Displaying a saturated, medium-to-dark ruby color and delightful aromas of fresh blueberries and violets, this wine is a silky-textured, thick, full-bodied, and magnificently complex wine. This offering's black cherries, cassis, and blackberries explode on the palate, coating it with sweet juices. Its extremely long finish offers minerals, stones, and tons of super-ripe, but well-focused dark fruits. Projected maturity: 2002-2008. Importers: Martine's Wines, Inc., San Rafael, CA; tel (415) 485-1800, and Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; tel (847) 604-8900.

Lovely red, both delicate and ripe, sporting a supple texture and plenty of rose petal, wild berry, smoked bacon, cherry and raspberry character. Of medium body, with an elegant finish. Drink now through 2005. -PM