Here’s a good, robust red wine. It’s not particularly Merlot-like, with its pepper, herb, cherry, red currant and cola flavors, wrapped into sticky tannins. But it’s very dry and elegantly structured, and the alcohol is moderate. Fine with a nice steak or chop.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 88

This is a party-style wine, the kind you buy when your guests just want something red and don’t really care what it is. It’s forward in black cherry, blackberry and cola flavors, with a kiss of smoky oak. ——S.H.(7/1/2010)—— 84