This new section on PJWine.com features wines lauded by the wine press with very high ratings. Please note that due to the limited production of many of these acclaimed wines supplies may be very small and not available for re-order. Additional wines will be rotated in periodically. However, please note that PJ’s offers many more highly rated wines beyond those featured on this page.

Australia | France | Italy | Spain | USA

Australia

2002 Clarendon Hills Grenache Blend “Clarendon Vineyard” (Net) $42.97
“From the Clarendon Vineyard, planted in 1920, the 2002 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard exhibits a deeper, more saturated color than the 2001, in addition to backward, primary aromas of sandstone, raspberries, black cherries, earth, herbs, and underbrush. Full-bodied and dense, it is a terrific example of old vine Grenache that should drink well for 10-12 years.” —WA 93-95

2003 Oliver Hill Shiraz, “Jimmy” (Net) $29.97
“A prodigious, decadently rich effort, Oliverhill’s 2003 Shiraz Jimmy Section (15% alcohol) is a 100% Shiraz aged in French oak, of which one-third is new. It offers up a luxurious aromatic display of loamy earth, new saddle leather, blackberry liqueur, charcoal, and barbecue spices. Layered, chewy, full-bodied, and opulent with extravagant richness, sweet, supple tannin, and low acidity, this is a knock-out Shiraz to drink over the next 5-12 years.” —WA 94

2002 Turkey Flat Shiraz, Barossa $30.97
“Winemaker Peter Schultz has turned in a brilliant effort with the 2002 Shiraz. Glorious notes of creme de cassis, raspberry liqueur, licorice, and vanilla (15-20% new oak is utilized) jump from the glass of this inky/ruby/purple-colored Shiraz. Great fruit on the attack is followed by an expansive, full-bodied, deep, harmonious mid-palate, and a long finish. One component of this cuvee emerges from one of South Australia’s oldest Shiraz plots, planted in 1847.” —WA 94

1999 Yalumba Barossa Shiraz “Signature” $38.99
“A compelling offering (56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz), it possesses a dense purple color along with a sweet multilayered personality revealing aromas and flavors of earth, blackberries, cassis and vanilla.” —WA 95

France

’02 Dupont-Tisserandot Burgundy, Gevrey-Chambertin “Lavaux St.Jacques”; Limited, Phone Orders Only $72.99
“Beautiful ripe, pure flavors of cherry and spice, lush in texture and backed by firm tannins. It starts out beguiling, shutting down on the finish, which suggests waiting a few more years before approaching this red. Fine balance and harmony.” —WS 94

’01 E. Guigal Rhône, Marsanne-Roussane “Ex Voto Ermitage” $145.99
“A stunning effort, the 2001 Hermitage Ex-Voto blanc is an 8,000-bottle cuvee produced from 50 and 90-year old vines in Les Murets and l’Ermite vineyards; it will only be made in the greatest vintages. Aged in 100% new oak for 18 months, it is a blend of 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne. This fabulous white Hermitage ranks alongside Chapoutier’s limited cuvees of Le Meal, l’Ermite, and l’Oree. Guigal’s 2001 Hermitage Ex-Voto offers up stupendous aromas of white peaches, truffles, quince, and a liqueur of stones. This amazing white should drink well young, yet last 2-3 decades.” —WA 96

’01 E. Guigal Rhône, Syrah “Ex Voto Ermitage” $179.99
“The debut release of the Hermitage Ex-Voto, the spectacular 2001 spent 42 months in new French oak. Produced from four vineyard sites, l’Hermite, Les Murets, Les Greffieux, and Les Bessards, it boasts an amazingly thick purple color as well as a rich, sumptuous bouquet of smoke, licorice, creme de cassis, and earth. Full-bodied and rich, with good acidity and magnificent concentration, this is a tour de force in red Hermitage. Given its high tannin and crisp acidity, it will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040.” —WA 94-96

’03 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape $44.99
“A very strong vintage for this traditionally made Chateauneuf du Pape, the 2003, a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault, has a deep ruby/plum/purple color and a big sweet nose of dried Provencal herbs, licorice, seaweed, and spice box. The wine is massively concentrated, relatively high in alcohol by the standards here (15% plus on their component parts), and has a long, concentrated, chewy finish with high tannin and equally high extract. If there is one Chateauneuf du Pape that smells like an open-air Provencal spice, flower, and food market, it is Vieux Donjon. It is a classic, concentrated essence of Provence, all in an alcoholic beverage. This wine will need 4-5 years of cellaring when released and drink well for 15-20 years.” —WA 92-95

Italy

2001 Foradori Trentino Vigneti delle Dolomiti “Granato” $44.99
“Almost inpenetrable black-ruby color. Seductive perfume of jasmine. Very fat and sweet on the palate, with ripe black fruit sensations augmented by a panoply of Near Eastern spices, marzipan and black pepper, all underscored by a minerality that suggests India ink, Lapsang Souchong tea and woodsmoke. The tannins are silky, the balance is impeccable, and the wine finishes with a rush of lavender-scented wild berries.” —IWC 94, GR Tre Bicchieri

2001 Moris Farms Super Tuscan, “Avvoltore” $44.99
“Moris Farm’s top wine has long been its Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, and the 2001 Avvoltore competes with the fabulous 1994 as the all-time champion. Deep and brooding in color, with super sweet and expansive aromas of creme de cassis, Mediterranean brush, and tar, its ripe, dense, plush palate boasts iron strength balanced by polished, supple tannins. Drink: 2005-2018. A tribute, in conclusion, to Adolfo Parentini, who transformed the estate from a bulk wine operation to a star in the region, and to consulting winemaker Attilio Pagli, the first professional to truly believe in the Maremma.” —WA 92

Spain

2001 Finca Allende Rioja Tempranillo “Allende” $18.97
“Bottled unfiltered for the USA market, the 2001 Allende exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a sumptuous nose of figs, black currants, blackberries, cigar box, and smoky vanilla. Full-bodied, rich, and opulent, with great purity, density, and length, it should be consumed over the next 6-7 years.” —WA 93

NV Alvear Montilla-Moriles Oloroso “Asuncion” 500ml $16.99
“The light to medium amber-colored non-vintage Oloroso Asuncion, believed to be from a 12-year old solera, it is super-fragrant, dry, and intense.” —WA 93

NV Alvear Montilla-Moriles Cream “Solera Cream” 500ml $17.49
“The light to medium amber-colored non-vintage Oloroso Asuncion, believed to be from a 12-year old solera, it is super-fragrant, dry, and intense.” —WA 93

2003 Alvear Montilla-Moriles Pedro Ximenez “Añada” 375ml $13.99
“A super value, the fruit for the 2003 Pedro Ximenez de Añada was dried in the sun before being fermented. A medium amber color is found in this sweet, unctuous effort offering abundant amounts of nut-like, caramel, and toffee flavors as well as full body and a tremendous finish. It is a sensational after-dinner sherry.” —WA 94

NV Alvear Montilla-Moriles Pedro Ximenez “Solera 1927” 375ml $19.97
“The impressive 1927 Pedro Ximenez Solera, from a Solera begun nearly 80 years ago, boasts a dark amber color as well as an extraordinary nose of creme brulee, liquefied nuts, marmalade, and maple syrup. Huge and viscous, yet neither cloyingly sweet nor heavy, it is a profound effort priced unbelievably low. It is meant to be drunk alone at the end of a meal.” —WA 96

2000 Artadi Rioja Reserva “Pagos Viejos” $79.99
“...a layered expansive texture...It will benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring and should age for 10-15 years.” —WA 94

1995 CVNE Rioja Reserva “Real de Asua” $52.49
“Full red-ruby. Tight but nuanced nose combines raspberry, roasted game, leather and earth; distinctly Burgundian. Superripe and dense, with wonderfully lush fruit and compelling inner-mouth flavor. A remarkably sweet, ripe Rioja with buns of steel. Finishes with lush tannins and extremely persistent, fruit-driven flavors of raspberry and strawberry. A knockout.” —IWC 94

NV Dios Baco S.L. Sherry Oloroso $17.97
“Unctuous is the only way to describe this velvety-smooth, chocolate- and treacle-infused Sherry. Quite light on its feet, yet intense and long, with lovely cut that just sends it soaring on the finish.” —WS 93

NV Pedro Domecq Sherry Pedro Ximenez VORS “Venerable” $67.99
“Not your grandmother's Sherry. Black as night, thick as molasses, it coats the palate like motor oil, with flavors of prunes, dark chocolate and sweet Turkish coffee. A fine example of one of the world's most distinctive wines. From a Solera established in 1902.” —WS 93

NV Lustau Almacenista Sherry Palo Cortado “Vides” $29.99
“Orange amber. Stunning, very fresh nose, with an orange peel character. Wow! Powerful palate impact, but smooth, exotic and complex. with figs, a panoply of dried fruits and nuts, and a long, long, finish. A marvelous, intensely flavored wine marred only by a little heat on the finish.” —IWC 95

NV Lustau Almacenista Sherry Oloroso “Pata Gallina” $29.99
“Deep golden color; super nose of nuts; great flavor definition; quite dry, but spectacular richness and amazing finish.” —WA 94

NV Lustau Sherry Moscatel “Emilin” $18.99
“Reddish-brown. Orange peel and dried fruit nose. Oranges, peaches, figs, dates and burnt sugar on the palate. Rich, complex and exotic. A great example of its type.” —IWC 94

United States of America

2002 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $64.99
“Lots of rich, creamy oak and a tasty core of ripe currant, plum and black cherry fruit combine to form this notably complex and concentrated young wine. Delicious from start to finish, with a long, fruity aftertaste and fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2011. 29,980 cases made.” —WS 93

2002 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, “Special Select” (Net) $129.97
“Lots of rich, creamy oak and a tasty core of ripe currant, plum and black cherry fruit combine to form this notably complex and concentrated young wine. Delicious from start to finish, with a long, fruity aftertaste and fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2011.” —WS 93

2001 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate $99.97
“The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is one of Bo Barrett’s finest efforts. While tightly knit, 24 hours of aeration reveals its upside potential. Dense ruby/purple with a nose of crushed rocks intermixed with creme de cassis and a hint of licorice, this full-bodied, pure, deep offering will be at its peak between 2010-2025. It is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc that came in at 14.1% alcohol.” —WA 95

2001 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa (Net) $99.97
“The impeccably made 2001 Dominus boasts a dense plum/purple color in addition to a fragrant, promising perfume of cocoa, cedar, coffee, roasted herbs, and copious quantities of black fruits. There are 7,000 cases of this 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot blend. Rich and medium to full-bodied, with sweet but noticeable tannin, a layered mid-palate, and a long finish with obvious tannin, it will require 3-4 years of cellaring.” —WA 95

2002 Ramey Chardonnay “Hudson Vineyard” $45.97
“Full palish yellow color. Knockout aromas of yellow plum, toasted hazelnut, smoke, clove and iodine; downright Burgundian. A wine of superb sweetness leavened by sheer mineral grip. Very deep, layered and powerful, with compellingly intense fruit that expands with aeration to take over the palate. Lively acids give this wine terrific structure and verve. Finishes very long, with no sign of alcohol. Stunning chardonnay.” —IWC 94

2002 Ramey Chardonnay “Hyde Vineyard” $45.97
“Medium yellow. Knockout nose combines lime blossom, soft citrus notes, pear and white flowers. Sweet, juicy and penetrating, with highly complex flavors of soft citrus fruits, lime, peach, nectarine, flowers and mint. At once solid and vibrant. Finishes with palate-staining persistence and terrific grip. A great California chardonnay.” —IWC 95

Australia | France | Italy | Spain | USA