Meaty and also jammy, with popcorn and cedar aromas. Dry and complex, typical of the winery’s style, and mildly astringent. The tannins are starching at this point, but should fade. Given time, the red fruit should emerge and conquer the youthful astringency.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Fine berry fruit, dried flowers, and an olive note mark the intriguing nose of this very dry, even austerely elegant blend. Very mature, almost raisiny fruit and dark-chocolate flavors cover the palate. A full finish with tobacco notes wraps up this very masculine package. Hold until 2005.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Black cherry and dried spice aromas share the stage with oaky, cedary notes. Once in the mouth, this fruity offering provides chocolate, cherries and red licorice. Bold, bright acidity creates a racy feel on the finish, and all the while there’s a bold undercurrent of toasty wood.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)
Crème brûlée and baked apple aromas on the nose open to a smooth palate of mild apple, pineapple and spice flavors with citrus accents.The flavors aren’t vibrant, though, and the intensity of the oak rendered the faint fruit nearly invisible.
— W.E.
(7/1/2001)
The color is rusty and the nose hints at premature aging. Cinnamon and spice aromas mix with tomato and wood, and the result isn’t all that pleasing. In the mouth, tired fruit is overrun by caramel and cooked brown sugar notes.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)