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$124.95
Brothers Arthur and Fabrice Agrapart have guided the rise of their family’s Champagne estate since 1984. Blessed with a patrimony of outstanding Côte des Blancs vineyard parcels (mostly Read More...
Grand Cru rated) the duo has maximized the potential of their land through rigorous biodynamic viticulture practices and non-interventionist winemaking techniques. Their hard work and skill has resulted in consistently high critical acclaim and, as one would expect, a burgeoning fan base. While it is great to see the family’s dedication and hard work pay off, their success has caused our allocations to grow smaller with each new release. These latest vintage bottlings are in particularly short supply. All the quoted remarks below are those of Peter Leim from his Champagnequide.net website. Peter’s ratings follow the Michelin Guide style where even a single star “...denotes a wine of particular quality and distinctiveness of character, one that stands out among its peers in some significant way.”
“Compared to Agrapart’s other wines the Vénus always shows a greater dimension and subtlety, with a complexity not only of fruit, but also of minerality. Here, the apple, pear and green citrus flavors are ripe and fragrant, yet they feel nearly incidental against the backdrop of pure chalk that envelops the palate, deep and profound in its expression, appearing both richly expansive and precisely detailed. This feels three-dimensional in its resonant, gripping aroma, persisting with brilliant clarity and long, nuanced length. Last tasted: 11/11. 3 Stars.”
“Compared to Agrapart’s other wines the Vénus always shows a greater dimension and subtlety, with a complexity not only of fruit, but also of minerality. Here, the apple, pear and green citrus flavors are ripe and fragrant, yet they feel nearly incidental against the backdrop of pure chalk that envelops the palate, deep and profound in its expression, appearing both richly expansive and precisely detailed. This feels three-dimensional in its resonant, gripping aroma, persisting with brilliant clarity and long, nuanced length. Last tasted: 11/11. 3 Stars.”
$16.98
It’s not often that tank-fermented Chardonnay delivers the depth and texture of Teresa’s Unoaked Chardonnay. This rich and diverse wine has bright fruit aromas and a nicely balanced Read More...
mouth feel. The complex bouquet includes key lime, lemon peel, peaches and apricots. The crisp tartness complements the wine’s natural viscosity and creates balance and elegance. This wine is extremely versatile with food. It's textured and plush enough to compliment rich seafood like lobster, crab and scallops, but also has a crisp acidity and fruit flavors that can pair nicely with more diverse flavors like grilled pork tenderloin with a fresh apple reduction sauce.
$11.95
This sauvignon blanc has vibrant aromas of lime and grapefruit zest, casaba melon and hints of fresh herbs. The mid-palate has bright citrus flavors of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, Read More...
with a distinct, underlying minerality. It finishes dry and is a perfect complement to raw oysters and other light seafood fare.
$49.95
"Also composed of primarily Merlot with small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Arise reveals a sweeter, chocolate/cocoa scent intermixed with abundant Read More...
notes of black currants, cherries and subtle herbs. With silky tannins and a fleshy, sexy, opulent personality, the wine lingers in the mouth. Both the Illustration and Arise will drink nicely for a decade or more."
Blackbird Vineyards has provided quietly fruit to many of Napa’s finest wineries: Lail, Pride, and Viader. Mia Klein, formerly at Dalla Valle, created a vineyard designate for her highly acclaimed 1999 Selene Merlot. Three of the top critics (Parker, Tanzer and Wine Spectator), scored their first release in the 90s. Blackbird continues to provide fruit to such winemakers as Bob Foley (Robert Foley, Hourglass).
Blackbird Vineyards has provided quietly fruit to many of Napa’s finest wineries: Lail, Pride, and Viader. Mia Klein, formerly at Dalla Valle, created a vineyard designate for her highly acclaimed 1999 Selene Merlot. Three of the top critics (Parker, Tanzer and Wine Spectator), scored their first release in the 90s. Blackbird continues to provide fruit to such winemakers as Bob Foley (Robert Foley, Hourglass).
