This is a jammy, fruity wine. Like an Aussie Shiraz, it offers a mouthburst of tart cherries, blackberries, currants and spices. Finishes totally dry, with a crisp edge of acidity. Drink now.——S.H.(6/1/2010)—— 86

This wine, made from one of the Bordeaux varieties, is fresh and grapey. It has a crisp, spicy flavor, like black raspberry jam sprinkled with black pepper and anise. Give it until 2009 to knit together.——S.H.(12/1/2008)—— 87

Often added to Cabernet for color and aromatics, this PV shows a saturated black color and is powerful in violet and blackberry tea flavors that are almost leathery. It’s a very dry, very tannic wine, but finely structured. Treat it like an Argentine Malbec and have with steak. ——S.H.(12/1/2006)—— 88