2002 Numanthia
This is like the Spanish version of a Napa cult cab; and it works. Deep, impenetrably dark, the colour of a California Central Coast Syrah. Complex nose of blackberry and raspberry joined by brown spice notes and a notable whiff of vanilla. The mouth feel is soft and plush and at age 13 it is fully mature, tannins are integrated and there is just enough acidity to keep all that fruit from going over the top. The blackfruit flavours are very intense, more reminiscent of a younger wine. Full body with a long finish. This is surely a wine that will polarize opinions: we loved the outrageous body , mouthfeel and larger than life presence. Rajat Parr would HATE this wine for those same reasons. Vive la difference!
Excellent
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2001 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha’s Vineyard
This is really quite extraordinary. One of the greatest wines we have tasted. Deep purple/ruby. Not exactly the colour you would expect of a 14 year old wine! The nose was just incredible: as I was decanting it the intensity was noticeable. Black cherries, just a whiff of menthol, some vanilla form the very expressive and powerful bouquet. With time, the menthol component increases. The palate brings out black cherries and black currants delivered in a medium full body. Hints of cedar and earth add to the complexity. The balance here is as precise as can be which results in a mouthfeel that is wonderfully smooth. Tannins and acidity elongate the finish and balance perfectly the intensity of the fruit. It is quite astonishing to feel the sensations of power and smoothness simultaneously. The finish must be at least a minute long. This wine has everything. Still on the rise I would think and may even be better in another 5 years. Simply stunning.
Extraordinary
(Available in BC through their distributor Vintage Corks www.vintagecorks.com; 2005, 2007 and 2009 also available)
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2001 Killibinbin Shiraz
A delightful aged Shiraz with lots of dark fruits. Black cherry and bramble berry are delivered in a well balanced, medium bodied style. It has a good mouthfeel with just the right amount of texture; round without being soft. The tannins are fully resolved and there are some secondary characteristics of olive and woodsy notes that join the blackberry to add interest and complexity, though this wine is mostly about the fruit. It finishes just slightly hot. Drink now!
Very Good +
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NV Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blancs D’Ay
Pale gold colour with fine mousse. Beautiful nose of bread dough, honey and almonds. Light in the mouth but very intense flavours of apple and pear with a hint of caramel and minerals in the long finish. This is pure elegance; only great winemaking can deliver that kind of extreme finesse while tasting powerful at the same time. 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay, from the village of Ay, a village know for its Pinot Noir! Disgorged December 2012. 8g/L dosage.
Excellent
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2004 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (Red Mountain Red Bordeaux Blend)
Still very dark, with only a slight fade at the rim. Black cherries, blueberries and spices form the powerful nose that is very enticing. The medium to full body delivers a sense of power without taking things too far. The dark fruits dominate the palate while the spices take on an almost candied flavour creating plenty of complexity. A blend of mostly Cab Franc and Merlot, this has suprisingly big shoulders for those varietals. A long finish with plenty of life still.
Excellent
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2001 Bodegas Valsacro Rioja Dioro
Medium garnet, fading slightly at the rim. A medium bodied wine with a very expressive nose of cherries & strawberries with notes of spice & vanilla in the background. A wonderfully delicate mouthfeel that delivers strawberries & raspberries in an almost candied tone. With time, the candy tones are replaced by more earthy notes. Classically Rioja, its elegant frame delivers its complex nuances. Fully mature but showing no signs of fading. Delicious!
Excellent
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2002 Numanthia 
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