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July 2009
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June 15, 2009
PETER MICHAEL Chardonnay "Belle Cote" Knights Valley 2007 ($80 net) “Sensational. Intoxicating nose of lemon blossoms, poached pear, white peach & crushed stone soar from the glass of this full-bodied wine. Zesty acidity, great purity, length and depth. Certainly a profound example of Chardonnay from hillside vineyards in Knight’s Valley. Should drink well for up to a decade.” R.P.
June 15, 2009
PETER MICHAEL "Les Pavots" Knights Valley 2006 ($180 net) 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot & Petite Verdot. “Exhibits big notes of chocolate fudge mixed with dark berries, forest floor, underbrush and smoky oak. Full-bodied, with remarkable intensity, low acidity, and a fleshy, opulent mouthfeel. Should drink well for 15-20+ years.” R.P.
MAY 14, 2009
BOND "St. Eden " Napa Valley Red Wine 2005 ($300 net). Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Valley floor. By Bill Harlan of Harlan Estate. "Extraordinary depth and palate presence. Notes of charcoal, acacia flowers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur. Seamlessly constructed - a sensational effort displaying even great potential. It will drink beautifully for three decades." R.P.
MAY 14, 2009
BOND "Pluribus" Napa Valley Red Wine 2005 ($300 net). Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain. By Bill Harlan of Harlan Estate. "Impressive, dense purple-colored, aromas of spring flowers, camphor, incense, crushed rocks, graphite, and blueberry as well as blackberry liqueur." R.P. Start drinking it in 2011.
APRIL 7, 2009
BUCCELLA Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valey 2006 ($120 net). Fifth vintage of this very special Napa Cabernet we’ve carried and we’ve yet to be disappointed. This is huge…black currants, dark chocolate malt, mocha, sweet earth, blackberry & mulberry, layers of flavors, lavish oak, juicy and delicious now, in its youth.
MAY 5, 2009
MERUS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2001 ($180 net). “Blockbuster… tips the scales at a lofty 15.1% alcohol, but is neither hot nor heavy. Sumptuous aromas of espresso roast, melted licorice, fudge, creme de cassis, and blackberries. Low acid, full-bodied, tremendous intensity, a massive palate impression, no trace of heaviness or heat. Drink now thru 2020. A thrilling offering from true garagistes!” Robert Parker.
APRIL 27, 2009
DIDIER DAGUENEAU Blanc Fumé de Pouilly "Silex" 2007 ($120 net). Maybe the greatest Sauv Blanc in the world. It’s Pouilly-Fumé grown in soil with lots of Silex. (that’s a Silex rock on the bottle…it’s a type of flint). 15-50 year old vines, barrel fermented & aged. Needs minimum five years after harvest of cellar time.
MAY 5, 2009
MERUS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2000 ($130 net). “Dense ruby/purple color, sweet nose of charcoal, blackberry, cassis, mineral, and Asian spice. Full-bodied and rich with well-integrated oak, creamy texture and real opulence. Purity with no hard edges. This is the most evolved and forward effort Merus has yet produced.” Robert Parker. 450 cases made.
MAY 5, 2009
JOSEPH PHELPS "Insignia" Napa Valley 1994, 6 LITRE BOTTLE 88% Cabernet Sauvignon ($1500 net). “Spectacular. I’ve had the wine many times and it’s opulent, sexy, flamboyant, explosively rich, concentrated and a thrill to drink. Promises to evolve gracefully for two decades or more. Spicy nose of black currants, allspice, pain grille, soy and burning wood. This full-bodied, opulent, dazzling wine is exhilarating.” Robert Parker
MARCH 5, 2009
I had the pleasure to taste CONTINUUM Red Wine, Napa Valley 2006 ($145) this week. Second vintage of this wine co-owned and made by Tim Mondavi. We carried a little of the 2005, loved and sold it quickly. I can unequivocally write that the 2006 is better. 100% "Tokalon Vineyard." 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, then Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc. Starts with a huge nose of dark berry & cherry liqueur, exotic oak, violets and mocha. The palate is huge...loaded with sweet, saturated, dense berries & black cherries. Complex: soy sauce, mocha, dark tobacco, allspice...very strong and well put together. Not many $145 wines I bring in without hesitation. This is one. 1500 cases made. Best "Tokalon" wine I've ever had.
