Lovely fruit here--red and black cherries, currants and cassis--with briar, vanilla and mineral notes coming in on the chunky finish. Needs a touch more harmony, but the spice and toast notes add complexity. Drink now through 2005. 16,000 cases made. -JM

Big and ripe, with cola, root beer and berry aromas along with rich oak. The palate is a high-wire act of bright red fruit combined with thick milk chocolate and malt. The tannins and acidity allow the wine to be aggressive, maybe too much so given that the fruit is somewhat tart and prickly. ——M.S.(7/1/2003)—— 86