The tasting panel agreed that this wine’s nose was black, but we all had different ideas of what “black” meant: Some said that black grape and licorice dominated the bouquet; others said the aromas were more earthy and leathery. We had the same debates about the dark palate, too—blackberry, clove, black pepper and licorice flavors got the most votes, all with a…
— W.E.
(10/1/2001)
This is quite a good Cab for the ripe currant and black cherry flavors, firm tannins and smooth mouthfeel. It has that fancy complexity you want from a good red wine, and is priced fairly for the quality.
— S.H.
(11/15/2004)
This extremely ripe wine goes for big size at every turn. It’s oozing with sweet tropical fruit flavors that drip with oaky vanillins and buttered toast, and has a creamy texture and spicy finish. From an up-and-coming appellation in Monterey County.
— S.H.
(12/1/2004)
Has some positive apple, earth and toasty aromas, and a fairly plump, full mouthfeel. However, the green-apple fruit seems modest, even bland, and the toasty oak, while appealing, seems to suppress it.
— W.E.
(6/1/2000)
Soft, juicy and easy, this wine has excellently ripe berry-cherry flavors and a nice grip of tannins. It’s very dry, and picks up interest with the long, pepper-spice finish.
— S.H.
(12/15/2004)
From an increasingly well-regarded region for crisp coastal Pinots, a fruity, light-bodied wine with plenty of appeal. It has good spice, coffee and raspberry flavors, and is silky in the mouth.
— S.H.
(12/1/2004)
Here’s a nice, easy drinking dry red wine from a region that produces them so easily. It’s clean and friendly, with juicy fruit and spice flavors and soft acids and tannins.
— S.H.
(12/1/2004)
Rough and earthy, with funky flavors barely nudging into apples, and lots of acidity. Feels jagged and angular in the mouth, and turns bitter on the finish.
— S.H.
(6/1/2003)