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THE WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS

W I N E

AUC T I ON APRIL 7, 2018

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY. ALL YEAR LONG. The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas is your best resource for all things wine and food, in Texas and beyond. Learn more, taste more, and build your wine collection with us. From farms, to food trucks, to unique dining experiences, eat with us and indulge your inner foodie. Attend our events and support a community of those who share our appreciation and knowledge of all that the wine and food culture of Texas has to offer.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS ALL WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS MEMBERS RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: • Access to Wine & Food Foundation of Texas member-only events including wine tastings, classes, dinners, and more • Advanced notice and member pricing to WFFT events • Invitations to collaborative events with other organizations, restaurants, and wineries with local chefs and sommeliers • The Crush (member’s only monthly newsletter)

EPICUREAN

$150 per year OR $15 per month

• Member pricing for 2 people to all WFFT events • 15-day advance ticket purchase opportunities for WFFT Premier events • 3-day advance ticket purchase opportunities for educational wine tastings or winemaker events • Access to purchase VIP upgrades for Premier Events • Invite to four Cellar Salon events per year • Access to Collector’s Circle Allocation List

• Member pricing for 2 people to all WFFT events • 5-day advance ticket purchase opportunities for WFFT Premier events • 1-day advance ticket purchase opportunities for educational wine tastings and winemaker events

CONNOISSEUR

$250 per year OR $25 per month • Member pricing for 2 people to all WFFT events • 10-day advance ticket purchase opportunities for WFFT Premier events • 2-day advance ticket purchase opportunities for educational wine tastings and winemaker events • Access to purchase VIP upgrades for Premier Events • Invitation to December Cellar Salon event

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AFICIONADO

$350 per year OR $35 per month

THE CRÚ (FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS)

$100 per year OR $10 per month

The Crú is an individual membership offered to those 35 years of age and younger.

• Member pricing for 2 people to all WFFT events • Access to monthly Crú tastings presented by Austin’s leading food and beverage industry members including sommeliers, wine representatives, bloggers, etc.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: info@winefoodfoundation.org | (512) 327-7555 33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


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AUC T I ON APRIL 7, 2018

Toast. Feast. Give Back. EVENING PROGRAM 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Auction Lot Preview Reception

6:45pm

Seated for Dinner, Introductory Remarks Kirk Venge, Venge Vineyards Stephanie Simpson, President, The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas Amber Pearce, Auction Chair, The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

7pm

Live Auction Harvey Kronberg, Auctioneer; Todd Kercheval, Auctioneer

9:45pm

Silent Auction Closes

Cheers!

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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2018 RARE & FINE WINE AUCTION FEATURED WINEMAKER: KIRK VENGE The Venge (ven-ghee) family has farmed vitis vinifera varieties in Napa Valley for nearly half a century. It is a journey that began when Knud Venge emigrated from Denmark to the United States in the early 1900’s. Knud’s son, Per Venge, found his passion in the wine and spirits industry and started Vencom Imports, focusing on the importation of Western European fine wines and spirits. It was Per’s son, Nils Venge, who left the family business in the 1960’s with a vision to study viticulture at UC Davis and establish the family name as an icon in the winegrowing community. The family’s viticultural roots flourished in 1976 with the purchase of a 17-acre vineyard in the Oakville District that was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This fortunate development cast the family among the winemaking pioneers of Napa Valley. Nils’ and Dianna Venge’s son, Kirk Venge, gravitated to winemaking at an early age. He proved to be as talented a winemaker as his father, making wines in his own style, with a vision to build on the family legacy. In 2008, Kirk achieved his lifelong dream and acquired full ownership of Venge Vineyards. Today, Kirk continues the Napa Valley heritage, focusing on select vineyard sites that produce fruit worthy of bearing the Venge family name.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


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LETTER FROM THE AUCTION COMMITTEE On behalf of The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, we would like to welcome you to the 33rd Annual Rare and Fine Wine Auction. Tonight, you have an exceptional opportunity to support WFFT’s work to cultivate and invest in the wine and food community through education, appreciation, and enjoyment. We extend our gratitude to our generous sponsors and donors that have made this celebratory evening of giving possible. In 2018 and beyond, we are dedicated to providing direct financial support to sommeliers, chefs, and winemakers through scholarships, travel stipends, and professional development opportunities and organizations who positively impact our viticulture and culinary community. The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas is proud to welcome acclaimed winemaker Kirk Venge of Venge Vineyards as the Featured Winemaker for the 2018 Rare & Fine Wine Auction. The Venge family has long been acknowledged among the winemaking pioneers of Napa Valley. Building on his family’s legacy, Kirk Venge has developed wines in his own style, focusing on select vineyard sites that produce fruit worthy of bearing the Venge family name. On behalf of the Auction Committee, we thank you for participating in our auction and hope you enjoy an evening of fine wine, superb company and spirited bidding.

Cheers!

Amber Pearce Auction Chair

Harvey Kronberg Auctioneer

Todd Kercheval Auctioneer

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephanie Simpson

Pat Conroy

Amber Pearce

Andrew West

Susan Auler Amy Blakely Daniel Bleier Ellen Canas Mason Moxy Castro-League Soncy Chin

Jerry Gatlin Tom Goebel Kareem Hajjar Don Heath Damon Holditch David Jabour

Howard Kells Harvey Kronberg Don Neville Fredrik Osterberg Michael Russell Mike Shefman

Jim Stone Steve Tipton Jerry Valdez Kristin Waddington

Van Hoisington Diane Howard Stephan Pyles

Edward Safady Michael Vilim

David Jabour Jillonne Johnson Diana McIver Christie Miller Bill Norris Brooke Paup Michael Russell Susan Salch

Stephanie Simpson Sandra Spalding Jim Stone Steve Tipton Jerry Valdez Andrew West

President

President-Elect

Secretary

Treasurer

EMERITUS BOARD Larry Peel

Chairman Emeritus

Ben Barnes Helen Baxter Leon Cikota

2017-2018 AUCTION COMMITTEE Amber Pearce Chair

Harvey Kronberg Auctioneer

Todd Kercheval Auctioneer

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Daniel Bleier Pat Conroy Jerry Gatlin Tom Goebel Kareem Hajjar Melissa Hajjar Lisa Hall Don Heath

33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


2018 GIVING The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas cultivates and invests in the wine and food community through education, appreciation and enjoyment. In 2018 and beyond, we are dedicated to providing direct financial support to sommeliers, chefs, and winemakers through scholarships, travel stipends, and professional development opportunities and organizations who positively impact our viticulture and culinary community.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

.

.

FREEDMEN’S BARBECUE SPONSORS

DINNER WINE SPONSORS

v i n e y a r d s

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Working together. Making a difference. Look around and you’ll find us. We’re in the classroom supporting education. We’re fighting hunger with donations and warm meals. We’re protecting the environment by recycling.

We’re volunteering our time for a worthy cause. And we’re answering the call for help in times of need. In short, we’re committed to Helping Here for one reason. We’re proud to call Texas home.

education • volunteerism • hunger relief • environment • disaster relief 8

©2012 HEB, 12-5358

33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


PROUD SPONSORS OF THE WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS At Maxwell Locke & Ritter, we have an active nonprofit practice and believe that one of our greatest strengths is in supporting our people to volunteer their time, talents and treasures in communities where they live. Individually and collectively, we are actively involved in over 275 different organizations throughout Central Texas.

MAXWELL LOCKE & RITTER Audit I Tax I Diligence I Family Office Let’s be social! @MaxLocRit

512.370.3200 www.mlrpc.com April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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more than loyalty. At South Texas Money Management, we put our clients’ interests first. We offer fully transparent, separately managed accounts in which clients know what they own, what they pay, and their net return. We provide investment and wealth advisory services to individuals, retirement plans, nonprofits, charitable foundations, trusts, and other institutions. We help individuals, individually. How can we help you?

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1.866.805.1385 | STMMLTD.COM

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Proud sponsor of the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

www.recurrentenergy.com

A FULL-SERVICE EVENT VENUE IN THE HEART OF EAST AUSTIN 1501 East 7th Street • 7CoEvents.com • @7CoEvents

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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PRODUCING QUALITY

CREATIVE WORK

SMALL BUSINESSES AND STARTUPS, FOSTERING FOR

MUTUAL PARTNERSHIPS

&

SUPPORTING THEM IN THEIR QUEST TO BUIL D

THE NEXT BIG THING. We’re proud to be the Creative Sponsor for the 2018 Rare & Fine Wine Auction.

thelabelcollective.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPARKLING SPONSOR, GRUET WINERY Preview Reception

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction

Bell Champagne


Toast. Feast. Give Back. HISTORY OF WFFT AND CHARITABLE GIVING 1985 – Inaugural Rare & Fine Wine Auction 1990 – KLRU Established as Annual Beneficiary of the Rare & Fine Wine Auction $800,000 Awarded from 1990 to 2010 in Support of Wine & Food Programming 1997 – The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas Established 501(c)3 status. 2002 – Stephan Pyles Annual Culinary Scholarship Established - $192,000 Awarded to Date 2002 – First Annual Big Reds & Bubbles and Tour de Vin Events 2005 – $30,000 Donated for Production of Children’s Bilingual Nutritional Television Pilot, Papi’s Kitchen 2005 – $25,000 Donated for Film Production of The Wine Roads of Texas 2006 – Texas Sommelier Conference Established – $250,000 Donated to Date 2006 – $20,000 Donated to Sustainable Food Center 2006– $21,000 Donated to Grape MD – Web-based Program for Diagnosis of Grapevine Disease 2007– $20,000 Donated to Texas Cooperative Extension Viticulture Research Laboratory 2007– $2,500 Donated to Mexic-Arte Museum 2007– $5,000 Donated to the Texas Culinary Academy 2008 – $30,000 Donated to Nolan Ryan Foundation 2012 – $15,000 Donated to Texas No Kid Hungry 2013 – $93,150 Total Giving to Dell Children’s Hospital, the Winners of the Somms Under Fire and Citywide 86’d Competitions, Sommelier Scholarships, and Culinary Scholarships for Texas A&M’s Beef 101 2014 – $109,000 Total Giving to Austin Food for Life, Dell Children’s Healthy Living Express, Sustainable Food Center, Texas A&M AgriLife Viticulture and Fruit Lab, and the Winners of the Somms Under Fire and Citywide 86’d Competitions 2015 – $61,050 Total Giving to Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, Urban Roots, The Sustainable Food Center, Texas A&M AgriLife Viticulture and Fruit Lab, TEXSOM and Sommelier Scholarships, Somms Under Fire and Citywide 86’d Competitions. 2016 – $52,850 Total Giving to Central Texas Food Bank, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, Conrad N. Hilton College, Urban Roots, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Viticulture and Fruit Lab. 2017 – $54,450 Total Giving to Urban Roots, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Viticulture and Fruit Lab, and Sommelier Scholarship for Somms Under Fire Winner 2018 – $3,000 Giving to Date in support of WFFT’s Sommelier Education Program, including Wine Immersion Program in South Australia; WSET Level 3 Education and Exam; and Master Class Series for Sommeliers

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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BUYER’S GUIDE STANDARD NOTICES 1. The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas Rare & Fine Wine Auction (hereinafter designated WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS) and the JW Marriott Austin reserve the right to refuse admission to the premises and the auction subject to their discretion. 2. Any statement as to authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, provenance and condition is a statement or representation of fact. The WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS reserves the right, in forming their opinion, to consult and rely upon any expert or authority considered by them to be reliable. CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR THE RARE & FINE WINE AUCTION The printed catalog, as amended by addendums & announcements during the sale, constitutes the entire statement of Wine & Food Foundation of Texas relative to the wines listed herein. The following Conditions of Sale and any glossary contained herein are the complete terms and conditions of which all wines are listed herein shall be offered for sale, sold or purchased. The wines will be offered and sold by Wine & Food Foundation of Texas. 1. All wines are sold “as is” and Wine & Food Foundation of Texas makes no warranties or representations of any kind or nature with respect to the wines, and in no event shall be responsible or liable for the correctness of the catalog or other description of, nor deemed to have made any representation of assumption of liability with respect hereto. 2. Wine & Food Foundation of Texas will provide a good faith estimate of the value of each purchase upon request. Each donor and/or purchaser should consult a tax professional if further guidance is needed. 3. Wine & Food Foundation of Texas reserves the right to withdraw any item at any time before actual sale. 4. Unless otherwise announced by the Auctioneer at the time of sale, all bids are per lot as numbered in the printed catalog. After the sale, Wine & Food Foundation’s sale record & invoice shall be conclusive in all respects. 5. Wine & Food Foundation of Texas reserves the right to reject a bid from any bidder. The highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute between bidders, or in the event of doubt on the part of the Auctioneer as to the validity of any bid, the Auctioneer will have sole and final discretion either to determine the successful bidder or reoffer and resell the Lot. If any dispute arises after the sale, the auctioneer’s sale records shall be conclusive. 14

33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


6. If the Auctioneer determines that any opening bid is not commensurate with the value of the item offered, he may reject the bid and withdraw item from sale; and if having acknowledged an opening bid, he decides that any advance thereafter is not of sufficient magnitude, he may reject the advance. 7. When Auctioneer declares an item “sold”, the highest bidder shall be deemed to have purchased the offered Lot in accordance with all conditions set forth herein and, there, upon (a) Assume full risk and responsibility therefore, (b) Will sign a confirmation therefore, and (c) Will pay the full purchase price therefore. All wines shall be removed from the Premises by the purchaser’s expense immediately after the Auction. The purchaser must be present, with personal identification or must be represented by proxy approved by WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS. If the foregoing conditions or any other applicable conditions herein are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS by law, including without limitation, the right to hold the purchaser liable for the bid price, WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS at its option may either: (a) Cancel the sale retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the purchaser, or (b) Resell the property for the account of and at the risk of the purchaser, either publicly or privately, & in such event the purchaser shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency plus all costs of resale and incidental damages. 8. All Lots expire one year from date of this auction, unless otherwise indicated in the printed catalog or announced by the Auctioneer at the time of sale. Any Lots not redeemed by that date will be deemed expired and become obsolete therefore. WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION OF TEXAS shall not be responsible or liable for refunding or replacing obsolete Lots. 9. All checks for items purchased shall be made payable to The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas. Unless exempted by law from payment thereof, the purchaser may be required to pay Texas state and local retail taxes at the rate applicable at the time of purchase.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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LIVE AUCTION ITEMS Lot #1

Drink it Tonight! Donated by: Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $650 per decanter 2000 Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée da Capo, Rhone, 3L Rated 100 by Robert Parker The 2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée da Capo is a monument to old vine Grenache as well as traditionally made Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Boasting a natural alcohol of 16%, this wine, which was bottled in spring 2003 because its fermentation was extremely slow, has virtually everything you could ever want in a profound Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The color is inky/ruby/purple to the rim. The extraordinary nose reveals aromas of kirsch liqueur, new saddle leather, animal fur, Provencal herbs, spice box, licorice, and a salty sea breeze character. On the palate, the wine is enormous, with an unctuosity, thickness, and purity that must be tasted to be believed. Over 95% of this offering is old vine Grenache, and the rest a field blend of ancient vines. Representing the essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it possesses so much concentration that it is easy to pose the question ... “where’s the tannin?” Analytically, it has very high levels of tannin, but the tannin is barely noticeable given the wine’s exaggerated wealth of richness and power. This is a modern day legend in the making, and despite its precociousness and ease in smelling and consuming, it will not hit its prime for another decade. It should last for 25-30 years, and take its place among some of the greatest Châteauneuf-du-Papes ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030+.

*This lot will be auctioned as a Dutch auction. Decanters will be sold individually to the 4 highest bidders. The per-decanter cost will start at $650 and will be raised until the per-decanter cost exceeds the amount you wish to pay. Determination of the four highest bidders will be subject to the auctioneer’s discretion.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #2

Sparkling Start Donated by: Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Susan Salch, The Menagerie Estimated Value: $1,460 1. 2005 Argyle Extended Tirage Brut, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator Light and expressive, with a wonderful core of pear and quince, persisting against creamy effervescence into a long and precise finish. Has presence, length and remarkable freshness. Amazingly fresh, it bursts with subtle, well-integrated flavors of citrus rind, peach, almond and pastry. The length and imposing structure suggest it can age for another decade. Drink now through 2025.

2. 2005 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator A lovely combination of rich opulence and crisp, refined fruit. Aromas of sweet apple, brioche, fresh ginger and stony mineral lead to layer flavors of lemon, cinnamon and subtle caramel.

3. 2006 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs late disgorged, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate A captivating nose of honeyed toast, dried apricots, preserved lemons and quince paste with touches of cashews, incense and anise. The palate explodes with decdent savory and spice layers, supported by the racy backbone and seamless, brut-level dosage, finishing with fantastic length.

4. 2012 Schramsberg Schwarze Vineyard Brut Carneros, 750ml Rated 91 by Wine Spectator Sparkling rich and bold, with a hint of age and complexity, offering apple skin, ginger and roasted almond flavors.

5. 2014 Bisol Cartizze Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G., 750ml Rated 90 by Wine Enthusiast Aromas of tropical fruit, spring flowers and white peach lead the nose on this single-vineyard bottling. The rich palate doles out green apple, ripe pear and candied citrus zest alongside racy acidity and a foaming mousse.

6. 2014 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast Dry and well balanced but also full flavored, this will be a great go-to bubbly to have ready in the fridge for any minor or major occasion. There are ripe fruits along with crisp citrus notes, lively acidity, a rich mousse of bubbles and lingering finish.

7. Bubble Box Cocktail Champagne Party Set of 6 by Baccarat Champagne, Royal Mojito or Bellini, amaze your guests and give your parties a real buzz all night long… add a little sparkle to life!

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #3

Chalk Hill Road Wine Tasting Experience Donated by: Foley Sonoma Wines Estimated Value: $600 A group of six will enjoy a full day of wine tasting on Chalk Hill Road. To start, you will tour and taste at the namesake Chalk Hill Winery. Next, move on to a lovely lunch and tasting at Roth Winery followed by tasting at Lancaster Winery. Your day will conclude with a Cheese & Charcuterie plate at Foley Sonoma.

Lot #4

Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar Dinner for Six Donated by: Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar Estimated Value: $600 You and five guests will enjoy a five course chef ’s tasting menu with wine pairings and the incomparable hospitality of Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar. Must be scheduled in advance on a mutually agreed upon date prior to December 31, 2018, subject to availability. Gratuity not included.

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Lot #5

Half-Case Vertical of Cave de Tain Hermitage Donated by: Hand Picked Selections Estimated Value: $600 1. (2 btls) 2009 Cave de Tain Hermitage Rouge, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator Wild black fruits. Mineral notes and toasty oak. A complex and elegant bouquet with notes of violets and menthol. Great amplitude and smoothness. The tannic attack is firm but has a nice grain that accompanies the wine on the length. The power and spice notes are balanced with deep black fruit.

2. (2btls) 2010 Cave de Tain Hermitage Rouge, 750ml Rated 91 by Stephen Tanzer Wild black fruits. Mineral notes and toasty oak. A complex and elegant bouquet with notes of violets and menthol. Great amplitude and smoothness. The tannic attack is firm but has a nice grain that accompanies the wine on the length. The power and spice notes are balanced with deep black fruit.

3. (2 btls) 2011 Cave de Tain Hermitage Rouge, 750ml Rated 91 by Wine Advocate Profundity in color and nose, with winning notes of red and blue fruit. Gentle spice and attractive sweetness at the back of the palate.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #6

The Case for Washington State Wine Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Christie & Rob Miller, Amanda & Andrew West Estimated Value: $960 1. 2009 J Bookwalter Winery Protagonist, Red Mountain, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator This has finesse and intensity, delivering fresh ripe currant, plum, espresso and sage flavors on a deftly balanced frame, lingering on the expressive finish.

2. 2012 Andrew Will Sorella Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate Up with the crème de la crème of the vintage...full-bodied, rich and layered...boasts fabulous notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, mineral and toasted bread...still a baby...drink 2020-2037.

3. 2012 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is brilliant... It offers a captivating bouquet of black cherry liqueur and cassis-like fruit, Asian spice, coffee bean and lead pencil shavings to go with a full-bodied, ripe, seamless and hedonistic style on the palate.

4. 2012 Sleight of Hand Levitation, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate A blockbuster-styled effort....fantastic crème de cassis, blackberry, licorice, graphite and crushed flower-like aromas and flavors. Full bodied, balanced and awesomely textured on the palate...integrated acidity...building, sweet tannin on the finish...this is the real deal...drink thru 2022.

5. 2013 Long Shadows Wineries Côté Nicault Stone Tree, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate A GSM that “offers up a complex, peppery character to go with beautiful red and blue fruits, garrigue and graphite aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, textured and balanced, with good acidity and ripe tannin.”

6. 2013 Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Cs Super Substance Stoneridge Vineyard, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate Ripe and rich, with dried cherry, mint and cardamom flavors that glow brightly against fine-grained tannins, finishing with polish. 619 cases made. Drink now through 2020.

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7. 2014 Avennia Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Willow Vineyard, Yakima Valley, 750ml Rated 97 by Wine Advocate In the top handful of wines in the vintage...a tiny-production...single parcel...just 100 cases....A sensational wine. Cassis, graphite, crushed rocks and lead pencil all emerge from the glass, and hits the palate with full-bodied richness, first-growth-like purity, fine tannin and a great, great finish. Bravo!

8. 2014 Avennia Syrah Arnaut Boushey Vineyard, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate 100% Syrah...a sensational wine that offers awesome purity, full-bodied richness, ripe tannin and a great finish... classic notes of black and blue fruits, pepper, olive, graphite and lavender, this sexy Syrah is going to drink nicely for at least a decade.

9. 2014 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, 750ml Rated 97 by Wine Advocate One of the gems in this terrific vintage...100% Cabernet Sauvignon...offers fabulous notes of black currants, chocolate, toasted spice and graphite. Full-bodied, deep, layered and gorgeously pure, with plenty of heft...incredibly good, even profound...drink over the coming two decades.

10. 2 014 K Vintners El Jefe Tempranillo Stoneridge Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate A beautiful wine, with layers of cedary herbs, black cherries, currants, toasted spice and pencil lead...hits the palate with full-bodied richness, an elegant, silky texture, plenty of concentration...great finish.

11. 2 014 Maison Bleue Grenache Bourgeois, 750ml Rated 90 by Wine Spectator 100% Grenache and is made in a very perfumed, ethereal style. Sweet cherries, rose petals, spice and hints of incense all flow to a medium-bodied, silky red that’s already hard to resist. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years. (Drink 2017-2024.)

12. 2 014 Sheridan Vineyard l’Orage, Yakima Valley, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate Cabernet Sauvignon...with a small amount of Cabernet Franc...a seriously good, hedonistic, pleasure bent beauty that does everything right. Cassis, leafy herbs, smoke tobacco, lead pencil shavings and incense notes all give way to a full-bodied, decadent, sexy red...tastes like a blend of Pontet Canet and Shafer Hillside Select.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #7

Magnificent Magnums Donated by: Lara Keel, Amber Pearce, Maura & Dan Sharp, Stephanie & Chad Simpson, Heather & Jerry Valdez, Twin Liquors Estimated Value: $1,200 1. 2012 Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut Estate Grown, 1.5L Rated 93 by Wine Enthusiast This sparkler offers a bright shock of decadent lemon mousse before settling into a happy arranged marriage with green apple and tangy orange. Soft and creamy.

