Wine Enthusiast: Hard to exaggerate the beauty of this mountain-grown wine, which is based on Cabernet Sauvignon but contains the other four classic Bordeaux varieties. Although it's very tann...

About this Wine: These wines are simply younger and their roots have yet to grow to their full depth in the gravelly soil. Powerful, very aromatic, long on the palate, with a very persiste...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: Vivid ruby. A heady, seductive bouquet evokes black raspberry and cherry liqueur, potpourri and allspice, with a bright mineral overtone. Shows impressive clarity and energy...

Wine Spectator: Ripe and very sleek, with a dense core of cassis, blackberry and anise framed by violet and spice. The long finish drips with juicy fruit and subtle toast, with a flash of iro...

About this Wine: This cuvee is called Combe des Fous (Hill of Fools).  This cuvee is from a specific parcel on Crau that long ago was considered too difficult to work, but the Maurels' gr...

Wine Spectator: Offers lush fruit, with dark raspberry and boysenberry notes, good, graphite-laced structure and bright acidity weaving throughout. The long, smoldering finish features an app...

Wine Spectator: Focused blackberry, currant and cherry sauce flavors show notes of sweet tobacco and nicely roasted spice on the finish, with integrated grip.-J.M.

About this Wine: The palate shows balanced layers of upfront sweet berry flavours and savoury oak influences on the mid-palate with velvety tannins and dark chocolate complementing the lon...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Dark fruits (black raspberries and black currants) are evident in the 2003 Pinot Noir Flax Vineyard. It possesses a spicy nose, a terrific texture, loads of concentration, a b...

About this Wine: "...Togni noted that this wine is now typically about 82% cabernet sauvignon, with about 15% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot added since the '99 vintage."

Wine Spectator: This seems extracted, with density to its black currant, blackberry and spice flavors. Though rich and ripe, there's a steely backbone and firm, refined tannins for support. L...

Wine Spectator: A full, rich red, with pure cherry, floral, licorice and spice aromas and flavors. Balanced and graceful, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spice. Should get ev...

Wine Spectator: Very fresh, with a pure essence of raspberry and kirsch racing along, laced with an enticing red licorice note that drives through the finish. Rather direct, but well put toge...

Wine Spectator: Smooth, rich and fleshy, this is a notably complex and concentrated youngster, with a tasty core of ripe currant, black cherry, cedar, olive and sage notes that are well-focus...

Wine Spectator: Offers subtle aromas of smoky wood, fresh herbs and dark fruits. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and soft, silky tannins. Very well-crafted and polished for the vintag...

Wine Spectator: This is tangy, with red currant, roasted mesquite, sanguine and tobacco notes. Already shows range and definition, with solid grip. -J.M.

Wine Spectator: A mix of weedy herbal, dill and spicy oak scents with medium-bodied cherry and bell pepper. Elegant and drinking well.--1998 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now. -JL

About this Wine: "Monbousquet is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks and the wine is...

Wine Spectator: Vivid aromas of raspberries, licorice and cassis, hints of oak. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and succulent fruit flavors that build on the palate. Better in 1999.

Wine Spectator: Very muscular with currants, mineral and nutmeg character. Full-bodied and chewy, with a long and lively finish. Best after 2008. 29,165 cases made. –JS