CARTE DU VIN™ PRESENTS SUmmer 2006

The Best Cellar Newsletter & Wine Buyer’s Guide “The Best of the Best”

2003 Chateauneuf-du-Pape The 7 Chardonnays of Highly Welcoming in the New Pope Successful People

2002 Cabernet Saugvignon Get ‘em While they’re HOT! The new California Gold Rush The Best 2003 Bordeaux

A Decade of Joseph Phelps Insignia & 2002 Burgundy Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year” 2005 Bordeaux Futures!!!

The Best Cellar Newsletter & Wine Buyer’s Guide

We recently helped a client put together a wine collection. He has no interest in wine except for the pleasure of drinking it. When I suggested that he get a subscription to the Wine Spectator, he said, “Jeff, I’ve got a big business–that’s my name on the door– I’ve also got a wife who’s a pain in the ass, two little kids I’d like to spend some time with and a golf game that’s in serious trouble. Why don’t you read the Wine Spectator and tell me what it says?”

The Best Cellar Newsletter is intended to make wine buying easier, and make building a collection easier so you can relax and enjoy it. All the wine trades are so loaded with reviews —Over 1,500 Wines Reviewed!— that it can be daunting just trying to get through them. Add to these publications the dozens of emails from retailers offering new and old titles at sale prices that come in daily. We read just about everything so you don’t have to.

The Best Cellar Newsletter offers you the Best of the Best, a cross section of new releases of wines from around the world at different price points, and some editorial that’s a little different from what you may have grown accustomed to in the wine press. We’ll present a wide array of wines in each issue of the best new wines at the best prices available. This guide represents a tiny fraction of the wines available in the market. If you don’t see it here, we can find it for you. Think of us as your wine cellar concierge, your personal negociant. Your wish is our command.

We carry no inventory, so we’re not trying to push anything, but we can help you find every wine listed in this issue, and locate just about anything else wine-wise. The Best Cellar Newsletter doesn’t buy any wine—you do. We source it, make the purchase on your behalf with your credit card number, arrange shipping to your home/office/wine storage facility (or to our warehouse and then deliver it to your cellar), put it away, add it to your inventory and make the boxes disappear. For this service we charge a flat 10% over invoice.

Most of our clients say that they save time and money buying through The Best Cellar Newsletter because we shop around, all over the country to source the best deals. And, because of our high volume and relationships with select retailers, we may be able to get the wines at a better price than you could even if you put in the time to track them down yourself. You get the benefit of our leverage.

Mea Culpa: We have not tasted all the wines recommended herein. The criteria for selection are that the wines: •Must be from top-quality producers •Must have received at least one strong review from a leading publication •Must be available from a trusted source (see a partial list of “Friends of Ours” on our website).

We offer a one-year unconditional money-back guarantee on all the wines recommended. If you buy something we recommend that you don’t like, we’ll take the rest of the unopened bottles back with no questions asked and refund the balance to you. We only recommend wines that we’d be happy to have in our own collection.

Please note that the prices listed herein do not include applicable tax or shipping charges, and are subject to availability and change. Cheers, Jeff Smith, Editor

E-Mail: [email protected] The Best Cellar: 310-246-0005 www.TheBestCellar.com 1908 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Wines may be sold and delivered only to persons who are at least 21 years old from licensed retailers. The Best Cellar Newsletter is NOT a licensed retailer and is not compensated by the seller of the wines. All wine sales are subject to acceptance by the Seller. All wines are sold in California and title passes to the buyer in California in accordance with all laws and regulations pertaining to such sales, as such may change from time to time. We make no representation to the legal rights of anyone to ship or import wines into any state outside of California. We are not responsible for typographical errors. All items and prices subject to availability. Issued 4 times yearly. © Copyright 2006 The Best Cellar Newsletter and Carte du Vin, Inc. Presidential Champagne Celebrating our third President, Thomas Jefferson, who offered that “Good wine is a necessity of life for me.” This is the same joker who gave us, “All men are created equal.” We think the most important bottle in your wine collection is the bottle of champagne you keep in the refrigerator, because you never know when you’re going to have to celebrate something. Here are 10 that fit the bill. Billecart-Salmon Cuveé Elizabeth Salmon Rosé Krug Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil 1995 1995 “...a beautiful, delicate, medium-bodied Champagne offering hints “...reveals a light pink hue as well as vivid strawberry, raspberry, of flint, chalk, white peaches, honeyed grapefruit, and lemon zest. and berry fruit with hints of smoke, crushed rocks, and even a This beautiful Chardonnay tastes of liquid minerals and reeks of terroir.” touch of rhubarb in the background. Boldly-flavored, with crisp acidity, with most of its character at the back of the mouth, this is WS 98 a brilliant, medium to full-bodied vintage rose to RP 94 drink over the 10+ years.” RP 95+ $155 $600 Louis Roederer Cristal 1999 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1995

“One of the finest Champagnes I have ever brought to my lips, the “The hugely impressive [1995 Blanc de Blancs] displays ripe apple 1999 Cristal bursts from the glass with fresh hazelnut and apple and pear scents. Broad, rich, deep, and medium to full-bodied, this scents. Elegant, deep, and silky-textured, this medium to full- dense (yet admirable balanced), powerful wine is packed with con- bodied beauty is immensely concentrated, pure, packed with centrated layers of white fruits, flowers, and apple flavors, and astoundingly long in the toast. Notes of tangy green apples finish.” appear in its awesomely long WS 95 finish to reinvigorate the palate.” RP 98 RP 96 $200 $90

Veuve Clicquot Rosé Reserve 1999 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rosé 1999 “The big-styled, surprisingly deep pink/copper-colored 1999 Rosé “The light salmon-colored [1999 Rosé] sports a demure nose of Reserve displays a Pinot Noir-like perfume of pomegranate, bay yeast and mineral-dusted strawberries. Tasters lulled by the shy leaf, earth, and spice. Bold, rich, expansive, and dense, it is an aromatics will be floored by this wine’s intense burst of fruit on the atypically, almost shockingly powerful, rich Champagne. It palate. Powerful, sappy, and concentrated, it explodes in the should age beautifully for 5-7 years. I loved it!” mouth with red fruits, toast, yeast, minerals, and WS 90 notes of currants. This is a deep, RP 93 complex, and immensely long rosé.” RP 94 $75 $180

Dom Pérignon 1996 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut 1996

“A stronger vintage than expected, the 1998 Dom Pérignon exhib- “Tightly-packed with notes of citrus oil, orange rind, white peach, its aromas and flavors of lemon oil, orange rind, and brioche in a honeysuckle, and brioche, the medium to full-bodied 1996 La medium-bodied, zesty, rich, moderately intense style. It is far Grande Dame Bruit should age well for 15-20 years. Crisp, fresh, superior to either the 1993 or 1992.” and backward, it is another brilliant example from the exquisite 1996 vintage.” WS 95 RP 98 RP 95 $125 $110 Duval-Leroy Brut 1996 Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé 1996

“Terrific balance between the racy structure, candied berry fruit “Distinctive. Cinnamon and clove accents smell like potpourri or and creamy texture. Still youthful.” Christmas punch, with berry and whole-grain bread notes.”

***Fantastic Value*** ***The Best Cellar’s I can’t believe I gave away my last bottle! “ House” Champagne!*** WS 93 WS 92 $40 $40

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

The Best of the Best

2003 Bordeaux: Consensus Picks

I had a conversation over dinner recently with Jean-Guillaume Prats, the dapper fellow who heads up Cos d’Estournel. (Technically, we had dinner with about 95 other guests and the conversation we shared was something more like a speech he gave with a microphone, but I like my version of the story better.) So Jean-Guillaume and I were talking and he says, “You know, Jeffrois, I think the ‘zero-trois’ is superior to the two-zouzand.” (In my version, he sounds a lot like Maurice Chevalier in “Gigi,” and breaks into a rousing rendition of “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.”) That’s when Jean- Michel Cazes, of Lynch Bages, butts in—he’s a famously big buttinsky—and says, “My favorite vintage is the one I have to sell now,” like he hasn’t trotted out that old warhorse every time we get together.

Producer Score Paraphrasing the Critics: Price

RP100 Parker: Somewhat reminiscent of the 1982. The finish just goes on and on. This wine will be surprisingly accessible young, but age effortlessly for three to four decades Latour WS 98 Spectator: Goes on for minutes. Reminds me of the fabulous 1996 but even better. $695 ST 96-98 The Best Cellar Predicts: Will sell for over $1000 by 2016. Place your bets.

Parker: A tour de force in winemaking and something that simply has to be tasted to Lafite RP100 be believed (!) WS 96 Spectator: Wonderful length and finesse. $425 Rothschild ST 93-97 Tanzer: I may well be underrating this wine. The Best Cellar: Steve, say what you mean. Tanzer: Densely packed but pure and perfumed in the mouth; at once suave and RP 99 penetrating. A great Margaux in the making. Parker: Extraordinary...undeniably one of the great wines of the Medoc...truly sumptu- Margaux ST 94-98 ous stuff that should drink reasonably well young...and age 30+ years. Bravo! $380 WS98 Spectator: Full-bodied yet refined and classy. Superb. The Best Cellar: The heavyweight champion of the world!

RP 95 Tanzer: Extravagant, lush...it’s texture (like liquid silk) and breadth are extraordinary. WS 96 Spectator: The finish lasts for minutes. A beauty in all the sense of the word. Haut Brion ST 93-96 Parker: Certainly an outstanding Haut Brion. $280 The Best Cellar: Always a crowd-pleaser. Tanzer: This simply does not miss a beat from start to finish. ST 96-98 Parker: Certainly one of the vintage’s most colossal wines and clearly one of the es- Montrose WS 96 tate’s greatest efforts...this is a thrilling, exceptional effort that should prove to be a $170 RP 97+ modern-day legend. The Best Cellar: The Wine of the Vintage. Spectator: The sleeper of the vintage. Calon ST 92-94 Parker: Extraordinary...opulent...powerful...concentrated. A brilliant wine. RP 94 Tanzer: Conveys an impression of inner-mouth energ7...Finishes with very fine but firm $100 Segur WS 95 tannins and superb persistence. The Best Cellar: Best value of the vintage. Tanzer: Vibrant, austere...Penetrating and powerful... superb energy in the mouth, and the structure to carry it through decades of development in bottle. A testament to the RP100 high quality achievable in 2003 by cabernet franc grown on chalk. Ausone ST 93-97 Spectator: Very serious wine. $750 WS 96 Parker: If you can find it, if you can afford it, and if you have good DNA for aging, buy it. The Best Cellar: At this price, it should give you a hand-job.

WS 98 Spectator: Out of this world. Parker: Extraordinarily dense, powerful and full-bodied...one of the great wines and an Petrus RP 95+ extraordinary achievement for a Pomerol in this vintage. $1695 ST 92-96 The Best Cellar: At this price, it should….(you finish the sentence)

RP 98+ Parker: A stunningly complete wine of irrefutable nobility as well as intensity. Spectator: Got to like this. Pavie WS 95-100 Tanzer: An impressively rich, structured wine that wears its high alcohol gracefully. $175 St 92-95 The Best Cellar: The Brave New World.

Parker: Potentially the finest Cos d’Estournel I have ever tasted….A truly Cos RP 98 profound wine that should take its place in the pantheon of great Bordeaux wines for WS 97 many decades to come. $165 d’Estournel ST 91-94 Spectator: First growth quality. Their best wine ever. The Best Cellar: This is the Cos you want to keep.

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

2003 Bordeaux Consensus Picks in Blue Outstanding Values in Red (Note: Prices are Already up 10% since we first priced this list!)

Angelus $125 La Mission Haut Brion $135 Montrose $170 WS 94 / RP 93 / ST 91-93 WS 94 / RP 94 / ST 91-94 WS 96 / RP 97+ / ST 96-98

Ausone $750 La Mondotte $230 Mouton Rothschild $250 WS 96 / RP 100 / ST 95-97 WS 94 / RP 95 / ST 92-94 WS 94 / RP 95+ / ST 91-94

Beau Sejour Becot $50 Lafite Rothschild $425 Pape Clement $95 WS 90 / RP 93 / ST 89-91 WS 96 / RP 100 WS 93 / RP 94 / ST 91-93

Branaire Ducru $50 Lafleur $450 Pavie $175 WS 93 / RP 95 / ST 91-93 WS 97 / RP 95 WS 95-100 / RP 98+ / ST 91-94

Calon Segur $100 Lagrange $35 Pavie Decesse $150 WS 95 / RP 94 WS 92 / RP 91 / ST 89-92 WS 89-91 / RP 96 / ST 91-93

Cheval Blanc $300 Langoa Barton $40 Pavie Macquin $80 WS 96 / RP 89 WS 92 / RP 90 / ST 88-90 WS 96 / RP 95 / ST 91-93

Clerc Milon $50 Lascombes $45 Peby Faugeres $65 WS 93 / RP 91+ / ST 89-91 WS 91 / RP 92 WS 93 / RP 93

Clos Fourtet $70 Latour $700 Petrus $1695 WS 93 / RP 94 / ST 90-92 WS 98 / RP 100 / ST 96-98 WS 98 / RP 95+

Cos d’Estournel $160 L’Eglise Clinet $105 Pichon Baron $95 WS 97 / RP 98 / ST 91-93 WS 93 / RP 88 / ST 90-92 WS 95 / RP 94+ / ST 92-95

Ducru Beaucaillou $120 Leoville Barton $130 Pichon Lalande $120 1/2 bottle @ $60 WS 98 / RP 95+ / ST 92-93 WS 93 / RP 95 / 91-94 WS 97 / RP 96 / ST 91-94 Leoville Las Cases $165 Pontet Canet $65 Duhart Milon Rothschild $45 1/2 bottle @ $100 WS 94 / RP 95 / ST 92-94 WS 92 / RP 92+ WS 97 / RP 93+ / ST 93-95 Rol Valentin $50 Fombrauge $25 Leoville Poyferre $135 WS 92 / RP 90 / ST 91-93 WS 90 / RP 89 / ST 89-91 WS 95 / RP 98 / ST 91-93 Smith Haut-Lafitte $45 Gigault Cuvee Viva $20 Les Forts de Latour $80 WS 93 / RP 92 / ST 91-92 WS 91 / RP 90 WS 93 / RP 92 / ST 91-93 Sociando Mallet $50 Haut Brion $275 Lynch Bages $60 WS 92 / RP 94 WS 96 / RP 95 / ST 93-96 WS 92 / RP 89 / ST 89-91 Troplong Mondot $50 Hosanna $115 Margrez Fombrauge $110 WS 91 / RP 92+ / ST 90-93 WS 93 / RP 90 / ST 89-92 WS 92 / RP 94 / ST 88-91 Trotanoy $120 Kirwan $40 Malescot St. Exupery $50 WS 93 / RP 90+ WS 92 / RP 93 WS 92 / RP 92 / ST 90-91 Valandraud $190 La Fleur Petrus $65 Margaux $380 WS 93 / RP 92-94 / ST 93 WS 92 / RP 89 WS 98 / RP 99 / ST 94-96

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

Page Six

Crack is the New Pop Lab Rats of the That Would Explain The USA Today reports that a new World Unite! product called WineFritz adds a little My First Wife, caché to serving screw-capped wine Art Gallery Openings bottles, which have captured 10% of Cancelled on Findings What’s Your Excuse? the US market. At your next wine and cheese party, An item in the online newsletter Described as, “a stylish hunk of ano- don’t be afraid to serve the cheap stuff. Nat Decants (nataliemaclean.com), dized aluminum that fits over the neck A new study finds that your guests from our friendly neighbor to the and allows them to be opened while won’t be able to tell the difference be- north, reports that researchers at keeping the cap out of view,” the Wine- tween a fine vintage and a bulk jug. Glasgow University have discov- Fritz is designed to actually enhance The Week magazine reports that ered that two glasses of wine make the cracking sound rather than mute it, researchers at the University of Califor- members of the opposite sex ap- thus boldly and without irony announc- nia asked trained wine tasters to sam- pear more attractive by 25%. ing to the world exactly where you ple four expensive and four cheap red A survey commissioned just for stand on the cork controversy. wines along with a selection of this joke by the Best Cellar Institute One top sommelier at Jack-in-the- cheeses. When they took a bite of Box says, “This gadget puts a new cheese first and followed with wine, the reveals that exposure to daylight twist on corkless wine.” Available at tasters reported they lost most of their has the exact opposite effect. www.winefritz.com. ability to detect nuances of fruit, oak, and astringency, so all the wine tasted pretty much the same. Why Do Alsatian Wine Sour Grapes: Your “When you have wine and cheese Tax Dollars at Work at the same time, all the flavors are Bottles Always masked,” researcher Hildegarde Hey- California State Senator Carole Mig- mann told the London Guardian. Her Remind Me of That den has introduced a bill to make Zin- team thinks that proteins in the cheese fandel the official state wine. “Her pro- Night in Marseille with bind to the flavor compounds in wine, posal…has uncorked a barrelful of deadening them to the taste buds. Or, sentiment, both pro and con, among a Transvestite? they speculate, cheese could coat the wine enthusiasts, growers and wine- Again from Nat Decants: mouth with a thin layer of fat that keeps makers,” reports the Los Angeles “Naughty Frenchman say that the wine’s delicate flavors from getting Times. shape of a Bordeaux bottle reminds through. Mmmmm good! “Migden’s proposal has California’s them of their wives, while the curva- $45-billion wine industry puzzling over If you must pair wine and cheese, The Best ceous shape of a Burgundy bottle who might have been behind the push Cellar recommends 1977 Fonseca vintage reminds them of their mistresses.” for Zinfandel (over other varietals).” Port ($175) with Stilton, or 1989 Chateau “I suspect it’s some Sonoma guys,” Climens Sauternes ($135) with something says Charles Sullivan, a wine historian Bleu and a nice pear. and the author of the 2003 book Zin- fandel: A History of a Grape and its

Wine. “Somebody got to her.” Terroir Ain’t All It’s Cracked Up to Be A-ha! As if they needed another reason to be pissed off at the ugly Americans, French wine scored big on The obvious choice, many industry terroir in a recent survey of American wine drinkers, but finished dead last in flavor, quality and observers speculate, would be the value. The survey, printed in the Los Angeles Times, also found that Americans don’t fully non-profit Zinfandel Advocates & Pro- appreciate Jerry Lewis or stinky cheese. ducers. The group professed igno- Percent of People who Agree rance in a statement. ZAP had previ- ously been tied to a failed attempt to Statement California Italy Australia France bribe Vatican officials in an effort to get Wine is unique 45 61 55 64 them to change the familiar blessing to, to region “Give us this day our daily Zinfandel,” only to find that the Wonder Bread con- Better Flavor 56 59 56 52 tract runs through 2014. Better Quality 50 52 52 46 Better Value 56 46 58 32

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

When in Rhone... Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 Are you worried about what wine to pour when Pope Benedict XVI comes to dinner? Why the Cuvee du Vatican, Reserve Sixtine, of course! Just in time to greet the neuf pape (new Pope),

a great vintage in the Southern Rhone. Below are The Best Cellar’s Top 20. Collect them all!

(Fun Fact: Chateauneuf-du-Pape is named for the palace in Avignon in which Pope Clement resided in the 14th Century.)

