Generously donated by Matthew Kemp, here are a number of fine wines for those joining us on November 19th to bid on. Unfortunately, Matt will be unable to join us that night.
Anjou “Bonne Blanche” 2003
100% Chenin Blanc
From 40-year-old vines planted on schist soils, aged for 2 years in new wood. A mouth filling, corpulent Loire Chenin but not remotely cloying, crammed with vibrant stone fruit and wild honey flavours, with suggestions of bees wax and honeysuckle. Suggested Retail: $45.00
Port “Guimaraens” 1995In years when Fonseca does not ‘declare’ a classic vintage, it selects the finest grapes from its own vineyards to yield a small quantity of this superb wine, which is produced exactly as a declared Fonseca Vintage. Beautifully structured and perfectly balanced, Guimaraens Vintage Ports show Fonseca’s superb marriage of power and breed in a slightly lighter, earlier-maturing style.
The Wine Spectator Score: 92 points
A gorgeous young thing--even better than I remember from barrel. This is an extremely fresh, floral and fruity young Port, full to medium in body and of medium sweetness, with a ripe and plummy aftertaste of good length. Best after 2006. 10,000 cases made. –JS
Suggested Retail: $75.00Drappier's Carte d'Or Brut champagne has all the aroma of the Pinot Noir quality grape variety, which in fact makes up 90% of the blend. This is a black grape with
white juice and is highly prized not only for its structure but also for the subtle notes of red fruits which characterize it.
A touch of Chardonnay gives freshness, while the more supple Pinot Meunier grapes impart a fine after-taste. By using only the noblest extracts go to make up this blend, for which Drappier is justly famed.
A gutsy, characterful Pinot Noir-dominated blend from this excellent producer. Great value.
The Wine Spectator Dec 31, 2007 Score: 90 points
An elegant style, displaying floral, mineral and citrus aromas and flavors matched to a creamy texture. Well-balanced, classy, firm and long. Ideal as an aperitif, but could match light dishes as well. Drink now through 2012. 90,000 cases made. –BS
Robert Parker describes Drappier as "Excellent - 4 stars"
Suggested Retail: $50.00
Gewurtraminer “Cuvee Laurence” 2005With wonderful aromas of rose, gilly-flower, jasmine, spices, crystallized citrus fruit… with velvety bodies, they are sumptuous as an aperitif, with exotic food, smoked salmon or even with cheese, especially with French cheeses such as Munster or Roquefort.
Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate Score: 92 points
From lower sections of the Altenbourg and neighboring parcels, the 2005 Gewurztraminer Cuvee Laurence exudes roses, bacon fat and honey, slathers the palate in creamy but refreshingly juicy honey- and spice-drenched peaches and litchis, and seduces the next sip irresistibly with its long, lush finish. This wine is unlikely to tire (nor you of it) for at least a dozen more years, during which some of its significant though already well-integrated sweetness will back off a bit.
Suggested Retail: $69.99Chateau Clinet 2005Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 92 points
We haven’t seen a Clinet this good since the late Jean-Michel Arcaute’s stunning duo of 1989
and 1990. This dense ruby/purple-tinged, exotic 2005 boasts soaring aromas of roasted herbs, plums, black currants, and caramelized chocolate. Savory, broad, and expansive with sensational purity, intensity, and length, this beauty possesses so much fruit and glycerin that it nearly hides the substantial tannins. Although performing exceptionally well at present, I suspect it will close down once it is put in a cold cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030.
Suggested Retail: $250.00
for the parents and grandparents attending the event. She’s just way too adorable and would make the ultimate Christmas present for a special child. Check out the 
