while fresh acidity brings lift and balance. The signature Pauillac tannins are present, yet softened by the generosity of the 2019 vintage, offering a wine that is both serious and remarkably approachable. Now seven years past the vintage, some of the edges are beginning to soften, and it appears poised for a long, broad drinking window. For a quintessential Pauillac—and a top-notch Bordeaux value—this is one to stock up on and revisit time and time again.

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2019 Ridge Vineyards "Monte Bello" Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon (99JS, 98DC, 98VN, 97RP, 95JD, 95WE, 95WS). James Suckling: "This is a very powerful Monte Bello with currants and blackberry, black licorice and smoked meat. Mint. Some sesame seed, too. It's full-bodied with incredible darkness and saltiness like volcanic salt. Umami. Grilled seaweed. Flavorful and captivating. It goes on for minutes. " (09/2022)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2019 Vérité "La Joie" Sonoma County Bordeaux Blend (100TWI, 99JD, 98DC, 98JS, 98RP, 95JA), 1-bottle of 2019 Vérité "La Muse" Sonoma County Bordeaux Blend (99JS, 98JD, 97RP, 95DC, 94JA), and 1-bottle of 2019 Vérité "Le Désir" Sonoma County Bordeaux Blend (100JS, 100RP, 100TWI, 98JD, 97JA, 96DC). Of the 2019 Vérité "La Joie" Sonoma County Bordeaux Blend, The Wine Independent writes: "A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2019 La Joie is deep garnet-purple in color. It has a wonderfully flashy and flamboyant nose of blackcurrant cordial, redcurrant jelly, plum preserves, and potpourri with hints of chocolate mint, tilled soil, chalk dust, and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate is very taut and muscular with tons of bright, crunchy black fruits and wonderful tension, finishing with tons of earthy nuances. (LPB)" (06/2022)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2019 Trimbach "Sélection de Vieilles Vignes" Riesling Alsace (95JS, 92WE, 91WS). James Suckling: "Rich, mouth-filling and highly structured, this has a touch of exotic aromas (mangosteen!), but isn’t a jot too ripe or weighty. In fact, it has wonderful silkiness, in spite of the considerable mineral power at the imposing finish. Drink or hold." (11/2020)

Bid on this bottle of 2019 Torrin "Seneschal" Paso Robles Grenache (94RP, 93VN). Wine Advocate: "The 2019 Seneschal is a blend of 76% Grenache and 24% Graciano matured for 21 months in 45% new French oak. It has a medium ruby-purple color and pretty aromas of blueberry, blackberry and pomegranate with accents of tea leaves, cracked pepper, charcuterie and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is soft, chalky and refreshing with restrained, spicy fruits and a long finish. 305 cases were made. (EB)" (12/2022)

Bid on this 6-bottle tasting lot; including 2-bottles of 2019 Schloss Lieser Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, 3-bottles of 2019 Schloss Lieser Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Großes Gewächs, and 1-bottle of 2019 Schloss Lieser Wehlener Sonnenuhr GG Riesling Mosel. Of the 2019 Schloss Lieser Wehlener Sonnenuhr GG Riesling Mosel, Grosses Gewachs

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2019 Les Cousins (Vice Versa & L'Aventure) California Cabernet Sauvignon (98JD, 95RP). Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Cousins emerges from a collaboration between Patrice Breton (Vice Versa) and Stephan Asseo (L’Aventure) and is a blend of two barrels each from To Kalon and the L’Aventure Estate Vineyard in Paso Robles. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in new French oak, and there are a tiny 200 cases produced. It’s a gorgeous wine offering pure cassis and blackberry fruit as well as notes of crushed stone, graphite, and savory herbs. Round and supple on the palate, it has some To Kalon opulence yet stays more focused (no doubt from the Paso Robles limestone soils) with beautiful tannins, a remarkable sense of freshness and purity, and a great finish. It will be almost impossible to find, but this is gorgeous any way you look at it. (JD)" (03/2022)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2019 San Giusto a Rentennano "Percarlo" Toscana (97VN, 96RP, 96WS). Vinous: "The 2019 Percarlo is a wine of reserve. There's terrific purity to the fruit and fine tannins for the year, but also a bit of firmness that needs time to resolve. Bright red-toned fruit, cedar, tobacco, licorice, blood orange and spice open nicely to play off those vibrant tannins. (AG)" (07/2022)

