The tannins are really nice on this red blend. They’re smooth and ripe and feel just fine in the mouth, and they frame luscious flavors of blackberries, currants, chocolate, cola, leather and peppery spices. The finish is a bit sweet, but it’s an elegantly constructed wine for drinking now.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 88

An ambitious wine, from a small appellation west of Paso Robles. It’s a little soft but very dry, with ultrarich flavors of melted black currant jam, dark chocolate and anise, and a welcome note of sage and tobacco.——S.H.(12/31/2008)—— 86