1 April 2026 2022 Evolution Big Time Red

2022 Evolution Big Time Red

April 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment

I was excited to see this delicious and affordable red wine at Total Wine & More recently. It’s great to have on hand for summer grilling season and pairs beautifully with many things like grilled pork chops, ribs, skirt steak, pizza and even grilled chicken wings.

It’s by Evolution Wine which is a label of Sokol Blosser from Oregon, which I had the pleasure of visiting on two occasions and highly recommend.

Get yourself a case for summer grill outs, I sure did!

Producer: Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee Hills, Oregon, USA

Color in the glass: Bright purple-red

Aromas: Cherry, tart raspberry, tad herbal with floral notes

Taste: Medium-to-big bodied, juicy cherry, little stone fruit

Price: $14.99

Grape(s): Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small percentage of Pinot Noir and a touch of Evolution Lucky No. 9 White

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

Cheers, Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States Tagged With: , , , , ,
18 May 2023 2020 Tenuta di Biserno Campo di Sasso Insoglio del Cinghiale

2020 Tenuta di Biserno Campo di Sasso Insoglio del Cinghiale

May 18, 2023 By

We ordered this Tuscan wine at a dinner where our party was divided foodwise and it worked well with all our dishes. This Italian wine was smooth and rounder than I thought it would be, which was great to pair with our various meals.

This Tuscan blend is a great value!

Look/in the glass: Medium purplish red

Nose/aroma: Floral aromas with a note of tobacco/leather

Palate/taste: Juicy cherry and dark berries with a touch of spice

Texture/finish: Medium body, fresh, crisp, great acidity, medium finish

Pairing: Pasta with red sauce, meats, charcuterie, even grilled salmon would work

Wine type: Red wine

Grape: 33% Syrah, 33% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Price: $37

Cheers, Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
21 July 2021 2017 Sean Minor North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Sean Minor North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

July 21, 2021 By

About Sean Minor Wines

The goal of Sean Minor Wines is to make enjoyable, approachable, quality wines that won’t break the bank. The popular California North Coast wine producer doesn’t own vineyards and instead sources fruit from some of the top sustainably conscious growers in California and Oregon.

About the 2017 Sean Minor North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

I uncorked this affordable California Cabernet Sauvignon the other night to pair with cheese burgers and it was a perfect pairing.

The wine had lovely dark berry aromas and it was smooth with a small amount of tannins. For that price, admittedly I don’t drink a lot of Cali Cabs at this pricepoint, I thought it was a nice glass of wine! This wine is easy to locate at wine stores across the country, even in this vintage from a few years back.

Looks: Dark ruby red in the glass

Smell: Dark berries, cassis notes

Taste: Juicy dark cherry and blackberry flavors with some coffee notes on the finish

Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, light tannins, smooth, dry finish

Pairings: Grilled meats – beef or lamb, cheesy burger

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: North Coast, CA, USA

Price: $21.99

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
30 May 2018 Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

May 30, 2018 By

 

About Jean Edwards Cellars

Tasting Room Sitting Area

Jean Edwards Cellars has been producing wine from some of the most well-regarded vineyards in Northern California since 2014. The Jean Edwards Cellars label focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The Cooper’s Cuvee label is reserved for the Rhone wines, Petite Sirah, Syrah and cuvee blends.

About the Jean Edwards Cellars Team

Karen and John Troisi are the proprietors and visionaries of Jean Edwards Cellars. After falling in love with the beauty of Sonoma and Napa, the Troisis founded the winery in 2004 while still working their corporate jobs in New Jersey. Their first wine, Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet from the Pritchard Hill Region, was lauded as “one of twenty new cabernet producers to watch…” by Wine Spectator Magazine    in its annual cabernet issue, and that incredible endorsement catapulted the entrepreuneurs in the trajectory that has been paved with accolades and awards.

Jessica Saldana

Jessica Saldana

Kian Tavakoli has been the winemaker at Jean Edwards Cellars since its inception. Kian has nearly 30 years of winemaking experience and began his career with Opus One then went on to Clos du Val in 1996 and was there until joining Jean Edwards Cellars in 2004. In 2017, Kian opened a new winery with his business partner in St. Helena, and that’s where the Jean Edwards Cellars wine are now produced.

 

About the Tasting Room

Tasting Room Private Table

On a recent visit to Sonoma, I was fortunate enough to visit the new Jean Edwards Cellars tasting room located on Vine Alley in the Sonoma Court Shops at the historic Sonoma Plaza. The space is modern, intimate, inviting and beautiful. Sonoma-native, Jessica Saldana, is the Tasting Room Manager and conducted our very informative tasting. I’ve been enjoying these limited production wines for several years and are familiar with them, but Jessica was able to offer insight and new learnings we’re grateful for.

Walk-ins at the tasting room are welcomed but for parties of six or more, a reservation is required to allow the team to prepare for the visit. 

A tasting typically consists of four wines for $25, but that fee is waived with a $65 purchase or if one is a Wine Club Member, which I am. We were fortunate enough to be able to sample a few additional wines during our visit.

About the Wines

2016 Dalla Gasperina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – Rutherford

Loved the 2014 and 2015 vintage and the 2016 is no different. I’m not typically a Sauv Blanc fan, BUT, this wine has changed my narrow-mindedness. Golden yellow with hints of green in the glass, there is an amazing combination of Meyer lemon aromas and floral notes. The palate isn’t typical of what I consider boring Sauv Blanc – this is rich, complex with big flavors of tropical fruit and citrus that ends with great acidity and minerality. The addition of 5% Semillon to the 95% Sauvignon Blanc is very smart indeed…so is the stainless steel fermentation and barrel age in neutral French Oak. Small quantity of this lovely wine is made and the 2016 vintage is sold out. $28.

2014 Seventy Four – Forty One Cabernet Sauvignon

“74-41” represents the coordinates of the Troisis New Jersey residence – fun fact! 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Baconbrook Vineyard (Spring Mountain), Stagecoach Vineyard (Pritchard Hill) and Broken Rock Vineyard (foothills of Atlas Peak). In the glass, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is inky purple and exudes aromas of dark, ripe berries. The dark fruit continues on the palate on this opulent wine with a finish that lingers. Grilled NY strip steaks or wagyu burgers comes to mind to pair with this beauty. A 2015 “74-41” Cab wasn’t produced due to fruit shortfalls, so be on the lookout for the 2014 (or 93-point Wine Enthusiast rated 2013). $68. ​​

2014 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the wine that started it all for this winery. Dark ruby in the glass with a red fruit nose with mocha/vanilla notes. Rich, mouth-coating with a long finish on this wine made of Cabernet Sauvignon from Pritchard Hill, Malbec from Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard and Petit Verdot from Stagecoach Vineyard – an amazing trifecta (James Suckling agreed and awarded this wine 93 points). $68.

2014 Yates Cabernet Sauvignon

I was thrilled to get a taste of the first vintage of this Mount Veeder Cab. Darkest purpley red in the glass, one whiff of the dark ripe cherry with a bit of spice and I was in love. Dark fruit with oaky and chocolatey notes on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. $75.

2014 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

This was my favorite in the lineup and the one that had me craving a juicy ribeye. Darkest of reds in the glass with dark fruit aromas with some smoky, mocha notes. Layers of juicy cherry and stone fruit with some toasted oak. When one thinks of the ideal Napa Cab, this is what one thinks of. Can only imagine what it’ll be like in 5-7 years of cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of cabernet franc from Yates Family Vineyard on Mount Veeder and a bit of Malbec from Rutherford. James Suckling 93 points. $90.

2015 Malbec – Rutherford

Dark purple red in the glass, the 2015 vintage is 97% Malbec with 3% Petit Verdot. This was my first time tasting this wine and the nose sold me with one sniff of dark everything – berry, chocolate, anise, plum – wow. Bit less full-bodied than I anticipated from the nose, this was still a mouthful with ripe red berry flavors ending with a bit of spice. Wine Advocate 91+ points. $65.

2015 Merlot – Oak Knoll District

Darkest brick red in the glass, this was also my first taste of this wine. Ripe red fruit and cassis aromas leading to dark wood strawberry and blackberry on the palate with the roundness one hopes for in a well-made Merlot. Long, eye-closing, lingering finish. Making a mental note to order some of this. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc​. $58.

All of these reds will only improve with cellaring or at least decanting if, like me, one finds it hard to resist opening them while they’re young.

Tasting Room Spring/Summer Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12pm to 6pm; Friday-Saturday: 12pm to 7pm.

Address: 29 East Napa Street (Ste. C), Sonoma, CA  95476.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
29 November 2017 November Wine Highlights

November Wine Highlights

November 29, 2017 By

At the end of every month, I select 3-5 wines that were standouts throughout the month and share tasting notes with you. Here are some of the November wines I enjoyed.

2015 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

Crozes HermitageThis young wine was inky purple/red in the glass with dark berry aromas and hints of pepper and wet soil. It was medium to full-bodied with more dark fruit on the palate along with great acidity and firm tannins that will soften with some age in the bottle. We had this with a variety of grilled meats and it was a solid pairing.

It’s young but full of promise!

$31

100% Syrah

Rhone Valley, France

2014 Jonata Todos Red Blend

JonataAnother beauty from the team at Jonata proving once again that Matt Dees is one of the most talented winemakers in the central coast. This is a blend of the 11 varieties grown at the property. Mental note to add to my limited allocation next year.

Lovely aromas of cherry and raspberry with tobacco, leather and spiced notes. Ripe red fruit on the palate with cherry, raspberry, vanilla and chocolate notes. Great structure, velvety mouth-feel, smooth tannins. Medium finish with great minerality.

$50

Red Bordeaux Blend (Syrah/Shiraz, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Cabernet Franc).

Santa Ynez Valley, California

2016 Ravines Ayre White Wine

Ravines AyreSeems Ravines can do no wrong and Ayre is no exception. It’s an enjoyable semi-dry wine made from Valvin Muscat. This varietal is a French-American hybrid grape developed by Cornell University.

In the glass, the color is very pale yellow. On the nose, it’s very floral with a bit of sweetness. In the mouth, it’s sweet but with great acidy that help balance the wine. Nice peach, pear and sweet citrus flavors. There’s a good amount of carbonation in the half bottle format Ayre.

$10

Valvin Muscat

Finger Lakes, New York

2015 Norman Hardie Unfiltered Pinot Noir, Niagara Peninsula

Norman Hardie Pinot NoirI hosted a dinner party where I needed to pour some top Canadian wines and since the Norman Hardie Pinots come so highly-rated, I decided to order a few bottles of the 2015, a great year in the Niagara Peninsula.

In the glass, the wine is medium purple/red and just slightly opaque. There are big red fruit aromas and flavors with earthy notes that were right up my alley. The wine has nice acidity, round tanning and a medium, velvety finish. Very Burgundian in style.

This is a well-made, refined Pinot that’s easy drinking now but would be at another level with some age.

$35

Pinot Noir

Niagara Peninsula, Canada

 

Happy tasting,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Canada, France, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Sangiovese, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
23 June 2016 Top Rosé Wines for the Summer

Top Rosé Wines for the Summer

June 23, 2016 By

Rose WinesSummer’s finally here and warm days are among us. While sipping rosé wines during the summer isn’t anything new, what I’m really enjoying is how food-friendly rosés have become. Rosé, French for ‘pink’, describes a genre of refreshing wines, in various hue of pink and that are made using red grapes.

Here are some rosé wines I’ve sampled recently that range in price from value to special occasions.

