"Pretty and floral on the nose, with peach and lemon. Medium-bodied, with lively acidity, beautiful fruit and wonderful intensity. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now. 30,000 cases made."

"This wine opens with sweet, ripe and forward high-toned notes of red and black fruits and barrel spices. The warm, soft mouth feel unfolds around flavors of strawberries, red and black currants, blackberries and cherries; all wrapped in well-integrated ripe and rich tannins. A touch of light toast envelopes secondary flavors of spicy oak with fresh, mouth-watering acidity. The finish is supple, vivid and long on the palate. This luscious wine, one of seven different offerings, represents exceptional value as our introductory level Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir. The Grande Assemblage Cuvee Pinot Noir flaunts good aging potential and will reach its peak drink-ability from 2010-2012." -Winery

"GILLARDI might be known as one of the most prominent producers of Syrah in Italy, but its roots and history bear a closer link to Dolcetto. Dogliani, where the estate is located, enjoys such a reputation for the production of high quality, cellar-worthy Dolcettos, that it was recently granted D.O.C.G. status, the first ever for Dolcetto-based wines. Gillardi also envisioned the potential of Syrah in this cooler climate, and produces a few thousand bottles of the now-legendary Harys." -Importer

"Ripe, with a range of quince and green apple fruit backed by notes of pine, candied ginger and mineral. The fresh finish has a lingering melon note. Drink now through 2010. 1,800 cases made."

"($19; one-third each of garnacha, carinena and cabernet sauvignon) Bright red. Redcurrant, cherry and white pepper on the nose. Sweeter raspberry on the palate, with silky tannins and good mineral lift. Reminds me a lot of pinot noir. Finely etched red fruits linger on the sweet, spicy finish This is pretty seductive, and ready to drink. (Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC) "

Also rated 90 points by Jay Miller of Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate! (no tasting notes were provided)

"Even better is the 2006 Pinot Noir Garys- Vineyard. Superb aromas of truffles, underbrush, spring flowers, black cherries, and black currants emerge from this deep, full-bodied, exuberant but gorgeously balanced and pure effort. Drink this full-bodied, compelling Pinot over the next 5-6 years."

"The 2006 Pinot Noir reveals forest floor, spring flower, black raspberry, plum, and subtle smoky characteristics as well as round, generous flavors, medium to full body, and a long, heady finish. Enjoy this seductive Pinot over the next 3-4 years."

"The 2006 Syrah Susan's Hill. While similar to its sibling, it displays more complex aromas, with a stronger floral component, and meatiness and pepper. It boasts an amazing palate impression, full body, and a multidimensional, skyscraper-like feel in the mouth, yet remains light on its feet. This stunning Syrah should drink effortlessly for a decade or more."

"The excellent 2007 Alluvium Blanc, their white Bordeaux-like blend, is a superb value. Steely, honeyed citrus (grapefruit and lemon) notes as well as admirable fruit, medium body, and good minerality are present in this fresh, crisp white. This would be a sensational accompaniment to an assortment of cuisines, including the spiciest, most torrid Asian cooking."

"The 2006 Columns Grenache comes from the Greenock sub-district and was sourced from 40-year-old vines. The nose is super-expressive. Aromas of cedar, sage, damp earth, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry jump from the glass. Full-bodied, voluptuous, layered, and long, this high-octane Grenache pulls off the merger of finesse and power. Give it 3-5 years to further unwind and drink it through 2026."

"(the only Trimbach gewurztraminer from this vintage) Medium gold-tinged yellow. Varietally pure and expressive aromas of spice and lichee. Spicy and dry, with decent density and no shortage of flavor intensity. Finishes with good spicy persistence. I preferred this for its flavor intensity to the Pinot Gris Reserve, which is an admirable effort for the year but finishes with a slightly dry edge."

"Balanced aromas and flavors of berries and bitter orange peel, with hints of chocolate and mineral. Medium-bodied, with loads of flavor and good clean length. Such balance. Drink now. 800 cases made."

"Firm, food-friendly rose, with good concentration to the dried cherry, cream and spice flavors. Raspberry comes to the fore on the finish. Drink now. 4,270 cases imported."

"Our 2006 Estate Chardonnay captures the expression of Chalone terroir with layers of citrus, guava, apple and pineapple character. Hints of brioche, hazelnut and mineral weave through the lush fruit flavors. 'The distinctive minerality in this wine comes from our vineyard's unique limestone and decomposed granite soils,' says Winemaker Robert Cook. 'This quality contributes to the wine’s aging potential - as the fruitiness diminishes, the minerality continues to add complexity.' After gently pressing the whole clusters, we fermented all of the wine in French oak barrels. We allowed half of the wine to complete native malolactic fermentation to round the acidity and add creaminess to the lingering finish. Gentle stirring (batonnage) every two weeks during the 10 months of sur lie aging broadened the mouthfeel and enhanced the rich, silky texture." -Winery

"Brilliant garnet-red color, with warmer tinges developing over time. Unmistakeable bouquet, very pleasant, intense yet ethereal, very persistent, at times spiced, with aromas of truffles, liquorice and dried flowers. Dry taste, with important, full tannins." -Winery

"Intense ruby-red color with purple tinges, a bouquet of fully ripe fruit, with an excellent dash of freshness. Tannins are prominent in the mouth, maintaining the classic Barbera backbone." -Winery

"The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from a single block and aged in 25% new French oak. It delivers a perfume of toast, smoke, leather, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by an intense, rich, full-flavored Cabernet with gobs of spicy black fruit flavors, great depth and concentration, and a long pure finish. It has enough stuffing to evolve for 8-10 years but can be enjoyed now with a 40 day dry-aged prime rib-eye."

"The 2006 Mourvedre was aged in French oak puncheons and hogsheads with some native yeast fermentation. This leads to a very fragrant bouquet with notes of forest floor, truffle, blackberry, and blueberry. Full-bodied, plush, and dense, this full-flavored wine has several years of aging potential and can be enjoyed through 2020."

"The 1991 is a supple, rich, forward-styled vintage port with moderately deep color, plenty of red and black fruits, a thick, chewy texture, light tannin, and an overall sense of suppleness without significant weight or muscle. It will be drinkable young and last for 20+ years."

"Prieler's 2006 Chardonnay Sinner demonstrates that even that still ubiquitous grape didn’t want to be left behind in her 2006 collection, and has over-achieved. Apple, Persian melon, fresh herbs, and a chalky-mineral dust note on the nose lead to a palate of utmost subtlety and refinement of texture for this variety, lacking the nutty depth or mineral fascination of a Prieler Pinot Blanc, but with an excellent balance of creaminess and clear fruit, and chalk and with the bitterness of apple pit and pungency of herbs providing further finishing counterpoint."