Chateau Beaucastel Domaine du Pegau RP 92+ / WS 94 $70 Cuvee da Capo RP 99-100 / ST 95-97 / WS 99 $495 Chateau Beaucastel (***If money is no object, this wine is unbeatable***) Hommage A Jacques Perrin RP 95 $270 Roger Perrin Reserve des Vieilles Vignes Chapoutier RP 93+ / ST 95 $55 Barbe Rac RP 95+ /WS 96 $110 Chateau Rayas Cuvee Reservé Les Cailloux RP 92-94 / WS 93 $200 (Lucien et Andre Brunel) Cuvee Centenaire Domaine Roger Sabon RP 96 / ST 95 $160 Le Secret de Sabon RP 96 $230 Janasse Cuvee Chaupin Tardieu-Laurent RP 95 / WS 95 $70 Cuvee Speciale

Domaine de Marcoux RP 92 / ST 94 $70 Vielles Vignes RP 99 / WS 95 $250 Pierre Usseglio Cuvee de Mon Aieul RP 97 / WS 95 $130

Pierre Usseglio Reserve des Deux Freres Clos des Papes RP 98 / ST 94 $170 RP 97 / ST 94 / WS 95 $100 Le Vieux Donjon Domaine de la Mordoree RP 94 / WS 93 $40 Cuvee de la Reine des Bois RP 96/ ST 93 $120 Cuvee du Vatican Reserve Sixtine Domaine du Pegau RP 95 / ST 92 $45 Cuvee Reservee Because you never know…. RP 95-98 / ST 92-94 $65 (***A Best Cellar Selection***) La Vieille Julienne Reserve RP 100 $320

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order Joseph Phelps Insignia 2002 Wine Spectator’s 2005 “Wine of the Year”

WS - 96 RP - 95 ST - 91-94 $200

Joseph Phelps Insignia has been the gold standard of California wine for 30 years. He was making great wines when the Spectator was still in knee pants. The Wine Spectator Wine of the Year may be the most randomly se- lected award in any field of human endeavor anywhere in the world, but giving it to Joe Phelps is an honor long overdue—he could’ve won it just as easily for any of 10 other vintages. About the 2002, they said: “A profoundly rich wine that relies on Cabernet (78%) for its density and color, tannic strength & power, while tapping Merlot (14%), Petit Verdot (7%) and Malbec (1%) to round out its structure. This is classic Insignia with precision, con- centration, power & finesse. Expect the ‘02 to reach its peak in 8 to 10 years and to drink well for 15 to 20 years.”

Wine Pairing: Pro or Con? I recently attended a dinner with The Hollywood Pour Boys where the The Hall of Fame host, my friend JL had the inspired notion to serve 15 of the Wine Spectator Wines of the Year. Where does one hold such an auspi- A Decade of Wine Spectator’s cious gathering? The Palm, of course! The menu and Carte du Vin: Wines of the Year

‘96 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages & ‘99 Paloma Merlot 2004 Cocktail Hour Rieussec Sauternes 2001 ‘97 Solaia & ‘98 Ornellaia WS 100 $160 Gigi Salad 2003 ‘89 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape & ‘90 Penfolds Grange Paloma Merlot Spring Mountain Dist. 2001 Chicken Parmigiana WS 95 $185

‘84 Caymus Special Selection & ‘86 Beringer Private Reserve 2002 Steak a la Stone, Half & Half, and Creamed Spinach E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1999 WS 93 $50 ‘85 Lynch Bages, ‘89 Pichon Baron ‘95 Ducru Beaucaillou, ‘90 Latour 2000 Jumbo Nova Scotia Lobster Solaia 1997 WS 98 $400 ‘01 Rieussec 1999 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages 1996 WS 95 $120 Year WS Score RP Score Price 1998 2001 90 95 $135 Ducru-Beaucaillou, St. Julien 1995 WS 96 $145 2000 92 91 $100 1997 1999 94 91 $110 Fonseca Vintage Port 1994 1998 93 91 $110 WS 100 $250

1997 96 96 $195 1996 Beringer Chardonnay 1996 93 92 $165 Private Reserve 1994 1995 93 97 $145 WS 94 $135

1994 96 96 $175 1995 Penfolds Grange Shiraz 1990 1993 90 95 $195 WS 97 $590 1992 94 95 $155

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

The California Gold Rush The Best Cabernet Sauvignons from the Spectacular 2002 Vintage

Caymus Special Selection Harris Estate Treva VSR Chateau Montelena Estate - RP 96 / WS 95-100 $130 - RP 94 / WS 90 $130 - RP 95 $95 *** “Cult” quality at half the price!*** Hartwell Stag’s Leap District O’Shaughnessy Mt. Veeder Conn Valley Reserve - Decanter Magazine 5-Star / WS 92 $100 - RP 95 / WS 90 $65 - RP 95 $55 ***A Best Cellar Selection*** Hestan Napa North Coast Dalla Valle - RP 95 / WS 91 $40 Paul Hobbs Napa - RP 93 $125 - RP 94 / ST 89+ $75 L’Aventure Paso Robles Diamond Creek - RP 91 $56 Rudd Estate Grown Red Rock Terrace - RP 95 / WS 94 / ST 90 $90 - RP 91 $145 Larkmead Solari Reserve - RP 95 / ST 92 / WS 92 $70 Seavey Flora Springs 25th Anniversary - RP 94 / ST 90 $70 - RP 96 $145 Lewis Cellars Reserve - RP 90 / WS 93 $125 Spottswoode Napa Valley Flora Springs Hillside Reserve - RP 97 $125 - RP 94 $80 Lokoya Diamond Mountain ***Under-rated*** - RP 94 / WS 89-91 / ST 92 $160 Staglin 20th Anniversary - RP 93 / WS 95 $175 Forman Lokoya Mount Veeder - RP 94 $80 - RP 96 / WS 92-94 / ST 93 $220 Vineyard 29 - RP 94-96 / ST 91 $160 Cult Classics

Araujo Colgin Herb Lamb Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer ToKalon - RP 98-100 / WS 94 / ST 95 $325 - RP 96 / ST 94 $495 - RP 99 / WS 94 / ST 93 $290

Blankiet Paradise Hills Colgin Tychson Hill Pride Mountain Reserve - RP 95 / ST 96 $170 - RP 100 / WS 96 / ST 96 $800 - RP 96-100 / ST 93+ $395

Bond St. Eden Hourglass Screaming Eagle - RP 96 / ST 95 $300 - RP 98 / ST 92 $275 - RP 99 $1595

Bryant Family Hundred Acre Switchback Ridge - RP 96 / WS 92 $430 - RP 98 / WS 95 / ST95 $340 - RP 96 $250

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order. Burgund I have a client, FD, whose collection is heavily Bordeaux-centric. It is an excellent collection, very high values. One day he says, “I think I want to get into Burgundy. What can you tell me?” Where do I begin? The terroir? The history? The sticker-shock? He might as well have asked, “What can you tell me about Baseball?” About the 2002 vintage, Stephen Tanzer said, “Just because (they) are outrageously expensive doesn’t mean they’re not also utterly delicious. As most Burgundy lovers are already painfully aware, the weak U.S. dollar, the small size of the 2003 crop, and a building worldwide thirst for the 2002s have all conspired to drive prices for these wines to record levels in America’s wine shops….10-40% more ex- Red DRC Bouchard Père & Fils Jean Grivot Echezeaux $270 BH 92 Echézeaux $125 Richbourg $300 ST 91-93 ST 94-97 Grands Echezeaux $695 BH 93 Clos Vougeot $125 Leroy ST 91-93 La Tâche $1000 Chambertin $1500 ST 96 Le Chambertin $115 RP 98 / ST 98 ST 91-95 Romanée Conti $3250 Clos de la Roche $750 Chambertin Clos de Bèze $200 RP 96 / ST 96+ Vosne Romanée $420 ST 93-96 Romanee St. Vivant $800 Romanee-St. Vivant $550 RP 96 / ST 96 ST 93+ Dominique Laurent

