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GO TO: LIVE AUCTION LOTS

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LIVE AUCTION LOTS

Lot 10C - ON20's Noel Jones Guest Chef in Home Dinner for 10 with Phenomenal Wines
Lot 12C - Charleston. Southern Comfort Shooting for the Stars
Lot 13C - Mystery Box - THINK BIG
Lot 16C - Mystery Box – THINK HUGE
Lot 18C - The Chanler at Cliff Walk. A Perfect weekday Stay for Two Couples by June 30, 2008
Lot 20C - Mystery Box – CULT WINES
Lot 22C - Celebrate Max Restaurant Group's Opening in 1986 (with Max on Main). Wines Included the Château Pichon Lalande, 1986 Vintage. Dinner for Eight Guests. Available on a Friday!!
Lot 27C - Mystery Box – THINK SMALL
Lot 30C - Winvian!
Lot 33C - Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. A Wonderful Connecticut Weekend for Four!
Lot 34C - A Fabulous One-Night, Two-Room Stay at Mohegan Sun and a First-Growth Dinner for Four at the Acclaimed Tuscany Restaurant

SILENT AUCTION LOTS

Lot 1000C - Four-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Eight at Springfield's Max's Tavern Paired with Five Wines
Lot 1001 - Tonight's guests will be able to enjoy each of the rare and acclaimed Champagne, White and Red Wines that have been paired with tonight's master chefs' dishes.
Lot 1002 - (3) 750ml bottles Château Mouton Rothschild, 1998
Lot 1003C - Celebrate Bricco's 12th Anniversary with an Extraordinary Wine Dinner for Eight
Lot 1004 - Seven stunning examples of John Kongsgaard's finest offerings from 1997-2005.  Another cult wine of extremely limited production.
Lot 1005C - Ken Bergeron, Chef, Author Dinner at Your Private Residence for Eight
Lot 1006 - The Finest of Super Tuscans; The rarest Magnums. From Contiguous Properties Solaia, and Tignanello. 94 and 95-Point Stars.
Lot 1007 - In Perfect Harmony
Lot 1008 - Grand Cru Château Talbot, 2003 joined by a 94-point three-liter Premier Cru Giscors. Best since 1975.
Lot 1009C - Golf Lessons, Golf, Dinner, Extraordinary Wines at Westerly's Shelter Harbor Course anytime after Labor Day
Lot 1010 - (1) 3-Liter Château Quinault Grand Cru, 2005, 93-95 Points, a 25-Year-Wine.
Lot 1011 - If You Loved Peter Michael and Helen Turley, you'll Covet Mark Aubert's Wines from Aubert and Ann Colgin. With prices-upon-release hitting the $250 mark and allocations at retailers in many cases of a single bottle, Colgin and Aubert have produced two of the greatest California Cabernet's and Chardonnay's respectively.
Lot 1012 - Sebastiani Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley in Large Format
Lot 1013 - 95-Point Bordeaux in Magnum from Cos d'Estournel, 1995
Lot 1014 - Château Talbot, 2003 in 6-Liter Format
Lot 1015 - Tonight guests will be able to enjoy each of the rare and acclaimed Champagne, White and Red Wines that have been paired with tonight's master chefs' dishes.
Lot 1016C - Four-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Six at Cavey’s Italian Restaurant in Manchester Featuring Some of The Finest French and Italian Wines
Lot 1017 - So Very Limited. Araujo, a Cult Classic Five Bottle Offering
Lot 1019 - The equivalent of 18 - 750ml bottles has been assembled containing some of the highest rated and of course, unavailable wines in Magnum format. The lowest rated wine in the nine-bottle collection is at 90 Points; the highest at 98 points.
Lot 1021 - Stunning Italian Superstars from 1991-2000
Lot 1022 - 3-Liter Château Giscors, Premier Cru, 2003, 91 Points
Lot 1023 - Grand Cru Château Talbot, 2003 and Château Quinault, 2005, 91-95-Point Classics in hard-to-find large formats.
Lot 1024 - Mondavi 2000 Cabernet Reserve Parker Called "One of finest efforts from vintage."
Lot 1025 - Karl Lawrence Magnums 2003 and 2004
Lot 1026C - Dinner with John Mariani and Four of Your Guests with World-Class Wines
Lot 1027C - A Great head Start on a Delia Kitchen Product
Lot 1029C - Guest Chef Leo Bushey Will Prepare Dinner for 10 at The Hartford Club
Lot 1030 - 1800 Coleccion from 1999 Release. One of World's Rarest
Lot 1031C - The Ultimate Wine Storage Cave with 48 Whites and Reds to Get You Started
Lot 1032 - A 100-Point Château Mouton Rothschild?
Lot 1033 - Ridge Monte Bello, 1999 a 92-Point Classic
Lot 1034 - Vertical Collection of One of World's Greatest and Rarest Collectible Chardonnays--Leeuwin from Australia, 1998-2003
Lot 1035C - Four-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Eight at Farmington’s Apricot’s featuring extraordinary vintages.
Lot 1036 - Large Format Trifecta from Torbreck, Champagne and Bordeaux
Lot 1037 - Two 1.5-Liter Pinot Noirs from Fabulous 1997 Vintage and 2006
Lot 1038 - Three of the World's Greatest Champagne Cuvees--Salon, La Grand Dame and Dom Perignon-- the rarest and most collectible Champagnes in the world from fin vintages available under one roof.
Lot 1039 - Fine Collection of 1995 Wines from top Producers
Lot 1040 - Extraordinary 3-Liter Château Sociando Mallet from Top 2005 Vintage
Lot 1041 - Australia's Torbreck "The Struie" Syrah a 94-Point Magnum
Lot 1042C - Five-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Eight at Avon's Max-a-Mia Featuring a Super Tuscan Tignanello
Lot 1563 - Taste of Nations,--Kongsgaard (98-Points), La Mission and Grange
Lot 2099 - Château Mouton Rothschild, 1986. A Perfect 100-Point Wine
Lot 2100C - Four-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Eight at Glastonbury’s Max Amore
Lot 2121 - A Very Special Tribute to Support Asian Elephants from Juslyn
Lot 2347 - Another Wine "Potentially" Perfect, Legend-in-the-Making--Dominus Estate 1991 a 98 Point Robert Parker Wine.
Lot 2750C - Dinner at Your Private Residence for Eight Featuring jack Flaws' Chef/Owner of Jack's Steakhouse in Old Saybrook with the Top Wines
Lot 2819 - The rarest of Cognacs--1975 Vintage Hine Library Selection from 1975 in wooden case.
Lot 2842 - Château Ste. Michelle Artist Series Reserve Cabernet, 2004
Lot 3101 - The Heavyweights. Six Classics in Great Bottles.
Lot 3185 - Cheval Blanc, 1986 an Almost Perfect--98-Point—St. Emilion
Lot 3295C - Dinner for Six at your choice of any restaurant in the Carmen Anthony Restaurant Galaxy with New and Old-World featuring Opus One's Newest Release
Lot 4100C - Top Wine Spectator Wine Dinner for Eight at Trumbull Kitchen. Enjoy the 90's
Lot 4216C - Six people will enjoy four extraordinary wines to match up with some of Bobby's newest offerings in a seasonal, five-course menu.
Lot 4376 - One of Opus One's Highest-Rated Vintages in History, the 1985 (3) 750ml's
Lot 4782 - 1982 Bordeaux. 94 Points. Large Format Ducru Beaucaillou
Lot 4961 - Unusual Turley Cellars Vertical Collection
Lot 5000C - Glastonbury's Sipping Spirits' Hotel California Baja and Cabos San Lucas, Mexico Package. Two great locations, Six Nights.
Lot 5246C - Billy Grant Picnic at Your Home for 12
Lot 5496 - Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien, 1982 One of Bordeaux' Greatest Vintages
Lot 5500C - Wine Consult with Wine North America's LLC Private Clients Group
Lot 5726 - Pichon Lalande, 1986. A 97-Point Star from One of Bordeaux' Longest-Lived vintages.
Lot 6258 - A taste of Lewis. Vertically
Lot 6600C - Dinner for Eight at Max' Newest restaurant, Max Fish in Glastonbury. Featuring Wines from Each Year A Max Restaurant Opened--1986, 1991, 1995, 1999 (two bottles), 2001 and 2003. We also will add a fine bottle from the 2007 vintage at a later date.
Lot 6837 - Another Stunning 1500ml Collection rated 91-97 Points.
LOT 7200C - Enjoy a One Night Stay and Dinner with Wines for Two at Mayflower Inn & Spa
Lot 7455 - Dalla Valle Maya, 1993. A True Cult Classic and Another Perfect 100 Point Wine.
Lot 8700C - Four-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Eight at Chester’s Restaurant du Village Featuring Château Conseillante, 2002 and Robert Mondavi Cabernet Reserve, 2000.
Lot 9100C - Dinner for Six at The Back Porch Old Saybrook’s Newest & Hottest Waterfront Dining

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LIVE AUCTION LOTS

Lot 10C - ON20's Noel Jones Guest Chef in Home Dinner for 10 with Phenomenal Wines

A Fabulous Eight-course Dinner for 10 with no fewer than 14 of The World's most Acclaimed > Wines. All Created at Your Residence with Guest Chef Noel Jones of the restaurant ON20, tonight's Founding Sponsor for the Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic paired with new and old-world wines from pristine cellars.

