2 | Wine | $10 to $20, 2006

"Offers black cherry and blackberry notes, with lilac. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely finish of dark chocolate, smoky wood and berry."

"It displays an aromatic array of cedar, tobacco, spice box, and black cherry. This is followed by a smooth-textured, savory, elegant offering that can be approached now but will last for another 5-7 years. It, too, is a solid value."

"Black cherry, licorice, mineral and light game flavors have a dark, rather austere character in this firm red, which has a lithe, dense texture, with plenty of backbone. Needs food, but has depth and some intensity."

"Opaque purple-colored, the wine coats the glass. It gives up an alluring aromatic array of wood smoke, mineral, scorched earth, black cherry, black raspberry, and violets. This leads to a medium to full-bodied, layered wine with loads of sweet, spicy dark fruit flavors, ripe tannin, good balance, and a long, pure finish."

"Fresh red berries and a hint of smoke on the nose, with a sexy floral quality coming up with air. Juicy, gently sweet raspberry and cherry flavors display a pinot-like delicacy. Very fruity and almost shockingly polished for a wine at this price point, finishing with admirable clarity and lingering sweetness. This wine is always an excellent value and this year's release is $5 cheaper than last year's bottling."