1 | Wine | France | Page 173

"Bright gold. High-pitched citrus and pear aromas are complicated by suave honeysuckle and spice nuances. Very fresh and focused, with impressive power and vivacity to its sappy orchard fruit and lemon flavors. Shows an array of floral qualities on the persistent finish, which features notes of buttered toast and candied citrus fruits."

"Light on its feet, delivering intense flavors of apple, lemon, butterscotch and clove. The flavors build on the palate, with an undercurrent of vibrant acidity, to a long, spicy aftertaste."

"Bright and creamy. ...this well-balanced Champagne offers flavors of white peach, pear, candied grapefruit zest and pastry, joined by a briny hint of oyster shell. The firm acidity presents itself as a lively zestiness that is very appealing."

"Features a bright, lively, leafy edge, with cassis bush and tobacco framing the slightly tangy core of red currant and black cherry, showing a solid note of iron. Cuts a distinctive profile, displaying sappy intensity through the finish."

"If you want to impress a friend with a pure, hedonistic St.-Emilion that also offers an intellectual challenge, the 2012 Croix de Labrie, a St.-Emilion fruit bomb, is the wine for you. Unfortunately, the 250-case production means this cuvee is limited in availability. Aromas of incense, Christmas fruitcake, Asian plum sauce, blackberries, licorice and truffles soar from the glass of this dense plum/purple-colored wine. Opulent, voluptuously textured and medium to full-bodied with no hard edges to be found, it will drink well for a decade after bottling." -Robert Paker

"A gorgeous effort, the 2012 Domaine de Chevalier, made from a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon that reached 13.5% natural alcohol, boasts abundant notes of creme brulee, lemon custard, candle wax and oranges in its beautifully rich, honeyed personality. Great acidity gives laser-like precision to its component parts. Drink this full-bodied white wine over the next 2-3 decades." -Robert Parker