Your guests will start with two of the world's greatest Champagne Cuvées, move to white Bordeaux and Burgundy, American and French Chardonnays, red Burgundy and American Pinot Noir, two unbelievable Super Tuscans, American and French Cabernets and Sauterne and Port to complete the evening.

A true professional, Noel Jones is also a gastronomic explorer, continuously experimenting with new flavors and new techniques to bring excitement to each dish he presents before his guests. His passion for culinary creativity is neatly summed up in his philosophy: "Take classic cuisine and use it as a springboard for the imagination to create new dishes." Noel will prepare an Eight-course dinner for 10 at your private residence perfectly paired with 14 extraordinary wines to be served side-by-side, back-to-back, from an impeccable cellar.

The New York Times recognized chef's accomplishments in a feature story in its May 18, 2008 Sunday issue.

He will be joined at your private residence by Jim Donahue of Wines North America, LLC Private Clients, who will explore the new and old world wines perfectly paired with each course. . The wines reflect some of the world's greatest examples of comparable, yet different styles.

You will start off with a Champagne reception with passed hors d'oeuvres before moving on to the tasting menu. If you have enjoyed Noel Jones cuisine and the impeccable service of ON20 one might only image the experience closer-to-home.

(1) 750ml Champagne Cristal, 2000. Arguably the world's most coveted.

(1) 750ml Champagne Krug

(1) 750ml Château Lynch Bages Blanc, 2004. White Bordeaux rarer than its Reds.

(1) 750ml Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, 1999

(1) 750ml Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay, 2005

(1) 750ml Faiveley Montagny, 2004

(1) 750ml Faiveley Nuit St. Georges, 2005

(1) 750ml William Selyem Pinot Noir, 2006

(1) 750ml Ornellaia 2003 Stunning Super Tuscan

(1) 750ml Tignanello, 2004. Another Super Tuscan of the highest quality and rated #4 in Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2007.

(1) 750ml Opus One, 2003. A cult Cabernet.

(1) 750ml Château Mouton Rothschild, 2003, Great First growth.

(1) 750ml Martinez Quinta da Eira Velva Port, 1994

(1) 750ml Coutet Barsac, 2002

Restrictions: Several weeks notice required. Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Blackout dates apply to major holidays and the month of August and December. Gratuity not included. A $25 per guest gratuity charge for service will be presented at the conclusion of the meal.

The not so fine print: Additional servings are available at a per person supplement of $250. Please contact us. We apologize, but it will be impossible to make additional wine available due to their extreme rarity. All food will be prepared and served, in your home by Noel Jones with professional waitstaff. All necessary dishes, glasses and flatware will be provided. We will gladly work with you to ensure your menu fits your specific tastes and style.

All Wines listed, with a May, 2008 retail value in excess of $3200, are included.

Dinner, Service, Stemware and Equipment donated by: ON20

Wines Donated by: Jim Donahue, Wines North America LLC, Private Clients

Pre-Auction Estimate: $6,500
Minimum Bid: $5,000
Buy Now: $5,600, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 12C - Charleston. Southern Comfort Shooting for the Stars

Package includes:
An extraordinary two nights stay for two, in an elegant Mansion Room at Charleston's Wentworth Mansion, a AAA 5-Diamond property located in historic Charleston, South Carolina.
Certificate for Roundtrip airfare for two based upon a 31-day advance purchase on US Air from Hartford to Charleston.
Five-Course Tasting Menu prepared by Chef Marc Collins with Wine Pairings for Two People.
A sumptuous European breakfast buffet.
Afternoon refreshments are served in the Charleston Parlor.
Wine and complimentary hors d'oeuvres, prepared daily by CCMC's Master Chef Marc Collins, are offered from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
Port, sherry and brandy are served in the library.
Each day will end with turndown service and handmade chocolates on your pillow.
Complimentary on-site parking is provided.

The following wines are included and can be paired with Marc's innovative menu:
(1) 750ml Champagne Laurent-Perrier Rose Brut
(1) 750ml Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, 1998
(1) 750ml Guigal Condrieu, 2005
(1) 750ml Château Talbot Chardonnay 2003
(1) 750ml Faiveley Nuit St. Georges, 2005
(1) 750ml Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000

Restrictions:
Based on Availability: June 8, 2008 - September 18, 2008; November 29, 2008 - December 20, 2008; January 1, 2009 - February 11, 2009; February 16, 2009 - March 4, 2009.
Not available during domestic or during hotel or airline blackout dates. Transportation and accommodation costs are additional unless otherwise stated. All sales are final and non-refundable, and resale is prohibited. Details and prices are subject to change.

Additional nights are available by contacting the hotel at a rate of $360-$450 plus tax and service per night. This certificate expires March 4, 2009.

Donated by: Circa 1886 Restaurant, Wentworth Mansion and Friends of CCMC2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $4,200
Minimum Bid: $3,000
Buy Now: $3,600, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 13C - Mystery Box - THINK BIG
Here’s a sample of what to expect to receive in this Mystery Box.

(1) 1.5-Liter Quintessa, 2005

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $6,500
Minimum Bid: $4,500
Buy Now: $5,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 16C - Mystery Box – THINK HUGE

This is one example of the contents of this Mystery Box to give you a hint of what is inside.

A Cult cabernet from their second vintage. One of three bottles released in this format.

(1) 6-Liter Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $6,000
Minimum Bid: $4,000
Buy Now: $5,000, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 18C - The Chanler at Cliff Walk. A Perfect weekday Stay for Two Couples by June 30, 2008

Just steps from the historic Cliff Walk, yes miles from the bustle, exists one of the country's finest AAA 4 Diamond small inn's. The Chanler at Cliff Walk will beckon and sweep you under its portico and into a timeless, sparkling lobby. It speaks of grace and grandeur, of easy splendor, of welcome and comfort.

Two couples will have one of Newport's most extraordinary experiences touring Newport Mansions, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Cliff Walk.

Tonight's Master Chef Kyle Ketchum will also donate a chef's table multi-course tasting menu to be paired with wines donated by Jim Donahue of Wines North America LLC at the Spiced Pear Restaurant one of Newport’s treasures. With endless cliff-side Atlantic views, and the most acclaimed menu and surroundings, the best of Newport awaits you.

Pommery Champagne for each of two of Chanler's exquisite rooms available Sunday through Thursday.

The following wines are included and can be paired with Kyle’s tasting menu:
(1) 750ml Champagne Dom Perignon
(1) 750ml Château Mouton Rothschild, 1998
(1) 750ml Opus One, 2004
(1) 750ml Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay, 2005
(1) 750ml Trimbach Gewurztraminer "Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre”, 2000
(1) 375ml Château Suduiraut, 2003

Restrictions:
Valid on the following dates:
June 8, 2008 – June 12, 2008
June 15, 2008 – June 19, 2008
June 22, 2008 – June 26, 2008
June 29, 2008 – June 30, 2008
Excludes alcohol, tax and service charge. Available Sunday through Thursday. All wines included.

