A sweaty smell opens the wine, followed with light strawberry and leafy herb notes. In the mouth the wine is thin and tart, with a hard, tannic finish. There isn’t any stuffing, and it lacks the elegance and precision that could take the place of mere power. What’s left is leafy, herbal and astringent, but charmless. Two bottles tasted.——P.G.(4/1/2008)—— 83

Bing cherry, plum, rhubarb and cedar elements meld handsomely on the nose of this tasty medium-weight wine. Attractive clove, chocolate and licorice accents add interest; more than one taster complimented the ripe mouthfeel. Finishes long with modest tannins. Offers a lot to like, and should be even better in one to two years.——W.E.(10/1/2002)—— 88