1 | Wine | Page 265

"Deep purple, with a nose of subtle smoke, graphite, blueberry and black raspberry fruit as well as some spring flowers, in the mouth a touch of oak makes an appearance, but the wine is full-bodied, rich, inky and unctuously textured due to the high glycerin and alcohol that hits 14% plus. This beauty should drink well for up to two decades."-Robert Parker

"Our newest release of Cabernet Franc makes a strong case that the 2010 vintage was perhaps the best ever for this variety. Black cherry, red raspberry, and dark currant aromas leap out of the glass. Upon contemplation, nutmeg, cloves and other warm spices emerge yet even more exotic notes such as cocoa, fennel or dark bittersweet chocolate may elude the palate until barely a sip remains. This is a luscious and supple red with the extraction and power to age for many years. The wine is a blend from three different vineyard sites fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for ten months in neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel. A powerful example of what this special grape can do on the North Fork."

"Saturated ruby. Pungent cherry and dark berry aromas, with spice and floral nuances adding complexity. Sweet and concentrated, but with excellent cut and vivacity to its dark fruit flavors. Builds and deepens toward the back, finishing with a sappy floral quality and resonating spiciness. Offers very good richness of flavor with no excess fat."

"Vivid red. A sexy, heady bouquet evokes black raspberry and cherry compote, with Asian spice and sandalwood nuances gaining strength with air. The palate offers intense red berry and floral pastille flavors, along with spicecake and cola accents. Closes with impressive energy and sweetness, leaving an allspice note behind."

"Concentrated black fruits intermixed with spring flowers, some high class, subtle toasty oak, graphite and a touch of blackberry and cassis all jump from the glass of this dense, full-bodied, formidably endowed, massive wine. It needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring. This could turn out to be one of the longest-lived wines ever made at Fonplegade, lasting 25-30 or more years." -Robert Parker

"An elegant wine laced with dark cherries, plums, licorice, new leather, mint and French oak. All of the elements come together beautifully in this silky, mid-weight Brunello. The vibrant, eternal finish makes it hard to resist a second taste. This subtle, impeccably refined Brunello can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will be even better in another few years."