Assortment $13,500/case Clos de la Roche $160 Mommessin WS 95 / ST 92-95 Clos de Tart $155 Robert Arnoux Mazis-Chambertin $90 WS 93 / ST 93-96 WS 95 Romanée-St. Viviant $400 ST 93-96 Robert Groffier Dugat-Py Clos de Vougeot $155 Bonnes Mares $150 RP 95 Devrey-Chambertin ST 92-95 Lauvaux St. Jacques $200 ST 92-94 Claude Dugat Rousseau Charmes Chambertin $470 Charmes Chambertin $620 ST 93-95 Chambertin $325 ST 93-96 RP 94-96 Faiveley Gevrey Chambertin Comte de Vogue Lauvaux St. Jacques $220 Corton Clos des Cortons $100 Musigny V.V. $450 ST 92-94 ST 91-93 RP 97-99

Griottes Chambertin $1000 Corton Chambertin ST 93-96 Clos de Bèze $185 ST 92-95

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Ca dy 2002 pensive than the 2001s. Do these wines merit such a price premium? “Well, yes and no. Clearly, vintage 2002 has enabled Burgundy’s better producers along the length of the Cote d’Or to make silky, succulent wines with glorious pinot fruit. These wines should give enor- mous pleasure early and provide at least medium-term aging potential. The vintage has as much early sex appeal as any crop of Burgundies in recent memories. Those who can afford the better 2002s will not be disappointed. “ I don’t set the prices (or U.S. monetary policy, for that matter), I just report them. Gentlemen, start your checkbooks. White Montrachet Chevalier- Corton

DRC $2670 Montrachet Charlemagne WS 98 Bouchard Père & Fils $200 Henri Boillot $180 Joseph Drouhin $290 ST 90-94 / WS 96 ST 95+ Marque de Laguiche WS 97 Etienne Sauzet $300 Coche-Dury $1015 ST 94+ RP 95-97 Lafon $1730 Bouchard Père & Fils $95 ST 96-99 Louis Jadot $200 ST 96 ST 94+

Marc Colin $250 Faiveley $170 Bâtard-Montrachet NR WS 95 Henri Boillot $250 ST 95+ Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey $495 Leroy $605 WS 96 RP 95 Jean Marc Boillot $340 RP 96 Sauzet $310 Vincent Girardin $80 ST 92-94 / RP 92-94 ST 92+ Leflaive $400 ST 94 Vincent Girardin $165 Vincent Girardin ST 94 Quintessence $175 ST 93-95 Sauzet $300 ST 94+ / RP 93-96

Puligny-Montrachet Meursault Bienvenues-Bâtard- Sauzet Les Combettes $140 Lafon Charmes $250 Montrachet ST 93+ ST 92+

Sauzet Lafon Genevrières $225 Leflaive $220 Les Folatieres $85 ST 92+ ST 92+ ST 92+ Lafon Perrières $400 Sauzet $255 Leflaive ST 95-97 ST 92-94 / RP 92-94 Les Pucelles $185

ST 92+

all (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order

I Heard it Through... The Grapevine

The Persistence Displacement Jamais, Mister of l’Air The other question that of Memory gives us pause is “What is illy Crystal, as quoted from his Perhaps the most vexing ques- the exact right moment to B hit one-man show, ”700 Sun- tion facing modern man is not days,” on the loss of his father: “Like “What is the meaning of life?” but open a bottle of wine?” The a red wine stain on a white table- “What to do with the remains of the two numbskulls who write cloth, it would fade, but you always half-drunk bottle?” the wine column over at the My baby’s Godfather MK knew it was there.” venerated (not for their stepped up from the $10 store bought gas canister that pumps in wine coverage, I daresay) Are You Sitting neutral gas (Argon? Freon? Ra- Wall Street Journal just did dium? Who knows?) to displace a 1200-word column on this Down, Billy? the oxygen, to the industrial model, chestnut. They found an- n ad in the Wine Spectator an- a $400 tank used in restaurants. nounced, and not a moment too International Man of Mystery Paul other $11 wine that tasted A Wasserman (when is he going to soon, it seems, a new product called almost like $14 after keep- open the store already?) suggests SpotBot, from Bissell, the vacuum ing it in the back of their pouring the remains into a 375ml cleaner company. The ad pictures an bottle and sealing that up. closet for the whole of W’s electronic spot cleaner perched atop But I may have run across the presidency. I wanted to a white tablecloth with a red wine best solution yet from Francophile slap them, as I do every stain on it. The caption reads: Excel- RB: put marbles in the bottle to Friday morning. lent when paired with Cabernet. displace the air! He says he got (Note to self: send one of these gadg- the idea from restaurant Taillevant New client JR has a ets to Billy Crystal.) The body of the in Paris. (Five sacks of marbles marvelous collection of aged text says, “The revolutionary spot run about $15 at Tom’s Toys and Bordeaux. When I sug- cleaner that lets you walk away better toy stores everywhere. gested he might consider while it does the work for you. Just Note: you can’t use the shooter put it on the spot and in minutes, except in magnums.) selling off some of his ‘75s the stain’s gone permanently.” A reader from Alhambra writes: (Ducru Beaucaillou and Available at better appliance dealers “Wouldn’t sand do the job just as Leoville Las Cases among everywhere, or www.bissell.com. well?” Physics! them), he told me a story about going to the restau- Whoopsy-Daisy no More rant Guy Savoy in Paris. After perusing the Carte du ccording to a known for using inno- an investment in your Vin* he engaged the som- A story in the Los vative fabrics. “The wardrobe...and these melier in a conversation. “I Angeles Times, Nano- client that buys that treatments deliver have some of these wines,” Tex, an Emeryville, expensive gown has to longer life by protect- CA company, is creat- appreciate the added ing your investment.” he said, referring to the ing $1000 dresses that benefit of stain resis- By fall, they expect to ‘75s. “When do you think embed microscopic fi- tance. Red wine is om- see luxury men’s suit they will be ready to bers into traditional nipresent at every makers using the drink?” materials such as black-tie party.” product. The sommelier regarded linen or cotton that “More and more, this The technological him and sniffed, Frenchly, offer spill resistance technology is making breakthrough comes and stain release. “No its way to the designer as welcome news to “Monsieur…never.” matter how expensive market,” says a Nano- my sister, who sees a your fabric is, you can Tex exec. “It’s all light colored blouse as * A shameless plug, a cheap stunt, and I am deeply, deeply sorry about about understanding an empty canvas to be still treat it” says it and this footnote. Yeohlee Teng, a New that at that price painted in with a glass York-based designer point, you are making of something red.