2. 2012 Dunn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5L Rated 93-94 by James Suckling Bright blackberry, blueberry, spice, and chocolate. Subtle and aromatic. Full body, currants and cassis. Very soft and silky tannins. Ripe and fresh. This is a blend of 65% Coombsville with Howell Mountain. Very attractive now.

3. 2012 Tournesol Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 1.5L Deep, dark dense ruby color. This wine radiates an aromatic melange of blueberries, blackberries, black cherries and cassis infused with touches of earth and spice. Complex nuances of tobacco and chocolate peek out under the primal fruit. Its beautifully lush texture, density and opulence satisfy with mouthwatering goodness.

4. 2013 Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir, 1.5L Rated 90 by Wine Advocate An outstanding example of Pinot Noir, the 2013 Pinot Noir has a beautiful dark ruby color, nice earthy, plum, black cherry and berry scent, medium to full body, good acidity and ripe, well-integrated tannin. Merry Edwards has been making Pinot Noir for more than 40 years, so it is no surprise she hits the highlights with this varietal.

5. 2014 Hirsch “Block 8� Estate Pinot Noir, 1.5L The 2014 Block 8 Estate Pinot Noir has plush fruit, well-integrated tannins, charming aromatics, and that ineffable Block 8 character. In this wine you will find a pure and focused expression of one of the most unique sections of the Hirsch Vineyard.

6. 2014 Odette Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 1.5L Rated 95 by Wine Advocate The wine has terrific aromatics of graphite, spring flowers, and some blackberry and blueberry fruit. Full-bodied, elegant, but also substantial and long, this is super-impressive, rich wine can be approached now or cellared for 20 or more years.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #8

Taylor Family Vineyards

3L of Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied by tasting experience for six Donated by: Taylor Family Vineyards Estimated Value: $1,000 1. 2014 Taylor Family Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 3L Taylor Family Vineyards’ Reserve Cabernet is a stunning expression of the Estate in the Stags Leap District. This wine delivers an inviting bouquet with notes of blackberry and cassis with hints of cocoa powder, sweet leaf tobacco, violet and graphite. The wine is rich with nice structure, smooth balance and polished tannins. Enjoy now or as it evolves over the next two decades.

2. A tasting experience for six in the Taylor Treehouse in Stags Leap District with a cheese and wine pairing and a catered lunch.

Lot #9

Nebuchadnezzar of Duchman Family Winery Montepulciano, Texas Donated by: Duchman Family Winery Estimated Value: $750 2012 Duchman Family Winery Montepulciano, Texas, 15L Duchman Family Winery is one of the top wine destinations in Texas. The winery continues to source the majority of its fruit from the Texas High Plains AVA, where cooler temperatures and a more “continental” climate are ideal for the production of fine wine made from Italian grape varieties. As the winery grows, the Duchmans remain committed to their goal to produce food-friendly fine wine in Central Texas using Texas-grown fruit exclusively. With an eye on the future, Duchman Family Winery continues to develop innovative winemaking and grape growing techniques in order to provide wine that truly reflects a taste of Texas for years to come. April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #10

Three-Pack of Hundred Acre ‘Ark Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon in a Wooden Box Donated by: Susan & Jerry Gatlin Estimated Value: $1,000 (3 btls) 2009 Hundred Acre ‘Ark Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard emerges from a parcel of old, volcanic soils that inform the wine to a significant degree. A vivid kaleidoscope of iron, ash, tar, smoke, crushed rocks and dark red berries take shape as this fabulous, pedigreed wine shows off its considerable personality. A cool, inward wine, the Ark is all about minerality and pure tension as a backdrop for the characteristic Hundred Acre fruit. A huge, mineral-soaked finish rounds things out in style.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #11

Vintage Champagne Donated by: Amber Pearce, Patti & Jim Stone, Steve Tipton, Twin Liquors Estimated Value: $970 1. 2000 Jacquesson Extra Brut, Degorgement Tardif Millesime, 750ml Rated 92 by Antonio Galloni Dried flowers, honey, hazelnut, spice and orange peel...flesh out as this generous, inviting Champagne...Baked apple, brioche and warm, toasty notes add resonance on the creamy finish...an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Disgorged 01/16, dosage 1.5 grams.

2. 2002 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator Powerful smoke- and ginger-accented aromas of poached pear, honey and white flowers...a suave mineral overtone and a hint of toasted brioche...offering intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors underscored by a chalky mineral nuance...finishing with outstanding clarity, thrust and smoky length. Cream-colored label...a later disgorgement (2012).

3. 2002 Gosset Celebris Extra Brut, 750ml Rated 96 by Antonio Galloni Magnificent in its complexity and pure breeding...has it all. Candied lemon peel, apricot jam, honey, mint, spices and sage form a compelling fabric of flavors and textures in a knock-out Champagne that is peaking today.

4. 2006 Dom Perignon, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator This is very lively and vibrant with a dense and rich center palate. Lots of complexity and balance with pastry, sliced lemon and light dried mango. Full yet racy and intense.

5. 2007 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque –Fleur de Champagne Brut Millesime, Champagne, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator The smoky overtone of this elegant Champagne is richly aromatic, wafting through flavors of toasted brioche, glazed apricot and lemon meringue pie. Fine and creamy, with a well-knit, lightly spiced finish.

6. 2009 Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Cuvée Special Club Brut Millesime, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Enthusiast

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #12

California Chardonnay Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Brooke & Spivey Paup, Patti & Jim Stone, Mari Robinson & Greg Ritzen, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $940

1. 2009 Hartford Chardonnay Fog Dance, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate More orange rind, tropical fruit blossoms and citrus oil characteristics are found in the 2009 Chardonnay Fog Dance Vineyard. Like its siblings, it is kept in barrel for approximately 15 months prior to being bottled unfiltered. It, too, should drink nicely for 3-4 years.

2. 2010 Hartford Chardonnay Four Hearts, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate The 2010 Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyards, from Tom Dehlinger’s vineyards on Laguna Ridge, displays a lovely combination of intensity of fruit and minerality. All of the elements meld together beautifully in this textured, complete Chardonnay. Lemon peel, mint, flowers and crushed rocks inform the expressive finish. The Four Hearts grows beautifully with time in the glass.

3. 2011 Beringer Private Reserve, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate The 2011 Chardonnay Private Reserve, which all comes from the Gamble Ranch, is a knock-out wine. Winemaker Laurie Hook seems to have backed off some of the aggressive new oak that this cuvée possessed twenty or so years ago. The result is a wine that has some wood, but is more renowned for its beautiful buttery citrus and hints of white peaches, apricots and tropical fruit. Impressively textured, full-bodied, deep, fresh, pure and well-balanced, this is a great example of Napa Chardonnay.

4. 2012 Peter Michael Winery Chardonnay la Carriere, 750ml Rated 97 by Robert Parker The sexy 2012 Chardonnay la Carrière reveals notes of honeyed brioche, orange marmalade, tropical fruit blossoms and caramelized citrus. Broad, savory and full-bodied, this stunning Chardonnay should be consumed over the next 5-10 years.

5. 2012 Sbragia Chardonnay Home Ranch, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Advocate Abundant aromas of white peach, apricot marmalade and pineapple soar from this full-bodied, pure, rich, well-made wine.

6. 2012 Taylor Family Vineyards, Hillside Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, Napa, 750ml Rated 90 by Cellar Tracker Notes of green apple and pear on the nose. A lush mouth-feel with tart green apple, Meyer lemon and vanilla. Crisp medium+ acidity, with a very long lemony finish. A great antidote to an oak bomb Chardonnay.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


7. 2013 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay Joy Road Vineyard, 750ml Rated 93 by Vinous Slate, graphite, dried pear, almonds, crushed flowers and sage emerge from the 2013 Chardonnay Joy Road Vineyard. The flavor profile is quite a bit more floral and savory than the other Chardonnays in the range, with the fruit pushed a bit into the background. The Joy Road is the most subtle and layered of the Rivers-Marie Chardonnays. In many ways, it is the most evocative as well.

8. 2013 Tor Kenward Family Wines Chardonnay Cuvée Torchiana, 750ml Rated 96 by Vinous “…from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Northern California (now 30+ years of age)…a prodigious Chardonnay with notes of poached pear, honeyed tropical fruits, caramelized citrus, marmalade and subtle, spicy, smoky wood in a full-bodied, stunningly rich, concentrated style.”

9. 2014 Aubert Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard, 750ml Rated 96 by Vinous Aubert’s debut with the famous Hudson Vineyard…comes across like a premier cru Meursault…shows smoky hazelnut and almond notes, buttery tropical fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a big, forward style. I’m not sure this will be the longest-lived of the Aubert 2014s, but it is certainly the most flamboyant and showy at this stage.

10. 2 014 Auteur Durell Vineyards Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, 750ml Rated 92 by Robert Parker Auteur has made a beautiful wine with sweet marmalade, white peach, apple jelly and citrus oil notes along with a subtle smokiness.

11. 2 014 Lynmar Estate Chardonnay La Sereinite, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Elegant grapefruit, preserved lemons and kumquat notes on the nose with suggestions of peach blossoms, baker’s yeast, toasted almonds and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with a stunning array of pure citrus and spice flavors supported by racy acid and a creamy texture, it finishes with mineral-laced persistence. (Drink 2017-2023.)

12. 2 015 Kongsgaard Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 96-98 by Robert Parker The 2015 Chardonnay gives up peach blossoms, apricot preserves, honeycomb and croissant with touches of cashews and jasmine. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and seductive, it has a gorgeous creamy texture and very long, very spicy finish.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #13

A Cache of Superlative, Scarce, Award-Winning Bourbon Donated by: Amy & Andrew Atsumi Estimated Value: $1,000 1. Colonel E.H. Taylor 4 Grain Named Whiskey of the Year 2018 by Jim Murray. Bottled in Bond 12 year old Straight Kentucky Bourbon A Bourbon conveying delicate sweet flavors with hints of caramel and vanilla, and spicy notes of clove and pepper.

2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B517 Ranked #1 in 2017 by Whiskey Advocate. Kentucky Straight Bourbon As bourbon matures in new charred oak barrels over time, it approaches a perilous point when the oak dominates the flavor. To sip Elijah Craig at 12 years of age – at full barrel proof, without dilution or filtering – is to taste bourbon at its apex, so dangerously close to going over the crest of the hill, yet delivering a massive mouthful of incredibly robust flavors that drape leathery oak over a gooey caramel core, sprinkled with baking spice, while candied nuts and tobacco leaf notes appear on a drying finish dusted with cocoa.

3. John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon Ranked #1 in 2017 for non-Kentucky Bourbons by Whiskey Magazine Floral note on the nose with underlying citrus. Bolder caramel and fig notes come through at the end. Rich and spicy body with a balanced mouthfeel. Vanilla and toffee sweetens and tones down the spice. Floral notes with lavender, delicate but full. Smooth, candied fruit finish. Sweet and long.

4. W.L. Weller 12 Year Bourbon Named the second best whiskey in the world in 2015 by The Whisky Bible. Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon From the same recipe as Van Winkle Lot B. The nose and flavor profile shows notes such as almond, vanilla, orange peel, caramel, and chocolate all loaded up with warming baking spices.

5. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection Bourbon Barrel Proof - Uncut & Unfiltered Spirit Journal Rated 5/5 stars; 2017 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition – Gold Medal. Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 (low rye ~ <10% rye) Crafted from hand-selected barrels, this bourbon is bottled directly from the barrel; uncut and unfiltered at more than 125 proof. It reflects the way whiskey was produced in the days before Prohibition. The aroma of cooked berries meets the nose, followed by a rich caramel and slightly floral smell. The taste is bold and full of spice that fills the mouth with a distinct flavor of toasty vanilla, dried oak and pepper. The finish is long and satisfying with a powerful rye character and lingering hints of fruit. “A masterpiece that, in truth, might be too much for inexperienced whiskey devotees” - Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #14

Three Bottle Vertical of Paravel Wines Howell Mountain Magnums, Accompanied by Winery Tour Donated by: Jon Jones, Paravel Wines Estimated Value: $1,275 1. 2013 Paravel Howell Mountain Henry Brothers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5L Rated 91 by Cellar Tracker Ripe, dark black cherry and sweet fresh tobacco with dusty powdered dark chocolate on the rich, velvet entry. Intense but tame tannins step up as the mid-palate expands to caress the towering structure of this Howell Mountain gem.

2. 2014 Paravel Howell Mountain Henry Brothers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5L Black cherry, juicy ripe plum and cocoa nib entice with layers of spice and intense blackberry seed minerality. A powerful, rich entry evolves into increasing structure and a full mid-palate to the crushed velvet finish of dark berry, fresh Madagascar vanilla bean and dark roast espresso.

3. 2015 Paravel Howell Mountain Henry Brothers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5L Seductive black cherry, crushed cocoa nib and a smattering of brown sugar and sweet black licorice. Thick and silky on the entry, with a melted milk chocolate and blackberry nectar mid-palate that intensifies to a long, elegant, and structured finish of fig preserve, cherry bark, vanilla bean and a hint of molasses.

4. Tasting and Picnic Lunch for Eight in the vineyards on Howell Mountain. Valid from April 8th, 2018 - April 8th, 2019, and must be on a mutually agreeable date/time.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #15

Escape to Healdsburg Donated by: Diana McIver & Pat Conroy Estimated Value: $3,000 Indulge in a five-night stay at the Brown Street Cottage in Healdsburg, a town in the heart of Sonoma renowned for its eclectic offering of all the finest things in life... food, wine, friends, and fun. A short walk from the heralded Healdsburg Plaza – home to boutiques, restaurants, and wineries – the Brown Street Cottage affords all the comforts of wine country life. With ample space for three couples, the property includes a two-bedroom, twobath main house with a fully-equipped cook’s kitchen, along with spacious living and dining areas. An adjacent guest suite has a large bedroom with sitting area, private bath, and kitchenette. Fully remodeled in 2013, the Brown Street Cottage balances the comforts of modern living with the charm of a wine country cottage. All beds are California King and bathrooms all have walk-in showers. Both the main house and guest suite open to a charming patio where one can enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #16

Three Classic Schafer-Frohlich Riesling GG Magnums with Wingmen Donated by: Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $700 1. 2014 Felseneck GG (1 Magnum; 1 x 375ml) Rated 96 by Wine Advocate “The Fröhlichs’ signature site... rises to the occasion with the greatest clarity, delicacy, refreshment and refinement of this year’s amazing collection. Juicy apple and white currant are shimmeringly infused with mint, wintergreen, iris, and crystalline, stony, iodine-like as well as mouthwatering saline mineral notes, ushering-in a near-endless finish.”

2. 2014 Fruhlingsplatchen GG (1 Magnum; 1 x 750ml) Rated 95 by Wine Advocate “...this beauty piles on intrigue with mouthwateringly savory albeit illusive mineral and animal nuances, all viewed through fruit of crystalline clarity...finishes with spellbindingly animated complexity, mouth-shaking animation and soaring levity.”

3. 2014 Felsenberg GG (1 Magnum; 1 x 750ml), Rated 94+ by Wine Advocate “Very intense and juicy, highly elegant and with an enormous length, this is a highly complex, intense and densely textured Riesling of great finesse and elegance. Great and nicely refined Riesling.”

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #17 Riesling

Donated by: Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Steve Tipton, Twin Liquors, Amanda & Andrew West Estimated Value: $740 1. 1994 Haubs-Barzen Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker Lots of petrol, some honeyed fruits, just barely off dry. Nice citrus aromas, including lime and white grapefruit. Terrific mid-palate with crisp apple an white peach flavors. Long finish of minerals and pineapple.

2. 2002 Nikolaihof Riesling Steinriesler Trocken, 750ml Rated 96 by Vinous “..of Federspiel weight ... moss, lichen, forest floor and flor mingled on the nose with fresh apple and plum. Caressingly silken and buoyant… A soaringly sustained finish introduces smoky, crystalline and stony elements along with a mouthwateringly saline savor reminiscent of clam juice.”

3. 2008 Bergstrom Riesling Late Harvest Hyland, 375ml Rated 94 by Cellar Tracker 4. 2 008 Weingut Karthauserhof Alte Reben Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg Riesling Spatlese Trocken, Mosel, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker This wine, which started out as a live wire in its youth, has had a chance to broaden and soften somewhat, its color now a deep, reflective yellow-gold with only trace hints of green at the rim. The aromas are a heady mix of white peach, green mango, lime zest, acacia honey, wet slate and a trademark hint of the classic ‘petrol’. Just over medium in body and bracingly dry.

5. 2009 Karl-Johann Molitor Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Spatlese, 750ml Rated 91.5 by Cellar Tracker The deep straw yellow core moves to a hint of green on the rim. Aromas of ripe, juicy peach, mango, endless yellow tropical fruits, candied lime zest, honeysuckle and orange blossoms hover over a varietally pure fragrance of white flowers, honey, and petrol.

6. 2010 Marcel Deiss Schoenenbourg Grand Cru, 750ml Rated 94+ by Vinous “Spicy aromas of lime, honeyed peach, anise and quinine. Dense on entry, then spicy and vibrant in the middle, displaying juicy, fresh flavors of peach, flowers and earth. This structured, very long wine magically combines an impression of strong extract and a weightless quality.”

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


7. 2011 Donnhoff Riesling Nieder Herman, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate A riveting, high-toned aromatic diversity announces the Donnhoff 2011 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese with themes that inform an at once creamy yet subtly tannic and vibrant palate: quince, pear, lychee, nut oils, fusel oils, distilled herbal essences, brown spices, and smoky black tea.

8. 2013 FX Pichler Loibner Steinertal Riesling Smaragd, 750ml Rated 95 by Vinous Salt, white pepper and Szechuan peppercorn mouthwateringly and invigoratingly inflect luscious, juicy white peach, pineapple and lime. A sleek and refined texture…projects liquid perfume of a bittersweet, iris-like sort; smoky black tea; crushed stone; and diverse peppercorns, finishing with phenomenal persistence.

9. 2014 Smith Madrone Riesling Spring Mountain District Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator Entirely estate grown from dry-farmed grapes, this white sparkles with waxy apricot and pear flavors and crisp, underlying mineral stoniness. Dry, with refreshing acidity, it doesn’t skimp on mouthfeel, delivering a viscosity that’s invitingly complex and lingering.

10. 2 015 Longshadows Poet’s Leap Riesling, Walla Walla, WA, 750ml Rated 91 by Wine Spectator Taut, sharply focused and distinctive, with apricot, peach, Meyer lemon and slate elements that glide over an off-dry finish that doesn’t quit.

11. 2 015 Schäfer-Fröhlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Dry, 750ml Rated 98 by John Gilman Probably the greatest dry Riesling produced in 2015. This young wine is the stuff that legends are made from, as it soars from the glass in a blaze of grapefruit, tangerine, kaleidoscopic slate minerality, a touch of lavender, wild yeasts, citrus peel, dried flowers and plenty of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and laser-like in focus, with a rock solid core, great cut and grip and a very long, seamless, nascently complex and electric finish. Sheer brilliance.

12. 2 015 Weingut Kirsten Riesling Wolkentanz, 750ml

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #18

Scotch & Cigar Slam on the Patio at Austin Country Club Donated by: Andrew Atsumi & Kareem Hajjar Estimated Value: $600 per seat Hosted on the patio at Austin Country Club by Kareem Hajjar and Andrew Atsumi. Guided by Scotch expert Shaun Meglan, eight guests will taste their way through the six regions of Scotland enjoying generous pours of the finest scotch in the world, including Oban, Macallan, Arran, Bunnahabhain, Auchentoshan, and Springbank. After tasting and learning about the six regions of Scotland, relax on the patio overlooking the 9th green with a fine cigar while you taste some of Japan’s finest whisky. Included in the cigar selection are two 5yr aged Opus X, as well as other extremely fine cigars like Montecristo, Davidoff and Partagas. Winners will choose their cigars via bid order, from first to last. Further, any bid over $650 will include a round of golf at Austin Country Club! Dates: May 26, 2018, June 9, 2018, or June 16, 2018 (subject to group availability).

Lot #19

Private Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience for up to 12 at Delysia Chocolatier Donated by: Nicole Patel Estimated Value: $1,500 12 guests will enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting experience led by award-winning Grand Master Chocolatier and Owner of Delysia Chocolatier, Nicole Patel. Must be scheduled at least 4 weeks in advance.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #20

The Art of Wine in Leather, Madeira and Wicker Donated by: Harvey Kronberg, Eddie Safady, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,000 1. A Two-Bottle Leather Trimmed Wine Attaché from J. Holland Formerly by Mulholland, J. Holland & Co. now continues the tradition of hand-crafted leather works of art. Durable Whiskey Expedition Fabric is trimmed with the finest leathers. With removable insulated liner. Made to age like a fine Madeira...to last a lifetime and become that heirloom to hand down to the next generation.

2. 1922 D’Oliveira Madeira Boal Family Reserve, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker From the D’Oliveira family, the renown classic Madeira shippers. Founded in 1850, it is now housed in cellars dating from 1619. Boasting a wealth of great old Madeiras, their wines possess a definite “house style”...very powerful aromatics, great lushness and viscosity, incredible structure, and a tangy character that is essential to great Madeira. D’Oliveira believes that Madeiras age best in cask. Its old vintages are kept in wood, and they bottle only enough to meet short-term needs. This example from 1922 was bottled in the 1990s. The slow aging process of cask exposure to the warmth of the sun and to salt air produces Madeira’s distinctive flavor. It is meant to duplicate the effect on the aging barrels during long sea voyages through tropical climates. This is a wonderful example of the art of making Madeira by the traditional canteiro method.

3. Madeira Wicker Madeira is traditionally aged, stored and shipped in cask, where it seems to be able to develop for more than a century. But once removed from cask by the purchaser, the wine was often transferred to 5 gallon glass demijohns protected by wicker coverings where it seemingly becomes ageless. So the art of fine wicker has been nurtured in the Madeira archipelago for centuries. Meticulously crafted before bottling in the 1990s, this fine example of the island’s craftsmanship is itself a stand-alone work of art.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #21

Rare & Fine Wine California Cabernet Sauvignon Donated by: Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Diana McIver, Brooke & Spivey Paup, Susan Salch, Patti & Jim Stone, Sarah & Zac Whitley Estimated Value: $1,330 1. 2006 Roy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Advocate Reveals notions of bay leaf, chocolate, creamy oak, earth, and red fruits along with soft tannins and medium to full body. It should drink well for 15+ years. (Drink 2008-2023.)

2. 2009 Chappellet “Clone 7� Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 91 by Cellar Tracker Rare, club only offering. Deep inky purple color. Rich aroma of dark fruit and blueberries, chocolate and old satin. Rich, flamboyant with a heady texture bring out the dark blackberry, cassis, will some trace licorice notes. Full bodied and complex.

3. 2010 Beringer Vineyards Single Vineyard Bancroft Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch is wonderfully refined and pure. Silky, polished tannins support a radiant core of red fruit. Flowers, mint, licorice and sweet herbs are all layered together in a wine that stands out for its textural finesse and balance. Sweet floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift, intensity and a crystalline purity that is striking.

4. 2010 Orin Swift Papillon Red, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator Classic aromas of currant, cassis, and plum are instantly present along with soft French oak notes and some cedar box accents. Rich and opulent, flavors of Bing cherry, ripe blackberry, mocha, espresso, and black licorice welcome the palate. The density and concentration is succeeded with round and silky tannins providing an incredibly long finish.

