4/24/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 3 years and four months ago and this wine continues to show quite well. Nose was quite similar with lots of black cherry and floral notes with a good backdrop of tar, earth and spices. Like my prior bottle, the nose was quite pretty and more expressive than previously. Full bodied with lots of rounded and pretty black cherry notes upfront. Mid body has retains the silkiness and added some darker plum notes to go along with the dark black cherry. Red cherry and red berries on the back along with tannins, acidity, tar, minerals and spices. The biggest improvement here was in terms of integration. The fruit profile is much the same, but as the structural notes come into better balance, the nuance of the fruit are better expressed. Has several years in front of it and still has the potential for slight positive evolution, but is drinking so well at present, no need to wait.

4/21/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was just over 11 months ago and this wine continues to drink quite well. Black cherry, blackberry, black raspberry and spices continue to make up the nose. Between medium and full bodied with a very similar fruit profile of black cherry and blackberry. Upfront, the expression may have gotten a touch more open and rounded while the mid-body continues to show slightly better depth than the 2013. There are some nice black raspberry notes through the middle and towards the back that add a touch of balanced power. Tart black cherry, spices and minerals through the finish. With more depth, more blackfruit expression, slightly more complexity and slightly better overall integration, this wine remains a small but distinct step ahead of the 2013. Given that this bottle took several hours open to fully come together, I would estimate it has several years left in front of it at a high level.

4/20/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 11 months ago and my notes were generally consistent, but for some serving temperature derived variations. Red cherry and red raspberry along with earthy, forest floor notes on the nose. Remains between medium and full bodied with very pretty rounded black cherry upfront with some red cherry accents. Mid-body is better integrated now showing both red and black cherry with some red raspberry highlights towards the back as well as some plum notes. Tart red cherry, earth, spices and minerals through the finish work with the acidity and tannins to provide contrast, structure and finishing length. Of my original 3 bottles, I think this one showed the best, but still in line with expectations (hence, no score increase). It's the integration of the acidity and spice notes coupled with overall balance improvements that made this bottle so enjoyable. Should be able to maintain this level for least another year or two, possibly more.

4/19/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 14 months ago and this wine remains in a very good drinking window, perhaps even slightly better than I'd expected. Black raspberry and spices continue to dominate the nose with black cherry and earth behind. Still between medium and full bodied and with an essentially unchanged fruit profile of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry. There's good depth through the middle and the fruit remains balanced due to the tart notes, spices and acidity on the back. The middle does show a good amount of rounded and open fruit notes, but that actually helps it contrast with the tartness and acidity behind. The finish lingers with length a a result. I did have concerns that this wine could fall out of alignment, but so far, those fears are quite premature and based on how well this bottle showed, it clearly has time left at this level.

4/14/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a bit over 2 years ago and this wine continues to show well. Mostly red cherry, spices and earth on the nose with some black cherry and floral qualities. Medium bodied and the overall fruit profile was virtually identical to my prior bottle with rounded and open red cherry upfront, perhaps showing a touch more depth than previously, followed by black cherry and darker red cherry and supported by tart red cherry, spices, tannins and nice burst of acidity that lingers through the finish. As compared to the 2017, there's noticeably more depth here as well as much better balance. Based on these notes over two years, I'd say that balance and integration may be able to improve slightly going forward, but I don't expect additional complexity. This clearly has time ahead (glass cork) and should show its best over the next two years.

4/8/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 21 months ago and this bottle was a clear step above my prior ones. Pineapple, golden peach, passion fruit and a touch of orange on the nose. Between medium and full bodied with pineapple, golden peach and passion fruit the primary fruit notes, closely matching the nose. The mid-body seemed to have a bit more depth than my prior bottles (better serving temperature?) and the honey notes seemed to have integrated a bit which allowed the other fruit notes to be more expressive upfront and more defined on the back. Tart citrus notes along with acidity continue to provide the structure and contrast, but again these elements seemed in better shape with this bottle than my prior one. The contrast between the acidity and fruit worked particularly well. I've had this bottle since release, so positive bottle variation is most likely. This was my last bottle, so very pleased it could go out on such a high note.

