Simple and sugary, with blackberry and cherry jam flavors and a solid plaster of sweet, caramelized oak. Production was 20,000 cases.——S.H.(12/31/2008)—— 83

Unripe and tough, with weedy, herbaceous flavors and hard tannins. ——S.H.(2/1/2005)—— 83

Intensely varietal, with black currant aromas and flavors edged with smoky oak. Dry, rich and complex. The tannins temporarily hide the fruit, but the chewy core shows up in the middle palate. A big wine meant for the cellar. Try after 2006. ——S.H.(11/15/2002)—— 91

Starts out with earthy, berryish aromas, and drinks earthy and light, with just a suggestion of berry fruit. Simple and one-dimensional. An everyday wine with a slight tannic bite. ——S.H.(12/15/2000)—— 83

Opens with classic aromas of black-currant and cassis, with a pleasing anise note and smoky oak. Very extracted, with pronounced currant, blackberry and plum flavors. This is a really rich wine. The tannins are moderate but sticky; they cling to the palate, indicating the need for short-term aging. Not a blockbuster, but well made and finely balanced.——S.H.(7/1/2000)—— 89