2009 Mendel Unus Mendoza

The 2009 "Unus" is far and away the greatest Mendoza bottle we've offered since we began this little adventure. Glistening deep purple in color, powerfully infused with crushed blackberries and wild raspberries, with a hint of top-pedigree Pauillac graphite. Profound and juicy on the attack, packed with blackberries and cassis, the inimitable Roberto de la Mota married magical physiological concentration with rare Medoc restraint, accounting for a bottle that Parker suggests won't be hitting its peak until sometime in 2024!
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Mario Bazan Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Sampler

Region: California > Napa
Grape type: Cabernet Sauvignon

It's taken two years, making this our longest courtship in memory. Of the 3,500 bottles of that classically structured 2005, we've finally wrestled away the last 420. Thanks to Mario for forgetting our Tarzan act, and now offering a like amount of the absolutely extravagant 2007 from Wine Spectator's 99pt vintage. Just 70 (mixed) cases are up for grabs at a price that defies logic. Purple/black to the edge. Rich and powerful on the attack, packed with blackberry liveliness. read more »

2011 Domaine Dominique et Janine Crochet Sancerre

Region: France > Loire
Grape type: Sauvignon Blanc

This is the last of our trifecta commitment to Janine -- and it's the best of all. If the 2009 was plump and juicy, where fatness trumped backbone, the 2010 was all about stony minerality, letting the ripe apple concentration take a back seat. But here, with this absolutely stunning 2011 from that warm precocious vintage, Teddy would make his dad proud. Rich and marvelously concentrated on the attack, full of Golden Delicious intensity with just a hint of honey. But despite richness that outpoints the 2009, the finish is fresh and riveting, taking an electrifying page out of the 2010's book. read more »