Flirts with too much sugar, but dodges the bullet, remaining dry, but lush and powerful in soft, ripe briary fruit. That means lots of alcohol, but this pretty wine is balanced. Addictively delicious for the blackberry, chocolate finish.——S.H.(12/31/2004)—— 90

Almost black in color, with intensely spicy aromatics. On the palate, it doesn’t disappoint, with fun, bright cherry, blackberry, currant and toast flavors. The acidity is a bit on the bright side, maybe to balance the very slight sweetness.——W.E.(11/1/2003)—— 88