On opening this wine I encountered what must be the cheapest cork I have ever seen, even breaking on the way out (this is a 2002!). Anyhow, the wine has a terrific color, a bright, clear dark ruby/purple. Interesting on the nose, showing dusty plum and dry herb aromas, and long with what I can only describe as chocolate milkshake. Fairly light bodied on the palate with drying tannins and a distinct absence of fruit. A simple wine, drinkable, but not particularly interesting. 80 points, drink up of don’t bother.

Once ... in the wilds of Afghanistan, I lost my corkscrew, and we were forced to live on nothing but food and water for days. - W. C. Fields