Toast, dark fruit and leafiness on the nose; cherries, cigarbox and vanilla on the palate. This is a creamy, well-balanced wine with modest tannins. Roughly half Merlot, with almost equal amounts of Syrah and Cabernet making up the balance. Drink now–2010.——J.C.(8/1/2004)—— 88

An interesting wine that blends some super ripe notes of stone fruit with underripe herbal elements that come dangerously close to being vegetal. Yet the mouthfeel is supple and smooth, and the peach notes on the finish are intriguing.——J.C.(12/15/2003)—— 86

Smoky aromas mix with scents of green herbs in an offering that’s reminiscent of some Chinons. Shows good depth on the palate and admirable complexity, mixing in coffee, black currants, and dark earth components.——J.C.(10/1/2000)—— 86