2009 Domaine d'Andezon Cotes du Rhone $16.99

Wine Advocate 91 Points
The 2009 Domaine d’Andezon (90% Syrah and 10% Grenache) is a tank-fermented and aged, unfined/unfiltered cuvee made only for the American market from 50-year-old vines. It offers explosive notes of smoky bacon fat, cassis, and blackberries, a deep, rich, chewy style, and an exuberant, flashy personality. With unbelievable flavor intensity and personality for its price, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next several years.

2009 Varner Chardonnay Bee Block $46.99

Wine Advocate 96 Points
The Bee Block is the most overt of these 2009 Chardonnays from Varner. Here the fruit moves toward the tropical end of the spectrum, perhaps owing to a richer layer of topsoil. Nevertheless, this is the closest wine to what readers are likely to identify as California Chardonnay. Once again, the integration of French oak is nothing short of masterful. The long, textured, finish is striking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

2009 Varner Chardonnay Amphitheater Block $46.99

Wine Advocate 96 Points
The 2009 Chardonnay Amphitheater Block emerges from the glass with layers of fruit. It shows gorgeous up-front richness, then finds its center of minerality on the mid-palate. It is a large-scaled, beautifully balanced wine loaded with personality. Smoke, minerals and citrus linger on the multi-dimensional, saline finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

2005 Boroli Barolo DOCG $46.99

Wine Advocate 92 Points
Gorgeous in its perfumed red berries, flowers and spices. This accessible, mid-weight Barolo offers tons of elegance in a delicate, accessible style. The tannins could use a touch more polish, but bottle age should help. The overall balance here is commendable at this stage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020.
Wine Spectator 92 Points
Very aromatic, with rose, tar and dark ripe fruits. Full-bodied, with big, round and chewy tannins and lovely sweet fruit. Long and delicious, with excellent depth. Best after 2011.

2008 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Red $62.99

Wine Advocate 94 Points
The 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel flows with sweet dark cherries, flowers, tobacco and spices. It is a beautiful, classically built wine graced with striking inner perfume, lovely mid-palate juiciness and a round, utterly harmonious finish. Well-integrated, silky tannins linger on the close. This is a fabulous wine from Tablas Creek. My sense is that the wine should be tasted upon release and then again only after a number of years in bottle. In 2008 the blend is 38% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 26% Syrah and 6% Counoise. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.