4/8/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 18 months ago and this wine has continued to evolve along the lines I'd hoped and is drinking beautifully. Red berries, red and black cherries and mix earth, spices and minerals on the nose. Medium bodied with black cherry and red cherry upfront, followed by darker black cherry through the middle and tart red cherry on the backside. There's a lot of nuance to the fruit notes and while the Botanica might have slightly more nuance and complexity, the Ceras has a bit more depth and structure. The tart notes, along with the tannins and acidity balance the fruit notes expertly, such that the wine feels complete, well defined and harmonious. The earth, light spices and mineral notes linger on the finish. This wine is in a great spot at present and should drink well for a number of years to come. I will open my next bottle in either July or November 2024, again alongside the Botanica.

4/8/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a bit over 18 months ago and this wine is showing impressively. Beautiful and aromatic mix of black and red cherry on the nose along with spices, floral, mineral and earth qualities. Just above medium bodied with a very similar fruit profile to my prior bottle, showing a complex mix of black and red cherry upfront, adding darker black cherry as well as plum and blackberry through the middle with tart black cherry on the back. But beyond just the fruit notes, it's the brighter notes alongside the more rounded notes and the shifting nuances through the middle and backside that give this wine its true complexity. It comes off as silky and elegant. Tannins, acidity and tart notes on the back leave the feel feeling complete and showing excellent integration. This wine is in a great spot at present, perhaps even better than my prior bottle, but in line with the high expectations I had. Considering how well this is showing, I will open my next bottle in either July or November 2024.

4/8/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was just over a month ago, but the occasion called for it, so I was happy to open another bottle and was well rewarded. Red cherry, earth and spices on the nose, with some black cherry aromas in the background. Again took about two hours or so to fully open up, demonstrating again this wine has a good number of years ahead of it. Close to medium bodied with an essentially identical fruit profile of red cherry, darker red cherry, red raspberry and then tart red cherry and tart strawberry on the backside. These fruit notes show a mix of roundness and brightness that evolves over time and adds to the complexity. Balance continues to be one of this wine's significant strengths with the tart notes, tannins and acidity bridging from the mid-body fruit to the minerals on the finish. Quite distinctive with an obvious volcanic origin. Next bottle for me will probably be July 2024 and will probably pick up a few more bottles.

4/13/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a bit over 2 years ago and the wine remains in a good spot. Red cherry on the nose along with a good amount of spices as well as earth and mineral notes. Between light and medium bodied and still showing red cherry, red berries and darker red cherry as the primary fruit notes. More balanced upfront than previously, but perhaps a bit less balanced on the backside. The spice and acidity notes on the back don't have enough fruit or depth to fully balance. Mineral, earth and tart qualities continue to make up the finish. Overall, the lack of balance remains the biggest issue and I don't see room for positive evolution with additional time. This should be drunk over the next 1-2 years.

4/8/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Tart, white orchard fruit on the nose (especially apple and pear) along with nice minerality. Between light and medium bodied (12% ABV) with white apple and pear the dominant fruit notes for now, but hint through the middle suggest additional complexity to come. The acidity and tart notes on the back provide excellent structure as well as contrast. Balance between fruit and structure is also a plus. The mineral qualities and acidity through the finish make this wine feel pure , well defined and lively. This is a unique wine that really calls out its geographic origin. I'll open my next bottle in July 2024 and look to purchase a few more.

4/8/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 9 months ago and this wine continues to impress. Pineapple, mango and passion fruit notes on the nose along with a touch of honey and some citrus notes on the nose. More complex aromatically than my prior bottle. Just above medium bodied with an impressive mix of tropical fruit notes (pineapple and mango) along with golden orchard fruits (gold peach and gold apple). The depth through the middle allows it to feel deep, but balanced. The acidity and citrus notes behind continue to work well to provide structure and contrast. Overall, this wine is very much in an auslese style and as long as the acidity continues to hold up, will remain a beautiful bottle. I have access to one more bottle which I'll save for July 2024.

