4 | Wine | 86 to 90, 2011 | Page 14

"Supple and harmonious, this red sports cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors, with a hint of tar. Rustic on the finish."

"Light gold. Scents of melon, pear, honey and anise, plus a hint of white pepper. Nervy citrus and orchard fruit flavors show a refreshingly bitter quality, with a pleasant spicy bite to the lush back end. Has heft and punch, finishing with good clarity and spicy persistence."

"Pazo de Galegos’ 2010 Albarino was fermented with native yeasts and went through partial malolactic fermentation. Fragrant lemon, floral, and mineral aromas inform the nose of this smooth-textured, round, ripe, and savory offering. Nicely proportioned and lengthy, this outstanding value will provide pleasure over the next 4 years."

"Bright and vibrant, juicy with pear and floral flavors. Lingering finish."

"A clean, light-bodied white, with a creaminess to the flavors of green apple, mandarin orange and persimmon. Subtle hints of lychee and spice add an exotic quality, and this is tangy, with a stone-tinged finish. A delicious sipper for summertime drinking."

"The uncomplicated, luscious, round, medium-bodied, pure, endearing 2011 Cotes du Ventoux is loaded with strawberry and cherry fruit. It is made primarily from Grenache with some Syrah included in the blend to provide a deeper color as well as more weight." -Robert Parker

"Redolent of fresh-cut nectarine, with a firm edge to the acidity and plenty of minerally notes. Light and airy on the finish, with crunchy green apple and citrus elements."

"Sweet and silky, balanced with aggressive acidity. The poached pear, pineapple and spice flavors linger on the finish."

"Good intensity of ripe blackberry and black cherry aromas with hints of black plums, tar, licorice and loam."

"This blend has often been nice for the price, but it certainly seems to be trending upwards. With fine persistence and intensity, this is beautifully balanced and tightly wound, with better aromatics than the winery’s regular, unoaked Assyrtiko due to the blend (5% each of Athiri and Aidani added to the Assyrtiko), if not as much depth and intensity. This is simply lovely this year, one of the finest values in this report, transparent, focused and crisp, yet caressing and accessible. If you’re looking for fruity and sweet, this is not as likely to fulfill your goals. It is an overachiever, though."