Ripe, fresh, plummy fruit. Ditto on palate, quite attractive, ripe fruit, midweight, some tannin, youthful balance.

Opens with rich, broad, semiroasted aromas of black fruit, rubber and earth. The palate is basic and mildly tannic, with black plum, baked berry and mild herbal flavors. Has a syrupy profile on one hand, but tannic bite keeps it on course. Tastes good as it gets the job done.——M.S.(2/1/2010)—— 87