Mission Fine Wines

The 2006 vintage in Bordeaux seems like 1983 and 2001 all over again! Some very solid wines were made but are being overshadowed by the star prior vintage. For the Bordeaux lover, that spells O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y!! Decanter rates the vintage 4/5 stars. Many chateaux listed below are accessible for early drinking, but are keepers too.

Smart Buys for Collectors

(Highlights are from the February 2009 Wine Advocate, Issue #181)

Beychevelle $40	**WA90 : “A property that seems to be awakening, this St.-Julien leans toward more of a Margaux style can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.”**
Cantemerle $25	WA90: “Quality has improved dramatically at this estate, and the 2006 is a quintessentially elegant Bordeaux . Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Excellent Value”
Cos d'Estournel $105	WA94: “The exceptional 2006 Cos d’Estournel is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, 55% of the production was utilized. Enjoy this beautifully concentrated, exceptionally pure, statuesque Cos d’Estournel over the next 20-25 years.”
D'Armailhac $35	WA91: “Made by the staff at Mouton Rothschild, a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc…one of the finest d’Armailhacs yet made. Moreover, it is still reasonably priced by the standards of this region. Anticipated maturity: now-2025.”
De Sales $21	Wine Spectator: “"A medium-bodied red, with chocolate, coffee and berry character on the nose and palate. Medium and pretty... Best after 2010."
Grand Puy Ducasse $35	WA90: “ Ducasse has definitely turned up the level of quality over the last 7-8 years. This is approachable enough to drink in 2-3 years but certainly has the stuffing to last 15-18.”
Grand Puy Lacoste $59	WA92: “ Tannins are elevated, so patience will be required. This was Xavier Borie’s first vintage in his new state-of-the-art winemaking facility. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027.”
Leoville Las Cases $175	WA95: “ Not surprisingly, Leoville Las Cases has produced another classic, potentially long-lived wine in 2006. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, it will require significant cellaring before consumption. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2035+.”
Lynch Bages $64	WA92: “ The finish suggests cellaring for 3-5 years and drinking over the following two decades.”
Sociando Mallet $42	WA90: “ Always an over-achiever, Sociando Mallet is built for 20-30 years of longevity. The elegant, powerful, but backward 2006 requires patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.”
Talbot $44	WS91, WA89: “ a round, aromatic, soft, sensual 2006 to enjoy over the next 10-13 years.”

1-866-511-1811: All orders subject to availability

Tasting Notes for Fine & Rare Wines

10/29/08: 1976 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle Musigny ($165) Learn More

11/05/08: 1984 Mouton-Rothschild ($165) Learn More

2/11/09: 1994 Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche ($175) Learn More

6/02/09: 1985 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (NA) Learn More

6/05/09: 2006 Domaine Arlaud Morey St. Denis "Les Cheseaux" ($45) Learn More

9/1/09: 1997 Petrus (NA) Learn More