772 | Wine | Merlot, 95 or higher

This wine was named #11 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"This red is round, generous and expressive, offering plum, loganberry, cherry and clove flavors that pick up hints of loam and floral character as the finish tightens its focus. Impressive for its length and deft balance."

"The 2008 Masseto comes across as relatively reserved and along the lines of vintages like 1988 that age beautifully but aren’t the blockbuster type wines usually associated with Maremma. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, spices and black cherries are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from the 2008. This is an exceptionally beautiful Masseto that impresses for its elegance. The wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, while retaining its refined personality."

"Still young and unformed, it exhibits phenomenal richness and equilibrium as well as a finish that lasts nearly a minute. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notions of black fruits, forest floor, truffles and spring flowers."

This wine was named #11 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"This red is round, generous and expressive, offering plum, loganberry, cherry and clove flavors that pick up hints of loam and floral character as the finish tightens its focus. Impressive for its length and deft balance."

"The 2008 Masseto comes across as relatively reserved and along the lines of vintages like 1988 that age beautifully but aren’t the blockbuster type wines usually associated with Maremma. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, spices and black cherries are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from the 2008. This is an exceptionally beautiful Masseto that impresses for its elegance. The wine fleshes out nicely in the glass, while retaining its refined personality."

"Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, creme de cassis, melted licorice, espresso roast, and blackberries. The wine, which hits the palate with a dramatic minerality, comes across like a hypothetical blend of limestone liqueur intermixed with black and red fruits. With massive depth, richness, and body, this tannic 2003 should be forgotten for 4-5 years, then enjoyed over the next four decades. The integration of acidity, tannin, and wood is flawless, and the wine is incredibly pure, rich, and intense." Reviewed by Robert Parker, 98+ pts.

"The 2008 Redigaffi is impeccable in its elegance and polish. Dark cherries, licorice, espresso and mocha meld together beautifully in this textured, fleshy wine. Despite its sophisticated personality, there is plenty of tannin lurking underneath to provide support. This is a beautifully round, opulent, yet impeccably balanced wine of the highest level. Smoke, minerals, licorice and tar wrap around the intense finish. Redigaffi remains a unique and powerful expression of Merlot from the Tuscan coast."

"Shows violet, cream, mineral, mint and blueberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with fabulous fruit and polished, velvety tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. The balance is wonderful. Deep and beautiful. Hard not to drink now."

"If you want to impress a friend with a pure, hedonistic St.-Emilion that also offers an intellectual challenge, the 2012 Croix de Labrie, a St.-Emilion fruit bomb, is the wine for you. Unfortunately, the 250-case production means this cuvee is limited in availability. Aromas of incense, Christmas fruitcake, Asian plum sauce, blackberries, licorice and truffles soar from the glass of this dense plum/purple-colored wine. Opulent, voluptuously textured and medium to full-bodied with no hard edges to be found, it will drink well for a decade after bottling." -Robert Paker