Positioned as the top wine in the massive Erath lineup, La Nuit Magique was not made in 2007, but it’s back in 2008. A welcome relief from all the single-vineyard wines, this blends the top barrels from excellent vineyards, slathers them in chocolaty oak, and the result is a palate-pleasing, open, warm, generous wine which might come from California. Sappy berry compote, enlivened with juicy acids, and finished with plenty of sweet, toasty oak. ——P.G.(3/1/2011)—— 90

The handsome nose of deep cherry with smoke, leather, eucalyptus and cinnamon accents is promising but the palate fails to follow through in this top- end offering from an Oregon pioneer. Smooth and supple in the mouth; finishes dark and toasty, with a mildly chalky feel. Tasted twice, with consistent results.——W.E.(10/1/2002)—— 86