The world of Baco Noir producers is rather limited, at least here on the west coast, but Girardet has been a leader for decades. This 2005 edition brings red currant and very tart berry fruit with it, and it somehow seems wrapped in pastry dough. The structure on the palate is a bit like Sangiovese, acidic and light, but clean and showing some staying power once you get past the hole in the midpalate.——P.G.(11/15/2007)—— 86

Strong scents of hay and grass; it’s a bit like old-vine Zin but with more grapey fruit flavors. Grapey, slightly foxy, there is also some loganberry fruit, lots of acid and a good long finish. ——P.G.(8/1/2002)—— 87

Baco Noir is a little-known French hybrid, and Girardet does well with it, creating a rich, ripe, rustic red that might pass for an Amador Zin were the alcohol bumped up a notch. Tangy, grapey fruit and loads of bone- dry tannins tell the story. —P.G.——P.G.(4/1/2002)—— 85