1 | Wine | Page 233

"The 2005 Barolo Falletto offers up a gorgeous bouquet of red cherries, flowers, spices and menthol. This is a relatively delicate, elegant Barolo Falletto yet it offers gorgeous balance, tons of inner perfume and a long, refined finish. It is one of the overachievers in 2005."

"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."

"This is exotic, with a touch of orange cream, along with vanilla and brioche toast flavors. Just lacks a little staying power on the 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

"Quite representative of New Zealand sauvignon blanc: Very crisp and zesty, with flavors of tart green apple, pear, lime and of course the signature Marlborough grapefruit. Quite refreshing and a very good value." - Barb Steadman, Binny's Des Plaines