98-100RP/99WS/97-100IWC- Possibly The Perfect Wine: 2009 Chateau Latour Pre-Sale

Before we get to today’s offer on a true, undoubted legend in the making…
This is a pre-sale offer. We are readily able to access both 6 pack and 12 pack OWC formats for this wine. However, there are also a very limited amount of OWC three packs available. When ordering quantities of 3, 6, 12 bottles or more, please specify your request for the packaging of the wine and we will do our best to accommodate all requests. Any purchaser of the 2009 Chateau Latour will be contacted by a Wine Library representative to handle any requests and/or specifics. Now to the excitable part:
2009 vintage in Bordeaux has nearly caused hysteria across the wine world. Monstrous press, record breaking prices, and unparalleled demand have all be part of this amazing campaign. The 2009 Chateau Latour will be a wine heralded for decades and looks like centuries as well. The high praise for the wine came from just about everyone with a pulse in reviewing wine:

2009 Chateau Latour-
Robert Parker: 98-100 Points

Wine Spectator: 99 Points (James Molesworth)
International Wine Cellar: 97-100 Points (Ian D’agata)
Jamessuckling.com: 98-99 Points (James Suckling)

Don’t miss out on a chance to own a piece of history! This may turn out to be one of the greatest wines ever made and will take it’s place among Bordeaux’s greats.

Again, this is a pre-sale offer. Wine is expected to arrive May, 2012.

You can place your orders via the website, or by calling the order department at (888) 980-9463, ext. 2.

2009 – CHATEAU LATOUR
https://winelibrary.com/products/64511-09-chateau-latour

Product Code: 64511

Suggested Price: $2499.99

Price: $1499.99

98-100 Points Robert Parker

"The 2009 Latour has off the charts concentration in addition to the highest level of tannin ever measured at the estate. The final blend was somewhat unusual in that it consists of 91.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.7% Merlot, and clocked in at 13.7% alcohol (even higher than the 2003). Possibly a 100-year wine, it boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of super-intense blue and black fruits, graphite, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality. Enormously full-bodied yet at the same time incredibly fresh, vibrant, and precise, it coats the mouth, and builds incrementally to skyscraper-like texture, and a whopping finish that lasts over a minute. This remarkable wine reveals a certain accessibility already, yet one senses that it will be even richer, more nuanced, and fuller by the time it is bottled in mid-2011. A monumental wine from a monumental vintage in the Medoc, this is our children’s children’s children’s elixir."

99 Points Wine Spectator

"This seems to come full circle, with a blazing iron note and mouthwatering acidity up front leading to intense, vibrant cassis, blackberry and cherry skin flavors that course along, followed by the same vivacious minerality that started things off. The tobacco, ganache and espresso notes seem almost superfluous right now, but they’ll join the fray in due time. The question is, can you wait long enough? Best from 2020 through 2040. 9,580 cases made."

97-100 Points Ian Dagata

"Purple ruby. Flamboyant aromas of red cherry, cassis, graphite and cedar soar from the glass. Then very dense, supple and smooth, with a noble texture and great breadth to its red cherry, blackcurrant, spicy plum, ink and cedar flavors. Finishes with exceptionally velvety tannins and a very ripe, almost perfumed quality to the red and black fruit flavors. A large-scaled and clearly great wine that calls to mind a combination of the 1982 and 2005 Latours. That said, while this wine shares some of the 2009 Mouton’s voluptuous perfume, it lacks the extraordinary finesse of either the 2009 Lafite or Margaux, but is much more powerful than both of those wines. Millionaires will have a lot of fun over the years comparing the first growths of 2009 and arguing over which is the best."

98-99 Points James Suckling

"This reminds me of twins that have a very different character. One is very flamboyant with ripe and wild fruit, and a dense and powerful finish. The other is reserved and serious, with an intense tannin structure. Combined they are a complex whole that is mind bending. Great complexity. I would like to spend hours contemplating this. Barrel sample."

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We reserve the right to limit quantity while supplies last. Prices are subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices do not include sales tax. Offer valid as of 1/28/12.
Title to, and ownership of, all wine passes from Wine Library to the purchaser in the state of New Jersey to his / her home state. By arranging for transportation of wine, Wine Library is providing a service to, and acting on behalf of the purchaser. By utilizing this service from Wine Library, purchaser is representing that he / she is acting in a fashion compliant with his / her local and state laws regarding the purchase, transportation and delivery of wine. The purchaser represents that he / she has obtained any required permission, paid any required fees, is working through properly licensed intermediaries where required, is legally entitled to take possession of wine and is legally entitled to take quantities ordered.And once again authorizes that he / she is 21 years of age.
Wine Library | 586 Morris Ave | Springfield, NJ 07081 | 888-980-9463

Bottle of white wine sets world record price

A bottle of 1811 Château d’Yquem, which has set a new world record for the most valuable bottle of white wine.

Photograph by: Ben Stansall, Getty Images

The sale of a 200-year-old bottle of white wine for 75,000 pounds ($121,000) has set a new Guinness World Record for the most valuable bottle of white wine ever sold.

The buyer of the 1811 Château d’Yquem was private collector Christian Vanneque, former head Sommelier at the Michelin starred La Tour d’Argent restaurant in Paris.

Though Château d’Yquem is famed for being one of the finest and most expensive sweet white wines, the 1811 vintage has a particular attraction for wine enthusiasts.

The climatology of the year, reviews from tastings, as well as the auspicious appearance of the Great Comet in that year, all indicate an excellent wine.

"This wine is very special — it is attached to the most renowned white wine in the world, and it was produced in the year of the Great Comet, which was believed to enhance the quality of the wine," Vanneque told Reuters.

"It is a rare wine, which been tasted on three occasions and each time received five out of five stars," he added.

"It was not just purchased as an investment – it is also going to be an enjoyment."

"I did not know it was the most expensive white wine ever sold when I purchased it, but I did know it was the most expensive wine I had ever paid for."

The high concentration of sugar in Château d’Yquem means it has a drinking life which far outstrips that of other wines.

The wine will be displayed in a bullet-proof, temperature and hydrometrically controlled showcase for six years at his restaurant, the SIP Sunset Grill in Bali.

"I will open it in six years to mark the 50th anniversary of when I began work in Paris and share it with my wife, brothers and friends — I already know what the menu will be," Vanneque said.

The private sale was by the Antique Wine Company, which had also held the previous record for white wine — an 1887 Château d’Yquem at $100,000.

"I always have a tear in my eye when I sell a bottle of wine but I’m comforted by the knowledge that it has been purchased by someone passionate about wine and it’s going to a good home," said company Managing Director Stephen Williams.

© Copyright (c) Reuters

Comte Louis De Clermont-Tonnerre-Collection Alain Corcia-Chateauneuf-Du-Pape-Rhone Red Wine-France-2007-$22.99-A nose of earth and hints of fruit, dark garnet in color.  A smooth and dry, medium to full bodied CDP, with some initial funk which goes after a short decant, hints of  raspberry, blueberry, more herb qualities, decent not great.                RP-90                CR-88                   Good with meats, chicken, pasta.

McManis Family Vineyards-Petite Sirah-California-2009-$9.98-A big nose of dark fruit and spice, dark black in color.  A full bodied tooth staining PS, with blackberry, blueberry, cola and spice, nothing elegant,  just for those who enjoy a big wine, very good QPR.                 NR                CR-88                Good with burgers, ribs, chicken.

Vinedos de Paganos-El Puntido-Red Table Wine-Rioja-Spain-2003-$37.99-A nose of dark fruit and smoke, dark purple in color. A smooth, full bodied red, with plum, black cherry, spice with a long finish, not as great as last bottle tried but still very good.                RP-94              CR-91                Good with ribs, chicken, pasta.

Domaine De La Solitude-Cotes Du Rhone-Red Table Wine-France-2009-$13.98-A nose of dark fruit and spice, dark garnet in color.  A smooth, medium to full bodied Cotes Du Rhone, with dark cherry, licorice, spicy finish, an elegant easy drinking and great QPR wine.                   WS-88                 CR-90                   Good with meats, chicken, pasta.

Private Cellar Sunday
From My Cellar to Yours
Every Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

The hand craft Clos de Sarpe St Emilion – only 400 cases made

Every Sunday at 7:30 a.m. I’m going deep into my wine cellar to pull out the last of some very great bottles. I promise rare wines for the cellar- builder in very limited quantities, gems of astonishing quality carrying highly pedigreed labels that will tempt the most temperate among us.

So, don’t hit the snooze! These wines will be gone, gone, gone, quickly.

Please note: these wines have been in temperature-control since they arrived from France.

Bordeaux 2003 Right Bank
The wines of the vintage

These wines are from St Emilion. St Emilion led the quality revolution in the 1990s with lower yields and healthier and riper grapes. It made the old Left Bank Bordeaux Biggies wake up. They have St Emilion to thank for the high quality of their own wines today.

These St Emilion wines are lush and round and the reference wines of the 2003 vintage. They are exactly why we love our Bordeaux wines so much.

These wines are entering their plateau (a very long one) of maturity and they are ready to start exploring now. Ive included Parkers notes.

Two High Pedegree, Cotes Castillon Estates
Mature and Ready To Drink Now

Chateau d’Aiguihle Cotes de Castillon 6 bottles $190, 12 bottle case $359.88 ($29.99) Owned by the owner of Ch Cannon Gaffaliere GCC in St Emillion. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant
"This 6-acre vineyard has produced a dark ruby/purple-colored 2003 revealing sweet black currant and mineral-infused aromas as well as flavors, medium to full body, and ripe tannin. The winemaking consultant for this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc is Jean-Michel Fernandez. RParker

Clos L"Eglise Cotes de Castillon 6 bottles $190, 12 bottle case $359.88 ($29.99).
Owner by Gerard Perse and Ch Pavie St Emilion

Top Wines of the vintage – for the cellar

Ch La Gomerie St Emilion Parker 94 Two wood six packs (12 bts) left
$89/bt, 6 bottles $499, 12 bottle case $949
A limited production garagiste operation, La Gomerie is treated like a favored child by its proprietor. Jean-Philippe Fort, Michel Rollands top assistant, is a consultant for this 100% Merlot-based wine produced from a 5-acre, 31-year-old vineyard. The sensational 2003 is performing even better from bottle than it did from cask. Production was a tiny 750 cases (as opposed to1,000 in an abundant year), and the finished alcohol is 13.7%, rather high for Bordeaux. Nevertheless, the wine possesses surprising freshness and liveliness, which adds to its appeal. A deep purple color is accompanied by a sweet bouquet of chocolate, black raspberries, cherries, charcoal, and toasty oak, powerful, full-bodied, concentrated flavors, and high levels of silky tannin. Low acidity and abundant glycerin suggest it can be drunk now and over the next decade. This is a sumptuous St.-Emilion.

Clos de Sarpe St Emilion Parker 90-94 2 cases left
, 6 bottles $499, 12-bottle case $960
After the massive, monster-sized efforts of 2000 and 2001, this no compromise wine, made in an artisinal style, is meant for consumers who are willing to invest 5-10 years of patience. Very ancien in style, the 400-case production 2003 is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc fashioned from tiny yields of 12/13 hecoliters per hectare. A blue/purple color is accompanied by a provocative bouquet of liquid minerals, flowers, black cherries, creme de cassis, smoke, and foresty/earthy characteristics. Broad, powerful flavors are buttressed by equally significant tannin levels. The acidity is low, but there is a freshness to the flavors that belies what must be a high pH. This is an intense expression of winemaking that lovers of great old Bordeaux will savor. It is capable of lasting 3-4 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030..

Ch Beau Sejour Becot St Emilion Parker 93 15 bts left
$89/bt, 6 bottles $499, 12 bottle case $949
From a 41-acre vineyard situated on St.-Emilions limestone plateau, Beau-Sejour-Becots blend can vary, but it is approximately 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Production can be as low as 4,000+ cases (in a tiny vintage such as 2003), or as high as 7,000+ cases (in an abundant year such as 2004). The 2003, which reminds me of a 1990 Right Bank Bordeaux, tips the scales at 13.5% alcohol. Its dark plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of creosote, scorched earth, black cherries, currants, and pain grille. Deep, full-flavored, muscular, textured, and rich with light to moderate tannin in the finish, this lavishly rich, full-bodied effort requires 1-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following 12-15.

Ch Pavie Macquin St Emilion Parker 95 21 bts left
$149/ bt, 6 bottles $849, 12 bottle case $1649
This tremendous terroir has been brought back to life over the last 15 years by Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Its 37-acre vineyard, planted in deep clay and limestone soils, is composed of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pavie-Macquin is not far from Gerard Perses little treasure, Pavie-Decesse. The 2003 Pavie-Macquin turned out brilliantly, no doubt because its soils supported the summers torrid heat and drought. Tipping the scales at 13.8% alcohol, it boasts an opaque purple color along with a gorgeous nose of blackberries, smoked meats, licorice, incense, and barbecue spices. Huge fruit on the attack is followed by a powerful, masculine wine with huge extract, high tannin, low acidity, and formidable power. Despite its low acidity, this is a wine to forget for 3-4 years, and drink over the following 20-25 years. When fully mature, this brilliant effort should rival the 2000 and 1998.

Ch Troplong Mondot St Emilion Parker 94 42 bts left
$89/bt, 6 bottles $499, 12 bottle case $949
Very deep garnet-black. Warm plum, cedar, tobacco and mocha make for a very alluring if somewhat contrasting nose on this young wine. The palate is very tight, with firm, slightly astringent tannins and the faintest touch of bitterness hinting over zealous extraction. This is however a minor point as the wine is wonderfully rich, full bodied and concentrated, and aptly balanced by medium+ acidity. Very long finish. Drink now to 2028. Tasted February 2009.

Ch Bellevue Mondotte St Emilion Parker 98 8 bts left
$299/bt, 6 bottles $1700, all 8 bottles $2040 ($255)
An exquisite jewel in Chantal and Gerard Perses Right Bank empire, Bellevue-Mondotte is a tiny, 5-acre parcel of 45-year-old vines planted on the limestone plateau above Pavie-Decesse and Pavie-Macquin. It is composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. I tasted the 2003 on three separate occasions, one of which merited a three-digit rating. Sadly, there are only 4,000 bottles of this prodigious effort. Possessing relatively high alcohol (14.5%) for a Bordeaux, it is an amazing blend made from 15 hectoliters per hectare. A dense, viscous-looking purple color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of blackberries, espresso roast, fried lard, and pain grille. Full-bodied and massively rich with decent acidity and plenty of structure as well as tannin, this youthful 2003 should hit its stride in 3-5 years, and last for three decades. This may be what the great 1929s or 1947s tasted like at age three.

Cynthia Hurley

To Order Just hit reply and tell me what you want to reserve. Orders will be honored in the order received. In stock and ready for delivery – weaather permitting

The Ch D’Aguilhe Label (a Stephane derenoncourt project)

Prices for all wines are above 6 bottle minimum for the Cotes Castillon wines and 3 bottle minimum for the St Emilliion wines

The pricing and sale of any wine is made only by the licensed retailer, who will arrange for delivery on behalf of the customer at $6 per case and must collect 7% NJ sales tax on all sales.

Please forward this to any friends interested in wine

Cynthia Hurley

Cynthia Hurley French Wines

email: cynthia@cynthiahurley.com

phone: 617 965 4251

Let me know your top 3 labels shown here in the comments section. Thanks

A. Faustini Wines-Secret Veil-Cabernet Sauvignon-Napa Valley-California-2006-$30.00-($50.00)-A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark purple in color.  A full bodied, still young Cab, decanted for an hour plus, with blackberry, cassis, vanilla and spicy oak, layers of flavor with a long finish.  Drinks more like a higher end Napa Cab, great value.                     WE-89                    CR-91                     Good with meats, chicken, pasta.

Domaine Guillon-Jean-Micheal Guillon-Santenay-Les Bras-Chardonnay-Gevrey-Chambertin-France-2006-$40.00-A nose of citrus and spice, medium to golden yellow in color.  A medium to full bodied Chard, with lemon, honeysuckle, grapefruit and hazelnut spices, a classic French Chardonnay.                    NR                     CR-91                     Good with seafood, cheeses, salads.

Novy Cellars-Novy Family Winery-Syrah-Page-Nord Vineyard-Napa Valley-California-2007-$16.00-A nose of sweet dark fruit and spice, dark purple in color.  A smooth, full bodied, rich with currants, blackberries, chocolate and spice with a long finish, great QPR.                   RP-89                WE-94                 CR-92                   Good with meats, chicken, pizza.

Thierry Germain-SoliTerre-Samur-Chenin Blanc-France-$14.44-A nose of citrus and honey, golden yellow in color.   A smooth, crisp white wine, layers of apple, peach, honey with great acidity and minerals, great QPR.                    NR                   CR-90                   Good with seafood, cheeses, salads.

Domaine Des Relagnes-Les Petits Pieds d’Armand-Chateauneuf Du Pape-France-2003-$28.88-A nose of cherry and spice, dark amber in color.  A smooth, elegant CDP, full bodied with raspberry, cherry, plums and currants.  Has a licorice and pepper finish, a very good wine, decant for at least one hour.                   RP-91+               WS-89                 WE-94                 CR-91              Good with meats, chicken, cheeses.

Bodegas Luna Beberide, S.L.-Fina La Cuesta-Bierzo-Spain-2008-$14.92-A nose of dark fruit and spice, dark black in color.   A full bodied dry red, with cherry, plum, cola and spice, was decent but a bit sour and chunky.                       RP-91                  WS-88                  WE-88                 CR-87                       Good with ribs, chicken, pasta.

Trespass Wine-Cabernet Sauvignon-Trespass Vineyard-Napa Valley-California-2002-$36.25-A nose of dark fruit and spice,  dark amber in color.  A elegant, smooth full bodied Cab.  With blackberry, currants, some tobacco and spice, good finish, a solid wine, decant for an hour.                 RP-90              WS-88                  CR-91                      Good with steak, chicken, pasta.

V. Guibert-Mas De Daumas Gassac-Haute Vallee Du Gassac-Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Petit Verdot-Pinot Noir-Syrah-Vin De Pays- De L’Herault-France-2007-$8.99-A nose of funk and earth, dark purple in color.  A disjointed, really undrinkable kitchen sink blend.  It would of gone down the drain but used it for cooking.                   NR                    CR-70                    Good for cooking.