Allen Meadows - Score: 91-94 (40544)

A ripe, elegant and densely fruited nose exudes notes of sandalwood, anise and dried black berries that precede supple, rich and attractively voluminous flavors that retain a fine sense of underlying detail on the wonderfully intense, persistent and quite firm finish. It's possible that this will even best the terrific 2008 version.

Vinous - Score: 91+ (40969)

Good bright, dark red. High-pitched, expressive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, minerals, pepper, wild herbs and flowers. Initially quite tight and peppery, with a dry-edged character, this slightly raw wine expanded somewhat with aeration. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and an impression of peppery austerity. The most inscrutable of this set of wines today.