Inky-purple in color, with deep aromas of plums, violets, earth and a touch of smoked meat. Tastes very extracted and jammy, with dark stone fruit flavors, although it’s quite dry. Tannins are evident but not a problem. A well-made example of this variety, which is usually lost into blends. —S.H.——S.H.(5/1/2002)—— 87

Inky dark, this is a big wine in every way. Rich, sweet aromas of blackberry cobbler drizzled with cassis suggest enormous fruit. The flavors follow up, big and jammy, filled with berries of every kind. But it drinks dry and mellow, with soft tannins and acids. This is an interesting but not great wine from a variety normally used for blending. —S.H.——S.H.(9/1/2002)—— 89