Clos Sand is a small lieux-dit, situated near the top of the Grand Cru Steingrübler. Usually marked by great acidity and focus.

The Clos Saint Imer vineyard is a true clos (unlike many so-called in Alsace) within the larger Goldert Grand Cru. Their plot is towards the upper slopes, by the church, after which this cuvee is named. A rare domaine in that their Muscat and Pinot Gris is prized as highly as the Riesling. Ageing of the PG is 15+ years in a typical vintage.

The Clos Saint Imer vineyard is a true clos (unlike many so-called in Alsace) within the larger Goldert Grand Cru. Their plot is towards the upper slopes, by the church, after which this cuvee is named. A rare domaine in that their Muscat and Pinot Gris is prized as highly as the Riesling. Ageing of the PG is 15+ years in a typical vintage.

`Tobacco smoke-infused peaches can be discerned in the aromatics of the 1998 Tokay-Pinot Gris Clos St. Imer La Chapelle Goldert. Medium to full-bodied, dense, plump, and rich, it reveals layers of botrytis-infused peaches, apricots, cloves, and fresh herbs. This outstanding Pinot Gris should be at its best between 2003 and 2012.` 91 Points Pierre Rovani

One of the best domaines in Alsace without a shadow of a doubt, of their 19 hectares, 5 are in Grand Cru sites. Very rich SGNS like this one. Lots of botryitis character.

An unusual amphora-aged cuvee from Jean-Claude. 250 cases produced, mostly younger vines.

Daniel Bouland is one of the most underated producers in Beaujolais, his old vines are very carefully managed and precisely vinified

Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.

A strong French following for Bouland is perhaps one reason why you don`t see his wines as often as you should, but they are worth seeking down as they are about as good as anything produced in the region and are underpriced for their quality for the time being.

A new parcel, on the lower slope of the Cote.

`Bottled only a week before I tasted it, Alain Coudert`s 2019 Fleurie from the Clos de la Roilette is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety, it`s elegant and fine-boned, with lively acids, refined structuring tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Readers who gravitate toward classical styles of Beaujolais will prefer the 2019 to the richer, more gourmand 2018, but both are lovely vintages for this reference-point address. As I`ve written before, the Coudert family acquired Fleurie`s famous Clos de la Roilette—which neighbors Moulin-à-Vent formerly traded under that name—in 1967, and Alain has been at the helm since 1991. The soils here are rich in clay and manganese, and that, combined with a classical approach to maceration, results in muscular, structured wines that age very well. Vinified largely with whole clusters and the traditional submerged cap, these are typically deeply colored wines with plenty of fruit and tannin. The 2019 vintage has turned out especially well, and it`s the most overtly Fleurie-styled vintage—in the sense that this appellation is identified with perfume and finesse—that Coudert has produced in a decade. If the gourmand generosity and wealth of fruit of 2018 will win the domaine new friends, then the fragrant and beautifully balanced 2019 will exercise special appeal over Beaujolais purists.` 94 Points William Kelley

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Alain Coudert`s Clos de la Roilette reminds me of a more Northern Rhone accented style than most - dark cherries, spice and black pepper predominate. The wines age exceptionally well and it is impossible to think of a better, more ageable wine for less money than the Cuvee Tardive

Alain Coudert`s Clos de la Roilette reminds me of a more Northern Rhone accented style than most - dark cherries, spice and black pepper predominate. The wines age exceptionally well and it is impossible to think of a better, more ageable wine for less money than the Cuvee Tardive

Daniel Bouland is one of the most underated producers in Beaujolais, his old vines are very carefully managed and precisely vinified

Daniel Bouland is one of the most underated producers in Beaujolais, his old vines are very carefully managed and precisely vinified

Camille and Mathieu now run this domaine with impeccable dedication and carry on the work of their father in a way that he would be very proud. One of the benchmark wines not just of the region, but of the whole movement of wines seeking a minimum of intervention in the cellar.

Camille and Mathieu now run this domaine with impeccable dedication and carry on the work of their father in a way that he would be very proud. One of the benchmark wines not just of the region, but of the whole movement of wines seeking a minimum of intervention in the cellar.

Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.

Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.

“The 2017 Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches is superb—and likely the king of the cellar chez Chermette this year—wafting from the glass with a beautiful bouquet of raspberries, potpourri, orange rind and rose petal. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, layered and supple, with the most depth and amplitude of any wine in the portfolio and the most held in reserve, too. This is a fantastic expression of Moulin-à-Vent from one of Beaujolais’s greatest winemakers, and it comes warmly recommended.” 95 Points William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.

After

`dark red; pistachio-caramel air to the nose, and baked fruits – red berry jam with a flash of cassis - with a spot of sweetness. The palate also has a sweet debut, with a spurt of tannin from half way. It suggests the lower River Ouvèze levels with its soft fleshiness (tasted blind). Blackcurrant comes into play especially near the end. A wine of some character that keeps going. It is a bit more intricate than it seems on first inspection` *** John Livingstone-Learmonth

More than a little reminscent of Rauzan Segla - this small estate has two nice parcels of vines -one next door to Ch. Margaux and the other on sandier gravels near Soussons to the north. Between the two they craft a very stylish Margaux.

More than a little reminscent of Rauzan Segla - this small estate has two nice parcels of vines -one next door to Ch. Margaux and the other on sandier gravels near Soussons to the north. Between the two they craft a very stylish Margaux.

`A gorgeous wine of grace, elegance, and power, this youthful 2000 will benefit from another five years of cellaring. It appears to have 25 more years of life ahead of it. A deep ruby/purple color is just beginning to lighten at the edges. The bouquet offers up scents of cedar wood, melted licorice, black currants, blackberries, caramel, and mocha. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and pure with low acidity as well as formidable tannins in the long finish, the 2000 should rival vintages such as 2005, 2006, and 2009.` 95 Points Robert Parker

`Made in a light, fruity style emphasizing finesse and elegance, the 2001 Filhot exhibits abundant amounts of sweet pineapple and sealing wax-like characteristics, along with pure, clean flavors. Slightly sweet, it does not possess the body or power of the vintage`s bigger examples, but it is a refreshing, vibrant Sauternes to enjoy over the next 12-15 years.` (06/04) From the Wine Spectator: `Golden-colored, with crème caramel and lemon meringue character. Medium-bodied, with good sweet fruit and a slightly burnt character. Hot. Drink now. 7,330 cases made.` ` 90 Points Robert Parker

`A fireworks-in-a-glass nose is strikingly spicy with its gorgeously layered aromas of lilac, plum, violet and exotic tea scents. The silky and intensely mineral-infused medium weight flavors are shaped by ultra-refined tannins on the firm and impeccably well-balanced finale that goes on and on. This is a very classy effort that should also be relatively accessible young but amply reward longer-term bottle ageing. *Sweet spot. Outstanding*` 92-94 Points Allan Meadows

`The 2010 Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes is open and totally seductive, especially in its sweet, candied bouquet. Red berries, flowers, mint and spices develop later, adding considerable complexity. Clean streaks of minerality support the long, beautifully articulated finish. The Feusselottes is all class and elegance. I loved it. ` 90-92 Points Antonio Galloni

`(From 90-year-old vines; 50% new oak; Tremblay uses Troncais oak for this and the Beaumonts, as she likes the vanilla quality it adds to these cuvees): Good fresh ruby-red. Complex nose blends black cherry, blueberry, licorice, spices and bitter chocolate; slightly liqueur-like. Then lush, broad and sweet; really quite voluptuous and velvety, with the chocolatey character following through on the palate. Fine-grained tannins will not get in the way of enjoying this layered, deep wine within four or five years after bottling, but it has the stuffing and supporting minerality for a long life in bottle. These vines were picked on September 23.` 92-95 Points Steven Tanzer

`Deep ruby. Brooding, profound aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and animal fur, complicated by smoky soil tones. Wonderfully thick and dense; primary and backward but not at all hard. Most impressive today on the refined back end, finishing with noble, seamless tannins, intense black cherry and violet lift, and terrific pungent stony minerality. Another stunning wine in the making from a vineyard that was planted in 1882. This Charmes is Chambertin-like in its soil complexity, power and grip.` 96-98 Points Steven Tanzer

