Exceptionally ripe in black cherries, blackberries, cassis, and chocolate, and sweet in fruit juice essence, although it’s technically dry. Polished and smooth, with a nice edge of acids and tannins for grip. Almost too flamboyant in sweet opulence. Anything more in this direction will be excessive.——S.H.(4/1/2005)—— 90

Dark in color and quite oaky, with lots of smoke and vanilla aromas riding on top of blackcurrants. The blackberry flavors promise richness, then drop off in the middle and turn herbal. Tannins and alcohol show up on the finish.——S.H.(11/15/2003)—— 86

Opens with a solid Cabernet nose of black currants. The tannins here are fine and dispersed, the acidity is a little low in the current fashion, yielding a plush mouthfeel. Finishes long and spicy, but maybe a touch superficially pretty.——S.H.(8/1/2001)—— 90