Focused yet fleshy, offering notes of raspberry and blackberry preserves that are framed by toasty oak, spice and light mint notes, as the fruit lingers on the juicy finish. The better of two bottles tasted. Drink now. 4,100 cases imported. -JM

Concentrated black fruit aromas are subtle and don’t push real hard. It’s jammy, deep and soft in the mouth, with sweet tannins and even sweeter core berry flavors and oak. Finishes smooth, with barrel influence and warmth. Very nice as always, but not as elevated and exact as prior vintages.——M.S.(12/31/2011)—— 90