Donated by: The Chanler at Cliff Walk/Spiced Pear Restaurant and A Friend of CCMC2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $3,600
Minimum Bid: $2,700
Buy Now: $3,200, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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.Lot 20C - Mystery Box – CULT WINES

To whet your appetite here’s a single bottle offered in this Mystery Box. It is rated 97 points by Wine Spectator with a retail value of $1,300 on Winezap.com, May 22, 2008!

(1) 750ml Harlan Estate, 1999

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $6,900
Minimum Bid: $4,900
Buy Now: $5,900, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 22C - Celebrate Max Restaurant Group's Opening in 1986 (with Max on Main). Wines Included the Château Pichon Lalande, 1986 Vintage. Dinner for Eight Guests. Available on a Friday!!

Max Downtown is the successor to the original Max Restaurant Group's Max on Main opened in 1986. It has been guided to preeminence by co-owners Richard Rosenthal and Steve Abrams.

Providing outstanding dining, service and atmosphere, Max Downtown offers a trend-setting atmosphere for more than 300 patrons daily. It has earned a 25 or "excellent" from Zagat's Survey, a "Best New Restaurant" from Connecticut Magazine, more than six "Reader Choice" awards from Connecticut Magazine and 4-stars from The Hartford Courant's Northeast Magazine.

Internationally inspired dishes and other regional and traditional fare create a menu unlike any other in Connecticut. "It's more than a Classic Chop House," says Rosenthal, "we create dishes for people with a passion for dining."

Co-owner Steve Abrams, if we ask, would be pleased to offer the dinner on a FRIDAY evening with three week's notice.

The following wines will be served:

(1) 750ml Champagne Veuve Clicquot
(1) 750ml Domaine Niellon Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru, 2002
(1) 750ml Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay, 2005
(1) 750ml Faiveley Nuit St. Georges, 2005
(1) 750ml Rutherford Hill Reserve Merlot, 2002
(1) 750ml Château Pichon Lalande,1986. A 97-Point Star from One of Bordeaux' Longest-Lived vintages.
(1) 750ml Château Coutet, 2002

Restrictions: Three weeks notice required. Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Dinner available Monday through Thursday, except holidays or if the restaurant is closed. Gratuity not included. Guests will be presented with a $25 per person server gratuity at the conclusion their meal.
All Wines listed are included.

Dinner donated by: The Max Restaurant Group
Wines donated by: Friends of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $2,400
Minimum Bid: $1,800
Buy Now: $2,100, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 27C - Mystery Box – THINK SMALL

An example of what is in store with this lot:

(1) 375ml Phelps Insignia, 2002

Donated by: Friends of CCMC2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $4,000
Minimum Bid: $2,500
Buy Now: $3,000, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 30C - Winvian!
Stay at one of the World's Most Acclaimed Properties.
Savor a Stunning Dinner Prepared by a Master Chef.
Enjoy Some of the World's Most Collectible Wines.

Everything you may have heard about Winvian is true and, understated. Nestled in the in the sleepy town of Morris, minutes from Litchfield, the property consists of 18 "cottages" and rooms considered by world travelers and travel writers to be without comparison.

You will enjoy a one-night, two-cottage weekday stay based upon a mutually agreeable day in one of the phenomenal cottages on the Winvian compound, an extraordinary dinner prepared by tonight's renown master chef Chris Eddy, who will pair several of the rarest wines on the planet with his innovative cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The wines:
(1) 750ml Champagne Cristal 1999. The rarest of Cuvées.
(1) 750ml Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche, 1997. One of the world's most sought-after White Burgundies.
(1) 750ml Château Lynch Bage Blanc, 2004
(1) 750ml Château Mouton Rothschild, 1998. An extraordinary first-growth.
(1) 750ml Opus One, 2004. An American/French icon.

It is perhaps a musical word which can best describe this glorious destination travel, food and wine package: a "symphony" of sensations.

Restrictions: Three weeks notice required. Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Blackout dates apply to major holidays. All wines included.

The fine print: Dinner available Monday through Thursday, unless restaurant is closed.

Stay and Dinner Donated by: Winvian

Wines Donated by: Jim and Ann Donahue and Friends of CCMC2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $7,400
Minimum Bid: $6,200
Buy Now: $6,800, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 33C - Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. A Wonderful Connecticut Weekend for Four!

Sophisticated and refined, the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale surrounds you with an atmosphere of luxurious comfort and unparalleled service. This richly appointed four-diamond hotel is nestled in downtown New Haven, just steps from the historic campus of Yale University, the New Haven Town Green, a wide selection of museums, the Shubert Theater and quaint boutique shopping.

John Davenport's at the Top of the Park is a premier, 19th-floor restaurant welcomes you in an upscale atmosphere with spectacular roof top views. Specializing in creative New England cuisine, Chef Jeremy Martindale has cooked his way through some of the world’s finest hotels and resort properties, so he is an expert at melding worldly sophistication with the best of local fare.

In 1997, Chef Jeremy found his way to the stunning Little Dix Bay Resort located in British Virgin Islands as Executive Chef. At Little Dix Bay Chef Jeremy received many awards including Hotels magazine “1998 Great Hotel Restaurants of the World.” Chef Jeremy also joined his fellow chefs on two occasions at The James Beard House in New York City.

Chef Jeremy then took the helm in Broomfield, Colorado at the famed Omni Interlocken Resort a Mobil Four Star and AAA Four Diamond property. After four years at the Omni Interlocken Resort Chef Jeremy was promoted to Corporate Task Force Chef for Omni Hotels.

Now Chef Jeremy has settled down at the Omni New Haven at Yale with their stunning 19th floor views of Yale and Long Island Sound. Restaurant John Davenport¹s is a mix of contemporary flair and old world class.

Two-Night, Two-Room Weekend stay for Four Guests at The Omni with Dinner for Four at John Davenport's Top of The Park Restaurant perfectly paired with the following wines:

(2) 750ml Champagne Pommery
(1) 750ml Groth Sauvignon Blanc, 2006
(1) 750ml Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay, 2005
(1) 750ml Château Cos d'Estournel, 1999
(1) 375ml Château Coutet, 2001

Restrictions: Two weeks notice required. Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Blackout dates apply to major holidays. Gratuity not included. A $25 per guest gratuity charge for service will be presented at the conclusion of the meal. All wines included.

Donated by: Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, John Davenport's and A Friend of CCMC2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,900
Minimum Bid: $1,200
Buy Now: $1,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 34C - A Fabulous One-Night, Two-Room Stay at Mohegan Sun and a First-Growth Dinner for Four at the Acclaimed Tuscany Restaurant

In 1996, Mohegan Sun opened its doors to critical acclaim and has been operating 24/7since then. Mohegan Sun and Todd English's Tuscany Restaurant will join hands for an extraordinary stay any Sunday -Thursday. You will savor dinner for four at Tuscany with five extraordinary collector wines.

A taste of the Italian countryside can be found at the legendary Mohegan Sun Hotel and Casino! Todd English's Tuscany restaurant serves authentic regional Italian cuisine with an accent on freshness and quality in a lovely setting inspired by the kitchen of an Italian villa.

Your one night stay at the Mohegan Sun will include two rooms for two guests each. Dinner is for four lucky winning bidders.

The wines:
(1) 750ml Champagne Dom Perignon, 1999
(1) 750ml Domaine Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet, Les Chaumesees Premier Cru,
2003, Finest white Burgundy.
(1) 750ml Pavilion Blanc du Château Margaux, 1999 the rarest of white
Bordeaux.
(1) 750ml Tignanello, 2004, top Super Tuscan, #4 of Top 100 Wines-of-the-year, Wine Spectator, 2007
(1) 750ml Château Mouton Rothschild, 1998, extraordinary first-growth.

Restrictions: Two weeks notice required. Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Blackout dates apply to major holidays. Gratuity not included. A $50 per guest gratuity charge for service will be presented at the conclusion of the meal. All wines included.

The fine print: Dinner available Monday through Thursday, unless restaurant is closed.

