Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Whitehall Lane, Rudd, Gloria Ferrer

Greetings!
Eventually I'll get all caught up, but until I'm there, I've got a few things that you might be interested in.

First up, I just had a Pinot Noir from Gloria Ferrer that's been drastically discounted.
It's the 2000 Gloria Ferrer Jose Ferrer Collection Pinot Noir
It seemed a little strange when I first tasted it (right after the 04 Carneros Pinot, which was Smokin'!) but when I tried it again after tasting some Bordeaux, it seemed much fruitier and better put together. The clincher is that it usually sells for about $40, but it's on close-out for $16 bottle.
The Wine Spectator rated 87 points, saying "Well-oaked and moderately tannic, with cedar, vanilla and mocha flavors woven in with plum, cherry and a minty character. Drink now through 2006. 350 cases made".
Since it's on close-out, it probably won't last through the day, but let me know if you want it and I'll try to secure some for you.

Next, There are exactly 6 bottles left at the distributors of the 2002 Rudd Estates Proprietary Red wine.
While I haven't tasted this vintage, this winery remains one of my favorite California Estates, and I feel that I can recommend them without reservation. (Much like Shafer and their Hillside Select Cab)
Robert Parker HAS tasted it and he really liked this wine, rating it 95 points, and saying "
A superb although closed offering is the 2002 Proprietary Estate wine from Oakville, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, and 1% Malbec. Aged 20 months in oak, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine displays a distinctive perfume reminiscent of a top-notch Graves. Aromas of scorched earth, tobacco leaf, black currants, and blueberries are accompanied by a striking minerality, high tannins and a certain austerity, which suggest considerable aging potential for this wine, which is concentrated with a certain exuberance and unctuosity but firm structure. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025."
The winery sells it for $125 a bottle, and I can get it to you for $120, and you won't have to pay shipping!

And lastly, I recently had a Cab from Napa that made a big impression on me.
It is the 2003 Reserve Cab from Whitehall Lane
While it's not the biggest or richest cab I've ever tasted, there is something about it that screams purity.
I think that it is the most pure expression of Cab Sauv that I've ever tasted.
(It's 100% Cab Sauv, and it has a Glass closure, like some German wines I've seen ). I only "priced it" at $70+ when I tasted it, but to me, this wine is profound.
The winery sells it for $75, but I can get it to you for $65 if you're interested.

(IThe Wine Spectator rated a barrell sample of this wine 92-94 points, saying "Impressive display of rich, vibrant fruit and oak, with excellent intensity, depth and length. The core flavors are intense, with mocha, blackberry and currant fruit that's dense and persistent, making this wine one of the early leaders." )
I'm pretty sure I can get these wines to you through HWM for a slightly higher price, but I can guarantee these prices through the Corkscrew.

Just let me know if you're interested, and I'll do what I can to secure the wine for you.
Cheers,
Chuck