4/7/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was about 5 months ago and while my notes were similar, I thought this particular bottle may have showed slightly better (positive bottle variation plus serving temperature). Passion fruit and white pineapple along with white peach and white pear on the nose made for an exciting contrast. Between light and medium bodied with white peach, white apple and pear the dominant fruit notes, but with a mix of more open qualities and brighter, more acidity influenced notes. There are some tropical hints that comes out towards the back which worked well with the acidity and tart white fruits. Overall, the wine felt clean, balanced and with better complexity than my prior bottle. This wine was served chilled, not cold (in contrast to my prior bottle) and the difference was noticeable. This wine does have a few years in front of it, but to my taste, is going to show it's bets over the next two. I'll plan to open my next bottle in June/July 2024.

4/7/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 11 months ago and the wine has clearly improved in that time, more than I thought it would. Nose showed a lot of strawberry, with watermelon and bright red cherry supporting. Nearly medium bodied with red cherry and strawberry the primary fruit notes. But in contrast to my prior bottle, the wine today showed much better balance with the red cherry upfront showing both brightness and roundness. The mid-body felt noticeably better integrated with the backside tart notes and acidity. Some white peach and other white orchard fruit notes also helped to provide contrast which hadn't been evident in my prior bottle. Overall, the wine felt much better balanced than previously with a cleaner finishing transition. I think the 2020 has slightly more upside potential as it continues to open up, but this 2019 actually might be the more accessible of the two vintages right now. I'll plan to open my next bottle of this 2019, again alongside the 2020 in June/July 2024.

4/6/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 9 months ago and this wine continues to show quite well. White pear and white peach along with floral notes and contrasting citrus qualities on the nose. Close to medium bodied with the white apple and white peach contrasting well with the white pear and melon. Apple provides the roundness and peach the depth while the pear provides the tartness and the melon the length. Citrus comes in on the back and the overall presentation is very harmonious. This wine continues to show well and I'll plan to open my next bottle in June 2024.

4/6/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a little under 4 months ago, so my notes were quite similar. Strawberry, watermelon, tart red cherry and mineral notes on the nose. Nearly medium bodied and the fruit profile was almost identical to my prior bottle with red cherry and strawberry, contrasting with tart red cherry and white pear behind. Has both good mid-body depth and nice tartness on the backside. Overall balance may be improving slightly as the mid-body opens up and the tart notes slowly integrate. Next bottle for me will be June/July 2024.

4/12/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a bit over 2 years ago and this wine continues to show quite well. Mostly red cherry, spices and earth on the nose, with some black cherry notes behind that give it a more complete feel. Medium bodied with rounded black cherry and slightly brighter red cherry upfront. Black cherry come to the fore through the mid-body which feels more balanced and harmonious in general than in my prior bottle. Acidity, spices and tart red cherry behind are also similarly better balanced than previously. Finishes with minerals, lingering acidity, earth and tart qualities. The biggest difference between this bottle and my prior one is how well the wine has come together and shows a more complete profile now, all in line with my expectations. I have one more bottom which I'll save for Q1 2025.

4/5/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was almost 15 months ago and the wine remains in a good drinking window. Soft black cherry along with light earth and spice notes on the nose with just a hint of tea now towards the back. Medium bodied with rounded black cherry upfront and just a small hint of red cherry. Mid-body has good depth, but less of a noticeable difference from the upfront profile. Plum notes come in through the back as well as a bit of blackberry, but like the upfront black cherry, they're more rounded and accessible as compared to my prior bottle. Tart cherry towards the back and then in finishes with fine grained tannins, acidity and a mix of earth, spices and a lingering tea/mineral quality. As compared to my prior bottle, balance was noticeable better overall (helped by the warmer serving temperature), but in particular with regard to the tea and spice notes which took time to come together in my prior bottle. The tea notes from the vineyard site are always distinct, but this bottle presented them in a more harmonious fashion. No signs of fading, so this wine clearly has some time left, but seems to have reached its peak and will show it's best over the next 18+ months.

