A ripe, smooth, full-bodied wine, packed with chocolate and spice flavors. Round, rich, this has fruit-cake sweetness, balanced by a mouthful of juicy black fruits. Tannins taste low, but then this is a wine to drink now. — (11/1/2008) —89

In France, Alicante Bouchet is frowned upon for its poor quality. In Portugal, it is capable of making some of the country’s finest wines. This is typical, with its sweet, jelly-like aromas and ripe, dense fruit. There’s an evocative, herby, Mediterranean sunshine feel to it. —R.V.——R.V.(12/31/2002)—— 91