  • 2015 Los Vascos Rosé ($13.99) – Bright, pale pink color. On the nose, aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries and pomegranates underscored by white chocolate and sugar syrup. The palate is fresh, balanced and persistent. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah.
  • Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace ($22) – Coral/pink in color with fine and small bubbles. Light strawberry intensity with a hint of yeast. Juicy strawberry continues with a hint of sweetness that’s balanced by bright acidity. Creamy yet crisp mouthfeel.
  • 2014 Tavel Rosé, Prieuré de Montézargues ($23.99) – Bright pink in the glass, this Rhone valley rosé offers big strawberry aromas and strawberry/raspberry flavors with just a touch of citrus. 55% Grenaches (red & white), 30% Cinsault, 13% Clairette, 2% others.
  • Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé NV ($15.99) – Bright pink in the glass with strawberry aromas that carry over in the mouth. Laced with citrus and a little clove, Creamy and silky texture with nice level of acidity and a clean, dry finish. 100% Pinot Noir.
  • 2015 Domaine du Gros Noré Bandol Rosé ($26.99) – This rosé is salmon-colored in the glass and offers aromas of ripe peach with floral notes. Lovely delicate flavors of juicy melon and a nice level of acidity on the finish. 40% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 40% Cinsault.
  • 2015 Wilde Farm Rosé North Coast ($29.99) – Dark pink in the glass, this wine has citrus and floral aromas and ripe pear/peach flavors. Bit of sweetness then a perfect pop of acidity on the finish. Very limited quantities, but worth the search. 100% Dolcetto.
  • 2014 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé ($35.99) – Intense floral nose with a bit of strawberry. It has incredible peaches and juicy, ripe cantaloupe flavors with bright acidity and a long pleasantly dry finish. 50% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 2% Carignan.
  • Champagne Drappier Brut Rosé ($54.99) – Bright orangey-pink in the glass, this is some of the best pink champagne I’ve tasted of late. Floral and red berry aromas with raspberry flavors laced with pumpkin pie spice and yeasty notes. Fresh, crisp, delicious. 100% Pinot Noir.

What are some of your favorite rosé wines? Have you tried any of the above? Please let me and other readers know.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
26 August 2015 1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand Cru

1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand Cru

August 26, 2015 By

1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand CruIn the glass, the 1994 Chateau Troplong Mondot Grand Cru is the darkest of ruby with a bit of brick notes from the age of the wine. It was difficult to stop sniffing the spice-laced berry aromas to move on to take a sip – lovely, lovely nose. The palate offers berry, plummy and licorice driven with a roundness on the finish which offers just a bit of minerality.

This medium-bodied wine is likely near its peak with great structure and balance. I thank my friend Harry for sharing this beauty with us.

Pairings: Grilled meat, cheese course.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Red Bordeaux Blend

Region: Bordeaux, France

Price: $65

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,

5 Affordable Wines for 4th of July Parties

July 1, 2015 By

Wine in ParcSummer’s here and so are warm days and humidity. What summer also means is fun-filled gatherings, including 4th of July get-togethers.

Here is a list of five wines to pour during your 4th of July celebrations that are affordable and certain to please your guests:

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace ($22): This lovely bubbly is coral/pink in color with the tiniest of bubbles. Light strawberry aromas with juicy, slightly sweet strawberry flavors that’s balanced by bright acidity. Serve this bubbly as your guests arrive to create a festive atmosphere.

2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio ($14): Light and crisp with Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zesty note. Nice summer sipper and great as an aperitif and with crudités.

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé ($15): This festive, bright pink wine is super food-friendly. Intense red berry and cherry aromas with bright fruity flavors. Perfect for a seafood boil and the cornucopia of flavors at a BBQ.

2013 Egger Ramer Schiava Gentile ($15): Fragrant with red berry aromas with ripe strawberry and cherry flavors. Great acidity making this wine very versatile with summer foods. Pair with charcuterie platter or even hot dogs.

Montes 2012 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon ($15): Deep ruby in the glass, this wine offers blackberry aromas with notes of mocha and leather. It’s full-bodied and big on dark fruit and ripe raspberries with a nice touch of oak. This is your steaks/ribs/burgers wine.

Enjoy these summer wines and let me know if you try any of them!

Cheers,

Veronique

 

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Italy, Pinot Grigio, Portugal, Red Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
19 June 2015 Unexpected Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Unexpected Napa Valley Wine Tasting

June 19, 2015 By

Unexpected NapaThis week, I was invited to explore unexpected wines from Napa Valley via a virtual tasting. I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those who are new to the concept, here’s how they go:

  • Get wine in the varietal or brand being sampled.
  • Invite some friends to try the wine(s) and experience with you (or do as I typically do – put some yoga pants on and enjoy from the couch with iPad, iPhone and laptop handy).
  • Drink and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other wine fans from around the world using the established hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook (in this case #SipWithKaren).

In this case, the Karen mentioned in the hashtag was wine expert, Karen MacNeil. The virtual tasting was of six unexpected Napa Valley wines, including unoaked Chardonnay, Albariño from Carneros, an affordable Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.

