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Australian2883
Italian1144
Burgundy664
Imported655
Bordeaux410
Champagne332
New Zealand297
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Sauternes / Barsac173
Chablis166
France158
Port69
Spirits59
Whisky32
Total Lots:7293

Top 10 Most Popular Lots

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ARGIANO Solengo2015
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Parker Extraordinary

Lots in the current auction catalogue with 96-100 Robert Parker Wine Advocate Points

MONDAVI ROTHCHILD Opus One Cabernet Blend 2012
Cabernet Blend Napa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 1100-1200

Rating: 96 points

The iconic 2012 Proprietary Red Opus One is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec aged 18 months in French oak. A classy, complex, suave and savory 2012 Opus One, with notes of toasty oak and cr�me de cassis. This Pauillac lookalike, made by the staff at Mouton Rothschild, is a beauty. They have continued to strengthen the quality of wine and seem to have produced a brilliant, world-class wine. I imagine the 2013 may even eclipse this, but this 2012 is one of their great ones, with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood all present in this beautiful, full-bodied wine that should drink well for 25-30 years.

XNE
0711
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $914
XNE
0712
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $914
XNE
0713
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $914

LOUIS ROEDERER Cristal Rose 2013
Rose Champagne
Estimate Per Bottle: 850-900

Rating: 99 points

A candidate for wine-of-the-vintage honors in Champagne, Roederer's 2013 Cristal Ros� is showing brilliantly, unfurling in the glass with notes of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, red berries, stone fruit, freshly baked bread and tangerine oil. Full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, the vintage's bright girdling acids are amply cloaked in exuberant, expressive and notably concentrated fruit; so while this Cristal is as tensile and age-worthy as one would expect, it's also impressively fleshy and generous given the year. Concluding with an intensely sapid finish, the 2013 isn't as overtly structured as the muscular, tightly wound 2012: rather, it's the 2013's alliance of cut and flesh, precision and charm that's so compelling this year. This is another banner vintage for what I consider the reigning champion of the region's t�te de cuv�e bottlings, and it will be worth an effort to acquire.

ACC
17626
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $824

MOET & CHANDON Dom Perignon Brut 1998
Brut Champagne
Estimate Per Bottle: 450-480

Rating: 97 points

The 1998 Dom P?rignon has an intense white-golden color and is beautifully clear and fine on the nose, which indicates a lovely maturity and displays grey bread, almond cake and iodine flavors, along with lemon and orange aromas. This clarity and mineral freshness proceeds on the highly elegant, finesse-full and silky textured palate, and the complexly flavored, very distinguished finish is dry and mineral, revealing a stimulating salinity and tension. The 1998 seems young still, but is certainly a great pleasure to drink and will be for many years.

ANT
0086
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $300

BEST'S GREAT WESTERN Thomson Family Shiraz 2006
Shiraz Grampians
Estimate Per Bottle: 200-220

Rating: 96 points

With a very deep purple-black color, the 2006 Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz gives a whole array of complex aromas: warm plum, kirsch, blackberry conserve, dried rose petals, black pepper, loam, underbrush, tobacco, smoky bacon, mocha and girolles. With so much happening on the nose, the palate is surprisingly elegant with medium to full body, medium-high acid and a medium to high level of finely grained tannins. Exquisitely balanced, this wine has a very long finish. Beginning to drink well now, it should cellar until 2025+.

No known USA importer.

TUR
0841
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $115

CLARENDON HILLS Astralis Syrah 2006
Syrah McLaren Vale
Estimate Per Bottle: 350-400

Rating: 99 points

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2006 Astralis has stunning nose redolent of warm blackberries, meat, toast and charcoal, infused with notes of smoked duck, anise and a slight bit of peat. Though still very youthful, this big, rich, and powerful full-bodied wine has firm yet velvety tannins, a vibrant acid line and is very long on the finish. Drink it now to 2026+.

I am grateful to Roman Bratasiuk for presenting me with small verticals from his cellar of some of his greatest vineyard sources for this report, including the Merlot (as an indication that Merlot can do well in Australia!), the Old Vines/Romas Vineyard Grenache and a vertical of the Astralis vineyard Shiraz going back to 1991. Readers should note that the 2011 vintage Clarendon Hills wines are being released a little later than usual and therefore were not available for tasting in time for this report. However, I have been informed that they will be available for tasting very soon and will hopefully make the South Australia report.

106
0888
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $240
TUR
0704
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $220
TUR
0705
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $220
TUR
0706
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $220

CLARENDON HILLS Astralis Syrah 2010
Syrah McLaren Vale
Estimate Per Bottle: 350-360

Rating: 100 points

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Astralis is still quite primary eliciting aromas of black plums, blueberry compote and blackcurrant liqueur with a savory and baking spice undercurrent plus a fragrant whiff of violets. Very structured, fine and complex in the medium to full-bodied mouth, this wine is revealing much more than when I first tasted it a year ago and is now showing layer upon layer of black fruit preserves, mocha, toast and spices before finishing with great length. Extraordinary wine. Approachable now, it should cellar to 2030+. I am grateful to Roman Bratasiuk for presenting me with small verticals from his cellar of some of his greatest vineyard sources for this report, including the Merlot (as an indication that Merlot can do well in Australia!), the Old Vines/Romas Vineyard Grenache and a vertical of the Astralis vineyard Shiraz going back to 1991. Readers should note that the 2011 vintage Clarendon Hills wines are being released a little later than usual and therefore were not available for tasting in time for this report. However, I have been informed that they will be available for tasting very soon and will hopefully make the South Australia report.

TUR
0707
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $244
TUR
0708
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $244
TUR
0709
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $244

CLARENDON HILLS Astralis Syrah 2012
Syrah McLaren Vale
Estimate Per Bottle: 400-420

Rating: 98+ points

Medium to deep garnet/purple, the 2012 Astralis (Shiraz) starts off with complex, meaty and earthy aromas wafting around a core of blackberry preserves, preserved plums, and mulberries with hints of licorice, Chinese five spice and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the multi-layered flavors have very spicy accents and are framed by ripe, grainy tannins. It has a very long and elegant finish with hints of exotic spices.

RBA
0006
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $256

CLARENDON HILLS Astralis Syrah 2015
Syrah McLaren Vale
Estimate Per Bottle: 400-450

Rating: 100 points

The fitting capstone to what was a terrific vintage for Clarendon Hills, the 2015 Astralis Syrah is destined to become a McLaren Vale legend. Remarkably precise, complex and pristine aromas of anise, pepper, mint and blueberries lead the way. Theyre followed by a full-bodied yet impeccably ripe palate thats dense and concentrated yet supple, leading into a velvety, nearly endless finish. Wow.