$33.95
Dragonette Cellers is the fruition of a long held dream between brothers John and Steve Dragonette, and their close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis, to produce wines of the outmost quality Read More...
and purity from the finesh vineyards in Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast. They invested countless hours carefully selecting the best possible sites and growers for each varietal they work with.Their sources are all located in the cool, coastal areas of the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley and York Mountain (west of Paso Robles). Most are sustainably, organically and/or biodynamically farmed. The vineyards used include: Grassini and Voglezang for Sauvignon Blanc, Fiddlestix and La Encantada for Pinot Noir and Stolpman, Thompson and Shadow Canyon for Syrah. Although we stock we urge you to try the lineup from this producer. The red is a blend of grenache, Mourvedre & Syrah.
$32.95
The boys at Dragonette bonded over a love of Didier Dagueneau’s famous Sauvignons and spent years comparing and contrasting the nuances found in white Bordeaux, Pouilly Fumé and even Read More...
the great sweet wines of Sauternes. They knew that Santa Barbara County was promising for Sauvignon Blanc, but how far could they take it if they pushed the envelope? With the help of ripe grapes from the Grasinni Vineyard in eastern Santa Ynez Valley, they have gone so far as to show some of the “old guard” a thing or two. Winemaker Brandon Sparks-Gillis fermented the Sauvignon Blanc in a mix of tank and barrel and bottled the resulting wine without filtration. This extremely limited, 125-case bottling displays fruit aromas of honeydew, green apple, yellow watermelon, fresh coconut and white flowers. As the wine opens it further displays fig, white peach, mint and a resinous note of basil. Zippy and round at the same time, this is not your typical Sauv Blanc… it’s better!
$53.99
Vibrant aromas of lemon curd and honeysuckle on the bouquet with flavors of lime and ripe pear on the palate. Rich and lush, the wine is highlighted with a crisp, clean acidity and Read More...
distinctive minerality.
$350.00
ROBERT PARKER 95 POINTS - "I hope people discover these great wines made by winemaking consultant Philippe Melka for owners Paul Frank and his wife, Suzie. Read More...
They sell much of the fruit from their vineyard, which is located on the Silverado Trail side of the Yountville sector. In fact, it is actually just south of Screaming Eagle and closer to Oakville than Yountville. These are stunning wines and all promise long life. The flagship wine is their Gemstone Proprietary Red, which is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, and the other wine, Facets, usually a rather Bordeaux-styled blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but with significant proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
"An absolutely gorgeous wine (900 cases produced) is the blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2005 Proprietary Red. Pure, vivid notes of black currants, crushed rocks, acacia flowers, and some subtle barrique smells are followed by a wine with hints of hot stones and a gravelly character. The wine has superb intensity, beautiful purity, and full-bodied power, but uncanny elegance and symmetry. This wine needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 25 years."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "Ripe and juicy, with firm, intense, polished black cherry, wild berry, currant and black licorice flavors that are delightfully elegant and refined. The finish goes on and on. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2018. 797 cases made."
"An absolutely gorgeous wine (900 cases produced) is the blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2005 Proprietary Red. Pure, vivid notes of black currants, crushed rocks, acacia flowers, and some subtle barrique smells are followed by a wine with hints of hot stones and a gravelly character. The wine has superb intensity, beautiful purity, and full-bodied power, but uncanny elegance and symmetry. This wine needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 25 years."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "Ripe and juicy, with firm, intense, polished black cherry, wild berry, currant and black licorice flavors that are delightfully elegant and refined. The finish goes on and on. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2018. 797 cases made."
$79.95
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 91 POINTS - "Gemstone fans will notice changes to the estate’s wine names. The old Facets bottling is now known Read More...
simply as “Red Wine,” while the flagship Proprietary Red is now labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 and 2010 vintages both incorporate 2% Petit Verdot. The Cabernet is fermented in concrete while the Petit Verdot is fermented in a single 225 French oak barrel.
