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"This is a step up, with a level of glycerin that sets it apart from the pack, showing ripe, mouthfilling plum, fig and blackberry fruit laid over a nice graphite spine. Sweet tobacco and violet notes fill in on the lengthy finish."

"Heady aromas of raspberry, incense, potpourri and Asian spices; smells a lot like pinot. Lively red fruit flavors are complicated by cinnamon and anise, with tangy minerality adding lift and spine. Suave, precise wine with very good finishing vivacity and lingering sweetness."

"The nose here can only be described as frustratingly coy but very, very pretty. Core notes of warm blackberry and black cherry are joined by violets, black pepper, cloves, licorice and a touch of mocha. The palate promises at a wine of great purity, elegance and balance to come. Layer upon layer of dark fruit and spice flavours seamlessly wrap around crisp acidity and a wonderful texture of very fine, firm tannins. Very, very long finish."

"Firm and intense, with a tight core of dark berry, spice, licorice framed by chewy tannins."

"A huge, muscular wine. In 2005 the wine shows a decidedly fruit-driven, fresh style. The purity of fruit here is remarkable. The dark, brooding quality that is often present in the wine is absent, while floral, perfumed elements dominate in this vintage. The fruit remains dense, ripe and primary. From start to finish, this is a remarkable Bric del Fiasc."