1 | Wine | 95 or higher, 2007 | Page 5

"It is a seductive yet extraordinarily complex wine that should prove to be a future super-star. The 2007 Estate Cuvee State Lane Vineyard boasts an inky/plum/purple color as well as a complex bouquet of melted licorice, chocolate, creme de cassis, mocha, and sweet forest floor aromas. Full-bodied and layered with exquisite purity, texture, and length, this large-scaled offering reveals a supple texture along with 20-25 years of drinkability." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"No Hommage a Jacques Perrin was made in 2008, but the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin is an utterly perfect wine. Composed of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and the rest Counoise and Grenache, this prodigious effort boasts an inky/blue/purple color to the rim in addition to an exceptional bouquet of camphor, roasted meats, blueberries, black cherries, black currants, truffles, beef blood, pepper, and incense. The sumptuous aromatics are followed by a wine of compelling intensity, full-bodied power, perfect balance, laser-like focus, and a finish that lasts more than a minute. The 2007's texture reminds me of the 1998 Jacques Perrin, and the freshness of the fruit and explosive aromatics are to die for. There are only 500 cases of this legend in the making, but for those lucky enough to find any, it will last for 40-60 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"No Hommage a Jacques Perrin was made in 2008, but the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin is an utterly perfect wine. Composed of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and the rest Counoise and Grenache, this prodigious effort boasts an inky/blue/purple color to the rim in addition to an exceptional bouquet of camphor, roasted meats, blueberries, black cherries, black currants, truffles, beef blood, pepper, and incense. The sumptuous aromatics are followed by a wine of compelling intensity, full-bodied power, perfect balance, laser-like focus, and a finish that lasts more than a minute. The 2007's texture reminds me of the 1998 Jacques Perrin, and the freshness of the fruit and explosive aromatics are to die for. There are only 500 cases of this legend in the making, but for those lucky enough to find any, it will last for 40-60 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The 2007 Barolo Lazzarito is a superb, plush wine loaded with dark fruit, flowers of all sorts, sweet menthol and minerals, all of which flow through to the long, powerful finish. The wine's inner perfume emerges over time, adding even more nuance and subtlety to this big Barolo. The 2007 Lazzarito is far from an open, easygoing wine, in fact it needs time, and lots of it."

"The 2007 Les Pavots...is brilliant. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by gorgeously complex aromas of melted chocolate, espresso roast, blackberries, and cassis. Full-bodied with a superb texture, a subtle note of oak, and fabulous concentration, it is more reminiscent of a Right Bank Bordeaux than one expects with this much Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A thirty-year wine, its impeccable balance and the sweetness of its tannins make it accessible already."-Robert Parker.

"Wonderfully complex aromas lead to firm, intense and concentrated flavors, showing a well-structured mix of black licorice, blackberry, plum and black cherry, with touches of graphite and mineral. Ends with tight, chewy yet ripe tannins that support the flavors."

"Shows violet, cream, mineral, mint and blueberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with fabulous fruit and polished, velvety tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. The balance is wonderful. Deep and beautiful. Hard not to drink now."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is striking in this vintage, just as it was in 2006. Freshly cut flowers, spices, mint, licorice and tobacco are some of the many notes that jump from the glass in this highly expressive, engaging Brunello. The 2007 shows the freshness and energy of this hillside site on the Montosoli hill with the generosity of the vintage, a very appealing combination in my book. The finish is pure silk and finesse. Once again, the Voliero Brunello is one of the most exciting and complete wines of the vintage."