FORZA ITALIA Back-to-back great years for Italian wines. The Wine Spectator rated the 2000 vintage 100 points, which left them nowhere to go when the ‘01s arrived. Here are some of the top-rated Barolos and Barbarescos from these two great years. Next issue: Super-Tuscans and Brunello di Montalcino. Gaja Costa Russi 2000 (RP 92 / WS 100) $370 Sorì Tildìn 2000 (RP 93 / WS 96) $250 Barbaresco 2000 (RP 90 / WS 95) $170 Sperss 2000 (RP 94 / WS 95) Money-shot! $180 Sorì Tildìn 2001 (WS 95) $260 Costa Russi 2001 (WS 95) $260 Barbaresco 2001 (RP 92 / WS 93) $150

Barolo Azelia San Rocco 2001 (WS 95) $55 Clerico Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 2001 (WS 96) $70 Clerico Pajana 2001 (WS 95) $65 Conterno-Fantino Vigna del Gris 2001 (WS 96) $90 Grimaldi Le Coste 2001 (WS 96) $65 Giuseppe Mascarello Monprivato 2000 (RP 92) $60 Pio Cesare Ornato 2001 (WS 95) Better than’97! $80 Sandrone Cannubi Boschis 2001 (WS 96) $130 Scavino Bric del Fiasc 2001 (WS 95) $80 Vietti Rocche 2000 (RP 93 / WS 93) $75 Voerzio Cerequio 2000 (RP 95 / WS 95) $135

Barbaresco Pio Cesare II Bricco 2001 (WS 94) $80 Giacosa Rabaja 2000 (RP 92 / WS 93) $100 Giacosa Santo Stefano 2001 (RP 89 / WS 94) $150 La Spinetta Vigneto Starderi 2001 (RP 94 / WS 93) $125 Paitin Sori Paitin 2001 (RP 92 / WS 93) Giving it away! $50 Paitin Vecche Vigne 2001 (RP 94 / WS 93) $50 Vietti Masseria 2000 (WS 95) $70 Produttori de Barbaresco Pora Riserva 2000 (WS 92) $55 Sottimano Currá 2000 (RP 91 / WS 93) $60 Sottimano Fausoni 2000 (WS 93) $60

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

The Unusual Suspects

The Adventure Club for Well-Traveled Sippers Whose Palates Knows No Borders

CHILE SPAIN Almaviva Puente Alta 2003 Vall Llach Priorat 2001

This has the length and complexity of a high-end Bordeaux, and a Rich and powerful. There's ripe black fruit, plenty of chocolate- concentration and sweetness that bode well for long-term devel- scented oak and masses of tannin in this structured red. It's a big, opment. As good a wine as I’ve tasted from Chile to date. solid, SUV of a wine, but has balance and concentration, and will improve with age.

ST 93 $65 WS 95 $80

SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA Fairview Shiraz Paarl Leeuwin Chardonnay Margaret River The Beacon 2002 Art Series 2001

This really lush wine drapes like velvet with blackberry, black cur- Seamless, harmonious and seductive, its gorgeous cascade of rant and dark cocoa aromas and flavors, and a long, smoke-and pear, pineapple, guava, nectarine and subtle spice aromas and tar-driven finish that shows serious grip. Shows the best side of flavors flow across the palate. Amazingly refined and built to last, but it feels utterly complete already. So. Africa, with perhaps their best grape.

WS 93 $30 WS 98 $70

PORTUGAL NEW ZEALAND Prats & Symington Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Douro Chryseia 2001 Marlborough 2004

Essence of blackberry, dark cherry and smoke make this an allur- Rich and expansive for NZ Sauvignon. Full and quite dry. Offers a ing and distinctive red. Intense concentration and a firm structure terrific combination of palate weight and grip. provide loads of power. Dark chocolate notes dominate the finish. Still quite youthful, but should develop nicely in the years ahead. WS 94 $45 ST 91 $30

GERMANY ARGENTINA Donnhoff Riesling Auslese Achaval-Ferrer Malbec Mendoza Finca Niederhauser Hermannshohle 2003 Altamira 2002

Medium-bodied and satin-textured, it reveals an ample character Lush layers of inky blackberry, black fig jam and crème de cassis. awash in spices, herbs, poached pears, and super-ripe apples. Fine acidity and floral and graphite notes, drive the finish. Great Notes of red currants, slate, and candied minerals intermingled mineral, lavender and sanguine notes. with linden blossoms can also be discerned in its complex flavor profile. RP 97 NA WS 94 $85

CANADA AUSTRIA Osoyoos Larose F.X. Pichler Le Grand Vin Okanagan Valley 2002 Riesling Smaragd Kellerberg 2004

Hugh Johnson says: “The wine that so impressed me is called Concentrated and deep. I was reminded of a refreshing mountain Osoyoos Larose… The color is a clear light red; the nose sweet, stream. A wine of great finesse, finishing very long, with a brisk bright, and fresh, with a hint of vegetation expressed, as it were, lime flavor. This still requires some bottle aging to fully express in flowers rather than leaves or roots. New oak wafts it along.” itself

Hugh Johnson, The World of Fine Wine $35 ST 93 $60

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

95 < & < $100

My client, JC in NJ, asked me to put together a cellar of wines with scores of 95-or- better, for under $100 per bottle. Some would argue this puts too much emphasis on the points and the opinions of a handful of critics. True, but, seriously, who has time to taste everything? You’d have to quit your job and drink from morning til night. And, Seriously, you’ve got to be a schmuck to look at two same-priced wines you haven’t tried and choose the one with the lower score. You won’t go wrong with taking a short-cut to get any of these 10 darlings that earned their numbers.

Kilikanoon Oracle Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey Shiraz 2003 Sauternes 2003

Even more powerful, dense, and long, with slightly higher Very, very intense aromas of dried apricot and lemon. Honey, alcohol than the 2002, this monster effort is well-balanced in syrup and Golden Delicious. Full-bodied, viscous and very spite of its great intensity and blockbuster size. It is capable of sweet. Pour it on pancakes. Love it. And drink it. Who can wait? evolving for two decades or more. Best after 2010.

