1 | Wine | Page 232

"Like a basket of fresh-picked strawberries on the nose, subtly mixing on the palate with notes of ripe plum, violet, spice and graphite. Shows fine harmony, with a long, smoke-tinged finish."

"The grand vin is the result of an increasingly strict selection process, with approximately 50% of the production going into the final wine and the balance used in the Croix de Beaucaillou. The 2009 may be the finest example of this cuvee I have yet tasted. Up-front, precocious and generous, it possesses a dense purple color, a big, broad, unctuous texture and abundant notes of creme de cassis and black cherry fruit intertwined with hints of wood smoke, vanillin and earth. This nearly viscous-styled wine can be drunk in 2-3 years or cellared for 15+."-Robert Parker

"Concentrated, juicy and jammy, our classic Zinfandel's bright blackberry and ripe plum fruit is complemented by the characteristic black pepper spice tones that give the varietal its invigorating zestiness."

"Aromas of wild strawberry and cherry. Dark cedar notes with a hint of mint and dried herbs. Ripe, medium weight and good volume with fine tannins and spicy length - finishing with dark fruits and savoury cedar."

"This wine is a rich, full bodied red made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has delicious ripe blackcurrant fruit and a delicate touch of spice. Ideal to accompany well-seasoned red meat, pork or lamb."

"From a 70-year-old vineyard, this outstanding red wine offers notes of melted chocolate, black cherry jam, cedarwood, charcoal and damp earth. Rich, dense, supple-textured, fleshy and medium to full-bodied, it should drink well for 4-5 years. As are all of the wines in this report, it is a very impressive value."-Robert Parker