772 | Wine | 2006 | Page 3

"An overachiever in this vintage. Crushed flowers, pine, resin, menthol and herbs add layers of complexity to the racy, super-ripe red fruits. Despite its generosity, this remains an understated, representative Gattinara with lovely balance and harmony."

"It displays an aromatic array of cedar, tobacco, spice box, and black cherry. This is followed by a smooth-textured, savory, elegant offering that can be approached now but will last for another 5-7 years. It, too, is a solid value."

"A spectacular effort (what’s new?), this brilliant offering from proprietor Hubert de Bouard is another classic. A blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of creosote, blueberry pie, espresso roast, blackberries, and graphite. Extremely full-bodied and stunningly rich with a multi-layered texture, sweet tannin, and a 45-second finish, this exceptional 2006 is one of the great wines of St.-Emilion." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Saturated ruby. Pungent cherry and dark berry aromas, with spice and floral nuances adding complexity. Sweet and concentrated, but with excellent cut and vivacity to its dark fruit flavors. Builds and deepens toward the back, finishing with a sappy floral quality and resonating spiciness. Offers very good richness of flavor with no excess fat."

"This generous red offers cherry, currant and cranberry fruit, with accents of cola, licorice and spice. Full-bodied and firm, but not heavy, with lively acidity and a fresh, floral finish."

"Black cherry, licorice, mineral and light game flavors have a dark, rather austere character in this firm red, which has a lithe, dense texture, with plenty of backbone. Needs food, but has depth and some intensity."

"The 2006 I Sodi di San Niccolo is fabulous. Beautifully delineated aromatics meld into a breathtaking array of dark fruit, crushed rocks, smoke, tar, minerals and flowers in this totally thrilling Tuscan red. The fruit completely saturates the palate, while persistent notes of crushed rocks and all things mineral round things out. I love the way Malvasia Nera confers darkness, richness and power to the Sangioveto, but without abandoning a pure-bred Tuscan expression of sheer class. I Sodi has a track record of developing beautifully in bottle and I have no doubt that will be the case here."

"A sleeper of the vintage. Sweet black currant fruit intermixed with some roasted herbs, licorice, and background oak is followed by a medium-bodied wine with excellent concentration, fresh acids, and ripe, sweet tannins."