Napa
North Coast's Napa Valley is California's most famous viticultural area (AVA), claiming some of the most expensive agricultural land in the world and producing wines of ‘cult’ status.
Its 16,000 ha of vines lie over a strip (40 miles long-5 miles wide) of diverse soils (clay, gravely, volcanic), with its northernmost end on the side of Mountain Helena and its foot in San Francisco Bay. The valley is framed by two mountains ranges Vaca (to the north) and Mayacamas (to the south), yet the main climatic influence is the cool wind and fog that is sucked in from San Pablo Bay during the afternoon, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
The area enjoys a variety of unique microclimates, as temperatures can vary dramatically as much as 15 degrees, from the north to the south end of the valley. These differences have led to the creation of several sub-AVAs (14 in total) including:
Atlas Peak, Chiles Valley District, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Los Carneros, Mt. Veeder, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District, Yountville, Wild Horse Valley and Oak Knoll District. The Calistoga AVA is still pending approval.
Both the “Napa Valley” designation and the sub-AVA name must appear on the wine label simultaneously, with the exception of wines from the Carneros AVA, which is shared between the Napa Valley and the Sonoma County.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the undisputed king of Napa grapes, occupying over 45% of the vineyard acreage, followed by (predominantly) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cab. Franc and to a lesser extent Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto.
Recommended Producers
Frog's Leap, Dominus, David Ramey, Viader, Stag's Leap Cellars, Paras Vineyards, Heitz.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl9cs
£467.94
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Colgin Cellars,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2011 IX Estate (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot) possesses surprising density and richness (then again, it-s from a hillside vineyard that was above the fog line in 2011), impressive purity, lots of red, blue and black fruits, and not a trace of herbaceousness. The oak is nicely integrated in this soft, round, generously endowed effort. It should drink nicely for a decade or more.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate - Issue#209 Oct 2013
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate - Issue#209 Oct 2013
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Opus One,
Ready, but will improve,
Opus One was founded as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Mouton-Rothschild. The first vintage was 1979, and along with Dominus this is considered as a Napa Valley "first growth". The fruit comes from the tightlyplanted vineyards that surround the winery, and is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The wine has a very Bordelais "elevage" with 18 months in new French oak.
Case price (Magnum 3 x 150cl)
Magnum 3 x 150cl2cs
£1,458.00
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Opus One,
Ready, but will improve,
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 1% Malbec
2009 was a slightly mixed vintage, weather-wise, for the Napa Valley, with cool weather at flowering and during the key ripening period but interspersed with some burst of extreme heat which brought a pleasing maturity to the grapes in time for the harvest. The bouquet shows traditional cassis and dark chocolate aromas but also some blueberry and graphite, reflecting the coolness. The palate is exceptionally fine, with abundant but ripe tannins integrating beautifully with the French oak and perfectly complemented by crisp acidity. As always, one of the purest expressions of a Bordeaux blend grown in California.
Case price (Magnum 3 x 150cl)
Magnum 3 x 150cl4cs
£1,473.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,475.00
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Magnum 3 x 150cl5cs
£1,578.00
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Dominus Estate,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2011 Napanook is deep, rich and intense for the year. Plums, mocha, spices, licorice all flesh out in an inviting wine to drink now and over the next few years. The 2011 has no hard edges or greenness, but the medium-bodied structure suggests it is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. The blend is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc.
Antonio Galloni
Antonio Galloni
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Dominus Estate,
For laying down,
The aromas on the nose are of damson & mulberry fruit, mocha and a swathe of vanilla in a restrained style. The 2011 was a difficult year and yet Dominus have pulled out all the stops and produced an excellent offering. The palate is medium bodied, with savoury earthy notes, black peppercorn, graphite with a spicy lingering finish. Somewhat Bordeaux–esque in style and I think with 5 – 7 years in the bottle this wine will be a lovely drop and will continue to evolve into the 2020’s. A wine that in time will show very much like an aged claret.
Stuart Rae - Private Account Manager
“The 2011 Dominus has a very elegant nose of cassis, tobacco, nori and redcurrant – this feels more Bordeaux than Napa, a reflection on the difficult growing season in 2011. Plummy fruit and sous bois on the palate, with very fine tannins and a racy streak of freshness. Not an all-time great, but a fine example of this legendary Napa wine. Best drunk within the first 15 years of its life as you wait for the 2010 to mature.
Fergus Stewart - Private Account Manager
Stuart Rae - Private Account Manager
“The 2011 Dominus has a very elegant nose of cassis, tobacco, nori and redcurrant – this feels more Bordeaux than Napa, a reflection on the difficult growing season in 2011. Plummy fruit and sous bois on the palate, with very fine tannins and a racy streak of freshness. Not an all-time great, but a fine example of this legendary Napa wine. Best drunk within the first 15 years of its life as you wait for the 2010 to mature.
Fergus Stewart - Private Account Manager
Bottle 6 x 75cl2cs
£625.00
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Dominus Estate,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2009 Dominus saw about 40% new oak compared to the 20% for Napanook. A seamless classic, it offers a symphony of red and black currants, Asian plum sauce, lavender, and underbrush. Sweet Christmas fruitcake characteristics emerge from this magnificent Dominus that finished at 14.5% natural alcohol (slightly higher than usual). The seamless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol, the brilliant length and overall compelling complexity and richness make it one of the great classics from this historic estate. It should drink well for 20-25 years.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013
Robert Parker Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013
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Dominus Estate,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2009 Napanook, which Moueix claims to be one of his favorite wines of the last decade, is among the finest they have made. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it exhibits a dark plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, incense, roasted herbs, loamy soil, kirsch, black currants and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins and a round, opulent mouthfeel, this beauty can be drunk now and over the next 12-15 years.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013
Robert Parker Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013
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Dominus Estate,
Drink now,
Napanook is made solely from grapes grown at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley. The wine is blended from blocks in the vineyard that were carefully selected for their lively fruit, soft tannins and early maturing characteristics. The 2007 vintage is vibrant and rich, filled with fresh cranberry, incense and floral aromas, round tannins and exceptional energy. Creamy on the palate, the wine is pure, precise and powerful. This vintage is one of the finest produced to date. Napanook 2007 is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. This wine is created to be consumed young, and enjoyed with food, but will also age well for more than a decade.
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
£400.00
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Colgin Cellars,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2010 IX Estate is another perfect wine. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by copious aromas of blueberries, cassis, pen ink, asphalt, licorice and subtle oak. Full-bodied and rich but light on its feet, this spectacular effort was created from a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Enjoy this profound wine over the next 25+ years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Oct 2013
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Oct 2013
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
£5,500.00
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Colgin Cellars,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2009 Syrah IX Estate has developed beautifully over the last year. A blast of heady aromas and flavors burst from the glass in a wine endowed with serious depth. The 2009 stands out for its dazzling inner perfume and balance. Sweet spices, licorice and tobacco all add complexity, while firm mountain tannins frame the saline, focused finish. Although gorgeous today, the 2009 should continue to provide immense pleasure for at least another decade.
Winemaker Allison Tauziet describes 2010 as a year that started later than normal because of a cold March and early April. Conditions returned to normal in June, when temperatures increased. There were no heat spikes during the summer, but a period of heat in September allowed the fruit to catch up. The harvest took place between mid to late October. I also revisited the 2011s, which are now preliminary blends. Readers who want to learn more about Colgin might want to take a look at my video interview with Allison Tauziet filmed during the 2012 harvest. This is a striking set of wines from Ann Colgin, her husband Joe Wender, and the entire Colgin team
Antonio Galloni -Wine Advocate #204 Dec 2012
The 2009 IX Estate Syrah is simply impeccable. It possesses striking finesse in its aromatics and graceful layers of dark black fruit. This is one of the most unique Syrahs being made in California today. Layers of elegant fruit flow seamlessly to the long, textured finish. The 2009 is remarkable from the very first taste. It shows fabulous aromatic intensity and lift throughout. I loved it.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate #198 - Dec 2011
Winemaker Allison Tauziet describes 2010 as a year that started later than normal because of a cold March and early April. Conditions returned to normal in June, when temperatures increased. There were no heat spikes during the summer, but a period of heat in September allowed the fruit to catch up. The harvest took place between mid to late October. I also revisited the 2011s, which are now preliminary blends. Readers who want to learn more about Colgin might want to take a look at my video interview with Allison Tauziet filmed during the 2012 harvest. This is a striking set of wines from Ann Colgin, her husband Joe Wender, and the entire Colgin team
Antonio Galloni -Wine Advocate #204 Dec 2012
The 2009 IX Estate Syrah is simply impeccable. It possesses striking finesse in its aromatics and graceful layers of dark black fruit. This is one of the most unique Syrahs being made in California today. Layers of elegant fruit flow seamlessly to the long, textured finish. The 2009 is remarkable from the very first taste. It shows fabulous aromatic intensity and lift throughout. I loved it.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate #198 - Dec 2011
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
£5,200.00
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Colgin Cellars,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2009 IX Estate Red Wine is another breathtaking wine. It is the coolest, most inward of these 2009s. Graphite, tar, smoke, savory herbs, licorice and black fruit are some of nuances that emerge from the IX Estate. Here, too, the tannins are quite imposing at this stage, but the integration of fruit and structure is superb. This has more than enough stuffing to age for a number of years. The 2009 IX Estate is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot.