Bid on this magnum of 2019 Next Of Kyn (Sine Qua Non) "Numero Cinco" Central Coast Touriga Nacional (1.5L) (98RP, 98VN). Vinous: "The 2019 Touriga Nacional – Número Cinco marries textural opulence with plenty of structure. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, incense, spice and graphite infuse the 2019 with tremendous brooding intensity. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in bottle to come together as it is incredibly primary. (AG)" (06/2022)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2019 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (100IWR, 99JD, 99RP, 98VN, 97JS). Int'l Wine Review: "Quilceda Creek's Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is once again a spectacular release of this legendary Washington wine. Sourced from Champoux and Mach One vineyards, this begins to impress with its extremely attractive aromas of ripe dark cherries, currants and plums, which are accompanied by lovely nuances of violets, baking spices, savory herbs, gravel, and damp earth characteristics all taking shape... Displaying wonderful overall balance and concentration along with remarkable purity and craftsmanship, the 2019 has it all. This is one of the finest vintages of the Columbia Valley Cabernet that I have had the chance to taste. Even at this infant stage this is an absolute knockout and it is certainly destined for a brilliant evolution ahead. (JD)" (03/2022)

Bid on this 4-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2019 Justin "Isosceles" Paso Robles Bordeaux Blend (94VN, 94WE, 92JS), 1-bottle of 2019 Justin Paso Robles Cabernet Franc (375ml), 1-bottle of 2019 Justin Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (375ml), and 1-bottle of 2019 Justin Paso Robles Merlot (375ml). Of the 2019 Justin "Isosceles" Paso Robles Bordeaux Blend, Vinous writes: "Vanilla bean and mocha come together with hints of kirsch and a peppery Cabernet Sauvignon flourish as the 2019 Isosceles forms up in the glass. This is pure elegance, velvety smooth yet energetic, with depths of ripe red and blue fruit that coast across the palate with ease. The Isosceles excels through its acidity, as the mouth waters throughout the long and dramatic finish. Gingery spices and hints of sweet blueberry preserves linger on. Well done. This is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. (EG)" (06/2024)

Bid on this magnum of 2019 Les Cousins (Vice Versa & L'Aventure) California Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L) (98JD, 95RP). Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Cousins emerges from a collaboration between Patrice Breton (Vice Versa) and Stephan Asseo (L’Aventure) and is a blend of two barrels each from To Kalon and the L’Aventure Estate Vineyard in Paso Robles. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in new French oak, and there are a tiny 200 cases produced. It’s a gorgeous wine offering pure cassis and blackberry fruit as well as notes of crushed stone, graphite, and savory herbs. Round and supple on the palate, it has some To Kalon opulence yet stays more focused (no doubt from the Paso Robles limestone soils) with beautiful tannins, a remarkable sense of freshness and purity, and a great finish. It will be almost impossible to find, but this is gorgeous any way you look at it. (JD)" (03/2022)

Bid on this bottle of 2019 Vine Hill Ranch "VHR" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (100DC, 100RP, 99JD, 99TWI, 98IWR, 98JS, 98VN, 98WE). Wine Advocate: "Even better than the stunning 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon evokes darker-skinned berries, hinting at black cherries and cassis, while still showing the vineyard's earthy-loamy side. It's a full-bodied, plush wine, with great concentration, a rich, velvety texture and a long, elegant finish that seems to linger for several minutes. Wow! (JC)" (01/2024)

Delightful and juicy red fruit with lots of floral notes of rose petals, citrus blossoms and a touch of crunchy white peach. Medium-bodied with succulent, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Finishes with an appetizing, zesty aftertaste. Beautifully harmonious. Drinkable now, but give it another three to five years to show its best. (JS)

A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Rauzan-Segla has a deep garnet-purple color. It storms out of the glass with powerful notes of crème de cassis, juicy black plums, and Indian spices, giving way to fragrant touches of incense, dried roses, and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of flavors of spicy black fruit preserves, framed by velvety tannins and impressive tension, finishing with great length.

