Leather, baked berry fruit and coffee make up the nose, while the palate is tight with cherry, raspberry and zesty acidity. This wine could use a few more years of bottle time, and then maybe that pronounced acidity will soften. If not, it is going to seem a little thinner than it should be for $125.——M.S.(11/1/2007)—— 89

Perfect color; built like a house. The bouquet is telling, as one whiff delivers cherry, cola, tobacco and almond paste. Much to ponder on the palate, as red berry and cassis flavors are puffed up by woody waves of coconut and cream. And then there are those tight, driving tannins. You can’t miss them. Hold for several years, if you can. Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports. ——M.S.(8/1/2005)—— 91