Funky at first, with an amalgam of lactic, meat and smoke aromas. Seems a touch soft on the palate, where prune and coffee flavors match wits with black cherry. Minty green on the finish, which may be construed as tobacco.——W.E.(4/1/2005)—— 86

Intense from the start, and quite rambunctious. The fruit is healthy and powerful, with ample leather and chocolate to add complexity. This wine surely has better days ahead, but opening it now and serving it with hearty food should allow it to show its best. Best Buy. —M.S.——M.S.(12/31/2002)—— 87

Rustic in a positive sense, this medium-weight, supple wine shows dark cherry fruit once a touch of sulfur blows off. Finishes long, with black-cherry, licorice and espresso flavors. It could use a year to even out and integrate its parts. ——W.E.(4/1/2001)—— 87