Our Discovery Series has arrived! At the heart 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 simply putting a label on someone’s latest release—we’re curating standout selections from our deep and trusted network of producers. Each wine must distinguish itself from its peers, often outperforming bottles that sell for many times the price. Only those that meet this high bar earn a place in the lineup. From one of the most treasured terroirs in the world of fine wine, it’s nothing short of a coup to bottle an exclusive Pomerol of this caliber and deliver it for under $30. This is land where bottles typically fetch $100 to $3,000, simply because production is so limited and quality so high. The plateau of Pomerol is defined by its unique gravel and iron-rich clay soils, which yield wines of remarkable complexity, richness, texture, luxury, and longevity. I was captivated by this particular selection for its quintessential Pomerol character: gorgeous red fruits, striking density, and a textured palate that reflects the famed mosaic of soils beneath the vines. It is a wine that could come from nowhere else. We’ll count ourselves fortunate if we can continue to collaborate on future vintages. This is a delicious, complex, and thoroughly enjoyable Pomerol that easily merits double the price, and one that will be a standout on our shelves while it’s in stock.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, heady wine. Even though it was just bottled, the 2019 possesses remarkable textural intensity. A whole range of floral and savory notes open as this statuesque Cabernet shows off its personality. This is an especially rich, bombastic Cabernet from Ric Forman. (AG)

The 2019 Vina Ardanza is a highly impressive, full-bodied blend of 80% older-vine Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from two different parts of Rioja grown at the same altitude. The producer’s own American oak was used to age the Tempranillo 36 months and the Garnacha 30 months, 20% new. The fruity nose of black cherry and plum complements beautifully against Garnacha’s seductively spicy texture and mouthfeel. It’s lively, complex, and lengthy, with melty tannins. Age 10-15 years. (VB)

A compelling, brooding, muscular rendition of Cabernet from Alexander Valley with gorgeous boysenberry notes, black currants, and rose petals laced with vanillin notes and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with black currants, ripe blackberry and black cherry notes framed by velvety tannins laced with that irresistible vanillin note. Toasty oak spices lend a hint of sweetness, balanced by grippy acidity. Long and complex, revealing umami, garrigue, and crushed slatestone on the finish. It's a terrific wine from the Alexander Valley. (JC)

The magnificent Merlot in the blend has pushed up the alcohol, while also giving a velvet touch and power to the wine. This estate is now on top form, producing this generously ripe, black plum flavored wine. It is lifted by acidity while powering the wine’s intensity. *Cellar Selection* (RV)

Pure class, the 2019 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande is another brilliant wine from director Nicolas Glumineau that checks in at the top of the vintage. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was harvested from mid-September through October 8th. Brought up in roughly 60% new French oak, it hit 14.1% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.7. More elegant and poised from bottle than barrel, it offers a brilliant perfume of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, tobacco leaf, damp earth, and graphite. Deep, full-bodied, and pure perfection on the palate, it has this incredible marriage of Latour-like stature and regalness buffered by wonderful, sexy, seamless fruit, which no doubt comes from the higher Merlot content and makes Comtesse de Lalande so singular and unique. It builds slowly with time in the glass and has remarkable purity of fruit, ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that just begs you to pour another glass. It has a seductive, seamless profile that offers pleasure even today (although it needs lots of air to show at its best) yet needs 7-8 years of bottle age to hit the early stages of its prime drink window and will evolve for another 40-50 years if stored properly.

Made from Chardonnay grapes, this exudes class with its silky mousse once on the mouth. Baking spice dusted brioche notes combine with lemon rind and copious minerals on the palate. Truly outstanding with its length, viscosity and underlying tension, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least a decade.

The aromas to this are really amazing, with a potpourri of spices and dried flowers, as well as redcurrants, sweet plums and even some peaches. Full-bodied with layers of ripe fruit and ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate in an encompassing yet always elegant and pure way. It’s succulent and unadulterated. Like crushed, perfectly ripened grapes. The length is rather endless. The tannins build. Fabulous young red. 35% in amphora and the rest in 50% new oak and 15% one-year oak. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2028, but an absolute joy to taste now.

The legendary 2019 vintage demanded a truly special Brunello for our series. I found it on the warmer, southern slopes of Montalcino, from a family estate renowned for its powerful, savory, and terroir-driven wines. This is a classic expression of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone: deep aromas of black cherry, licorice, and balsamic herbs dominate the nose. The palate is structured and full-bodied, with firm, noble tannins and a long, savory finish that speaks to its warm terroir. This is a powerful, old-school Brunello built for the cellar, from a producer who truly captures the soul of southern Montalcino.

