With 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, you might expect this five-varietal Bordeaux blend to taste pretty much like Cabernet, and it does. Although there’s plenty of toasty, cedary oak, the cassis fruit shines through, dressed up by vanilla and chocolate notes. Not as deep as in the best of vintages, but a classy crowd-pleaser nonetheless.——W.E.(9/1/2002)—— 88