Sharp in acids and jammy in freshly crushed blackberries, cherries, chocolate, anise and pepper, this is an easy wine to drink with barbecue.——S.H.(8/1/2009)—— 84

A little too sharp and acidic, with jammy cherry and blackberry flavors that finish dry. It straddles that line between likeable and a turnoff because it’s so tart.——S.H.(6/1/2007)—— 82

Young, fresh and jammy, with blueberry, black cherry and milk chocolate flavors, dry tannins and citrusy acids. ——S.H.(12/15/2004)—— 83

You can put this next to Syrahs costing four times as much and smell them both, and this Robert Mondavi wine will win out. It’s all about white pepper, blackberries and oak. Tastes fine and yummy, with rich berry flavors and soft, creamy tannins. Could use a bit more depth, but at this price, you can’t have everything. ——S.H.(12/1/2002)—— 88