Colgin fans will delight in the 2009s and 2010s, two vintages that are fabulous here. The 2009s capture the silkiness and early approachability of the year. They are incredibly appealing wines. The 2010s will probably prove to be even better. I tasted the 2010s from preliminary blends and then in several pure component lots. Let’s just say there is a lot to look forward to. There is no expense spared at Colgin, and it shows in these striking wines. This is a great showing from Ann Colgin, her husband Joe Wender and their winemaker Allison Tauziet.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate #198 - Dec 2011
Colgin fans will delight in the 2009s and 2010s, two vintages that are fabulous here. The 2009s capture the silkiness and early approachability of the year. They are incredibly appealing wines. The 2010s will probably prove to be even better. I tasted the 2010s from preliminary blends and then in several pure component lots. Let’s just say there is a lot to look forward to. There is no expense spared at Colgin, and it shows in these striking wines. This is a great showing from Ann Colgin, her husband Joe Wender and their winemaker Allison Tauziet.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate #198 - Dec 2011
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
£5,500.00
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Opus One,
Ready, but will keep,
Electric zing of ripe and exciting Cabernet at its absolute finest on the nose. Hint of oak but sophisticated and precise rather than brassy and brash. Exotic, plush and plump on the palate with real waves of ripe decadent blackcurrants. Powerful, intoxicating and very serious. Its a real blockbuster and will require patience like the finest Bordeaux. Its really going to be worth the wait.
Simon Staples, Sales and Marketing Director
Simon Staples, Sales and Marketing Director
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Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,525.00
New To BBX
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,540.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,550.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl2cs
£1,600.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,950.00
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Opus One,
For laying down,
One of the highlights among the more recent releases, the 2010 Opus One is flat-out gorgeous. Dark cherries, plums, graphite, cassis and pencil shavings are all woven together in a fabric of notable class and elegance. The 2010 stands out for its exceptional minerality, tension and pure power. Readers will have to be patient. This is a picture perfect rendering of this great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintage.
Antonio Galloni - Aug-2013
Antonio Galloni - Aug-2013
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,500.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,543.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,575.00
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Dominus Estate,
For laying down,
A towering, utterly magnificent wine, the 2010 Dominus boasts stunning depth and power. Asphalt, licorice, menthol, plums and cassis wrap around the palate and never let up. The 2010 is endowed with serious density and structure, so it is going to require plenty of time to come together. Melted road tar, sage and intense mineral notes support rich, dense fruit that is just beginning to emerge from beneath a wall of tannin. This is a fabulous showing. The 2010 is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous, November 2013
Antonio Galloni - Vinous, November 2013
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Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,380.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£1,380.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl2cs
£850.00
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Lokoya,
For laying down,
Flirting with perfection, which is almost unheard of in this vintage, is the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder. Along with Betty O-Shaughnessey, Lokoya appears to have produced one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons made from this underrated and diverse terroir. Seamlessly constructed, this opaque purple-colored 2011 offers up aromas of pen ink, acacia flowers, forest floor, blueberries, blackberries and cassis intermixed with hints of espresso, chocolate and subtle earthy notes. Wonderfully ripe and voluptuously textured, this beautiful, full-bodied wine should continue to drink well for another 15-20 years.
Lokoya has long been one of the bright shining stars in the Kendall-Jackson Small Estates portfolio. The fact that all four of their 2011 Cabernets were among the best wines I tasted in this vintage reflects many things, among them, (1) the exceptional commitment to quality, (2) the brilliance of the vineyards and winemaker Christopher Carpenter, (3) these mountain vineyards were less affected by the challenging weather conditions of rain and fog in early and mid-October, and (4) the winemaking team had the patience to wait for perfect ripeness before harvesting these limited production cuvees. The production is even smaller than usual in 2011, ranging from 200 cases for the Diamond Mountain and Spring Mountain, 260 cases for the Howell Mountain and 840 cases for the prodigious Mt. Veeder.
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013
Lokoya has long been one of the bright shining stars in the Kendall-Jackson Small Estates portfolio. The fact that all four of their 2011 Cabernets were among the best wines I tasted in this vintage reflects many things, among them, (1) the exceptional commitment to quality, (2) the brilliance of the vineyards and winemaker Christopher Carpenter, (3) these mountain vineyards were less affected by the challenging weather conditions of rain and fog in early and mid-October, and (4) the winemaking team had the patience to wait for perfect ripeness before harvesting these limited production cuvees. The production is even smaller than usual in 2011, ranging from 200 cases for the Diamond Mountain and Spring Mountain, 260 cases for the Howell Mountain and 840 cases for the prodigious Mt. Veeder.
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013
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Ramey Wine Cellars,
Ready, but will keep,
David Ramey is a man with the vinous Midas touch. Ramey Wine Cellars was founded in 1996 by David and his wife Carla, after David had worked for almost two decades at such famous wineries as Matanzas Creek and Dominus.
