Although the mildly cherry-like, faintly floral aromas of this wine are a little quiet and slow to unfold, its flavors show more fruity volume and substance and are wholly varietal in their focus. The wine's fruit hangs on at the end despite a bit of coarseness and heat, and service with slightly richer meats bathed in sauce will smooth off its edges.

Light, hazy red. Musky cherry and black raspberry aromas offer good, straightforward appeal. Displays a slightly jammy character, with red and dark berry flavors underscored by smoky oak and baking spices. Sweet black fruits and clove dominate the sappy finish, which betrays no roughness.

Rating for United States-California: 87 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>

I rated it a 9 at Napa Valley Grill in MN with G