Nice and crisp, with rich flavors of apricots, pineapples and pears, accented with smoky oak and a scour of coastal acidity. But finishes a little too sugary sweet. ——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 85

There are some nice, ripe flavors of peaches and pears here, but also a disagreeable harshness, especially in the finish. It leaves a peppery burn on the palate. There’s also a ton of oak, more than the underlying fruit seems to need.——S.H.(10/1/2003)—— 83

Hang onto your hat with this fruit-forward, honeyed wine, filled with oak, spices and sweetness. It’s a big, wild kicker, and calls for equally rich foods, like lobster, butter, saffron or cream. Almost a meal in itself. —S.H.——S.H.(5/1/2002)—— 90