4 | Wine | What's On Sale, 86 to 90, 2011

"Possibly the single greatest dry red wine value in the world, this is an unbelievable wine. And don’t complain that you can’t find any, as there are 15,000 cases available, and any wine retailer worth his weight should be stockpiling this wine next to the cash register. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by classic aromas of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries, loamy soil and flowers. This medium to full-bodied wine possesses remarkable depth, an expansive texture and wonderful freshness as well as purity. On taste alone, this beauty could easily sell for $30-50 a bottle."

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

"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

"Dark ruby. Lively redcurrant and cherry on the nose, complicated by spice and floral elements. Juicy, vibrant cherry and floral pastille flavors show very good depth, with juicy acidity adding clarity and lift. Aeration brings up deeper blackberry and anise notes that carry through a spicy persistent finish. This has to be one of the best red wine values out there."

"Smoke, violets, incense, and black cherry aromas set the stage for a surprisingly elegant, lengthy wine that offers superb value."

"Dark ruby. Red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by subtle pepper and spice. Juicy and seamless, offering plum raspberry and cherry flavors and good, straightforward appeal. Finishes smooth and spicy, leaving a bitter cherry note behind. Offers very good value, with a blend of energy and power that allows it to work with a wide variety of foods."

"It has a dense, saturnine bouquet with blackberry and gravel notes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, supple blackberry and bilberry notes with a rounded, harmonious finish. This is very fine and well-crafted."

"Pronounced citrus aromas of grapefruit and kumquat with an undercurrent of lime leaf and green apples. Light to medium-bodied, the palate shows very good balance, with expressive citrus flavor, lively acid and a medium-long finish."

"Succulent, with fresh passion fruit, lime and white grapefruit flavors that are bright and very juicy, joined by hints of jasmine and green apple on the finish."

"Aromas of white peach, floral notes, and a hint of tropical fruits (especially pineapple) inform the nose of a crisp, spicy, dry wine that is meant for drinking over the next 1-2 years. It is an excellent value."