More than $30
Dec. 20, 2000:
MICHELE CHIARLO Barolo Cannubi
(94 points, $76)
An extremely focused Barolo, with raspberry, wet earth and toasted oak, this wine is full in body, with velvety tannins and a long aftertaste echoing mineral and fruit. Best after 2005. 800 cases made.
—James Suckling
Dec. 18, 2000:
PIO CESARE Barolo Ornato
(96 points, $105)
Generous and meaty. Gloriously rich character, with delightful aromas of plums, fresh flowers and spices. The wine is full-bodied with meaty, earthy, plummy flavors and big, thick and velvety tannins. Best from 2004 through 2012. 1,000 cases made.
—James Suckling
Dec. 14, 2000:
PENFOLDS Shiraz South Australia Grange
(97 points, $185)
Max Schubert's Grange helped put Australian wine on the map, so to speak. The just released '95 vintage is another in a string of classic releases for this wine. It's massive, majestic in its proportions, combining power and grace in equal measure. Flavor
—Harvey Steiman
Dec. 11, 2000:
GAJA Barbaresco
(95 points, $160)
Super Barbaresco, from one of the top producers in the region. Intense aromas of ripe plums, violets and berries lead to a full-bodied palate with chewy tannins. Long finish tastes of superripe fruit. Lovely and powerful wine. Best after 2005. 5,000 cases
—James Suckling
Here's a late-release California Cabernet from the '96 vintage. Spicy, floral and perfumed, showing off earthy, cedary black cherry and blackberry flavors and pretty, toast- and vanilla-scented notes. Unusually supple and polished version of this wine. Dr
—James Laube
