5 | Wine | Red Bordeaux Blend | Page 4

"This has suave toast, mulled spice, roasted fig and crushed plum and blackberry flavors, all gliding along with silky structure through the finish."

"The 2008 Bolgheri Superiore Sor Ugo boasts terrific richness and depth in its super-ripe plums, blackberries, spices, mint and wild flowers. Seamless and opulent, the 2008 captures the essence of this great Maremma vintage. Layers of fruit crescendo on the plush, racy finish."

"Its deep ruby/purple color, notes of sweet black currants, incense, camphor, and spice box, and medium to full-bodied style are accompanied by a wine with excellent fruit intensity, purity, and length. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Good value." -Robert Parker

"This St.-Julien is actually made at Ducru Beaucaillou and is designed to offer exuberant cassis fruit with an unmistakable northern Medoc personality. The dense ruby/purple 2009 is delicious, with low acidity and lots of cassis, Christmas fruitcake and spice box. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has no hard edges, and is an attractive, velvety wine to drink over the next 7-8 years. A sleeper of the vintage."-Robert Parker

"Sweet red and black currant fruit, spice box and herb aromas jump from the glass of this dark plum/garnet-hued 2008. As in most vintages, this is an equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Soft and complex, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years." -Robert Parker

"This is a big, serious, back-strapping wine meant for long-term aging. In fact, I wouldn-t touch it for another 4-5 years. It is clearly the most masculine, concentrated and structured wine of the Canon-Fronsac area. A lot of Merlot is in the wine, but Cabernet Franc and possibly a little Cabernet Sauvignon are also included. This inky purple wine displays notes of Asian plum sauce, creme de cassis and blackberry liqueur as well as a hint of lead pencil shavings. Big, full-bodied, and seriously endowed, this massive Canon-Fronsac needs time to calm down. However, everything is present - acidity, tannin, extract and substantial richness. This is an impressive wine as well as a sleeper of the vintage."-Robert Parker

"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."