1 | Wine | Page 48

"A flavorful rose with excellent balance. It's ideal with any meal or as a cocktail."

"Bright and luminous to the eye, with orchard fruit and spice on the nose. Apples and vanilla on the palate, with citrus suggestions and minerals emerging in the finish. This is textbook Chardonnay that displays a surprisingly broad range of flavors, and is a diamond in the rough at this price point."

"An excellent bargain, this 100% Tempranillo (80-100-year old vines) was aged completely in stainless steel. Patrick Mata told me that the village from which it emerges has only 95 residents, all of whom are grape farmers! This may be the “bargain of the year” in my tastings. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black cherry jam, licorice, blackberries and subtle hints of earth, pepper and meat. Drink this medium to full-bodied, rich, layered red over the next 2-3 years." -Robert Parker

"As with the prior vintage, 2011 Signature Chardonnay was shaped by a cool, slow-ripening season and displays intricate aromatics and rich, persistent flavors. A tempting bouquet mingles lemon blossom and jasmine with citrus, then unfolds intriguing notes of nutmeg and quince. Generous flavors of lemon custard, pears and apples are wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel, while a streak of stony minerality gives the wine zest and complexity. The oak is exceptionally well-integrated, offering spicy qualities that linger on the finish."

"The 2008 Reserva has dark cherry, cassis and graphite on the nose. The palate has a sappy nose with blackberry, raspberry and a touch of soy towards the finish. The tannins are ripe and quite “thick,” lending the 2008 admirable substance considering the vintage."

"Aromas of underbrush, brier, spice box, lavender, and assorted black fruits leads to a mouth-filling wine with good balance, some complexity, and 1-2 years of aging potential (not that there is any reason to defer gratification)."