3 | Wine | Red Blend, 2008 | Page 4

"Pungent cherry, violet, licorice and herbs on the nose. Dense and chewy, offering bitter cherry and dark chocolate flavors and a hint of candied flowers. Spicy and focused on the very persistent finish, with the cherry note echoing strongly. Nicely concentrated and balanced to age."

"The 2008 Clos Figueras is more deeply colored with an already complex aromatic array of smoke, minerals, incense, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. Full-bodied with a sense of elegance, this precision-balanced, suave offering will continue to provide pleasure through 2023."

"Good red-ruby color. Deep aromas of plum, redcurrant, graphite and cocoa. Then plush but shapely in the mouth, with harmonious acidity framing the flavors of currant, plum, chocolate, tobacco and wild herbs. Rich and sweet but still youthfully subdued. This big, broad, restrained wine finishes with dusty tannins and excellent subtle persistence. Classy and claret-like." -Stephen Tanzer

"Only made in select years (2007 and 2003 thus far), Ode to Lorraine is a wine made in homage to Al and Cameron’s mum, who remains the “uberboss” of the operation. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Shiraz and 8% Merlot, the 2008 Ode to Lorraine spent 18 months in new and seasoned French and American hogsheads. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives intense blueberry, black currant and spice box aromas with hints of prunes, licorice and some earth. Rich and full-bodied with medium to firm grainy tannins and plenty of enlivening acid, it finishes long with layers of mulberry and spice flavors. Approachable now, it should soften more in a year or so and drink best from 2012 to 2020+."

"The 2008 Guado al Tasso is once again fabulous. In fact, it may be Tuscany’s most improved wine over the last few years. Firm, vibrant tannins support expressive layers of dark fruit, plums, cherries, sage, espresso and mocha. The wine shows fabulous detail and nuance in a translucent, totally seductive style, with tons of focus, drive and verve. It is a striking wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years."

"This compact red slowly opens to reveal dense, layered flavors of plum sauce, fig paste, game and iron. Fresh, with integrated tannins and a long, mocha- and spice-tinged finish. Decant or set down for the short term."