Aromas of black cherries, potpourri and bitter roots, as well as a hint of tree bark. Medium body with chewy tannins. Subtly toasty aftertaste. A little austere. Compact and tight. Better after 2024. (JS)

The 2019 Château Lynch-Bages is stunningly good, and it's going to be interesting to compare this to the 2018 over the coming decades. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 75% new French oak, its dense purple hue is followed by an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, freshly sharpened cedar pencil, spring flowers, smoke, and graphite, with an almost liqueur of rocks-like minerality. A massive, incredibly concentrated Lynch-Bages, Jean-Charles has hit a home run in the vintage, and this sensational wine has building, perfect tannins, insane purity, and a finish that won't quit. It has the purity, finesse, balance, and depth to offer pleasure not only today but to evolve for 40 to 50 years. Smart money will hide these for a good 7-8 years, but wow, what a wine. Bravo.

The 2019 Pinot Noir La Vida Bella Vineyard is a bright, pungent wine. Beams of supporting tannin give the 2019 its spine and overall sense of drive. Black cherry, sage, mint, lavender and dark spice nuances all come together nicely. I would cellar this for at least a year or two. Drink 2024-2034. (AG)

Fresh apple skin, rose, violet, and almond paste on the nose, smelling fresh and invitingly creamy. The palate delivers wild flowers, almond pastry cream, and stone through a precise and clean finish with lovely persistence. Fresh and enjoyable now alongside a fruit and almond tart. (ACC)

Pure class, the 2019 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande is another brilliant wine from director Nicolas Glumineau that checks in at the top of the vintage. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was harvested from mid-September through October 8th. Brought up in roughly 60% new French oak, it hit 14.1% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.7. More elegant and poised from bottle than barrel, it offers a brilliant perfume of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, tobacco leaf, damp earth, and graphite. Deep, full-bodied, and pure perfection on the palate, it has this incredible marriage of Latour-like stature and regalness buffered by wonderful, sexy, seamless fruit, which no doubt comes from the higher Merlot content and makes Comtesse de Lalande so singular and unique. It builds slowly with time in the glass and has remarkable purity of fruit, ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that just begs you to pour another glass. It has a seductive, seamless profile that offers pleasure even today (although it needs lots of air to show at its best) yet needs 7-8 years of bottle age to hit the early stages of its prime drink window and will evolve for another 40-50 years if stored properly.

The estate’s Riserva is only produced in years of incomparable greatness, or when there is a particularly compelling story to tell. The previous vintage, 2017, fell into the latter category, while 2019, conversely, celebrates an unequivocally superlative year. It leads with a heady mixture of clove, vanillin and coriander before distinct mineral notes take hold. The palate is still somewhat muddled after long ageing in Slavonian oak casks, though properly youthful. Taut yet concentrated with thrilling tension, it vibrates with frisky acidity. Well extracted clayey tannins demand at least a couple of years in the cellar. (MM)

Inky, glass-staining in colour, this is richly textured and intense, easily rivaling the best ever vintages at the property. Filled with creamy damson and cassis fruit, with a sense of precision and restraint to the frame, held in by fine but plentiful tannins. 30% 1st wine, highest ever Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% new oak for ageing. An exceptional wine, marking 125 years since the founding of Suntory in Japan. Eric Boissenot consultant.

Perfumed with sweet berry, fresh flower and cedar aromas that follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Very classy and structured. Extremely long. Give it time to open. Drink after 2026. (JS)

Readers looking for a smoking deal in the vintage should grab bottles of the 2019 Château Dalem. This rich, medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling effort has lots of ripe darker cherry and blackberry fruit as well as tobacco, cedar pencil, and violet nuances. Rich, textured, balanced, and with a real sense of purity and class, it's ideal for enjoying over the coming 10-12, if not 15 years or so.

The 2019 Château Lynch-Bages is stunningly good, and it's going to be interesting to compare this to the 2018 over the coming decades. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 75% new French oak, its dense purple hue is followed by an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, freshly sharpened cedar pencil, spring flowers, smoke, and graphite, with an almost liqueur of rocks-like minerality. A massive, incredibly concentrated Lynch-Bages, Jean-Charles has hit a home run in the vintage, and this sensational wine has building, perfect tannins, insane purity, and a finish that won't quit. It has the purity, finesse, balance, and depth to offer pleasure not only today but to evolve for 40 to 50 years. Smart money will hide these for a good 7-8 years, but wow, what a wine. Bravo.

