Excellent winemaking extracts the maximum value from the grapes. Scents are a little volatile and pruney, but the wine is not. Flavors are a mix of plum pudding, chocolate, baking spice and vanilla, with lavender and blueberry streaks. Not your California or Washington Cabernet Franc, this charts a unique path.——P.G.(10/1/2010)—— 86

Juicy and spicy and tannic, this might be an old-vine Zinfandel—it’s got that sort of briary, slightly gamy scent to it. It’s going to fare well with Zin-friendly foods such as pastas and pizzas; there’s an undertone of ripe tomato to the fruit.——P.G.(11/15/2007)—— 86

Meaty, leathery and substantial, this wine explodes out of the glass with aggressive aromas. The fruit following is less muscular; it is lightly tart, simple and overcome with leathery saddle notes.——P.G.(5/1/2004)—— 86

Lovely aromas show sweet fruit, cherry candy flavors, along with some green tannins in a tart, tight finish.——P.G.(8/1/2002)—— 86