An extraordinary wine, Fogarty’s best Bordeaux-style wine ever. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it shows the classic profile of a young wine capable of extended aging. The tannins still are serious at the age of nearly five years. There’s good acidity, and the core of blackberries, cherries and cassis is potent. Give it at least another six years.——S.H.(10/1/2011)—— 94

Very dry and sharp in acidity, with a citrusy bite, like a hit of lime. The Cabernet-Merlot flavors are very rich, suggesting blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. The tannins are mountain tough. Altogether, it’s a tough, rugged wine that could improve in the bottle.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 87

Oaky and tannic, this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend feels tough and dry right now, although it does have deep touches of blackberry jam. Might soften and sweeten with some time in the bottle.——S.H.(12/1/2008)—— 85

You’ll want to stick this Bordeaux blend in the cellar because right now the tannins dominate. There’s a very rich vein of cherry, currant, cassis and new oak flavor, and the wine is totally dry, but those tannins give it a sticky astringency that obviously calls for time out. Give it a year or so, then try again.——S.H.(11/1/2007)—— 87

This Bordeaux blend is soft, oaky and a little sweet, but not excessively so. The fruit is ripe and forward, and there's a slight bite of tannin. The sweet thing reprises on the finish, which is a bit sugary.——S.H.(7/1/2006)—— 84