96 Points | International Wine Cellar , November/December 2011

Bright, saturated ruby-red.  Knockout nose reminded me of grand cru Burgundy, showing scents of black cherry, cassis, violet, licorice, minerals, tobacco and mocha.  Like a liquid confection in the mouth, with a silky, creamy middle that hints at the wine's alcoholic richness without coming across as overripe or heavy.  The 2008 version is more tightly wound and high-pitched; this is powerful but freakishly smooth:  pure pleasure in a bottle.  Its substantial sweet tannins and great palate-staining length suggest that it will be long-lived.

92 Points | Wine Spectator

94 Points | Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate