1 | Wine | Page 350

"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

"Deep red color with violet-like red highlights. Complex. Softly combined varietal and oak aromas. Red berry fruit and vanilla. Concentrated, complex, pleasant and long finish."

"Bold aromas rise out of the glass, recalling blackberries and black cherry cola supported by hints of spicy cloves. A rich texture on the palate supported by supple tannins make this wine a perfect combination of finesse and power. Fine grained tannins on the finish give this Cabernet Sauvignon a dryness that nicely complements its broad mouthfeel and lush flavors. This wine’s is a perfect complement to a seared Ribeye steak with herb butter or a portabello mushroom burger."

"The estate’s 2007 Barolo Brunate sweeps across the palate with endless layers of expansive fruit. The Brunate shows fabulous intensity and depth in an uncharacteristically rich, opulent style for Marcarini. Despite the wine’s richness there is plenty of Brunate character, particularly on the finish, where menthol, pine, resin, spices and a host of other balsamic notes speak with great eloquence."

"One of the stars of the vintage. ...and a remarkable achievement in 2008, with impressive richness, this dense purple colored wine is almost as opaque as the 2010. Spring flowers, crushed rocks, creme de cassis and some subtle oak are followed by a full-bodied, concentrated wine that transcends the vintage character in its power, richness, and aging potential. It also exhibits tremendous precision, purity, and depth of character." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"White flower, lime and crushed rock. The bright acidity is balanced by juicy nectarine and papaya with the luscious mouthfeel of barrel–aged Chardonnay'.

"A gorgeous, totally voluptuous wine, the 2009 Insignia bursts from the glass with exuberant blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, cloves and cassis. In 2009, the Insignia is silky and polished, yet there is considerable underlying tannin that needs time to soften. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the huge, structured finish. I imagine the 2009 Insignia will enjoy a broad drinking window. It is striking today, but also clearly has the stuffing to age for many, many years."