"The 2009 Red Wine is a gorgeous, fleshy offering laced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. It shows wonderful radiance and silkiness in a hugely approachable and flat-out delicious style. I especially like the pliancy and generosity of the finish. The 2009 is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in French oak barrels, 67% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019."
"The 2009 Red Wine is a gorgeous, fleshy offering laced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. It shows wonderful radiance and silkiness in a hugely approachable and flat-out delicious style. I especially like the pliancy and generosity of the finish. The 2009 is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in French oak barrels, 67% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019."
$9.95
Hahn's 2011 Chardonnay highlights some of the best vineyards in Monterey and Santa Lucia Highlands. This high coastal region greets the day with morning sun giving way to afternoon breezes, Read More...
the perfect setting for this Burgundian varietal. In the glass it gives a light golden hue with lemon peel, and pear on the nose. Once tasted it reveals layers of subtle peach and pineapple with a touch of vanilla toast. A clean finish leaves lingering hints of tropical lychee and green bananas. This medium-bodied wine has a crisp acidity and well rounded, making it a perfect accompaniment for pasta dishes, chicken, grilled prawns and white corn salad.
$24.99
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"Ripe cherry cider, rhubarb, spice and wild berry fruit flavors, it's elegantly styled, with fine balance, ending with ripe, supple tannins."
$69.99
Rubicon Estate "CASK" Cabernet epitomizes the property’s illustrious history and winemaking tradition. Francis and Eleanor Coppola’s 1995 reunification of the Estate provided the inspiration Read More...
to create a Cabernet Sauvignon that would pay tribute to the wines of John Daniel, Jr. John was the grand-nephew of founder Gustave Niebaum, who successfully ran Inglenook Winery from 1934 to 1964 and created wines since judged by critics to be among the best Cabernets ever produced.
Pronounced aromas of dried cherries, coffee and fine tobacco precede rich flavors of black fruits and hints of licorice and spice. The weight, density and concentration of the fruit coupled with this vintage’s textured tannin layers will allow this vintage to develop additional complexity for years to come. Two hours of decanting is recommended before drinking; 2009 is a perfect vintage for collectors.
Pronounced aromas of dried cherries, coffee and fine tobacco precede rich flavors of black fruits and hints of licorice and spice. The weight, density and concentration of the fruit coupled with this vintage’s textured tannin layers will allow this vintage to develop additional complexity for years to come. Two hours of decanting is recommended before drinking; 2009 is a perfect vintage for collectors.
$145.00
In 1980, screenwriter Robert Kamen purchased 280 acres of the southwestern slopes of the Mayacamas Range in Sonoma County. This mountainous property was rugged, overgrown, extremely Read More...
rocky and very remote: virgin territory with no roads and no power. It was isolated, wild, beautiful and full of potential. Viticulturist Phil Coturri was brought into the project to develop and oversee the master plan. The vineyards are all biodynamically farmed.
It hasn't been that long since Robert Kamen's wine was featured on our Top Wine list, but this 2009 demands a recommendation! His vineyards are located in Sonoma Valley, on the backside of Mount Veeder, and year after year this is one of the finest Cabernets to come out of the area. The vineyards are organically farmed and the wines are made by the famed Mark Herold, who made incredible, high-scoring wines while at Buccella, Hestan and Merus. This shows that 2009 was not only a great vintage in Napa. In fact, this shows that some of the Napa guys can still learn a thing or two from Sonoma!
Kamen's "Kashmir" Cabernet Sauvignon is different from their other wines. It is the best representation of quality and style from their property. The wine is comprised of the best barrels from the best vineyard blocks. Kashmir begins with saturated inky tones in the glass and leads to layered aromas of creamy blueberries, blackberries, forest floor, black truffles, rose petals, ripe cherries, leather and dark cocoa nibs. The concentrated palate offers incredible texture and balance with intense flavors of dark cherry, cola, candied raspberry and subtle stony mineral attributes. The finely grained tannins are seamlessly integrated, offering a silky mouth feel, leading to a long, lingering and elegant finish. The 2009 Kashmir Cuvée is a wine that can be enjoyed now and will mature gracefully over the next 25 years.
