4 | Wine | Less than $10, 86 to 90, 2011

"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

"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."

"Glass-staining ruby. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, smoky minerals and white pepper, with a suggestion of candied rose. Supple on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, with vibrant flavors of black and blue fruits and floral pastilles. Finishes with powerful blue fruit and spice notes and very good length."

"Deceptively complex, tight and vibrant, with a slow rise of citrus-laced mineral, green pear and honeydew melon notes that build on the finish, where a touch of nutmeg adds dimension."

"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."

"Sweet and appealing for its lemon curd and apple pie flavors, lingering easily."

"Copious amounts of rich raspberry, black cherry and currant fruit. Medium-bodied and ripe with good glycerin, purity, texture and balance, it should drink nicely for 2-3 years." -Robert Parker

"Notes of blackberry and black cherry are accented by tobacco and spice in this concentrated red, which is fresh and lively, with a firm finish."

"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."

"Bright purple. Intense aromas of black and blue fruits, with a spicy overtone. Powerful, sharply delineated boysenberry and cherry flavors show very good intensity and gain sweetness with air. Closes with zesty cut, lingering spiciness and a hint of dusty tannins."