Slightly carbonic and gassy at first, with huge candied fruit aromas. But quickly the wine settles, and out comes sweet blackberry flavors and some gumminess. It’s a chunky, easy wine with medium tannins and modest plushness, which is something you shouldn’t necessarily expect from a value-positioned wine. Short on the finish, but plump and buttery.——M.S.(12/31/2008)—— 85