1 | Wine | Page 289

"This has beautiful intensity. Aromas of blackberry and dried mushroom follow through to a full body, with silky, refined tannins and a long aftertaste of bright fruit. Juicy and delicious on the intense finish."

"Dark red with purple hues, the 2011 Grand Cuvee is bright and vibrant with a nose of sweet raspberries, bakers chocolate, violets and tea leaves. It is broad and soft across the palate with great lenth from the balance of tannis and acidity. Flavors of coconut, plum, leather and cherry cola linger on the palate."

"The finest La Bernadotte made to date, this 2009 is an undeniable sleeper of the vintage... It reveals a dense purple color along with a big, sweet kiss of black cherries, black currants, charcoal, and spice. With layers of fruit, decent acidity, freshness, and precision, and an opulent, fleshy, succulent style, it should drink easily for a decade or more."-Robert Parker

"Compelling nose offers black cherry, black raspberry, bacon fat, smoked meat and white pepper. Thick but lively on entry, then superconcentrated in the middle, with a fascinating sweetness and perfume to the black fruit and pepper flavors. Finishes very long and brisk, with a suggestion of candied fruit, serious but ripe tannins, and lovely smoky persistence. A beauty." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Reminiscent of strawberries, plums, violets, and cherries, the 2011 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is vibrant and delicious in its youth yet has the soft, focused tannins to suggest ageing with grace."