Although the nose on this medium-bodied Romanian blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Feteasca Neagra is pretty with ripe, black plums, vanilla and a hint of cashew nuts, it takes some airing out for the charred oak flavors to settle, allowing red plum and coffee grind notes to appear on the palate. Gripping tannins and high acidity give this wine a puckery astringency, but it’s not bad for the bargain price.——A.I.(12/1/2010)—— 85

An intriguing nose of tobacco, mint, cherry and spice leads this earthy red. Flavors of spice, tobacco, red berry and tea are supported by ageable tannins and good complexity. ——S.K.(12/1/2009)—— 85

Nice fruit aromas of blueberry and plum mingle with tobacco, with graphite adding to the mix in the mouth. Dry and light-bodied, this wine is linear in its fruit, but rewarding.——M.D.(6/1/2006)—— 84