It hasn't been that long since Robert Kamen's wine was featured on our Top Wine list, but this 2009 demands a recommendation! His vineyards are located in Sonoma Valley, on the backside of Mount Veeder, and year after year this is one of the finest Cabernets to come out of the area. The vineyards are organically farmed and the wines are made by the famed Mark Herold, who made incredible, high-scoring wines while at Buccella, Hestan and Merus. This shows that 2009 was not only a great vintage in Napa. In fact, this shows that some of the Napa guys can still learn a thing or two from Sonoma!
Kamen's "Kashmir" Cabernet Sauvignon is different from their other wines. It is the best representation of quality and style from their property. The wine is comprised of the best barrels from the best vineyard blocks. Kashmir begins with saturated inky tones in the glass and leads to layered aromas of creamy blueberries, blackberries, forest floor, black truffles, rose petals, ripe cherries, leather and dark cocoa nibs. The concentrated palate offers incredible texture and balance with intense flavors of dark cherry, cola, candied raspberry and subtle stony mineral attributes. The finely grained tannins are seamlessly integrated, offering a silky mouth feel, leading to a long, lingering and elegant finish. The 2009 Kashmir Cuvée is a wine that can be enjoyed now and will mature gracefully over the next 25 years.
$89.99
The 2009 release of the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon had “tough shoes to fill” with the 2008 making headlines as Wine Spectator's #2 wine of the year; yet somehow they nailed it again, Read More...
scoring well with critics and our staff here at Hi-Time Cellars.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE notes: “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is one of the more subdued wines in this lineup. The blend includes 14% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, which probably accounts for much of the wine’s personality. Sweet red cherries, flowers and spices are some of the nuances that emerge from this silky, polished Cabernet Sauvignon. As outstanding as this is, I don’t get the visceral thrill of the best wines here. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019."
This is a thrilling set of wines from Hall. The estate favors a rich, extroverted style, yet all of these wines have distinct personalities and tons of sheer character. Meticulous viticulture followed by native yeast fermentations, slow, natural malos and minimal rackings are at the heart of the approach at Hall. The wines are aged in French oak (mostly Taransaud, 40-90% new) and are bottled with no fining or filtration. Readers who appreciate the more opulent side of Napa Valley will find much to admire here. Simply put, I was blown away by what I tasted. As outstanding as the 2009s are, there is a very good chance the 2010s will turn out to be even better.
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Ultrarich and multiflavored, with a range of deep, baked berry notes. Intense and focused, balanced and persistent, this ends with touches of red and black licorice and subtle, grainy earth accents and tannins. Drink now through 2022. 3,400 cases made."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE notes: “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is one of the more subdued wines in this lineup. The blend includes 14% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, which probably accounts for much of the wine’s personality. Sweet red cherries, flowers and spices are some of the nuances that emerge from this silky, polished Cabernet Sauvignon. As outstanding as this is, I don’t get the visceral thrill of the best wines here. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019."
This is a thrilling set of wines from Hall. The estate favors a rich, extroverted style, yet all of these wines have distinct personalities and tons of sheer character. Meticulous viticulture followed by native yeast fermentations, slow, natural malos and minimal rackings are at the heart of the approach at Hall. The wines are aged in French oak (mostly Taransaud, 40-90% new) and are bottled with no fining or filtration. Readers who appreciate the more opulent side of Napa Valley will find much to admire here. Simply put, I was blown away by what I tasted. As outstanding as the 2009s are, there is a very good chance the 2010s will turn out to be even better.
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Ultrarich and multiflavored, with a range of deep, baked berry notes. Intense and focused, balanced and persistent, this ends with touches of red and black licorice and subtle, grainy earth accents and tannins. Drink now through 2022. 3,400 cases made."
