Made from hand-picked grapes and unfiltered, this is a richly concentrated, full-bodied Merlot with an abundance of sweet, juicy black plum and freshly roasted coffee flavors. Two years of aging in French oak results in a supple, silky wine with beautifully integrated tannins and pleasant notes of darkly toasted wood. A great pairing with roasted pork tenderloin.——A.I.(12/15/2010)—— 87

Modestly priced for a reserve, Pindar, one of Long Islands largest producers, crafted an old-style wine with balsam, shoe leather and cherry aromas. Dusty tannins give it a good if simple mouthfeel, dealing modest cherry, vanilla and mint. Seems a bit advanced, so drink up. ——M.D.(12/1/2006)—— 86