Coffee bean, cocoa and brown sugar aromas are enticing, while the palate offers only thin red fruit. The tannins are chalky but strapping, leading to a peppery, mouthpuckering finish. —K.F. ——K.F.(4/1/2003)—— 84

Throughout this wine is a sensation of fortification, but without the sweetness or viscosity. On the nose, it reads as rum, with flavors of currant, golden raisin, and candied citrus rinds. The drying tannins pull no punches and serve to draw everything together.——K.F.(4/1/2003)—— 86