Chocolate and spice on the nose are subtle but seductive, and there’s a generous amount of white pepper in the aroma and on the palate, along with blackberry and cherry. Layered and elegant but a touch too restrained, this wine will pair well with duck and lamb.——S.K.(6/1/2007)—— 86

Its leather and dark- cherry bouquet is infused with outdoorsy scents (some described it as “animal” and some called it “tree bark”), but that’s just fine by us. South African “intensely gamy and earthy” flavors, plus more leather and dry red berry, round out the palate. Long coffee-meets-smoke and gunpowder finish.——W.E.(11/1/2001)—— 89