96 Points | International Wine Cellar , March/April 2012

Tasted in four components that were to be blended at the end of November, 2011:  #1: Deep cherry and dark berries on the nose and palate, with slow-mounting spiciness and serious finishing cling and power.  #2:  Wilder and more pungent, offering intense floral-accented red and dark berry qualities and notes of olive and candied licorice.  This is mostly Meal, according to Chave.  #3:  Deep, smoky and aromatic, displaying an array of dark berry and spice qualities and a strong potpourri note.  Juicy and focused on the finish, with the dark fruit note repeating.  #4:  Stunning aromas of violet, rose, black raspberry and cola, with a blast of Asian spices on the back.  Juicy, mineral-driven and pure, with excellent finishing clarity and lingering sweetness.  This should be a stunner.

98 Points | Wine Spectator

100 Points | Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate