1 | Wine | Page 330

"The cool 2011 vintage has yielded a lovely, aromatically driven expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir marked by layered floral notes of rose, carnation and violet, as well as delicate hints of red fruit and spice. On the palate, the flavors are vivid and pure, with red cherry and raspberry fruit supported by soft, yet enlivening acidity. The tannins are supple and subtle, adding to this wine’s weight and velvety texture, with oak-inspired notes of cinnamon, clove and maple syrup contributing nuance and complexity. All of these elements lead to a long creamy finish, with melt-in-your mouth tannins. This is an exceptional food wine that will provide lots of pleasure in its youth."

"Deep purple in colour. The fragrant nose displays aromas of lifted perfume characters from the Viognier combined with subtle dark berry fruit and a hint of spice and pepper. The palate is elegant and finely balanced displaying dense berry fruit, overtones of spice and finishing with some fine powdery tannins."

"Deep red. Highly perfumed aromas of cherry, raspberry and baking spices, plus a hint of mocha. Sappy and seamless in texture, with very good depth and clarity to its spicy red fruit flavors. Fine-grained tannins come on late and add shape to the long, penetrating, spice-dominated finish. Pretty tasty right now but this elegant wine's balance bodes well for aging."

"Saint-Véran is very close stylistically to Pouilly-Fuissé, with its golden-green hue, its intense fruity, flowery nose and its refreshing flavors. It can be enjoyed very young, two-to-three months after bottling. Yet, give it one or two more years to fully appreciate its complexity."

"Bright ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry and Asian spices, with a subtle smoky quality. Zesty and precise, with tangy red and dark berry flavors that show very good focus and pick up a touch of allspice with air. Closes sweet and long, with no obvious tannins and very good clarity."

"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."

"This wine shows fresh, black fruit and dark cherry aromas and flavors, with spice notes. This concentrated, structured wine has great volume and mouthfeel, with fine length on the finish."