TUR
0718
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $240
TUR
0719
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $240
TUR
0720
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $240

CLARENDON HILLS Astralis Syrah 2017
Syrah McLaren Vale
Estimate Per Bottle: 390-400

Rating: 97+ points

The 2017 Astralis Syrah is a very fine wine. It is not a big wine. Perhaps its reputation for being a big, extracted wine is a misnomer these days. It has intention and drive and clarity and length�and the length of flavor is so long that it allows reassessment over and over again. It has cassis and blackberry, raspberry pip and salted licorice. It is perfumed and balanced, and it takes time to develop. Unctuous. Satisfying. Supple. Attractive. Beautiful. Eminently balanced. A beauty.

XWA
1545
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $314
XWA
1526
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $314
XWA
1485
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $314

CLARENDON HILLS Hickinbotham Vineyard Syrah 2006
Syrah McLaren Vale
Estimate Per Bottle: 100-120

Rating: 97+ points

The 2006 Syrah Hickinbotham Vineyard combines a voluptuous flavor profile with enough ripe tannin to evolve for 6-8 years. Drink it from 2015 to 2031.

Roman Bratasiuks Clarendon Hills is one of the worlds great wine estates. The wines are all 100% varietal, produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, and Syrah. The vineyards are all ungrafted, planted on their own roots, most of them with very old vines. Only French oak is utilized, seasoned barrels for the Grenache, 100% new for the Merlot and Cabernets, and 50-100% new for the Syrahs depending upon the vineyard. The wines typically spend 18 months in oak prior to bottling without fining or filtration. All of the above 2006 bottlings were reviewed from barrel samples in Issue 173. The vintage was an excellent one, not quite as exceptional as 2005, but there may be cases in which selected 2006s may eventually outshine their 2005 counterparts. All of the 2006s fell within their predicted ranges (mostly near the high end) so I will keep my comments brief. Clarendon Hills 2006 Syrahs are superb. They appear to be less structured and more forward than the 2005s and will be more approachable early on. As an aside, Clarendon Hills USA importer does not bring in the Onkaparinga Grenache and Syrah cuvees. In Issue 173 I rated the Onkaparinga Grenache (92-95) and the Onkaparinga Syrah (92-95).

106
0951
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $64

ELDERTON Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 2005
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 140-150

Rating: 97 points

Elderton

WAY
0101
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $85
TUR
0735
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $80
TUR
0736
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $80
TUR
0737
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $80

GIACONDA Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2004
Chardonnay Beechworth
Estimate Per Bottle: 200-220

Rating: 96 points

One of the finest Australian Chardonnays I have ever tasted is Giacondas 2004 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard. Aged 18 months in French oak (50% new, 100% Sirugue barrels), it tastes like a grand cru from Puligny-Montrachet. Steely lemon oil, popcorn, buttered hazelnut, and subtle smoke scents emerge from the glass of this intense, full-bodied Chardonnay that is bursting with character and soul. This amazing effort must be tasted to be believed.

JIB
0164
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $191
JIB
0165
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $196
JIB
0166
1 BOTTLE Cork/capsule closuresCurrent Bid: $161
JIB
0167
1 BOTTLE Cork/capsule closuresCurrent Bid: $161

GIACONDA Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2010
Chardonnay Beechworth
Estimate Per Bottle: 300-330

Rating: 97+ points

The 2010 Chardonnay is intensely scented of apricots, pineapple paste, crushed cashews and lightly buttered toast with suggestions of preserved ginger, mandarin peel, struck match and meal. The palate packs stone fruit and citrus flavors into a medium-bodied package that has a lovely, silken texture and a crisp acid line. It finishes with layer after layer of nutty and toasty richness. Delicious now, it will certainly reward patience and drink to 2019+.

JIB
0133
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0134
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0135
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0136
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0137
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0138
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0139
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0140
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0141
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0142
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0143
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0144
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $250
JIB
0145
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
JIB
0146
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
JIB
0147
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
JIB
0148
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
JIB
0149
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
JIB
0150
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200

GIACONDA Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2012
Chardonnay Beechworth
Estimate Per Bottle: 1000-1250

Rating: 97 points

The 2012 Chardonnay offers up a gorgeous nose of ripe peaches, honeyed toast, cashews, yeast extract and orange blossoms with a hint of clotted cream. Full-bodied and packed with savory and stone fruit flavors that are beautifully complimented by a satiny texture, it has just enough freshness to lift the long, rich, multi-layered finish. Superb.

LEE
0062
1 MAGNUM BOXED No Sterling insurance on freight for this lotCurrent Bid: $600

HENSCHKE Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2010
Shiraz Eden Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 250-280

Rating: 97+ points

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Mount Edelstone is a single-vineyard Shiraz showing a little reticent at this youthful stage, though it gives delicate black and red fruit aromas that fan out with air to reveal kirsch, red currant jelly, mulberries and Chinese Five Spice notes alongside hints of dusty earth and potpourri. The palate is led by its commendable structure at this stage, with firm, grainy tannins and very lively acid to support the tight-knit fruit. It finishes long and layered. Consider drinking this 2016 to 2026+.

TUR
0756
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $160

HENSCHKE Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2012
Shiraz Eden Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 240-250

Rating: 97 points

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Shiraz Mount Edelstone Keyneton Vineyard has aromas of crushed blackberries, mulberries and red and black plums with nuances of smoked bacon, fertile loam and cracked black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, it offers beautiful grace, elegance and intensity on the palate with silky fine tannins and lively acidity, finishing with great length.

WAY
0041
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $156
WAY
0042
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $156
WAY
0043
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $156
WAY
0044
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $156
WAY
0045
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $156
WAY
0046
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $156
WAY
0047
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $156
TUR
0757
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $160
TUR
0758
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $160
TUR
0759
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $160
TUR
0760
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $160
TUR
0824
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $160
TUR
0825
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $160

HENSCHKE Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2013
Shiraz Eden Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 250-260

Rating: 96 points

Still a bit tight and cedary, the 2013 Mount Edelstone Shiraz could use a couple of more years to flesh out and round into form. Sage and blackberry notes predominate in this full-bodied, concentrated and richly tannic offering. It still comes across as slightly drying on the finish, but its velvety, and the fruit comes through at the end, so dont hesitate to hold onto this for a decade or more.

