USA
The United States is a well-established wine region known for producing a wide range of exceptional fine wines that reflect the unique terroir of the country.
The American wine industry dates back to the early 17th century when European settlers brought grapevines to the country. Today, the United States is one of the world's largest wine producers, with California leading the way.
Some of the most famous vineyards in the USA include Napa Valley's Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Silver Oak, and Screaming Eagle, Sonoma's Kistler and Ridge Vineyards, and Oregon's Domaine Serene and Sokol Blosser. These vineyards are known for their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, as well as their use of traditional winemaking techniques.
Opus One, for example, is a renowned producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, one of California's signature grape varieties. The vineyard produces a range of high-quality wines, including the Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon, the Overture by Opus One, and the Opus One Napa Valley Red Wine.
With a focus on unique terroir, sustainable farming practices, and traditional winemaking techniques, the United States produces exceptional fine wines that are sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. From the bold and robust Cabernet Sauvignon to the elegant and complex Pinot Noir, American wines are a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
USA
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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California | 3 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€1,831.07 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€1,615.07 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (97+)The tiny production 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Maya is another thrilling wine. The normal blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in two-thirds new French oak, it offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet sensationally elegant style as well as fab notes of crème de cassis, chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth. It’s a primordial example of this cuvée that has ripe tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Do your best to give bottles 4-6 years of bottle age. |
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California | 2 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€1,699.88 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)A smaller production cuvée from a single parcel of the estate vineyard, the 2018 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is the normal 60/40 split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Incredibly perfumed with complex notes of blue fruits, flowers, loamy earth, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. While this is a rich, concentrated wine, it’s the complexity, elegance, and finesse that define this cuvée, which is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades. |
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California | 4 | 100 (WI) |
Inc. TAX
€1,909.25 |
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The Wine Independent (100)A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Maya comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, boysenberry preserves, and chocolate box, followed by hints of star anise, cardamom, and dusty red soil. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, the tannins are firm yet velvety, while a remarkable burst of freshness lifts the decadent fruit. It finishes with an epically long mineral firework display. Dalla Valle’s Maya comes from a dedicated section of the estate vineyard, located in the valley’s eastern foothills, below Pritchard Hill, and above the Oakville benchlands, overlooking Screaming Eagle and Rudd vineyard. |
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California | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,033.98 |
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Vinous (91)The 2017 Collina Dalla Valle is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Vibrant sweet red fruit and floral notes give the 2017 notable energy as well as verve. In 2017, the Collina is not quite as sensual or curvy as it can be, while the tannins show the nervous edge that so typical of the year. Time in bottle will help at least to some degree. Once again, Dalla Valle overdelivers with the Collina. |
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California | 3 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€981.89 |
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Vinous (93)The 2018 Collina Dalla Valle is a flat out gorgeous wine. Racy and sumptuous to the core, the 2018 captures all of the natural radiance of this eastern sector of Oakville. Soft contours and silky tannins make the 2018 an absolute delight to taste today. Readers will have a very hard time finding a Napa Valley wine that delivers this much sheer pleasure for the money. |
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California | 2 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,105.67 |
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Vinous (92)The 2019 Collina Dalla Valle is supple, racy and beautifully perfumed. In 2019, the Franc lends quite a bit of aromatic brilliance. Crushed flowers, kirsch and sweet red berry fruit are all nicely lifted in this very pretty, perfumed red blend from Dalla Valle. The Collina is all class, as it always is. It is also a tremendous value in the world of high-end Napa Valley wines. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€1,435.70 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)Just about pure perfection, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard comes from vines around the estate, just outside of Rutherford, which were planted in 1997. Sensational notes of crème de cassis, burning embers, bay leaf, and graphite all flow to a full-bodied 2015 that has a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture that’s hard to describe. With building structure and a beautiful floral character that emerges with time in the glass, perfect balance, and a huge finish, this quintessential Napa Cabernet will benefit from a few years of bottle age and cruise for 3-4 decades. Bravo! |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,799.20 |
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James Suckling (99)Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it’s true greatness. |
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California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,335.12 |
