89-92 points Wine Spectator: Milk chocolate with bright berry character on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and gorgeous ripe fruit. Long and caressing. A little overripe.

89-92 points Steven Tanzer: Very deep ruby. Crushed cassis, coffee, menthol and violet on the rather cool, smoky nose. Then fairly round, fruity and moderately sweet in the middle palate, but with a slightly peppery quality to the flavors of chocolate-covered cherry, prune and tea leaf. Finishes with subtle persistence and slightly chalky tannins.