Fierce in acidity, as Sangiovese tends to be, and with cherry pie flavors, elaborated with sweet, smoky oak. Somewhat one-dimensional, but pretty and bone dry, with a spicy finish. Ready now, and doesn’t require decanting.——S.H.(9/1/2010)—— 85

With 15% alcohol, this wine’s hot, with a prickly, peppery finish. But that’s part of its personality, which also includes plummy, black cherry and coffee flavors. It’s very dry, and should be good with beef grilled as the sun goes down.——S.H.(11/15/2005)—— 85

Tough tannins frame the berry, cherry and herb flavors, leading to a dry finish in this food-friendly wine. Perfect with short ribs. ——S.H.(12/15/2004)—— 85

Sangiovese likes the warmth of Paso Robles, which ripens it to black cherry flavors, but this seems overcropped. The fruitiness is thin, and is overshadowed by astringent tannins.——S.H.(12/1/2003)—— 84