4/4/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

As compared to the 2017, brighter red cherry on the nose along with similar earth and spice notes, but also shows a deeper, more savory note that the 2017 lacked. Nearly medium bodied (13.8% ABV) that shows more of a dark red cherry notes upfront (perhaps even some black cherry hints) as compared to the more red cherry of the 2017. Mid-body depth is comparable, but there's more acidity and more tannins here as well. The fruit keeps pace, so the wine feels generally balanced. Good mix of tart red cherry and tart red berries towards the back as well as just a touch of vanilla and then minerals and acidity through the finish. This wine was good when opened, came together even more so over 3 hours and by four hours was better still. Ultimately, this may end up ahead of the 2017 and I may open my next bottle of 2019 alongside the 2017 again in Q4 2024.

3/31/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was almost 23 months ago and this wine continues to evolve positively, along the lines I'd hoped. Red cherry, earth and spices remain the dominant notes on the nose. Close to medium bodied with red cherry upfront that shows better definition than previously. Darker red cherries and red berries also shows through again in the mid-body, but the wine has bit more accessibility and depth in this phase now. Tart red cherry along with fine grained tannins and acidity provide the structure and contrast, but are slightly better integrated with the mid-body fruit. Soft mineral and spice notes through the finish. This is showing quite well now, particular in terms of the balance between fruit and acidity. As such, I may open my last bottle in Q4 2024.

3/30/2024 - RGCM Gananda wrote:

Black cherry, earth, spices and a light cranberry note on the nose. Close to medium bodied (13.7% ABV) with darker red cherry as well as brighter red cherry upfront. Mid-body has some additional depth, but not quite as much as the 2017 from last night. Mix of mostly red cherry through the middle with some black cherry hints as well as maybe some red raspberry. Backside shows tart red cherry and acidity before the wine finishes with light spices, earth and lingering tart notes. Similar to the 2017, I expect integration will improve and perhaps more depth will become evident through the middle. I'll plan to try my next bottle in Q1 2025.

3/29/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 23 months ago and this wine continues to show well. Red berries, red cherries, earth, spices and a touch of vanilla/creaminess on the nose. Medium bodied with a very similar fruit profile to my prior bottle with red cherry upfront, moving to darker red cherry through the middle (with black cherry hints on the far back) and some distinct red raspberry notes. The mid-body has very good depth, a step up from where this was previously. Integration has also improved on the back with the tart red cherry, acidity, tannins, earth and spices coming together more cleanly with the mid-body fruit. This allows the light minerals notes and cherry qualities to linger positively. Overall, this is still my favorite of the 2017 single vineyards with the combination of depth and fruit profile being two key contributors. This clearly has time left, but I won't run the risk and plan to open my last bottle in Q4 2024.

3/24/2024 - RGCM Gananda wrote:

Spices, earth and tart red cherry on the nose. Close to medium bodied (13.9% ABV) with rounded red cherry and a touch of black cherry upfront. Gains density through the middle and the black cherry notes become a bit more noticeable towards the back. This, coupled with the darker red cherry blends well with the acidity, tannins, tart red fruits and the lingering light spices and minerals through the finish. It doesn't have quite the complexity or balance of the 2018 and while time will certainly help, particularly on the balance side, I'm not fully convinced that the final result will be appreciably better. I may try another bottle in Q3 2024 and see if serving a bit warmer might help.

3/23/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a bit over 22 months ago and the wine has improved in that time almost exactly along the lines I'd hoped. Nose was quite similar to my prior bottle but with both the red cherry and red berries taking on more rounded, open expression and some black cherry hints creeping in to go along with light earth and spice qualities. Closer to medium bodied now with red cherry upfront that seems more rounded and expressive, but still retaining a pleasant burst of acidity. Mid-body is both more open and shows slightly greater depth with red cherry, darker red cherry and red berries the dominant notes. Tart red cherry comes in on the backside and the wine finishes with acidity, minerals, earth and light spices notes. Overall, felt like the wine has opened up quite well and shows clearly improved balance as well as better integration throughout. Justifies my initial scores and should be able to maintain this level over the next few years. Next bottle for me might be as soon as Q4 2024.

