"Even though this takes a generic appellation, Bierzo's spirit is evident in this blend of 15 percent mencia plus three grapes unauthorized in the Bierzo DO- cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo and merlot. Tense and full of dark cherry and b...(more)

"This wine is very good, but relatively expensive. The 1997 Magnificat is viscous and oily, with an opaque purple color, high tannin and concentration, as well as an unevolved personality. It appears to be at least outstanding, and may m...(more)

"A complex bouquet of soy, earth, truffles, black fruits, iron, and a touch of vitamins is followed by a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, spicy, lush, layered wine. Low acidity, high glycerin levels, in addition to fruit and ...(more)

"Very ripe fruit aromas with prune and dark chocolate character. Full-bodied and very powerful, with loads of fruit and a stylish berry and orange peel aftertaste. Best after 2006. 200 cases imported."(more)

"Delicious. The moderate sweetness and intense apricot, mango and lime notes are punctuated by a racy structure. Vanilla cream and mineral flavors add complexity, and it's all precisely balanced and long. Drink now through 2015."(more)

"The nose makes me think of pure heaven, candied flavor, strawberry, black currant, so rich. The flavors are -very dry, huge sour cherry on finish, I adore, sweet & sour, huge structure & backbone, finishes w/ awesome sour cherry, black ...(more)

"A massive fruit bomb that acts more like a Bordeaux then a Shiraz even though the "fruit bomb" term is used. Hints of cherry and black cassis and mint dance around this silky, velvety wine. The long but complex and stunning finish give ...(more)

"#2(Red); NOSE-lizard skin, very terroir, chalky, golden mustard; TASTE-very spicy mouth-feel, gamey, ham & cheese sandwich w/ Tabasco, cherry on the finish, young, very different style, well-made, bacon, very interesting, tremendous str...(more)

"Polished and vibrant, a silky wine with gorgeous tobacco-scented blackberry and dark plum flavors that sail on and on through the open-textured finish. Pure and seductive, appealing now but it can get better with cellaring. Drink now ...(more)

"Deep, almost opaque ruby. The nose offers a compelling mix of pure, ripe dark plum and blackberry, complemented by a delicate licorice spiciness. Sweet, lush and broad on the palate, with captivating nuances of ripe dark fruits, leather...(more)

"Dark ruby in color, this firmly texture full-bodied Gevrey Chambertin is solid through and through. Though young it is showing well defined layers of fruit, tannin and acidity. That will continue to develop over the next 3-5 years. " - ...(more)

"Sweet but not cloying, with good acidity and support from the CO2. The flavors evoke honey, ginger and citrus. Drink now."(more)

"Tasted from the barrel, this is a great vintage for Togni. Inky/blue/purple-colored with a glorious perfume of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite, and a hint of black olives, it is full-bodied and rich with silky tannins. Those tannins...(more)

"The coolest climate wine of this quartet is the 2004 Syrah Sonoma Coast. Its dark ruby/plum color is followed by attractive scents of pepper, white chocolate, black currants, and sweet cherries. This soft, medium-bodied, elegant, delica...(more)

"Tightly wound, firm and massive, with requisite tannic structure. The core flavors are dense currant, mineral, stone and lead pencil and the tannins grab on and don't let go. Drink now through 2011. 234 cases made."(more)

"The barrique-aged 1999 Barbera d'Asti Montruc comes from 50 year old vines that were cropped at a low 30-32 hectoliters per hectare. The opaque ruby/purple color is accompanied by an elegant, finesse-styled red revealing subtle notes of...(more)

"Appropriately named, this vineyard location acknowledges the dependable and beneficial winds (las brisas) that blow through the Petaluma Gap to this vineyard, effectively cooling the vines while stimulating slow ripening of the grapes. ...(more)

"Floral notes along with cedar aromas lead you into this concentrated and delicious Gevrey. There are a lot of stone fruit flavors of plum and black cherry in the wine. Restrained wine that will appreciate over the next 3-4 years." - Den...(more)

"The color is a dark ruby and opaque. The nose exhibits classic black fruits like black cherries and blackberries along with leather, spices and a touch of smoke. It is elegant yet full bodied with excellent depth, beautiful ripeness wit...(more)

"This Rhone proves why wines from the Lirac should be discovered and
tried. Drinking this Lirac will set a good benchmark for this town." - Jim Gorman - Wine Library

"Quite an impressive effort. The 2003 Lirac has a tight ...(more)

"Fermented in Taransaud barrels and bottled with no fining or filtration, the 2004 Syrah is a deep, rich wine offering loads of smoky blackberry and cassis fruit as well as hints of creosote, tar, and incense. This heady, opulent 2004 ca...(more)

"Complex and distinctive is the 1998 Cavaliere, a 100% Sangiovese cuvee also aged one year in French oak. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sumptuous aromas of espresso infused with blackberries, licorice, soy, and truffles. Thi...(more)

"The 2001 Barbera d'Alba Giada, very dark, spicy and floral, with important notes of violets, iris, and cloves, is long, solid in body, fresh in its combination of balanced acidity and minerals, and very sweet and ripe. Anticipated matur...(more)

"This is pure nectar, with apricot, honey and spice flavors and a harmonious structure offsetting the high level of sweetness with vibrant acidity. It picks up delicate earth and mineral tones on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 165 c...(more)