Ponzi’s reserve shows plenty of well-defined muscle and sinew, with firm and slightly chewy flavors of red berry, cranberry and spicy red apple. The tannins are relatively smooth and ripe, and the flavors have a pleasing resonance as they weave through the finish. There have been some vintages where the new oak seemed a bit heavy-handed; not so here. This wine has the structure and balance to reward some years in the cellar.——P.G.(2/1/2008)—— 91