A solid and stylish wine with plenty of toast and a plush mouthfeel. Ripe black cherry-plum fruit keeps the lavish oak from being overwhelming. Finishes full, with well-dispersed tannins and cocoa notes on the persistent fruit foundation.——W.E.(10/1/2001)—— 87

Dark, with aromas of spiced plums, earth, bark, and a rich, chocolatey note. Heavy and dense, the syrupy texture carries plummy, peppery flavors through to a long, rich finish. It’s a bit coarse and rough, and pretty tannic, too. Drink with well-marbled beef. ——S.H.(5/1/2001)—— 84