5. 2011 Lewis Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator Very rich and concentrated, at points trim and firmly tannic, this offers dark berry, espresso, loamy earth, cedary oak and black licorice flavors that gain depth and persistence on the finish.

6. 2014 Beringer Knights Valley Reserve, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator Deep, rich and generous, with layers of dark berry, currant, plum and raspberry flavors, touches of black licorice and spicy, floral scents. Notably elegant and refined for a wine of such intensity.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


7. 2011 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena, 750ml Rated 93 by James Suckling This is very balanced and juicy with plum, terracotta and light milk chocolate. Full body with velvety, firm tannins but fresh and clean. Very long and beautiful. The depth and beauty are impressive.

8. 2013 Arrowood Cabernet Smothers-Remick Ridge, 750ml Rated 91 by Wine Advocate This wine exhibits classic crème de cassis, cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake and spice box notes, loads of new saddle leather, blackcurrants and blackberries on the palate, a full-bodied constitution, and light to moderate tannin in the finish. It will be better in 3-4 years and certainly keep for two decades or more.

9. 2014 Amapola Creek Cabernet, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Containing 7% Petit Verdot, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and youthfully reticent nose, offering glimpses at blackberry and black plum notes over pencil shavings, garrigue, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied and packed with black fruits and earthy flavors, it is built like a brick house with a solid frame of firm, ripe tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long.

10. 2 014 Blackbird Vineyards “Paramour” Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Another terrific example of Blackbird is the 2014 Proprietary Red Paramour, a fabulous blend of 84% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The Cabernet Franc comes from the Stagecoach Vineyard. Consultant Aaron Pott said he thinks they have a magical spot for it on that large eastern Napa Valley mountain site. This is terrific stuff from the super-intense fragrance of white flowers and forest floor to the blueberry, black raspberry and graphite notes. The wine hits the palate with dazzling fruit intensity, loads of glycerin, a round, juicy, succulent mouthfeel, a layered personality and a long, supple finish. Drink it now or over the next 15+ years. (RP) (10/2016)

11. 2 014 Haber Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 750ml 12. 2 014 Juslyn Vineyards Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker Sporting a deep garnet-purple color and nose of black currant cordial, dark chocolate and blackberry pie with hints of bay leaves, damp soil and pepper, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain is full and concentrated on the rich palate, with firm, grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and savory.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #22

Vertical of Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer to Kalon (2007 to 2009) Donated by: Karen & Thomas Vaughn Estimated Value: $975 1. 2007 Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer to Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 98+ by Robert Parker From the amazing Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard, Hobbs’ 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a slightly more opulent, broader, savory effort that comes close to the perfect 2002. The 2007 has more noticeable tannin than the 2002 did at the same stage as well as more obvious minerality, but notes of graphite, black currant liqueur, licorice, cedar, and spice box are found in this full-bodied, multidimensional, fabulously concentrated wine.

2. 2008 Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer to Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 97+ by Robert Parker Not surprisingly, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is reminiscent of a great first-growth Pauillac. One of Napa’s true first-growth vineyards, Hobbs obtains just about everything one could want from this extraordinary site. The phenomenal 2008 boasts sweet, juicy creme de cassis, incense, blackberry, toasty oak, licorice and spice box characteristics. Deep and full-bodied with great intensity, freshness, laser-like precision, copious tannin and a 60+ second finish.

3. 2009 Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer to Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 97 by Robert Parker The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard saturates every corner of the palate with layers after layers of rich dark fruit, mocha, spices and licorice. This is a stunning To Kalon endowed with tons of site-specific character and nuance.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #23

Pinnacle of Piedmont Donated by: Twin Liquors Estimated Value: $1,500 1. 2005 Gaja Costa Russi, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker The 2005 Costa Russi shimmers on the palate with extraordinary grace. The wine boasts wonderful depth and richness in its dark red fruit in a round, generous style that offers lovely balance to the tannins. Notes of tar, smoke and licorice develop in the glass, adding a touch of complexity and nuance that is sometimes missing in this bottling. The French oak is present, but deftly balanced with the wine’s other components. As always, Costa Russi comes across as relatively accessible when young, but it is sure to only improve with age. Recent bottles of the 1985 have been nothing short of glorious. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.

2. 2008 Gaja Sori Tilden, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker The 2008 Sori Tildin is impressive. I confess I wasn’t quite prepared for the assault of fruit and tannins here. Sori Tildin is so often a graceful, elegant wine, but that is not the case in 2008. That’s not to say elegance is missing, but this is a big, big wine with tons of intensity and richness, all woven together beautifully. It’s tough to find a comparison with a previous vintage, as this is a singular Tildin. The flavors are familiar if a touch on the dark side, but the structure is closer than that of Sori San Lorenzo. Flowers, tar, leather and licorice wrap around the palate. This is a fabulous showing and a great wine in the making.

3. 2010 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker A banner wine for Gaja, the 2010 Sori San Lorenzo brings the infinite and ethereal aromas associated with Nebbiolo into startling focus and clarity. Again, like the Sori Tildin, the structure and tannic firmness of the wine will carry the wine forward over the years and decades ahead.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #24

Indulge Your Senses

Wine Dinner with the Miró Quartet at the Bellm Residence Donated by: Hilary & Brent Bellm, Kareem Hajjar, Steve Tipton, Jerry Valdez, Andrew West, Miró Quartet Estimated Value: $7,500 This evening will hit all the right notes! Ten guests will enjoy a private performace by the world renowned Miró Quartet followed by a fabulous wine dinner at the home of Hilary & Brent Bellm. About the Miró Quartet: Formed in 1995, the Miró Quartet is consistently praised for their deeply musical interpretations, exciting performances, and thoughtful programming. Each season, they perform throughout the world on the most important chamber music series and on the most prestigious concert stages, garnering accolades from critics & audiences alike. Based in Austin, TX, the Miró Quartet took its name from the Spanish artist, Joan Miró, whose surrealist works – with subject matter drawn from the realm of memory and imaginative fantasy – are some of the most original of the 20th century.

Wine List: 1. 1967 Remoissenet Pere et fils Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes The wine is mature and will open up quickly. It is a tawny, brackish amber to the eye, with an aromatic profile now dominated by highly perfumed secondary and tertiary notes of dried cherry, tobacco, dried leaves, damp earth, dried rose petals, dried orange peel, black tea, and a hint of wood smoke.

2. 2004 Bodegas El Nido “El Nido” Jumilla Rated 99 by Wine Advocate 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell sourced from the same vineyards as the Clio but from the tenderloin portions…the nose offers a beautiful perfume of pain grille, vanilla, forest floor, black currant, and blackberry liqueur…elegant on the palate with a velvety texture, layers of spicy black fruits, and great depth and balance. It admirably marries elegance and power.

3. 2004 Dom Perignon Brut Rated 97 by Vinous One of the stars in this tasting, the 2004 Dom Pérignon is starting to express the potential it hinted at as a young wine. Specifically, the 2004 has gained quite a bit of volume and overall depth within the last few years. The first signs of aromatic nuance are starting to develop, which suggests the 2004 will soon enter its first plateau of maturity.

4. 2004 Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Forster Kirchenstück Riesling GC Rated 97 by Cellar Tracker, 96 by Vinous Ethereal, rich aromas of dried apricot, toasted hazelnut, herbs and bacon fat. Profoundly concentrated and unctuous, with deep, fleshy yellow fruit flavors leavened by an exhilarating juiciness. Impeccably balanced, decidedly elegant and formidably long on the aftertaste, this Riesling showed so much better than it had in its youth. It stood head and shoulders above the competition.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


5. 2007 Saxum James Berry Vineyard In Magnum Rated 100 by Wine Advocate Utter perfection, and one of the most profound Rhone Ranger wines I have ever tasted is the 2007 James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Red, a blend of 41% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre, and 28% Syrah (15.8% alcohol). As with many prodigious wines, the extraordinary freshness, purity, equilibrium, and singularity of this effort is breathtaking. Its dense purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary, incredibly pure, all enveloping, intense, sweet nose of black raspberries, kirsch, spring flowers, spice box, and pepper. Full-bodied with not a hard edge to be found, it is stunningly concentrated with unreal purity, a voluptuous texture, and remarkable freshness for a wine of such power, depth, and concentration.

6. 2009 Antinori Solaia Toscana Rated 96 by Wine Advocate

The 2009 Solaia is one of the clear standouts of the vintage. Freshly cut flowers, raspberries, spices, mint and licorice burst from the glass as this fabulous, viscerally thrilling wine shows off its pure class.

7. 2011 Domaine Francois Lamarche La Grande Rue Monopole Grand Cru Rated 94 by Stephen Tanzer This has real grand cru weight and palate presence. Finishes with harmonious tannins and superb aromatic persistence. A beauty- and built for long life in the bottle.

8. 2 012 Kosta Browne Keefer Ranch RRV Pinot Noir Rated 93 by International Wine Cellar Brilliant ruby. High-pitched aromas of red berries, cherry skin and rose, with a minerally nuance gaining strength with air. Sappy and precise, offering taut raspberry and floral pastille flavors and a kick of cracked pepper. Silky tannins give shape to the long, incisive finish, which leaves spicecake and floral notes behind.

9. 2012 Lail Vineyards - Mole Hill “Robin Daniel Lail’s heritage began in 1879 with the founding of Inglenook Vineyards by her great -granduncle, the iconic Captain Gustav Niebaum. By the early 1890s, this brilliant man’s obsession for achieving the pinnacle of excellence earned Inglenook wines the status of being considered by many as the finest produced in the country. The collection of Cabernets coming from his years of ownership is still celebrated today as some of the finest red wines on earth.”

10. 2 013 Saxum James Berry Vineyard Willow Creek District Paso Robles Rated 97 by Wine Advocate It offers up gorgeous notes of black raspberries, cherries, cassis, ground herbs and flowers. This beauty hits the palate with incredible purity, fine tannin and an overriding sense of elegance and finesse, backed up by full-bodied richness and depth. It needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years and it will drink beautifully through 2028.

11. 2 014 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay Rated 95 by James Suckling A dense and beautiful wine that remains agile and bright. Lovely phenolic texture at the end. Full to medium body with limes and white peaches. Hints of cream. Floral and fresh. A beauty. Drink now. A blend of different vineyards.

12. 2 014 Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of 2017 A powerful red, with concentrated flavors of red plum, cherry and boysenberry that are layered with plenty of rich spice and mineral accents. Touches of slate and cardamom make for a complex finish.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #25

Half-Case of Colgin Cellars Donated by: Todd Kercheval, Harvey Kronberg, Amber Pearce, Brooke & Spivey Paup, Stephanie & Chad Simpson, Heather & Jerry Valdez Estimated Value: $2,780 1. (2 btls) 2011 Colgin Cellars Tychson Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 93-95 by Antonio Galloni Deep, bright ruby. Reticent but pure nose opens with air to show highly complex scents of blackberry, blueberry, licorice, graphite, rosemary, mocha and wet rock. Very pretty, slightly wild flavors of black fruits, juniper berry and violet are very young and wound up but already convey a strong impression of the site. Finishes with edgy tannins that will require patience.

2. (2 btls) 2012 Colgin Cellars Cariad Red, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker Shows notes of burning embers/charcoal, blackberry fruit, licorice and floral notes, followed by a full-bodied, dense, layered wine. It has great purity, wonderfully sweet, integrated tannin, and a voluptuous mouthfeel and finish of close to 50+ seconds. This is a stunner that can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30 years.

3. (2 btls) 2012 Colgin Cellars IX Estate Red, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 99 by Robert Parker Absolutely spectacular aromatics of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit intermixed with creosote, graphite and floral notes are followed by a wine of great depth, elegance, richness and purity. Simply loaded, but with pristine harmony and equilibrium, this is a sensational tour de force and a great tribute to this spectacular hillside site on Pritchard Hill.

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Lot #26

A Trio of 100 Point Californias Donated by: Janet & Jack Roberts Estimated Value: $1,800 1. 2002 Joseph Phelps “Insignia”, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker The 2002 boasts an inky purple color along with notes of graphite, violets, blackberries, crème de cassis and hints of charcoal and barbecue in addition to a full-bodied, multilayered mouthfeel that builds incrementally with great purity, staggering fruit concentration, and a long, velvety, 50+-second finish. This prodigious effort should continue to drink well for 20+ years.

2. 2005 Colgin “Cariad”, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker Offering up spring flowers and garden aromas, sweet blueberry and black raspberry fruit, a touch of charcoal embers, graphite and background toast, it is fleshy and full-bodied, and again, meriting a three-digit score. This is absolutely remarkable wine. As it sat in the glass, it developed some rather compelling chocolaty, licorice undertones. This is a great classic to drink over the next 20-25 years.

3. 2 007 Shafer “Hillside Select”, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker Opaque purple in color, the 2007 has a stunning nose of sweet crème de cassis, black cherries, licorice, and toasty oak, a multilayered, full-throttle personality, and a texture that builds and builds. Great purity, fabulous fruit intensity and a richness without heaviness characterize this massive, prodigious effort from Shafer.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #27

Stars From The Classically Age-Worthy Bordeaux 2010 Vintage Donated by: Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Todd Kercheval, Harvey Kronberg, Diana McIver, Amber Pearce, Susan Salch, Stephanie & Chad Simpson, Jim Stone, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $2,700 The first “Vintage of the Century” came in 2009, offering lush, oppulent, early-drinking wines. The second “Vintage of the Century” came in 2010, offering classically austere, tannic wines promising to reward long aging. 1. 2010 Canon la Gaffeliere, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker This wine shows wonderfully exotic tapenade, licorice, Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, blackberry and sweet cherry notes in its strikingly provocative aromatics. On the palate, the wine is dense and full-bodied, with stunning concentration, purity, texture and length.

2. 2010 Gracia, 750ml Rated 99 by Robert Parker The wine is dense purple and stunningly rich, with lots of crushed rock and chalky notes from the limestone soils as well as blueberry and black berry liqueur intermixed with some smoky barbecue and an aroma that reminded me of tea-smoked duck. Thick, rich and full, its glycerine and concentration hide some rather lofty tannins.

3. 2010 Haut-Bailly, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is a voluminous Haut-Bailly, one that is beginning to stretch its muscles, with a gentle grip in the mouth with a wonderful saline finish.

4. 2010 La Conseillante, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker The 2010 is a slightly bigger, richer wine, but without losing its floral, elegant mulberry, black raspberry and sweet kirsch notes. Combine those with some licorice, subtle new oak and a hint of forest floor, and the result is a medium to full-bodied, rich, complex wine that has striking aromatics and perfect balance in the mouth.

5. 2010 Les Forts De Latour, 750ml Rated 97 by Robert Parker Sensational notes of graphite, crushed rocks, black fruits, camphor and damp forest notes are present in this expansive, savory, full-throttle wine, which is better than many vintages of the great Latour itself from the past.

6. 2010 Lynch Bages, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker A magnificent wine with the classic crème de cassis note intermixed with smoke, graphite and spring flowers. It is a massive Lynch Bages, full-bodied and very 1989-ish, with notable power, loads of tannin, and extraordinary concentration and precision.

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7. 2010 Montrose, 750ml Rated 99 by Robert Parker Deep, almost opaque in color, it has a tightly wound, arresting nose of blackberry, bilberry, crushed violets and graphite all with quite brilliant delineation. The palate is medium rather than full-bodied, laden with plenty of fruit, grippy like many 2010s with a structured, masculine and tannic finish that wards you away for another 10-15 years.

8. 2010 Pavie Macquin, 750ml Rated 95+ by Robert Parker Loads of crushed rock and chalkiness, along with licorice, black truffle, smoked game and black fruits dominate the aromatics and flavor.

9. 2010 Pichon Lalande, 750ml Rated 98+ by Antonio Galloni …a total showstopper…time in the glass brings out the wine’s more delicate, floral side. Violet, graphite, crème de cassis, licorice and menthol overtones recall the 1996, but the tannins here are much softer, sweeter and more polished…positively stellar….Readers who can still find the 2010 should not hesitate, as it is a modern-day classic. That’s all there is to it.

10. 2 010 Pontet Canet, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker An astounding, compelling wine with the classic Pauillac nose more often associated with its cross-street neighbor, Mouton-Rothschild, crème de cassis, there are also some violets and other assorted floral notes. The wine has off-the-charts massiveness and intensity but never comes across as heavy, overbearing or astringent.

11. 2 010 Rauzan Segla, 750ml Rated 95+ by Robert Parker Displaying fabulous density, an inky purple color and a superb nose of forest floor with a hint of menthol as well as loads of crème de cassis, mocha and touches of chocolate and subtle oak, this full-bodied, deep, concentrated wine represents only 45% of the estate’s production.

12. 2 010 Troplong Mondot, 750ml Rated 99 by Robert Parker Inky, bluish/black/purple, with notes of spring flowers, licorice, camphor, graphite, and a boatload of blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit, this is a powerful, full-bodied Troplong Mondot. All the building components of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol are judiciously and impressively integrated.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #28

Old World Selections by RNDC Donated by: RNDC Estimated Value: $925 1. 2005 Bodegas Ontanon Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator Tobacco and iron notes give this full-bodied red a sanguine character, but plum, rhubarb, licorice and orange marmalade flavors add depth and balance. Maturing, but still generous and lively.

2. 2008 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy, 750ml Rated 91 by Wine Spectator A subtle red, with a hint of smoky mineral underscoring the dried cherry, cocoa powder and dried thyme notes. Fresh and elegant, framed by fine tannins and offering a lingering, silky finish.

3. 2010 Marques de Grinon ‘Emeritvs’ Dominio de Valdepusa Vino de Pago, Spain, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator This solid red shows good concentration, with muscular tannins and balsamic acidity supporting a thick texture. Plum, kirsch, espresso and loamy earth flavors mingle, giving this an austere but harmonious character.

4. 2011 Château Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker Another astonishing effort from proprietor Beyney, this blockbuster 2011 may be the most concentrated and intense wine of the vintage. Unlike previous vintages that were characterized by sky-high levels of tannin, the tannins in this Clos de Sarpe are very silky and soft, letting the fruit show through rather dramatically. The color is an opaque purple and the wine is loaded with beautiful black fruits, minerals and spices. It pushes richness and ripeness to the limit, but pulls back before it veers over to the Amarone style favored in parts of Italy.

5. 2012 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 750ml Rated 95+ by Robert Parker This is a healthy, generous and exuberant Brunello with dark density and succulent fruit flavors that are followed by integrated spice and tobacco. The balance is impressive and one thing you get here is fresh acidity.

6. 2013 Domaine David Duband Nuits-Saint-Georges, Cote de Nuits, France, 750ml

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


7. 2013 Gaja Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator Cherry, strawberry, cinnamon, peony and chalky flavors mingle in this aromatic red. Lean and firm, with a meaty element, this has all the elements in place.

8. 2013 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige, Rhone, France, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator Rather Burgundian in feel, with alluring cherry sauce, plum compote and raspberry coulis flavors, backed by a twinge of licorice. A violet hint lingers at the end, giving this additional grace and length.

9. 2015 Aalto, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 750ml A voluminous Ribera del Duero showing winemaker Mariano Garcia’s deft hand at capturing both the power and grace of a variety, Tinto Fino, that tends towards rusticity in the hot climate of the region.

10. 2 015 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Rhone, France, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator 11. 2015 Puligny-Montrachet Champs Gains 1er Cru, 750ml Aromas and flavors of green apple and lemon and tend to be tauter and firmer on the palate compared to wines from neighboring villages. Aging in a small percentage of new French oak barrels lends accents of toast and vanilla. Structured white wines with high acid and grip, Puligny-Montrachet is destined for long aging.

12. 2 015 Xavier Monnot Clos des Chenes, Volnay Premier Cru, France, 750ml Rated 90-92 by Robert Parker The 2015 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes has a sensual and pure bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and violets aromas, well defined and seeming to “billow” from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and crisp acidity, good structure here with a grippy, almost Pommard-like on the slightly savory finish.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #29

Rare Vertical: 3 Decades of an American Classic; Quilceda Creek Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Harvey Kronberg, Christie & Rob Miller, Amber Pearce, Brooke & Spivey Paup, Susan Salch, Stephanie & Chad Simpson, Patti & Jim Stone, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $2,260 Dedicated to world-class Cabernet Sauvignon Quilceda Creek is dedicated exclusively to the production of world-class Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon. Founded in 1978, Quilceda Creek has had an unbroken string of highly-rated vintages that has led Robert Parker Jr. to name it Washington State’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon producer. 1. 1988 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 90 by Cellar Tracker 2. 1989 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker 3. 1991 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 91 by Cellar Tracker, Rated 90 by Robert Parker 4. 1 993 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 91 by Cellar Tracker, Wine Spectator 5. 1994 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 94 by Cellar Tracker, Robert Parker 6. 1995 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 92 by Cellar Tracker, Wine Advocate 7. 1996 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate, Rated 91 by Cellar Tracker 8. 1997 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate, Rated 92 by Stephen Tanzer 9. 2000 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate

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10. 2 002 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 98 by Wine Advocate 11. 2003 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 100 by Wine Advocate 12. 2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 98 by Wine Advocate

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #30

2013 Abreu Cappella Proprietary Red Donated by: Janet & Jack Roberts Estimated Value: $1,850 2013 Abreu Cappella Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker The Cappella, which usually has at least 35-30% Cabernet Franc in it, looks absolutely fabulous now that the 2013 Cappella is finally in bottle. They only made about 206 cases of it, so it’s a small cuvée from this vineyard on the back streets of St. Helena. It displays sweet espresso notes, loads of white chocolate, blackberry, Asian spice and incense. It is full-bodied and opulent, with the tannins surprisingly silky and well-disguised, which is somewhat unusual in this vintage of extraordinary power and density. This is a 35- to 50-year win.

