1 | Wine | Fronsac, $20 to $50, 86 or higher

"This is a big, serious, back-strapping wine meant for long-term aging. In fact, I wouldn-t touch it for another 4-5 years. It is clearly the most masculine, concentrated and structured wine of the Canon-Fronsac area. A lot of Merlot is in the wine, but Cabernet Franc and possibly a little Cabernet Sauvignon are also included. This inky purple wine displays notes of Asian plum sauce, creme de cassis and blackberry liqueur as well as a hint of lead pencil shavings. Big, full-bodied, and seriously endowed, this massive Canon-Fronsac needs time to calm down. However, everything is present - acidity, tannin, extract and substantial richness. This is an impressive wine as well as a sleeper of the vintage."-Robert Parker

"Juicy and nicely packed, with a succulent core of plum, blackberry and crushed black cherry framed by slightly austere charcoal and tobacco leaf notes. Racy acidity drives the finish and should knit the dark fruit and minerality together."

"The basic Fontenil has a deep bluish purple color and relatively hefty alcohol at 14.5%, but it is not noticeable in this full-bodied, layered, opulent wine, with lots of black raspberry fruit intermixed with some blueberries and crushed rock. Both of these wines have a good 10-15 years of potential in a fine cellar."-Robert Parker