1 | Wine | 91 to 95, 2004 | Page 5

"Exotic, highly aromatic nose combines pear, vanilla, allspice, clove, crushed stone and chamomile. Rich on entry, then densely packed, juicy and mineral-accented, with imploded flavors of citrus and orchard fruits, vanilla bean and candied ginger. Finishes with noteworthy cut and clarity, repeating the spice and vanilla notes."

"Exotic bouquet of red berries, cherry, minerals and baking spices. Silky and sweet, offering fresh raspberry and cherry-cola flavors, suave tannins and gentle violet pastille and graphite qualities. Very elegant and impressively understated, with enticing juiciness on the finish. "This wants to be Burgundy," noted Guigal." 94-95 pts.

"Loads of currant and blackberry, with hints of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Round and generous for the vintage."

"Vibrant red berry and floral aromas are complicated by dried rose and smoky Indian spice notes. Deeply concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors display liqueur-like sweetness brightened by hints of candied flowers and black pepper. The spicy note lingers on the long, lively finish, which repeats the red fruit element. I like this wine's vivacity and clarity."

"Shows seductive aromas of rich currant, with mocha and espresso bean oak. Deep, complex, intense and concentrated. The long, full, persistent finish has firm, ripe tannins and lays the fruit and oak out in spades."

"Refined and balanced, this elegant red delivers blackberry, espresso, tobacco and spice flavors in a dark but alluring package. Has intensity without heaviness, with a long, perfumed finish."

"The 2004 Langhe Conteisa, from vineyards in La Morra, is especially dark-toned and rich in this vintage. Made in an uncharacteristically weighty, opulent style for this wine, it reveals plenty of ripe dark fruit, spices, new leather, licorice and tar. With air it gradually turns more feminine and delicate, yet it remains a gorgeous, sumptuous wine of outstanding pedigree."

"Reveals impressive richness in its wild cherries, sweet herbs, spices, minerals and tobacco that meld with a high-toned bouquet. This gorgeous, medium to full-bodied Brunello blossoms on the palate as intricate layers of fruit continue to emerge with a wonderful classiness. The long, harmonious finish leaves a lasting impression. This is a terrific effort from Costanti."

"A firm Champagne, with vibrant acidity enlivening a core of spiced berry and cherry fruit flavors, candied citrus peel and floral notes. There's a subtlety to this wine, despite an intensity that builds toward the finish."