Review Date: 11-1-2012

Was originally at an 3.5 - but this is shy youngster, just coming out of it's shell. It's telling because of what the future holds...and it is bright indeed. A hybrid from cabernet sauvignon and grenache. You'd be thinking dark berry fruit, spice, pepper, tannins - maybe additional earthy notes, wood and vanilla & chocolate. You'd also be right. The tannins are rounded and gripping and nose & palate are tied together well. Juicy and medium bodied this is wonderful. A real feather in the K&L hat.Long live marselan. Paul

Review Date: 5-30-2012

I've always thought that zins were my 1st real love of big wines, partly because there were no others and petite sirah hadn't become the staple that it became. Big, brooding power was about where they were - sadly many are gone. No so with this. Tannic, muscular and long lived are the major traits here. Deep ruby and a small defused ring in the glass. Where to start - blackberry, blueberry, cassis fruit with oak, vanilla notes, raspberry and spice with brambly earthiness. Complex. The tannins are dry and large, suggesting big extraction and come back with a pop. The fruit is now mainly blackberry, currant with chocolate enveloping all. There is also vanilla from oak, pepper, brown spice, coffee. The acidity comes back from the dead to provide a juicy aftertaste. If you like 'em big drink now, otherwise wait for 2-3 and drink for 5-7. Outstanding. Paul

Review Date: 5-15-2009

No wonder it made the WS top 100. Year in and year out this wine shines and shines. Griping tannins, plenty of fruit and bright acidity give this a strong glass presence and lengthy mouthfeel.

The obvious choice is...what else...italian. For something different try and italian stew with cheese tortellini. Enjoy!!!

Review Date: 5-13-2009

This is a big meaty wine. Full bore blueberry, currant and big tannins...this wine is comparible to those that cost 4-5 times as much. This will sit in the cellar for 3-5 years and drink well for 5-7. Goes well with steak, especially grilled, and hearty beef dishes. Can't believe the QPR for this wine. Amazing. Decant.

Review Date: 5-11-2009

A bit smokey, but simple decanting for a half hour will knock that out, and then the fruit takes over and you have a juicy, fruity pinot for less than $10.

Kudos for the effort. Makes my top 10 for under $10.

Review Date: 5-11-2009

Outstanding. This may be the best Merlot blend coming out of France (The '06 is just as good.)for under $25. The dark berry fruit and the layered spice due to the wonderful cellar work make this special. This is wonderful with lamb, pork ka-bobs and grilled chicken.

Will cellar wonderfully for 2-3 years. Decant for now.

Review Date: 5-11-2009

Hearty wine that stands up well to grilled beef with sauces and seasoning. Inky purple with velvet striations in the glass the nose hits with spice, dark berry fruits and cassis. On the palate the fruits open up and spice is added to it for a lingering mouth feel. Well done for this price point.