2017  Gigondas

Gigondas -- "More concentrated and tannic than the 2016, the 2017 Gigondas shows outstanding potential. Marked by hints of charred wood and mocha, it's nevertheless rich, ripe and fruity, with a long finish." - 91-93pts WA

2010  

2000  Chateauneuf-du-Pape

"The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo is a monument to old vine Grenache as well as traditionally made Chateauneuf du Pape. Boasting a natural alcohol of 16%, this wine, which was bottled in spring, 2003 because its fermentation was extremely slow, has virtually everything you could ever want in a profound Chateauneuf du Pape. The color is inky/ruby/purple to the rim. The extraordinary nose reveals aromas of kirsch liqueur, new saddle leather, animal fur, Provencal herbs, spice box, licorice, and a salty sea breeze character. On the palate, the wine is enormous, with an unctuosity, thickness, and purity that must be tasted to be believed. Over 95% of this offering is old vine Grenache, and the rest a field blend of ancient vines. Representing the essence of Chateauneuf du Pape, it possesses so much concentration that it is easy to pose the question ... “where’s the tannin?” Analytically, it has very high levels of tannin, but the tannin is barely noticeable given the wine’s exaggerated wealth of richness and power. This is a modern day legend in the making, and despite its precociousness and ease in smelling and consuming, it will not hit its prime for another decade. It should last for 25-30 years, and take its place among some of the greatest Chateauneuf du Papes ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030+" - 100pts WA

1998  Chateauneuf-du-Pape

"Notably more youthful and lively than either the Reservee or Cuvee Laurence, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo offers a massive, full-bodied and decadent profile to go with ripe, full-throttle notes of cassis, licorice, roasted herbs, Asian spice and garrigue. The first vintage of this tiny production cuvee and coming all from the old vines of La Crau and mostly rolled pebble soils, it's just now at the early stages of maturity and has plenty of life ahead of it. Nevertheless, there's absolutely no harm in opening bottles today." - 99pts WA