Pours black, and smells backward now. Plenty of airing brings out hints of black cherry, cassis, white pepper, and sage, but it’s still pretty mute. At the first sip the palate is flooded with rich flavors of the ripest summer blackberries. Better after 2004.——S.H.(1/1/2002)—— 89

This baby has aromas of just-picked ripe plums, boysenberries,and a peppery-chocolatey note that shows up on the palate. It’s dry, clean and sharp, and it’s a lot of fun. —S.H.——S.H.(9/1/2002)—— 87