1 | Wine | Page 50

"Our 2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and blackberry. This wine has an earthy and robust character, which is framed by subtle hints of oak from French and American barrels. This wine showcases the extraordinary dark fruit flavors that result from the unique growing conditions of the Russian River Valley."

"Ripe tree fruit and heady notes of baked apple are supported by layers of caramel, brown spice and toasted oak flavors."

"DaVinci Chianti is a well-balanced wine of medium weight with jammy flavors of ripe plums, cherries and red fruit. It has a deep crimson color and is a lively wine with a soft mineral finish and round tannins that linger in long, peppery finish. This wine pairs perfectly with all starters, pastas and meat dishes."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags’ Leap District (Napa Valley) is quite pretty in this vintage. A warm, resonant bouquet laced with espresso, plums and spices meld into expressive dark berries as this mid-weight, polished Cabernet opens up in the glass. Hints of raspberry jam, rose petals and mocha are layered into the persistent finish. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is rarely inexpensive, but this is about as good as it gets for the money."

"An extraordinary perfume of crushed black currants, licorice, wet stones, and subtle background oak. ...are found in this tannic, dense, masculine-styled 2006. Backward and extraordinarily pure, it is built like a Manhattan skyscraper with exceptional focus, depth, texture, and length." Reviewed by Robert Parker.