Potent and promising on the nose, with rich, deep black fruit, coffee and deftly applied oak. As it airs out it only gets better, with driving berry fruit flavors, thickness, structure and trimmings like clove, baking spice and exotic spices. Long and pure on the finish, and outstanding as a whole. The best Rodero wine we’ve rated to date; drink now or hold through 2015.——M.S.(12/15/2009)—— 94