This is the first commercial reserve wine Patrick Campbell has released in more than 20 years of winemaking, and it is indeed something special. Young and dense now, with firm tannins and acidity, and a richly explosive, meaty core of blackcurrant and cassis fruit. Completely authoritative. Campbell is at the top of his game with this marvelous, ageworthy wine. Drinkable now, but best aged through the decade.——S.H.(11/15/2003)—— 94

Owner-winemaker Patrick Campbell calls this “one of our all-time great vintages.” He’s right. Inky black, tight, young and tannic, but filled with promise, this wine needs a great deal of time, but will reward patient cellaring. Don’t touch it before, say, 2008. By that time, the massive tannins will begin to melt and allow the plush black currant flavors to shine. ——S.H.(11/15/2002)—— 92