Donated by: Mohegan Sun and a Friend of the Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $3,900
Minimum Bid: $3,000
Buy Now: $3,400, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

 

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SILENT AUCTION LOTS

Lot 1000C - Four-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Eight at Springfield's Max's Tavern Paired with Five Wines

The Max Restaurant Group’s, only out-of-state location is at Springfield’s state-of-the-art Basketball Hall of Fame. The innovative menu at Max's Tavern features contemporary American cuisine including some of Max's favorite "Chop House" classics.

Wines include:
(1) 750ml Pommery Champagne (90 points)
(1) 750ml Miner Wild yeast Chardonnay, 2005 (95-points)
(1) 750ml Groth Sauvignon Blanc, 2006
(1) 750ml Tignanello, The Super, Super Tuscan (90 points)
(1) 750ml Opus One, 2003

Restrictions: Two weeks notice required. Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Dinner available Monday through Thursday, except holidays or if the restaurant is closed. Gratuity not included. Guests will be presented with a $25 per person server gratuity at the conclusion their meal.
All Wines listed are included.

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,800
Minimum Bid: $1,200
Buy Now - $1,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1001 - Tonight's guests will be able to enjoy each of the rare and acclaimed Champagne, White and Red Wines that have been paired with tonight's master chefs' dishes.

While one will, sadly, not be able to replicate tonight's repast, one would certainly be able to look back fondly on the wines they enjoyed at The Masters Classic dinner at home.

The wines are:

(1) 750ml Champagne Pommery
(1) 750ml Château Mouton Rothschild, 1998
(1) 750ml Opus One, 2003
(1) 750ml Turley Cellars Zinfandel, 2005
(1) 750ml Tenuta Dell Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove, 2005
(1) 750ml Guigal Condrieu, 2005
(1) 750ml Trimbach Gewurztraminer "Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre, 2000
(1) 750ml Château Coutet, 2004

Donated by: A Friend of the Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,700
Minimum Bid: $1,200
Buy Now: $1,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1002 - (3) 750ml bottles Château Mouton Rothschild, 1998
 
Château Mouton Rothschild Pauillac, 1998. Robert Parker's highest rated Red Bordeaux wine of the vintage is a stunning example of a First Growth.
 
"An extremely powerful, super-concentrated wine offering notes of roasted espresso, crème de cassis, smoke, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice. It is massive, with awesome concentration...and a saturated flavor profile...with considerable intensity."  96 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
 
Donated by:  A Friend of the Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic
 
Pre-Auction Estimate:  $2,100
Minimum Bid: $1,300
Buy Now: $1,600, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1003C - Celebrate Bricco's 12th Anniversary with an Extraordinary Wine Dinner for Eight
 
Chef owner Billy Grant will prepare an extraordinary five-course, five-wine dinner for eight fortunate guests at his acclaimed and newly redesigned West Hartford center restaurant. Bricco's exciting seasonal fare will be complemented the following wines:
 
(1) 750ml Champagne Pommery
(1) 750ml Frescobaldi Benefizio Pomino Bianco
(1) 750ml Tignanello
(1) 750ml Opus One
(1) 750ml Château Coutet
 
Restrictions:  Two weeks notice required.  Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Dinner available Monday through Thursday, except holidays or if the restaurant is closed. Gratuity not included.  Guests will be presented with a $25 per person server gratuity at the conclusion their meal.
All Wines listed are included.
 
Donated by:  Restaurant Bricco and Friends of the Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic
 
Pre-Auction Estimate:  $1,900
Minimum Bid:  $1,300
Buy Now:  $1,600, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1004 - Seven stunning examples of John Kongsgaard's finest offerings from 1997-2005.  Another cult wine of extremely limited production.
 
“John Kongsgaard is in search of the Holy Grail and these are among the most interesting, naturally made wines one will find on Planet Earth.”
                                 - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
 
Fifth-generation Napa natives John and Maggy Kongsgaard produce The Judge, Chardonnay, VioRous, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Shy-bearing vineyards and traditional low-intervention winemaking techniques produce powerful, graceful wines -- high intensity expressions of vineyard and variety. The core of their endeavor is the ten-acre vineyard they planted in the late 1970s on a rocky hilltop in southern Napa Valley which has belonged to the Kongsgaard family since the 1920s. In addition to these family acres, they direct the farming under long-term contract on another seven acres in the Napa Carneros and three acres near St. Helena. The winery, on the eastern rim of Napa Valley, is a cave drilled into the volcanic rock. Production is limited to what they can make with their own hands.
 
CHARDONNAY NAPA VALLEY is grown primarily on the shy-bearing Kongsgaard family vineyard described above. This vineyard gives the wine its dense, minerally core and extravagant honeyed aroma. Small amounts of wine made from two distinguished Carneros vineyards, Hudson and Hyde, are included in the blend, bringing stone fruit and citrus high-notes to the wine. Like The Judge, the Napa Valley Chardonnay is allowed to ferment in new French barrels without any human intervention other than the weekly stirring by hand - no yeast, no bacteria, no fining, no filtration.
 
Reviews:
 
SYRAH NAPA VALLEY is the result of a very gratifying viticultural relationship with the exceptional Carneros grower, Lee Hudson.Hudson has 2.7 acres of volcanic soil (unusual in the Carneros) committed to Syrah, which bear fruit of unique intensity when thinned to one cluster per shoot. Harvested with mature, silky tannins, the wine macerates for six weeks with the skins in the fermentation tank for full extraction of the white pepper, violets, and dark chocolate character typical of the noble Syrah. After evolving for two years in French oak barrels (50% new) and only two rackings, the Syrah is bottled without filtration or fining. The wine is expected to evolve in the bottle for decades.
 
Reviews:
 
Kongsgaard Viognier comes from 1500 Viognier and Roussanne vines grown on the Kongsgaard family vineyard with the extremely low yields typical of the property. The blend is made in the field, and the two varieties are pressed together and barrel fermented in old French oak barrels without the addition of cultured yeast. To achieve the ideal integration of the nearly opposite qualities of these two varieties, the blend differs from year to year and either grape can be the major contributor. Unlike the Chardonnays, the VioRous is bottled after just 10 months in barrel to capture the fresh fruit aromas. The high-toned perfume typical of Viognier is brought down to earth by the rustic Roussanne, creating an exotic, hedonistic wine.
 
 
Arietta is our name for wines born of a passion for music. The name Arietta, meaning short aria or art song, expresses our belief that all great wines must sing. Both wine and song should "take flight," in the course of which the qualities of balance, vibrancy, depth, overtones, and complexity resonate and give us a sense of exaltation.
 
2001 Arietta H Block Red Wine Napa Valley, 94 points
Good saturated ruby-red. Explosive, highly nuanced aromas of currant, dried rose, tobacco, brown sugar, espresso and mint. Silky, lush, dense and penetrating, with uncommon lift in the middle palate. Captivating flavors of currant, spice cake, tobacco and earth. A red blend in a Right Bank style with superb definition and snap. Finishes very long and juicy, with firm but thoroughly ripe tannins. This should gain in bottle for a decade or more.
 
(1) 750ml Kongsgaard Chardonnay, 1997, 94 points
(1) 750ml Kongsgaard Chardonnay, 2004, 92-94 points
(1) 750ml Kongsgaard Viognier, 2004, 94 points
(1) 750ml Kongsgaard Viognier, 2005, 96 points
(1) 750ml Kongsgaard Syrah, 2001, 94-96 points
(1) 750ml Arietta Merlot, 1999 winemaker John Kongsgaard 90 points
(1) 750ml Arietta Napa Valley Red, H-Block Hudson Vineyard, 2001 94 points
 
Donated by:  A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic
 
Pre-Auction Estimate:  $1,600
Minimum Bid: $1,000
Buy Now: $1,300, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1005C - Ken Bergeron, Chef, Author Dinner at Your Private Residence for Eight
 
One of the country's most respected and acclaimed vegetarian chefs and authors is right in our own backyard.
 
Ken Bergeron will prepare a five course vegetarian menu featuring locally-grown, fresh, seasonal ingredients at your home for eight guests.
 
Chefs like Chicago's Charlie Trotter offer a vegetarian menu each and every night at his restaurant and many diners have converted to the wonders that a great chef can offer with a focus upon vegetables.  You will find that Ken Bergeron's offerings will be equally stunning.
 
You and your guests will enjoy six truly extraordinary wines with the sumptuous meal.
 