Lot #31

Ridge Geyserville - Wine that Changed the Way We Drink 10 Year Vertical Tasting at the Home of Diana McIver & Pat Conroy Donated by: Diana McIver & Pat Conroy Estimated Value: $1,000 Ridge Geyserville, one of Food and Wine magazine’s “40 Wines that Changed the Way We Drink,” was one of the first domestic wines to draw attention to the idea of “old vines” and to what a single mature vineyard (dating back to the 1880s) of mixed black grape varieties can produce. Labeled as Zinfandel in its early days, it’s actually a blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Mourvedre. Up to twelve guests will take a deep dive into what makes Ridge Geyserville a much beloved, iconic California wine. Taste 10 vintages from 2003 to 2012 at the home of Diana McIver and Pat Conroy. Savory bites included! Date: May 6th, 2018, 5:00pm – 7:30pm

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #32

2013 Kongsgaard The Judge Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 750ml Donated by: Cathia & Tom Goebel Estimated Value: $800 Proceeds from this lot will benefit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Goebel Family Partners will match dollar for dollar up to $1,500 of the winning bid. 2013 Kongsgaard The Judge Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker The 2013 Chardonnay The Judge is perfect, and certainly one of the greatest Chardonnays I have ever tasted. Keeping in mind that Kongsgaard is no youngster at this game (2015 was his 41st vintage making wine), his 2013 The Judge, from the white volcanic soil in Coombsville called tufa, is an amazing wine of great intensity, power, glory, elegance, texture, density and richness. The wine offers up loads of tangerine oil, caramelized citrus, honeysuckle, white peach, apricots, and wet stones. It seems to be a smorgasbord of aromas and flavors that just keep opening as the wine sits in the mouth. This is an amazing effort and one of the greatest Chardonnays ever made in California.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #33

Seascape Winner’s Choice Estimated Value: $7,500 What is Seascape? Are you looking for a little sun, sand, surf and excitement during your next getaway? Seascape offers the ultimate winner’s choice for the tropical beach lover. Enjoy a 4-night stay in lively Playa del Carmen, quintessential hotspot Los Cabos, romantic oasis Costa Rica, or eco-tourist’s dream Belize. Each residence accommodates 4 - perfect for a family, just the girls/guys, or couple’s getaway. The best part about Seascape Winner’s Choice - the flexibility to choose your destination after purchasing the trip - you have 18 months to decide! In addition to flexibility, take advantage of pre-trip planning services and a local concierge both included with Seascape Winner’s Choice.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Where can you go? Playa del Carmen, Mexico The Riviera Maya beach town of Playa del Carmen provides beachside bliss at every turn. With palm-lined, sugar white sand beaches, over 7 golf courses nearby, eco-parks Xcaret & Xel-ha, day trip destinations such as the island of Cozumel and the Tulum ruins as well as amazing scuba diving, Playa del Carmen is truly a must-see destination for all ages. Los Cabos, Mexico Perfectly situated along the famous Playa el Medano, this beachfront residence in the prestigious Hacienda Beach Club and Residence is surrounded by all the fun and excitement of downtown. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico You will also have access to the fabulous amenities at the beach club including: deluxe fitness center, massive infinity edge pool with swim up bar and elevated Jacuzzi, as well as poolside lounge chairs and private lounge beds. Guanacaste, Costa Rica This oceanfront home at The Palms Private Residences in Guanacaste is just 30 steps from the soft white sand and brilliant waters of Playa Flamingo Beach. With just 34 residences, The Palms offers a tranquil and intimate retreat without sacrificing the amenities you would expect from a sprawling resort, including infinity and sitting pools, water and land sports equipment, and fitness and business centers. Placencia, Belize Recently rated the top resort in Belize, Belize Ocean Club is the perfect destination if you’re in search of sun, sand, SCUBA and adventure. Boasting the second largest barrier reef in the world, Mayan ruins, the Blue Hole and activities from cave tubing to zip lining, Belize is the eco-tourist’s dream. This friendly, English-speaking country is a cultural melting pot and hidden gem in Central America. At your stay at Belize Ocean Club, complimentary breakfast and a $500 credit for any tour offered by Belize Ocean Club is included. Notes: The nights must be used during 1 trip. At least one person staying at the residence must be over the age of 25. You have 18 months from the date of purchase to use your Seascape Winner’s Choice. Restricted dates vary based on location and time of year. April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #34

An Evening of Elegance: Burgundy Focused Wine Dinner for 8 in the Home of Susan Thomas Donated by: Susan Thomas Estimated Value: $5,000 Eight guests will be transported to Burgundy during this remarkable wine dinner hosted by Susan Thomas in Bee Cave, TX. Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality and expert level wine knowledge of Susan. Not only is this lineup a once-in-a-lifetime collection of Grand Crus and Prestige Champagne from the top vintages of the last 25 years, but it is also a comprehensive snapshot of the most relevant vineyards and producers allowing you to enjoy the best of the best. The well-thought progression of wines will build to Domaine de la Romanée Conti La Tache, one of the most famous wines in the world, and Chateau d’Yquem for dessert. Just wow! Must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. At the request of the host, guests are encouraged to use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Champagne: 1. 1996 Krug Vintage Brut Rated 99+ by Stephen Tanzer

Red Burgundy: 1. 2 002 Domaine Dujac Clos de la Roche Rated 95 by Stephen Tanzer

2. 2 002 Salon Mesnil Rated 99 by James Suckling

2. 2002 Comte Georges de Vogue Bonne Mares Rated 95 by Stephen Tanzer

3. 2 002 Bollinger R.D. Rated 99 by James Suckling

3. 2003 Mugneret-Gibourg Clos Vougeot Rated 95 by Robert Parker

4. 2 002 Dom Ruinart Rosé Rated 96 by James Suckling

4. 2 008 Louis Jadot Chambertin Clos de Beze Rated 97 by Stephen Tanzer

White Burgundy: 1. 2007 William Fevre Les Clos Rated 96 by Burghound

5. Domaine Romanee-Conti La Tache Vintage to be determined based on drinking windows at the time of the dinner.

2. 2 002 Henri Boillot Meursault Les Perrieres Rated 97 by Stephen Tanzer

Dessert: 2009 Chateau d’Yquem

3. 2008 Bouchard Pere Et Fils Chevalier Montrachet Rated 96 by Stephen Tanzer

After-Party: Japanese Whisky & Cigars

4. 1996 Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Laguiche Rated 96 by Burghound 54

33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #35

Venge Vineyards Donated by: Kirk Venge of Venge Vineyards Estimated Value: $2,000 Proprietor and Winemaker, Kirk Venge, scion of legendary Napa Valley winegrowing family of Venge Vineyards, presents the best from both Napa and Sonoma. From the pinnacle of his Great Cabernet estates in Oakville and Calistoga, he presents a three-vintage vertical from the highly rated and acclaimed 2013, 2014, 2015 vintages of Oakville Estate Venge Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Calistoga Estate Venge Bone Ash Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a collector’s dream! Included is a VIP barrel tasting. And from his newest cult-venture, Croix Estate, situated in the heart of Russian River Valley, Sonoma, Kirk is producing some of Sonoma’s most sought after, collectible Pinot Noirs. At just 150 cases per vintage produced, this three vintage vertical of 2014, 2015, 2016 Croix Estate Pinot Noir is a classic example of what makes Russian River Pinot Noir so sought after. In addition, Kirk Venge invites you to a luncheon for 6 people at the newly opened winery home of Croix Estate. 1. 6 bottle vertical, 1 each of Venge: 2013, 2014, 2015 Venge Reserve and Bone Ash in original wood box 2. 6 bottle vertical, 2 each of 2014, 2015, 2016 Croix Old Manzana Slope Pinot Noir in original wood box 3. A VIP Barrel tasting for 6 people at Venge Vineyards 4. A private luncheon for 6 people at Kirk Venge’s new cult-Sonoma winery, Croix Estate Requires 8 week advance notice for the luncheon.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #36

Bottles Up Over the last 33 years, WFFT has donated $1.3 million back into Central Texas through our mission of cultivating and investing in the wine and food community through education, appreciation, and enjoyment. In 2018 and beyond, we are dedicated to providing direct financial support to sommeliers, chefs, and winemakers through scholarships, travel stipends, and professional development opportunities through our Sommelier Education Program. We are also committed to supporting other organizations who directly support the wine and food industries and partner with us to make an impact in our viticulture and culinary community. Already this year, through our Sommelier Education Program, we have sent two sommeliers to South Australia for an intensive wine immersion experience, hosted WSET Level 3 classes and exams, and offered Master Classes for industry professionals to gather and learn. With your donations through Bottles Up, we will be able to do even more to support sommeliers through our Sommelier Education Program! These professionals support us throughout the year, and now ask our guests to come together and donate to return that support this year through our Sommelier Education Program.

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Lot #37

2011 Tusk Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Donated by: Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,800 (3 btls) 2011 Tusk Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 97 by Cellar Tracker Begun in 2007 as the ultimate luxury California cult wine... a 150-case Phillipe Melka-made release primarily from Oakville and Prichard Hill. You had to know one of the owners to get on the original tiny allocation list, now with a six-year waiting list. Its major components display the California style in this Bordeaux-like vintage…great concentration of flavor and rich ripeness…portraying the feminine side with a wonderful sweetness and ripeness from the fruit, along with great acidity which will aid in the aging process.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #38

Premiere Winner’s Choice Estimated Value: $10,000

What is Premiere Winner’s Choice? Create your perfect getaway, at the perfect time. Does the sound of a tropical vacation to Mexico or St. Maarten get you excited? What about centering a trip around golf or spa activities with your friends? We believe in giving choices. Premiere gives you 4 nights in your selection of 10 different city, beach and leisure destinations. We offer top-rated vacation residences complete with full concierge services. Not only do you have the flexibility to choose where you vacation after purchasing Premiere - you have 18 months to book your home away from home. Where can winning bidders go? Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico Whether inside or outdoors, there is plenty of room to spread out and relax in this spacious 4.5-bedroom penthouse. The best part is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific, framed with mountain backdrops cascading to the sea. The master and VIP bedrooms both share formidable views of the bay and ocean. A large comfortably furnished private pool terrace provides the perfect vantage point for you and your friends and family to share special moments from sunrise to sunset. Guanacaste, Costa Rica This lavish 3-bedroom residence is located in Plaza Central on the third floor overlooking the planned community of Las Catalinas. From this exquisite penthouse retreat, a spectacular, unobstructed view of the crystal blue waters and soft white sands of Playa Danta and the islands beyond beckon you to explore the beach. Just a short stroll takes you to the ocean and all of the fine amenities of Las Catalinas. You can savor fresh, healthy cuisine at gourmet restaurants, browse fine boutiques and savor the tranquil Costa Rica lifestyle. Premiere Winner’s Choice Destinations: Guanacaste, Costa Rica London, ENG Nuevo Vallarta, MX Palmetto Bluff, SC Punta Mita, MX San Francisco, CA St. Maarten Sonoma County, CA WaterSound, FL Notes: The nights must be used during 1 trip. At least one person staying at the residence must be over the age of 25. You have 18 months from the date of purchase to use your Premiere Winner’s Choice trip. Restricted dates vary based on location and time of year. April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #39

Wine Spectator’s Top Ten Most Exciting Wines of 2017 Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Christie & Rob Miller, Amber Pearce, Susan Salch, Steve Tipton, Amanda & Andrew West Estimated Value: $700 1. #1 - 2014 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator A powerful red, with concentrated flavors of red plum, cherry and boysenberry that are layered with plenty of rich spice and mineral accents. Touches of slate and cardamom make for a complex finish.

2. #2 - 2014 K Syrah Walla Walla Valley Powerline Estate, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator A knockout Syrah, precise and impeccably built but explosive with personality. Smoky roasted meat and floral blackberry aromas combine with bold, supple flavors of dark plum, pepper and licorice. The tannins are big but polished.

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3. #3 - 2014 Château Coutet Barsac, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator This shows the vivid, racy side of Barsac, with streaming flavors of pineapple, yellow apple, green plum and white ginger, displaying lovely energy from start to finish. Ends with enough honeysuckle and orange blossom notes to balance the richness.

4. #4 - 2012 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Effusive aromas and flavors of raspberry, cherry, floral, mineral and tobacco are at the center of this linear, vibrant red. Well-structured, this offers terrific length on the sinewy finish.

5. #5 - 2015 Château de St.-Cosme Gigondas, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator A textbook version of the brawny side of Gigondas, this offers a grippy alder bass line underneath layers of dark currant and fig fruit, while lots of tobacco, rosemary and bay leaf fill in throughout. Muscular and energetic, this is built for the cellar.

6. #6 - 2016 Domaine Huët Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator This tilts toward the flattering side of off-dry, showing a plump feel to the core of creamed pear, white peach and yellow apple fruit. Lovely verbena, honeysuckle and mineral accents keep this balanced and driven, with a long finish that lets the fruit echo.

7. #7 - 2014 Château Canon-La Gaffelière St.-Emilion, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator This cuts a wide swath, with mouthwatering tobacco and warm ganache notes leading the way, followed by a wave of fig, blackberry and black currant preserves. Shows remarkable definition already, even though the structure is strident. Tempting now, but just put this in the back of the cellar.

8. #8 - 2014 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Strikingly complex and detailed, with supple, harmonious blackberry, currant, anise, licorice and crushed rock flavors. Gains depth while holding focus and persistence.

9. #9 - 2015 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator This offers a gorgeous mouthful of rich, buttery Chardonnay, loaded with exotic tropical fruit, pear, melon and pineapple flavors. Impressive for its opulence and silkiness, a nice combination.

10. # 10 - 2014 Booker Vineyard ‘Oublie’ Red, Paso Robles, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Expressive and impressively structured, with savory blackberry aromas and accents of rosemary, thyme and crushed stone, opening to complex, densely layered flavors of currant, pepper and espresso. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #40

6 Bottle Vertical of Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (2009-2014) Donated by: Meghan & Stephen Elwell Estimated Value: $700 1. 2009 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 93 by Antonio Galloni The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, juicy wine loaded with dark fruit, mocha, spices and new leather. This rich, expansive Cabernet boasts tons of class and sheer personality. Mint, licorice and spices add complexity as the dark fruit fleshes out on the finish. This is a fabulous wine for the money.

2. 2010 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 92+ by Antonio Galloni The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley wraps around the palate with mocha, chocolate, violets and new leather. Despite its explosive personality, the straight Napa Valley bottling is pretty approachable for the vintage. I especially like the focus of the finish.

3. 2011 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Enthusiast The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa displays a denser saturated ruby/purple color as well as a pure, spicy bouquet with lots of black currants, medium body and an abrupt, gritty finish.

4. 2012 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon with the Paul Hobbs moniker is pretty serious wine that could easily win many a tasting. Dense purple in color, with notes of blackcurrants, blackberry, charcoal and incense, the wine is full-bodied, opulent and a big-time winner. This is a stunner that’s drinking well already and yet promises to age well for 15-20 years.

5. 2013 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker This is just beautiful, an earthy, graphite-laden, crème de cassis scented wine with plenty of depth, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, opulent finish.

6. 2014 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 92 by Robert Parker Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with fresh, exuberant cassis and crushed blackberry notes plus hints of cigar box, dried Mediterranean herbs, violets and Marmite toast. Full-bodied and built like a brick house, with firm, grainy tannins and lively acid supporting the generous black berry and savory flavors, it finishes with great length and poise.

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Lot #41

A Dinner in the Peel Wine Cellar for Ten Donated by: Deborah & Larry Peel Estimated Value: $4,500

njoy a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in the legendary Peel wine cellar. Dinner will be prepared by E Chef Emmett Fox of Asti and paired with exceptional handpicked wine from Larry Peel’s personal collection. This intimate evening of extraordinary food, wine and ambiance will be a dinner to remember. Must be scheduled on mutually agreed date before April 7, 2019. Wine List: 1. 2003 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator Aromas of blackberry, tobacco and hints of oak. Full-bodied, with lots of silky and round tannins and a long finish. Lots going on here. Layered and powerful.

2. 2006 Château Suduiraut Sauternes, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker Tasted at the Sauternes 2006 ten-year on horizontal in Bordeaux. The 2006 Suduiraut has a dried pineapple, Aszu-scented bouquet that gains intensity with aeration, although it feels a little...unorthodox! It just comes across as more exotic and tropical than I was anticipating.The palate is medium-bodied with decent botrytised fruit, fresh and crisp with notes of bitter orange, honey and mandarin, quite saline on the edgy finish.

3. 2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 97 by Antonio Galloni The 2008 reveals an opaque purple color in addition to blueberry and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with incense and violets. Barely approaching adolescence, it is still a grapey, primary, full-bodied beauty that will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring.

4. 2012 Kistler Cuvée Elizabeth Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Sonoma Coast, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker 5. 2014 Aubert Hyde & Sons Chardonnay Carneros, 750ml Rated 97 by Robert Parker The wine reveals terrific white peach and honeysuckle notes along with some quince and marmalade. Rich, full, powerful and long, it is a stunner that should drink well for 10-15 years.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #42

Vintage of a Lifetime? 2010 Brunellos Donated by: Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $950 1. 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, 750ml Rated 98 by James Suckling “An unforgiving and powerfully structured wine with fabulous grilled meat and granite stone character with dried berry and flower petal. Full body, chewy and intense. Great structure and extremely long and intense. Sexy austerity. Best ever from here.”

2. 2010 Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, 750ml Rated 98 by James Suckling “Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth ... It’s so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph.”

3. 2010 Citille di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, 750ml Rated 96 by James Suckling “This is dense and rich with amazing layers of ripe fruit and polished tannins. Hints of hazelnut and walnuts to the flavors. Full-bodied, structured and very rich...”

4. 2010 Citille di Sopra Vigna Poggio Ronconi, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, 750ml Rated 97 by James Suckling “A dense and silky wine with blackberry, Chinese mushroom and berry character. Full body, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish. Superb single-vineyard wine.”

5. 2010 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, 750ml Rated 96 by James Suckling “Aromas burnt orange peel and cherry with hints of dried bark and mahogany. Full body, very tight and dense with a beautiful fruit, tannin and acid balance. Finesse and strength. Best wine from here for ages.”

6. 2010 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Saturated with cherry, raspberry, spice and tobacco aromas and flavors, this strikes a balanced between the supple texture, succulent acidity and refined yet gripping tannins. Really sings on the lingering finish.

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7. 2010 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, 750ml Rated 97 by James Suckling “Intense aromas of dried citrus and meat with hints of rose bush and fresh rosemary. This is full body, with full, velvety tannin and a decadent and rich finish. Fascinating flavors of spice, citrus and meat. Loads of fruit...97.” JS

8. 2010 Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, 750ml Rated 98 by James Suckling “Wonderful aromas of salt, savory dried meat and red fruits. Bacon too. This is full body, with chewy tannins and a long and intense finish. It’s like a tightly knit ball of cashmere thread. Superb.”

9. 2010 Renieri Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate “A wine of infinite depth and personality. Its overtly generous personality delivers tones of black fruit, shaved truffle, wet earth, prune, candied fruit, cigar box and wet tobacco. On the palate, it shows an irresistible sense of density and softness…can be consumed now or in ten years.”

10. 2 010 San Felice Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, 750ml Rated 96 by James Suckling “Perfect aromas…with licorice, stone, peach pit, plum, leather, and iron. Full body, fine and silky tannins support a deep and rich fruit concentration that shows black fruit, Tuscan dust and oyster shell. Needs four or five years to soften but an amazing finish.”

11. 2 010 Siro Pacenti Pelagrilli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, 750ml Rated 96 by James Suckling “Dark cherry, plum, smoke, spice and new leather blossom as this rich, textured Brunello shows off its considerable personality. The flavors are dark, bold and voluptuous throughout, but supported by persistent veins of salinity. This is a fabulous wine.”

12. 2 010 Tenute del Cerro Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, 750ml Rated 94 by Antonio Galloni “A classic wine…Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, spice and leather notes open up in a rich, resonant wine bursting at the seams with personality…needs a few years to soften, but it is already striking and absolutely delicious...”

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #43

Seat at the Table at the Home of Mary & Carl Boisvert Donated by: Mary & Carl Boisvert, Pat Conroy, Kareem Hajjar, Jerry Gatlin, Harvey Kronberg, Christie Miller, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,000 per seat Do not miss your chance to buy a seat at this rare wine tasting experience. Join six Auction Committee members as they uncork rare wines from their exclusive private cellars at the residence of Mary & Carl Boisvert. In addition to the exquisite wines, six lucky bidders will be treated to be a phenomenal meal. Sit back and enjoy remarkable wines and great company. All wines will be expertly presented by a few of Texas’ most talented sommeliers. This dinner will take place on one of three date options: September 21, 2018, October 9, 2018 or February 22, 2019. Please note that WFFT is unable to offer refunds if your schedule does not permit the selected date. Wine List: 1. 1982 Dunn Cabernet Howell Mountain Rated 96 by Vinous Utterly magnificent in the glass, the 1982 graces the palate with a host of distinctly ferrous notes, followed by the essence of red cherry, smoke and underbrush. The 1982 is explosive, structured and intense from the very first taste. It is another wine that is simply dazzling tonight. In a word: superb.

2. 1985 Dunn Cabernet Howell Mountain Rated 96 by Vinous Dunn’s 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a real bombshell. Dark, sensual and beautifully layered in the glass, the 1985 is one of the more voluptuous Dunn Cabernets of this era. Graphite, smoke, licorice and graphite add nuance, while silky tannins add to an overall impression of finesse.

3. 1994 Chateau d’Yquem Rated 100 by James Suckling Yellow-gold color. Intense aromas of petrol, spice and honey, with dried apricot. Full-bodied, very sweet, with a green apple and honey character; petrol character comes through on the finish. Better with age.

4. 2007 Domaine de la Mordorée “Reine des Bois” Châteauneuf-du-Pape In Magnum Rated 97 by Robert Parker Reminding me of the 2003, yet with even more polished and sweetness to its tannin, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois offers a full-bodied, ripe, sexy style to go with pedal-to-the-metal notes of black currants, roasted herbs, licorice and toasted spices.

5. 2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia Rated 99 by Robert Parker Aged 24 months in new French oak, this infant 2007 exhibits an inky/purple color along with notes of graphite, spring flowers and smoky oak. This full-bodied, classic Insignia reveals fabulous depth, ripeness, texture, viscosity and richness. 66

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Still young and unformed, it should evolve for 25 or more years. Perhaps I should just go ahead and give this 2007 a three-digit score as it is a profoundly great Cabernet Sauvignon-based effort...one of the top Insignias yet produced.

6. 2008 Sine Qua Non Grenache THE Line Rated 98 by Robert Parker, 97+by Vinous Robert Parker - displays extraordinary berry fruit and kirsch notes intermixed with lavender and other floral components. Intense, full-bodied, voluptuously textured, and stunningly pure, with no real noticeable oak (21% new French oak was used, most of it the larger demi-muids), this beauty has put on weight and is showing additional complexity since I first tasted it.

7. 2009 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina Rated 99 by Wine Advocate The 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus ex Machina is an extroverted, open and insanely perfumed effort that boasts killer blackberry and kirsch-styled fruit to go with layers of spring flowers, exotic spice and graphite. As are all of these efforts, it’s full-bodied, deeply concentrated and textured on the palate, with masses of sweet tannin.

8. 2009 Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer to Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon Rated 97 by Wine Advocate The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard saturates every corner of the palate with layers after layers of rich dark fruit, mocha, spices and licorice. This is a stunning To Kalon endowed with tons of site-specific character and nuance.

9. 2013 Cliff Lede Poetry Rated 100 by Robert Parker The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry reveals a rather inky, bluish/purple color. It’s bursting with upside potential. Inky purple to the rim, with notes of crème de cassis, black cherry liqueur, licorice, spice and a touch of vanilla, this is a fullbodied, concentrated and an utterly profound wine that may represent the greatest wine that Cliff Lede has made to date.

10. 2 015 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard Rated 100 by Wine Advocate A touch closed and youthfully shy to begin, the 2015 Chardonnay Lauren Estate soon powers up to reveal intense grapefruit, citrus peel, yuzu and honeyed pear notes over suggestions of crushed stones, struck match, baking bread and lemongrass. The palate is fine, fresh, elegant and incredibly layered, with the tightly wound layers offering glimpses at incredible depth, finishing long and minerally.

11. 2 009 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja Rated 96 by Robert Parker This shows the ripeness and intensity of the vintage with truffles and hints of tea. Full body, layered and beautiful. Flavorful finish.

