Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: From Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah planted in a mixture of gneiss, schist, and chalk, and vinified half each in tank and barrel (demi-muids as well as barriques), the 2009 Cot...

Wine Spectator: Tightly wound, with firm, earthy tannins and a supple mix of earthy currant, loamy earth, anise, sage and cedar notes. Drink now through 2009.

Burghound: A slightly more elegant nose that is a bit less obviously earthy and rustic possesses notes of red raspberry and cherry fruit that complements the attractively fresh and punch...

Cory Gowan: Ruby color. Intense stone fruit and earthy aromas, supported by more subtle smoke and dried herb notes. Lively acidity is balanced by cranberry and red fruits on the palate. ...

Wine Spectator: Dense with both cherry and currant flavors and dusty tannins, this red is awkward now. There seems to be the requisite fruit to match its firm tannins, but needs time. Best fr...

Wine Enthusiast: Distinctly Sonoma Coast in the forest berry fruits and feral, earthy notes of anise, balsam and Dr. Pepper cola. Fine and silky in the mouth, with modest alcohol and a burst o...

Wine Spectator: Tangy and rich, with lovely, ripe strawberry and blackberry flavors supported by zingy acidity, all of it lasting nicely on the generous finish. Drink now through 2009. 6,000 ...

Wine Spectator: An extrovert, with enticing plum, anise and blackberry fruit and a long, supple finish. There's plenty of stuffing and grip, but this is velvety and nicely assimilated, with p...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: In total contrast, the 2009 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red represents the essence of Provence in its notes of ground pepper, new saddle leather, lavender, kirsch, garrigue, and ...

Wine Enthusiast: One of the best vintages of Rubicon to date, and for the price it's a fantastic value that's great for building up your cellar. Right now, the wine is still young and tight, w...

About this Wine: Soil: clay and chalk, with characteristically rounded, huge stones.

Blend: Grenache is the dominant grape, followed by Syrah and Cinsault.

About this Wine: Syrah (40%) and Grenache (60%)
Average age of vines: 20 - 35 years old

Burghound: A moderately earthy nose also displays hints of stone and underbrush on the ripe dark berry fruit suffused aromas. There is good freshness and vibrancy to the solidly well-det...

Burghound: A very fresh and rather woodsy nose of forest floor, floral and wild red berry aromas merges into relatively refined flavors that possess a detailed and earthy finish that is ...

Wine Spectator: A ripe, solid version, with mulled dark currant and fig fruit wrapped with toasted anise, ganache and pastis notes. There's a racy feel on the finish, with a twinge of chalk a...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: Deep red. Complex, vaguely smoky aromas of black raspberry, cherry, black tea and sassafras. Youthfully taut on entry but turns suave and silky in the middle, showing good i...

About this Wine: fashioned by winemaker Kim Johnston from vineyards owned by the Longbottom family

Wine Spectator: Lovely black tea, signed apple wood and toasty wood spice notes lead the way, followed by racy black cherry, red currant and blackberry fruit, with a long, mineral-driven fini...

Wine Spectator: Bright and jazzy, a lively mouthful of red berry, beet and spice aromas and flavors that remain zippy through the polished finish. Drink now through 2014. 200 cases imported. ...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: Bright medium red. Pungent aromas of cherry, redcurrant and minerals. Concentrated, spicy and light on its feet, with a restrained sweetness to the flavors of red berries, flo...