1 | Wine | 91 to 95 | Page 2

"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."

"Firm and finely meshed, with hints of passion fruit and pineapple mixing with poached apple, almond pastry and fleur de sel. Mouthwatering and lightly smoky on the lingering, refined finish."

"The 2003 is a big, powerful Champagne that will require quite a bit of time to shed some of its baby fat. The trademark textural finesse is there, though. I expect the 2003 to be a highly divisive Champagne because of its extreme personality, but then again, many of the world’s legendary wines were made from vintages considered freakish at the time. The 2003 is an atypically, rich, powerful, vinous Dom Perignon loaded with fruit, structure and personality. It is not for the timid, but rather it is a wine for those who can be patient. No one has a crystal ball, but personally I will not be surprised if in 20 years’ time the 2003 is considered an iconic Champagne."

"Refined, with a sweet, smoky undercurrent to the flavors of glazed pear, candied lemon zest and golden raisin, with a hint of marzipan. Racy acidity frames—but doesn't dominate—the wine, with a spicy note lingering on the finish."

"A sexy, seductive, up-front effort revealing loads of berry fruit along with hints of Provencal herbs, licorice and smoked meats. Evolved, ripe, round, full-bodied and loaded, it can be drunk now or cellared for a decade." 90-92 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The 2010 Chianti Classico is beautiful, pointed and articulate. Sweet red berries, anise, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the many notes that flow from this gorgeous Chianti. The freshness and vibrancy are pure 2010."

"Aromas of toasty oak, graphite, balsamic, incense, and black fruits are followed by a dense, powerful Tempranillo from the great 2009 vintage. Rich, savory, and pleasure bent, it is a great value."

"It has a superb bouquet of peach skin, pear and a hint of lime flower that has a Riesling-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and a precise, mineral-rich finish that shows what Torrontes can do in the right hands. Excellent."

"Bright orange-pink. Suave, highly perfumed aromas of strawberry, cherry, potpourri and musky herbs, with a mineral overtone. Juicy, focused, refreshingly bitter red fruit flavors are complemented by a note of toasty lees. Closes with lingering spiciness, very good precision and a persistent note of juicy red berries."