1 | Wine | Page 403

"A dry, rich rosé, with a creamy bead and a smoky undercurrent to the flavors of dried cherry, black licorice, blood orange, savory herbs and biscuit. There's a firm backbone of racy acidity, but this is well-meshed and very refreshing."

"Jammy and lively, this red exhibits raspberry and cinnamon aromas that follow through to youthful cherry and smoky pepper flavors, which are still coming together. Needs time."

"Intensely spicy nose displays fresh blackberry, violet and cola, with a vanilla nuance gaining strength with air. Stains the palate with sweet, vaguely medicinal cherry and dark berry flavors, picking up spiciness and smokiness on the back half. Shows good clarity and intensity on the juicy, persistent finish. An outstanding value."

"A firm, fresh red. ...with a smoky baseline and balanced flavors of black cherry, damson plum, violet, polished oak and spice. This is structured by bright acidity and chewy tannins that come to the fore on the finish."

"The 2008 Guado al Tasso is once again fabulous. In fact, it may be Tuscany’s most improved wine over the last few years. Firm, vibrant tannins support expressive layers of dark fruit, plums, cherries, sage, espresso and mocha. The wine shows fabulous detail and nuance in a translucent, totally seductive style, with tons of focus, drive and verve. It is a striking wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years."

"Sweet, and full of caramel and butterscotch flavors, without the complexity and length. A good introduction to Malmsey."

"The uncomplicated, luscious, round, medium-bodied, pure, endearing 2011 Cotes du Ventoux is loaded with strawberry and cherry fruit. It is made primarily from Grenache with some Syrah included in the blend to provide a deeper color as well as more weight." -Robert Parker