3 | Wine | Red, 2009

"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

"Explosively perfumed nose displays raspberry, fresh rose and sexy oak spices. Lush but energetic, with vivid red berry flavors and a silky, seamless texture. Turns more tangy on the finish, which clings with very good tenacity."

"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."

"Gentle, silky and appealing for its warm red berry, cherry and herb flavors. Cocoa overtones enliven the finish."

"Complex aromas of red and dark berries, Indian spices and violet, with slow-building smokiness. Taut and focused on the palate, offering lively bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors that pick up weight with air. Juicy and nicely concentrated Cotes du Rhone with strong finishing punch and lingering spiciness."

"Bright, full ruby. High-toned aromas of red berries, violet and wild herbs. Dense and sweet but also juicy, with a creamy, fine-grained texture to the complex flavors of red and black fruits and exotic dried herbs. Nicely energetic Chianti, finishing with sweet tannins and excellent length."

"Simi 2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon follows up on its deep, dark garnet color with lifted, pretty aromas of clove, cinnamon, hints of cedar, mint chocolate, and toasty oak notes that beautifully frame dark fruit. Compelling flavors of cassis, blackberry, and plum along with black pepper, cedar, and clove keep this dark and somewhat brooding wine from being too serious. This medium-to full-bodied Alexander Valley Cabernet will bring out the best in roasted mushroom and wild nettle pesto pizza, or charcoal-grilled beef carpaccio with asiago-onion salad."

"The 2009 Torre di Ciardo is Merlot with a dash of Sangiovese aged in cement and used, neutral oak. Dark blue and black fruit, licorice and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from this juicy, full-bodied wine. The 2009 boasts exceptional balance, with polished tannins that round out a gorgeous finish."

"A sexy, seductive, up-front effort revealing loads of berry fruit along with hints of Provencal herbs, licorice and smoked meats. Evolved, ripe, round, full-bodied and loaded, it can be drunk now or cellared for a decade." 90-92 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.