For three years running this wine has pulled the exact same score; so at the very least it’s consistent. Golden Reserve is marked by a dark color, saturation, oak and related marshmallow and vanilla. It is big in the mouth, with firm tannins and flavors of dark fruit, black pepper and mint. Exceedingly toasty and coffee-like toward the end, with warmth and recurring tannic clamp. ——M.S.(2/1/2009)—— 89