Wine Spectator: This has a density that sets it apart, with a pleasantly firm edge to the plum, black cherry and currant fruit, all wrapped with notes of iron, tobacco and savory herb. Th...

Wine Spectator: A touch soft, but persistent, with pretty floral, mulled plum and tobacco notes that glide over light, rounded tannins. The pure finish lets the fruit hang elegantly. This win...

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...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: Ruby-red. Very fresh, high-pitched aromas of kirsch, licorice and minerals: smells structured! Then juicy, tight and penetrating; quite firm and youthful but not hard. The mid...

Wine Spectator: Blackberry, licorice and blueberry aromas lead to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a clean finish. Firm and attractive. Best after 2014. -JS

Wine Spectator: Black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral, lead to a full-bodied palate. Very chewy, with loads of tannins, yet this follows through with beautifully ripe fr...

Stephen Tanzer's IWC: (67% cabernet sauvignon and 33% merlot) Bright ruby. Wonderfully aromatic nose offers blackberry, kirsch, violet, licorice and minerals. Densely packed and classy, with ripe a...

Wine Spectator: #2 on 2008 Top 100; Very beautiful aromas of crushed berry, flowers, currant and Indian spices follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. E...

Wine Spectator: Aromas of licorice, tar and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. A very pretty wine already. Falls a little short, but still...

Wine Spectator: Blackberry, licorice and tar follow through to a full-bodied palate, with firm, silky tannins and a medium berry and vanilla aftertaste. Juicy wine. Best after 2008. 6,000 cas...

Wine Spectator: Incredible nose of crushed berry, licorice, violets and lightly toasted oak. Pure crème de cassis. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Solid. Best ...

Wine Spectator: Wow. This shows so much ripe fruit and berry character with just the right hint of lead pencil and spice. Full-bodied and very chewy. Big and powerful. Beautiful wine. Superb....

Wine Spectator: Intense blackberry and cherry, with hints of currant. Toasted oak and sweet tobacco too. Roses and other flowers, such as lilacs. Full-bodied, with masses of tannins yet incre...

Wine Spectator: Pure cassis on the nose. Impressive. Full-bodied, thick and powerful, with loads of fruit and big, velvety tannins. Goes on for minutes on the palate. Huge wine. Very, very im...

Wine Spectator: Very attractive blackberry and vanilla aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a medium finish...

Wine Spectator: This shows a rich and dense nose of blackberry, coffee and smoke. Full-bodied, with soft and round tannins and a long, smoky finish. Very fresh and velvety...

Wine Spectator: Gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-knit tannins and a silky, caressing palate. Long. This is a wonderful wine. Lots of fine...

Wine Spectator: Sweet and ripe fruit, with spice and tarragon. Full- to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Refined...Score range: 92-94

Wine Spectator: Loads of crushed berries on the nose, with hints of flowers and minerals. Very aromatic. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, cappuccino and berry aftertaste...

Wine Spectator: Superb. Vivid, with lovely aromas of berries, minerals, toasted oak and leather. Full-bodied, with extremely well-integrated tannins and a long finish. A wine to remember. Bes...