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"Deep ruby. Aromas of ripe cherry, cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate, with a touch of cola. Lush, layered and focused, with a creamy texture and hefty dark fruit flavors. Shows the ripeness of the year but there's good energy here too. Finishes with smooth tannins, a hint of licorice and very good length. I'll bet that this will be even better in a couple years but it's approachable now."

"Even sexier than the 2008, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as considerably sweeter and rounder than its older sibling. Layers of expressive fruit linger on the radiant, juicy finish. This is an especially open and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. The sweet tannins should allow it to drink beautifully upon release."

"This beauty is ideal for drinking over its first decade of life. The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits plenty of forest floor, sweet kirsch liqueur and raspberries, medium to full body, and a luxurious mouthfeel, with silky tannins and a long, heady finish." 90-92 points, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Supple and appealing for the clarity of the cherry and dark plum flavors, lingering on the polished finish."

"Tough-edged, earthy and leathery, though deeply concentrated and muscular. Built around a core of dense dark berry fruit, mineral, cedar and graphite, this is not the early-allure charmer it's been in recent years."

"Robust, offering plenty of fresh black cherry and plum flavors that are extremely juicy and intense, with cigar box and spice details and firm tannins."

This wine was named #93 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Tight and backward, this has dense, almost chewy layers of fig, currant and plum cake behind a very solid wall of cedar, roasted vanilla and charcoal notes. There's serious grip on the finish, with an iron edge that won't quit."

"Aromas of pear, green melon, cucumber, peach, Mandarin orange blossom, and white flowers. The palate is laced with flavors of lemon, lime, green apple, and grapefruit. The combination of oak and stainless steel gives the wine smooth texture and weight and a kiss of oak without overpowering the vibrant fruit aromatics. The finish is bright in acidity with flavors that linger on the palate of cantaloupe, orange blossom, Asian Pear, and lemon cream pie."

"Golden green reflections. Discreet aromas, not quite opened, with a hint of ripe orange. A taste of fruit drops and lemon peel. Will become smoother with time."