A heavy wine with youthful tobacco, plum and berry aromas. The bold plum and blackberry flavors are bruising, but the fruit is a kitten compared to the tannic structure of this wine, which hits like a sledgehammer. A very young and willing red, maybe not perfectly refined but powerful. ——M.S.(10/1/2004)—— 89

A big, bold red with vanilla cream and game aromas. Blueberry, dark chocolate and earth flavors carry big tannins. Great with grilled meats. Drink 2004–2010. —C.S.——C.S.(2/1/2003)—— 90

Deep and sweet and aromas of dark cherry, leather and spice open this big red. Full-flavored and dry, it has good depth of fruit and acidity to balance. Long and powerful, the finish bears full tannins and a blackberry-prune note. This wine is built to last; try it in two or three years-or now with hearty fare.——W.E.(4/1/2001)—— 90