There are some tough acids and tannins framing the cherry and blackberry flavors in this elegant, well-crafted wine. If you’re into food pairing, it suggests butter, olive oil, fatty lamb and cheese. Under those softening influences, this will be a fabulous partner. ——S.H.(5/1/2004)—— 88

Cherry and plum fruit wears clove, and even curry, accents in this solid, heavily cedar-tinged wine from South Coast veteran Daniel Gehrs. Smoothly textured, toasty and chocolatey in the mouth, it turns sweet and sour, with tangy tannins and white pepper on the long back end. Top Value.——W.E.(11/1/2001)—— 90