The best are lively, even brawny wines with ripe plum and berry flavors and accents of tobacco and leather. Though they can hold through 1997, they're drinkable now and will marry well with autumn's bolder menus. But for lovers of chewy red wines, it's fertile territory for exploration. Look for 1990s and '91s from the bigger appellations, and '93s from the simpler ones for buying now, and keep your eye on 1994, especially in the north. The finish echoes with smoke, game and chocolate notes.
Ripe flavors are complex and well integrated.
Plenty of spicy, chocolaty and smoky flavors and gorgeous, ripe cherry and berry notes. Almost supple, with a spicy, tannic finish. Clean, vibrant and concentrated. A very traditional style. Wows you with unctuous texture and sweetness all in balance.