`In stark contrast to the expressiveness of the Clos St. Denis, this is almost mute and even aggressive swirling liberates only the briefest glimpses of wild red berries and earth notes. There is superb size and weight to the imposing and overtly muscular flavors that also enjoy an incredible amount of dry extract that confers a supple and seductively textured mouth feel to the highly concentrated mid-palate. The presently buried tannins are intense and markedly firm though not hard on the explosively long finish that seems to go on and on. This should be something very special if given sufficient time to reach its apogee.` 95-97 Points Allan Meadows

Parcel of vineyard is next to Petits Musigny owned by Vogue.

`(Vinified with 30% whole clusters): Bright medium red. Lovely spicy lift to the aromas of black cherry, redcurrant, licorice, mint and pepper. Pure but youthfully reserved, with lovely intensity and aromatic lift to the flavors of red fruits and spices; markedly different in style from the other 2010s here. The most energetic and high-pitched of these wines--the least smoky and earthy--finishing with fine, dusty tannins and excellent length and verve. I like the clarifying effect of the stems here.` 93-95 Points Steven Tanzer

The wines of Bruno Clavelier were relatively under-the-radar until a few years ago. The production of domaines such as his is so small, that even small fluctuations in demand and pricing can change things really quickly. His go-to wine, the Combe d`Orveaux, from a plot just adjacent to Petit Musigny, is basically a grand cru in all but name and price and it has always flown out the door - but his other wines are sensational. Sensous, savoury, ageworthy and reminscent in some ways of the Mugneret-Gibourg style with perhaps a bit more spice

The wines of Bruno Clavelier were relatively under-the-radar until a few years ago. The production of domaines such as his is so small, that even small fluctuations in demand and pricing can change things really quickly. His go-to wine, the Combe d`Orveaux, from a plot just adjacent to Petit Musigny, is basically a grand cru in all but name and price and it has always flown out the door - but his other wines are sensational. Sensous, savoury, ageworthy and reminscent in some ways of the Mugneret-Gibourg style with perhaps a bit more spice

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

`A limpid ruby colour. The nose is distinctly de Vogue with smoky black fruits, becoming pruney with age. The palate is very powerful, dense with a lovely smooth entry. Good acidity and tannic. Well-integrated with a touches of grilled meats. Peppery finish. Long. A really great Burgundy. Tasted October 2003.` 94-96 Points Neal Martin

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

A blend of some of the best 1er Crus (Le Village Frémiets, Taille-Pieds, Caillerets and Carelle sous Chapelle)

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

One of the best , and purest Aligotes in Burgundy.

The 3 labels chez Boisson belie the fact the wines are identical. Ceated collaboratively at the family’s Meursault cellars. Pierre Boisson with his dad making the wines, which are amongst insiders - some of the smartest picks of the appellation. This Bourgogne Blanc is sourced from a variety of parcels all in the village of Meursault.

The 3 labels chez Boisson belie the fact the wines are identical. Ceated collaboratively at the family’s Meursault cellars. Pierre Boisson with his dad making the wines, which are amongst insiders - some of the smartest picks of the appellation. This Bourgogne Blanc is sourced from a variety of parcels all in the village of Meursault.

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

`(Roulot`s vines are in Charmes-Dessous): Bright, light yellow. Aromas and flavors of peach, apple, pear and spices are enlivened by a rocky quality. A step up in intensity and verve from the Poruzots, showing lovely clarity of fruit and inner-mouth aromatic character but a bit tight in the early going. This has the concentration of low-yielding vines on rich soil but without any heaviness. Spreads out to saturate the palate on the back end, finishing with excellent grip and citrussy lift.` 92 Points Steven Tanzer

