2007 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape $89.99

Wine Advocate 96+ Points
The 2007 Vieux Telegraphe may be the greatest wine made at this property since the 2005 and 1998. Dense ruby/purple-tinged with an exquisite nose of salty sea breezes, licorice, ground pepper, jammy black cherries, black currants, figs, and plums, this is a full-bodied, rich, Provencal-styled offering with lots of sweet, ripe tannin. It is surprisingly accessible for a Vieux Telegraphe (this wine normally shuts down several years after bottling), but it should have great longevity (25+ years) given its power, full-bodied mouthfeel, and enormous length and richness. This is a brilliant effort from brothers Frederic and Daniel Brunier.

Wine Spectator 95 Points “Top 100 Wines of 2009 #3”
Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone¿filled finish. Best from 2010 through 2030.
 

2008 Chris Ringland CR Shiraz
Ebenezer, Barossa Valley  $21.99

Wine Advocate 92 Points
The 2008 was sourced from 20-60 year old Barossa vines and aged in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Deep purple-colored, it emits a captivating, already complex nose of smoke, incense, Asian spices, and blueberry. Velvety-textured, intense, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, this rich effort will drink well for another 8-10 years. It is a steal at the modest asking price. Made from the grapes grown in the Shiraz vineyard of Adrian Hoffman in the Ebenezer district of Barossa Valley.

2007 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone  $32.99

An outstanding value, the Coudoulet is a second label from superstar Chateauneuf du Pape producer Chateau Beaucastel.

Wine Advocate 92 Points
The blockbuster 2007 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet, always one of the best "values" from the south, may be the finest Coudoulet ever produced. A blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and a few other authorized varietals, is incredibly opulent and rich, with sensational notes of black currants, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices, a full-bodied mouthfeel, savory tannins, and good acidity as well as length. This outstanding wine can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.

2007 Tikal Patriota Mendoza, Argentina $19.99

Wine Advocate 92 Points
The 2007 Patriota is a blend of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec aged in 70% French oak (40% new) and 30% second use American oak. Purple-colored, it offers an alluring bouquet of spice box, black cherry, and blueberry. Supple and flavorful on the palate, additional notes of raspberry and chocolate emerge, accompanied by a complex, rich wine with good structure and length. It way over-delivers for its modest price.

 

Wine Advocate 91 Points
The top Cotes du Rhone, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins, is a serious effort that could easily be mistaken for a Chateauneuf du Pape. Sweet black cherry fruit, seaweed wrapper, licorice, pepper, and spice aromas are followed by a wine with a broad, savory mouthfeel, sweet tannin, and a long finish. It should drink well for 4-5 years. This is one of the most ambitious estates as well as burgeoning negociant operations in Chateauneuf du Pape. The two Jaume brothers, Sebastien and Christophe, continue to ratchet up the level of quality with a bevy of brilliant Chateauneuf du Papes and for bargain hunters, some top-flight offerings that include generic Cotes du Rhones as well as Cotes du Rhone-Villages.

2008 Southern Belle Shiraz Barossa Valley $24.99

Wine Advocate 90 Points
The 2008 Southern Belle Shiraz was aged in seasoned oak including some ex-bourbon barrels. A glass-coating opaque purple, it displays a nearly room-filling nose of smoke, game, incense, and blueberry that leaps from the glass. Opulent and full-bodied on the palate, it lacks only complexity. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. It is an outstanding value.
 

2007 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape  $38.99

Wine Advocate 92 Points
The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape's dense ruby/purple color is followed by a bouquet of charcoal, framboise, black raspberries, and a hint of spring flowers. It is a rich, full-bodied, concentrated effort with silky tannins and good acidity. Enjoy it over the next 12-15 years.