($20, Vineyard Brands):  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (49%), Merlot (42%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Shiraz, this is surprisingly more fruit-forward than many of Ellis’s past offerings.  Nonetheless, it delivers herbal, earthy notes that give it complexity and prevent it from being a fruit bomb.  It’s an intense wine, but thankfully, not over-the-top.  Polished tannins provide balancing structure and allow you to enjoy it without further cellaring. 88 Michael Apstein Oct 13, 2009