`(these vines were picked on August 28 and 29--`always at the beginning,` noted David Croix): Pale yellow. Very tight nose hints at charred oak (this wine was bottled last, on April 10). Rich, tactile and smooth, conveying lovely lemony acidity and spicy freshness for this bottling. Youthfully tight for Bouchères but subtle and refined. Finishes tactile, chewy and long, and not at all overripe.` 92 Points Steven Tanzer

`Pale, green-tinged yellow. Fruit-driven nose and palate dominated by lime and lemon drop. Thick, fat and ripe but with nicely integrated acidity energizing the middle palate. Should make a rich village wine.` 87-89 Steven Tanzer

A vineyard in the Sutter Creek region of Amador County, which for Steve Edmunds is `One of the finest I`ve ever seen` producers for this wine, equal parts of Grenache, Tempranillo and Mouvedre.

`My goodness, where has the time gone? Here is a pinot noir from Frances and Terry Leighton that actually has its roots in the twenty-first century! It happens to be from the Demostene Ranch, home to Kalin’s finest pinot bottlings since at least the 1978 vintage (please see below) and it is flat out stunning. The deep, pure and beautifully developed bouquet offers up a complex constellation of red and black cherries, roasted gamebird, forest floor, beautiful spice tones (cinnamon, cardamom and cloves), woodsmoke, an exotic hint of eucalyptus and cedary oak. On the palate the wine is focused, complex and beautifully wide open and refined on the attack, with an excellent core of fruit, superb soil signature, still excellent, tangy acids, ripe tannins and a long, perfectly balanced and complex finish. This is still a relatively young wine on the palate (even at age nineteen!) and could do with a bit more time to relax in the cellar, but with decanting, it is awfully easy to drink today. But, witness the 1978 version listed below, it is still early days for this stunning bottle of pinot. This is one of the best vintages of the Cuvée DD I have ever tasted! 2019-2055+.` 95+ John Gilman

Steve believes this is about the best Syrah he`s ever released. The blend in 2015 is 65% from Fenaughty, and 35% from Barsotti.

Voted the best domestic rose by Eric Asimov in the NYT a year or so ago - the first vintage was 2006 and he was inspired by a Beaujolais vigneron who was doing the same thing. He thinks there`s a tenderness to the aromas and textural nature of the grape that amplifies the juicieness and energy of the wine. Fruit from Witters vineyard, about 1000 meters up - on red, volcanic clay. Also a bit from Barsotti which is more granitey and gives a little more structure.

`Usually one of the more overt wines in the range, the 2016 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard gives the impression that it needs more time in bottle to be at its most expressive. As always, the Heintz is distinguished by its layered, creamy palate feel. The aromatics and fruit still need to emerge, but all the elements are nicely woven together. Even so, I expect the 2016 will always be a relatively understated Heintz Chardonnay.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni

`The new release of Kalin Cellars Cuvée W chardonnay comes in at 13.9 percent octane and offers up a beautifully mature and complex bouquet of fresh apricot, honeyed apples, tangerine, toasted almonds, salty soil tones, brown butter and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, bright and zesty, with a superb core of fruit, great soil signature and superb length and grip on the precise, complex and very classy finish. The octane does show just a bit on the backend, as there is a whisper of warmth, but I can forgive it this in the face of the climate change we have been living in the face of since the late 1980s. I would’ve loved to have seen this wine at 13.2 or 13.3 percent, but it was not to be in 1996, and these old Wente Clones have still turned out a superb wine even at their higher octane level. 2020-2035.` 92 Points John Gilman

`The new release of Kalin Cellars Cuvée W chardonnay comes in at 13.9 percent octane and offers up a beautifully mature and complex bouquet of fresh apricot, honeyed apples, tangerine, toasted almonds, salty soil tones, brown butter and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, bright and zesty, with a superb core of fruit, great soil signature and superb length and grip on the precise, complex and very classy finish. The octane does show just a bit on the backend, as there is a whisper of warmth, but I can forgive it this in the face of the climate change we have been living in the face of since the late 1980s. I would’ve loved to have seen this wine at 13.2 or 13.3 percent, but it was not to be in 1996, and these old Wente Clones have still turned out a superb wine even at their higher octane level. 2020-2035.` 92 Points John Gilman

A blend of Charles Heintz fruit with younger vine from from Porter-Bass. Less destined for the long-haul, this offers superbly elegant drinking on release with the ability to add extra xomplexity if you can restrain.

