Premium Wine Exchange New Arrivals!
Our last month’s shipment was probably the best we had so far. With the new superstar brands like Ramey, Brewer-Clifton and our second allocation of Vineyard-29. Another reason that makes this list even more exciting is our highly-prized 99-pointer wine from Viña Cobos.
33 NEW BRANDS, NEW VARIETALS and CURRENT VINTAGES…
(items coming into our inventory for the first time)
RAMEY WINE CELLARS
HYDE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2006………………..Php 3,500
“A lovely integration of seductive smoky vanilla oak with vibrant peach- and pear-laced fruit enlivened by zingy acidity. A full-blown yet elegant and delicious Chardonnay. Drink now through 2011.”
94 points! Wine Spectator
93 points! Robert Parker
RAMEY WINE CELLARS
RUSSIAN RIVER CHARDONNAY 2006………………..Php 2,150
“Deliciously complex and full-bodied, this is layered with flavors, showing citrus and tropical fruit, with hints of anise and buttery oak, yet the acidity keeps the flavors tangy and vibrant. Drink now through 2012.”
95 points! Wine Spectator
91 points! Robert Parker
RAMEY WINE CELLARS
CLARET NAPA VALLEY 2005………………..Php 2,200
(54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, and 7% Syrah)
“Fashioned from lots culled out from all of David Ramey’s Cabernet projects, the 2005 Claret is a stylish, delicious red that is meant to be consumed during its first 7-8 years of life. It offers up aromas of cherries, underbrush, black currants, and cedar. Evolved and medium-bodied with a silky finish, it will drink well for 5-7 years.”
89 points! International Wine Cellar
88 points! Robert Parker
RAMEY WINE CELLARS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005………………..Php 2,800
“The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet, tarry, black currant, chocolate, cedar, and wood smoke-like flavors, and decent acidity. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.”
91 points! Robert Parker
91 points! Executive Wine Seminars
RAMEY WINE CELLARS
LARKMEAD VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005………………..Php 4,450
(84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.)
“Dark red. Intensely perfumed scents of kirsch, blackcurrant, dried rose and tobacco. Round and pliant, with juicy dark fruit flavors, velvety texture and slow-mounting tannins. As big and weighty as this is, there’s also excellent balance and clarity. Finishes with lightly chewy tannins and outstanding persistence.”
93 points! International Wine Cellar
91 points! Robert Parker
RAMEY WINE CELLARS
JERICHO CANYON CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005………………..Php 6,100
“The final vintage for this cuvee, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Jericho Canyon offers a Graves-like personality of scorched earth, chocolate, charcoal, and black currants as well as a sumptuous, full-bodied palate, and a layered, multi-dimensional finish. Drink this remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon over the next two decades.”
95 points! Robert Parker
94 points! International Wine Cellar
RAMEY WINE CELLARS
RODGER’S CREEK VINEYARD SYRAH 2006………………..Php 3,350
“The dense opaque purple-hued 2006 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard offers aromas of melted chocolate, ground pepper, exotic peach and lychee nuts (5% Viognier is co-fermented), and an earthy, blackberry, smoky mid-palate as well as finish. Enjoy this superb Syrah over the next decade. “
92 points! Robert Parker
92-94 points! International Wine Cellar
VINEYARD-29
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005………………..Php 12,000
The east-facing hillside Vineyard 29 turns out superb Cabernet Sauvignon, but again there is not much of it. While the Cru negociant Cabernet Sauvignon represents 3,000 cases, there are just under 700 cases of the estate Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2005, a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, is superb. Notes of lead pencil shavings intermixed with smoky cassis and black cherries, a hint of white chocolate, and cedar are all present in this wine, which spent 17 months in French oak. Beautiful texture, medium to full body, and a totally seamless personality make for a gorgeous wine to drink now or cellar for 15 or more years.
95 points! Robert Parker
VINEYARD-29
CRU CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006………………..Php 3,050
“The 2006 Cru is cut from the same mould as the 2005, but softer, in a sexy, seductive, up-front style of Cabernet Sauvignon that is medium to full-bodied, classic Napa with cedar, black currant, smoke, and licorice. It should drink well for 10+ years.” 92 points Robert Parker
BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS
ARISE MERLOT 2006………………..Php 2,850
“Saturated with rich, vibrant color, the generous nose exudes tantalizing aromas of Bing cherry, cassis and cola. Upon entry, profuse flavors of raspberries, plum and baking spices intertwine with fine-grained tannins to create a supple, chewy middle palate. The complex range of flavors in this expansive wine are heightened by its smooth, velvety texture and its long, lingering finish.” – Winegrower, Aaron Pott
BREWER-CLIFTON
SANTA RITA HILLS CHARDONNAY 2007………………..Php 2,250
A combination of four select and diverse vineyard sites along the Highway 246 corridor in the heart of the appellation.