The wines include:
 
(1) 750ml Champagne Pommery
 
(1) 750ml Sans Permis Chardonnay.  Rapidly becoming one of the most collectible examples of a Burgundian-style American Chardonnay, Sans Permis' limited production and unfiltered style will remind guests that a truly great producer can make incredible styles with care.
 
(1) 750ml Tenuta dell Ornellaia.  One of the great Super Tuscans, Ornellaia is the flagship of the Frescobaldi Family's efforts to create one of the world's top reds.
 
(1) 750ml Le Serre Nuove.  The second label of Ornellaia often termed the "baby-Ornellaia" by collectors, will give you a look at a new vintage of their acclaimed property.
 
(1) 750ml Château Coutet.  An extraordinary sauterne-barsac.  One of the worlds top dessert wines.
 
Restrictions:  Several weeks notice required.  Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Blackout dates apply to major holidays and the month of August and December. Gratuity not included. A $25 per guest gratuity charge for service will be presented at the conclusion of the meal.  All Wines listed are included.
 
The not so fine print:  Additional servings are available at a per person supplement of $250. Please contact us. We apologize, but it will be impossible to make additional wine available due to their extreme rarity.  All food will be prepared and served, in your home by Ken Bergeron.  Client to provide all china, flatware, stemware. We will gladly work with you to ensure your menu fits your specific tastes and style.
 
Dinner Donated by:  Ken Bergeron
 
Wines Donated by:  Ann Donahue
 
Pre-Auction Estimate:  $1,800
Minimum Bid:  $1,200
Buy Now:  $1,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1008- Grand Cru Château Talbot, 2003 joined by a 94-point three-liter Premier Cru Giscors. Best since 1975.

(1) 3-Liter Château Talbot Grand Cru, 2003 (updated)

Château Talbot is has a 'big, sweet nose of anise, crème de cassis, smoke, Provencal herbs, and some spice box, it is opulent, fleshy, not profoundly concentrated, but rich enough. Everything is nicely balanced with silky tannin and low acidity.' Robert Parker, Wine Advocate. 91 Points.

"Aromas of blackberry, currant and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a chocolate and light vanilla aftertaste. Subtle and long. Caressing texture. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2010. 31,785 cases made." JS Wine Spectator. 91 Points.

Château Talbot (St Julien) 2003: This is as good a wine from Talbot as I have tasted in a long time, and it has built on the early promise seen at the UGC tasting in 2005. 17+/20 (November 2006) Clive Coates.

(1) 3-Liter Château Giscors, Premier Cru, 2003
(please excuse the cracked wax seal)

"This is a great success for Giscours, and a continuation of the extraordinary work being done by Eric Albada Jelgensma who has been resurrecting this famous estate to the glory it enjoyed in the sixties and seventies. Reminiscent of the 1990 vintage stylistically, the 2003 is a sexy concoction of blackberries, cassis, licorice, tree bark, and earth characteristics offered in a layered, opulent, voluptuous style. Broad and expansive, with low acidity as well as tremendous ripeness and intensity, this stunning 2003 may be even better than its 2000 sibling (the finest Giscours since the 1975). Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91-94 Points.

"Intense aromas of cooked fruit and prunes. Full-bodied, with rich and ripe fruit character. Soft, round tannins and a long finish. Heady and rich. Port-like. Could be the legendary 1970 in the remake. 20,000 cases made." (Wine Spectator, 04/05/2004) Rating: 90-94

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,400
Minimum Bid: $800
Buy Now: $1,100, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

Lot 1009C - Golf Lessons, Golf, Dinner, Extraordinary Wines at Westerly's Shelter Harbor Course anytime after Labor Day
 
Join Brian Whitney, Connecticut Culinary Master Classic Founding Sponsor, for a Special Golf, Wine Dinner and accommodations anytime after Labor Day at Westerly, Rhode Island's top new course--Shelter Harbor.  It is the first private course constructed in Rhode Island in more than 100 years and ranks as one of the 19 of the top 100 new courses in America by Golf Digest Magazine.
 
The priceless Rhode Island Experience Includes:
 
• A lesson for three guests at the Shelter Harbor Course, rated the second best course in Rhode Island's (ahead of the fabled Newport Country Club course, site of the Women's 2006 US Open). The 22-acre practice facility includes six sets of tees and five target greens.
• An 18-hole round of golf for three with caddies on the 7100-yard, 18-hole championship course.
• A 9-hole round of golf for three on the Executive Par 3 course.
• A memorable Five-Course Dinner for the three golfers and their three guests (a total of six guests) at Shelter Harbor's extraordinary dining room prepared by its acclaimed chef. You will start off with a champagne reception with passed hors d'oeuvres.
• Three separate one bedroom guest cottages overlooking the first green.
 
The following wines will be served with dinner:
 
(1) 750ml Champagne Veuve Cliquot
(1) 750ml Château Ramonet Batard-Montrachet
(1) 750ml Peter Michael Chardonnay
(1) 750ml Phelps Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon
(1) 750ml Grange Shiraz
(1) 750ml Turley Cellars Zinfandel
(1) 750ml Château Rieussec Sauterne
(1) 750ml Croft Port
 
Restrictions:  Date will be determined by mutual agreement.  Good anytime after Labor day until the end of 2008.  All wines listed included.
 
Donated by:  Paula and Brian Whitney
 
Pre-Auction Estimate:  $6,000
Minimum Bid:  $3,800
Buy Now:  $4,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1010 - (1) 3-Liter Château Quinault Grand Cru, 2005, 93-95 Points, a 25-Year-Wine.

A Grand Cru Château Quinault has produced a beautifully elegant, noble, racy 2005 Quinault l’Enclos that rivals what this estate achieved in 2001, 2000, and 1998. The overall style is one of finesse, elegance, and minerality. A final blend of 70% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and rare 6% Malbec receives the Burgundian treatment of malolactic in barrel, and no filtering at bottling. The wine is gorgeously textured, medium-bodied, and elegant yet intensely flavored with a power and texture that build on the palate. The tannin is sweet, but noticeable, and the finish is long.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92-95 points.

Medium ruby-red. Sexy aromas of cherry, minerals, iron and smoked meat. Juicy and sappy for the year, with lovely energy to the concentrated flavors of cherry, minerals, smoke, flowers and earth. Very sophisticated, shapely wine with a long, ripely tannic finish throwing off notes of smoke, minerals and iron. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 93 points

(1) 3-Liter Château Quinault Grand Cru, 2005

Donated by: A Friend of CCMC 2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $600
Minimum Bid: $400
Buy Now: $500, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1011 - If You Loved Peter Michael and Helen Turley, you'll Covet Mark Aubert's Wines from Aubert and Ann Colgin. With prices-upon-release hitting the $250 mark and allocations at retailers in many cases of a single bottle, Colgin and Aubert have produced two of the greatest California Cabernet's and Chardonnay's respectively.
 
The Aubert Chardonnay was picked Domestic White Wine of the Year and the Colgin Syrah was picked as the Domestic Red Wine of the Year, both by Robb Report.  This is the first time that both wines of the year were made by the same winemaker.  The 2002 was the first vintage of the Syrah and was very, very limited.
 
Colgin grapes come from exceptional hillside vineyards with very special terroirs. These unique sites, coupled with the highest quality vineyard management and neo-classical winemaking techniques, produce wines with distinctive personalities. Each wine has a sense of place. They are seductive, hedonistic and memorable.
 
Colgin Cellar sis committed to sharing that success with those in need. Each year Colgin Cellars donates rare verticals and large format bottles to carefully selected charities involving health care, community services and the arts. Over five million dollars have been raised to date from our donations!
 
Colgin's favorite proverb:  "Over a bottle of wine, many a friend is found."
 
Winemaker notes from Mark Aubert:
 
"A richly organic nose of earth, cracked pepper and forest floor pervade the senses as lush fruit aromas of plum and ripe cherries breath in and out of the wine. On the palate this cabernet explodes with sweet, chalky layers of tannin. Because of the northeast facing slopes where they reside, the limited sun exposure allows the vines to produce fruit with true "vin de garde," or "wine to age," tannins. Upon release, the Herb Lamb Cabernet will be a mere baby in the scheme of its life, so I am recommending a minimum additional cellar aging of 5 years before opening, and given its history, the wine will continue to soften as it ages gracefully over the next 15 to 25 years, if you can bear to keep it unopened for such time."
 
