Sweet berries, a bit of briary spice and suggestions of chocolate in the nose are met here by fairly ripe, somewhat jammy flavors that are equally keyed on berries and oak. Medium-full-bodied and slightly coating in feel, the wine achieves a good measure of richness without being compromised by excessive heat, and its essentially open delivery makes it a fine choice for drinking over the next couple of years. GOOD VALUE

Rating for United States-California: 82 (slightly worse than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>