A stunning effort made by Rene Barbier, this 2001 exhibits tremendous flavor intensity along with complex notes of black fruits, spice, earth, and cedar in a vivid display of fruit and terroir. Long, expansive, and beautifully balanced, it can be consumed now and over the next 10+ years.Importer: Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (914) 954-6583

This monster is intensely mineral, with aromas of crushed stones mixed with leather, lavender, pepper and cherry. In the mouth, it’s heady with maple, leather, asphalt and cola. Comes at you in layers, the last of which is a finishing flow of espresso. Aged 20 months in new 500-liter barrels, not barriques. Imported by Europvin/Michael Skurnick Wines. ——M.S.(10/1/2005)—— 91