Here are the wines sampled:

2013 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Chenin Blanc ($25)

Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc

Pale yellow in appearance. Offers an Asian pear nose with a bit of sweetness. Offers tropical fruit flavors with citrus notes on the palate. Would be great served as an aperitif but also with shellfish on a warm summer evening. Only 187 cases produced – get your hands on this wine quickly.

2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Fumé Blanc ($17)

Varieties: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sémillon

Fragrant ripe cantaloupe and juicy mandarin aromas. Lightly grassy, lime flavors with more cantaloupe on the palate. Long finish with the 10% Semillon making this wine interesting and complex.

2014 Artesa Napa Valley Albariño ($28)

Varieties: 100% Albariño

Less “in your face” with minerality than its Spanish kin. Lovely bright peach and Meyer lemon aromas with some floral notes. Peach and a bit of plum on the palate. Light oaky notes on a long finish.

2013 Alpha Omega Unoaked Napa Valley Chardonnay ($33)

Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Wish they’d make more than 500 cases! Clean, crisp, not your daddy’s Cali Chard (in a good way). Slightly creamy mouthfeel. I need to remember this wine when I host this year’s lobsterfest.

2012 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($29)

Varieties: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

Truly a classic Cali Cab and the stuff that made Robert Mondavi famous in the wine world. Enticing dark berry nose. Rich ripe berry flavors with a long, chocolate-kissed finish. 30% is from historic To Kalon vineyard in and 14% comes from Wappo Hill Vineyard in the Stag’s Leap district.

2010 St. Supéry Estate Vineyard & Winery Dollarhide Ranch Napa Valley

Petit Verdot ($50)

Varieties: 97% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark purple-red in the glass. Slightly tart berries and stone fruit nose. Big blackberry flavors with peppery notes. Get the grill out, this is what steaks are made to be paired with. 590 cases made.

For those of you who have stereotyped California wines as fruit bombs and butter in a glass (silly people), these are great examples of the unexpected, vibrant and delicious wines California has to offer.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Albarino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
17 April 2015 Virtual Tasting – Montes Winery

Virtual Tasting – Montes Winery

April 17, 2015 By

Montes PantoneSince it was founded in 1988, Montes Winery, the celebrated Chilean winery well-known for 25 years of innovation, has shown a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Montes Winery is certified under the Wines of Chile Sustainable Code, which addresses the wine region’s needs for sustainable practices in three areas – vineyard, winery and community.

In 2009, Montes Winery began studying the impact of differing levels of vine irrigation on the growth of grapes knowing water is a valuable resource that requires responsible usage.

In September 2014, nearly five years after it began studying dry farming, Montes introduced its 2012 line of Alpha wines, comprised of single varietal wines and produced from its Colchagua dry-farmed vineyards.

Through its dry farming techniques, Montes leaves the watering of vines up to Mother Nature. For instances where rainfall is inadequate for proper vine development, Montes supplements with minimal irrigation. Monitoring has shown Montes winemakers that less irrigation results in lower yields of much higher quality grapes.

During the 2013-2014 season, Montes was able to reduce water usage in its vineyards by 65%, an applause-worthy feat.

This week, I was invited to participate in a virtual tasting of three Montes Alpha wines with Montes Chief Winemaker Aurelio Montes. Here are my tasting notes (all three wines are in the $15 range):

Montes WinesMontes 2012 Alpha Carmenère

I sampled the 2012 Montes Alpha Carmenère after decanting for about an hour. Bright red in the glass. Raspberry nose with peppery notes. In the mouth, it’s silky in texture with ripe berry flavors and chocolate undertones.

Montes 2012 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep ruby in the glass, the 2012 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackberry aromas with notes of mocha and leather. In the mouth, this full-bodied Cab is big on dark fruit and ripe raspberries with a nice touch of oak from having spent 12 months in French oak barrels.

Montes 2012 Alpha Syrah

This Syrah is blended with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Viognier. Inky red in the glass, the 2012 Montes Alpha Syrah offers big fruity/floral aromas with earthy, chocolate notes. Straight out of the glass, it’s bold and full-bodied but an hour of decanting produced a silky texture with plummy/dark fruit flavors and a long, smooth finish.

Over the decades since it was founded, Montes Winery has played a crucial role in enhancing awareness of quality Chilean wines and for raising the bar with regards to premium wines of the region.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Chile, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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