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Vinous (97)Dana's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is just as impressive as it has always been. The intense minerality and energy of Howell Mountain come through loud and clear in the wine's tension and overall drive. Crushed rocks, inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, lavender and menthol are all fused together. Vibrant, saline notes extend the finish nicely in this super-expressive, but young, wine. A dark, mysterious Cabernet, the 2014 has so much to say. Readers lucky enough to own it can look forward to 15-20 years of very fine drinking. |
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California | 3 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,292.95 |
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Vinous (96)Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey. |
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California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,951.43 |
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Vinous (96)Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey. |
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€2,104.44 |
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California | 1 | 18+ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€608.77 |
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Matthew Jukes (18+)The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest Fifty |
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€614.77 |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€626.14 |
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Wine Advocate (92)The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€739.16 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Also bottled the week before this tasting, the 2016 Soul of a Lion includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2014 and 2015 and is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil shavings. Made in a pure California, pedal-to-the-metal style, with full body and loads of fruit, it stays balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a layered, seamless style that just glides over the palate. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine. |
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California | 2 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,008.40 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow! |
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California | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,294.38 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow! |
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California | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€698.63 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)The 2018 Soul Of A Lion is an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from free-run juice, blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, the nose opens slowly, segueing from graphite and tobacco leaves, to violets and blue fruit preserves, to cinnamon, potpourri and dark spices. The palate is seamless and cashmere-like, with expansive, pure, mineral-laced fruits enlivened by a burst of freshness that highlights the perfectly ripe fruit character this vintage. The finish is very long, offering violet perfume and iron tones that linger in the mouth. This is a gorgeous wine that combines unique personality with expert craftsmanship. It drinks well now but has all it needs for a long life in the cellar. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,106.54 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)The 2019 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of free-run Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Cabernet Franc (14%), and Petit Verdot (9%), aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby in color, it offers aromatic contrast between dark, savory cherry fruit, chargrill and graphite, and top notes of green pepper and rose petals. The palate explodes with detailed flavors and its tannins are already resolved and chocolaty, with seamless acidity and exotic spicy layers emerging on the extended finish. Wow! |
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California | 3 | - |
Inc. TAX
€912.52 |
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Immerse yourself in the sublime decadence of Detert Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. This exquisite wine hails from the Detert Family vineyards of Oakville, a renowned wine-growing region within California's Napa Valley. One can appreciate the virtuosity involved in its creation, given the legacy of the Detert family, who've demonstrated four generations of dedication to viticulture. Made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, and subtly enhanced with Cabernet Franc, this vintage has earned accolades for its balance and complexity. On the palate, it presents luscious berries nuanced by hints of cocoa and spice, supported sublimely by firm, underlying tannins. The wine's ageing for 22 months in French barrels adds a sophisticated smoky note to its finish. Offering an impressive projection and a remarkable capacity for maturation, Detert Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 represents a pinnacle of fine wine craftsmanship and fulfils the connoisseur's quest for exceptional taste, refinement, and depth. |
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California | 4 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,068.23 |
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Produced by the distinguished winemaker, Massimo di Costanzo, the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 stands as an epitome of artisanal mastery. Sourced from the prized terroirs of Napa Valley, California, one is immediately taken by the balance of opulent dark fruit flavours and polished, understated earthiness. Each vineyard block was hand-harvested separately, meticulously allowing for the expression of individuality and nuance. Subsequently, the winemaking process, taking place in 100% French oak barrels, further underscores the wine's exceptional finesse. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 exudes deep intense garnet hues, encapsulating assertive flavours of blackberry, plum, and mocha, underpinned by hints of graphite and sage. The medium-bodied palate couples refined tannins with a vital acidity, leading to a long invigorating finish. This accomplished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc epitomises the very spirit of its revered producer. |
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California | 5 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,181.03 |
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Experience the splendour of the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2019, a superb representation of Californian artistry in viticulture. This Cabernet Sauvignon shines with a captivating purity of ripe black and blue fruits. The grapes, sourced from premium vineyards located in the gusty cool-climate region of Napa Valley, are hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts. The wine matures for 20 months in gently toasted, high-quality French oak barrels, lending it extraordinary complexity and structure. Producer Massimo Di Costanzo's minimalist intervention approach in the winery allows the terroir's true narrative to unfurl in each bottle. Possessing a rich, silky palate, this 2019 vintage evokes the wild beauty of its origins, along with the quintessential elegance attributed to di Costanzo's craftsmanship. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2019 can undoubtedly be held as a crowning jewel in any discerning connoisseur’s collection. |
