Leafy, dry and earthy on the nose, with a hint of flowery red fruit. The palate rings with sharp acidity, which livens up blackberry, herb, black tea and carob flavors. Shows a lot of wayward, unintegrated oak on the finish but stays bright due to juicy acidity. ——M.S.(6/1/2011)—— 85

A pickled and tomatoey wine, with herbal cherry and burnt rubber notes. The palate is tart and edgy, with snappy, lean red fruit flavors that struggle to make much of an impression. Crisp and lean on the finish, too.——M.S.(7/1/2010)—— 83

More vegetal than fruity, with aromas of green bean, tobacco and pasty fruit. The palate is hard yet not tannic or fierce, with lactic flavors of plum mixed with green herbs. Seems like one of those classic old-school Merlots with green elements and not much going for it.——M.S.(7/1/2009)—— 83