1. Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe (Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau - Rhone) – vintage 2007 – from France – Wine Spectator rated 95 and ranked #3 on the Top 100 list from 2009. Designation – Highly Recommended

 

Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone-filled finish. Best through 2030. 17,000 cases made.

 

2. Chateau Lascombes (Margaux - Bordeaux) – vintage 2005 – from France – Wine Spectator rated 93

 

Dark in color, with an impressive nose of licorice, toasty oak, chocolate and blackberry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty and structured. 25,000 cases made.

 

3. Chateau Leoville Barton (St-Julien – Bordeaux) – vintage 2006 – from France – Wine Spectator rated 94 and ranked 64^th on the Top 100 list from 2009. Designation – Highly Recommended.

 

There's a great dark color to this, with intense aromas of cedar, wood, new leather and crushed blackberry. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and a firm, powerful palate. Long and mouthpuckering. A muscular baby. Best after 2015. 18,750 cases made.