2001 Terra Rossa First Growth

(a cabernet sauvignon/merlot blend) Saturated ruby. Deep, musky aromas of cherry, dark plum, roasted coffee, mocha and fennel, plus a lightly stalky suggestion of green pepper. Then concentrated and ripe on the palate. There's a slight saline hint to the flavors of bitter cherry, dark chocolate and basil. Finishes on a slightly chalky, dusty note but fleshes out nicely with aeration.(Robert Whale Selections,Washington DC

Potentially better than the 2000, but also more structured and tannic, is the formidably endowed, immensely promising 2001 First Growth Terra Rossa. A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated offering with a touch of Merlot in the blend, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15+. Its opaque purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas of scorched earth, creme de cassis, blackberries, cedar, caramel, and licorice. Full-bodied, with an opulent attack followed by a structured, tannic finish, this pure, dense, promising 2001 will be at its finest between 2006-2018. Robert Parker, Aug 2003

Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2001 First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon shows off a lovely core of vibrant black fruits and Christmas cake highlighted by nuances of chocolate, eucalypt, dried roses and tea. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it is drinking well now and has a long finish. Drink now to 2017+. Feb 2014, www.robertparker.com