2 | Wine | Red, $10 to $20

"There are aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, vanilla and a slight eucalyptus note. In the glass there are refined flavors of red cherry, cassis, blackberry, plum, spice and tobacco. Our 2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has good structure and complexity along with an old world style balance."

"A major sleeper of the vintage, this blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is another “best ever” performance. Notes of tobacco leaf, hot rocks, sweet kirsch and black currants are impressively displayed in this medium to full-bodied, velvety textured, very seductive style of wine. Drink it over the next decade." -Robert Parker

"A rich, luscious texture with well-tempered tannins and beautifully layered notes of spice and oak."

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is striking. Succulent dark cherries, flowers, mint and licorice burst from the glass in this exuberant, sexy Riserva. The tannins are nearly buried by the opulent fruit, but the wine retains great balance, while avoiding any sense of heaviness. The 2009 captures the heat and richness of the year while never abandoning its classic sense of structure. This is a superb wine from Monsanto with plenty of upside potential. Sweet floral notes add an elegant, feminine touch to the finish."

"A beautiful sleeper of the vintage, this is possibly the best wine I-ve ever tasted from this over-achieving estate near St.-Christoly-de-Medoc. A blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot, this wine normally sells for about $15 a bottle, making it an absolutely staggering value in the worldwide marketplace. The 2010 exhibits classic cedar wood, tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, licorice and some balsam wood notes in a strong, medium to full-bodied, layered style with good opulence, purity and overall harmony. A real beauty, it should be drunk over the next 4-5 years." -Robert Parker

"Displays aromas of blackberry, plum and a hint of mocha. This elegant wine has dark fruit flavors framed by plush tannins. Finely integrated characteristics of black spice black pepper and maple combine to create a long, velvety finish."

"An impressive cab at this price. Full bodied, broad and powerful, with flavors of blackberry, currant and cedar. Some dusty oak is noticeable but not dominating, balanced by supple tannins, herbs and hints of vanilla. A no brainer for steak night!" - Barb Steadman, Binny's Des Plaines