1 | Wine | What's On Sale, 91 to 95, 2009

"Fresh boysenberry and purple plum are garlanded with bitter-sweet flowers; tinged with brown spices; underlain with clean red meatiness; and suffused with saliva-liberating salinity in a Pinot of refined tannins and outstanding persistence."

"Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a complex, intense, layered, spicy, succulent wine with impeccable balance and length. Although it can be approached now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring."

"The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano caresses the palate with dark plums, smoke, licorice and spices, all in a soft, seamless style that is ideal for drinking over the next few years. This is a lovely, beautifully balanced wine."

"With a somewhat fresher and very red pinot-infused nose that is followed by detailed, intense and firm medium-bodied flavors that possess good energy and punch on the mouth coating and somewhat linear finish. I like this as it has good development potential as well as a bit more mid-palate flesh though it is not a classic young Beaune as the mouth feel is somewhat stern."
Reviewed by: Allan Meadows

"All the best elements of the vintage and house style come together in HdV’s 2009 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard. The fruit is a bit richer, riper and more voluptuous than in most HdV wines, which serves to balance the cool, vibrant style the estate favors. The 2009 impresses for its length, persistence and spherical finish. This is a great showing from HdV."

"Offers a mix of melted black licorice, currant, dark berry, spice and savory herb notes that are firm, structured and rich without being weighty."

"In a darker, balsamic vein, this red evokes tar, black cherry, underbrush and tobacco flavors. They're all held together by the dense, fine tannins. Oak spice emerges on the taut finish."

"Silky tannins frame a core of expressive dark red fruit. Floral and spice notes are nicely woven throughout. This textured, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to age gracefully for another 7-10 years, but it is awfully good right now."

"The 2009 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso impresses for its richness and sheer power. Mocha, sweet spices, plums, blackberries and herbs wrap around the palate as this intense wine shows off its pedigree. Layers of flavor build to the deep, intensely satisfying finish. The 2009 is complete and harmonious from the very first taste."