Molly Dooker Carnival of Love 2010

“Produced of 100% Shiraz from a single vineyard, the 2010 Carnival of Love was aged in American oak, 97% new. Very deep purple-black in color, it is intensely scented of blueberry preserves, creme de cassis and warm black cherries with an undercurrent of baking spices, licorice, mocha, vanilla, toast and eucalypt. Very full and densely packed with warm blackberry and spice flavors on the palate, it has a solid structure of medium to firm velvety tannins and very crisp acid, giving way to a very long finish. Still quite tight and primary, it should drink best 2014 to 2023+. “

Clarendon Hills Astralis 2008

The vast wealth of this wine’s varietal depth extends beyond the parameters of syrah – beckoning superlatives. Amazingly svelte in its balance of varietal depth with restrained power and super finely integrated extract, it is light on its feet and majestic once in focus. Overriding harmony meets an anarchical expression of Australian classic syrah. Lifted florals dance with rich meats, coffee, cola, chocolate, pan forte, turkish delight, graphite, bitumen, cigar tobacco, black cardamom, good quality soy sauce and crushed rocks. It is dense, yet creamy smooth.

Château Palmer 2000

“Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 2000 Château Palmer was closed for a number of years, but it appears to be finally opening. Deep in colour, there remains a slight broodiness on the nose, although it loses its inhibitions and develops potent blackberry, strawberry and mint aromas, perhaps just a smudge of camphor. It is unashamedly rich on the entry: intense and vibrant with layers of black cherry and cassis fruit pierced by a fine line of acidity. This millennial tightens everything up towards the, finish whereupon it reverts to something much more classic in style, long and tensile. It does not quite occupy the same class as the 2005 or the imperial 2010, but it certainly has long-term potential. My advice? Give it another 4-5 years in the cellar. (NM)” 94 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (5/2016)

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2005

“Baron was trapped in its oak en primeur, seeming flashy, luscious and soft. Now bottled and shipped, it has the unremitting tannic power of the vintage, balanced by unrelenting purity of fruit that somehow manages to anesthetize the monstrous tannin, to soften the extremely dry, mineral-bound finish into a caress. The wine may be bombastic, but it’s also succulent and as sweet as a ripe black raspberry. It’s easy to imagine this wine 50 years from now, in impeccable condition.”

Antinori Solaia 2009

The 2009 Solaia is ruby red in color and offers the classic Cabernet Sauvignon character that defines this iconic wine. On the palate, the wine is smooth with velvety tannins and displays notes of coffee, chocolate, mint and licorice. The wine impresses for its finesse and structure, and is characterized by great elegance and aging potential.

Antinori Tignanello 2012

The 2012 Tignanello is an intense ruby red color with purple highlights. The wine is potent and complex on the nose with spicy notes which mingle with aromas of red fruit, like cherries and plums, smoke, balsamic sensations, licorice and rosemary.The flavors are mouth- filling and elegant with much volume and an excellent balance in the texture. The oak is perfectly fused in the spicy and fruity finish and aftertaste.

Nickel & Nickel C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

The 2013 C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon offers gorgeous raspberry and black cherry aromas, leading to a bright palate of cherry flavors melded with chocolate, floral notes and a hint of Rutherford dust. The velvety, coating tannins are in perfect harmony with the fruit. Richness persists from the entry to the seductive, lingering finish. 

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet 2012

“The sensational 2012 (10,000 cases) boasts an opaque purple color along with abundant aromas of charcoal, burning embers, creme de cassis, chocolate, blackberries and licorice. The long, complex, compelling, full-bodied texture along with terrific purity and a savory, rich mouthfeel result in a classic, quintessential Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to drink now and over the next 20-25 years.”.