No Prestige cuvee was produced in 2002 as all was blended into the Tradition bottling (55% Grenache and 45% Syrah). Approximately 25% of the blend spent time in oak casks. While the finish is a bit short, this is still a noteworthy value. It exhibits a deep ruby color as well as subtle aromas of licorice, earth, and spice in a medium-bodied, fruity, elegant style. Consume it over the next 12-18 months.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

Hedonistically, this wine deserves an outstanding score, but there was not enough complexity to merit such a lofty rating. I decided there was not. Eight-hundred cases of this blend of equal parts old vine Grenache and Syrah were made. Equal parts were aged in new oak casks and tanks and then blended prior to bottling. It is a powerful, surprisingly concentrated 1997 with a dark ruby/purple color as well as user-friendly notes of black cherries, berries, pepper, tar, and dried herbs. The wine is deep and full-bodied, with no hard edges. This supple-textured, pure, delicious offering should be drunk over the next 2-3 years.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083