1 | Wine | Page 51

"Bright red-ruby. Ripe aromas of sweet red cherries macerated in alcohol, cedar, cinnamon and pepper. Suave and seamless, with soft, almost-overripe flavors of redcurrant jam, red plum syrup, stewed red plum and tobacco leaf. A very distinctive and much creamier than usual Tignanello, finishing with supple tannins and excellent length. Obviously the product of a warmer year, and though this outstanding Tignanello is a touch less refined than some recent standout vintages, it's hard to argue with its sweet, soft style and early drinking appeal. No need to cellar this too long."

"Clean and crisp with tropical fruit and bright citrus flavors. Slow malolactic fermentation with time on the lees help to create a full, rich mouth-feel that perfectly balances the bright acids and stainless steel ageing. We love the depth and intensity in this 100% unoaked Chardonnay and a lower RS adds to its complexity."

"This deep-ruby Merlot opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, dried herbs and tea. On the palate, it is dry and full-bodied, with layers of black currant, cherry, bittersweet chocolate and tobacco supported by bright acid and broad tannins. The finish is long and memorable."

"All of the Cabernet Sauvignon is from our Reserve Block here at the Estate. The 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shows the intrinsic black stone fruit nuances and the soft tannin structure that define our Oakville, Napa Valley-floor Cabernet. The Reserve Cabernet gets every ounce of special care a winery can devote to its flagship wine."