1 | Wine | Grenache, 91 to 95

"Inky purple. Ripe black raspberry and cherry liqueur scents are brightened by zesty pepper and allspice nuances. Plush and sweet, with powerful cherry and red berry compote flavors given lift by juicy acidity. Gains flesh and depth on the impressively long, spicy finish, which is given shape by fine-grained tannins."

"It reveals copious aromas of raspberry jam, black currants, kirsch, flowers and forest floor, full body, terrific fruit, lots of complexity already, and a multidimensional mouthfeel."-Robert Parker

"The 2006 Grenache Hickinbotham Vineyard, from a vineyard planted in 1920 is exceptionally aromatic with notes of crushed rock, smoke, violets and black cherry".

"One of my favorite offerings from the Bodegas Borsao is the 6,000-case cuvee of the 2010 Tres Picos. Made from 100% Garnacha aged in equal parts stainless steel and French oak, this is the Bodegas Borsao's interpretation of Chateauneuf du Pape. (But when's the last time you saw a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape priced at $17 - about 30 years ago?) Deep notes of roasted herbs, sweet black cherries and raspberries, peppers and spice soar from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Full-bodied, rich, ripe, silky textured, pure and long, this unbelievable value should drink well for 3-4 years." -Robert Parker

"A nose of toast, smoke, earth, black cherry and black raspberry. Full-bodied and very rich, this impeccably balanced wine conceals enough tannin to permit 8-10 years of evolution in bottle".

"Another incredible value and full-throttle wine made from 100% Grenache.... This offering, from very old vines and aged completely in concrete, is a naked, unadulterated, unmanipulated effort with great minerality (from the chalky, limestone soils) and an intensity and richness (from the old vines) that are normally found in $50+ wines. As I told Eric Solomon, at these ridiculously low prices, consumers will never suspect the wines are at this level of quality. This outstanding 2011 offers loads of kirsch, raspberry, licorice, garrigue and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied and dense, it is best consumed over the next 2-3 years. A killer value, it is a custom cuvee made for Eric Solomon by proprietor Nuria Altes."

"Spicy, deeply concentrated black raspberry and boysenberry on the nose, with seductive Asian spices, lavender and incense qualities emerging with air. Sappy red and dark berry preserve flavors are enlivened by juicy minerality and pick up exotic spice and floral notes on the back end".

"Plenty of spicy cherry fruit on the palate. Firmly structured".

"Bright red. Sexy aromas of candied red fruits and potpourri, with a spicy topnote. Dense and supple, with very good energy to its sweet cherry, raspberry and spicecake flavors. At once silky and powerful, with a dry, mineral-driven finish that shows impressive energy and harmonious tannins."