Collector's  Edition  Tasting
@ Bin 604 Wine Sellers

These are some of the more exciting new top-of-the-line wines at The Bin. We have no particular theme, just good stuff to taste!

The White Wines:

1. Hartford Court "Stone Côte Vineyard"2001, Sonoma Coast   $34.99
Kistler at half the price. Excellent toasty and mineral scented aromatics, ripe fruit, and a long finish.

2. Forman Chardonnay 2002, Napa Valley   $35.99
The best Chardonnay Ric Forman has made in his lengthy career. This just received 93 points in the latest edition of The Wine Advocate .

3. Henri Boillot Meursault "Les Poruzots" Premier Cru 2002   $74.99
2002 is the finest vintage for white Burgundy since at least 1992. This is a stellar example of what's in store for fans of these wines.

4. J. L. Chave Hermitage Blanc 2000   $175
Chave is the finest producer of white Hermitage (along with Chapoutier). These wines have the uncanny ability to age for decades. In blind tastings, they typically outperform the best white Burgundies.

The Red Wines:

5. Littorai "Theriot Vineyard"Pinot Noir 2001   $69.99
Elegant Pinot Noir from owner/winemaker, Ted Lemon. Very much in a Burgundian style.

6. Claude Dugat Gevrey Chambertin Premier Cru 2001   $89.99
Claude Dugat is regarded as one of the top half-dozen growers in all of Burgundy.

7. Robert Biale "Old Crane Ranch"Zinfandel 2001   $44.99
Biale is a new star on the Zin scene on a plateau with Turley, Martinelli, and Ridge.

8. Behrens & Hitchcock Petite Sirah 2001 Spring Mountain   $69.99
This grape variety is achieving new-found respect and only Turley does it as well as B & H.

9. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Napa Valley   $69.99
This venerable winery (whose first vintage was 1972) has been a model of consistency. 2001 is clearly Napa's best vintage since 1994 and this is Caymus's best effort since that time. The wine is in their typically succulent style.

10. Plumpjack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Oakville, Napa Valley   $74.99
This relatively new winery (begun in the mid-90's) is owned by the Getty family. No expense has been spared in the winemaking and the beautiful growing conditions in 2001 are reflected in the opulence of the wine.

11. Clarendon Hills Syrah “Hickinbotham Vineyard” 2002 Clarendon   $89.99
The francophile owner/winemaker of Clarendon Hills refuses to use the Aussie term Shiraz. Be that as it may, this wine is one of the finest examples of the spectacular conditions in 2002. This wine has a very long life in store for it for those owners with patience.

12. Hobbs Shiraz 2001, Barossa Ranges   $99.99
Only 130 cases were produced of this gem.