Lots of juicy, jammy aromas here, with earthy tobacco notes, and clove accents from American oak. It’s rich and extracted, with wild berry and spice flavors, but quite high—almost searing—acidity. The finish is raspy, thanks to those acids and some tough, dry tannins. ——S.H.(8/1/2001)—— 84

Leathery, spicy aromas rise from the rather thick juice of 85-year-old vines. Raspberries, black cherries and coffee dominate this ripe but balanced wine from a subsection of Amador County. Drying tannins on the moderate finish. Easily drinkable, with plenty of complexity.——W.E.(9/1/1999)—— 88