5 | Wine | Red Blend | Page 4

"It has a mellow bouquet of dried herbs, terracotta tiles and dusky black fruit that is very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin: tart red berried fruit, laced with tobacco and dried herbs on the dry, crisp finish. This is a superb classical Rioja Crianza."

"Laced with black cherry, plum and spice flavors, this generous red firms up on the finish. Balanced, with accents of tobacco and black tea lingering."

"Deep garnet in color with a touch of purple, the 2009 Pillar Box Red has a bit more Shiraz in the blend (68%) and presents aromas of dried mulberries and plums, anise and powdered cinnamon. Full-bodied, rich and more tannic than the others, it reveals mocha flavors aside a crisp acid line and a long, spicy finish."

"Bright red-ruby. Ripe aromas of sweet red cherries macerated in alcohol, cedar, cinnamon and pepper. Suave and seamless, with soft, almost-overripe flavors of redcurrant jam, red plum syrup, stewed red plum and tobacco leaf. A very distinctive and much creamier than usual Tignanello, finishing with supple tannins and excellent length. Obviously the product of a warmer year, and though this outstanding Tignanello is a touch less refined than some recent standout vintages, it's hard to argue with its sweet, soft style and early drinking appeal. No need to cellar this too long."

"A glass-coating opaque purple color, it proffers aromas of mineral, underbrush, blueberry, blackberry, and milk chocolate. Velvety-textured and opulent on the palate, it has loads of flavor, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish."

"A light-bodied red that is made to be served chilled. More body and flavor than blush wine, softer than traditional red wines. Pairs well with lighter foods."

"The 2008 Reserva has dark cherry, cassis and graphite on the nose. The palate has a sappy nose with blackberry, raspberry and a touch of soy towards the finish. The tannins are ripe and quite “thick,” lending the 2008 admirable substance considering the vintage."