The nose takes a little while to open, but when it does, you’ll be entranced by the fresh mint, nutmeg, cinnamon and chalk dust aromas that coat underlying black cherry and red berry notes. In the mouth, the blueberry and blackberry fruit is big, but not to worry—it’s two steps shy of tasting overextracted, and the fruity intensity lets up after a few minutes in the glass. Caramel-oak flavors add a rich, velvety texture; finishes with a zippy white-pepper flash, and some chalkiness. Beware: It’s yummy, but may bowl you over. ——D.T.(3/1/2002)—— 90