5 | Wine | Red Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma County

"Mocha, espresso and savory herbs add nuance and complexity as this dark wine gradually unfurls in the glass. I see terrific depth and richness here, but readers will have to be patient. There is a lot going on here."

"A serious yet easy-drinking red blend, loaded with lush black plum, blackberry, and milk chocolate flavors, with accents of black spice and fresh tobacco. Juicy, creamy and round mouthfeel with soft tannins supporting generous fruit. The long finish is full of dense berry and cocoa. A rich, fruit-forward wine intended to be enjoyed within five years of vintage."

"Vibrant aromas and flavors of red and black berries, black tea, cedar, earth, vanilla, blackberry and cassis, combine with a full mid-palate with considerable, round tannins. Lingering sweet oak notes of crème brûlée and dark chocolate add great depth. This wine’s upfront silkiness and roundness make for a delicious selection now and will drink well for 15—20 years."

"Pierre Seillan believes the Chalk Hill fruit provides a truffle-like character and the Alexander Valley gives minerality, structure, tannin and intensity. The 2008 will be fascinating to taste next to the 2007 over the next 30+ years. Sweet mulberry, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of black truffles, damp earth and forest floor emerge from this beauty of stunning intensity, purity and texture." -Robert Parker

"The 2009 is a huge, mouthfilling wine bursting with dark fruit. It doesn't have the textural finesse or sophistication of Les Pavots (especially in the tannins), but it is nevertheless incredibly pleasing right now. I loved it."

"Hints of bay leaf, black currant, sweet cherry, cedar and subtle smoke are all present in this lush, medium to full-bodied, opulent and heady wine. Broad and savory, it seems to be on a fast evolutionary track and should be drunk over the next decade." Reviewed by Robert Parker.