5 | Wine | 2009, Kosher for Passover

"There's good balance, power and richness to the dried berry flavors, which are flanked by savory and mineral notes. The muscular finish features plenty of tannins."

"As tends to be the case, this is tighter, more focused, more powerful and a bit harder edged than the Petit Castel – not surprising considering that this is Cabernet-dominated and the Petit Castel is Merlot-dominated – but they still have similar styles. This is a moderately earthy wine this year – less earthy than the 2009 Petit Castel, though – with seductive texture and focus."

"The 2009 Gewurztraminer Reserve "Late Harvest Cluster Select" is quite sweet, laced with apricot and peach notes, and lots of sugar. With a little air, there was finally a little acidity noticeable, but the wine did flatten pretty fast and thin. This is hard to resist on some levels, but it could use a bit more focus and penetration. While these always have the potential to age, considering what they are and what they are intended to be, I like to be conservative in drinking windows as I find they often show best young."