1 | Wine | Shiraz / Syrah, 95 or higher

"The fabulous 2011 Cornas Granite 30 is one of the great wines of the vintage. Elegant, with a black/blue color, sweet tannin and loads of spring flowers, crushed rocks, smoked game and blackberry fruit, this textured, loaded, supple, accessible 2011 should drink nicely for 15 or more years." -Robert Parker

"An absolute monster as well as a candidate for perfection, the 2007 Cote Rotie La Landonne was vinified with 100% stems (whereas the 2007 La Turque was completely destemmed). The result is an opaque purple-colored wine displaying beautiful aromas of camphor, incense, balsamic notes, blackberries, cassis and an ethereal, subtle graphite character. Terrific intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning length make for an exquisite wine that will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, and last for 40-50 years." 98-100 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The 2007 Cote Rotie La Turque is more masculine, dense and full-bodied, offering up notes of charcoal, truffles, asphalt, blackberries and hints of roasted meats, new oak and earth. Powerful and rich with silky tannins as well as a muscular style, it tastes as if it came from a completely different appellation." 97-99 pts, reviewed by Robert Paker.

"The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Cote Rotie La Mouline will be bottled around the time this report is released. A superb effort made in the style of the 1991 (which is drinking beautifully at age 20), the 2007 displays silky, velvety tannins, a seamless integration of acidity, alcohol and tannin, and a luscious bouquet of charcoal, lychee nut, black cherries, raspberries and forest floor. Full-bodied, opulent and irresistible, this complex, supple 2007 can be enjoyed now and over the next two decades." 95-97 pts, reviewed by Robert Paker.

"The 2007 Hermitage Ex-Voto is a flamboyant, exuberant, showy effort that flirts with perfection. Its nearly overwhelming perfume of spring flowers, balsamic notes, blackberries, cassis, melted licorice and espresso roast is followed by an intense, full-bodied wine with silky tannins, massive concentration and a finish that lasts over a minute." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Inky purple. Exotic bouquet combines wild dark berry, cherry compote and licorice, lifted by notes of potpourri and cracked pepper. At once dense and juicy, with a compelling sweetness to its intense blackberry, boysenberry and violet pastille flavors. Bright acidity and a deep Moroccan spice quality give this wine energy and aromatic persistence. The blue fruits continue on the finish, which refuses to let up." -Stephen Tanzer

"It has an alluring bouquet of cedar, Asian spices, pepper, boysenberry, plum, and blackberry. This leads to a full-bodied yet elegant Shiraz with a velvety texture and impeccable balance. It offers up gobs of ripe fruit flavors, serious depth and concentration, and a very long finish. It will continue evolving with an additional 6-8 years of cellaring and drink well through 2035."

"This red offers a gorgeous beam of currant and fig paste, surrounded by ample supple tannins and notes of coffee, worn leather, violet, licorice snaps and iron. The long, rich finish has nice detail now, but better to cellar this for maximum effect."

"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."