Please swirl this in the glass for a minute or two, because the way it expands during this process is really impressive! A huge spectrum of red fruit and delicate spice are married to a super-elegant palate with stacks of fine tannins. Long, compact finish with wonderful, stony freshness. Excellent aging potential.

The 2019 Château Lynch-Bages is stunningly good, and it's going to be interesting to compare this to the 2018 over the coming decades. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 75% new French oak, its dense purple hue is followed by an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, freshly sharpened cedar pencil, spring flowers, smoke, and graphite, with an almost liqueur of rocks-like minerality. A massive, incredibly concentrated Lynch-Bages, Jean-Charles has hit a home run in the vintage, and this sensational wine has building, perfect tannins, insane purity, and a finish that won't quit. It has the purity, finesse, balance, and depth to offer pleasure not only today but to evolve for 40 to 50 years. Smart money will hide these for a good 7-8 years, but wow, what a wine. Bravo.

Typically crafted in vintages when conditions are less than ideal or yields are insufficient to produce each individual cuvée, Léclapart’s NV L'Aphrodisiaque (2019) is a classic blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, representing the estate's varietal holdings. This vintage was vinified in oak, with 5% of stainless steel-fermented wine initially destined for L'Amateur. The wine presents a subtly high-toned aromatic profile, revealing notes of apple peel, tangerine zest, pastries and toasted nuts. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and rich, with concentrated fruit, underpinned by racy acidity and delicate bitters that assert themselves on the long, mineral finish. “The 2019 reminds me of 2002,” says Léclapart, “with the beautiful color of the grape skins, perfectly browned seeds, plus the powerful personality imparted by the climate.” Notably, only L'Amateur and L'Aphrodisiaque were produced in 2019. (KK)

The aromas to this are really amazing, with a potpourri of spices and dried flowers, as well as redcurrants, sweet plums and even some peaches. Full-bodied with layers of ripe fruit and ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate in an encompassing yet always elegant and pure way. It’s succulent and unadulterated. Like crushed, perfectly ripened grapes. The length is rather endless. The tannins build. Fabulous young red. 35% in amphora and the rest in 50% new oak and 15% one-year oak. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2028, but an absolute joy to taste now.

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2019 Hundred Acre "Few and Far Between" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (OWC - 100DC, 100RP, 100TWI, 98JD) in original wood. Wine Advocate: "My favorite of the extensive range of wines presented on this occasion, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Few and Far Between masterfully combines dusty loam notes with hints of sage and dark chocolate, then backs those savory nuances with layers of ripe cherries, black cherries and even something akin to boysenberries. It's a full-bodied, silky effort, tannic yet ripe, with a long, elegant finish. It's impressively complex, impeccably balanced and just a fantastic drink. (JC)" (05/2023)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2019 Bond "Matriarch" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (OWC - 97JS, 94JD, 94RP, 94TWI, 93VN) in original wood. James Suckling: "Fabulous, enticing nose of crushed redcurrants and flowers, following through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins that show beautiful finesse. Succulent finish. Peaches at the end. So hard not to drink now." (04/2022)

Bid on this bottle of 2019 Booker "The Ripper" Paso Robles Grenache (97RP, 95JD, 95VN, 95WE, 94JS). Wine Advocate: "The 2019 Ripper Grenache, matured for 16 months and made with more stem inclusion than the longer aged version of this cuvée, explodes with a perfume of candied peaches and crushed red berries with nuances of wildflowers, aniseed and charcuterie and a fine underpinning of citrus and amaro-like nuances. The palate's kaleidoscopic flavors are lit by juicy acidity and spicy accents, framed by resolved, grainy tannins, and this bright young wine finishes with tremendous length and detail. What a glorious expression this vintage! (EB)" (03/2022)

Bid on this bottle of 2019 Torrin "The Banshee" Willow Creek Rhone Blend (95JS, 95RP, 93VN). Wine Advocate: "The 2019 Banshee is a blend of 47% Mourvèdre, 35% Syrah and 18% Grenache, matured in 33% new French oak for 20 months. It has a medium ruby-purple color with detailed aromas of cranberry jelly, pomegranate, lavender, dried herbs and flint. The medium-bodied palate features crunchy fruit and fireworks of fresh acidity, with an approachable, chalky frame and long, spicy finish. Yum! The Banshee has a high proportion of Mourvèdre in the blend this vintage—winemaker Scott Hawley says the variety did exceptionally well in 2019. 461 cases were made. (EB)" (12/2022)