This is softening now, with mulled plum and fig notes laced with hints of tobacco, chestnut and dark earth. Picks up a rustic hint, but stays polished enough on the finish.--Non-blind Kanonkop vertical tasting (2010). Drink now through 2012. 8,500 cases made. -JM

The nose is a bit muddled, with earth and brown sugar, but the finish is long and fruity. You don’t have to think about the fruit in this wine: it embraces with open arms from the first sip. Plum and cassis flavors abound, wrapped in big tannins and a full body.——M.D.(9/1/2006)—— 87