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California | 5 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,181.03 |
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Indulge in the exceptional character of di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020. Born in the idyllic valleys of Napa, this rare vintage is created by a passion for authenticity and a respect for tradition. Di Costanzo wines, led by winemaker Massimo di Costanzo, are known to have a steadfast commitment to expressing pure, specific terroir. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020 is a testament to this truth. This exquisite blend is meticulously produced via native yeast fermentation in concrete, coupled with an extended maceration process that enhances the age-worthy structure. It showcases an elegant melange of dark fruit, rugged earthy notes, interwoven with fine-grained tannins that eloquently promise potential for splendid maturity. A bottle of di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020 provides an enchanting embodiment of site and vintage, making a memorable addition to any fine wine collection. Enjoy a boulevard of sensory indulgence with di Costanzo's proud emblem of Napa artistry. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€2,602.38 |
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James Suckling (98)Crushed stone fruit, blackcurrants, bay leaf, iodine and seaweed. Full-bodied with blue fruit, firm tannins and super length. It’s austere and so focused. Great length. Needs time to open and show its true self. Harkens back to the late 1970s. Try after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€2,750.87 |
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James Suckling (96)Blackberries, blueberries, crushed stones, tile and violets. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Tight, polished and lightly austere. Sweet fruit in the mid-palate. This needs at least four to five years to open and come together. Best after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 96+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,755.47 |
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Vinous (96+)The 2018 Pinot Noir La Côte is a dark, somber wine. Huge swaths of tannin wrap around a core of blue and purplish fruit. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2018 is not at all forthcoming. This is an especially brooding, potent style. Time in the glass brings out hints of lavender, sage and dried herbs, but the 2018 is in no mood of showing all its cards right now. |
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,521.20 |
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Domaine de la Cote La Cote Pinot Noir 2022 is an exceptional expression of rhythm and complexity from the renowned winemaking region of Santa Rita Hills, California. This exquisite Pinot Noir is lovingly crafted by the Domaine de la Côte estate, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible viticulture and biodynamic practices. The vineyard's maritime influence, coupled with its nutrient-rich, diatomaceous earth soils, lends an intricacy to the grapes that is reflected in the wine’s layered profile. The Domaine de la Cote La Cote Pinot Noir 2022 flaunts rich notes of dark cherries, spices, and earthy undertones, enveloped by smooth tannins and a refreshing acidity. This vintage is characterised by its longevity, continuing to evolve and charm the palate with a resplendent blend of elegance and power. Perfect for the discerning collector or for the epicurean indulging in the finest gastronomic pairings, this Pinot Noir is a statement of sophisticated winemaking. |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€2,830.61 |
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Wine Advocate (92)Last Tasted 6/94 |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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California | 3 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
€1,515.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (JD) |
In Bond
€1,335.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (97+)The tiny production 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Maya is another thrilling wine. The normal blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in two-thirds new French oak, it offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet sensationally elegant style as well as fab notes of crème de cassis, chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth. It’s a primordial example of this cuvée that has ripe tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Do your best to give bottles 4-6 years of bottle age. |
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California | 2 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
€1,405.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)A smaller production cuvée from a single parcel of the estate vineyard, the 2018 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is the normal 60/40 split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Incredibly perfumed with complex notes of blue fruits, flowers, loamy earth, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. While this is a rich, concentrated wine, it’s the complexity, elegance, and finesse that define this cuvée, which is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades. |
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California | 4 | 100 (WI) |
In Bond
€1,580.00 |
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The Wine Independent (100)A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Maya comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, boysenberry preserves, and chocolate box, followed by hints of star anise, cardamom, and dusty red soil. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, the tannins are firm yet velvety, while a remarkable burst of freshness lifts the decadent fruit. It finishes with an epically long mineral firework display. Dalla Valle’s Maya comes from a dedicated section of the estate vineyard, located in the valley’s eastern foothills, below Pritchard Hill, and above the Oakville benchlands, overlooking Screaming Eagle and Rudd vineyard. |
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California | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
€843.00 |
