1 | Wine | Page 257

"Beautiful, dark and brilliant burgundy red from the center of the rim. Aromatics of wet stones, black cherries, ripe raspberries, cassis, tobacco and forest floor notes jump from the glass. Note of iris, cinnamon, spice and huckleberries. In the mouth, the attack opens with red fruit flavors and minerals which transform into darker fruit flavors as the wine moves along the palate. Firm ripe tannins and a rich texture characterize the long finish with lingering flavors of red fruits and wet stones."

"The 2011 Guenoc Lake County Petite Sirah has intense aromas of red raspberry, licorice and baked blueberries. The wine has a medium body with melt in your mouth tannins and layers of spicy complexity. A refreshing acidity on the palate contributes to an extraordinary long finish which echoes the delicious flavors throughout."

"Straw yellow. Aromatic, delicate and fragrant."

"An overachiever in this vintage. Crushed flowers, pine, resin, menthol and herbs add layers of complexity to the racy, super-ripe red fruits. Despite its generosity, this remains an understated, representative Gattinara with lovely balance and harmony."

"Good bright, deep red. Cool aromas of black cherry, licorice, tobacco and tar. The palate shows a restrained sweetness to the flavors of cherry, spices and loam (I got a note of Rutherford dust here). Broad and fairly full, finishing with substantial tongue-dusting tannins and a slight dryness."