A strong vegetal character mars the nose of this otherwise dry, spicy Napa Valley SB. There is a boatload of asparagus and green pepper to the nose, and in the mouth the fruit element, meaning papaya and mild citrus, gets gobbled up by a potent blast of green flavors. The finish is spicy and dry, but it’s also heavy with the taste of green peas. Was ripeness a problem here? Seems like it was——W.E.(8/1/2002)—— 85