1 | Wine | Page 66

"The American importer produces a slightly different blend called Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard, and the 2009 and 2010 are essentially identical in quality. The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Girard reveals slightly more meatiness and garrigue notes than the 2009, but the two wines are similar in every other aspect. Full-bodied, rich and pure, it, like the 2009, will evolve over the next 10-15 years." -Robert Parker

"A lively, light wine displaying fresh flavors of fruit and lemon sorbet."

"This St.-Julien is actually made at Ducru Beaucaillou and is designed to offer exuberant cassis fruit with an unmistakable northern Medoc personality. The dense ruby/purple 2009 is delicious, with low acidity and lots of cassis, Christmas fruitcake and spice box. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has no hard edges, and is an attractive, velvety wine to drink over the next 7-8 years. A sleeper of the vintage."-Robert Parker

"A faint lactic note on the nose, along with grapefruit, flowers and spearmint. Good cut to its grapefruit and mineral flavors. Finishes fresh and firm."

"Deep, dark opaque garnet. Ripe black berry fruit with a subtle hint of toasty oak. Red and black berry fruit flavors with hints of dried plums, fresh acidity and a long finish with fine, elegant tannins"

"The 2010 Chianti is ridiculously great. Juicy dark cherries, mint, flowers and violets are some of the many notes that jump from the glass in this exuberant wine. The pure vibrancy of the year comes through in spades. This is easily one of the greatest values in Italian wine."