Hard leather, black olives and spicy stewed fruits on the nose are backed by one-dimensional black-fruit flavors. The finish offers some black licorice and burnt toast, while the overall take is that it's just too heavy and extracted.——M.S.(7/1/2006)—— 84

A bit rusty in color, with briary aromas that veer in the direction of sour red fruit and celery. The palate is dark and spicy, with fruity flavors that are hard to define. Notes of liqueur and licorice add sweetness to the finish. ——M.S.(8/1/2004)—— 83

Char and blackberry flavors on the palate are as brooding asthe dark soil, oak and berry fruit on the nose. Tannins speak louder than flavors in this wine; it’s black, and with a little more lushness, could be a beauty. ——D.T.(7/1/2002)—— 84