1 | Wine | Page 413

"Smell of black berries and prunes. Well structured taste thanks to a nice minerality and a silky texture, realizing a complex and harmonious taste."

"Sexy, high-pitched aromas of blackberry, cherry-cola, graphite, mint and cured tobacco. Suave, sweet red and dark berry and candied violet flavors stain the palate, with silky tannins providing shape. With air, the minty quality gains strength and carries through the sweet, sappy finish. This energetic wine suavely combines depth and vivacity."

"Finally we have returned to the great La Dominiques made in 1989 and 1990. This has much of the style of the 1990, with supple tannin and loads of spicy fruitcake, licorice, cassis and kirsch-like notes that jump from this dense ruby/purple wine. Fat, fleshy and full-bodied, with beautiful richness, purity and length, this wine will be approachable in its youth yet last for two decades (just like the 1989 and 1990)."-Robert Parker

"This firm white is focused by a backbone of racy acidity, offering kumquat, grapefruit zest, apricot and melon flavors, with honey and apple blossom hints. Shows lovely balance, with a mineral note lingering on the finish."

"Vivid red. Pungent, highly aromatic bouquet of red berries, candied cherry, Asian spices and fresh rose. Round and supple but energetic, with lively raspberry, cherry, floral pastille and cinnamon flavors. Gains depth on the suave, intensely floral finish while maintaining excellent vivacity."

"Violets and dark berries, with loads of aromas. Full-bodied, with a gorgeous core of sweet and ripe fruit. Long and dense, yet stylish. 10 acres. Next to Clos Fortet. 90 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Franc." -Wine Spectator, 94-97 pts.

"This is a solidly made, modern-style St.-Emilion from nearly eight acres of vineyards, with one parcel planted in 1901. Yields were just 25 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine hit 13.8% alcohol. Consultant Stephane Derenoncourt teams up with proprietor Michael Bortolussi to produce this rather showy, flamboyantly styled St.-Emilion with an opaque ruby/purple color, plenty of sweet plum, black currant, and black cherry fruit with some licorice, roasted herbs, and sweet oak. An intense 2009, this wine has good acidity, high but ripe tannin, and should drink well for 15 or more years." -Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 90-92 pts.

"Full gold. A perfumed, complex bouquet evokes dried pit fruits, honey and toasted nuts, with floral and beeswax accents adding complexity. Deep, fleshy and broad, offering chewy peach, pear skin and candied almond flavors lifted by gentle acidity. Closes with firm grip and very good persistence, leaving floral and honey notes behind."

"Bright ruby. Pungent aromas of cherry, dark berries, licorice and mocha, with a subtle note of cracked pepper in the background. Juicy, penetrating bitter cherry and cassis flavors unfold to show a richer plummy character. Closes smoky and long, with gentle tannins and lingering spiciness."