RP 98 $65 WS 97 $40

Artadi Domaine Charvin Pagos Viejos 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001

One of Spain’s greatest wines exhibits an inky/ruby/purple Dark and dense, this very powerful Chateauneuf oozes dark choco- color as well as a luxurious bouquet of black and blue fruits, late, black currant, tar, mineral, grilled beef and roasted chestnut fla- espresso roast and floral notes. This full-bodied, dense 2001 vors that just won’t quit. Yet despite its exotic range of flavors, it has possess layers of flavor, a sweet integration of tannin and a pure, silky core of fruit that remains steadfast through the extremely wood and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. long finish. An awesome young wine. RP 97 $75 WS 96 $85 Azelia Leeuwin Art Series Barolo San Rocco 2000 Chardonnay 2001

Seamless, harmonious and seductive, its gorgeous cascade of Full-throttle style of Barolo with prune, leather, grilled meat flavors flowing across the palate like a babbling brook in a Japa- and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, chewy and ultraripe, with nese garden. Amazingly refined and built to last, but it feels ut- wild vanilla and intense fruit on the palate. Voluptuous and terly complete already. The finish just sails on and on. showy. WS 98 $65 WS 95 $70 Quinta do Noval Serpico Vintage Port 2000 Feudi san Gregorio 2001

Very fine young Port. Fascinating aromas of crushed fruit, Impenetrable and inky, staggeringly rich in both aroma and flavor, tar and wet earth. Turns floral. Full-bodied, medium sweet, offers ultra-ripe but perfectly fresh berry fruit, cloves, cinnamon, and with chewy, velvety tannins and a long finish. Grips your chocolate, and mouth-coating deep-pile tactile sensations which com- bine iron power and enveloping, voluptuous texture, infinitely deep mouth. A balanced and caressing Noval. and long. I would be amazed if this wine did not last 30 years. WS 96 $70 RP 98 $60

Conterno-Fantino D’Arenberg Barolo Sorí Genestra 2001 Dead Arm Shiraz 2003 Pure crushed berries and plums, with just a hint of wood and ...possesses an opaque purple color, great intensity, and a fresh mushroom. Full-bodied and compacted, with loads of fabulously sweet nose of blackberries… rich fruit and big, velvety tannins. Gorgeous wine. Huge con- centration, yet balanced. Greatest wine ever from here and RP 95 $55 the wine of the vintage. Best after 2009. WS 99 $100

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order. Cellar Confidential

It’s the End of the World as We Know

What Have I Been It, and I’d Like a Glass of Sogno Uno Trying To Tell You

If one were inclined to write snide, satirical barbs about the generally serious world People? of wine production, one would find it hard to believe one’s good fortune that Vivid Porn am now adding to my list of Star Savanna Samson is launching a branded wine, Sogno Uno. I credits: Shill for the Insurance According to the venerable New York Times under the headline, “Naked Came Industry. According to Decanter the Vintner,” Samson, whose real name is Natalie Oliveros, is a two-time winner of the magazine, “Investing in wine is big- AVN award for best actress, and her work with Jenna Jameson in “The New Devil in ger business than it has ever been Miss Jones,” a remake of the classic, won last year’s award for the best all-girl sex and yet, according to insurers, peo- scene. Her passionate performance in the film was sadly overlooked by Oscar voters ple often have no idea of the value this year. of the wines in their homes.” Insur- The wine—a blend of 70% Cesanese (from Lazio), 20% Sangiovese and 10% ance company Chubb reports that Monepulciano (“for backbone”)—is described as “complex with hints of pepper, earth “in 65% of homes with wine stocks, and cotton candy.” Horny Satyr-like wine God Robert Parker gave it a rating of 91 homeowners have completely over- after a very private tasting, if you know what I mean. looked their wine as an item to in- The attractive packaging features a provocative picture of Samson in a see-thru sure.” negligee and stiletto heels on the label, and includes a little itty bitty lotion dispenser ______tied around the neck. Sogno Uno sells for about $38 a bottle. Hopefully, All How Long Before Daryl Dawkins the Insurance Offers Chocolate Thunderbird? Adjusters will die Not to be outdone by a porn star, NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird will be introducing in the Inferno a new line of wines as part of a deal with Cosentino Winery in Napa. The joint ven- s for what constitutes a loss, all ture, called “Legends,” will release a Meritage priced at $70-80, and a Chardonnay losses are covered including later this spring. A Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also on tap. A earthquake (subject to a 10% de- The “Legends” name refers to his sobriquet, “Larry Legend.” According to sources ductible). The main exclusion to close to the deal, Cosentino rejected Bird’s first choice, his original on-court nick- wine insurance policies is spoilage. name, “The Hick from French Lick.” In addition, no policies cover acts of Bird, the mean, ugly, Peter Guber-loving, former Celtic Forward who tortured an war or nuclear reaction. entire generation of Lakers fans during the ‘80s, established his wine credentials in a ______series of Gillette razor ads in the 1980s: “For men who have noses.”

Bird’s former Celtic teammates Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge are said to be put- ting a deal together to bottle something they call “Whine.” Nothing Turns Me On More than Recommended Reading: A Better The New Yorker Book of Wine Cartoons the Smell of Mousetrap Noble Rot in The

After dinner with a Russian billion- Morning aire in McLean, Virginia, we headed Decanter magazine reports that down to the cellar to get a bottle of Port (Warre’s 1963). There was not Bordeaux negociant Ginestet is en- sufficient time to stand the bottle up joying good worldwide sales of to let the sediment settle to the bot- three perfumes derived from wine tom, and decanting Port is a no-win molecules. Sauternes lovers can situation under the best of circum- smell their favorite sweet wine with stances. The Russian pulled out a “Botrytis,” which has aromas of gizmo and stuck it into the neck of the honey, candied fruits, quince and bottle. The liquid poured out a beau- gingerbread. “Le Boise” is for the tiful, pure dark ruby color. Was I wit- oak aficionado, and “Sauvignon nessing a miracle?! No, an ingenious wine pourer/preserver with four mi- Blanc” is packed with white peach, cro-filters that keep the heavy stuff grapefruit and box-tree aromas. “Susan, this might be just the wine talking, out. Available from Epic Gifts for only Future scents still in develop- but I think I want to order more wine.” $5! At that price, friends, it just might ment include “Corked” and be a miracle! www.epicgifts.com “Barnyard.”

There are so many wonderful Chardonnays. There are so many Chardonnays, period. Too many. The Best Cellar doesn’t have time for all of them, so we whittled down the list to seven. Good number, seven. Seven dwarves, seven deadly sins, seven seas, seven days of the week, and the great blues song, “The Seventh Son,” by Willie Dixon. I love that song, and you’ll love these seven Chardonnays.

