Soft, dry and earthy, this is a wine that will benefit from a little decanting, which should bring out the underlying cherry and plum fruit. Has a bitter chocolate note that’s appealing. ——S.H.(7/1/2005)—— 86

. Middle-of-the-road fare, with pleasant flavors of berries, coffee and herbs wrapped in firm, heavy tannins. Drinks soft in acids, and finishes dry as dust, leaving the palate a little numb. Rich fare, such as roast lamb, will wake up the hidden fruit.——S.H.(12/31/2003)—— 85

Dark and soft, with earthy flavors and riper notes of blackberries, but very dry. This is a wine that gets right to the point. It’s well-made and meant to be consumed with food. It’s not an ager and there’s a rough-hewn quality to it, but it’s likeable. ——S.H.(6/1/2002)—— 86