12. J acques Selosse “V.O.” Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc-de-Blancs Champagne (Disgorged 10/20/10) Rated 96 by Antonio Galloni If Initial can be described as feminine, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru V.O. (Version Originale) is decidedly masculine. Here the fruit shows off remarkable depth and muscle, with deep, burnished tones that add complexity and weight to a dense, structured, yet plush expression of Chardonnay. The wine literally covers every inch of the palate with layers of mineral-drenched fruit. This is a fabulous showing for the Version Originale. Disgorged October 20, 2010. April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #44

Spanish Wine Donated by: Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Todd Kercheval, Christie & Rob Miller, Amber Pearce, Patti & Jim Stone, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $800 1. 1987 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja ViĂąa Albina Gran Reserva , 750ml Rated 94+ by Richard Jennings “Bricked medium dark red violet color; very appealing, mature, dried berry, licorice, toast, sandalwood nose; delicious, dried cherry, dried berry, baked raspberry, sandalwood, light ginger caked palate; long finish.

2. 2004 Bodegas Akutain Rioja Gran Reserva, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker This wine is brooding tangle of dried cherry, plum cake, gingerbread, salt-cured meats, black tea, dried flowers, sweet red tobacco and a humidor filled with Cohibas.

3. 2004 Numanthia Toro, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker The wine is a glass-coating opaque purple with a killer nose of mineral, pencil lead, wild blueberry, and blackberry liqueur that roars from the glass. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, dense, and already beginning to show complexity within its layers of spicy black fruits.

4. 2007 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva, 750ml Rated 98 by James Suckling The aromas show fresh flowers and herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and violet. Raspberry, candy and current notes as well as black licorice. 86% Tempranillo and 14% Mazuelo blend. Released in 2015.

5. 2012 Bodegas Aalto, Ribera del Duero, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator This red shows focus and density, with rich flavors of plum, blackberry, cocoa, licorice and mineral. The structure is muscular but graceful, featuring ripe fruit complemented by savory notes that keep this balanced and fresh. 2,400 cases imported. Best from 2016 through 2032.

6. 2012 Bodegas y Vinedos Maurodos San Roman Toro, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator The polished texture masks depth and muscle in this powerful red, which shows blackberry, anise, tar and mineral flavors, with spicy floral hilights. Firm tannins and fresh acidity lend good balance. Expressive, in an austere way.

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7. 2012 Portal del Montsant Santbru Carnyenes Velles, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator Deep purple to black in color with vivid red and a bluish edge, it delivers flavors of plum, currant, espresso, licorice, and mineral. Drink now through 2027.

8. 2013 Casa Castillo Las Gravas, 750ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker Las Gravas comes from a profoundly rocky, single vineyard. Jose Maia and his father planted Monastrell, Garnacha, and Syrah, each of which contribute to the final blend of Las Gravas.

9. 2014 Alto Moncayo Aquilon, 750ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker This is 100% Garnacha wine from 60-100 year old vines and aged for 24 months in new barrels. A powerful fulsome wine in the mouth, fleshy and fresh, with a great concentration of flavor. “This is your prototype of dark and concentrated, heady and generously oaked Garnacha.” Robert Parker

10. 2 014 Bodegas Raul Perez Ultreia de Valtuille, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker Notes of freshness, blood orange, red cherries and flowers. It is elegant and complex, with very fine tannins and a velvety sensation.

11. 2 015 Rafael Palacios As Sortes, 750ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker Hand harvested and fermented wtih indigenous yeasts in 500L French oak demi-muids, and then aged for 7 months in the same barrels, this white is a blaned of the oldest vines from O Soro, Antigua, Os Caneiros, A Falcoeira, Alexos, and A Coalleira. Floral aromas combined with balance and freshness.

12. 2 016 Urkizahar Txakelin Ekologikoa Galariako Txakolina, Spain, 750ml The first time that he took his bottled wine to a restaurant, he went straight for the three star Michelin Restaurante Arzak. Seeking an honest opinion from the Chef and sommelier, no matter how painful the response.... Their response: “Whatever you brought with you today in your truck, we will take it all...” Discover txakoli. For fans of higher acidity, dry, perfumey, saline/mineral, slightly spritzy white wines.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #45

A Taste of WFFT

A case of wine representing the best of WFFTs Educational Wine Classes with Mark Rashap, CWE and a one year Epicurean membership to WFFT Donated by: Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Amber Pearce Estimated Value: $1,065 1. 2009 F E Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frederic Emile, Alsace, France, 750ml Rated 97 by James Suckling This is so open and sexy with blood orange, minerals, flint and stone. Full-bodied and tangy, plus sliced lemon, lime and white peach. Salty with limestone too. Amazing.

2. 2013 Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 750ml Hailed by many as the best vintage in decades, the 2013 growing season in Napa Valley was long, dry and sun-soaked. In the glass, this translates into a deep, rich color. Slowly swirling reveals layer upon layer of complexity and that distinctive Martha’s mint character reaffirms why this cabernet is so celebrated. On the palate, this is a wine of monumental proportions that is nonetheless elegant. Explosions of dark fruit flavor are beautifully balanced with silky tannins.

3. 2013 Kenefick Ranch Merlot, Napa Valley, 750ml Spicy notes of cedar, on top of jammy raspberry and plum nuances form the aromatic profile. Silky tannins, copious fresh berries and hints of vanilla bean make up the palate. Drink now and will cellar well for the next 8-12 years.

4. 2013 Reynvaan Family Vineyards In The Rocks Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, 750ml Rated 97 by Wine Spectator Supple and expressive, this opens up like a giant flower, spreading the dark plum, blackberry, crème fraîche and spice flavors throughout the seamless whole. The finish sails on against barely noticeable tannins. This has tremendous power, but feels like it’s floating.

5. 2014 Ridge Zinfandel Pagani Ranch, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate The deep purple colored Zinfandel Pagani Ranch is made in a medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant and seamless style. The blend is 80% Zinfandel, 17% Alicante Bouschet and the balance Petite Sirah, aged all in American oak, and it boasts fabulous notes of plums, black raspberries, chocolate, spice and potpourri. It’s not a massive wine, but it glides across the palate, has ripe, sweet tannin and integrated acidity. Most importantly, it’s a joy to drink.

6. 2014 Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Carneros, 750ml Rated 95 by James Suckling Sliced green mango and lemon aromas, hints of flan and creme. Full body, very intense creamy texture and tangy acidity. Long and powerful finish. Electric. A great Napa chardonnay.

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7. 2015 Arrowood Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 750ml 8. 2015 Domane Wachau - Freie Weingartner Achleiten Riesling Smaragd, Wachau, Austria, 750ml Rated 97 by James Suckling This is so open and sexy with blood orange, minerals, flint and stone. Full-bodied and tangy, plus sliced lemon, lime and white peach. Salty with limestone too. Amazing.

9. 2015 Okonomierat Rebholz Riesling Dry - Trocken, Pfalz, Germany, 750ml Rated 90 by Robert Parker Rebholz’s 2015 Riesling Trocken Okonomierat offers a beautifully clear, pure, intense, mineral and herbal-flavored bouquet, which indicates a real Rebholz character. The wine is light, pure and bone dry, but intense and slightly creamy on the palate. It is also very mineral and salty, and well structured by fine tannins.

10. 2 015 Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe, Germany, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator Very pure and crisp, but with an underlying creaminess to the explosively fruity flavors of red peach, apple, pear and ripe citrus. Saline notes show midpalate, accented by white pepper hints. The spicy finish is long and lush.

11. 2 016 Gran Moraine Rose of Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District, 750ml 12. M ichel Mailliard Premier Cru Cuvée Gregory Brut, Champagne, France, 750ml

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #46

12 Bottle Vertical of Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Donated by: Tako & Charlie Parker Estimated Value: $1,650 1. ( 2 btls) 2003 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker Boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with a sweet bouquet of black currants, crème de cassis, chocolate fudge, subtle barbecue scents, and hints of lavender, forest floor and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, rich and dense, it is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, as it has been in just about every vintage.

2. (2btls) 2004 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker This spectacular 2004 has notes of barbecue smoke, roasted meats, black currants, licorice and a blackberry-like richness. Hints of coffee bean and white chocolate also make an appearance in this plump, full-bodied, voluptuously textured, dense ruby/purple-colored wine. This is a beauty.

3. (2 btls) 2005 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 95+ by Robert Parker This is just a stunning wine – inky purple, with plenty of cassis, a hint of espresso, subtle background oak and forest notes. The color is opaque and the wine full-bodied and opulent, with sweet tannin and a multilayered mouthfeel.

4. (2 btls) 2006 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 93+ by Robert Parker Abundant smoke, chocolate, espresso roast, cassis and mocha characteristics are found in this full-bodied, powerful, layered Cabernet.

5. (2 btls) 2007 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 97 by Robert Parker One of the finest Private Reserves made over the last two decades, this phenomenal wine is obviously still an infant in terms of development, but it exhibits a dense purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of blackberries, white chocolate, licorice, tobacco leaf, smoky barbecue, charcoal and a burning ember-like note reminiscent of a Graves from Bordeaux.

6. (2 btls) 2009 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a core of dark red berries, flowers, mint, spices and licorice. The Reserve shows lovely inner perfume and mid-palate juiciness.

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33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


Lot #47

Water for Wine Magnum of 2009 Levy & McClellan Donated by: Todd Kercheval, Diana McIver, Amber Pearce, Susan Salch, Stephanie Simpson, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,000 2009 Wine to Water Napa Valley Meritage by Levy & McClellan, 1.5L This is one-of-a-kind! The 2009 Wine to Water Napa Valley Meritage was made by Bob Levy and Martha McClellan. Bob and Martha are two of Napa’s elite, making cult wines like Harlan, Bond, Sloan, and Checkerboard just to name a few. Doc Hendley leads Wine to Water. Doc was named a ‘CNN hero’ for his years of effort to bring clean water access to the world’s poorest regions. Only 200 magnums were produced. The bottles are etched with a beautiful design, verse, and Bob, Martha, and Doc’s signatures. For this Wine to Water fundraiser, each magnum was offered for $1,000 a bottle. Originally, half of the money was to go to Wine to Water’s relief efforts in rural, hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico where over 3 million people have little access to clean water, proper shelter, or electricity. But, at the same time Bob and Martha’s home vineyard burned to the ground. So given the situation, the other half of the proceeds were directed to a charity of Bob and Martha’s choice, to help the Napa community rebuild after that tragedy. The wine in the bottle is a very rare gem. This may be the last we see of a project like this from Bob and Martha considering the loss of their vineyard. They made this Cab-dominated wine from their home vineyard. Big, bold, and velvety, this 2009 delivers loads of blackberry and cassis on the palate, together with hints of earth, rose, and worn leather from the finishing touches of Cab Franc and Merlot. It’s gorgeous today, but there’s many years of great drinking ahead for it!

Lot #48

Tito’s Party Bus Donated by: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Estimated Value: $2,500 Take a short trip anywhere in Central Texas! Bus includes Tito’s Handmade Vodka poured up by your own personal bartender and a dedicated driver for you and 15 of your friends. You won’t find a better ride than this!

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #49

Seat at the Table at the Home of Laura & Ryan Shock Donated by: Daniel Bleier, Pat Conroy, Kareem Hajjar, Harvey Kronberg, Christie Miller, Laura & Ryan Shock, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,000 per seat Do not miss your chance to buy a seat at this rare wine tasting experience. Join six Auction Committee members as they uncork rare wines from their exclusive private cellars at the residence of Laura & Ryan Shock. In addition to the exquisite wines, six lucky bidders will be treated to be a phenomenal meal. Sit back and enjoy remarkable wines and great company. All wines will be expertly presented by a few of Texas’ most talented sommeliers. This dinner will take place on one of three date options: October 20, 2018, November 3, 2018 or November 10, 2018. Please note that WFFT is unable to offer refunds if your schedule does not permit the selected date. Wine List: 1. 1992 Peter Lauer Saar Riesling Sekt Reserve (Disgorged 9/16) Rated 94 by Cellar Tracker This is a truly unique offering spanning two generations of the Lauer family. The nose gives notes of seashells, stone, beeswax, underripe starfruit, lanolin and sweet grass. On the palate the wine is incredibly vinous and savory, with vibrant acidity and a complex range of flavors - from lime zest, green apple skin, and greengage plum, to Seville orange peel, thyme, and orange blossom water.

2. 1992 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port Rated 100 by Robert Parker Taylor’s 1992 Vintage Port is unquestionably the greatest young port I have ever tasted. It represents the essence of what vintage port can achieve. The color is an opaque black/purple, and the nose offers up fabulously intense aromas of minerals, cassis, blackberries, licorice, and spices, as well as extraordinary purity and penetration.

3. 2003 Sine Qua Non Papa Syrah Rated 98 by Robert Parker It exhibits extraordinary power and richness along with large quantities of sexy, seductive cassis, black cherries, and a chocolaty undertone. Unctuously textured, rich, and full, it will provide amazing drinking over the next 10-15 years.

4. 2004 Chateau d’Yquem Rated 94 by Wine Spectator Tropically ripe, with dense yet creamy layers of guava, mango, lychee and papaya, all stitched with racy lemon cream and candied grapefruit peel notes. Frangipane-framed finish pumps out wave after wave of unctuous fruit.

5. 2006 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Rated 99 by James Suckling This is an incredible wine. It shows aromas of violets, berries, and licorice that show fresh porcini mushrooms as well. It’s full and very balanced with fresh acidity and wonderful length. Fabulous. 74

33rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction


6. 2007 Mas de Boislauzon Quet Rated 100 by Robert Parker A huge, monster of a wine is the 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Quet! This Grenache-dominated beauty offers crazy amounts of black currants, black licorice, beef blood and Provencal herbs in a thick, unctuous, full-bodied yet ethereal and seamless package. And while it carries an incredible amount of fruit and texture, it remains graceful and lively on the palate, with no hard edges, sweet, still present tannin and a huge finish.

7. 2009 Torbreck RunRig Rated 99 by Wine Advocate Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 RunRig opens with wonderful perfume, and though this label usually contains a splash of Viognier, which could account for the fragrant nose, it has none this vintage. Redolent of violets and blueberries it is very spicy with an undercurrent of anise and Indian spices muddled with mulberries. Taut and elegant on the palate, it gives plenty of concentrated fruit flavor with crisp acid and firm, fine tannins.

8. 2010 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc Rated 99 by Wine Spectator Ripe and unctuous, showing terrific cut, with heather, white peach, green almond, Anjou pear, persimmon and macadamia nut notes all framed by a toasted brioche hint. Exquisitely detailed through the finish, this shows salted butter and chammomile details. Remains refined, focused and pure, despite the obvious power.

9. 2010 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Rated 100 by Robert Parker It is stunningly rich, with classic, fragrant notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, graphite and spring flowers. It exhibits an opaque purple color, with a full-bodied, massive mouthfeel, but no heaviness, and again, a flawless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood. It’s classic California Cabernet, but beautifully put together, showing impeccable craftsmanship and fabulous potential.

10. 2 013 Larkmead Vineyards - The Lark Rated 100 by Robert Parker A magnificent wine. It probably has 50 years of upside potential. The notes of melted chocolate, Christmas fruitcake, crême de cassis, cedar wood, truffles and camphor are all present in this wine of exceptional intensity, purity and a skyscraper-like mid-palate and finish.

11. 2 013 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Rated 100 by Wine Advocate This is clone 4 from a special block of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, and it always seems to have these incredible, explosive aromatics ranging from blueberry to blackberry to cassis to spring flowers and lead pencil shavings. It’s always one of the more seductive wines early on, with sweet, velvety tannins, a plush, succulent mouthfeel, full-bodied splendor and majestic texture. This is a killer effort of great intensity and presence.

12. 2 015 Aubert Chardonnay CIX Estate Rated 100 by Wine Advocate The 2015 Chardonnay Cix Estate is 100% Montrachet clone and shows notes of liquified stones, quince, honeysuckle, caramelized citrus, and hints of tropical fruits such as pineapple and nectarine. This is a beauty of great intensity, richness and length – another remarkable Chardonnay from Aubert.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #50

Vertical of Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select (2009 - 2011) Donated by: Karen & Thomas Vaughn Estimated Value: $1,000 1. 2009 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator Very powerful, with blackcurrants, cedar wood, vanillin and spice box. The wine is full-bodied, showing outstanding purity.

2. 2010 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker A remarkable wine, the 2010 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select has gone from strength to strength since it was in cask. It is stunningly rich, with classic, fragrant notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, graphite and spring flowers. It exhibits an opaque purple color, with a full-bodied, massive mouthfeel, but no heaviness, and again, a flawless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood. It’s classic California Cabernet, but beautifully put together, showing impeccable craftsmanship and fabulous potential.

3. 2011 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in.

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Lot #51

Classic Wines of the Northern Rhone Donated by: Twin Liquors Estimated Value: $1,500 1. (2 btls) 2006 J L Chave Hermitage Rouge, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker Chave’s 2006 Hermitage is a fabulous example of the classic style of the estate, as well as of the more forward, charming nature of the vintage. Offering up a gorgeous bouquet of caramelized black fruits, cassis, tapenade, spring flowers and an undeniable minerality, this beautiful Hermitage is fresh, lively and incredibly elegant on the palate, yet still packs gorgeous amounts of fruit and texture, with plenty of wow factor.

2. (2 btls) 2007 J L Chave Hermitage Rouge, 750ml Rated 95-96 by Stephen Tanzer Smoky dark fruit flavors are framed by chewy tannins and pick up sweeter red berry qualities with air. The finish is sweet and penetrating, with a strong echo of black raspberry.

3. (2 btls) 2010 J L Chave Hermitage Blanc, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #52

A Case of 2016 Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel, California Donated by: Mike Ramsey Estimated Value: $600 (12 btls) 2016 Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel, 750ml Though the vast majority of Turley wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of old vine sites. Vines are tagged when replanted so as not to mix the brand new vine with its much older neighbors, then these young vines are picked separately to make a distinct wine. The vines that make up Juvenile range in age from about 6-25 years, and are pulled from 18 of Turley’s best vineyards across California, including Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador, Vineyard 101, Fredericks and Kirschenmann.

Lot #53

1955 Dom Perignon, 750ml Donated by: Cathia & Tom Goebel Estimated Value: $1,300 Proceeds from this lot will benefit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Goebel Family Partners will match dollar for dollar up to $1,500 of the winning bid. Dom Perignon, cuvee prestige of the house of Moet & Chandon, is certainly the most famous champagne in the world. This rich and complex wine, with beautiful aromas of dried fruit and toast is distinguished by an impressively long finish. Dom Perignon is highly sought after by fans knowing its extraordinary ageing potential.

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Lot #54

A Duo of White Burgundy Stunners Donated by: Cab Gilbreath Estimated Value: $2,600 1. 2010 Domaine Ramonet Montrachet Grand Cru, 750ml Rated 97 by Allen Meadows - Burghound A blast of pungently toasty aromas and gorgeously complex aromas of resin, petrol, spice, pear, white peach, apricot, honeysuckle and acacia blossom. There is excellent size, weight and punch to the imposingly scaled broad-shouldered flavors that drench the palate in dry extract yet the precision and detail are nothing short of remarkable. There is flat out superb depth of material, all wrapped in a tightly wound yet massively long finish that is borderline painful in its intensity. This is clearly a vinous infant yet one that is already stunningly harmonious. In sum, this is a classic in the making.

2. 2012 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker The 2012 Grands Echézeaux was picked on September 22, 24 and 25, at 27 hectoliters per hectare. Compared to the Echézeaux the nose is more demure, perhaps more refined, does not feel the urge to “put it all out” as it were. Reticent is the word - yet the precision and delineation is undeniable. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannin, here a mixture of red and black fruit, a little broodier and more introspective than its “cousin” but with greater persistence in the mouth. It unfurls on the finish: hints of dry tobacco and cedar, leaving you with the impression of a “masculine” Grands Echézeaux, one built for the long haul. 987 cases produced.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #55

Big Wines, Small Packages Donated by: Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $600 1. 2001 R. Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondoñia Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 375ml Rated 92 by Vinous “Expansive bouquet of musky red and dark berries, medicinal cherry, rose oil and Asian spices. Juicy raspberry and rose pastille flavors are framed by silky tannins and given a boost by zesty minerality. The tannins fade into the sweet fruit on the finish, which is strikingly pure and very persistent.”

2. 2003 Mayacamas Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, 375ml Rated 92 by Stephen Tanzer “Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco and spices flesh out in a supple, super-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with no hard edges. Here, too, the flavors remain surprisingly primary… Dried rose petal, cinnamon and sweet red berries linger on the close.”

3. 2007 Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco Toscana, 375ml Rated 97 by Antonio Galloni “… a showstopper. A dazzling bouquet leads to layers of rich dark fruit in this superb, racy wine. The tannins are all about finesse…impresses for its sexy personality and fabulous overall balance.”

4. 2008 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu, 375ml Rated 91+ by Vinous “Pungent pit fruits, spices and dried flowers on the nose…to offer juicy nectarine and lemon curd flavors and deeper honey and marzipan qualities…finishing with solid grip and lingering honey and floral notes.”

5. 2009 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 375ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator “…packed with dark smoldering cocoa, mesquite, tobacco and roasted fig notes, all inlaid with pure cassis and plum preserves fruit flavors. Long and authoritative on the finish, with singed vanilla bean and tar notes adding length and dimension.”

6. 2009 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel, 375ml Rated 95 by Antonio Galloni “23% Petite Sirah. Black fruit, plums, tar, licorice and smoke are some of the notes that flow from this generous, inviting red.”

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7. 2010 Andre Neveu Sancerre ‘Le Manoir Vieilles Vignes’, 375ml Rated 92 by Robert Parker “Ratcheting up the level of concentration... The older vines have given this cuvee an extra layer of richness as well as plenty of honeyed melon notes intermixed with nectarines, mangoes and subtle smoke and herbs.”

8. 2013 Lail Vineyards Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc, 375ml Rated 92 by Antonio Galloni “… gorgeous. Slate, crushed rocks, mint and candied lemon peel are all very much alive in the glass. Bright, vibrant and focused, yet with considerable breadth…stands out for its exceptional balance and personality…a terrific showing from Robin Lail.”

9. 2013 Seña, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, 375ml Rated 99 by James Suckling “Superb aromas of black currants, rose petal and mint. Lavender and stones too. Full body with incredible fruit density. Complex, yet agile and bright…builds on the palate and shows the structure of a first growth Bordeaux but remains so Chilean…it will show itself in 2019.”

10. 2 014 Tor Kenward Chardonnay Torchiana, 375ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker “…again shows the caramelized citrus, crushed rock, and liquid minerality that makes this such an intriguing wine. It is full-bodied, dense, and a top-notch success in this vintage. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.”

11. NV Krug Grand Cuvée Brut Champagne, 375ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator “…shows a lovely sense of finesse, with firm acidity deftly married to a rich profile of crème de cassis, toasted brioche and lime blossom, accented by hints of café au lait, singed orange peel and exotic spice. Long and plush on the finish.”

