Good dark red. High-toned aromas of black cherry, blackberry, licorice and chocolatey oak. Smooth, sweet and lush without coming off as heavy, offering nicely concentrated flavors of black raspberry, black cherry, mocha and smoked meat. Finishes with good lingering sweetness, but the dusty, building tannins ultimately turned a bit dry.

A spicy start of snappy raspberry and cherry fruit mixes with notes of dried leaf and citrusy acidity. Orange peel highlights accent the acid and bring a slight bitterness that’s not unpleasant.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 88

Dark fruits envelop this rich, fat, tannic Merlot. It’s loaded with cassis and ripe black cherries, set against generous barrel flavors of cedar, smoke and coffee. The tannins have a black olive streak and a bacon fat finish. Yummy stuff.——P.G.(7/1/2011)—— 89