With a production of 2,300 cases and extremely low yields (35 hectoliters per hectare), it is not surprising that this is a virtually perfect Petrus. The color is an opaque black/purple. It is dense, rich, concentrated, and powerful. If the tannin achieves total integration, it will merit a perfect score. At present, this 1998 is enormous, with huge volume, an unctuous texture, sensational concentration, and a closed, muscular style. Notes of jammy black fruits, truffles, licorice, earth, and espresso become apparent as the wine sits in the glass. At present, this is a backward, immense Petrus that is powerful, tannic, and muscular. Nevertheless, every component is present for a long evolution of 40-50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045.

The superb 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil wafts from the glass with a beautiful bouquet of crushed chalk, lemon oil, crisp green apple, white flowers and brioche. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with bright acids, a tight-knit core and a brisk mousse, concluding with a long, chalky and bone-dry finish. After the comparatively broad and fleshy 2002, 2004 and 2006 vintages, the 2007 Salon seems to mark a return to a racier, more precise style—though admittedly that's in keeping with the style of the vintage—that makes me anticipate the release of the 2008 all the more eagerly.

Full-bodied, round and rich on the palate, this is a stunningly pure, fresh and salty 2009 that is driven by its chalky terroir and the lingering salinity. Is it really 2009? It is ripe, yes, but driven by the strength of chalk. The finish is pure, clean, fresh, very complex and long yet delicate and endlessly salty.

Bright deep red. Perfumed nose of red cherry, Oriental spices, flint and graphite. Rich, dense and suave on entry, then lighter and more linear in the middle, but with a plush juicy mouthfeel that makes it hard to put the glass back down once you've started tasting it. Very pure black/red cherry and spice flavors linger impressively on the long, refreshing finish. A knockout 2014 Brunello that lacks the size of the bigger vintages (very appropriately, I may add, given what the 2014 growing season was like) but showcases enchanting purity and grace. Vey well done.

Seductive Wine From Cape Town, South Africa 

"Creamed persimmon, yellow apple, quince and mirabelle plum notes weave together seamlessly in this version, gilded with heather, honey and green tea accents. This is rich, but the brightness and a lovely bitter orange flash add detail on the finish."

V Wine Cellar has the first bottle out for show ( we just tasted with Justin Harmon ~ owner winemaker ) and this wine will leave you in a sense of delirium with its quality. A full-bodied, concentrated, powerful wine that has a graceful mid-palate depth and pure concentration, an utter seamlessness, elegance, and balance that’s hard to describe, awesome purity of fruit, and an endless finishing sensation. 

The recipe of success continues to simmer with the 2017 Bastard Tongue Pinot Noir from Justin Harmon. Smoking notes of black raspberries, dried flowers, incense, and forest floor notes all emerge from this deep, rich, layered effort that has fabulous complexity, a hedonistic texture, and impeccable balance. It's a rock star of a Sonoma County Pinot Noir that delivers the goods. 

A luscious, multi-layered explosion of mouthwatering blood orange, fresh mineral, baked apple and juicy stone fruit; creamy, opulent and textured with a smoky, nutty, toasty oak core, fine fresh acidity and a luxurious, complex finish.

The 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley is also solid, with classic bright citrus as well as a kiss of tropical fruit. It's medium-bodied, has a rounded, supple texture, nicely integrated acidity, and solid overall balance. It has good freshness as well as texture, and ideal for drinking over the coming year or three.

Chocolates

Red Wine Infused Chocolate Ganache Truffles Made By Artisan Chocolatier Kollar

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot aged 22 months in 75% new French oak. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up expressive notes of baked blackcurrants, blackberry pie and spice cake with hints of licorice, tobacco and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it has a solid backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling black tea note. 

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2017 M. Étain is deep garnet-purple colored and prances out of the glass with exuberant baked cherries, warm mulberries, plum pudding and crème de cassis notes with touches of Provence herbs, tilled soil and pencil lead plus wafts of spice box and potpourri. Full-bodied, firm and earthy in the mouth, the palate has bags of freshness and a firm structure with loads of spicy nuances on the finish.