1 | Wine | Page 331

"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."

"Winner’s Tank 2009 Shiraz presents a very deep purple-black color and intense nose of warm blackberry and blueberry preserves, mulberries and spice. Crisp, rich and full in the mouth, it gives medium-firm chewy tannins and a long warm-berry finish."

"One of the stars of the vintage, this elegant, smoky wine has hints of barbecue pit intermixed with sweet black currants and cherries. Dark purple and medium to full-bodied, its impressive finesse and wonderful purity make for a surprisingly forward style of Smith-Haut-Lafitte to drink over the next 15 or so years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Offers a stunning aromatic display of jammy black fruits, balsam wood, dried herbs, licorice, and a Provencal/garrigue smell. Some peppery notes even came through. Full-bodied, concentrated, and fat, with high glycerin levels, a chewy, plush, succulent personality, sweet tannin, gobs of fruit, and a long, heady finish." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"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."

"The 2009 Chianti Colli Senesi is a striking, fleshy Chianti graced with exquisite red berries, flowers and spices. It shows terrific mid-palate sweetness to match a soft, caressing finish. Floral notes add brightness on the close. This is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. The 2009 is one of the finest vintages I can remember tasting here."

"Blackberry and licorice aromas perked up by violet and spices. Juicy and moderately deep, with dark fruit flavors complicated by tobacco and cedar. Not a fat style for this bottling but boasts a solid acid/tannin spine and very good balance--not to mention fruit intensity." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Black cherry and cranberry, vanilla roasting on an open fire, plum and other exotic aromas all hint at a deep and complex wine. The wine’s entry is bright and deceptively soft, hiding the underlying structure of firm fine-grain tannins. Layers of fruit with pleasing notes of toast and chocolate envelop the palate. The finish is lingering and savory, inviting another sip of our 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon."

"All of the elements come together beautifully in the 2007 Barolo San Rocco. ...a wine that captures the essence of this great vintage as seen through the lens of one of Serralunga’s top sites. A dark, sensual Barolo, the San Rocco offers up a compelling array of blueberries, blackberries, smoke, licorice, spices and menthol. The finish is round, enveloping and powerful. There is an element of mystery to the San Rocco that is particularly intriguing."