Dark hints of charred oak and cola accent bright berry aromas, while the palate is marked by bold berry and black cherry flavors and a whack of vanilla. It’s a medium-bodied red that comes across as a bit hard-edged because of its acidity despite having rather soft tannins. Drink now. ——J.C.(12/31/2010)—— 87

The Brokenwood red wines begin with the 2007 Cricket Pitch Red, a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 13% Shiraz. It spent 12 months in French and American oak with a bit of the French oak new. Dark ruby-colored, it displays a spicy nose of cedar, cinnamon, pepper, black currant, and black cherry. Forward and medium-bodied on the palate, it has good flavors and enough light tannin to support another 4-5 years of life. Brokenwood is one of the quality leaders of Hunter Valley in New South Wales.Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com