1 | Wine | 91 to 95, 2009 | Page 5

"Richly layered and detailed, but thoroughly mouthwatering, this lets lacy citrus, floral and white peach flavors meld into a core of quince, fig and persimmon fruit, while warm piecrust and honey roasted almond notes drive through the finish. Very long, with superb cut despite its power. "
-Wine Spectator, 94 pts

"This is comparatively timid on the nose, giving very little away at the moment despite rigorous coaxing. But the palate is very promising, very well balanced, very focused with a fine citrus attack on the entry, fanning out towards an apricot, white peach and lime tinged finish that shows a great deal of unctuous honeyed fruit on the finish. This is an exuberant Doisy-Vedrines that yearns to offer pleasure."

"A rich and jammy style, but with enough structure and balance to keep this vibrant. Aromas of cherry pie and pepper lead to zesty blackberry and licorice flavors."

"Lemon peel, spices and honey on the nose. Full-bodied, with a dense yet elegant structure. Medium sweet, with a spicy finish. Stylish. Very well done."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Monument is a beautiful wine. Dark cherries, mocha, plums, spices, mint, minerals and graphite are woven together in this effortless, totally captivating wine. The 2009 impresses for its nuance, clarity and precision."

"Luisa Ponzi decided not to make any vineyard designates in the 2009 vintage so the 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve was the beneficiary of that fruit. Dark ruby red in color, it exhibits an alluring perfume of cedar, Asian spices, incense, lilacs, black cherry, and black raspberry."

"A spectacular effort from this estate rivaling their 2005, but more flashy/flamboyant, this dark ruby/purple wine has a strikingly intense nose of licorice, flowers, plums and dark berries. Medium to full-bodied, very approachable and silky, this suave, very sexy wine can be drunk early on as well as aged for 20+ years."-Robert Parker.

"Aromas of blackberries, unsmoked cigar tobacco and cedar/sagebrush jump from the glass of this dense purple-hued Pauillac. Full-bodied with more depth and richness than usual as well as moderate tannins, this potential sleeper of the vintage offers 15-20 years of aging potential. Moreover, it is modestly priced. Purchasers should give it 4-5 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following two decades."-Robert Parker

"A very lush, flattering style, with creamed peach, pear and mango flavors backed by crème brûlée and toasted coconut notes. The long, ginger- and spice-filled finish drips with unctuous tropical fruit. A hedonistic beauty."

"The 2009 Red Blend emerges from the glass with freshly cut flowers, mint, spices, minerals and pure, crystalline, dark red fruit. This is a gorgeous wine endowed with remarkable finesse. The style is weightless, elegant and totally refined. I especially like the way the wine fleshes out in the glass."