1 | Wine | California, 95 or higher, 2010

"In this vintage, the 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel is decidedly huge. An exciting array of dark red fruit, black cherries, incense and tar come together beautifully. At first large-scaled and sweeping in personality, the wine finds more refined registers on the finish, where floral notes add a measure of lift and finesse. Today, the 2010 is a baby, though."

"Smoke, tar, incense and licorice are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an especially dark, brooding vintage for Bryant. Cassis, pencil shavings and melted road tar emerge later, adding further complexity and nuance. Unlike the 2009, there is little in the way of early appeal. On the other hand, I see the 2010 drinking beautifully for many, many years. There is an underlying vein of minerality that gives the 2010 a sense of energy and focus."

"The 2010 Bettina is drop dead gorgeous. Mint, cloves, flowers, menthol and licorice are some of the many notes that burst from the glass. The 2010 is all about nuance, delineation and precision. There is a vibrancy to the 2010 that is simply striking. Dark blue and black fruit, balsamic notes, crushed rocks and pencil shavings are all layered into the powerful, mineral-infused finish. This is a stellar showing from Bryant."

"The 2010 is a breathtaking, stunning wine of the very highest level. It boasts superb integration of fruit, acidity and structure. Blackberries, camphor, licorice and white flowers are some of the many nuances that flow from this dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the aromas and flavors build effortlessly to the savory, totally satisfying finish. Togni’s 2010 is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. It is a monumental, epic wine in the making."

"One of the Lato flagship wines, the 2010 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard is simply stunning in this vintage. Layers of rich, dark fruit burst from the glass in this expressive, nuanced wine. Hints of bacon fat, crushed rocks, spices and tapenade emerge over time, but readers will have to wait at least another year or two before the wine-s full personality emerges."