Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The dense ruby/purple-colored 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is backward, full-bodied, with terrific thickness, as well as a multi-tiered personality that builds ...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The prodigious 200-case lot of 1999 Shiraz Creek Block (made from 63-year old vines) is aged in new and old French oak. The aromas of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, vani...

Wine Spectator: Like some '99s, it's a bit leaner than the '00s or '98s, but it's well-made, with youthful exuberance of ripe fruit, toasted oak, grilled meat, smoked chestnuts and blood oran...

About this Wine: As I have written many times, all of these wines are produced from rigidly cultivated, bio-dynamically managed vineyards. That has been the rule since Michel Chapoutier fi...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: Saturated ruby. Restrained, somewhat oaky aromas of blueberry, blackberry and dark chocolate; in need of a racking. Juicy, high-pitched and floral, with compellingly sweet fla...

Wine Spectator: Solid, with complex aromas of blackberry, violet and berry. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a black olive and cherry aftertaste...

About this Wine: René Barbier creates his intensely concentrated wine from a blend of 40% Garnacha (from 80 year old vines), 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 5% Pinot Noir, Mourvedre and ...

Wine Spectator: Dark color, with decadent aromas of truffles, meat, ripe berries and tobacco. Turns to sweet, crushed berries. Full-bodied, with very polished tannins and a berry and mineral ...

Wine Spectator: This harmonious Champagne offers luxurious texture and powerful, focused acidity, showing aromatic accents of spring blossom, crushed thyme and chai, with rich notes of lemon ...

Wine Spectator: Blackberry and violets on the nose, with hints of roses. Sweet tobacco too. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and round tannins. A little tight and reserved now. Give it...

Wine Spectator: A firm edge puts this Champagne in focus, framing its vanilla, toast and grapefruit flavors. On the dry side, with a bracing finish, so give it a little time or enjoy with del...

Wine Spectator: Very pretty nose, with chocolate and raspberry and a touch of sweet tobacco. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a delicate fruit, light earth and chocolate aftertaste.-'88/...

Wine Spectator: Reserved aromatically, but the wonderful balance is evident...mineral, wet earth, delicate plum, mocha, coffee and blackberry character and subtle, ripe tannins. The wet earth...

Wine Spectator: Ripe and compact, with rich black cherry, plum, chocolate and cedar notes, focused and long on the finish. Has tannin to lose. Best from 2002 through 2009. 6,338 cases made. &...

About this Wine: In 1886, high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Monte Bello estate vineyard was planted, and the winery constructed. A first vintage from the young vines followed in 1892. Duri...

Wine Spectator: Great dark color. Intense aromas of ripe currant, prune, dried fruits and fresh rosemary. Loads of fresh sage and other herbs. Full-bodied, with beautiful tannins. Decadent, y...

Wine Spectator: Dark ruby red. Shows intense blackberry, currant, fresh herb and mineral character on the nose. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Still young a...

Wine Spectator: A stunningly gorgeous red. Beautiful aromas of licorice, berries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, succulent finish. Very fine indeed. Drink ...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: There are 1,000 cases of the exceptional, black/purple-colored 1997 Darmagi Cabernet Sauvignon (3-4% Cabernet Franc was added to the blend). With abundant quantities of smoky,...

Wine Spectator: Good fresh fruit character. Medium- to light-bodied, with fine tannins and a fruity finish...