A knock-out red wine bargain is the 2002 Cricket Pitch Red, a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Shiraz aged in neutral American and French barrels for 18 months. Sweet, peppery, black currant aromas intermixed with notions of smoke, licorice, and damp earth are followed by impressive fruit on the attack as well as the mid-palate. The velvety finish reveals surprising persistence. This 2002 should drink well for 2-4 years. Importer: Peter Click, Click Imports, Seattle, WA; tel. (800) 859-0689

This is quite a hodgepodge of a red—one with Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc and Shiraz—but boy, is it tasty. Svelte in size, there’s a briary-earthy component (wheat toast, smooth wood, earth, you name it) through and through, with firm red plum fruit flavors. With good hold on the midpalate, this reasonably priced red could easily go another couple of years. Imported by Click Wine Group.——D.T.(8/1/2005)—— 90