1 | Wine | 2009, 750 ml | Page 4

"It has a well-defined strawberry, Morello and shortcake-scented bouquet infused with fennel and licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, expressive red berry fruit tinged with burnt toast and white pepper, and an elegant, caressing finish that speaks of its place. This is a very commendable Rioja."

"This St.-Julien is actually made at Ducru Beaucaillou and is designed to offer exuberant cassis fruit with an unmistakable northern Medoc personality. The dense ruby/purple 2009 is delicious, with low acidity and lots of cassis, Christmas fruitcake and spice box. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has no hard edges, and is an attractive, velvety wine to drink over the next 7-8 years. A sleeper of the vintage."-Robert Parker

"The wine aromas open up to blackberry and cassis with a hint of cedar in the background. The wine has a rich entry, which leads to a full mid-palate and a long, soft finish. The flavors mimic that of the aroma with dark fruit and a hint of chocolate on the finish."

"Lot 283 features a voluminous nose of black and blue fruit, cherry liqueur and cappuccino oak notes. The palate is expansive yet elegant featuring the signature vibrant fruit of the 2009 vintage, hints of black licorice, espresso and a solid core of tannins that stretch the wine out tremendously."

"Good bright red-ruby. Cherry, redcurrant and flowers on the nose. Supple on entry, then a bit youthfully clenched in the middle, showing good grip to the flavors of cassis, minerals, licorice and herbs. Not hugely rich or fleshy but has good structure. A tad dry and peppery on the finish. This wine was to have been bottled in April."

"All of the Cabernet Sauvignon is from our Reserve Block here at the Estate. The 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shows the intrinsic black stone fruit nuances and the soft tannin structure that define our Oakville, Napa Valley-floor Cabernet. The Reserve Cabernet gets every ounce of special care a winery can devote to its flagship wine."

"This is a big, serious, back-strapping wine meant for long-term aging. In fact, I wouldn-t touch it for another 4-5 years. It is clearly the most masculine, concentrated and structured wine of the Canon-Fronsac area. A lot of Merlot is in the wine, but Cabernet Franc and possibly a little Cabernet Sauvignon are also included. This inky purple wine displays notes of Asian plum sauce, creme de cassis and blackberry liqueur as well as a hint of lead pencil shavings. Big, full-bodied, and seriously endowed, this massive Canon-Fronsac needs time to calm down. However, everything is present - acidity, tannin, extract and substantial richness. This is an impressive wine as well as a sleeper of the vintage."-Robert Parker

"Bright and focused, showing a sandy accent to the spicy cassis and thyme flavors, with a polished texture on the harmonious finish. Offers complexity and depth."