91 Points | International Wine Cellar , January 2012

(85% malbec with 5% cabernet sauvignon, 4% bonarda and 3% each syrah and cabernet franc):  Full ruby-red.  Slightly high-toned, expressive nose melds currant, cherry, minerals, licorice and loam, plus oak notes of coffee, chocolate and coconut.  Concentrated and smooth in the mouth, with sweet berry flavors enlivened by harmonious acidity and lifted by sexy oak spices.  The slightly high-toned quality carries through on the palate.  Serious but ripe tannins give the wine good structure, and chocolatey oak adds sweetness to the finish.