This wine is a medium-weight, moderately-endowed effort with evolved color, sweet fruit on the attack, but some austerity and dryness in the compressed finish. It is a very good wine, but not inspirational. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

The bouquet of this elegant, reserved wine is muted right now, but the berry and leather notes that show display real class. Medium bodied, with tart cherry flavors and an appealing slate-chalk element, this wine has a distinctive palate and profile. Closes beautifully with even tannins, nice cassis and licorice notes and a handsome perfume.——W.E.(4/1/2001)—— 91