XBW
3757
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $219
XBW
3758
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $219
XBW
3751
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $219
XBW
3750
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $219
XBW
3753
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $219
XBW
3752
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $219

JIM BARRY The Armagh Shiraz 2013
Shiraz Clare Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 450-500

Rating: 96 points

Never the flashiest or most opulent Shiraz, The Armagh endures as a savory classic. The 2013 Shiraz The Armagh continues in that same vein, with scents of roasted meat, scorched mulberries and hints of vanilla leading the way. Its dense, concentrated and full-bodied, with supple (almost creamy) tannins that conceal much of their power in their ripeness, without the wine ever seeming too ripe, too oaky or too fruity. Those tannins linger and turn to silk on the long finish, picking up lively red berry and orange zest nuances. Good stuff.

XNE
2687
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $359
XNE
2688
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $359
XNE
2689
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $359

LEEUWIN Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2014
Chardonnay Margaret River
Estimate Per Bottle: 200-220

Rating: 96 points

One of Margaret Rivers (and Australias) iconic Chardonnays, Leeuwins 2014 Art Series Chardonnay continues that proud tradition. Never shy on toasty, nutty oak or bold fruit, the 2014 features both seamlessly woven together in perhaps greater harmony than in past vintages. Hints of white peach, Bosc pear and citrus appear on the medium-bodied palate and linger on the elegant, finely textured finish.

TUR
0770
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $120

PENFOLDS Bin 60a Cabernet Shiraz 2004
Cabernet Shiraz Coonawarra Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 1100-1200

Rating: 99+ points

The release of the 2004 Bin 60A following the epic 1962 Bin 60A is old news now, but the wine was looking very fine indeed when I tasted it so I thought Id add a note. Blended of 56% Coonawarra Cabernet from Block 20 and 44% Barossa Shiraz from Koonunga Hill Block 56G and Kalimna Blocks 4 and 14, the wine was matured in 100% new American oak hogsheads for 13 months. Very deep purple-black in color, it offers restrained notes of game, smoked meat, earth, blackberry and black currant liqueurs, yeast, marmite-toast plus whiffs of dried lavender, cedar and bark. Very crisp, very tight and very firm, this taut medium-bodied wine is still all structure at this stage, going very long and earthy in the finish. Give it time and consider broaching it from 2014. It should drink well into the 2030s if not beyond.

WAY
0074
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $752

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 1998
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 800-850

Rating: 98+ points

A wine that flirts with perfection, and should rival the 1986 as one of the legendary Granges produced, the 1998 has one of the highest alcohol contents (nearly 15%) as well as one of the highest percentages of Shiraz in the blend (97%). Its stunning purple color is accompanied by exceptionally sweet aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with barbecue spices, an endearing, smoky earthiness, pepper, roasted meats, and coffee. Huge, massive, unctuously textured, and extraordinarily youthful, this impressive wine is a candidate for perfection. It should continue to evolve over the next three decades.

ZSM
0001
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $548
TMI
0003
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $480
TMI
0004
1 BOTTLE Into neckCurrent Bid: $416

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2001
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 750-800

Rating: 98+ points

It is always a treat to taste Australias most famous wine, Penfolds Grange cuvee (the word Hermitage has been dropped because of legal issues). The 2001 Grange is one of the few vintages of this cuvee to be composed of 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, 1999, and 2000). Aged 17 months in 100% American oak, and tipping the scales at 14.5% alcohol, the 2001 is undeniably one of the top examples of this wine. At this stage, it appears to eclipse the 1998 and 1996. Inky/blue/purple to the rim, with a stunning perfume of blueberries, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earth, it boasts good acidity, huge tannins, magnificent concentration, and a multilayered, textured mouthfeel. It is a big, but impeccably well-balanced Shiraz that should shed some of its structure and tannin over the next 4-5 years, and be at its best between 2010-2030+.

106
0830
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $560
BRE
0095
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $699
BRE
0096
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $699
BRE
0097
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $699
BRE
0098
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $699
JKN
0003
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $540
TUR
0647
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $460

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2002
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 800-850

Rating: 98 points

Last but not least is Australias most famous wine, the 2002 Shiraz �Grange�. The 2002 version was sourced from 77.5% Barossa Valley and 22.5% from McLaren Vale. Included in the blend is 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It spent 17 months in 100% new American oak. Opaque purple, it gives off an ethereal bouquet of violets, saddle leather, blueberry, blackberry, pencil lead, and chocolate. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with tremendous concentration, multiple layers of flavor, ripe tannins, and great balance. Thick and rich, with a 60-second finish, it will slowly blossom over the next 15-20 years and provide pleasure through 2050. It is a legend in the making!

BRE
0100
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $749
BRE
0101
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $749
KEL
0329
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $488
KEL
0330
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $488
KEL
0332
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $488
KEL
0333
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $488
KEL
0334
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $488
KEL
0335
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $488

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2004
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 700-750

Rating: 99 points

The 2004 vintage was outstanding in Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Magill, the regions where the grapes were sourced for the marvelous 2004 Grange. It contains 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 16 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it displays a superb nose of wood smoke, Asian spices, incense, game, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Medium to full-bodied, satin textured, with deeply layered, succulent blackberry, plum, and chocolate flavors, it has the structure and complexity to merit extended cellaring of a decade and more. The winery estimates a drinking curve of 2016 to 2050; Id be a bit more conservative on the long end of the range. It will ultimately be seen as one of the great vintages of Grange.

JOH
0091
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $540

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2006
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 800-850

Rating: 98+ points

Made from fruit coming predominantly from the Barossa Valley this year (97%) and containing 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Grange has been added to my list of favorite recent vintages. Deep garnet-purple colored, its still a little youthfully mute, offering notes of warm cherries, black currants, anise, coffee and toast with underlying hints of soy, yeast extract, black olives and Indian spices. Tight-knit and solidly structured on the medium to full bodied palate, the concentrated fruit is densely coiled around the firm grainy tannins and very crisp acidity at this stage, but promises something very special in the years to come. It finishes very long, complex and layered with the cedar poking though the fruit purity. Patience is required for this vintage; it should begin opening out around 2016 and drink to 2030+.

JAN
0007
1 BOTTLE Slight stained labelCurrent Bid: $488

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2010
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 850-900

Rating: 99 points

The 2010 Grange is a 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 96% Shiraz blend made from Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Magill Estate fruit that was aged 17 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Very deep purple-black in color, this is classic Grange - amongst the finest produced - replete with fresh, vibrant and youthful black fruit notes showing some blueberry aromas and accents of camphor, anise and the slightest floral hint plus a whiff of oak in the background to lend a cedar-laced lift to this textbook Shiraz nose. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it is very taut and finely constructed showing typically firm, grainy, uniform tannins, great concentration and wonderful persistence on the finish. If I have any very slight complaint of this near perfect wine it is that it seems a little too clinical and appears to speak less of the land and the heart of South Australia and more of the very skilled winemaking than did the Grange from the magical 2008 vintage.

DEB
0054
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $600
DEB
0055
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $520
DEB
0056
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $540
HOL
0724
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $528
TUR
0636
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $520
TUR
0637
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $520
TUR
0638
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $520

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2012
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 1000-1100

Rating: 99 points

The 2012 Grange comes from just two sub-regions of South Australia this year: Barossa Valley (the majority) and McLaren Vale. This makes a lot of sense since 2012 was a cracking year in both of these areas, producing a number of extraordinary wines. As usual, this Grange contains a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, just 2%. Very deep purple-black in color, it opens on the nose with complex earthy/meaty/savory notes, soon giving way to baked blackberries, plum preserves, hoisin and Chinese five spice with dabs of sandalwood, licorice, menthol and vanilla. The palate reveals a surprisingly open, rich, full-bodied expression exuding a powerhouse of velvet-lined decadence. Still, it characteristically possesses that rock-solid

MDW
0002
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $700
EST
0001
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $768
EIO
0200
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $516
TUR
0634
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $480
TUR
0635
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $480

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2014
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 700-750

Rating: 98 points

Rich, concentrated and intense, the 2014 Grange delivers exactly what we've come to expect from this Penfolds icon wine. It's full-bodied, velvety in feel and loaded with plummy fruit, framed in vanilla and cedar. Dense, powerful and tannic, it should prove to be long lived, even by Grange standards. Gago doesn't rate the vintage overall that highly, but he says the selection this year for Grange was a bit more stringent and that production levels were just average. There are still over 1,000 cases for the United States.

ZSM
0005
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $576
ZSM
0004
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $576
ZSM
0003
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $576
ZSM
0002
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $576
PS
0005
1 BOTTLE Label damageCurrent Bid: $420

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2016
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 750-800

Rating: 99 points

The 2016 Grange includes 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and was sourced from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, with a little bit from Magill Estate, in the suburbs of Adelaide. Aged in 100% new American oak (as always), it offers up trademark lifted aromas plus scents of vanilla, toasted coconut, cedar, raspberries and blackberries. Impressively concentrated and full-bodied, with an extraordinarily long, velvety finish, it's nevertheless reasonably fresh and tight, with decades of cellaring potential if properly stored. Certainly at least on a par with such vintages as 2010 and 2012, the big question is whether it will ultimately reach triple digits.

TUR
0630
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $521

PENFOLDS Grange Shiraz 2018
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 900-1000

Rating: 99 points

This wine comes with high expectations�as does the vintage. The 2018 vintage across South Australia (and cheekily, we could probably extend the accolade to all of Australia) was excellent. It was warm, but without incident, and responsible for powerfully ripe, serious wines. Many producers made some of their best wines in this vintage. So here, to the 2018 Grange: there is spiced raspberry, lashings of salted licorice, red curry paste, layers of forest berries, rendered lamb fat and crushed pink peppercorns to start. In the mouth, the tannins close around the fruit with the same polish and seamlessness as the 2008, possibly the 2004? Very different vintages, but there is a textural similarity for me. This is polished and glossy and so very pretty. It contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon this year, and 69% Barossa, 18% McLaren Vale and the balance from Clare Valley. Each of the regions brings with it its own characteristics. Barossa brings the red dirt, blood, deli meat and rust. McLaren Vale brings the plush purple fruits with a side of meat and licorice. Clare brings the polish, the opulence and the velvet texture. With their powers combined, this is an extraordinary Grange. One of the true greats, which will only get better as it ages.

TUR
0631
1 BOTTLE BOXEDCurrent Bid: $600

PENFOLDS Grange Hermitage Shiraz 1976
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 2000-2200

Rating: 100 points

Production: 9,380 cases Blend: 89% Shiraz/11% Cabernet Sauvignon

KRY
0007
1 BOTTLE Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 2006 & slight label damageCurrent Bid: $1144
KRY
0008
1 BOTTLE Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 2006 & slight label damageCurrent Bid: $1144
KRY
0010
1 BOTTLE Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 2006 & slight label damageCurrent Bid: $1144
NIK
0164
1 BOTTLE Cellar damaged label, handwritten notes on labelCurrent Bid: $1120
PET
0001
1 BOTTLE Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 2000/2001Current Bid: $1761

PENFOLDS Grange Hermitage Shiraz 1981
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 1000-1100

Rating: 97 points

The 1981 stood out as slightly superior. Winemaker John Duval always felt this was a tannic style of Grange, but the wine has shed its tannins, and this is one of the few vintages where the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon was above 10%. Sweet notes of creme de cassis, cedarwood, charcoal, and barbecue spices are followed by a full-bodied, opulent wine displaying heady amounts of alcohol, glycerin, and density in its full-bodied, skyscraper-like texture. I was drinking this wine with great pleasure in the mid-nineties, yet here it is nearly 15 years later, and the wine does not appear to have budged much from its evolutionary state. This is a testament to how remarkably well these wines hold up, and age at such a glacial pace.

NIK
0491
1 BOTTLE Cellar damaged labelCurrent Bid: $600
MAL
0006
1 BOTTLE Very high shoulder, stained labelCurrent Bid: $370

PENFOLDS Grange Hermitage Shiraz 1982
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 900-950

Rating: 97 points

The 1982 is another superb example of that. One of the jammiest, most precocious Granges when it was released, it has never gone through a closed stage and continues to drink beautifully. A full-bodied, opulent Grange, it reveals an inky/purple color to the rim as well as a beautiful nose of crushed blueberries, blackberries, smoke, toast, roasted herbs, and road tar. This dense, plush, expansive, seamless, seductive 1982 has not changed much since I had it nearly a decade ago.

NIK
0492
1 BOTTLE Into neck & cellar damaged labelCurrent Bid: $701
STO
0191
1 BOTTLE Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 2012Current Bid: $685

PENFOLDS RWT Shiraz 2003
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 120-130

Rating: 96 points

Deep garnet in color, the 2003 RWT Shiraz is a little shut down to begin, opening out to a savory and meaty aromatic core with gentle black cherry preserves and dried mulberry notes plus a whiff of roses. Full-bodied, concentrated, rich and seductive, it is drinking beautifully but still has a long life ahead (as with 2002). It ends long with fine tannins texturing the opulent finish.

