Enticing aromas of red cherry, plum and wild berry commingle with floral and rose petal scents. Rich flavors are smooth, polished and beautifully focused. Finishes with a dash of mint that highlights the red fruit flavors. Silky tannins. Drink now through 2009. 900 cases made. - J.L.

Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, herbal, toasty, spicy, black cherry and raspberry fruit aroma with a hint of cola; full body; forward, rich, textured, cedary, very ripe black cherry fruit flavors with undertones of creamy oak; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Improved with airing in the glass. Highly reccommended.

Here is a rich, open, obvious and wholly inviting wine that leans a little more towards ripeness than is ideal but is long on sweet cherries and more than makes up in sheer fruitiness for what it may lack in complexity and depth. Plump and plush in feel with no hint of tannin to hold it back, it is one for drinking up in the near-term for its youthful energy.