1 | Wine | $10 to $20, 86 or higher | Page 5

"The 2010 Chablis Cuvee Massale is another striking wine graced with exquisite finesse and crystalline transparency. The old-vines Cuvee Massale is from a 4 hectare parcel planted with vines that are nearly 50 years old. It is very promising in this vintage."

"Bright medium ruby. Spicy aromas of raspberry and blackberry with hints of coffee and game. Lush but also juicy and pure on the palate, with attractive balance and sweetness to its dark berry and violet flavors. This rather wild malbec's ripeness and supple texture are enlivened by very good balancing acidity. An excellent value." -Stephan Tanzer

"Tasted from tank, into which it had been assembled just two weeks beforehand, the Morin 2011 Sancerre Vieilles Vignes – which will as usual be a cuvee solely for the U.S. market, and bottled unfiltered – brims with bright lime and grapefruit; apple and honeydew melon, offering a lovely balance between lees-enrichment and refreshing vivacity. There is a chalky sense of mineral impingement to the vibrantly zesty, invigorating, yet persistently succulent finish of this buoyant (incidentally, 12.7% alcohol) Sancerre that should drink well for the next 3-4 years if not beyond."

"It displays a similar aromatic and flavor profile as the Peitan but with a creamier texture, and greater depth, concentration, and length. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 3 years."

"Pronounced citrus aromas of grapefruit and kumquat with an undercurrent of lime leaf and green apples. Light to medium-bodied, the palate shows very good balance, with expressive citrus flavor, lively acid and a medium-long finish."

"Another stunning value from Yecla, the 2011 Vinos Sin Ley Monastrell (100% Mourvedre from organic vineyards) possesses a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, and chalky, earthy soil, and a heady, rich, full-bodied finish. It combines elegance with richness despite the fact that this area is known more for the rusticity of its wines than their finesse." -Robert Parker

"Black cherry, fig, roast beef, bouquet garni, licorice and soil notes. Deep, medium to full-bodied, rich and well-textured, it should drink well for 4-5 years." -Robert Parker

"The 2010 Chianti Classico is beautiful, pointed and articulate. Sweet red berries, anise, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the many notes that flow from this gorgeous Chianti. The freshness and vibrancy are pure 2010."

"Fun and festive, with floral raspberry and graham cracker aromas leading to crisp and succulent lemon and strawberry flavors. A reliable value in California bubbly."

"Dark ruby-red. A pungent floral quality lifts the aromas of black cherry, plum, espresso and licorice. Stewed plum and dark currant flavors show a restrained sweetness, with elevated acidity and mounting dry tannins cutting off the finish. In a ripe style but turns a bit dry and alcoholic at the back."