Rather too soft, although the chocolate, black cherry, blueberry and blackberry flavors are lipsmackingly tasty. But flavor isn’t everything. Still, it’s a very polished wine. ——S.H.(10/1/2005)—— 88

Compelling for its ripeness, balance, harmony and the way those tannins work to pull it all together. This Cab-based wine has it all, blackberries, cherries, cocoa, great acidity, wonderful oak. Ultimately, it’s the soft, intricate tannic structure that makes it complex. ——S.H.(10/1/2005)—— 91