We will release 210 cases of the 2002 "Herb Lamb Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon in November 2006. Release price was $275.
   
Cariad
 
Winemaker notes from Mark Aubert:
 
"Upon release I am impressed with how this wine unfolds to reveal a wealth of depth. This is the magic of a blend. The old cabernet vines from the Madrona Ranch vineyard make a superb backbone for the blend, both aromatically and texturally. When the blend reacts with air, it truly comes alive. Delicious aromas of smoked meats, roast duck, cedar, and rhubarb take over. From time to time, the wine opens up to even more layers of aromas like Asian spices, soy sauce, tree bark and plum sauce. The fragrant perfume and acidity contributed by the Petit Verdot bring freshness to the wine as well as added aging potential. The 1999 Cariad is a deliciously plush and rich wine that is soft enough to drink now, but will continue to gain power over the next 25 years. The wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months, without racking, and was bottled without fining or filtration in March 2001."

 
Winemaker, Mark Aubert's Tasting Notes-
 
"My first impression of the 2004 IX Estate Napa Valley Red Wine gives new meaning to the word intense. All components of this cuvee are deeply pitched in both color and aromatics. The enticing black color of this wine gives the assurance of ripe grape skins and soft tannins. Perfectly delineated are the aromas of fresh red berries and site specific aromatics such as black licorice and fresh black cherry juice. The high elevation of this outstanding vineyard site creates an average five degrees cooler temperature which means slower ripening, allowing flavors to stay ahead of sugar accumulation, preserving subtle nuances and creating fine acid structure. The tannins are silky and the mouth feel is one of the rich and full bodied phenolics. This soft tannin structure frames the ageability and reassures continued complexity during bottle ageing. This complex wine was only racked once for blending and bottling and was bottled in March 2006 without fining or filtration. The 2004 IX Estate Napa Valley Red Wine will continue to improve for decades or will drink well in 2 to 5 years near term."
 
Released 1200 cases of 2004 Colgin IX Estate Napa Valley Red Wine in April 2007. Release price $250.
 
The 1999 Cariad marks Colgin's first-ever bottling of a Bordeaux Style Blend. This Cariad is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, all from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch Vineyard and 5% Petit Verdot from reassures Thorevilos Vineyard, both in St. Helena. The word "Cariad" means love in Welsh. Ann Colgin discovered this word after the wedding invitations for Catherine Zeta-Jones (a native of Wales) and Michael Douglas' nuptials were sent with the words "love" and "cariad" engraved on each side. The wine is hedonistic in its complexity.
 
The color is dark and saturating with a surprising clarity for an unfined, unfiltered wine produced in the Bordeaux style. This wine embodies that structure that has become the hallmark of Colgin wines: bright jammy fruit aromas and character combined with soft ripe tannins. Strong black cherry and raspberry aromas lead into a beautifully balanced wine experience featuring fresh blueberry jam and an earthy freshness reminiscent of some of the finest wines from the Pauillac region of Bordeaux. A hint of slightly sweet tobacco leaf comes through in the background due to the 26 months this wine spent in the 100% new Taransaud barrels. The inaugural release of this wine offers a seductive experience now while the long, silky finish reflects a sublime balance between this rich oak and the focused structure of the tannins that will age beautifully for at least two decades.
 
Colgin released 450 cases of 1999 Colgin "Cariad" in November 2002. Release price $165.
 
Review by Robert Parker
Wine Advocate #142 (Aug 2002)
Rating: 91 points
Drink 2006-2018
 
The 1999 Cariad (450 cases) is a Bordeaux-like blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot that could easily pass for a high-class Medoc. It offers a complex nose of cedar, spice box, minerals, currants, and loamy soil, with well-integrated sweet oak, a layered texture, wonderful elegance, sweet fruit, and terrific length. It is hard to believe this wine was aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels as their influence is subtle. The vintage's austerity is evident in the wine's finish, so 3-4 years of cellaring is suggested. Anticipated maturity:  2006-2018.
 
Colgin's new proprietary red wine offering (which I referred to as Madrona Ranch in issue #132 of The Wine Advocate) has been officially named "Cariad" (Welsh for "love"). The fruit for this cuvee comes from Madrona Ranch, located in the northwestern corner of St. Helena. The only exception is a tiny amount of Petit Verdot (ranging from 5%-7% in the final blend) that emerges from a vineyard owned by David Abreu and Ric Foreman called Thorevilos.
 
Colgin, which is already a so-called "cult" wine, seems to have pushed the envelope of quality even higher ... as hard as that is to believe. As always, the truth is in the bottle ... in vino veritas.
 
Case production is less than 500 cases.
 
Mark Aubert left Peter Michael in 1999, replaced Helen Turley at Colgin and started his own label Aubert Wines. He purchased a 7 acre Chardonnay vineyard in 1999 and produced his first vintage in 2002 that is available here tonight. The Quarry Vineyard received   92-94 points from Parker and the Lauren 93-95.  His chardonnay cuttings came from Le Montrachet and his Pinot Noir cuttings came from Vosne-Romanee.
   
(1) 750ml Aubert Lauren Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, 2004
(1) 750ml Aubert Quarry Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, 2002
(1) 750ml Colgin Cariad Cabernet Sauvignon, 1999
(1) 750ml Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000
 
Donated by:  A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic
 
Pre-Auction Estimate:  $2,400
Minimum Bid: $1,800
Buy Now: $2,100, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1012 - Sebastiani Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley in Large Format

The rich fruit produced in this vintage coupled with the renowned soft tannins of this appellation created a powerful yet appealing wine. This Cabernet has lots of black cherry and toasted oak aromas with a note of dried herbs and black olives. There is an earthiness in the nose and flavor.

The addition of Merlot and Cabernet Franc to the blend makes for a perfect harmony of tannin and fruit and allows the deep, black cherry fruit concentration. It finishes with a deep cherry essence and soft tannins. Truly, a decadent California Cabernet, which can be enjoyed with marbled aged beef, lamb and mild cheeses. Smart Buy - Wine Anthology "Recommended"

Outstanding wine. Seductive aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and mocha. Great texture, with complex layers of cassis, plum, wild berry, with a long finish of chocolate and berries. Well worth the money. 88 Points Wine Enthusiast.

(1) 3-Liter Sebastiani Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005

Donated by: A Friend CCMC2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $210
Minimum Bid: $130
Buy Now: $160, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1013 - 95-Point Bordeaux in Magnum from Cos d'Estournel, 1995

A Second Growth Bordeaux estate, Château Cos d'Estournel is without doubt, one of the top producers in the St. Estèphe appellation, producing complex and intense, full-bodied wines. The château is often referred to as "super second," meaning that it produces wines at a quality nearing that of the First Growth houses. Cos d'Estournel wines contain a large amount of Merlot (40%), one of the highest percentages in the region, in fact; this gives the wines their wonderful fleshy, chewy texture.

A wine of extraordinary intensity and accessibility, the 1995 Cos d'Estournel is a sexier, more hedonistic offering than the muscular, backward 1996. Opulent, with forward aromatics (gobs of black fruits intermixed with toasty pain grille scents and a boatload of spice), this terrific Cos possesses remarkable intensity, full body, and layers of jammy fruit nicely framed by the wine's new oak. Because of low acidity and sweet tannin, the 1995 will be difficult to resist young, although it will age for
2-3 decades. Drink: 2001 - 2025- Robert Parker, Wine Advocate. 95 Points.

(1) 1.5-Liter Cos d'Estournel, 1995

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $650
Minimum Bid: $450
Buy Now: $550, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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LOT 1014 - Château Talbot, 2003 in 6-Liter Format

The equivalent of eight .750ml bottles, the 2003 Château Talbot is a Grand Cru extremely rare in this format that will last another decade.

"Aromas of blackberry, currant and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a chocolate and light vanilla aftertaste.
Subtle and long. Caressing texture. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2010.
31,785 cases made."=AD91 Points, Wine Spectator.

