Tastes excessively sharp throughout, with a cut of acidity that interferes with the palate’s pleasure in the blackberries, cherries, currants and oak. ——S.H.(12/15/2010)—— 84

Smooth, polished and dry, a sophisticated Bordeaux blend to drink now with upscale fare. Shows a rich melange of blackberries, black currants, anise, mocha and toasted oak, wrapped into firm, finely ground tannins. ——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 91