$64.98
WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS -"The 2005 Brut Symphorine explodes on to the palate with waves of ripe varietal Chardonnay fruit, smoke and crushed rocks. This Read More...
is an incredibly pure, deep, imposing wine with tons of power and breadth, yet it never comes across as heavy. The aromas and flavors build with authority to the striking finish. Power and precision…it’s all there in this gorgeous Champagne. This bottle was disgorged on July 12, 2011. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017."
$155.00
This is the personal label of Luc Morlet and his wife Jodie. Luc created Newton Vineyard’s Chardonnay Unfiltered, a collector favorite that’s received 96 points from Robert Parker, Jr. Read More...
He then became the head winemaker for Peter Michael Winery and crafted their wines from the 2001-2005 vintages, where he made a 98-point Cabernet-blend and a 99-point Chardonnay!
The "Mon Chevalier" Cabernet Sauvinon comes from the family's vineyard in the foothills of Knights Valley. The vineyard benefits from its proximity to Mount St. Helena, whose warm and windy climate is ideal for the long ripening of the Bordeaux red varietals. The grapes are first sorted cluster by cluster, then berry by berry, ensuring that only the finest grapes go into the wine. Only 175 cases were produced!
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 95 POINTS - "The 2009 Mon Chevalier is the firmest and freshest of the 2009s. Mocha, espresso, French oak, licorice, plums and black cherries are some of the notes that emerge from this vibrant beautifully articulated wine. The 2009 Mon Chevalier possesses striking balance and purity. Menthol, licorice and tar are nicely layered into the finish. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
The "Mon Chevalier" Cabernet Sauvinon comes from the family's vineyard in the foothills of Knights Valley. The vineyard benefits from its proximity to Mount St. Helena, whose warm and windy climate is ideal for the long ripening of the Bordeaux red varietals. The grapes are first sorted cluster by cluster, then berry by berry, ensuring that only the finest grapes go into the wine. Only 175 cases were produced!
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 95 POINTS - "The 2009 Mon Chevalier is the firmest and freshest of the 2009s. Mocha, espresso, French oak, licorice, plums and black cherries are some of the notes that emerge from this vibrant beautifully articulated wine. The 2009 Mon Chevalier possesses striking balance and purity. Menthol, licorice and tar are nicely layered into the finish. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
$225.00
This is the personal label of Luc Morlet and his wife Jodie. Luc created Newton Vineyard’s Chardonnay Unfiltered, a collector favorite that’s received 96 points from Robert Parker, Jr. Read More...
He then became the head winemaker for Peter Michael Winery and crafted their wines from the 2001-2005 vintages, where he made a 98-point Cabernet-blend and a 99-point Chardonnay!
The "Passionement" Cabernet Sauvignon comes from one of the best vineyards in Napa Valley's Oakville area. Dark purple in color, this has intense and complex bouquet of red, black and blue berries intermixed with notes of blueberries, Crème de Cassis, plum, cedar and a hint of cedar and cigar box. Full bodied, the palate is reminiscent of the nose, with a creamy texture and a great intensity. The luscious tannins, the intense aromatic complexity and its opulence create a flamboyant yet harmonious ensemble, leading to a very long, complex and smooth finish. This early charming and collectible wine represents the passionate, uncompromised and on-going pursuit of quality.
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 93-96 POINTS
The "Passionement" Cabernet Sauvignon comes from one of the best vineyards in Napa Valley's Oakville area. Dark purple in color, this has intense and complex bouquet of red, black and blue berries intermixed with notes of blueberries, Crème de Cassis, plum, cedar and a hint of cedar and cigar box. Full bodied, the palate is reminiscent of the nose, with a creamy texture and a great intensity. The luscious tannins, the intense aromatic complexity and its opulence create a flamboyant yet harmonious ensemble, leading to a very long, complex and smooth finish. This early charming and collectible wine represents the passionate, uncompromised and on-going pursuit of quality.
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 93-96 POINTS