3/22/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a bit over 22 months ago and this bottle showed better than my prior one and on par with my original expectations and in line with my bottle from March 2021. Nose continues to show a lot of red cherry, but retained more of the black cherry than my prior bottle. Earth notes are also present and while there were certainly some tart qualities, they were more retrained than my prior bottle. Close to medium bodied with the red cherry upfront showing a slightly better balance of brighter and more rounded qualities. Mid-body continues to show darker red cherry as well as some black cherry hints and red berry notes behind. Backside shows tart red cherry, light spices and minerals. The biggest difference between this bottle on my bottle from 5/22 was in terms of balance. Tonight's bottle, while having good acidity, always felt like it was in balance with the fruit whereas the acidity in my 5/22 bottle, the acidity seemed slightly out of balance. Additional, depth seemed better here than in my prior bottle. I may have simply gotten the serving temperature wrong in my prior bottle or hit it in an odd phase. Based on tonight's notes the overall picture is the same but with butter depth and balance the wine is clearly in a better spot. While at peak, it should be quite enjoyable for several more years.

3/20/2024 - RGCM Gananda wrote:

Dark red cherry, earth, light red raspberry and some pretty spice notes on the nose. Medium bodied (13.2% ABV) with dark, yet rounded red cherry upfront. There's some depth through the middle, but the acidity and tannins come in fairly quickly as this is a relatively young wine. Tart red fruit, light mineral and spices through the finish. Overall, not quite as well balanced as the 2018 and with complexity on the same level of my initial bottle of the 2018. I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025 and reassess.

3/19/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 22 months ago and this wine continues to show quite well. Nose was virtually the same with earthy red cherry, along with spices and floral notes. Nearly medium bodied and the fruit profile was much the same as the prior bottle with bright red cherry upfront, supported by rounder red cherry through the middle and backed by tart red cherry on the back. Darker red cherry through the middle has become more noticeable, while the red raspberry is more of highlight now. Balance has clearly improved such that the tart notes, acidity and tannins on the back seem better blended into the mid-body fruit. This is showing quite well at present and I may open my next bottle as soon as Q4 2024.

3/18/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Red cherry, spices, mineral and forest floor notes on the nose. Close to medium bodied (12.9% ABV) with red cherry upfront, showing some spice and liveliness. Mid-body has roundness as well as some red berry notes and some darker red cherry, bordering on black cherry. Backside has a good mix of both tannins and acidity, supporting the fruit well. After being open for a few hours, really comes together quite well. Finishes with tart red fruits, spices and mineral. Overall, for the non-single vineyard pinot, shows good depth and balance and has the elements to improve over the near term. I may open my next bottle as soon as Q4 2024.

3/17/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Black and red cherry on the nose along with earth and spice notes. Overall, much more distinctly aromatic than the 2019 with more blackfruit notes and more earth qualities. Close to medium bodied 12.7% ABV) with rounded red cherry upfront, adding some hints of red raspberry through the middle as well as towards the back. Acidity provides contrast on the backside in addition to the tart red cherry notes. After enough time open, there's good roundness to the mid-body fruit and nice structure behind. Should continue to improve and I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025.

3/17/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was a bit over 16 months ago and my notes were quite consistent. Mostly red cherry, spices and earth on the nose, with the black cherry as an underlying element. Close to medium bodied with red cherry upfront and additional depth through the middle that comes off as black cherry, but is really slightly darker red cherry. There's good clarity of fruit here, aided by the tart red cherry and strawberry towards the back. In combination with the acidity, this provides both structure and contrast. Overall, the wine continues to both open up and integrate positively. Considering where the tannins are today, this wine still has room for positive evolution and I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025.

3/16/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Red cherry, spice and earth are the dominant notes on the nose, but underneath them and similar to the 2017, there are elements of black cherry and plum. Close to medium bodied (13.4% ABV) with a fruit profile of red cherry and red berries, with some slightly darker notes through the middle showing a bit more depth. Contrasting acidity on the backside works to help define the fruit and provide the bridge to the finish. Mineral notes, spices and tart cherry through the finish. The wine is still slightly tight on the backside, but shows good clarity and overall definition. In the future, I'd expect additional complexity (as shown by the evolutionary profile of the 2017) and as the acidity continues to come together on the backside, improved harmony. Next bottle for me in Q1 2025.