MARCH 24, 2009
KOBALT Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2006 ($110). Rich and succulent, the Kobalt Cabernet has become one of Napa’s best, most esteemed Cabs in just a few short years. Perfumed, deep, and rich. Blueberry pie filling, allspice, mocha. Excellent texture and very full body. Most of the fruit is from Coombsville. 8% combined Cab Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot. 600 cases made.
MARCH 4, 2009
CAIN "Cain Five" Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley 2005 ($125). One of Napa’s elite Bordeaux-style red blends. All from Cain’s Estate vineyards high up Spring Mountain. As expected from Cain Five, this is about balanced fruit, overtones of earth and spice and subtle yet persistent texture. Sweet cherries & raspberries, Cuban cigar, black truffle and curry. Take your time: it will slowly blossom in your glass.
MARCH 10, 2009
ROBERT FOLEY Claret, Napa Valley 2006 ($115). Almost all Cabernet (could be called a Cab if Robert wanted). A little Merlot to make it smoother still. Powerful Napa red with spice, black fruits, huge body, creamy oak and abundant, fine tannins. This is benchmark, 21st Century, in-your-face Cabernet.
FEBRUARY 19, 2009
HARRIS ESTATE Cabernet Sauvignon "Treva's Vineyard" Napa Valley 2005 ($125). “Treva’s,” named for Mrs. Harris, is mountain Cabernet at its best. Vineyard outside Calistoga sucks up the sun and the earth to make this powerful, complex, cellar Cab. Deep dark berries & currants, mocha, soy sauce, tobacco, smoke, meat. Big yet fine tannins. Best in 2015-2020.
JANUARY 27, 2009
One OPUS ONE Napa Valley Red Wine 2003 MAGNUM ($350 net) just arrived. Hmmmm, Parker didn't review it. I know he wasn't particularly excited about Opus until the 2005. Bet it's pretty "Bordeaux-y."
JANUARY 19, 2009
Here's a list of wines acquired from a local collecor. All have been cellared immacuatly.
Theseare all Napa Valley Cabernets unless noted differently.
Many of these we have just one bottle. Multiiple bottles of a few. Please call or email to confirm amounts and availability. All prices are net. Thanks. Updated list coming. Please call or email for a list.
December 13, 2008
At the end of last Thursday night's Layer Cake tasting, Hundred Acre's "Scotty" (for you Star Trek fans) John
Hardesty opened a HUNDRED ACRE SHIRAZ "Ancient Way Vineyard-Summer's Block" Barossa Valley 2004, $250/bottle. I bought this wine in early 2007 on John's recommendation and, heck, most of it is still here. This marks the second time I've had it. And this time it's with John's instruction to "have a couple ounces a day and watch how it changes, and keeps getting better." Tonight is Day Three, and I think it's a perfect time to share my tasting notes.
Purity of fruit and vineyard. Blueberry liqueur, soy sauce, a beautiful dry-aged ribeye steak (raw), black peppercorns, musk, mocha. Incredible glycerine: huge wine but not the least bit sloppy or overdone. A tremendous, beautiful wine. I look forward to trying this same bottle all next week.
These very old vines yield under a ton an acre. John explained that not only is the tonnage low, but the grapes are more seed than juice. Consider the great winemaking and rarity (not to mention the awesome packaging) and $250/bottle starts to make sense. For quality, I think it's fair to compare this wine to First Growth Bordeaux and other crazy-priced wines and the price is fair. I'm so glad I got to try it again. I'm into it!
December 2, 2008
FAVIA ERICKSON "Cerro Sur" Napa Valley 2005 ($120 net) blends 72% Cabernet Franc and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's all from the "Cerro Sur," Spanish for "Southern Hills," of Napa Valley ("Rancho Chimiles" in Wooden Valley and "Meteor Vineyard" in Coombsville). Co-Owners/Winemakers Andy Erickson and Annie Favia want grace, complexity and subtle power in their wines. They're good at what they do, and they definitely achieved their goal with this wine. Sweet plums, just a little framboise and kirsch, Asian spice, ginger, juicy, sleek and beatiful. I'd sell the bejesus out of this wine if I were at French Laundry as it's delicious now and one of the most versatile "luxury" Napa reds I've had. You guessed it: very limited. 142 cases made.
December 1, 2008 
With the promise I would not post on Winesearcher, Back Room Wines just received one case of each of these high-flying, critically acclaimed wines of Copain Winery. Haven't had them yet. All prices are net, and of course all are very limited.
COPAIN Pinot Noir "Hacienda Secoya" Anderson Valley 2007, $48. Beautiful Pinot that really needs a year in bottle to shine.
COPAIN Syrah "Garys' Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands 2006, $50. Rich, juicy and luscious.
COPAIN Syrah "Hawkes Butte" Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino 2006, $50. Very Northern Rhone style. Intense fruit, healthy acidity, complex. Best from 2010-2015.
COPAIN Syrah "Thompson Vineyard" Santa Barbara County 2006, $40. Big toe in the Northern Rhone stylistically. Loaded with fruit and glycerine. Lotta spice and exotic floral notes. Best wine to have with grilled steaks tonight.
October 10, 2008
ROBERT FOLEY Claret, Napa Valley 2006 ($115). Typical of Bob Foley's Claret, this is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, and could be called such if chose. But he doesn't. This is remarkably consistent from vintage to vintage-it's always very dark, lush, spicy, rich and strong as an ox. Not tannic yet very full-bodied. For a big, fruity, drink-it-young, prime-time Napa Cab, Robert Foley Claret is one you can always count on. At 1350 cases made, not the tiny production it used to be. Quality is still right there.
October 1, 2008
MERUS Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2003 MAGNUM ($500 net). Just get two of these. Haven't had the pleasure to try. Mid 90's by R.P. Coming from magnum, should be quite drinking young and powerful still. I'm confident that they've been cellared well.
September 2, 2008
HUNDRED ACRE Cabernet Sauvignon "Kayli Morgan Vineyard" Napa Valley 2005 ($260 net). "Looks to be the finest Cabernet Jayson Woodbridge has yet produced" Parker wrote. Haven't had it. "Unbelievable unctuosity and opulence" Parker also writes. I just like to say unctuosity. Only six bottles delivered. Limit 2 while they last.
August 19, 2008
DOMINUS Red Wine, Napa Valley 2005 ($149 net). Tried it last week. Very good. Most new world Dominus I've had to date. Blend on the 2005 is 92% Cab Sauv, 5% Cab Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Nose is black fruits, smoke, tobacco, cigar smoke, malt. It's very big but with supple tannins. Pours into the glass particularly dark and inviting. Interesting, considering the vintage is labeled as "Bordeaux Style" yet our finest Bordeaux-replica is so new-world. Cellaring short-term is best, just to let the flavors stretch out...I stayed with the wine for a couple hours to get more of the nuance out. Drink starting in 2010.
July 24, 2008
You've heard it from me before, but I want to reiterate: I don't take recommending three figure wines lightly. It's gotta deliver the goods. Don't matter to me that you can easily afford it-you don't want to feel like you threw away a wad of cash.
CARTER CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon "Coliseum Block" Napa Valley 2006 ($125). Powerful, brutish, black, spicy, sweetness, wow. With Nils Venge watching over the winemaking, Mark Carter (Eureka-raised like me) has the finest ingredients and tools at his disposal. Of his just-released wines, "Coliseum Block" was easily the best wine of the lot. The vineyard is up Soda Canyon Road a ways, and Soda Canyon Road shoots off the Silverado Trail between Napa-town and Stag's Leap District.
Mulberries, espresso, sauteeing cinnamon, potpourrie, cocoa, currant. Big tannins that melt into the huge fruit. Not earthy. Lots of oak but comes across more fruity than oaky. Interesting comparison to the Buccella 2005, which sings expensive oak more than the Carter. 243 cases made.
