3 | Wine | Red | Page 3

"Open-textured, velvety and appealing for the rhubarb pie-accented currant and floral flavors, lingering on the expressive finish against fine tannins."

"Smooth and velvety, with a fresh, lively feel to the blueberry and plum flavors. A hint of nutmeg marks the finish."

"Opaque purple and thick in the glass, this wine has inky, supercharged aromas of ripe blackberry and spice. It feels amped up but balanced, with more intensity and clarity than what most other $18 reds offer. The flavors of wild berry, mild herb and chocolate finish in a rich, toasty wrapping."

"Elegant and complex aromas of bing cherries, cranberries, red currants, raspberries and strawberries, a combination of wild flowers and fresh forest berries that epitomize Oregon Pinot Noir. The juicy red fruit flavors open the attack then evolve in the mouth to darker fruit flavors with spice and mineral overtones. The wine shows ripe tannins and a succulent texture that give definition and lift to the surprisingly long finish."

"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."

"Chewy, nicely focused and appealing, with ripe black cherry and licorice flavors that dance deftly on the finish."

"No oak is used in this totally naked red. It emphasizes minerality and fruit, as evidenced by its crushed chalk-like notes intermixed with sweet kirsch, lavender and licorice. This fresh, medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, hedonistic as well as intellectually challenging wine should drink well for 2-3 years." -Robert Parker

"This elegant and medium-bodied wine has delicate aromas of violet and rose petals, complex flavors and long silky textures, with layers of strawberry and raspberry leading into a long refined finish."