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Vinous (91)The 2017 Collina Dalla Valle is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Vibrant sweet red fruit and floral notes give the 2017 notable energy as well as verve. In 2017, the Collina is not quite as sensual or curvy as it can be, while the tannins show the nervous edge that so typical of the year. Time in bottle will help at least to some degree. Once again, Dalla Valle overdelivers with the Collina. |
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California | 3 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
€796.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2018 Collina Dalla Valle is a flat out gorgeous wine. Racy and sumptuous to the core, the 2018 captures all of the natural radiance of this eastern sector of Oakville. Soft contours and silky tannins make the 2018 an absolute delight to taste today. Readers will have a very hard time finding a Napa Valley wine that delivers this much sheer pleasure for the money. |
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California | 2 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
€899.00 |
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Vinous (92)The 2019 Collina Dalla Valle is supple, racy and beautifully perfumed. In 2019, the Franc lends quite a bit of aromatic brilliance. Crushed flowers, kirsch and sweet red berry fruit are all nicely lifted in this very pretty, perfumed red blend from Dalla Valle. The Collina is all class, as it always is. It is also a tremendous value in the world of high-end Napa Valley wines. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JD) |
In Bond
€1,185.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)Just about pure perfection, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard comes from vines around the estate, just outside of Rutherford, which were planted in 1997. Sensational notes of crème de cassis, burning embers, bay leaf, and graphite all flow to a full-bodied 2015 that has a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture that’s hard to describe. With building structure and a beautiful floral character that emerges with time in the glass, perfect balance, and a huge finish, this quintessential Napa Cabernet will benefit from a few years of bottle age and cruise for 3-4 decades. Bravo! |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
€1,490.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it’s true greatness. |
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California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,105.00 |
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Vinous (97)Dana's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is just as impressive as it has always been. The intense minerality and energy of Howell Mountain come through loud and clear in the wine's tension and overall drive. Crushed rocks, inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, lavender and menthol are all fused together. Vibrant, saline notes extend the finish nicely in this super-expressive, but young, wine. A dark, mysterious Cabernet, the 2014 has so much to say. Readers lucky enough to own it can look forward to 15-20 years of very fine drinking. |
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California | 3 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,070.00 |
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Vinous (96)Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey. |
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California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,615.00 |
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Vinous (96)Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey. |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,750.00 |
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California | 1 | 18+ (MJ) |
In Bond
€470.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (18+)The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest Fifty |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€475.00 |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
In Bond
€477.00 |
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Wine Advocate (92)The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JD) |
In Bond
€605.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Also bottled the week before this tasting, the 2016 Soul of a Lion includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2014 and 2015 and is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil shavings. Made in a pure California, pedal-to-the-metal style, with full body and loads of fruit, it stays balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a layered, seamless style that just glides over the palate. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine. |
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California | 2 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
€831.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow! |
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California | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,060.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow! |
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California | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
€571.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)The 2018 Soul Of A Lion is an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from free-run juice, blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, the nose opens slowly, segueing from graphite and tobacco leaves, to violets and blue fruit preserves, to cinnamon, potpourri and dark spices. The palate is seamless and cashmere-like, with expansive, pure, mineral-laced fruits enlivened by a burst of freshness that highlights the perfectly ripe fruit character this vintage. The finish is very long, offering violet perfume and iron tones that linger in the mouth. This is a gorgeous wine that combines unique personality with expert craftsmanship. It drinks well now but has all it needs for a long life in the cellar. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
€900.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)The 2019 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of free-run Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Cabernet Franc (14%), and Petit Verdot (9%), aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby in color, it offers aromatic contrast between dark, savory cherry fruit, chargrill and graphite, and top notes of green pepper and rose petals. The palate explodes with detailed flavors and its tannins are already resolved and chocolaty, with seamless acidity and exotic spicy layers emerging on the extended finish. Wow! |
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California | 3 | - |
In Bond
€738.00 |
