Deeply colored in a black and purple hue, the wine smells young, with oak and grape aromas dominating. It’s obviously in need of age. The flavors are New World ripe, suggesting plums and blackberries, and the tannins are rich enough for cellaring. A more troubling note is the excessively soft mouthfeel. It lacks life and vibrancy and feels flat and syrupy on the tongue. ——S.H.(12/1/2002)—— 85