Tor Los Carneros Durell Vineyard Dijon Clones 2003 $55 Wine Spectator 92 “Generous, ripe, up-front peach, cream, fig and melon flavors caress the palate, making this notable not only for its alluring fruit complexity but also for its supple texture and elegant bal- ance. Drink now through 2007. 80 cases made.” Limited Availability RP 93

Lewis Cellars Napa Valley Reserve 2003 $70 Wine Spectator 95 “Remarkably rich and complex, with tiers of citrus, apple and pear fruit and an exotic overlay of smoky, toasty oak. But in the end, it's the ripe, polished fruit that shines through, giving this an impressive range of depth and flavor. Could stand short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2008.” Fisher Sonoma County Mountain Estate Vineyard 2003 $60 Wine Spectator 94 “Beautifully crafted, rich, opulent and deep, with layers of ripe pear, fig, apricot and melon, this tightly focused young wine benefits from light oak nuances, which give it a dash of hazelnut and spice. Long and complex finish, with tons of flavor. Drink now through 2008. RP 92

Peter Michael Mon Plaisir 2003 $100 Wine Spectator 93 “Beautifully crafted, striking a deft balance among the ripe, succulent pear, melon and apricot flavors shaded by a nice overlay of smoky oak. Harmonious flavors and texture make for a winsome combination. To be released September 2005. Drink now through 2009.” RP 94

Patz & Hall Caneros Hyde Vineyard 2003 $50 Wine Spectator 93 “Deliciously rich and multifaceted, with tiers of buttery pear and fig flavors that pick up a touch of smoke and vanilla and gain momentum. Mouthcoating aftertaste. Very impressive. Drink now through 2008.” RP 92

Leeuwin Estate Margaret River Art Series 2002 $85 Wine Spectator 96 “A wine of marvelous richness and unexpected subtlety, this has delicious pear, mineral, gooseberry and lime flavors in profusion, beautifully wrapped in a veil of spicy oak, persisting impressively on the long, long finish. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases imported.” RP 92

DuMol Russian River Valley 2003 $45 Wine Spectator 92 “Layers of rich, unctuous fruit, with tiers of fig, apricot, melon and light cedary oak, it offers lots of depth and dimension on the finish, where the flavors keep unfolding. Drink now through 2008.”

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order.

The Best Cellar Index

Percentage of wines sold in the US sporting non-cork closures: 10

Percentage of survey respondents who said buying a glass of wine at a restaurant represented a good value: 38

Percentage that said same five years ago: 50

Percentage of women who wish their sweethearts would give them wine, not candy, for Valentine’s Day: 59

Percentage of California wine sold of all wine sold in the US: 71.4

Percentage decrease in 2005: 0.7

Percentage of Australian wine sold in US: 7.7

Percentage increase in 2005: 0.7

Gallons of wine consumption per capita (adults) in the US, a record: 2.77

Rank of US in per capita wine consumption worldwide: 33

Number of cases of Australia’s Yellow Tail sold in US in 2005: 7,500,000

Number of cases sold by E&J Gallo in 2003: 75,000,000

Number of cases of wine sold in the U.S. in 2004: 243,000,000

Amount in dollars of US wine exports in 2004: 794,000,000

Amount in dollars of US wine exports in 1989: 98,000,000

Percentage increase of US wine exports 1989-2004: 814

Approximate number of bottles in La Tour d’Argent’s wine cellar: 800,000

The Best Cellar does not disclose its sources, but most of them seemed to know what they were talking about. Stop the Presses!!!!!! Vintage of the Century II 2005 Bordeaux Futures Just as The Best Cellar Newsletter was being put to bed, the new vintage from Bordeaux arrived with all the subtlety of a sonic boom. How many accolades can you fit on the head of a bottle of Margaux? The hype machine is in full swing and we are just beginning to find out. Please note that with futures you are essen- tially buying a guarantee to get the wine delivered in 2008. The prices below are first tranche prices, and are likely to change. Whether or not these wines will be more expensive upon release in ‘08 is subject to a number of market forces that only the true players understand. Below are the top 30 reds and two standout whites from The (New) Vintage of the Century. Place your bets. First Growths Branaire Ducru $60 Leoville Las Cases $275 Lafite Rothschild $600 RP 94-96 / WS 92-94 RP 92-94 / WS 95-100 RP 93-96 / WS 95-100 Calon Segur $80 L’Evangile $195 Latour $700 RP 93-96 / WS 92-94 RP 93-95 / WS 95-100 RP 98-100 / WS 95-100 Cheval Blanc $725 Magrez Fombrauge $200 Mouton Rothschild $575 RP 95-98 / WS 95-100 RP 94-96 / WS 92-94 RP 94-96 / WS 92-94 Cos d’Estournel $190 Palmer $225 Margaux $725 RP 95-97 / WS 95-100 RP 94-96 / WS 95-100 RP 96-100 / WS 95-100 Ducru Beaucaillou $170 Pape Clement $150 Haut Brion $700 RP 92-94 / WS 95-100 RP 96-100 / WS 92-94 RP 96-100 / WS 95-100 La Mission Haut Brion $300 Pavie $300 RP 95-97 / WS 95-100 RP 98-100 / WS 95-100

Angelus $235 La Conseillante $135 Pavie Decesse $265 RP 96-98 / WS 92-94 RP 93-95 / WS 92-94 RP 96-100 / WS 92-94

Ausone $1200 Larcis Ducasse $125 Pontet Canet $75 RP 96-100 / WS 95-100 RP 95-98 / WS 95-100 RP 94-96 / WS 95-100

Beausejour Duffau $90 Lascombes $70 Troplong Mondot $180 RP 94-96 / WS 92-94 RP 94-96 / WS 92-94 RP 96-100 / WS 92-94

Bellevue $80 L’Eglise Clinet $300 Haut Brion Blanc $500 RP 94-96 / WS 89-91 RP 96-98 / WS 95-100 RP 96-99 / WS 95-100

Bellevue Mondotte $270 Leoville Barton $120 Laville Haut Brion Blanc $300 RP 96-98 / WS 95-100 RP 94-96 / WS 95-100 RP 96-99 / WS 95-100

Prices quoted above are subject to availability and change. Call (310) 246-0005 or Email: [email protected] to order. Praise for The Best Cellar

“A book that demystifies must of the pomp and pedantry in the wine trade… one of the three funniest books on wine.” S. S. Fair, The New York Times Style Magazine

“An informative, well-written and fun-to-read guide for anyone with an interest in wine. Whether you are just starting a collection or have been enjoying wine for many years, you’ll find useful tips. This book is a must read.” Ann Colgin, Colgin Cellars

“Jeff Smith has put together everything you need to know about starting a wine cellar, from 100 bottles to 100,000 bottles. The book is readable, accessible and filled with info for every collection.” Don Zacharia, Zachys Wine

”In a disarming manner, Smith lets you know what kind of wine personality you have and where you’re going with it. A wake-up call for wine buffs.” Los Angeles Daily News

Praise for Jeff Smith & Carte du Vin™ Wine Cellar Management

“For serious collectors, getting a wine cellar organized can be a technological feat for an expert. That someone is Jeff Smith.” David Shaw, Los Angeles Times

“He calls it ‘wine cellar management.’ Clients call it a god-send.” Variety

“If you’re serious about your wine collection, you should check out Carte du Vin.” Anthony Dias Blue, WCBS Radio

“A guru.” Robb Report Luxury Home

“The Savvy Sommelier.” Distinction Magazine