(1) 6-Liter Château Talbot, 2003

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $950
Minimum Bid: $650
Buy Now: $750, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1015 - Tonight guests will be able to enjoy each of the rare and acclaimed Champagne, White and Red Wines that have been paired with tonight's master chefs' dishes.

While one will, sadly, not be able to replicate tonight's repast, one would certainly be able to look back fondly on the wines they enjoyed at The Masters Classic dinner at home.

The wines are:

(1) 750ml Champagne Pommery
(1) 750ml Château Mouton Rothschild, 1998
(1) 750ml Opus One, 2004
(1) 750ml Turley Cellars Zinfandel, 2001
(1) 750ml Tenuta Dell Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove, 2003
(1) 750ml Guigal Condrieu, 2005
(1) 750ml Trimbach Gewurztraminer "Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre, 2000
(1) 750ml Château Coutet, 2002

Donated by: A Friend of the Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,700
Minimum Bid: $1,200
Buy Now: $1,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1016C - Four-Course Seasonal Dinner Menu for Six at Cavey’s Italian Restaurant in Manchester Featuring Some of The Finest French and Italian Wines

If one prefers the fine country Italian Riviera-style of Cavey's upstairs restaurant you will see why Cavey's has reigned supreme for 75 years as one of the state's premier dining destinations. It offers the best of both worlds--great cuisine; great wine.

Many hail Cavey's as the best restaurant in the state. The common denominator is the hands-on care lavished by chef-owner Steve Cavagnaro and his wife Kate.

Chef-owner Steve Cavagnaro, whose grandparents started the restaurant in 1936, has taken a special interest in the upstairs menu, overseeing its switch from southern to northern Italian.

Steve Cavagnaro will prepare a four-course seasonal dinner to be paired with the following five wines:

(1) 750ml Champagne Pommery
(1) 750ml Querciabella Bâtard, 2005 Italy's Greatest Chardonnay
(1) 750ml Faiveley Montagny, 2004
(1) 750ml Faiveley Nuits St. Georges, 2005
(1) 750ml Tignanello, 2003

Restrictions: Two weeks notice required. Date and time to be determined by mutual agreement. Dinner available Monday through Thursday, except holidays or if the restaurant is closed. Gratuity not included. Guests will be presented with a $25 per person server gratuity at the conclusion their meal.
All Wines listed are included.

Donated by: Cavey’s Restaurant and A Friend of CCMC

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,800
Minimum Bid: $1,300
Buy Now: $1,500, please contact Lori Lawlor at Lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1017 - So Very Limited. Araujo, a Cult Classic Five Bottle Offering

Araujo Estate is committed to producing estate wines of the highest caliber and distinction. Four different wines are produced: Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, Altagracia, a second estate Cabernet Sauvignon; Syrah Eisele Vineyard and Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard.

Fewer than 12 retailers are allocated Araujo wines in New York and New England and 42 nationally.

One half of production is allocated to the Vineyard's mailing list. The remainder is told to top restaurateurs and a handful of retailers worldwide. The California equal to a premier cru Bordeaux, Araujo's 38-acres east of Calistoga has a winery and cave complex built and designed only for Eisele Vineyards. Araujo has been recognized as one of the extraordinary cult wines produced in California. Miniscule production. Impossible-to-find. A blend of 84 % Cabernet Sauvignon; 7 % Cabernet Franc; 6 % Petite Verdot and 3 Merlot. The tannins are full, rich and supple. The wine combines rich, concentrated flavors with an acid structure reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux. A substantial wine now, its balance promises years of aging potential. Stunning

(2) 750ml Araujo Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyards, 2002

A wine not to be missed is Araujo¹s 2003 Sauvignon Blanc. A fragrant, exotic Sauvignon Blanc (two-thirds of the blend is the flamboyant clone of Sauvignon Blanc known as Musque) with 4% Viognier in the blend, it offers up tropical fruit, fig, mineral, and earth-like aromas. This elegant, crisp, medium-bodied, fresh but intense white seduces the taster by its aromatics alone, but the flavors hold up as well. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. 90 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

(1) 750ml Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998

“This seductive effort reveals more fruit, charm and lushness…it should prove to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy through 2011. Robert Parker 95 points

Limited. "Rich, earthy, decadent aromas are intense and enormously concentrated, with sharply focused, currant, pencil lead, mineral, sage and dusty berry flavors that offer uncommon depth and concentration. Finishes with an amazingly long and detailed aftertaste. Should be a 20-year wine, with ease. Best from 2006 through 2019." Wine Spectator 97 points

(1) 750ml Araujo Alta Gracia Red Wine, 1999

Good dark red. Cool but complex nose melds cherry, currant, cedar and lead pencil. Sweet on entry, then lively in the middle palate, with cool flavors of maraschino cherry, redcurrant, loam and mint. Higher-pitched and less pliant than the Eisele Vineyard cabernet, without the lush texture and ripeness of that wine. The tannins are less fine, but this second wine shows very good persistence. 90 points, Robert Parker.

(1) 750ml Araujo Vineyards, Syrah, 2000

“Wonderful depth, richness, texture and complexity to this, with tiers of leathery currant, earth, anise, sage and the hallmark mineral aftertaste…” Robert Parker 92 Points. Wine Spectator 93 Points.

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,300
Minimum Bid: $900
Buy Now: $1,100, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1019 - The equivalent of 18 - 750ml bottles has been assembled containing some of the highest rated and of course, unavailable wines in Magnum format. The lowest rated wine in the nine-bottle collection is at 90 Points; the highest at 98 points.

Patz & Hall 2006 Pinot Noir "Hyde Vineyard" Carneros
(1) 1.5-Liter Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard, 2006. 94-95 Points

Already showing the pedigree of the seductive cherry, strawberry, and spice aromas that form the fingerprint of this site's Dijon clone influence. The palate exhibits the expected smoothness and gives hints of how the delicate flavors will integrate. Vinfolio Drink: 2008 - 2015. Rating 94-95

Hyde has justifiably become one of the superstar vineyards in Carneros. This wine showcases aromas of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and woodsy forest floor. Expansive structure, coupled with silky tannins on the palate, is accented by highly extracted blueberry, blackberry pie, raspberry, fig, mocha and spice. With its array of aromas and flavors, this elegant wine displays excellent structure and complexity. The elongated finish is complimented by flavors of pomegranate and cardamom.

Cepparello, Toscana (Isole e Olena)
(1) 1.5-Liter Isole e Olena Cepparello, 2003. 94 Points

"94 out of 100....The 2003 Cepparello (100% Sangiovese aged in 100% new oak) opens with an intense nose of very ripe fruit and sweet toasted oak. Round and supple on the palate, it presents terrific balance in its expression of the hot vintage while preserving a surprising amount of freshness. It may not quite have the finesse of the 2004, but that is really splitting hairs at this high level of achievement. It is an awesome effort from the inspired Paolo De Marchi. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 94 points.

Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino
(1) 1.5-Liter Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino, 2001. 90 Points

A smoky, meaty core is rounded off at the edges by black cherry, maple syrup and a green-herbal note. Sour berry, cassis, peppercorn and wet pebble minerality ride over a long finish.. The Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

Phelps Insignia
(1) 1.5-Liter Phelps Insignia, 1999. 94 Points

The 1999 Insignia is dark, rich and intensely concentrated, with a firm, tightly wound core of currant, black cherry, mineral, anise, sage and mocha-laced oak. Well-focused, with firm acidity and firm yet supple tannins. A young blockbuster. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 94 Points.


