This medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine has an expressive nose of cassis, cherries, Asian spices, and minerals. This massive, chewy-textured, full-bodied, and plump wine is rich, concentrated, muscular, and crammed with super-ripe blackberries awash in toasty oak. It should be at its best between 2002 and 2007.

Fairly oaky, with vanilla, mocha, herbal character, some red- and blackberry flavors. Medium-bodied, with good acidity, it's firm and very juicy. Succulent finish. Best from 2003 through 2005. 200 cases made. -PM