"Inviting aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, and ripe plum are interwoven with notes of sage and blueberry. Hints of anise and clove give added complexity. Rich, elegant and well structured, the palate shows a velvet texture with smooth mouthfeel and good balance. Layered with full flavors of ripe plums, cherries, tobacco, and sweet notes of vanilla, the finish lingers with rich, dark fruit flavors."

"Black raspberry, red- and blackcurrants and dark chocolate on the nose, plus hints of mint and green tobacco. Juicy, fruit-driven flavors of dark berries and cocoa powder, complicated by a whiff of meat. Offers classic '97 texture and sweetness. Ripe acids carry the fruit. Finishes with firm but smooth tannins and a note of Cuban tobacco." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Rich and complex, with a focused, full-bodied core of earth, currant, mineral, tar, cherry and spice, firming up on the finish. Wonderful depth and dimension that cellaring should reward."