5 | Wine | 86 or higher | Page 3

"This beautiful, hand-harvested effort reveals clean notes of poached pears, honeyed citrus and tropical fruit. Medium-bodied with loads of fruit as well as purity, a beautiful texture, and a subtle note of wood, it will provide plenty of pleasure if consumed over the next year."

"A stunning sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was made by winemaking guru/consultant Stephane Derenoncourt. The wine’s 14.5% alcohol tells you something about its amazing richness and intensity. Aromas of smoke, lead pencil shavings, sweet kirsch and black currants soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy wine. Some tannin lurks beneath the surface, but the overall impression is one of opulence and extravagance. Drink this beauty over the next decade or more." -Robert Parker

"A beautiful sleeper of the vintage, this is possibly the best wine I-ve ever tasted from this over-achieving estate near St.-Christoly-de-Medoc. A blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot, this wine normally sells for about $15 a bottle, making it an absolutely staggering value in the worldwide marketplace. The 2010 exhibits classic cedar wood, tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, licorice and some balsam wood notes in a strong, medium to full-bodied, layered style with good opulence, purity and overall harmony. A real beauty, it should be drunk over the next 4-5 years." -Robert Parker

"Lightly sweet, with hints of pineapple and grapefruit on the refreshing finish."

"Trim and restrained, with a narrow beam of currant, tobacco, cigar box and cedar. Well-made, focused and persistent."

"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

"Chewy, nicely focused and appealing, with ripe black cherry and licorice flavors that dance deftly on the finish."

"Fresh and lively, this red is juicy with berry flavors that show and a tinge of oatmeal. Finishes on a savory note."

"A fun glass of bubbles, showing lively aromas of citrus and cinnamon roll, with crisp flavors of apple, tropical fruit and spiced nuts."

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