Josh Raynolds writes in International Wine Cellar: "Dark red. Pungent, oak-spiced aromas of dried red fruits, vanilla and rose, with a cedary overtone. Smooth and sweet, with vibrant redcurrant and cherry-vanilla flavors given depth by notes of licorice and bitter chocolate. Closes with gentle tannic grip and very good length, leaving smoke and cherry compote notes behind."

This traditional tasting (and looking) label has been a staple here for years.  We don’t have the sales tool of a lofty score, but that isn’t the point here.  If you want something big and dark, buy a Cabernet. This is something that more resembles an aged Burgundy with dusty cherry and plum fruit, prominent notes of spice and earth, well resolved tannins but bright acidity that give the wine lift and tells you if you forget about it for a couple more years, no problem.  This has a sweet core of fruit that reminds us of one of our favorite Faustinos, the 1994.  In fact, come to think of it, we aren’t sure how much of this we really want to sell.