12. N V Ployez Jacquemart Extra Quality Brut Champagne, 375ml Rated 92+ by John Gilman “Spice-accented pear, melon, white peach and honey on the nose and in the mouth…with lingering tangerine and floral notes and a late jolt of chalky minerals. “One of the best-kept secrets in the realm of world class bubbly... stunning purity of fruit, superb minerality, gentle leesy tones, very refined mousse and simply stunning complexity.” – John Gilman

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #56

Wine Dinner for Six at the Gatlin Residence Donated by: Susan & Jerry Gatlin Estimated Value: $1,500 Six guests will join Susan & Jerry Gatlin for a remarkable five course wine dinner in their downtown condominium. The meal will be a beautifully prepared collaboration by Jerry Gatlin and Chef Tom Stone. The wines will be hand selected by Jerry Gatlin to perfectly complement the menu. Wine List: 1. 2003 Vérité La Muse Rated 95 by Robert Parker 2. 2010 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Rated 100 by Robert Parker 3. 2014 Morlet Family Vineyards La Proportion Doree Rated 100 by Robert Parker 4. 2015 Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Rated 98 by Robert Parker 5. 2002 Gosset “Celebris” Vintage Extra Brut Champagne Rated 96 by Vinous 6. 2008 Donnafugata Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé Rated 97 by Robert Parker

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Lot #57

Old World Meets New World Donated by: Susan & Ed Auler Estimated Value: $1,250 1. 1986 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker The 1986 Mouton-Rothschild is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 2 October until 16 October. Winemaker Philippe Dhalluin, who was not working at the property back then, told me that the pH was fairly low at 3.54 when it is usually around 3.75, due to the natural tartaric acid in the vines. It has a powerful and intense bouquet as always: exemplary graphite and cedar scents, a touch of black pepper and incense. It seems to unfurl in the glass, like a motor revving its engine. The palate is beautifully balanced with its trademark firm tannic structure, a Mouton-Rothschild with backbone and masculinity. Layers of black fruit intermingling with mint and graphite, a hint of licorice emanating from the Merlot, gently fanning out and my God, it is incredibly long.

2. 2013 MERITUS, Certenburg Vineyard, Texas Hill Country, 1500ml Gold Medal, San Francisco Chronicle Competition MERITUS is a tribute to Andre Tchelistcheff, FALL CREEK’s first consultant who encouraged the Aulers to plant all 5 Bordeaux red grapes in the 1980s based on his evaluation of their 1st Cabernet Sauvignon.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #58

California & Oregon Pinot Noir Donated by: Christie & Rob Miller, Susan Salch, Steve Tipton, Heather & Jerry Valdez Estimated Value: $1,205 1. 2012 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, 750ml Rated 91 by Stephen Tanzer 2. 2012 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir La Source Seven Springs Vineyard, 750ml Rated 98 by Wine Spectator Seductive, silky and supple, this red layers its gorgeous currant, plum, blueberry and spice flavors on a lithe frame, coming together harmoniously on the long, expressive finish. Wine Spectator #3 Top 100 of 2015.

3. 2013 Arnot-Roberts “Legan Vineyard” Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, 750ml Rated 96 by Antonio Galloni “Absolutely impeccable in its balance…all about subtlety and grace. Orange zest, sage, mint and sweet red cherries… it begins to uncoil with time in the glass…an especially perfumed Pinot underpinned with brilliant saline notes.”

4. 2013 Hirsch Vineyards Block 8 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 750ml Rated 93+ by Antonio Galloni 5. 2 014 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evanstad Reserve, 750ml Rated 95 by James Suckling WS: Elegant and delicately expressive, with floral cherry and stony mineral aromas and sleekly complex raspberry, tea and spice flavors that build depth. Drink now through 2023.

6. 2014 Kistler “Kistler Vineyard” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 750ml Rated 95 by Antonio Galloni “Succulent red cherry, rose petal, lavender and violet are all pushed forward, but it is the wine’s inner sweetness and aromatics that stand out…with bright acids and fabulous balance. A rush of sweet red cherry, blueberry and pomegranate leave a lasting impression. …it is superb. (AG)

7. 2014 Rochioli Little Hill Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker Deep ruby/purple, with sweet black fruit as well as some rocky, wet pebble and loamy soil minerality, this wine, coming from the red soils of Little Hill, is just a beauty, a multi-dimensional tour de force to drink over the next 10-15 years.

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8. 2015 Aubert UV-SL Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, 750ml Rated 93+ by Wine Advocate Super-ripe black cherry, plum and lavender.... Big, ample and large-scaled in all of its dimensions...will appeal most to readers who appreciate big Pinots. The clones are Calera and Vosne-Romanée. Drink 2020+.

9. 2015 Beaux Frères, The Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Offers impressive presence and polish, with a multilayered, complex core wrapped in rich and expressive blueberry and cherry flavors. Drink now through 2025.

10. 2 015 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Block, Dundee Hills, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Small quantities, organic, great purity from a Texas A&M grad. Highly aromatic...fresh red berries, blood orange, Asian spices and floral overtones...sweet raspberry liquer, rose pastille and spicecake on the palate...superb clarity and emphatic floral-driven persistence. Drink 2021+.

11. 2 015 Kosta Browne ‘Koplen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 750ml Rated 93 by Antonio Galloni Purity of fruit is the phrase here. Strawberry and flower. Rose petal. Full body, round and velvety tannins. Soft and juicy. The KB character with tension.

12. 2 015 Nicolas Jay Bishop Creek Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District, 750ml Rated 92 by Vinous Deep vivid red. Intense aromas of fresh raspberry, cherry and five-spice powder; a sexy floral nuance gains strength as the wine stretches out. Sweet and seamless on the palate, showing very good heft and focus to the sappy red berry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors. Shows impressive energy on the gently tannic finish, which hangs on with strong, fruit-driven persistence.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #59

Ready To Drink Donated by: Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Christa & Don Heath, Harvey Kronberg, Christie & Rob Miller, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,370 1. 1994 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau”, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker “…offers sweet floral, blue and black fruits intermixed with dried Provencal herbs, tree bark, and earth.” Recent Cellar Tracker scores low to mid-nineties, “Delicious.”

2. 1994 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker One of the finest as well as longest-lived wines of the vintage…This rich, impressive, full-bodied wine represents the finest Pontet-Canet produced since the 1961…crammed with black currant fruit…”

3. 1995 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández “Janus” Gran Reserva Pesquera, Ribera del Duero, 750ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker, Stephen Tanzer “It exhibits…a bouquet of barbecue spices, creamy oak, melted licorice, and copious quantities of black currant and cherry fruit. This opulent, viscous, full-bodied, lusty 1995 reveals substantial tannin that is largely concealed by the wealth of fruit and extract. The heady finish lasts over 40 seconds.”

4. 2000 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator “Glorious aromas of freshly picked raspberries, with tiny hints of cream and minerals. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a long, long finish of berries and cherries. Super second wine from Margaux. Best Pavillon Rouge I have ever tasted.”

5. 2001 Marquis Philips “Integrity” Shiraz McLaren Vale Australia, 750ml Rated 99 by Robert Parker “…virtually perfect…It possesses…a magnificent nose of white flowers, blackberries, cassis, and a hint of espresso. Dense, with thrilling levels of concentration, a multi-tiered mid-palate, and sweet tannin in the 50-second finish… perfectly balanced and compelling.”

6. 2003 Martinelli Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Valley, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate Back in the more blockbuster style, the saturated ruby-colored 2003 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch has big perfume of jammy strawberries, cherries, rose petals, and earth. The wine offers impressive fruit, medium to full body, and a beautiful, voluptuous palate and long finish. This is impossible to resist, although I think the wine has enough structure and depth to age nicely for at least a decade.

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7. 2004 Raymond Cabernet Rutherford District Reserve, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast This dense, tannic, 100% Cab needs time to come around. It’s a masculine wine, with a muscular core of blackberry, plum and cherry fruit, and finishes dry. Should begin to open by 2009, and could really blossom for some years afterward.

8. 2005 Mitolo GAM Shiraz McLaren Vale, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Fashioned from a McLaren Vale vineyard, the 2005 Shiraz G.A.M. is a deep ruby/purple-hued effort displaying beautiful blackberry, white pepper, licorice, and toasty oak notes. Rich, full-bodied, and intense, with blueberry and blackberry flavors, sweet tannin, and excellent purity, it is a tour de force in winemaking.

9. 2006 Tenute Loacker Brunello di Montalcino Corte Pavone, 750ml Rated 96 by James Suckling What a nose. The perfect nose of ripe black cherries, spices, toasted oak and flowers. Full body, with velvety tannins, and a berry, cherry and blue berry undertone.

10. 2006 Clarendon Hills “Piggott Range” Syrah, 750ml Rated 98 by Wine Advocate The exquisite 2006 Syrah Piggott Range is more structured yet. Thick, dense, and tightly wound, all the components are there for future greatness. Only patience is required.

11. 2 007 Robert Craig Winery Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker The 2007 Affinity exhibits more graphite, but in essence is similarly elegant, with supple tannins (although more velvety than in the 2006), very young, primary black and blue fruit notes, and superb concentration, texture, and length. This is an exceptionally promising wine that is still hiding behind a rather primary display of fruit.

12. 2 008 Cortona Syrah Migliara, 750ml Rated 98 by James Suckling Phenomenal. What I expect in a top Syrah with spice, black pepper, mineral, and dark fruits. Full and velvety with lots of everything. Powerful and intense. Best wine ever from here.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #60

Seagrove, Florida Vacation

Beachfront 3 Bedroom Condo with Steps Directly from Private Balcony to the Beach Donated by: Melissa & Kareem Hajjar Estimated Value: $1,500 LIFE SHINES on “Sugar Shack,” a luxury condominium located in the charming beach town of Seagrove, where families have been making the pilgrimage to its soothing shores since the 1940s. Today, Seagrove is a rewarding mix of old and new, from its eclectic laid-back beach retreats to its numerous restaurants. Seagrove Beach is located on historic 30A, which is a 20-mile scenic shore tucked quietly between Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida. Speckled with artsy villages, rare coastal dune lakes, upscale resorts, funky beach bars, world class restaurants and 25,000 acres of protected habitats. SUGAR SHACK is not a typical rental property and is not meant for everyone. It is an amazingly large, 1,800 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence on the 4th (top) floor of the Sugar Dunes complex and is decorated with high end furnishings meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. It’s not just a rental - it’s a home away from home. Sugar Shack is exquisitely decorated to appreciate the open layout and panoramic view of the ocean. Lounge in the grand room with twenty foot ceilings or take in the sights and sounds coming from the crystal clear water and sugar white sand from a 750 square foot covered, private deck. Walk down to the beach using a door and stairway which leads directly to the sand or stay on the patio and enjoy the sunset with a cool glass of wine and fine cheese from one of the nearby artisanal markets nearby. Dates: 5 days, 4 nights subject to availability. Date Range: September 14 – December 15, 2018 April 15 – May 26, 2019

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Lot #61

Two Exemplary California Wines Donated by: Greg Miller Estimated Value: $755 1. (2 btls) 2015 Far Niente Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 750ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate (composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot) has notions of fragrant earth, dried leaves and Chinese five spice over a core of black cherries, black currants and blueberries plus a waft of bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers intense, crunchy, youthful black fruits framed by fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with an herbal lift.

2. (3 btls) 2014 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 750ml The 2014 vintage was a joy to farm and the resulting Cabernet just as joyful to drink. This vintage exhibits a unique exuberance upon release. The fresh aromas of red plum and currant are enlivened with luscious notes of praline and cocoa. The combination of these aromas evoke images of a warm inviting confectioner’s workshop enticing the child in you to step heedlessly in. Once inside, the intricate structure of this wine appeals to the experienced connoisseur delicately gliding across the palate with a precise and elegant finish.

Lot #62

Charity Motorsports Donated by: Charity Motorsports Estimated Value: TBD See addendum for details.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #63

In-Home Wine Tasting for 10 with VINTEL, sommeliers Rania Zayyat and Chris Kelly Donated by: Maura & Dan Sharp, VINTEL Estimated Value: $850 10 guests will be guided through an in-home tasting by Rania Zayyat and Chris Kelly of VINTEL. The lot winner will have the option of choosing from these three topics: 1. Transparency in Wine (behind the labels and laws) 2. Comparative Tasting (French Iconic RosĂŠ, A New Look at Spanish Whites, The Diversity of Sparkling Wine) 3. Wonder Women of Wine VINTEL will bring the wines, expertise and fun! Must schedule at least two weeks in advance with VINTEL.

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We are Chris and Rania. We live, love, and drink lots of wine in Austin, Texas. Over the past 15 years we have amassed over 10,000 hours in wine retail, bars, and restaurants; obtaining a Certified and A d v a n c e d sommelier diploma. In this time, we have learned that value and quality should be synonymous—and we want to share that with you! After all, VINTEL is designed to educate. We are fond advocates of wines made with minimal intervention; that is, sans the use of chemicals or additives. We want consumers living healthy and rewarding lives while perpetuating affordable, great wines in our markets. After all, wine is the medicine! Here's

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wonder women of wine


Lot #64

Tuscan Treasures - Half Case of 2004 Castello Rampolla D’ Alceo Donated by: Twin Liquors Estimated Value: $1,350 (6 btls) 2004 Castello Rampolla D’ Alceo 2004 , 750ml Rated 98 by Vinous The 2004 d’Alceo is off the charts. Freshly cut flowers, mint and dark red berries are all finely knit in a fabric of superb elegance and pure pedigree. It is fascinating to watch the evolution of Vigna d’Alceo from a wine of power to a wine of finesse, and 2004 is the inflection point in that arc. The silkiest and most refined tannins imaginable support an impeccable, layered finish peppered with dark red/black fruit, smoke, tobacco, licorice and savory herbs. Simply put, the 2004 is stunning. (AG)

Lot #65 Darius II

Donated by: Gary Farmer Estimated Value: $1,000 The crown jewel of the Darioush estate, Darius II is a refined, age-worthy collectible which captures the singular and exceptional qualities of each vintage from our Napa Valley vineyards. 2014 Darioush Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon, 3L, in wooden box On entry, sensational aromas of blueberry, blackcurrants, crème de cassis and spring blooms beckon an intensely voluptuous palate laden with tangy black and blue fruits—black cherry, plum and licorice flavors are framed by soft, finely-knit tannins and an impeccably delicate acidity. The wine is rich and opulent, with persistent notes of leather, tobacco and sandalwood incense adding depth and intrigue. A decadent earthy core of bittersweet cocoa and finely ground espresso lent by mountainside vineyards, is balanced by a fresh, lifted quality; flourishing beautifully in its youth, this wine is sure to reward the patient collector over the next decade or two.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #66

A Selection of California Cabernet Knockouts Donated by: Karen & Thomas Vaughn Estimated Value: $1,200 1. 2008 Lewis Reserve Cabernet, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator Aromas of melted black licorice, dried currant, sage, herb and cedar are firm and focused, full-bodied and restrained, yet deep and complex. Ends with layers of spice, smoke, mocha, mineral and cedar.

2. 2009 Lewis Reserve Cabernet, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator A wine of great density, focus and concentration, with tiers of ripe blackberry, wild berry, mocha, espresso and black licorice flavors, ending with a tight, firm, fine-grained tannic backbone.

3. 2010 Lewis Reserve Cabernet, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator Beautifully proportioned, with a rich mix of currant, blackberry, dried herb, mocha, cedar and tobacco flavors. This is also very tightly structured, worthy of a long decant or short-term cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2026.

4. 2013 Peter Michael ‘Les Pavots’ Estate Red, Knights Valley, 750ml Rated 98 by James Suckling The energy and decadence in this wine is truly breathtaking with dried flowers, wet bark, plum, strawberry, and forest fruit. Full body, ultra-soft and velvety tannins. Savory and sappy. Juicy finish. Decadent and more-ish. A wine with a great future and richness. 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot.

5. 2014 Peter Michael ‘Les Pavots’ Cabernet, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker This wine is fabulous in the vintage, although certainly less profoundly concentrated and extracted, as well as structured, compared to the 2013, which was off-the-charts fabulous. This is a brilliant wine, charming, with frontend loaded plum, blackcurrant and black raspberry fruit interwoven with graphite, tar and truffle notes. The wine has sumptuous texture, sweet, velvety tannin, and a long, full-bodied finish. It should drink well for at least two decades.

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Lot #67

Glamping Package Donated by: Jim Madigan Estimated Value: $900 See addendum for details.

Lot #68

A Case to Go

VinGardeValise Grande 04 and Case (12 btls) of Napa Valley wine Donated by: Napa Valley Life Magazine Estimated Value: $1,900 The winner of this lot will receive a hand selected case of exemplary Napa Valley wines and a stylish and state of the art wine carrier to transport them. Includes wines from Haber Family Vineyards; 12C Wines; Anderson Conn Valley; Silver Trident Winery and more. Some hand signed. About the VinGardeValise: VinGardeValise is your ultimate wine carrier and lets you travel confidently, secure in the knowledge that your wine and beverage bottles, and glasses will reach your destination, no matter what.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #69

Rainey Street Roll for Four Donated by: Melissa & Kareem Hajjar Estimated Value: $600 Sip and savor Austin’s iconic Rainey Street like an industry insider. Enjoy a progressive dinner for four at these hot spots: • Cocktail at Alibi with bite from Belly Up; • Cocktail at Bungalow Bar with bite from Wild Tacos; • Bite and glass of wine at G’Raj Mahal; • Beer & Pizza bite at Salvation Pizza; • Cocktail & Bite at Emmer & Rye; and • Coffee & dessert at Royal Blue.

Lot #70

Wine IQ +BBQ Donated by: Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Mark Rashap, Weston Eidson of Montogue Wines Estimated Value: $750 A completely blind tasting of multiple varietals led by Mark Rashap, CWE, paired with BBQ. Winners will join Melissa and Kareem Hajjar for an informal and fun blind tasting. If you want to test your deductive skills, this lot is for you!

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Lot #71

Cellar Selections and Dinner at Mikado Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Christa & Don Heath, Christie & Rob Miller Estimated Value: $2,000 Join three auction committee members for a fabulous wine dinner at Mikado Ryotei, an Austin tradition for Japanese food and sushi since 2002. Up to eight guests will join Daniel Bleier, Don Heath, and Christie Miller as they uncork six highly rated, hand-selected wines from their personal cellars. Wine List: 1. 2009 Clarendon Hills Syrah Piggot Range Vineyard, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate Very deep purple-black colored, the 2009 Piggott Range Syrah is a little restrained on the nose at this stage, revealing aromas of blueberry preserves, blackberry tart and crême de cassis with suggestions of mocha and licorice. The palate is concentrated and tightly knit with a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and lively acid, finishing long and peppery.

2. 2012 Lillian Winery Syrah, 750ml The wines are lavish, but there is refined rocky quality in them that defies description.

3. 2012 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate A worthy follow-up to the stunning 2011, the 2012 Ermitage Chante Alouette is a knockout effort that boasts tons of mineral-laced stone fruits, tangerine and honeysuckle to go with a medium to full-bodied, textured, yet laser-focused feel on the palate.

4. 2013 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, 750ml Rated 97 by Wine Advocate It offers up gorgeous notes of black raspberries, cherries, cassis, ground herbs and flowers. This beauty hits the palate with incredible purity, fine tannin and an overriding sense of elegance and finesse, backed up by full-bodied richness and depth.

5. 2014 Aubert Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard, 750ml Rated 96 by Vinous A wine of depth, creaminess and intensity, the 2014 boasts superb richness and depth. Ginger, orange blossom and candied lemon are some of the signatures, but above all else, the Hudson is a wine of vertical intensity and power. The wine gets better and better with time in the glass. Mark Aubert’s Hudson Chardonnay comes from the parcel that David Ramey used to get, in what is considered the heart of the vineyard. (AG)

6. 2015 Shared Notes Sauvignon Blanc Les Lecons des Maitres, 750ml Rated 96 by Jeb Dunneck Beautifully pure and textured, with a complex aromatic array of citrus blossom, white nectarine and jasmine, with herbal undertones and hints of salty ocean air.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #72

Magnificent Magnums II Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Christa & Don Heath, Mari Robinson & Greg Ritzen, Steve Tipton, Sarah & Zac Whitley Estimated Value: $1,155 1. 2001 Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Reservee, 1.5L Rated 96 by Wine Advocate “Also brilliant…full-bodied and concentrated, with classic Pegau wildness, beef blood, saddle leather and garrigue all emerging from the glass. Slightly lighter in color and weight when compared to the 2003, it’s showing some maturity and can be consumed anytime, but will without a doubt continue to evolve gracefully for another decade or more.” (2014)

2. 2006 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio, 1.5L Rated 96 by Wine Spectator Shows amazing aromas of blackberry, with hints of vanilla and flowers, along with black licorice and crushed berries. Full-bodied, with wonderfully caressing, ultrafine tannins. Very balanced and long.

3. 2009 Dominio de Pingus “Flor de Pingus” Ribera del Duero, 1.5L Rated 95-98 by Wine Advocate “…a primary perfume of pain grille, mineral, spice box, incense, and blackberry. Locked and loaded with remarkable concentration and depth, this mouth-coating lengthy offering manages to incorporate some elegance into its powerful physique. It will drink well for 30-40 years.

4. 2012 Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5L Rated 92 by Wine Advocate It reveals more of an Oakville/Pauillac-like character of cedar, spice box, licorice, black cherries, black currants, and camphor.

5. 2014 Epoch Authenticity Syrah - Mourvedre, Paso Robles, 1.5L Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Supple, sultry and seamless wine that is classically Paderewski.

6. 2014 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 1.5L Rated 93 by Wine Advocate Sporting a deep ruby color and terrific notes of blackberries, ground herbs, pepper and Provencal spice, it shows the more forward, charming nature of the vintage and is medium to full-bodied, pure and balanced. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. (Drink 2016-2026.)

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Lot #73

Rocky Mountain High

Luxurious Breckenridge Accommodations for Six with Mountain Views Donated by: Laurie & Bill Norris Estimated Value: $2,000

Escape to beautiful Breckenridge, CO for four nights and indulge in luxurious, upgraded accomodations. Five minute walking distance to downtown world class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and free shuttle. WINTER: short walk to free ski & boot storage at Main Street Station, then short walk to Quicksilver lift. SUMMER: Nearby hiking, 4-wheeling, white water rafting and gorgeous weather. FALL: Aspen views nearby to die for. Availability: (The property is rented during these times of the year. Booking early to get the dates you want is recommended.) May 2018 June 2018 July 2018 (up to the 5th) October 2018 November 2018 December 2018 (up to 15th) January 2019 (after the 7th) April 2019

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #74

Rarefied Rosé Donated by: Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Brooke & Spivey Paup, Stephanie & Chad Simpson, Heather & Jerry Valdez, Amanda & Andrew West Estimated Value: $600 1. 2011 Louis Roederer Rosé, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate 2. 2014 Davis Family Rosé de Noir Dutton Ranch, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Enthusiast Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this is a light, ethereal and lovely sparkling wine, faintly pink in hue with high-toned, nuanced layers of red cherry and orange. This is one to enjoy on its own or at the table, picnic blanket or tailgating from the back of a truck, preferably with soft cheeses.

3. 2015 Tournesol Rosé, Napa Valley, 750ml Tournesol Rosé of Grenache displays the beautiful delicate salmon color of Provencal Rosés. A complex mélange of dried roses, clove, raspberry and lilac interwoven with tangerine zest and spice. The palate is lush while delineated with refreshing acidity in the long and vibrant finish. Enjoyable year-round, food pairing possibilities for Tournesol Rosé are almost endless!

4. 2016 Benessere Rosato, 750ml BEST OF CLASS - 2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This coral pink wine entices with aromas of strawberry, red and golden raspberries, and a hint of pink grapefruit. The palate is creamy and lively, juicy and refreshing with a lip-smacking, lingering finish.

5. 2016 Domaines Ott Château de Selle Cotes de Provence Coeur de Grain Rosé, Provence, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast Clear, pale hue with peach tints. The complex and elegant nose combines subtle aromas of citrus fruit (grapefruit, lemon), yellow fruit (apricot, peach and pear) and delicate floral notes. The palate is silky initially, and then builds in power and volume. The fruity notes are underpinned by a touch of spice which lingers on the finish.