Nestled high in the hills at 1,800 feet, above the town of Saratoga, lays Peter Martin Ray vineyard. One of two sites Ceritas farm in the Santa Cruz mountains, the vineyard is steeped in history dating back to 1943, when stockbroker-turned-winemaker Martin Ray planted the original Chardonnay vines. When Martin Ray’s son, Peter Martin Ray, took over the farming of this site, he replanted to the Mt. Eden clone of Chardonnay in the early 1980s. What makes this fruit so remarkable is a direct result of the vines’ constant struggle: raw farmed with minimal manmade input; the vines are constantly seeking water, nutrients and sustenance from deep in the hillside.

`The 2017 Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is all precision and class. There is a feeling of translucence to the 2017 that is simply captivating. Even though the 2017 is airy and gracious, it also has plenty of structural underpinning. Lemon confit, almond, dried flowers, tangerine and mint add striking shades of nuances throughout.` 94 Points Antonio Galloni

255 cases made. 51% Vermentino and 49% Grenache Blanc from Fenaughty Vineyard. Silky, fresh wine with considerable layers of happiness to unfold.

The first planting of Vermentino, undertaken on behalf of Edmunds St John, at a vineyard at the Western edge of Placerville, became a co-planting with Grenache Blanc at the last minute, almost as an afterthought. For me the Vermentino shows more early on in it`s life - then with a few years, the Grenache Blanc starts muscling in.

`Soon to be released, the 2001 Sémillon was produced from vines planted in the 1880s in the Livermore Valley. As it approaches its 17th birthday, the wine is still remarkably youthful, opening in the glass with aromas of lemon oil, beeswax and honeysuckle, subtly framed by new oak. On the palate, it`s medium to full-bodied, textural and bright, with impressive concentration and a vivid, chalky finish. This is quite a bit more reserved than the 2001 Sauvignon Blanc that Kalin Cellars released from the same Livermore Valley site a few years ago.` 94 Points John Gilman

`Soon to be released, the 2001 Sémillon was produced from vines planted in the 1880s in the Livermore Valley. As it approaches its 17th birthday, the wine is still remarkably youthful, opening in the glass with aromas of lemon oil, beeswax and honeysuckle, subtly framed by new oak. On the palate, it`s medium to full-bodied, textural and bright, with impressive concentration and a vivid, chalky finish. This is quite a bit more reserved than the 2001 Sauvignon Blanc that Kalin Cellars released from the same Livermore Valley site a few years ago.` 94 Points John Gilman

From 50 year old vines in the lieux-dits of Robarts and La Voie d`Epernay. 5 years on the lees.

97 Antonio Galloni

The Juffer Sonnenuhr, lies within the heart of the rocky slopes of the Juffer vineyard. The hillside is marked by inclinations of up to 80% and gentle wave troughs as it rises vertically. It provides a sustainable microclimate that stamps the character of the wines produced from the grapes that grow here. These very fine, slaty soils – some deep, some rocky – are planted exclusively with Riesling grapes. They yield wines that have tremendous longevity and unmistakable potential.

`A fetching nose of pistachio extract, rowan and fresh apple anticipates the flavors on a juicy, subtly creamy midpalate transparent to an undertone of wet stone. Twenty-five grams of residual sugar supply supportive but discreet sweetness, and at 10 percent alcohol there is an admirably Kabinett-like sense of delicacy. In fact, this wine – which benefits from Weingut Willi Haag’s outstanding Bürgerslay parcel – is a model of its genre. Given that there are 3,200 liters, it ought to serve as a valuable international calling card.` 90 Points David Schildknecht

The southerly/south-westerly aspect of the Saarstein ensures perfect sun exposure. The grey shale soil warms up easily and stores the heat of the day. It is the perfect basis for the Riesling grape, which is grown on more than 90 percent of the vineyard. Only the oldest sites are used.