KEL
0286
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $105
KEL
0287
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $105
KEL
0288
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $105
KEL
0289
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $105
KEL
0290
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $105
KEL
0291
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $105
KEL
0292
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $84
KEL
0293
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $84
KEL
0294
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $84
KEL
0295
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $84
KEL
0296
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $84
KEL
0297
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $84

PENFOLDS St Henri Shiraz 2010
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 180-200

Rating: 97+ points

Very deep purple-black in color and showing an attractive nose of warm blackcurrants, blueberries and licorice with a complex undercurrent of mocha, cedar, menthol and grilled meat, the full-bodied 2010 St Henri Shiraz is relatively rich in the mouth, offering tons of fruit structured by firm, fine tannins and refreshing acid. It finishes with great persistence. Drink it 2015 to 2030+.

TUR
0610
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $120
TUR
0608
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $120
TUR
0609
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $120
TUR
0611
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $120

PENFOLDS St Henri Shiraz 2013
Shiraz South Australia
Estimate Per Bottle: 140-150

Rating: 97 points

This 2013 Shiraz St Henri follows in the blockbuster footsteps of the 2010 and 2012. The blend is 96% Shiraz with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and the fruit sources are far and wide, including a real mix of terroirs: McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Padthaway and Port Lincoln. It spent 12 months in 50+-year-old casks. Deep garnet-purple colored, the youthfully reticent nose is complex, offering loam, aged meat, licorice, tar, scorched earth, fenugreek and cloves over a cherry cordial, blueberry pie and dried mulberries core. The medium to full-bodied palate reveals lovely, understated elegance and depth with a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and many fruit and spice layers emerging on the finish. This is one for the long-long haul and, at a fraction of the price of Grange, should be where the smart money goes for stocking the cellar.

HOL
0729
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $72
HOL
0730
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $72

POWELL & SON Kraehe Marananga Shiraz 2015
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 700-750

Rating: 99 points

From a tiny, one hectare, 110-year-old vineyard in Barossa Valleys Marananga subregion, the 2015 Kraehe Shiraz (pronounced kray) has a deep garnet-purple color and profoundly scented nose of blackberry and blueberry preserves, dried plums and mulberries with salami and fertile earth undertones, plus hints of marmite toast, asphalt and licorice. The full-bodied palate packs in the flavor layers with the voluptuous fruit superbly framed by firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epic length. Give this sexy Shiraz another 2-3 years in bottle and drink it over the next 25+ years. 155 cases were made.

XPO
0362
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0363
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0365
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0367
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0368
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0414
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533

POWELL & SON Steinert Flaxman's Valley Shiraz 2015
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 700-750

Rating: 97+ points

Coming from a small (two=hectare) single vineyard with more than 120-year-old vines in the Flaxman Valley area of Barossas cooler Eden Valley, the 2015 Steinert Shiraz offers a deep garnet-purple color and very pretty red currants, black cherries and black raspberries notes, with touches of pepper and spice box plus fleeting wafts of roses. The medium to full-bodied palate is seriously intense, delivering ripe red berry and spice layers with a very long, perfumed finish. 200 cases were made.

XPO
0415
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0416
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0668
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0670
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0671
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533
XPO
0672
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $533

R WINES Anamorphosis Shiraz 2005
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 1200-1300

Rating: 96-99 points

The Anamorphosis project features Shiraz from Kalimna in the Barossa Valley aged in new oak from four of Frances finest coopers. Like most of the other R Wines, it has exceptionally creative packaging. There will be 100 cases of the 2005 Shiraz which will spend 30 months in new French oak. It was sourced from vineyards with 40- and 100-year-old vines. Opaque purple in color, it offers up an intense perfume of pain grille, scorched earth, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Voluptuous, thick rich, and full-bodied, it is a powerful yet seamless expression of Shiraz from a great terroir. It will age effortlessly for 20 years but can be enjoyed young because of its mammoth fruit. It is a winemaking tour de force.

TUR
0840
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $800

TEUSNER Righteous FG Shiraz 2012
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 220-250

Rating: 96+ points

Deep purple-black in color, the youthful, still very primary 2012 Righteous Fg Shiraz sports tons of blackcurrants and blackberry notes with cedar still poking through on the nose plus dark chocolate, anise, cloves and nutmeg accents. Big, full, concentrated and muscular in the mouth, the dense fruit is still very tightly would yet it's held together by firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness. Finishing with excellent length, this is one for the cellar.

WAY
0198
1 MAGNUMCurrent Bid: $144
WAY
0197
1 MAGNUMCurrent Bid: $144
WAY
0196
1 MAGNUMCurrent Bid: $144
WAY
0195
1 MAGNUMCurrent Bid: $144
WAY
0194
1 MAGNUMCurrent Bid: $144

TORBRECK Descendant Shiraz Viognier 2010
Shiraz Viognier Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 140-150

Rating: 96 points

Deep garnet-purple in color and projecting intense aromas of creme de cassis, warm black plums and blueberry compote enhanced by hints of tar, aniseed, smoked meat and even a slight lift of honeysuckle, the full-bodied 2010 Descendent is already displaying great harmony at this early stage as it fills the mouth with perfumed black fruits supported by medium to firm, rounded tannins and balanced acid. It finishes very long. Approachable now and drink to 2024+.

WAY
0507
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $88
WAY
0508
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $88

TORBRECK Les Amis Grenache 2004
Grenache Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 900-1000

Rating: 98 points

The brilliant 2004 Les Amis (100% Grenache aged 18 months in new oak) is fashioned from a vineyard planted in 1903. While it does not have quite the size and power of the 2002 Les Amis, it is still a Grenache on steroids. With wonderful purity, more elegance than the 2002, and remarkably well-integrated oak, I suspect it will shut down at some point, require 4-5 years of patience, then re-emerge and last for two decades or more.

TUR
0684
1 DOUBLE MAGNUM BOXEDCurrent Bid: $480

TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz 2012
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 300-330

Rating: 97+ points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Run Rig offers a nose of baked cherries and raspberry preserves with suggestions of violets, cinnamon toast, aniseed and vanilla. Full-bodied with characteristic elegance and poise in spite almost of its power, it has a solid backbone of very finely grained tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing with great length.

TUR
0675
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
TUR
0676
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200

TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz 2013
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 300-330

Rating: 98+ points

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2013 RunRig has a tantalizingly exotic nose of cloves, fenugreek, star anise and cassia with a core of mulberries, baked blackberries and blueberry preserves plus hints of potpourri and dusty earth. The full-bodied palate is multilayered with tons of spices and berry preserves notes, supported by firm yet velvety tannins and finishing with incredible length and depth. This is a very impressive RunRig.