3/15/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 22 months ago an this wine continues to evolve positively. Nose continues to show cherry, but more black or dark red then the red cherry it was previously. Also shows a plum element to go along with the floral and earth notes. Medium bodied with very pretty red cherry notes upfront, moving to deeper, darker red cherry and black cherry through the middle. Some raspberry hints continue to come in through the back. Overall integration has continued to evolve positively as well. Tannins are neatly integrated on the back, providing a backbone while not distracting from the fruit. Acidity provide a good burst of contrast on the backside, combining with tart red cherry and slightly lighter tart red berries on add a bit of youthfulness. Finishes with a mix of light spices and soft mineral notes. Overall, it took some time fro the wine to fully come together, but it certainly met expectations and I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q4 2024.

3/14/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Previously tasted 21 months ago at the winery, this was my first from bottle and it exceeded my expectations for how positively it would evolve. Dark red cherry, black cherry and some earth notes and light spices on a much more aromatic and complete nose. Medium bodied (13.1% ABV) with black and red cherry upfront, showing much more rounded and accessible fruit than previously. Mid-body has better density as well as more distinct dark red cherry and black cherry. Like the initial stages, (and especially with time open), the mid-body shows more rounded notes and better integration. Tannins and acidity on the backside combine with moderately tart cherry notes to provide structure. Tannins provide an unobtrusive backbone while the acidity and tart notes add liveliness and contrast. Finishes with minerals a touch of creaminess/vanilla/oak. Overall, thought the wine overall had opened up better than I had expected, integrated better than I expected and showed a more interesting fruit profile, justifying the score bump. I had certainly expected it to improve from my initial tasting, but this was a clear step beyond those expectations. The 2020 is on par with the 2016 for best vintages from this vineyard. I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025.

3/10/2024 - RGCM Gananda wrote:

Noticeably flawed. Not sure of the exact nature (couldn't be corked - glass cork), but it was overly tart, but in a very strange fashion, in both aroma and body. The underlying flavor profile was still present, but this very "off", tangy tartness overwhelmed both the nose and the fruit. Sadly, my last bottle.

3/10/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Spices along with both black and red cherry on the nose. Close to medium bodied (12.9% ABV) with rounded red cherry upfront, moving to a mixture of black and ed cherry through the middle. As it opens up, it does exhibit a bit more depth and balance through the middle. Backside adds some tart red cherry, cranberry and a combination of tannins and acidity. These structural and contrasting notes are actually in quite good balance with the mid-body fruit, which puts this a step ahead of where the 2018 was at the same stage in its evolution. It needed about 3 hours to both open up and warm up from cellar temperature. It's a small, but clear step ahead of the 2018 in terms of depth, complexity and balance both in terms of where they were at equivalent times in their evolution and in terms of future potential. I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025.

3/8/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was almost 23 months ago and the wine has improved in that time, along the lines I'd hoped. Nose was virtually identical, with red cherry, red berries and spices with an earth undertone. Close to medium bodied with red cherry upfront, showing a bit more roundness that before as well as a touch more depth on the backside. The tart red cherry and cranberry along with the acidity seemed in better balance with the mid-body fruit than previously, while the mid-body itself has opened up a bit more. Still doesn't have the depth, blackfruit or overall complexity of the 2016, but that said, it has certainly come together quite well and can continue to improve along these lines a bit more. Next bottle for me in Q1 2025.

3/7/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 23 months ago and this wine continues to show quite well. Red cherry on the nose and then some black cherry which blends into the earth and spice qualities. Medium bodied with red cherry upfront that continues to show some nice brightness, adding black cherry through the middle. Plum come in on the back and through the finish along with tart red cherry, spices, earth and mineral notes. Overall flavor profile was very similar to my profile bottle, especially with some time open. It has integrated a bit, but has enough structure to be able to maintain this level a bit longer. I may open my bottle roughly around year-end 2024.

