Connoisseurs' Guide: Deep, dense and brooding and slow to unfold but gradually making a clear Petite Sirah statement, this sinewy, very full-bodied youngster exhibits plenty of raw power without b...

About this Wine: The goal is to produce champagne, cru by cru, respecting the terroir. Xavier separates each parcel, and all their Grand Crus are vinified in wood as well as 1/3 of their 1er C...

Wine Spectator: Thick and spicy, with unctuous, still slightly raw-seeming layers of apricot, peach and fig. Ginger cream and green tea check in on the finish. Rather backward still, but ther...

Wine Spectator: Shows dried pineapple, honey, pear, caramel and piecrust aromas. Full-bodied and very sweet, with spice, coconut, tropical fruit and apple tart flavors. Long and dense, yet li...

About this Wine: This wine is the result of a severe selection using the three traditional grape varieties Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle.  Each vintage is vinified and aged in tota...

Wine Spectator: Dark, but with solid drive all along the way, as dark boysenberry, linzer torte and blackberry fruit courses along, held together by a prominent graphite spine. Long finish is...

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...

Jancis Robinson: Savoury, mineral nose. Vaguely oily citrus, then terrific power and depth on the palate. Very good concentration and staying power and a fine line of citrus freshness all the ...

Wine Spectator: Has focus and consistent flesh from start to finish, with plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit supported by dusty tannins and backed by well-integrated spice on the finish.-J....

Wine Spectator: Refined, with a sweet, smoky undercurrent to the flavors of glazed pear, candied lemon zest and golden raisin, with a hint of marzipan. Racy acidity frames-but doesn't dominat...

Wine Spectator: Perfumed red, with floral, currant and dark chocolate aromas. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Delicate red. Best after 2004. 23,330 cases made.

Wine Spectator: Aromatic, this Riesling shows delicacy and balance in its floral, apricot and citrus notes. It's airy and appealing, with a mouthwatering tanginess. Drink now through 2020. ...

Wine Enthusiast: Imagine the soft, smooth texture of a fine Merlot. Then combine it with the briary, peppery flavors of a Sonoma Zinfandel. That's what you get in this dry, complex young wine....

Wine Spectator: Prickly tannins and a tang of acidity play against blackberry and cedary spice flavors in this firm red, which is nicely filled out, finishing with persistence. Drink now thro...

Wine Spectator: This has solid flesh, with plum and cherry compote notes framed by a lightly taut plum skin edge. There's good spice through the finish. Well-extracted but not overdone.-J.M.

Wine Spectator: Marked by vibrant acidity, snappy citrus and green apple notes, this is pure and juicy, with no oak evident. Drink now through 2018. –JL

Connoisseurs' Guide: The slightly richer and more ambitious of the Carmel Road pair, this weighty, well-ripened Chardonnay combines extracted, ripe apple fruit with a full dose of sweet oak and hi...

Wine Enthusiast: Concentrated, intense orange, apricot and mineral flavors characterize this Chardonnay, as does a brisk cut of acidity. It handles the 100% new French oak, with notes of butte...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: (40% mourvedre, 28% syrah, 27% grenache and 5% counoise): Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of candied raspberry, potpourri, Asian spices, sandalwood and licorice...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: Bright yellow. Ripe but cooler aromas of citrus fruits, with hints of marzipan and apricot emerging with air. Juicy and fruity in the mouth, with a solid impression of acidity...