TUR
0677
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $220

TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz 2014
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 400-420

Rating: 97+ points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Run Rig opens with a bang, delivering intense fruits of the forest and blackberry preserve notes with hints of sandalwood, cardamom, dried Provence herbs, Indian spices and garrigue. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and oh, so satisfying, the beauty ticks all the great Barossa Shiraz boxes and then some. It is still relatively primary, so Id recommend giving it another 2-3 years at least in bottle and drink it over the next 20+.

ACC
17221
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $349
ACC
17222
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $349
ACC
17223
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $349

TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz 2015
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 400-420

Rating: 98 points

Who wouldve thought that in the context of Barossa Shiraz, the 2015 RunRig would seem like a relative bargain? Its certainly much less expensive than Grange or Hill of Grace will be when theyre released. Its also more approachable in its youth, with enormously appealing aromas of grilled fruit, savory complexities and rich, velvety tannins. Of course, its full-bodied and concentrated, with the stuffing to age for up to a couple of decades, and it has a long, licorice-tinged finish. Winemaker Ian Hongell, who joined Torbreck from Peter Lehmann, may not have made this wine, but he deserves a lot of credit for the blending and finishing of this tour de force.

ACC
17213
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $339
ACC
17214
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $339
ACC
17215
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $339
ACC
17216
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $339

TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz 2016
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 380-400

Rating: 100 points

A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier made just prior to bottling, the 2016 RunRig is a complete masterpiece. It kicks off with elegant notes of pencil shavings accenting blueberries and blackberries on the nose, then shows incredible, palate-staining intensity of fruit in the mouth. It's full-bodied, plush and velvety without being unstructured and manages to be fruit-forward yet savory on the long-lasting finish, where it picks up hints of mocha and black olives. This should be drinkable with pleasure throughout its entire two-decade life (it may live longer from cold cellars or in larger formats), but if I were lucky enough to have a bottle or two, I'd try the first one about 10 years out. Scheduled for June 2019 release.

ACC
17231
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $324
ACC
17232
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $324
ACC
17233
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $324
ACC
17234
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $324
ACC
17235
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $324
TUR
0678
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $248
TUR
0679
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $248
XTO
0472
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $260
XTO
0473
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $260
XTO
0478
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $260

TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz 2017
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 400-420

Rating: 98 points

As usual, the 2017 RunRig is approximately 2% Viognier. It spent almost 30 months in oak, 40% of which was new. Hints of peach or apricot appear on the nose, alongside notes of hickory smoke, cherries and baking spices. It's full-bodied and concentrated but supple and silky enough to seem lighter in the mouth, showing tremendous length and elegance on the finish, where it adds nuances of cinnamon and coco

ACC
17217
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $299
ACC
17219
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $299
ACC
17220
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $299

TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz 2018
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 400-420

Rating: 99 points

Torbreck's 2018 RunRig needs a bit of air right now, as the nose and palate truly open up and expand after a while in the glass. Unlike some vintages, it's rather tight and cedary upon first pour, then relaxes to reveal hints of stone fruit, blueberries, cherries, pastry crust and baking spices. In the mouth, it's full-bodied and concentrated, richly textured and marked by ripe tannins, which leave behind a velvety, mouth-coating finish tinged with licorice and dark berries. While approachable now�and even damn enjoyable�it deserves another several years in the cellar. Drink the 2018 Descendant while waiting.

ACC
17228
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $279
ACC
17229
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $279
TUR
0680
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $180
TUR
0681
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $180

TORBRECK The Factor Shiraz 2019
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 140-150

Rating: 96 points

This is quintessential Barossa. The red dirt in the ground rises up in the glass and transports me right back there: middle summer, hot, spicy air blowing across the tops of old vines. It's evocative. This 2019 The Factor is Port-y, concentrated and savory as all hell, with charred barrels, lamb fat, black pepper, salted licorice, pomegranate molasses and aniseed. This is about as big as I can cope with and still enjoy it; it takes density and intensity to a whole new level�no surprise for the vintage, the region and the producer. A perfect storm of thunderous strength. Like staring into the abyss . . . a little bit scary, but transfixing nonetheless.

ACC
17476
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $109
ACC
17477
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $109
ACC
17478
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $109
ACC
17479
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $109
ACC
17480
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $109

TORBRECK The Laird Shiraz 2006
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 800-850

Rating: 99 points

Deep garnet colored, the 2006 The Laird offers a multi-faceted nose of ripe black berries, blueberry preserves and kirsch aromas with an underlying perfume of baking spices, lavender, cinnamon stick and cloves plus some savory / earthy nuances, including bacon, black tea, tobacco and forest floor. The palate is full bodied and densely packed with fruit, savory and earth flavors while supported by a firm level of very fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. It finishes very long and while already incredibly complex, promises a lot more to come. Consider drinking it 2014 to 2026+.

WAY
0171
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $440
WAY
0169
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $440
WAY
0170
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $440

TORBRECK The Laird Shiraz 2015
Shiraz Barossa Valley
Estimate Per Bottle: 800-850

Rating: 97 points

Torbreck's 2015 The Laird boasts explosive aromas of Christmas spices, ripe plums, vanilla, hickory smoke and maple syrup. It's a big wine, loaded with fruit and oak, full-bodied, rich and velvety, adding hints of toasted coconut and cinnamon streusel on the long, almost dessert-like finish. For a more savory experience, age it a decade or so before pulling a cork.

WAY
0160
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $400
WAY
0162
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $400
WAY
0161
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $400

CHATEAU D'YQUEM 1er Cru Superieur 1989
1er Cru Superieur Sauternes
Estimate Per Bottle: 2800-3000

Rating: 97 points

The favorite sweet wine of millionaires, Chateau d'Yquem has, not unexpectedly, turned in a brilliant effort with their newly released 1989. It is a large-scaled, massively rich, unctuously-textured wine that should evolve effortlessly for a half century or more. It does not reveal the compelling finesse and complexity of the 1988 or 1986, but it is a far heavier, richer wine than either of those vintages. It is reminiscent of the 1976, with additional fat and glycerin. The wine is extremely alcoholic and rich, with a huge nose of smoky, honey-covered coconuts and overripe pineapples and apricots. As with most young vintages of Yquem, the wine's structure is barely noticeable. These wines are so highly extracted and rich yet approachable young, it is difficult to believe they will last for 50 or more years. The 1989 is the richest Yquem made in the eighties, and it has an edge in complexity over the powerhouse 1983. It remains to be seen whether this wine will develop the extraordinary aromatic complexity possessed by the promising 1988 and 1986 Yquems. Last tasted 11/97

XNE
2494
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $2449
XNE
2495
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $2449
XNE
2499
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $2449

CHATEAU D'YQUEM 1er Cru Superieur 2007
1er Cru Superieur Sauternes
Estimate Per Bottle: 1200-1300

Rating: 98 points

Tasted single blind against its peers. Under blind conditions, the Yquem 2007 shines like a diamond. Nevertheless, it is initially rather taciturn on the nose, eventually opening up beautifully with touches of lemon curd, Mirabelle, and clear honey. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine definition and there seems to be a great deal of energy and vigor dispensed for your pleasure. There is such race and nervosity, and then that finish just purrs with harmony and focus. This Yquem feels just so alive and vivacious, yet there is an effortless quality here that is unmatched by its peers. Tasted January 2011.

ACC
11950
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $749
XNE
1743
1 MAGNUM Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $2099

CHATEAU D'YQUEM 1er Cru Superieur 2009
1er Cru Superieur Sauternes
Estimate Per Bottle: 850-900

Rating: 100 points

Served from an ex-chateau bottle. The 2009 Chateau d�Yquem is one showstopper of a wine and perhaps it is only in a vertical that you realize this is up there among the legendary wines of the past � the 2001 included. It has a wonderful nose that expresses the Semillon component majestically: heady aromas of lemon curd, nectarine, jasmine and honeysuckle that all gain momentum in the glass. The oak is supremely well-integrated. The palate is extremely well-balanced with an unctuous entry. You are immediately knocked sideways by the palpable weight and volume in the mouth, which is almost �bulbous,� with layer upon layer of heavily botrytized fruit. It builds to a spicy finish with hints of marzipan and pralines in the background that lend it an untrammeled sense of exoticism. The 2009 is utterly fabulous and decadent, a star that will blaze brightly and undimmed for many years. Drink now-2060+. Tasted March 2014.

ACC
17192
1 HALF BOTTLECurrent Bid: $629

CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL Hommage a Jacques Perrin 2013
Chateauneuf du Pape
Estimate Per Bottle: 850-900

Rating: 96+ points

The 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin is a beast of a wine that�s shed most of the baby fat it showed from barrel. A normal blend of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, and the rest Syrah and Counoise, this tiny production release has incredible minerality to go with searing black and blue fruits, forest floor, smoked earth and leather. Full-bodied, inky, concentrated and backwards with a serious kick of tannin, it will need a decade of cellaring to be approachable. I suspect it will have 2-3 decades of longevity.

XNE
0539
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $749
XNE
0555
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $749
XNE
0574
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $749

CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL Hommage a Jacques Perrin 2014
Chateauneuf du Pape
Estimate Per Bottle: 850-900

Rating: (94 - 96) points

Probably the wine of the vintage (I feel like I say that every year for this cuvee), the 2014 Ch�teauneuf du Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin is a substantial, full-bodied, shockingly concentrated 2014 that gives up classic notes of blackberries, blueberries, forest floor, beef blood and licorice. Mouth-coating and rich with building tannin, it will be approachable at an earlier age than most vintages, yet will still need 5-6 years of cellaring.

XNE
0596
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $749
XNE
0597
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $749
XNE
0599
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $749

CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL Hommage a Jacques Perrin 2015
Chateauneuf du Pape
Estimate Per Bottle: 1000-1100

Rating: 98 points

As this was bottled only a week before I tasted it, I suspect this rating will prove to be conservative once a few months have passed. The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin is another prodigious version of this wine. How many wines in this world can be so huge yet so lacking the feeling of weight? There's plenty of layered spice but also a core of raspberries; rich tannins, yet no real astringency; and a long finish without any apparent heat. Wow!

XNE
1029
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $814
XNE
1030
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $814
XNE
1031
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $814

CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL Rouge 2007
Chateauneuf du Pape
Estimate Per Bottle: 150-160

Rating: 96 points

Beaucastel's 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape has turned out even better out of bottle than I predicted. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious nose of blue and black fruits, truffles, pen ink, licorice, and meat juices as well as glorious levels of acidity and sweet tannin, buttressing the fruit's fabulous freshness and vibrancy. This full-bodied effort still displays considerable tannin, no doubt because of the relatively high Mourvedre content. It should resolve its tannins in 2-4 years, and last for 25 or more.

One of the great estates of the Rhone Valley, Chateau Beaucastel has been run by several generations of the Perrin family, beginning with the late Jacques Perrin (who died in 1978), then the brothers Jean-Pierre and Francois, and now their sons Thomas, Marc, Pierre, and Mathieu. Beaucastel has nearly 200 acres in vine in Chateauneuf du Pape, and they have branched out with an impressive operation under the Perrin et Fils label, purchasing grapes and acquiring land (in Vinsobres and Gigondas, for example). Their goal is to become the most recognized name for high quality wines in the southern Rhone. As shrewd consumers know, one of the best values in under $10 a bottle wine is La Vieille Ferme. The Perrin et Fils cuvees include wines made from purchased grapes as well as their new acquisitions in Vinsobres, Gigondas (25 acres), and the Cotes du Rhone village of Cairanne (35 acres). The Perrins enjoyed tremendous success with their 2008 red wines, largely because yields ranged between 18 hectoliters per hectare for Beaucastel, to only 20 hectoliters per hectare for Coudoulet. The mildew that affected everyone was the culprit. The entire family acknowledged there was an extraordinary triage and culling out of the grapes at the sorting tables.

DDE
0002
1 BOTTLE Cellar damaged labelCurrent Bid: $100

E. GUIGAL Chateau d'Ampuis 2005
Cote Rotie
Estimate Per Bottle: 280-300

Rating: 96+ points

More masculine, backwards and concentrated, the 2005 Cote Rotie Chateau d�Ampuis is a full-bodied, structured effort that�s just barely starting to show some secondary nuances. Giving up notions of violet, asphalt, graphite, crushed rock, bacon fat and dried rose petal, it has impeccable balance, notable concentration and a big finish. It should hit prime time in another 2 to 3 years, and evolve gracefully through 2025. One of the reference point estates for top quality wines in the world today, the family run Guigal operation was created in 1946 by Etienne Guigal. Today, Etienne�s son, Marcel, and his son Philippe, are firmly in control here, and are without a doubt producing some of the most singular, sought after wines in the world. Due to the size of this tasting, I�ll keep my comments short, but the incredible quality coming from this operation is astounding, and a tasting here is always one of the highlights of any trip through the region. Furthermore, while a lot is said about the extended oak aging regime here, I don�t know anyone who tastes mature examples of these wines on a regular basis that still has any doubts about the genius going on here. In short, these single vineyard (and their blends as well) Cote Roties are some of the greatest wines money can buy. For this tasting (which, with the Guigals, is always a large one!), we focused on their Saint Joseph Vignes des Hospice release, and then three of their Cote Roties, starting with the classic Brune et Blonde, then the Chateau d�Ampuis, and finishing with their single vineyard La Mouline.

KEN
0796
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
KEN
0797
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200
KEN
0798
1 BOTTLECurrent Bid: $200

CHATEAU FIGEAC 1er Grand Cru Classe 2016
1er Grand Cru Classe Saint Emilion
Estimate Per Bottle: 700-750

Rating: 97+ points

The 2016 Figeac is comprised of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little broody and reticent at this very youthful stage, slowly unfolding to reveal profound plum preserves, cr�me de cassis, black raspberries and star anise with hints of moss-covered bark, truffles and tilled loam plus a waft of red currants and raspberry leaves sparks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is practically quivering with energy, offering glimpses at tightly wound black fruit and mineral/ferrous layers, framed by very firm, ripe tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long with the spices coming through. This will need a good 7-8 years to come round and then should cellar for 40+ years. Very serious, beautifully poised and sophisticated personality this vintage.

XNE
0174
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $624
XNE
0176
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $624
XNE
0199
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $624

CHATEAU LA FLEUR PETRUS 2010
Pomerol
Estimate Per Bottle: 900-950

Rating: 97 points

This wine has a character similar to its cross-street neighbor, Petrus, displaying sweet mulberry and intense black fruit characteristics, with a hint of vanillin and loads of black cherry jam. Full-bodied, extravagantly luscious, with a skyscraper-like mid-palate and phenomenal length of close to 50 seconds, the wine has plenty of tannin, but the voluptuous fruit, power and overall glycerin and intensity tend to conceal much of it. Elegant but compellingly rich and authoritative, the 2010 is a truly magnificent wine for this estate, which has one of the finest terroirs in all of Pomerol. Forget it for 5-7 years and drink it over the following 30-35.

This 2010 is one of the most remarkable wines ever produced at this estate. The vineyard, about the same size as Petrus at 35 acres, is virtually all Merlot, but there is some Cabernet Franc in the final blend.

XNE
2395
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $829
XNE
2396
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $829
XNE
2397
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $829

CHATEAU LA MONDOTTE Grand Cru 2003
Grand Cru Saint Emilion
Estimate Per Bottle: 550-600

Rating: 96 points

A killer wine (Im so sorry I didnt buy any), the 2003 La Mondotte is clearly one of the superstars of the vintage. An intriguing perfume of licorice, Asian soy, black currant jam, ripe cherries and subtle toast emerges from this extravagantly rich, voluptuously textured, opulent, full-bodied St.-Emilion. Just coming in to full maturity, it is pure, rich and full. Drink it over the next decade or more.

XDW
2624
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $449

CHATEAU LEOVILLE LAS CASES 2me Cru Classe 2000
2me Cru Classe Saint Julien
Estimate Per Bottle: 750-800

Rating: 98 points

Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2000 Leoville-Las-Cases is a quite fabulous, magisterial Saint Julien that is only just beginning to flex its muscles. It has a very intense and beautifully defined bouquet with mineral rich blackberry and bilberry scents, outstanding focus and harmony, and very well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, impressive backbone and focus in situ. There is a touch of mint infusing the fruit here, superb tension with a touch of mulberry and Hoi Sin lingering on the finish that still feels backward and sinewy. What was remarkable was to observe the melioration in the glass, achieving wondrous energy and delineation with time, still improving after a couple of hours. Buy it, cellar it, drink it. Tasted December 2016.

BRA
0005
1 BOTTLE Slight label damageCurrent Bid: $392

CHATEAU MARGAUX 1er Cru Classe 2015
1er Cru Classe Margaux
Estimate Per Bottle: 4500-5000

Rating: 99 points

The 2015 Chateau Margaux is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Medium garnet-purple colored, the nose features oh-so-seductive notes of warm blackberries, cassis and black forest cake with touches of forest floor, sandalwood, anise and cigar boxes plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers taut, muscular, densely packed black fruits and exotic spice flavor layers supported by a very firm backbone of grainy tannins with oodles of freshness and a long, savory finish. It is tightly knit and a little reticent at this very youthful stage; afford it at least 15 years in the cellar, and it will open out into a classic Chateau Margaux of incredible proportions. Readers may be interested to know that this wine is beautifully packaged in a special commemorative bottle honoring winemaker Paul Pontellier, who passed away in 2016. The gold-etched black bottle bears the message, �Hommage � Paul Pontellier� at the bottom. This 2015 is an achingly beautiful swan song from an incredibly gifted winemaker, taken from us too soon. In my view, this alone makes this vintage more than worth the investment for the many lovers of history in a bottle.

XNE
0927
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $3824

CHATEAU TROPLONG MONDOT Grand Cru Classe 2009
Grand Cru Classe Saint Emilion
Estimate Per Bottle: 500-550

Rating: 99 points

It boasts an inky/purple color along with a gorgeous bouquet of mocha, chocolate, blackberry and cassis fruit, an unctuous texture, a full-bodied, viscous mouthfeel and a skyscraper-like, multilayered finish. This spectacular wine is nearly overwhelming in its richness, thickness and intensity. Once all its baby fat falls away, the terroir characteristics and additional nuances will emerge. This blockbuster, fabulous Troplong Mondot will benefit from 10-15 years of cellaring and keep for three decades or more. It is not shy either, bouncing over the palate with 15.5% natural alcohol.

The 2009 Troplong Mondot will provide plenty of competition for the 2010, 2005 and 2000. It comes closest in style to the prodigious 1990 that proprietress Christine Valette produced 22 years ago. A phenomenal effort, it unquestionably justifies its relatively new Premier Grand Cru St.-Emilion status. Readers should keep in mind that the 1990, which probably has lower acidity and not the level of concentration found in the 2009, is drinking incredibly well at age 22 and reveals no signs of falling apart.

XNE
0944
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $449
XNE
0945
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $449
XNE
0948
1 BOTTLE Ex-cellarCurrent Bid: $449