3 | Wine | $50 to $100, 2010

"Medium-bodied, with good acid, sweet berry fruit, some pepper, incense and spice." -Robert Parker

"Combines richness with elegance and finesse, offering intense, focused citrus-laced pear, honeysuckle and melon notes that expand on the lingering, flavorful finish."

"Graphite, crushed rocks, wild flowers and dark red cherries are all wrapped together in firm, intense Pinot that isn’t ready to show all of its cards just yet".

"The 2010 vintage has delivered a beautifully fragrant wine with layered aromas of blackberry, cassis, cinnamon cake, anise, cardamom, tobacco leaf and mocha. On the palate, the entry is soft and smooth with blueberry and bittersweet chocolate flavors, as well as notes of red currant, cedar and sweet spice. The tannins are firm and youthful on the long finish, adding structure and the promise of a long life in the cellar."

"Black garnet in hue, concentrated aromas of black currant, blackberry and lavender delight. Freshly cut flowers, cedar, caramel and violets entice the palate. The fruit is pure and elegant, displaying faceted layers of dark cherry, cassis and plum. Velvety tannins wave together with layers of milk cocoa, anise and graphite to create a charming and lengthy finish."

"More backward and concentrated, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as dense, black raspberry, black currant, garrigue, licorice and lavender characteristics. Full-bodied with undeniable elegance, minerality and precision, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should keep well for 15-20." -Robert Parker

"Beautifully proportioned, with a rich mix of currant, blackberry, dried herb, mocha, cedar and tobacco flavors. This is also very tightly structured, worthy of a long decant or short-term cellaring."

"The 2010 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia shows off tons of concentration and sheer depth. Mocha, espresso, dark cherries and plums are some of the many notes that take shape in the glass. The 2010 is a decidedly powerful, virile wine endowed with considerable power. It will be interesting to see how the layers of flavor flesh out once the wine has been bottled. For now, the 2010 is a highly promising Serre Nuove."