1 | Wine | Page 240

"Glass-staining ruby. A fragrant bouquet evokes cherry-vanilla, violet and spices. Juicy and open-knit, offering zesty red and dark berry flavors and a touch of vanillin oak. Finishes smooth, gently sweet and long, with the cherry note echoing. This is already approachable."

"Opening with powerful violet-red hues, this wine has a tremendous concentration of ripe cherries and juicy candied fruits. The palate is intense in rich, ripe, dark fruits balanced by soft tannins and a lovely spicy mouthfeel. It is well structured, soft but lively, ending with a lingering velvety finish."

"One of the cru bourgeois estates in the empire of Bernard Magrez, this may possibly be the best wine Les Grands Chenes has yet made. From old vines (average age 45) in the very northern part of the Medoc, the final blend of 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc hit 14% natural alcohol. The wine displays loads of espresso roast, black chocolate, creme de cassis, forest floor and tobacco leaf in a full-bodied, opulent, and flamboyant style. Dense, rich and deep in fruit, it exhibits the plush, silky tannins that are a signature of Michel Rolland, the overall consultant for all of the Magrez estates. Drink it over the next 7-8 years."-Robert Parker

"An aromatic and flavorful red, with rose, cherry, licorice, tobacco and briar notes. Both supple and vibrant, this has an elegance that belies the extremely dense tannins. Shows excellent length, with an aftertaste of fruit, underbrush and mineral."

"The NV Extra Dry Prosecco di Valdobbiadene from Sorelle Bronca shows off lovely varietal character and a crisp, refreshing finish laced with green apples and flowers."

"Surprisingly good, the medium-bodied 2008 Crozes-Hermitage exhibits aromas of tomato skin, roasted Provencal herbs, red and black currants, cherries, spice and earth. It should drink well for several years." -Robert Parker

"The N.V. Fine Tokay is amber colored with flavors of honey, fig, citrus fruits, and orange marmalade."