Aromas of lemon curd, lime, quince and flint followed by flavors of lemon drop, sage and bee pollen. Brisk, crystalline and driven in the mouth.
BREWER-CLIFTON
SEASMOKE CHARDONNAY 2007………………..Php 3,150
Aromas of yellow papaya, tangerine and fresh brie rind coupled with flavors of mango, cherimoya and yuzu. While rich, the wine maintains a well delineated mouthfeel.
93 points! Robert Parker
BREWER-CLIFTON
MOUNT CARMEL CHARDONNAY 2007………………..Php 3,800
Pear, meyer lemon and fennel aromatics followed by flavors of asian pear, white fig and amaretto. Salty, gripping and powerful palate impression.
96 points! Robert Parker
BREWER-CLIFTON
SANTA RITA HILLS PINOT NOIR 2007………………..Php 2,250
Aromas of black raspberry, dried rose petal and lavender followed by flavors of pomegranate, black cherry and dried orange peel. Firm, chalky and lingering mouthfeel.
BREWER-CLIFTON
CARGASACCHI PINOT NOIR 2007………………..Php 3,600
Peter Cargasacchi owns and farms this dynamic sixteen acre site planted in the late ‘90s entirely to clone 115. Very stark soil profile of predominantly diatomaceous earth on the western edge of the appellation.
Aromas of clove, black cherry and plum matched with flavors of black strap molasses, meat and quinine. Complete, refined and firmly structured in the mouth.
91 points! Robert Parker
BREWER-CLIFTON
MOUNT CARMEL PINOT NOIR 2007………………..Php 4,350
Black mission fig, dried strawberry and graphite aromas followed by flavors of black tea, plum and carbon. Maintains an incredible synergy of tender assertiveness in the mouth.
92 points! Robert Parker
PAHLMEYER WINERY
SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY 2006………………..Php 4,500
The 2006 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, all made from old Wente clones, represents about 1,200 cases of sensational Burgundian style Chardonnay with leesy notes of brioche, nectarine, honeysuckle, orange rind, and some pear and pineapple. Beautiful fruit, full body, great acidity, and a textured mouthfeel make this a sensational Chardonnay to drink over the next 5-7 years.
95 points! Robert Parker
PAHLMEYER WINERY
PROPRIETARY RED 2005………………..Php 7,700
The 2005 Proprietary Red is significantly better than what I tasted last year, although I certainly gave it a high score. This wine has fleshed out beautifully. The final blend (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) has a deep purple color, a beautifully sweet nose of blackberries and cassis intermixed with some meatiness, smoke, and a touch of pain grille as well as notes of espresso and licorice. Full-bodied, rich, with decent acidity, excellent delineation, and moderately high tannin, this is a beauty that should evolve for 25-30+ years It is no wimpish wine at 15.2% natural alcohol, but that is buried beneath a cascade of gorgeous fruit and glycerin. This wine should be cruising along brilliantly in 2030+.
96+ points! Robert Parker
94 points! Wine Spectator
GROTH VINEYARDS & WINERY
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007………………..Php 1,500
Our 2007 Sauvignon Blanc was produced from grapes grown in various microclimates of the Napa Valley. The warmer Napa Valley microclimates give us grapes that result in wines with a lush, full melon/citrus character in the aroma and in the flavor. The cooler Napa Valley fruit provides a solid, crisp backbone that gives the wine an exciting liveliness that balances the rich creaminess from “sur lie” aging.
PAUL HOBBS IMPORTS, VINA COBOS
LUJAN DE CUYO MALBEC 2006………………..Php 2,200
It offers up an alluring nose of cedar, tobacco, spice box, cola, and black cherry. This is followed by a full-bodied, layered smooth-textured wine with gobs of fruit already revealing considerable complexity. The wine has superb depth, concentration and length. It can be enjoyed now but should easily last for another decade.
