Guigal Crozes' Hermitage 1999 - France

CLUB:
S / RO

Demonstrating a deep ruby robe and ever-amplifying nose, it's apparent from the very start that Guigal's 1999 Crozes-Hermitage hails from a notable vintage. Smoke, blackberry, spice, and black olive scents emanate from this wine's complex nose. Look for ripe round fruit, intermingled beautifully with tannins, lending support to our belief that this Crozes-Hermitage can and will go the distance. Note that you'll indeed have no problem enjoying this wine immediately. We'd suggest airing it an hour before serving. As with all red Rhone wines, you should serve it around 60°-65° F. Enjoy!






Huia Gewurztraminer 2001 - New Zealand

CLUB:
S / WO

Yow! Immediately look for a amplifying nose of mango, lychee, and rose petal that mingles pleasantly with a core of dry fruit in the 2001 Huia Gewurztraminer's entrancing nose. An exotic offering of mouth-filling flavors permeate the palate, exploding on the tongue and releasing complex fig and floral notes that lead into a lingering, dry finish. Certainly, winemakers Mike and Claire Allen have fashioned an especially dry, world-class Gewurztraminer here. Sourced from 2 great Marlborough vineyards (the Fell and Hassan vineyards), the Huia Marlborough 2001 Gewurztraminer is a true powerhouse in dry Gewurztraminer, lending authenticity to the greatness of this noble varietal.

P.S. This Gewurztraminer sports an alcohol level in excess of 14%!








Domaine Du Ministre St. Chinian 1999 - France

CLUB:
RO

An appealing blend of distinct cedar and oriental spices overlap pure and elegant fruit flavors and 11 months of small oak barrel ageing in Domaine du Ministre's 1999 St. Chinian. The first word that came to many panel members notes was smooth. We found it hard to believe that this bold and flavorful blend of old vines Syrah and Grenache (50% of each varietal) is not just perfectly drinkable immediately, but downright pretty as well. One hundred percent de-stemmed, hand harvested and bottled without filtration, Domaine du Ministre's offering accurately reflects its expert elevage. You'll find it supple, rich, and expressive, hinting flavors of spice, black pepper, vanilla and violets. Although its certainly wonderful now, it's bound to improve in bottle for at least 2-3 more years and we feel safe in saying that it will most likely hold up to as many as 6-8 more years in bottle without loosing a beat. We'd suggest opening it a half hour or more before serving. Enjoy!






Thevenet Macon-Pierre Clos 2000 - France

CLUB:
WO

In every respect, the Thevenet Macon-Pierreclos' Maconnais is a true classic. We found its clean, apple blossom nose and spring like freshness to capture the uncomplicated style of Chardonnay. A task which the Macon is justifiably know for and celebrated. Gentle, light, yet persuasive, Thevenet's Pierreclos demonstrates the appealing flavors of apple and clarified butter, balanced with a hint of lime and a certain "je ne sais quoi", that makes it go down oh so easy. This Chardonnay is so very appealing as it offers supreme elegance and balance. You won't have to work at enjoying it. We'd suggest serving it moderately chilled (45°-50°).





S
= Standard Red & White Shipment RO
= Reds Only Shipment WO
= Whites Only Shipment

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