The main problem with this wine is that it’s excessively soft. Despite the delicious flavors of cherries, cocoa and mint, and the rich, thick, sweet tannins, it falls flat in the mouth, and lacks vibrancy. ——S.H.(12/15/2005)—— 84

An interesting wine from a variety normally used for blending. Shows up with a burst of cherry and currant flavors, with a complex streak of bacon. The texture is sheer delight, dry, soft and caressing. Try as an alternative to Merlot.——S.H.(11/15/2003)—— 87

Sauteed mushrooms, leather and hung meat aromas introduce this deeply colored wine, which seems exceptionally soft, with low tannins. The berry flavors veer toward blackberries and black rasberries. It;s very dry. Try with barbecue or roasted chicken.——S.H.(12/1/2001)—— 85

Floral and herbal aromas intertwine with scents of toasty oak and bright raspberry-cherry fruit in this delicious offering from the Rancho Salina and Blue Rock vineyards. Benziger’s Imagery Series always offers distinctive flavors, some more successfully than others, but this one is a hit—and ready to drink as well.——J.C.(6/1/2003)—— 88