94 points! Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
PAUL HOBBS IMPORTS, VINA COBOS
BRAMARE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006………………..Php 3,300
“Good medium ruby. Medicinal cassis, black plum, licorice and violet on the perfumed nose; offers more lift today than the Lujan de Cuyo bottling. Juicy, suave and fine-grained, with very good intensity to the dark fruit and spice flavors. This is also plenty ripe but shows a lighter touch and more detail than the Lujan de Cuyo version. Finishes with ripe, building but fine-grained tannins and a lingering chocolate flavor.”
93 points! International Wine Cellar
PAUL HOBBS IMPORTS, VINA COBOS
BRAMARE MALBEC 2005………………..Php 4,400
Nearly black in color, it coats the glass with glycerin. Its super aromas of violets, spice box, cedar, tobacco, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry leap from the glass. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and possesses layers of complex flavors. This hedonistic effort will benefit from at least 4-6 years of cellaring and should drink well through 2025.
96 points! Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
PAUL HOBBS IMPORTS, VINA COBOS
COBOS NICO 2006………………..Php 11,000
Opaque purple-colored, aromatically it has the complexity that a great vintage can provide. Notes of pain grille, crushed stone, lavender, black cherry, blackberry liqueur, and fruit compote are exquisite. On the palate, the wine is opulent, dense, intensely flavored, and lengthy. It will continue to evolve for another 4-6 years and offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2026.
96 points! Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
PAUL HOBBS IMPORTS, VINA COBOS
COBOS MALBEC 2006………………..Php 9,500
This near perfect wine is my favorite of this remarkable collection. A glass-coating, saturated opaque purple/black in color, the wine offers up a sexy/kinky bouquet of pain grille, Asian spices, pencil lead, mineral, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate there is layer upon layer of savory fruit, spice notes, espresso, and chocolate as well as exquisite balance. The wine’s finish last for more than a minute. Try a bottle, bury the rest in your cellar for ten years, and then drink them from 2018 to 2040.
99 points! Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
VALUE WINES
ARTESA VINEYARD & WINERY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004, NAPA/SONOMA………………..Php 1,200
Bright wild blackberry and cherry are complimented with abundant spice. Black pepper, clove, allspice, vanilla, nutmeg and a hint of cedar smoke. Finely knit together with a silky mid-palate, this wine has sufficient tannin backbone for aging. This wine will be delicious for the next five to ten years.
ARTESA VINEYARD & WINERY
MERLOT 2004, NAPA/SONOMA………………..Php 1,000
Brimming with raspberry, cherry and boysenberry. This satin soft wine has layers of clove, anise, vanilla and milk chocolate serving as delicious counterpoints to the pervasive berry fruit. Supple mature tannins and a fruit enlivening acid balance guarantee this wine will please for years to come.
PEPPERWOOD GROVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006………………..Php 550
Dark ruby color with a nose full of raspberries, cedar, and subtle savory herbs. After the inviting nose entices you to take a sip, you will experience the flavors of rich blackberry cobbler, fresh raspberry jam, and caramel oak tones with integrated hints of basil and fresh figs.
SMOKING LOON
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007………………..Php 600
Dark plum color with a nose reminiscent of black cherries with a touch of cinnamon and cloves. This Cab is brimming with ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit with a touch of white pepper and dill; but finishes with notes of currants and strawberry rhubarb pie filling.
SMOKING LOON
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007………………..Php 600
This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. Wine Spectator’s Best Value – April 2007 issue
KUNIN WINES
STA. BARBARA SYRAH 2005………………..Php 1,600
“Seth Kunin always does a good job with Viognier, and his 2005 Viognier Stolpman Vineyard offers crisp underlying acidity, a hint of minerality, plenty of buttery, melon-like fruit, medium body, and attractive freshness and purity. Enjoy it over the next 12 months to take advantage of its exuberance and restrained but flamboyant personality.”
90 points! Robert Parker
PAUL HOBBS IMPORTS, VINA COBOS
FELINO MALBEC 2007………………..Php 1,100
A splendid introduction to this grape variety. The nose is redolent of wild black cherry leading to an elegant, ripe, wine with gobs of flavor and 1-2 years of aging potential. Drink this hedonistic effort through 2015.
91 points! Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
PAUL HOBBS IMPORTS, VINA COBOS
FELINO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007………………..Php 1,100
Offers up spicy black currants and blackberry. Smooth-textured and layered, it has excellent balance and a lengthy, pure finish. It’s hard to think of a better value in Cabernet Sauvignon.
91 points! Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate