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93 points / Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 1978 Chateau Margaux is a significant wine for two reasons: that is was the first under the Mentzelopoulos family after acquiring the property and also, it was their best wine in many years. Today it is still going strong. Clear in color, it has quite a deep garnet core. The nose is very seductive with black fruit, leather, scorched earth, a hint of lavender all beautifully defined and quintessentially Margaux. The medium-bodied palate has exquisite balance, the acidity nicely judged, still a little masculine and 'solid' compared to the subsequent vintages under Paul Pontallier, yet fresh and vital. Sure, there is a grittiness and a touch of rusticity towards the finish, but all in all, this represents a great 1978 Left Bank and a signpost that the First Growth was back on the right track after a dismal run of vintages during the 1970s. Tasted May 2016 (NM, 10/2016)" -
97 points / Wine Spectator - "This still broods seriously, with dark plum, currant and blackberry fruit, studded with charcoal, singed tobacco and cedar notes and backed by a serious grip of roasted earth. The gorgeously long finish is driven by old-school tannins, with the smoldering edge going on and on. A brick house of a Margaux, with more charcoal than graphite, more austerity than elegance and more power than refinement."
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97 points / Wine Spectator - "This is about as alluring as it gets aromatically, with singed alder, juniper, bay and charcoal notes out front, hinting at power but turning beguiling as they flow into the core of steeped red currant, dried currant and black tea. The charcoal note makes an encore, with a lovely twinge of old-school character holding the finish. Always a great debate vis-à-vis the '90, but the slightly darker profile here gives this wine a lovely bit of extra drama (JM, Web-2014)."
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95 points / Wine Spectator - "This has both sinew and flesh, with taut dried red currant, blackberry and plum skin notes that are forced to expand outward as the core of black tea, charcoal, plum paste and dark humus fills in quickly behind them. The charcoal-tinged grip carries the finish, with more bass than treble at first, but there's perfume here as well. Seriously long and the most overlooked of the truly great vintages here. Drink now through 2025 (JM, Web—2014)."
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91 Points / The Wine Advocate - "This opaque purple-colored, muscular, full-bodied, classically made St.-Julien displays impressive concentration, chewy, highly-extracted flavors of black fruits, iron, earth, and spicy wood, and a powerful mouth-feel. A pure, uncompromising, traditionally-styled wine, it is to be admired for its authenticity, class, and quality. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035." -
96 points / Wine Enthusiast - "Right from the early days of tasting in spring 2001, this was going to be one of the stars of the vintage. And a star it remains. There is big, ripe fruit, with solid, ageworthy tannins. It may not be as powerful as some of the blockbusters of the vintage, but it is certainly more opulent, less classical than Léoville-Barton can sometimes be (6/2003)" 96 points / Wine Spectator - "Take textbook St.-Julien warmed fig, blueberry compote and blackberry reduction notes along with ample graphite, bramble and tobacco flavors, then dial it up a notch. This has terrific energy to offset the admirable depth and length, and hasn't even started a second phase yet. One of the stars of the vintage.—2000 Bordeaux blind retrospective (December 2015). Best from 2018 through 2033 (JM, Web-2016)."
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92 Points / Wine Spectator "Gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-knit tannins and a silky, caressing palate. Long. This is a wonderful wine. Lots of finesse".
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El Tesoro Aniversario was made from agave harvested in 2000 by Carlos and his late father. This agave had the highest sugar content they had ever harvested, 37%. These agaves were destined for something special. Aged in white oak American bourbon barrels for 7 years longer than any other tequila, it was ready for El Tesoro's 70th anniversary on 7/7/07. This limited edition tequila is a rare experience. Carlos describes it as "soft and sweet, with scents of chocolate and vanilla and a hint of spice. There are stronger tastes of oak, with an almond-like flavor and a rich agave finish. Only 2007 cases were handcrafted at La Alteña, and they've quickly become collectors' items. -
96 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST, DOUBLE GOLD 2012 SF SPIRITS COMPETITION. Pale yellow in color, the nose is spicy, earthy and delightfully vegetal. The body is somewhat delicate, with a long smooth finish. -
Prichard’s Private Stock Rum has been ultra aged in charred oak barrels. This process makes it the most exclusive product we create. Private Stock Rum has a chance to truly mature and develop a very rich complexity. Due to its age, each barrel of Private Stock Rum only retains one-third of its original volume, yielding a hefty angel’s share. A perfect companion to your favorite cigar, this small batch rum is a masterpiece, winning “Best Small Batch Spirit, 2014″ in Tennessee by Wine Enthusiast (Top Small Batches by State). Although, several retail stores have requested to sell this rum, it is currently only available for purchase at the distillery. Owing to its limited supply and massive flavor, visitors to the distillery have had little reluctance to make the journey for this exceptional product. -
A new and very exciting addition to the Mount Gay range. 1703 celebrates the foundation of the Barbados-based Mount Gay distillery, and it was created by Allen Smith, the master distiller. It contains rums that have been aged for between 10 and 30 years. -
What was typically reserved for a taste here and there on a distillery tour is now available in bottles for the first time. Maker's mark cask strength is Maker's Mark, but uncut, unfiltered, and straight from the barrel. It weighs in at a proof between 108-114, quite an uptick from the 90 proof standard bottling. It's Maker's Mark cranked up to eleven, with loads of flavor and character.