3/3/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 15 months ago and this wine continues to show impressively. Nose was essentially identical with black cherry, plum, spices, leather and earth. But it felt a bit more vibrant and youthful as compared to the 2008 from last night. Between medium and full bodied with Rounded black cherry upfront along with some very pretty red cherry highlights. Mid-body adds plum, but in-line with the black cherry, not overpowering it, showing an elegance and silkiness. Backside shows tart black and red cherry, balanced tannins and a nice little burst of acidity. Finish lingers with red cherry, minerals and spices. I was tempted to keep my rating the same as I had expected this wine would improve. But ultimately, I had to admit, it not only clearly exceeded my expectations, but it was also a distinct step ahead of the 2008. In terms of balance, complexity and overall harmony, this wine is in a great spot and I may open another bottle as soon as Fall 2024 to take advantage.

3/2/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was almost 15 months ago and this wine continues to show quite well. Black cherry and other mixed blackfruits along with spices and leather notes on the nose. Medium bodied with rounded black cherry upfront along with brighter blackberry. Adding plum through the middle and finishing with spices, earth and minerals. The mid-body continues to show good depth and the integration between the mid-body fruit and backside also continues to improve. Overall, the wine has balance and depth and shows its fruit quite well, but with enough structure that it should continue to drink well for several more years. I'll plan to open my last bottle in Q1 2025.

10/17/2023 - RGCM Gananda wrote:

Very pretty floral notes on the nose along with somewhat strong spice qualities, red cherry and red berries. Between light and medium bodied (13.5% ABV) with red berries and red cherries the dominant fruit notes with spices, earth and minerals on the backside and through the finish. There's good openness through the middle and while a lighter, more accessible style of red, there's enough complexity and nuance here to elevate the wine a bit. Should drink well over the next few years. (Sarduzzo Enoteca; Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy)

10/17/2023 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Big, aromatic nose with lots of mixed blackfruit to go along with spice and earth notes. Medium bodied (14.5% ABV) with black cherry upfront, becoming more rounded as well as adding more depth through the middle as well as other blackfruit notes. Tart black cherry as well as acidity and tannins come in on the backside. There's good openness through the middle and I didn't find the structural notes on the backside off putting or disjointed. It wasn't tremendously complex, but it did seem to show its fruit well on a frame that suggests it has time for additional improvement in the cellar. (Sarduzzo Enoteca; Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy)

October 20: Tasted again from the same bottle opened on October 17 and preserved under gas since then. Nose was essentially identical except the blackfruit notes seemed perhaps a bit bigger and more aromatically vibrant. Overall profile was very similar to my tasting on Tuesday, but the wine felt more rounded and open through the middle while showing improved balance, particularly on the backside. While this was what I expected, it does tell me that this wine does indeed have some potential for positive evolution. I'll plan to open the first of my bottles in Q2 2024. (Sarduzzo Enoteca; Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy)

3/1/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Black cherry and dark red cherry on the nose with an undercurrent of earth, spice and floral notes. Medium bodied (14.5% ABV) with dark red cherry upfront, adding additional density through the middle as well red berries and some hints of raspberry. Especially after being open for about 3-4 hours the mid-body in particular is distinctly silky and elegant, with nuances of the fruit profile shining through. There are tart notes, more rounded notes and deeper notes, all wrapped around a core of fine grained tannins, acidity, tart red cherry, tart strawberry and cranberry. Finish shows minerals, spice and earth notes with tannins underneath, providing length. As other reviewers have noted here, the wine can be summed up in two words: "elegant and balanced". Drinking well at present, but based on how long it took to fully come together, clearly still has time in front of it. I'll plan to open my last bottle in Q1 2025.

2/29/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 20 months ago and this wine has improved along the lines I'd hoped. Pear, lemon, white apple and other citrus notes on the nose. Between light and medium bodied (11.5% ABV) with white pear upfront, with a lot of brightness and even some tart notes. This is supported by more rounded white apple upfront, adding some white peach through the middle. Backside adds a beam of lemon and other citrus notes. These elements, along with the acidity coming in at this stage works very well with the mid-body fruit, adding depth in the middle and length behind. Citrus and minerals contribute to the pretty finish. This wine is both opening up through the middle and coming together on the backside. I'll plan to open the next of my bottles in Q1 2025, but may open another bottle I have access to in Summer 2024.

