Stemmy and funky smelling, with a burnt, stalky element to the core aromas. The palate grates and tastes of stemmy, burnt berry fruit. Stemmy and herbal on the finish as well. ——M.S.(11/1/2011)—— 82

A far better wine than the previous vintage. This is big, beefy and clean, with bacon on the nose. The palate is perky, zesty and high in acidity, and thus the flavors of cherry and plum are forward and alert. Finishes with snap and pop as it begs for pizza, grilled chicken or a hamburger off the grill. ——M.S.(12/31/2010)—— 87