Oily and rich, yet smooth, deep and woodsy. In a word, it has it all. The tight palate offers ripe blackberry and boysenberry flavors, while the finish is seductively secure, with chocolate and truffle notes. It still has a fair amount of wood on it, but that stretches out the finish. Will cellar well for another four or five years.
— M.S.
(9/1/2006)
Attractive in the nose, with typical and traditional aromas of cherry and underbrush. Mild oak adds some vanilla to the cherry-laden palate, which also offers a fine touch of cinnamon. The finish is round and modestly tannic. All in all this one comes real close to the bull’s eye. It’s solid and largely complete. Best Buy. —M.S.
— M.S.
(12/31/2002)
Attractive, big and lush, with defined leather, dried plum and clove aromas. If there were ever a Chianti that was interbred with Port, it’s this one. The palate shows spice cake, liqueur and fudge, and the texture is downright thick. It’s borderline medicinal in its richness, but for many that won’t be a problem.
— W.E.
(4/1/2005)
A touch on the soft side, as if it doesn’t have the legs to run long. But for now it’s a meaty brew of jammy fruit, licorice and leather. The palate shows enough complexity in the way of chocolate, espresso and herbs to rate highly, while the finish flows smoothly due to ripe tannins. Drink now.
— W.E.
(4/1/2005)