Despite his background making some of California’s great red wines, it is with Chardonnay that David has carved his own niche under the family name. Along with the likes of Steve Kistler at Kistler and Jim Clendenen at ABC, David’s ethos is to balance terroir driven Californian fruit with Burgundian tradition. In David’s own words, “It’s about harmony – the marriage of Old World methods with New World innovations”.
Ramey Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay is a big step up from the Russian River cuvee. From fruit from Carneros’ famed Hyde vineyard, this is brimming with citrus fruit, underpinned with a steely minerality. The vintage has held the slightly tropical notes in check but there is a richness that is the hallmark of this cuvee. Where the Woolsey Rd is Puligny, this is more Meursault like with a breath to the wine. Give it a year or two in the cellar and enjoy anytime over the following five years.
Despite his background making some of California’s great red wines, it is with Chardonnay that David has carved his own niche under the family name. Along with the likes of Steve Kistler at Kistler and Jim Clendenen at ABC, David’s ethos is to balance terroir driven Californian fruit with Burgundian tradition. In David’s own words, “It’s about harmony – the marriage of Old World methods with New World innovations”.
Ramey Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay is a big step up from the Russian River cuvee. From fruit from Carneros’ famed Hyde vineyard, this is brimming with citrus fruit, underpinned with a steely minerality. The vintage has held the slightly tropical notes in check but there is a richness that is the hallmark of this cuvee. Where the Woolsey Rd is Puligny, this is more Meursault like with a breath to the wine. Give it a year or two in the cellar and enjoy anytime over the following five years.
New To BBX
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
£550.00
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Inglenook,
For laying down,
2012 was a textbook vintage in Napa. Above average warmth and sunshine, but with no major heat spikes to damage the crop. September and October saw some fine weather allowing the Cabernets to ripen perfectly on the vine with little disease pressure. Classically Californian in style, these are rich, concentrated wines that will reward extended cellaring, all in all, a great vintage.
Inglenook was established in the top-rated Rutherford appellation in Napa Valley in 1879 by a Finnish sea captain, Gustave Niebaum. After a chequered history, which included the winery shutting down during prohibition, the estate regained its original reputation for producing very fine wine during the 1940s when it was owned by John Daniel. Now owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola he has brought on board a smorgasbord of talent in the guise of viticulturist Stephane Derenoncourt and winemaker Philippe Bascaules, from Chateau Margaux.
Inglenook was established in the top-rated Rutherford appellation in Napa Valley in 1879 by a Finnish sea captain, Gustave Niebaum. After a chequered history, which included the winery shutting down during prohibition, the estate regained its original reputation for producing very fine wine during the 1940s when it was owned by John Daniel. Now owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola he has brought on board a smorgasbord of talent in the guise of viticulturist Stephane Derenoncourt and winemaker Philippe Bascaules, from Chateau Margaux.
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Staglin Family Vineyard,
Ready, but will improve,
The dense blue/purple-colored 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possesses a complex bouquet of black cherry and black currant liqueur, forest floor, baking spice and subtle background oak. This rich, complex, full-bodied 2009 is just beginning to open and show tertiary nuances. It should continue to age well for 20-25 years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Oct 2013
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Oct 2013
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Screaming Eagle,
For laying down,
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon brings together so many of the elements that make Screaming Eagle such a great and distinctive wine. Crushed rocks, graphite, menthol, plums, black cherries and mint all jump from the glass. Power, structure and finesse all come together in this remarkably vivid, dazzling wine. Rain in spring caused a poor set, which lowered yields dramatically, intensifying all of the sensations in the glass. Today, the 2010 is utterly head spinning. In 2010, Screaming Eagle is a bit lower in Cabernet Sauvignon and higher in Merlot than normal. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - Dec-2012
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - Dec-2012
Bottle 3 x 75cl1cs
£8,100.00
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Original Wooden Case
Bottle 3 x 75cl1cs
£1,200.00
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Hundred Acre Winery,
For laying down,
Woodbridge’s vineyard tucked away near the famous Eisele Vineyard, now owned by Château Latour, produces the wine known as the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Few and Far Between Vineyard. This is another luxurious, exceptionally concentrated and loaded wine with great intensity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, unbelievable amounts of blackberry, cassis and blueberry fruit, crushed rock minerality, and a floral note. It is easily the most backward of the five Cabernet Sauvignons I tasted from Woodbridge in 2012. The wine is super-intense, displays plenty of tannin, but is silky and well-integrated. This wine needs at least 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30-50 years, as it promises to be one of the modern-day legends from Napa.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - The Wine Advocate, 28th Aug 2015
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - The Wine Advocate, 28th Aug 2015
Original Wooden Case
Bottle 3 x 75cl2cs
£1,600.00
Bottle 3 x 75cl1cs
£1,825.00
Bottle 3 x 75cl1cs
£1,850.00
Bottle 3 x 75cl1cs
£2,000.00
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