Inky as night, with lush, ripe aromas of berries, tree bark, cola and all sorts of other herb-infused elixirs. The palate is totally seductive, with cherry and blackberry overflowing. Chewy and round on the finish, with lemony oak kicking in. This is a block wine from a single vineyard and it’s all the way strong.——M.S.(12/31/2005)—— 92

Not an easy wine to grade. It’s very dark and oaky, with hefty mint, coffee and charcoal aromas. The palate is tight, with dense black fruit and rock-hard tannins that are tight at first and then expand to the point of being aggressive. Already an “older” wine but showing no signs of backing up. ——M.S.(10/1/2004)—— 88