Notes of dried dark berry, leathery spice, sweet tobacco and chocolate-covered cherry fill the nose of this wine. The satiny texture pairs well with the dusty tannins, and additional flavors of prune, sweet smoke and fresh caramel linger through the medium-length finish. — (12/31/2012) —87

Superripe Grenache gives this fortified dessert wine (16% alcohol) distinctly chocolaty overtones, but there’s also an overripe note of prunes. Despite that, it doesn’t pack the alcoholic punch or massive weight of Port, making it relatively easy to drink, with an affinity for chocolate desserts.——J.C.(12/15/2007)—— 86