Rustic on first blush, with smoky, lightly baked berry fruit aromas. It’s rubbery and grabby in the mouth, with sweet caramel and brown sugar accents to the core baked berry fruit flavors. Toasty and peppery on the finish, then sweet as it fades out. A little hot at 14.8% alcohol. ——M.S.(11/1/2011)—— 87

After starting out somewhat murky and muddled, it gets to better footing. The palate is thick and meaty, with sweet, semibaked fruit flavors and a handful of carob nibs. More carob and an herbal element work the finish, and overall the wine is good and substantive even if it doesn’t stand out.——M.S.(8/1/2009)—— 86

Bright fruit, mildly creamy, with good zest and acidity. Shows a sweet, savory center with hints of brown sugar and spice sitting along the edges. Easy tannins make it a friendly style; good for near-term drinking. No cellaring necessary.——M.S.(8/1/2008)—— 87