Sharp and briney on the nose, with a lot of wood. Feels tannic, hard and grating, with herbal berry and licorice flavors. Dries out fast on the finish, with a woody, resiny aftertaste. A miserly wine from a difficult vintage.——M.S.(12/15/2011)—— 84

A warm, aggressive wine with baked berry aromas, kirsch, bacon and rubber. The palate has hard, astringent tannins but the flavors are good once they air out; there’s blackberry, plum and brown sugar. Firms up on the finish as the tannins do their thing. Tasted twice with divergent findings; this note reflects the common traits from both wines.——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 86