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Immerse yourself in the sublime decadence of Detert Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. This exquisite wine hails from the Detert Family vineyards of Oakville, a renowned wine-growing region within California's Napa Valley. One can appreciate the virtuosity involved in its creation, given the legacy of the Detert family, who've demonstrated four generations of dedication to viticulture. Made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, and subtly enhanced with Cabernet Franc, this vintage has earned accolades for its balance and complexity. On the palate, it presents luscious berries nuanced by hints of cocoa and spice, supported sublimely by firm, underlying tannins. The wine's ageing for 22 months in French barrels adds a sophisticated smoky note to its finish. Offering an impressive projection and a remarkable capacity for maturation, Detert Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 represents a pinnacle of fine wine craftsmanship and fulfils the connoisseur's quest for exceptional taste, refinement, and depth. |
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California | 4 | - |
In Bond
€845.00 |
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Produced by the distinguished winemaker, Massimo di Costanzo, the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 stands as an epitome of artisanal mastery. Sourced from the prized terroirs of Napa Valley, California, one is immediately taken by the balance of opulent dark fruit flavours and polished, understated earthiness. Each vineyard block was hand-harvested separately, meticulously allowing for the expression of individuality and nuance. Subsequently, the winemaking process, taking place in 100% French oak barrels, further underscores the wine's exceptional finesse. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 exudes deep intense garnet hues, encapsulating assertive flavours of blackberry, plum, and mocha, underpinned by hints of graphite and sage. The medium-bodied palate couples refined tannins with a vital acidity, leading to a long invigorating finish. This accomplished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc epitomises the very spirit of its revered producer. |
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California | 5 | - |
In Bond
€939.00 |
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Experience the splendour of the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2019, a superb representation of Californian artistry in viticulture. This Cabernet Sauvignon shines with a captivating purity of ripe black and blue fruits. The grapes, sourced from premium vineyards located in the gusty cool-climate region of Napa Valley, are hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts. The wine matures for 20 months in gently toasted, high-quality French oak barrels, lending it extraordinary complexity and structure. Producer Massimo Di Costanzo's minimalist intervention approach in the winery allows the terroir's true narrative to unfurl in each bottle. Possessing a rich, silky palate, this 2019 vintage evokes the wild beauty of its origins, along with the quintessential elegance attributed to di Costanzo's craftsmanship. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2019 can undoubtedly be held as a crowning jewel in any discerning connoisseur’s collection. |
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California | 5 | - |
In Bond
€939.00 |
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Indulge in the exceptional character of di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020. Born in the idyllic valleys of Napa, this rare vintage is created by a passion for authenticity and a respect for tradition. Di Costanzo wines, led by winemaker Massimo di Costanzo, are known to have a steadfast commitment to expressing pure, specific terroir. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020 is a testament to this truth. This exquisite blend is meticulously produced via native yeast fermentation in concrete, coupled with an extended maceration process that enhances the age-worthy structure. It showcases an elegant melange of dark fruit, rugged earthy notes, interwoven with fine-grained tannins that eloquently promise potential for splendid maturity. A bottle of di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020 provides an enchanting embodiment of site and vintage, making a memorable addition to any fine wine collection. Enjoy a boulevard of sensory indulgence with di Costanzo's proud emblem of Napa artistry. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
€2,150.00 |
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James Suckling (98)Crushed stone fruit, blackcurrants, bay leaf, iodine and seaweed. Full-bodied with blue fruit, firm tannins and super length. It’s austere and so focused. Great length. Needs time to open and show its true self. Harkens back to the late 1970s. Try after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
€2,270.00 |
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James Suckling (96)Blackberries, blueberries, crushed stones, tile and violets. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Tight, polished and lightly austere. Sweet fruit in the mid-palate. This needs at least four to five years to open and come together. Best after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 96+ (VN) |
In Bond
€1,440.00 |
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Vinous (96+)The 2018 Pinot Noir La Côte is a dark, somber wine. Huge swaths of tannin wrap around a core of blue and purplish fruit. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2018 is not at all forthcoming. This is an especially brooding, potent style. Time in the glass brings out hints of lavender, sage and dried herbs, but the 2018 is in no mood of showing all its cards right now. |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,230.00 |
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Domaine de la Cote La Cote Pinot Noir 2022 is an exceptional expression of rhythm and complexity from the renowned winemaking region of Santa Rita Hills, California. This exquisite Pinot Noir is lovingly crafted by the Domaine de la Côte estate, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible viticulture and biodynamic practices. The vineyard's maritime influence, coupled with its nutrient-rich, diatomaceous earth soils, lends an intricacy to the grapes that is reflected in the wine’s layered profile. The Domaine de la Cote La Cote Pinot Noir 2022 flaunts rich notes of dark cherries, spices, and earthy undertones, enveloped by smooth tannins and a refreshing acidity. This vintage is characterised by its longevity, continuing to evolve and charm the palate with a resplendent blend of elegance and power. Perfect for the discerning collector or for the epicurean indulging in the finest gastronomic pairings, this Pinot Noir is a statement of sophisticated winemaking. |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
In Bond
€2,340.00 |
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Wine Advocate (92)Last Tasted 6/94 |
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