Torbreck Descendant Shiraz
(1) 1.5-Liter Torbreck “Descendant” Shiraz, 2004. 98 Points

The 2004 Descendant, an old oak-aged blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier from a 12-year old vineyard, offers up notes of blackberries, ink, sweet truffles, and acacia flowers. There are 1,000 cases of this full-bodied, intense, rich blockbuster. It will drink well for 10-15 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 98


Torbreck “The Factor”
(1) 1.5-Liter Torbreck “The Factor” Shiraz, 2005. 97 Points

The 2005 The Factor is 100% Shiraz sourced from dry grown vines from six sub-regions of Barossa. It spent 24 months in 30% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored. The wine is beautifully integrated with enough well-concealed tannin to keep this wine evolving for a decade. The pure finish lingers for 60+ seconds to complete the experience of a totally hedonistic turn-on. Wine Advocate, 97 Points

Torbreck Shiraz “The Struie”
(1) 1.5-Liter Torbreck “The Struie” Shiraz, 2005. 94 Points

"The 2005 “The Struie” was sourced from cooler Eden Valley and Barossa Valley hillside vineyards. It is David Powell¹s attempt to showcase the cooler side of the region. Vine age ranges from 46-110 years old. The wine was aged for 18 months in older French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
It delivers a splendid bouquet of lead pencil, game, blueberry muffin, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by an elegant Shiraz which is nevertheless full-bodied, dense, and richly flavored. Plush on the palate, it has superior depth and length and the structure to evolve for 6-8 years.
Drink it through 2027." - Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 94 points!

Domaine Chevalier Grand Cru Pessac Leognan
(1) 1.5-Liter Domaine Chevalier Grand Cru Pessac Leognan, 2005. 91-94 Points

This beauty offers a strong argument that this may be the finest Domaine de Chevalier since the 1970. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, With soft tannin, medium to full body, beautiful opulence, impressive purity, and abundant tannin, it may close down after bottling. 10,000 cases made. Anticipated maturity:
2008-2025. Impressive! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91-94 points,

Palazzo
(1) 1.5-Liter Palazzo, 2005. 93 Points

Scott Palazzo produces one wine, a beautifully Right Bank Bordeaux Style wine. With only 1,100 cases made its one of those high demand wines typically not found outside of Thomas Keller inspired restaurants. A cult-wine-in-the-making. Wine Spectator 93 points.

"This blend of 70% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon may be the finest wine to emerge from this producer, who makes only 1,100 cases of an unfined/unfiltered, French-styled red. The sexy, Pomerol-styled 2005 exhibits aromas of chocolate, espresso roast, sweet cherries, and black currants. The fragrant bouquet is followed by a silky-textured, medium to full-bodied wine with lush, mocha-infused flavors that cascade over the palate. Drink this beauty now and over the next 10-12 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 93 Points

(1) 1.5-Liter Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard, 2006. 93-94 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Isole e Olena Cepparello, 2003. 94 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino, 2001. 90 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Phelps Insignia, 1999. 94 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Torbreck “Descendant” Shiraz, 2004. 98 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Torbreck “The Factor” Shiraz, 2005. 97 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Torbreck “The Struie” Shiraz, 2005. 94 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Domaine Chevalier Grand Cru Pessac Leognan, 2005. 91-94 Points
(1) 1.5-Liter Palazzo, 2005. 93 Points

Donated by: A Friend CCMC2008.org

Pre-Auction Estimate: $2,800
Minimum Bid: $1,900
Buy Now: $2,300, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1021 - Stunning Italian Superstars from 1991-2000

(1) 750ml Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Fattoria dei Barbi , 1991
(1) 750ml Argiano Brunello, 1994
(1) 750ml La Spinetta Barbaresco, 1995
(1) 750ml Argiano Rosso di Montalcino, 1998
(1) 750ml San Guido Sassicaia, 1998
(1) 750ml Antinori Tignanello, 2000

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Fattoria dei Barbi , DOCG, 1991

The Colombini family has had properties in Montalcino since 1352 and has owned the Fattoria dei Barbi since 1790. This Riserva of Brunello is made only in the best vintages from the oldest vineyards in Montalcino. The ageing in barrel and in bottle is longer, 36 months, then the one for the normal Brunello, thus the wine has a deeper concentration and a wider complexity of aromas. Best 2001-212. Wine Enthusiast 91 points.

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino, 1994

Full ruby garnet color, peppery-herbal and vanilla aromas, medium full-body, dark cherry and plum fruit flavors are supported by sweet tannins with oak finish. Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

Barbaresco La Spinetta 1997

A 100% Nebbiolo offering consistently outranks its brethren. Limited availability. In 1995 Rivetti family started to make their first Barbaresco Moderately sweet tannins, he Nebbiolo vines aged between 35 to 45 years old have produced an intense vibrant ruby red coloured wine. The warm and rich bouquet is showing the elegance of Nebbiolo with scents of ripe red fruits and spices while the well balanced wood also has influence. The palate is round, distinct, powerful, but with a long, fine fruit finish. Decanter ***

Argiano Rosso di Montalcino, 1998

Rosso di Montalcino is considered the younger sibling of Brunello. Also made from 100% Sangiovese, Argiano¹s Rosso di Montalcino is of noble pedigree. The variety is Sangiovese grosso, a selected clone perfectly adapted to Argiano¹s terroir. Medium-bodied, with good concentration, the palate is elegant and well-balanced with captivating flavors of red fruits, violet, menthol and earth. A generous wine with smooth and velvety tannins that will please all Sangiovese lovers! Wine Enthusiast, 89 Points.

Sassicaia 1998

''Lovely, subtle yet complex aromas of currants, sage and green olives lead to a full-bodied red with a solid core of fruit and well-integrated tannins. Still very reserved on the finish, but those who are patient should be rewarded. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2005. 13,000 cases made.'' - Wine Spectator 95 Points

Tignanello, 2000

A big, rich and spicy Tignanello, with hints of smoky wood. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Chewy. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2007. 27,000 cases made. (Wine Spectator, 90 Points

Donated by: Dr. and Mrs. Chester Humphrey

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,400
Minimum Bid: $900
Buy Now: $1,100, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1022 - 3-Liter Château Giscors, Premier Cru, 2003, 91 Points

Another wine for the decades. From a wine that Robert Parker feels might match one of the top Bordeaux vintages in a very are 3000ml format that will drink well into 2015.

Giscors should be taken seriously by consumers as the quality has been ratcheted up over the last 7-8 years. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2003 offers complex, evolved aromatics of wood smoke, chocolate, charcoal, black cherry jam, and cassis. Lush, medium to full-bodied, and broad, with low acidity, copious glycerin, and a layered, persistent finish (it lasts for 40+ seconds), this beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Aromas of blackberry, black olives and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Refined and nicely done. Best after 2010. 21,665 cases made. Wine Spectator, 91 Points.

(1) 3-Liter Château Giscors, Premier Cru, 2003

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $550
Minimum Bid: $350
Buy Now: $440, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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LOT 1023 - Grand Cru Château Talbot, 2003 and Château Quinault, 2005, 91-95-Point Classics in hard-to-find large formats.

(1) 3-Liter Château Talbot Grand Cru, 2003

Château Talbot is has a 'big, sweet nose of anise, crème de cassis, smoke, Provencal herbs, and some spice box, it is opulent, fleshy, not profoundly concentrated, but rich enough. Everything is nicely balanced with silky tannin and low acidity.' Robert Parker, Wine Advocate. 91 Points.

"Aromas of blackberry, currant and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a chocolate and light vanilla aftertaste. Subtle and long. Caressing texture. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2010. 31,785 cases made." JS Wine Spectator. 91 Points.

Chateau Talbot (St Julien) 2003: This is as good a wine from Talbot as I have tasted in a long time, and it has built on the early promise seen at the UGC tasting in 2005. 17+/20 (November 2006) Clive Coates.

(1) 3-Liter Château Quinault Grand Cru 2005

Château Quinault has produced a beautifully elegant, noble, racy 2005 Quinault l¹Enclos that rivals what this estate achieved in 2001, 2000,and 1998. The overall style is one of finesse, elegance, and minerality. Afinal blend of 70% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and rare 6 % Malbec receives the Burgundian treatment of malolactic in barrel,and no filtering at bottling. The wine is gorgeously textured, medium-bodied, and elegant yet intensely flavored with a power and texture that build on the palate. The tannin is sweet, but noticeable, and the finish is long.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92-95 points.

(1) 3-Liter Château Talbot, Premier Cru, 2003
(1) 3-Liter Chateau Quinault l'Enclos, 2005

Donated by: A Friend of The Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic

Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,000
Minimum Bid: $750
Buy Now: $850, please contact Lori Lawlor at lori@ccmc2008.org or 203-457-9791.

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Lot 1024 - Mondavi 2000 Cabernet Reserve Parker Called "One of finest efforts from vintage."