3 | Wine | Unrated, 2007, 375 ml

"This has a much more precocious nose than other 2007s: honey, apricot, peach, a touch of spice, mandarin and a soupcon of warm alcohol, in other words, quintessential Doisy-Vedrines. The palate is full-bodied, viscous on the entry and maintaining good balance, fine acidity cutting through the rich honey, quince and apricot fruit, with great definition and vitality towards the botrytis-rich finish. There is real pedigree here, and the 2007 surely represents their best wines since the triumvirate of 88, 89, and 90. This is a benchmark Doisy-Vedrines."

"The 2007 Dolce is youthfully fruity with layered aromas ranging from fresh-baked lemon bars to honey and caramel. In the mouth, the citrus aromas shift to peach and pineapple flavors. The silky entry evolves into a creamy and coating texture that is rich yet balanced through the finish. Concentrated and fruit-driven, this vintage will reveal additional layers of aroma and flavor along with a perfumed bottle-bouquet in the years to come."

"It displays classic Rioja aromas of cedar, leather, mineral, a hint of balsamic, and assorted black fruits. Layered on the palate but slightly austere at present, it has the structure to evolve for another 4-6 years at which point it is likely to have filled out thus meriting a higher rating."