Bright ruby-red. Pungent blackberry aroma complicated by espresso and exotic notes of apricot and peach; can't quite hide its alcohol. Chewy, thick and sweet but a bit musclebound, with firm acidity framing the chewy cherry and raspberry flavors. This will need a couple years of bottle aging. May merit a higher score if it can absorb some of its alcohol before it loses its fruit.

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar on May-04.

Rating for United States-California: 85 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: drink now<br/>