6. 2016 Epic Rosé, 1.5L 7. 2016 Flowers Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, 750ml Elegant salmon hue with lifting aromas of strawberry, raspberry, starfruit, Rosé petal and talc. These layered aromatics highlight the complex palate, driven by orange marmalade countered with a tension of fresh citrus peels precisely balanced by the signature of coastal minerality and defined salinity.

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8. 2016 Krupp Brothers The Damsel Tempranillo Rosé, 750ml A lush coral color, this wine brims with bright cherry, raspberry and orange peel. Layers of succulent strawberry, roasted marshmallow and tart cherry are interlaced with vibrant acidity.

9. 2017 Hartford Family Winery Rosé, 750ml The 2017 Rosé has aromas reminiscent of tangerine, Mandarin orange, white peach and delicate floral hints. The fruit flavors lean towards ruby grapefruit and cranberry with a subtle mineral and refreshing acid component that brings complexity and a food friendly character to the wine.

10. 2017 Lynmar Rosé , 750ml The 2017 vintage of Rosé was crafted from Pinot Noir grown on our estate vineyards and select neighboring Russian River Valley properties, using the French saignée technique. A beautiful medium pink color, this rosé showcases bright aromas of wild strawberry, dragon fruit, blood orange and raspberry. Lively acidity on the palate leads to flavors of cranberry, white peach and spun sugar while notes of hibiscus and watermelon rind lead to a juicy finish.

11. 2 017 Scheid Pinot Noir Rosé, 750ml A slightly redder shade of pink, this bottling offers strawberry gum and watermelon juice aromas, which play toward the juicier style of Rosé. There is solid zip on the sip, cutting through the riper flavors of plum and orange peel.

12. Andre Clouet Rosé Brut, 1.5L The nose on this wine shows quite a bit of strawberry and yeast with an intense note of field fresh strawberry. The palate is very balanced with moderate acidity and an excellent seam of cream.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #75

Dessert Wine Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,300 1. 1959 Antonio Ferrari “Solaria Jonica” Puglia, 500ml Rated 97 by Wine Advocate “…it is as sweet as a great Recioto, a wine which it greatly resembles…features a decadent nose of blackberry jam, raisins, chocolate, and licorice, a texture of sheer satin, great warmth and roundness, a sweetness which never becomes cloying, precise and focused flavors, and a finish as long as the fade-out to Hey Jude.”

2. 1969 Moulin Touchais, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker A legendary and unique expression of Chenin Blanc. Just now peaking, these wines are guaranteed by the winemaker to last 100 years. The longevity is attributed to early picking of some individual grapes for separate vinification (acid!), the remaining is late-harvested before botrytis appears. Not produced every year, the 1969 is one of only nine oftmentioned classic vintages between 1945 and 1980.

3. 1994 Fonseca Porto, 750ml Rated 100 by Robert Parker Hold on to your hat…like the breathtaking 1948. Mind-blowing, with masses of color, aroma and fruit flavor. Smells like fermenting berries, boasting loads of crushed grape, violet and berry character…a long-term, great Port.” #1 Wine of 1997.

4. 1997 Château d’Yquem, 375ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate A pure style, with intense acacia, white peach, apricot, nectarine and tangerine notes that are long and racy, set a gainst a gorgeous singed almond backdrop. Pulls together orchard and tropical fruit flavors on the long, refined finish. Drink now through 2035.

5. 1999 Château Pajzos Tokaji Aszú Esszencia, 500ml Rated 98 by Wine Spectator “This intense and energetic sweetie pours like syrup, sporting dark molasses, maple and date notes fortified with nervy grapefruit reduction. Compact, with a long, nuanced finished of spice, leather and orange zest. Drink now through 2040.”

6. 2001 Château Rabaud-Promis, Sauternes, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Wonderful candied orange notes stand out among apricot, honey and flowers.

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7. 2003 Sine Qua Non Chardonnay Mr. K The Noble Man, 375ml Rated 96 by Antonio Galloni Knockout nose offers pure botrytis aromas of orange oil, apricot, clove, marzipan, chocolate and mocha. Extraordinarily thick and honeyed, but with bracing acids leavening the flavors of marzipan, coconut, brown sugar and orange rind.

8. 2010 Alois Kracher Scheurebe TBA #10 Zwischen den Seen, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator “Fruity and lush, with vivid cherry, berry and dark currant flavors that show a racy edge. Marmalade notes come to the fore, revealing savory elements that linger on the cream- and spice-filled finish. Fresh and lustrous.”

9. 2014 Alquimista Chardonnay Late Harvest Titus Family, 750ml Golden hue. Aromas of apricot, quince paste, peach, honey, and a touch of Key lime all in a very lifted envelope that is penetrating and lingering. Mouthfeel is viscous, full-bodied, almost voluptuous, folding in layers of ripe yellow stone fruit, honey, and citrus with a touch of grapefruit. The presentation is not opulently sweet but presents enough residual sugar to speak to the late-ripening, non-botrytis stature of this wine.

10. 2 015 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux 1ère Trie Le Mont, 750ml Rated 98 by Wine Advocate Unctuous quince, melon, fig and pear fruit flavors that power along, carried by bright green tea, honeysuckle and cardamom notes. The long finish is lush and enticing, showing latent, rippling minerality. A beauty. Drink 2016 through 2035.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #76

Great Global Wine Regions Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Christa & Don Heath Estimated Value: $1,105 Napa 1. 2012 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 97+ by Wine Advocate “…Lots of blueberry and black raspberry fruit with a hint of mocha and background oak are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, absolutely spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon. ”

2. 2012 Nickel and Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Enthusiast “This wine is a beautiful expression of the Yountville AVA. The 2012 State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of cassis and toast. Juicy blackberry and cassis fruits pair nicely with flavors of chocolate, mineral and oak. This wine offers a rich texture from start to finish, with tannins that carry the fruit into an incredibly supple finish. The wine is delicious now, but has the foundation to last decades.”

3. 2013 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate “…a glorious extract and richness, built with a solid inner core of essence that is pure, dark and impressive. Some dusty/loamy undertones are present, but the dark blackberry and cassis fruit dominate this full-bodied beauty. It still has tannins to shed, but this wine should hit its peak in another 5-7 years and last a quarter-century or more.”

Rhone 4. 2010 Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast “…Ripeness and power: a clean, intense front presents beautiful red fruit and spice, with a touch of minerality. The silky tannin structure provides a long finish of exotic fruit flavors.”

5. 2015 Domaine Durand Cornas Confidence, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator “…defined by beautiful notes of cassis, cherry preserves and raspberry pâte de fruit, balanced impeccably atop a racy graphite spine. Flashes of black tea, incense and bay leaf fill in on the finish, ending with mouthwatering acidity. A beauty. Best from 2021 through 2035.”

6. 2015 E. Guigal St. Joseph Lieu-Dit St. Joseph Blanc, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate “…all Marsanne and offers an utterly profound bouquet of orange blossom, white flowers, crushed rocks, licorice, white peach and honeysuckle. Full-bodied, rich and layered, yet with incredible purity, it’s the finest example of this cuvée I’ve tasted.”

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Australia 7. 2010 Two Hands Shiraz ‘Coach House Block’ Single Vineyard Seppeltsfield Road, Greenock, 750ml Rated 95 by Vinous “…Explosive, spice-accented aromas of dark berry compote, sandalwood, potpourri and cola. Deep, palate-staining blueberry and mulberry flavors are lifted by gentle acidity and pick up smokiness and a candied violet quality with air. Velvety tannins add shape to an impressively long, sappy finish that features intense black and blue fruit.”

8. 2011 Mollydooker Carnival of Love, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator “Very deep green-purple in color, the 2011 Carnival of Love flaunts a very expressive and fragrant nose with floral notes, roses and potpourri intermingled with toasty black cherries, creme de cassis, chocolate, pepper and accents of cinnamon and cloves. Rich, ripe and full-bodied, this concentrated, single-vineyard 100% Shiraz retains crisp acid, has low to medium levels of soft silky tannins before finishing very harmoniously and long. Drink it from 2014 to 2022+.”

9. 2012 Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator #16 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2014…”Deep dark red color. Black core, bright red meniscus. Aromas bursts out of the glass almost in a brooding, elegant manner. Juicy red and black fruits with notes of five spice, earth, black pepper and sandalwood. On the palate fresh juicy fruits erupt and roll across the palate as only a great Barossa Shiraz can. Lovely tactile nature with grippy fine grained tannins. Palate rolls on and on with subtle chocolate and spice notes. A brilliant vintage of Barossa Shiraz yet feels moody and tightly coiled. Watch it fan out after a couple of years in bottle. This will be a classic.”

Italy 10. 2008 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator “The terrific aromas of strawberry, cherry and currant are accented by underbrush, spice and tobacco elements on the palate in this elegant and intense red, which builds to a persistent finish. Fruit and mineral accents echo on the aftertaste. Best from 2015 through 2030.”

11. 2010 Marchesi Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Siepi Toscana IGT, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate “…towering intensity and opulent aromas of spice, leather and chocolate covered cherry. The texture of this hearty 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot is infinitely soft and supple.”

12. 2010 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno, 750ml Rated 96 by James Suckling “Love the aromas to this red with currants, blackberries and hints of dark truffles. Full-bodied, with beautifully crafted tannins that are creamy and seamless. Fabulous refinement and length. Leave it in your cellar for at least four or five years. But impressive to taste or drink now. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. One of best Orenos ever made since its inception in 1999.”

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #77

New World/Old World Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Christie & Rob Miller, Mari Robinson & Greg Ritzen, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,075 1. 2005 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova, 750ml Rated 93 by Antonio Galloni One of the revelations of the vintage, as it has aged well. Today, there is little question the 2005 Tenuta Nuova is superior to the 2004. Freshly cut flowers, mint, graphite and dark red stone fruits are all super-expressive in the glass. This is a fabulous showing. (Drink between 2015-2020.)

2. 2013 Frank Family Vineyards Sangiovese Reserve Winston Hill Vineyard, 750ml

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3. 2005 Dominio de Pingus “Flor de Pingus” Ribera del Duero, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker “…remains deep purple in color with a beautiful perfume of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to a powerful, intense, harmonious wine with layers of savory fruit and the structure to evolve for another 6-8 years…2016 to 2030.”

4. 2014 Booker Tempranillo, Paso Robles, CA, 750ml Rated 97-99 by Robert Parker

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5. 2012 Delas Frères Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Blockbuster notes of toasted spice, leather, peppery herbs and sweet black and blue fruit. It’s a powerful, concentrated and full-bodied effort that has lots of tannin, but more than enough fruit to handle it. It will have over two decades of longevity. (Drink 2014-2034.)

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Sweet, silky tannins frame a core of expressive fruit as the 2012 opens up in the glass. A kick of Sangiovese acidity adds brightness on the finish. Frank’s Sangiovese won’t make readers forget about the iconic wines of Tuscany, but it offers terrific balance and a textured, generous personality that is pure Napa Valley (Gallioni).

Possibly one of the greatest expressions of this variety yet from the US, the inky colored 2014 Tempranillo offers classic notes of smoked black plums, cedary spice, charred meats and chalky minerality, with more and more floral notes emerging with time in the glass. Big, full-bodied and tannic, forget it for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following decade or more.

6. 2011 Force Majeure Collaboration Series III Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate

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Crème de cassis, pepper, lead pencil shavings and spring flowers are just some of the nuances here, and this full-bodied, rich and layered effort has no hard edges, integrated acidity and a terrific finish. It will have 10-15 years of overall longevity. (Drink 2014-2029.)


7. 2013 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneufdu-Pape Vieilles Vignes, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Features ample stuffing, with lots of dark plum sauce, crushed cherry and warm blackberry confiture flavors forming the core. melted black licorice, plum eau-de-vie and black tea notes fill in the background. Reveals a lovely echo of grenache at the very end.

8. 2011 Epoch Estate Veracity, Paso Robles, 750ml Rated 92 by Antonio Galloni

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9. 2014 Alphonse Mellot Les Romains Sancerre, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker The wine opens extremely pure and clear on the nose, with tea and floral aromas intertwined with white fruit and lemon flavors. On the palate, this is a very pure, fresh and firmly structured Sancerre provided with great precision, tension and length. There is almost no fruit in this bare wine, at least no charm, but it does have purity, austerity, tension and lots of complexity. A great Sancerre!

11. 2 014 Domaine Jean-Marc Morey Chassagne-Montrachet La Bergerie, 750ml Rated 92 by Cellar Tracker

Brilliant ruby. Powerful aromas of candied black raspberry, blueberry and licorice, with hints of violet and cracked pepper adding complexity. Lush, intensely flavored and silky in texture, offering spicy dark berry and cherry compote flavors enlivened by a suave floral nuance. Showing the dark side of grenache. Finishes sappy and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of licorice and velvety, harmonious tannins.

10. 2012 Lail Vineyards Georgia Sauvignon Blanc, 750ml

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… possibly the most singular and distinctive Sauvignon Blanc made in Northern California… has notes of honeysuckle, lemon oil, a hint of tangerine, brioche and a medium to full-bodied, stunningly rich, complex mouthfeel. The oak is pushed way to the background, but the wine is much bigger, richer and more penetrating than your typical Sauvignon Blanc.

12. 2015 Kongsgaard Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 96-98 by Robert Parker

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The 2015 Chardonnay gives up peach blossoms, apricot preserves, honeycomb and croissant with touches of cashews and jasmine. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and seductive, it has a gorgeous creamy texture and very long, very spicy finish.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #78

Three Vintages of One of The World’s Great White Wines Donated by: Twin Liquors Estimated Value: $1,000 1. 2004 Trimbach Riesling Clos St Hune, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker Very clear, deep, intense and slightly smoky on the nose, the 2004 Riesling Clos Ste Hune reveals a great purity, intensity and freshness. Full-bodied, intense, and concentrated with partly overripe Riesling berry aromas, this wine has a great juiciness and intense fruity taste. More flesh and meat than the 2007 with great intensity and length; it is a great wine with a huge aging potential. With 11 years, this wine is still extremely young and quite powerful.

2. 2007 Trimbach Riesling Clos St Hune, 750ml Rated 96 by James Suckling Very tight, minerally and reduced on the nose. Shows hints of flint and white pepper. Full-bodied, very dry and layered with some phenolic tension. It’s so tight and holding back. Needs two or three years now.

3. 2009 Trimbach Riesling Clos St Hune, 750ml Rated 95 by James Suckling Aromas of lemon and lime with hints of lemon grass, rose flower and licorice, plus aniseed. Pine needles too. Full-bodied and layered with dried fruit, chalk and gun metal. Tight and chewy.

Lot #79

Roosevelt Room Mixology Class & Sophia’s Chef ’s Tasting Dinner Donated by: Justin Lavenue of Roosevelt Room and Kyle Nathan of Sophia’s Estimated Value: $900 Begin the evening with a guided Cocktail Instruction at The Roosevelt Room, taught by one of their talented mixologists, where you (and up to three guests) will learn about the ingredients, tools, and techniques for crafting delicious beverages at home. Includes one cocktail per guest, light snacks, and an hour-long instruction. Next, move on to a Chef ’s Tasting Dinner for four guests with expert wine pairings in a private booth. Gratuity not included. Must be scheduled in advance on a weekday. 106

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Lot #80

The Caberneight Donated by: Melissa & Kareen Hajjar Estimated Value: $2,000 Join Melissa & Kareem Hajjar and a professional tasting group for a tasting of 8 of the finest Cabernet bottles from around the world. Paired with appetizers from NightCap.

Lot #81

ATX Staycation for Two

Tickets to Austin City Limits Live Taping at the Moody Theater, Dinner at Cru Food & Wine Bar, Overnight Stay at W Austin Donated by: Stratus Properties, Cru Food & Wine Bar Estimated Value: $875 Two guests will enjoy delicious dishes from Cru’s menu paired with global wines to delight your palate. Rock out to a concert taping of Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater and complete the evening with an overnight stay in the luxurious W Austin. All reservations for rooms and theater must be made in advance by the Certificate Holder and are subject to availability. Must redeem by April 7, 2019. Dinner reservations at Cru must be made 72 hours in advance. Valid until April 1, 2019.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #82

Noteworthy California Reds Donated by: Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Brooke & Spivey Paup, Mari Robinson & Greg Ritzen Estimated Value: $1,235 1. 2004 Benessere Zinfandel Black Glass, 750ml Rated 90 by Wine Advocate An outstanding effort, the 2004 Zinfandel Black Glass Estate Vineyard exhibits aromas of cherries, raspberries, licorice, damp earth, and spice box, an elegant, sweet attack, nicely integrated acidity and wood, and a broad, savory mouthfeel.

2. 2010 Orin Swift Papillon Red, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker The 2013 Papillon Proprietary Red is 100% from Napa and is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This killer wine has an inky purple color and offers notes of espresso roast intermixed with white chocolate, crème de cassis, blackberry and a touch of toasty oak.

3. 2012 Outpost ‘True Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, 750ml Rated 96 by Robert Parker Hints of lavender, orange peel and sweet spices add intrigue on the supple, racy finish. This is a strong showing from Outpost.

4. 2012 Outpost Zinfandel, Howell Mountain, 750ml Rated 91-93 by Stephen Tanzer Bright medium red. Precise aromas of red berries and mint. Darker on the palate, with firm acidity giving sharp definition to the flavors of black raspberry, dark chocolate and brushy herbs. With its building tannins, this zinfandel is more firmly structured than the 2011.

5. 2012 Skipstone Oliver’s Blend, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate It reveals notes of melted licorice, espresso roast, white chocolate, blackcurrants, licorice and a touch of toasty oak. Full-bodied and opulent with a pleasant earthy character (as is found in many Alexander Valley wines), it should drink well for 12-15+ years. (Drink 2015-2030.)

6. 2013 Ovid Syrah Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 97 by Antonio Galloni The last wine in this tasting of 2013s, the Syrah, is equally brilliant and also deeply nuanced. Lavender, sage, mint, licorice and inky fruit form a compelling backdrop of aromas, flavors and textures in a wine that dazzles from the very first taste. Tasted next to the 2012, the 2013 is more varietally expressive and finely-cut, with tons of depth and spectacular balance.

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7. 2013 PharaohMoans WestSide, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate A big, rich, sweetly fruited wine that has tons of jammy black fruits, toasted spice, violets and wood smoke aromatics, full-bodied richness and a plump, supple, sexy texture that’s a joy to drink. Made from 95% Syrah and 5% Grenache, drink it over the coming 5-7 years. (Drink 2016-2023.)

8. 2014 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Eloge Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 92+ by Antonio Galloni Plump, super-ripe and forward, all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking over the medium term. Smoke, graphite, mineral and intensely savory notes build into the expressive finish.

9. 2011 Outpost Zinfandel, Howell Mountain, 750ml Rated 91 by Stephen Tanzer Deep red. Aromas of licorice, plum and nutty oak. Sweet, ripe plum fruit is lifted by flowers, pepper and spices. Briary and intensely flavored and not at all green. At this point in my tasting with Thomas Brown at Outpost, he expressed his opinion that the Howell Mountain AVA was very successful in 2011.

10. 2 014 Anaba Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast WestLands, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate Pale ruby colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir WestLands has a fragrant nose of lavender and wild thyme, with fresh cranberries and red currants at the core, plus a touch of mossy bark. Light bodied and elegantly styled, the palate offers a great intensity of youthful red berry and earth flavors supported by fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with an herbal lift. Nicely done!

11. 2 014 Bacigalupi Pinot Noir Frost Ranch, 750ml Rated 91 by Wine Advocate The 2014 Pinot Noir Frost Ranch is from a 60-acre vineyard planted in 1993. Only 100 cases were produced by Bacigalupi, and it too was unfined and unfiltered as it went into bottle. Deep ruby in color, it cuts a broad swath across the palate, with no hard edges and some sweet cherry fruit. Medium to full-bodied with a long finish, this is serious Pinot Noir to drink over the next 7-8 years.

12. 2 015 Saxum Vineyards James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, 750ml Rated 97-99 by Robert Parker The palate is just too sensuous for words, with the most incredibly soft tannins and fragrant red fruit, finishing very long and layered. Total wine porn.

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Lot #83

10 Year Retrospective (2008) Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Christa & Don Heath, Diana McIver & Pat Conroy, Susan Salch, Patti & Jim Stone, Twin Liquors, Amanda & Andrew West Estimated Value: $1,105 1. 2008 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. It sports an inviting bouquet of sandalwood, rose petal, Asian spices, a hint of leather, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a succulent, plush, pleasure-bent wine that deftly conceals enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years. It offers a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2028+.

2. 2008 Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano, 750ml Rated 91 by Wine Spectator Cherry, currant, leather, cedar and tobacco flavors highlight this medium-weight, chewy red. The tannins are on the assertive side, with a firm finish and spicy aftertaste. Gains harmony with air.

3. 2008 Bremer Family Winery Austintatious Howell Mountain Red Wine, 750ml Rated 92 by Cellar Tracker 4. 2 008 Castleman Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml 5. 2 008 Caymus Special Selection, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker The Merlot component has given the wine a cocoa/chocolate nuance to its black currant, licorice-infused fruit. The tannins are velvety soft and the wine is beautifully textured and full-bodied.

6. 2008 Hartford Chardonnay Four Hearts, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Advocate A cross blend of four separate sources in Russian River. Crisp, zesty notes of citrus, peaches, lemon oil, candied apples, and brioche along with tart acids are found in this lean Chardonnay as well as impressive minerality and a long finish.

7. 2008 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal Blanc, 750ml Rated 95 by Robert Parker 8. 2 008 Perpetual Moshin, 750ml Aromas of cassis, black fruits, savory spices, oak and vanilla - full and round flavors of blackberry, black currants, plums and a hint of pepper. Beautiful structure and balance. Approachable now yet will age gracefully through 2018.

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9. 2008 Schramsberg Brut Napa Valley Carneros - Jones Vineyard, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator Elegant and sleek, with floral pear and almond tart aromas leading to rich yet minerally Meyer lemon, ginger and cream flavors that linger.

10. 2 008 Seghesio Family Vineyards Sangiovese Venom, 750ml Rated 91 by Cellar Tracker Smooth and creamy nose, big tannin, some raspberry with refined, smooth and has a long finish.

11. 2 008 Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator Dark and dense, but emerges with vivid color and bright flavors of raspberry, black cherry and a hint of peach, beautifully tinged with cocoa, licorice and mineral notes as the finish sails on impressively.

12. 2 008 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Forchini, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Advocate Dense ruby/purple, full-bodied, rich and impressively endowed, the 2008 Zinfandel Forchini Vineyard again has been heavily acidified, but it seems to work better thanks to the wine’s concentration and fruit.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #84

Rhone & CDP Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Patti & Jim Stone, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $975 1. 1992 Bernard Faurie Hermitage (Les Greffieux) Ex-Domaine, 750ml From the Domaine, a stash forgotten then recently discovered by the winemaker. The beautiful ruby color belies the wine’s 28 years of age. The huge, highly savory nose speaks volumes about the classic, whole-cluster fermentation, featuring scents of mulberry, raspberry, rosemary, black pepper, violet pastilles, smoked meat and leather. In its firmness and precision, the palate showcases the granite soils of the Greffeux. Strawberries, herbs de Provence and, most of all, smoked bacon detail the long elegant finish.