June 20, 2008
JC Cellars Syrah “POURQUOI PAS” "Rockpile Vineyard" Sonoma & "Côte Rozier" Côte Rôtie 2003 ($135). I bought Pourquoi Pas over a year ago. Just a six pack. Had not tried it until the day before opening the "new" Back Room Wines. Thought it a good celebration wine. With me was Holly and some good friends and fellow Rhone nuts. Quick explanation: Jeff Cohn of JC Cellars and Pierre Gaillard of Côte Rôtie must have had a few too many glasses of Viognier and decided to BLEND a bit of their best wines together. Gaillard flew a barrel (or two? I forget) of "Côte Rozier" to Jeff for the final blend and bottling. Wacked, and expensive, I know, but being the Syrah fan I am, I thought it only natural that Back Room Wines carries it.
In my moving exhaustion and inspiration (and to thank the amazing volunteers who helped me move), we popped and drank it up. And enjoy we did! Wild berries of every kind, lavender, roasted Thai peppers, garlic chives, sweet meat, espresso. "Not that I'd have guessed, but since I know what's in here, I can taste the Rhone and Rockpile" one in our group said. Agreed. A bit overpriced, but obviously such an endeavor ain't cheap. 50 cases made I think (so make that one barrel each). In the spirit of moving on, 15% off the purchase of three bottles.
May 14, 2008
Still have one of the 2004 BOND Cabernets in stock. I had the great fortune to taste these wines in February. They are pretty awesome.
BOND "Pluribus" 2004 ($290 net) is Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Structured, huge, complex and very youthful, it will drink best in maybe 2012?
BOND "St. Eden" 2004 (Sorry, just sold out.) is Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Will age for a long, long time. That written, it's drinking great now and will wow you. Deep fruits, spice, earth, power...these are wines that make sense to me why they cost so much.
Obviously, very limited. As I write this, have just two bottles of each in stock.
April 21, 2008
High above Lake Hennessey, on Pritchard Hill, is Larry and Dee Dee Fairchild's amazing little vineyard. They've made Cabernet since 2001, but the FAIRCHILD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($125) is the first vintage made by the great Paul Hobbs, and is the first very special wine they've produced. A scant 1.5 tons per acre were picked over this rocky terrain that only fine wine grapes could love. 180 cases were bottled. I called Larry Fairchild out of the blue the other day, he answered, and was here later that day with a sample. I see this happen with big wineries making just-OK wine and employing many. For super-primo Cab, it's rare, and really cool. I like this Cabernet a lot. Paul Hobbs' style is all over it: perfectly ripe, beautifully balanced, layers of cocoa, tobacco and truffle. Youthful for sure, but not coarse nor tannic. A good decanting and you'll be glad you imbibed. Seekers of the best Napa Cabs must try (at least) a couple bottles of the Fairchild.
October 16, 2007
Two Hundred Acre wines now in stock.
HUNDRED ACRE SHIRAZ "Ancient Way" Barossa Valley, 
Australia 2004, $250
Jayson Woodbridge, the worldly man that he is, ventured to the Barossa Valley to oversee planting, then making, of this Shiraz that is as unique as it is rare and special.
With cuttings from Penfold's "Grange" and with yields under a ton an acre, the wine combines power and grace as well as any I've had.
I drank Ancient Way last spring, and a crystal ball was needed to see its future. Blueberry, black raspberry, pomegranate and wild red/black cherry are in there. As French in style as Australian, pick up the tobacco, black olive, mineral, cocoa, graphite and on and on. Best drinking of Ancient Way to start in 2010 I'm guessing.
Big Bottles:
Abreu Cabernet Sauvignon “Madrona Ranch” Napa Valley Magnum 2001 $1400
March 23, 2006
I admit the uniqueness factor partly explains the price, so that said I have here the J.C.Cellars Syrah "Pourquoi Pas" for $135/bottle. This is a blend of 58% Rockpile Syrah from Sonoma County and 42% Côte Rôtie from Pierre Gaillard. Pretty cool, huh? This is all 2003 vintage wine, but it can't say this because of the blending of countries. Can I say it tastes how you would think a Rockpile/Côte Rôtie blend would taste? Roast meat, blackberry, cassis nose with load of flavors of classic Syrah flavors like licorice, olive and peppercorn. Sports a keen balance of rich California fruit and Northern Rhone authenticity. I know you're curious. Are you $135 worth of curious?
125 cases made.
Thoughts? E-Mail Us.
Order? Try Here.
Or call Back room wines. Toll Free: 877-322-2576
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