2. 1998 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 750ml Rated 95 by Jeb Dunnuck “…atypically Grenache-dominated…fully mature and gives up tons of kirsch, garrigue, licorice and a touch of gaminess in its full-bodied, layered and ripe personality. More rounded and sexy than most vintages, it has no hard edges, plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish.”

3. 2003 Domaine du Pégaü “Cuvée Reservée” Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker “…straight-up fabulous. Out of the entire tasting, it remained my favorite. Giving up gorgeous blackberry, currants, garrigue, pepper and beef blood, it hits the palate with a massive, full-bodied texture that carries layers of sweet fruit, awesome concentration and blockbuster length.”

4. 2005 E. Guigal “Château d’Ampuis” Côte-Rôtie, 750ml Rated 96+ by Robert Parker Giving up notions of violet, asphalt, graphite, crushed rock, bacon fat and dried rose petal, it has impeccable balance, notable concentration and a big finish.

5. 2007 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée, 750ml Rated 98 by Wine Advocate A brilliant effort...A blend of approximately 85% Grenache, 8-9% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and other varietals from 50-100+ year old vines aged in foudre, it exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of beef blood, grilled herbs, barbecue smoke, lavender, sweet cassis and kirsch and a hint of Asian soy. The wine possesses a fabulous texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a seamless integration of tannin, acidity and alcohol. With extraordinary texture and unctuosity, this remarkable effort should drink well for 20+ years yet be very appealing in its youth given the glycerin, velvety texture, and remarkable complexity. (Drink 2010-2030)

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6. 2007 Domaine la Milliere Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone, 750ml Rated 90 by Cellar Tracker Medium ruby with a pleasant complex nose. Compared to Beaucastel, this is a lighter style CDP that one might mistake for an Italian Barolo or even a Pinot Noir. Less extracted and more spicy smoky red fruit as opposed to dark fruit. The tannins are subdued with fine tannins and excellent minerality.

7. 2007 J.L. Chave Sélection Hermitage Farconnet, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Spectator “…shows mature notes, with espresso and warm cocoa melding into the mulled plum and blackberry fruit, while sauvage notes of tapenade, charcoal and bay leaf fill in on the finish. An underlying iron accent creeps along throughout. Hitting its stride already, but will hold in the cellar a bit. The debut bottling for Hermitage from Chave’s négoce portfolio. Drink 2013 through 2020.”

8. 2011 Franck Balthazar Cornas Chaillot, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Spectator “…Dark and densely packed, with currant confiture, blackberry paste and warm fig notes coiled tightly, held in check by a frame of singed alder and olive flavors. The finish shows a chalky underpinning, revealing serious grip and density. Best from 2016 through 2026.”

9. 2015 Julien Pilon Côte-Rôtie La Porchette, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator Vivid, with boysenberry, black currant and plum fruit laced liberally with mouthwatering sanguine and iron notes. Flecks of white pepper, violet and incense weave in and out. Refined, silky and persistent, with everything pulling together beautifully through the long, smoldering finish. 308 cases made. Best from 2019 through 2035.

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Lot #85

Finest Champagne Donated by: Harvey Kronberg, Amber Pearce, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $700 1. 1999 Ployez-Jacquemart Brut Liesse D’Harbonville, 750ml Rated 94 by Vinous Sexy, smoke-tinged aromas of poached pear, melon and nectarine, with notes of vanilla and chalky minerals adding complexity. Offers sappy, deeply pitched orchard and pit fruit flavors and a suggestion of toasted brioche that builds on the back half. Finishes on a gentle nutty note, with excellent focus and length and a lingering floral quality.

2. 2003 Dom Perignon, 750ml Rated 95 by Vinous As always, the 2003 Dom Pérignon has a lot to say. Bold, powerful and intensely phenolic in feel, the 2003 packs serious energy to match its explosive personality. The combined effects of a spring frost that decimated yields and a unrelentingly hot summer combined to produce one of the most powerful young Dom Pérignons I have ever tasted.

3. 2006 Dom Perignon, 750ml Rated 97 by Antonio Galloni “…a beautifully balanced, harmonious Dom Pérignon that strikes an incredibly appealing stylistic middle ground. Rich, voluptuous and creamy, the 2006 shows off fabulous intensity in a style that brings together the ripeness of 2002 with the greater sense of verve and overall freshness that is such a signature of the 2004. Bass notes and a feeling of phenolic grip on the finish recall the 2003, as the Pinot Noir is particularly expressive today…falls into the family of riper, more voluptuous Dom Pérignons, but without veering into the level of opulence seen in vintages such as 2002.”

4. 2014 Ruppert-Leroy Fosse-Greley Brut Nature, 750ml Rated 92 by Cellar Tracker One of the hottest of the Grower Champagnes. Possesses a Grand Cru Chablis minerality. 178 cases produced. Some of the most difficult tables in Paris—Le Châteaubriand, Septime and Vivant—have fought to secure small allocations for their lists. Many in Paris are describing these Champagnes as “Burgundy with bubbles.” Complex and elegant. Aromas of white flowers, peche de vigne, and pears...silky.

5. NV Deutz Rose, 750ml Rated 94 by Gillbert Gaillard “Absolutely stunning salmon-pink. Delicate nose opening up to wild strawberry and raspberry. Soft, precise, delightful palate with quality freshness and softness. A rosé that is elegant…and true to the house style.”

6. NV Nathalie Falmet Le Val Cornet Brut, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Advocate Revelatory in its polish, transparency and complexity! A greenhouse-like profusion of leafing and flowering things... scents of apple and red raspberry...weightlessly buoyant, seductively silken and infectiously juicy...suggests hazelnut cream, almond paste and walnut oil, resulting in an uncanny counterpoint...a chalk suffused finish...salinity...oyster liquor. (all from 2010; disgorg. 05/12). 114

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Lot #86

2016 Futures Bordeaux Donated by: Harvey Kronberg, Amber Pearce, Stephanie & Chad Simpson Estimated Value: $1,270 This case of wine will arrive in the US in Spring 2019, and will be hand-delivered to you by Michel Thibault (www.michelthibaultwine.com). 1. (2 btls) 2016 Canon La Gaffelière, St Emilion, 750ml Rated 95-98 by Wine Spectator This pulls a lot of red and black currant, fig and boysenberry pâte de fruit notes together, wraps them with a brambly thread and then drives them through an anise- and apple wood-edged finish. Really, really solid. (JM) (4/2017)

2. (2 btls) 2016 Château Clinet, Pomerol, 750ml Rated 96-98 by Robert Parker, Wine Advocate “ This is a more ‘aristocratic’ nose for Clinet, sophisticated and one of the most nuanced I have encountered. Yes, this is a magnificent Clinet, cool and mineral-soaked, both cerebral and lip-smackingly delicious. (NM) (4/2017)

3. (2 btls) 2016 Château Cos d’Estournel, St Estephe, 750ml Rated 98-100 by Robert Parker “The palate has astonishing: exquisite balance, perhaps the most precise and detailed Cos d’Estournel that I have encountered in many years of tasting at this address. It segues into a Pauillac-like second-half with veins of graphite strafing the black fruit, but what marks this Cos d’Estournel is the palpable energy and tension allied with an effortless nature. The persistence, the reverberation in the mouth is quite magnificent.” – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

4. (2 btls) 2016 Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan, 750ml Rated 94-96 by Robert Parker Rich, round and beautiful. This has all the signature welcome and power of the very best vintages of Domaine de Chevalier, one of the ‘clue’ châteaux you should follow to track the quality of reds and whites in Bordeaux in any given vintage. Here you see that 2016 hits it out of the park with the reds. Stunning. (JA) (4/2017)

5. (2 btls) 2016 Pontet Canet, Pauillac, 750ml Rated 98-99 by James Suckling Vivid and full of energy with blackberry, currant and salt.Full body, intense and long. Harmony. Purpose. Classicism. The mineral and currant character is all year. A seamless tannin texture. Great wine. You want to drink it now! (4/2017)

6. (2 btls) 2016 Château Rieussec, Sauternes, 750ml Rated 98-99 by James Suckling Lots of botrytis here in addition to dried mushrooms and dried fruit such as pineapple and peaches. Medium to full body. Medium sweet. Very long and intense. A triumph. (4/2017)

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #87

Collector’s Starter Kit Donated by: Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Brooke & Spivey Paup, Mari Robinson & Greg Ritzen, Heather & Jerry Valdez Estimated Value: $1,010 1. 1969 Viuva Jose Gomes da Silva & Filhos Reserva Tinto, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker Still plump and fleshy with great precision and poise. Cherry fruits, rose petals, a hint of anise and tar. Deep wine and quite velvety, given the super fine tannins. Almost Gevry-Chambertin-like. Drink 2012-2032.

2. 2005 Domaine du Haut Bourg Muscadet-Cotes de Grandlieu Origine, 750ml Rated 90 by Cellar Tracker 3. 2 007 Château Moutin, 750ml 4. 2 008 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) Brunello di Montalcino, 750ml Literally dances on the palate – prunes and a tinge of raisin, driven home by a sharp acidity (that needs taming). It has well calibrated tannins and length that simply doesn’t stop – a gorgeous hint of leathery liquorice, and a sublime yet subtle sourness accompanied by a faintly metallic turn on the end – there is a complexity that teases here, real mystery that you won’t be able to get enough of. This wine has everything: minerality, stoniness, spice notes, straw, and I am convinced that it will only get better over the next 6-15 years.

5. 2009 Château Dauphiné-Rondillon, Loupiac, “Cuvée d’Or”, 750ml 6. 2010 Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, 750ml Rated 95 by James Suckling Love the perfumed aromas to this red with lots of dark fruits and flowers. Full body, tight and very fine tannins. Chewy yet polished and satisfying. Long finish. Better in 2019.

7. 2012 Florian Beck-Hartweg Riesling Cuvée Prestige, Alsace, 750ml A rich, golden wine with honeyed flavors of minerals and flowers. It may have had a touch of residual sugar, but is so well balanced that it tastes dry. Drink 2018-2023.

8. 2013 Saxum Vineyards James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, 750ml Rated 97 by Robert Parker Offers up gorgeous notes of black raspberries, cherries, cassis, ground herbs and flowers. This beauty hits the palate with incredible purity, fine tannin and an overriding sense of elegance and finesse, backed up by full-bodied richness and depth. It needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years and it will drink beautifully through 2028.

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9. 2014 Epoch Estate Tempranillo, Paso Robles, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Tempranillo is scented of red currants, mulberries, dried herbs and dusty earth with hints of tobacco and stewed tea. Full-bodied, with plenty of earth and red fruit layers, it has a firm structure of chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory.

10. 2 015 Venge Vineyards Merlot, Oakville, 750ml Rated 93 by Robert Parker Deep garnet-purple colored with a baked plums, mulberries and blueberry pie nose with hints of spice box, black forest cake and bay leaves, the 2015 Merlot Oakville Estate Vineyard is full-bodied, voluptuous, soft and rounded with well-played freshness and a long, spicy finish.

11. 2 015 Walter Scott Chardonnay Les Fleurs, 750ml Bright citrus and stone fruit, soft white florals, medium bodied with saline mineral texture. Best in 2017-2030+.

12. G . Brunot a Dizy Grand Reserve Brut N.V., 750ml Rated 91 by Cellar Tracker Nose of citrus, brioche and green apple. On the palate, lively with green apple, Meyer lemon, toast, and hits of lychee. Long finish. Aged on lees for 5 years. Lots of life left in this bottle.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #88

Travel Miles Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Christie & Rob Miller, Susan Salch, Steve Tipton Estimated Value: $1,000 1. 2005 Bodegas y Vinedos Mancuso Vino de la Tierra Valdejalón Mancuso, Spain, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate The 2005 Mancuso was aged for 14 months in new French oak. It offers up a superb bouquet of toasty new oak, pencil lead, scorched earth, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. Opulent, rich, and complex on the palate, this full-bodied wine has tons of flavor, nicely concealed ripe tannin, and a long, fruit-filled finish.

2. 2 006 Clarendon Hills Romas Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia, 750ml Rated 99 by Robert Parker Medium garnet-purple in color and displaying a beautiful nose of violets, orange peel and black cherries alongside notes of spice cake, white pepper and lavender, the full-bodied 2006 Romas Vineyard Grenache is big, rich and gorgeous with a crisp acid backbone draped with layer upon layer of concentrated fruit flavor. The medium-firm, very fine tannins carry it through to a long finish.

3. 2007 Shaynabada Saperavi, Gurjaani, Kakheti, Georgia, 750ml Rated 92 by Cellar Tracker In the glass, it displays a deep garnet core with some noticeable bricking around the rim. The heady aromas meld dark-toned fruits such as huckleberry, black raspberry and mulberry with wet roses, paprika, cacao, and a hint of the kind of meaty/iodine note one finds in northern Rhóne Syrah. The tannins have had time to soften, and the acidity is still bright but not sharp; the overall effect is rich and palate-coating, with lots of earthy minerality on the finish.

4. 2008 Catena Zapata ‘Nicolas Catena Zapata’, Mendoza, Argentina, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker It delivers an inviting bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, espresso, incense, lavender, black currant, and black cherry. This sets the stage for a full-bodied, powerful yet elegant, beautifully proportioned effort with great depth and volume.

5. 2011 Aristos Duquesa d’A Liger-Belair Grand Chardonnay du Chile, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate It has tension, minerality and acidity that make it electric. There is incredible freshness, chalky tannins and a supple, mineral, almost salty, umami-driven finish.

6. 2012 Cascina Adelaide Barolo 4 Vigne, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator Earthy, balsamic aromas and flavors match the cherry and raspberry fruit in this supple red. Overall, it’s elegant, with a lingering finish lined by light-grained tannins. Approachable now, but should be better in a year or two.

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7. 2012 Le Dome Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Enthusiast Deep ruby in color. A beautifully expressive nose featuring a mix of fresh red floral notes, black raspberries and espresso bean. Impeccably polished, with a strong tannin backbone and a fresh, black raspberry fruit supported by a pronounced mineral finish. Drink now for its youthful hedonism, but best from 2019-2035.

8. 2013 Brancaia Ilatraia, 750ml Rated 92 by Wine Spectator This bright version combines black cherry, plum, spice, iron and tobacco flavors. The stiff, dusty tannins gain the upper hand for now, but this should develop nicely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

9. 2013 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Austrailia, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Amon Ra has youthfully toned-down notes of blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, plums and cracked pepper with nuances of licorice, dark chocolate, cedar and black earth. The palate has wonderful balance and elegance for its commendable concentration and fullness, with tons of muscular fruit and spice layers framed by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great persistence. (Drink 2017-2030.)

10. 2 013 Leeuwin Estate Artist Series Margaret River Chardonnay Australia, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Spectator Elegant and graceful, this opens to supple lemon and tangerine flavors, accented by spice, cedar, mineral, and white floral touches. Everything is precise and supple, with a juicy touch on the epic finish.

11. 2 015 Sadie Family Old Vines “Skurfberg” Chenin Blanc, Swartland South Africa, 750ml Rated 95 by Stephen Tanzer Sexy perfume of peach, orange blossom, flowers, nutmeg and nut oil, plus a suggestion of redcurrant. The wine’s umami quality and stony minerality remind me a bit of Chablis, but the flavors are totally different...The lightly dusty but fine finish goes on and on. This classically dry, rather wild wine is a bit austere today and built to age. It will probably be most prized by adventuresome tasters.

12. J ean-François Ganevat Macvin du Jura Vieux Macvin du Jura NV, 750ml Rated 93 by Wine Advocate Mostly Chardonnay with a little Savagnin...The nose had strong aromas of aged grappa, some hints of apples, spices and dry nuts with more complexity than most MacVins I know. The palate shows great integration of the alcohol and very good balance between sweetness, acidity and alcohol...which makes it dangerously easy to drink. This has to be among the best MacVin I’ve ever had. Sip it slowly in front of the chimney.

April 7, 2018 • The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas

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Lot #89

A Selection of Exemplary California Wines by RNDC Donated by: RNDC Estimated Value: $1,100 1. 2012 Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 98 by Robert Parker The 2012 Maya is already revealing great complexity with notes of forest floor, licorice, truffles, red and blackcurrants and a hint of graphite. The beautiful aromatics are followed by an equally majestic, full-bodied, multidimensional wine of great class and elegance. This sensational effort should drink well for 25-30 years.

2. 2013 Rubicon Estate Inglenook Cask Cabernet, Rutherford, 750ml Rated 93 by James Suckling Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and minerals. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Linear and crisp.

3. 2014 Dalla Valle Vineyards Collina, Napa Valley, 750ml Even at this early stage, this wine is long on flavor and texture, showing all the red raspberry and blackberry fruit that were apparent at harvest. Also coming forward are layers of dark chocolate, graphite, incense, and a wide array of baking spices. The tannins are already polished, and while the wine is pure pleasure on the first pour, there is plenty of structure to allow aging for at least 12-15 years.

4. 2014 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 750ml Rated 90-93 by Antonio Galloni Lindstrom’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon has turned out beautifully. Deep, intense and richly textured, the 2014 graces the palate with an intriguing array of black cherry, plum, graphite, licorice and spice overtones. Rich and unctuous yet medium in body, the 2014 possesses lovely balance and plenty of class.

5. 2014 Lindstrom Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 750ml Rated 93 by Cellar Tracker 6. 2 014 Rubicon Estate Inglenook Blancaneaux, Rutherford, 750ml Round in the mouth and almost bold in its delivery of aromatics, the wine exhibits a freshness from the ideal balance of natural acidity. Enjoy impressions of Meyer lemon, papaya, and tropical fruits along with a hint of minerality from the Roussanne and Marsanne.

7. 2014 Staglin Family Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, 750ml Rated 94 by Robert Parker Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a very pretty nose of fragrant earth, red and black currants, black plums and underbrush with hints of cigar box and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with expressive earth and black fruit flavors, supported by a seamless backbone of ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing long. 120

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8. 2014 Staglin Family Vineyard ‘Salus’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, 750ml This is a generous and rich wine marked by dark red fruits, purple flowers and confectionary treats. The pure and primary palate of succulent black cherries, ripe raspberries and plush blackcurrants is teased by a heady aroma of violets mingled with menthol and a hint of cracked green peppercorns. Round and full, the finish is wonderfully fine-grained with delightfully soft edges that give a tremendous amount of pleasure.

9. (2 btls) 2015 Staglin Family Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Rutherford, 750ml Rated 91+ by Robert Parker The 2015 Chardonnay has a ripe apricot and guava-scented nose with nuances of brioche, allspice, ginger and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs in the stone fruit and spicy flavors. Supported by a lively backbone and silken texture, it finishes with a pleasant chalky edge.

10. 2 015 Twomey Cellars Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, 750ml Aromas of grilled summer peaches, honeyed nut, a touch of nutmeg and barley. Delicate, creamy layers with juice of red rhubarb.

11. 2 013 Twomey Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley, 750ml Rated 90 by James Suckling Soft and easy merlot with green olive, plum and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish.

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Lot #90

New World Syrah Donated by: Maria & Daniel Bleier, Susan & Jerry Gatlin, Melissa & Kareem Hajjar, Christie & Rob Miller, Mari Robinson & Greg Ritzen, Steve Tipton, Amanda & Andrew West Estimated Value: $1,050 1. 2009 Colgin Syrah IX Estate, 750ml Rated 96 by Wine Advocate A blast of heady aromas and flavors burst from the glass in a wine endowed with serious depth. The 2009 stands out for its dazzling inner perfume and balance. Sweet spices, licorice and tobacco all add complexity, while firm mountain tannins frame the saline, focused finish. Although gorgeous today, the 2009 should continue to provide immense pleasure for at least another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.

2. 2009 Martinelli ‘Gravel Lens’ Hop Camp Vineyard Syrah, Russian River Valley, 750ml Rated 90 by Cellar Tracker The 2009 Hop Camp Vineyard Syrah has aromas of black olives, lavender, leather, and smoky cured meats. This is a bold wine with tons of plum, cedar, and black licorice flavors.

3. 2012 Charles Smith Royal City Syrah, Columbia Valley, 750ml Rated 99 by Wine Advocate Full-bodied, layers and elegant, yet with incredible concentration and length, it exhibits gorgeous aromas and flavors of spiced meats, graphite, crushed rock, gunpowder and thrillingly pure dark fruits. Despite the overall size here, it never comes across as heavy or cumbersome, and stays graceful and light on the palate.

4. 2012 Matetic Syrah, San Antonio Valley, Chile, 750ml Rated 97 by James Suckling Unbelievable...sublime tannin texture and mind-bending depth and finesse. The nose shows granite, slate, blackberry, blueberry, and lavender aromas. Full body yet agile and harmonious. Only 350 cases...Spectacular... the La Turque of Chile?

5. 2012 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard, 750ml Rated 99 by Wine Advocate This cuvée always shows brilliantly from barrel, and this is no exception, with it giving up gorgeous chocolaty dark fruits, white pepper, mint and charred meat-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, structured and tight, it has a tad more flesh than the ‘11 did at this stage, yet will still need short-term cellaring to round into form. It will have upward of two decades of longevity. (Drink 2014-2034.)

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6. 2011 Booker Vineyard Remnant, Paso Robles, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate 2011 that offers up plenty of spice, toast and cedar that’s balanced by a core of sweet black raspberry fruit that emerges with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and beautifully textured, this totally compelling red has fine tannin, serious richness and depth, and an overall classy profile.

7. 2013 Lewis Cellars Syrah, 750ml Rated 95 by Wine Spectator A knockout wine, this offers great structure, with a rich, supple texture. Blackberry and smoky game aromas deftly combine with complex, muscular flavors of currant, crushed rock and grilled herb. The tannins are big but plush.

8. 2013 Rudius Hudson Vineyard Syrah, Carneros, 750ml Rated 94 by Wine Advocate French in style, with notes of damp earth, pepper, frying bacon and steak tartare, this savory wine saw 35% wholeclusters during fermentation. The wine is rich, full-bodied, Northern Rhône-like and rich and persistent in the mouth. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.

9. 2014 Avennia Arnaut Boushey Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley, 750ml Rated 92 by Antonio Galloni Bright medium ruby. Sexy, musky scents of dark raspberry, game and violet face powder. Not a thick wine but wonderfully silky and sweet, with the violet quality and healthy integrated acidity giving the cherry, raspberry and light game flavors terrific floral lift. This wonderfully plush, savory, pliant wine finishes long and aromatic, with perfectly integrated tannins and lingering sweetness.

10. 2 014 Epoch Block B Syrah, Paso Robles, 750ml Rated 97 by Wine Advocate Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Block B Syrah is youthfully mute with notes of black forest cake, underbrush, toasted nuts and salted beef over a core of warm blackberries and preserved plums, plus wafts of Provence herbs and tapenade. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, it delivers a long finish of earth and savory layers.

11. 2 014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah Stonessence, 750ml Rated 97 by Wine Advocate Reminiscent of a top Cornas with its iron, beef blood, floral and seriously mineral character, the 2014 Syrah Stonessence is the burliest, most structured and concentrated of the Syrahs releases. I love its balance, and its purity of fruit and ripe tannic spine.

12. 2 014 Waters Old Stones Syrah Walla Walla, 750ml The aromas pop, with notes of orange peel, ember, cured meat, black olive and wet stone, with purple fruit lurking in the background. The palate is surprisingly fruit forward, with plum and savory flavors that coat the palate from end to end. The finish glides for a full 30 seconds.

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