2/29/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 21 months ago at a restaurant. This was the first of my bottles and it showed impressively. Needed between 2-3 hours to fully open up and to warm from cellar temperature to show it's best. Red cherry initially with black cherry behind on the nose as well as earth and spice qualities. Close to medium bodied with red cherry upfront which has retained its brightness, but added a nice roundness. Mid-body is slightly better integrated with darker red cherry shading into black, some hints of red raspberry and added depth as it opens up. The backside through the finish is perhaps even more impressive than my prior bottle with tart red cherry, cranberry and strawberry to along along with fine grained tannins, good structural acidity and pretty mineral qualities. Yes, this is a lighter styled red, but it has impressive complexity and depth, shows its volcanic origins distinctly and has the elements to continue to improve. When first opened, I was a bit underwhelmed, but with the time open it blossomed and demonstrated that it is clearly positively evolving along the lines I'd hoped. It's showing so well, I may open another bottle as soon as June/July 2024 and buying some more in the interim.

2/28/2024 - RGCM Gananda wrote:

Prior bottle was 8 months ago and my notes were essentially unchanged. Nose continues to show black cherry, some red cherry, earth and spice notes. Between light and medium bodied (remains lighter than the 2018) black cherry as well as some red cherry notes supported by a touch of additional depth through the middle. Tannins, acidity, tart cherry, spices and minerals on the back and through the finish. As expected, the tannins and acidity continue to show prominently, even as the fruit has evolved slightly. The fruit depth and complexity aren't there to support the structural notes which means the backside transitions are and will continue to be slightly disjointed and not as integrated as Chain wines usually are. Has the fruit to last several more years, but I don't see this trend changing.

2/27/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 8 months ago and this wine continues to show quite well. Black cherry, earth and spices continue to dominate the nose. Nearly medium bodied with black cherry upfront that's a bit more rounded than previously. Mid-body continues to show rounded black raspberry and slightly brighter red raspberry. These notes are supported by acidity and tannins with minerals through the finish. Overall, I'd say this wine is generally holding up quite well with good fruit expression and balanced structural qualities. But I also don't see room for additional improvement and this wine should be drunk over the next 18+ months to get the most out of its current stage.

2/26/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Previously tasted 2 years and 3 months ago at the winery, this was my first from bottle. Pear, white apple and citrus notes on the nose. Between light and medium bodied with open white apple upfront, backed with pear and melon through the middle. The mid-body has begun to open up as I'd hoped which works quite well with the citrus notes and acidity behind. There's enough depth through the middle that the notes notes and structural acidity now feel more in balance with the wine as a whole. Particularly after its been open for 2+ hours the mid-body fruit and tart notes behind show much improved balance as compared to my winery tasting. Should continue to evolve positively along these lines and I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025.

2/25/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Red cherry, red berries, lighter strawberry, light spices and some vanilla notes on the nose. Between light and medium bodied (13% ABV) with red cherry upfront and some darker red cherry through the middle. Didn't show a tremendous amount of mid-body depth when first opened, but gained noticeably over the course of 4+ hours open. Tart cherry behind along with tannins and acidity. Not as much acidity as the 2020, but interestingly, slightly more tannin. Finishes with balanced spice notes and some nice mineral qualities. This wine is still quite young and it will be quite interesting to see how it develops with some cellar time. I'd actually hold off drinking this for now as I think the future potential is higher. I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025 and see how it has evolved.

2/24/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Prior bottle was 17 months ago and this wine remains in a very good spot. Still mainly pear, white apple, citrus and floral on the nose, but starting to add some white peach as well as it warms. Between light and medium bodied with white apple upfront along with more tart white pear. White comes in through the middle with tart notes at first, but expands nicely, showing more expression. Citrus and acidity provide structure on the backside, while the finish shows a pretty mix of white orchard fruit, floral qualities and citrus. As expected this wine is evolving slowly and in a positive direction. Drinking well now, especially as it warms (which allows more of the white peach notes to show) and there's enough in the way of structure here that the wine should continue to develop positively along these lines over the next few years. Next of my bottles in Q1 2025.

2/24/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine:

Black and red cherry, raspberry, lots of spice as well as earth notes on the nose. Medium bodied (13% ABV) and showing mainly a mix of red cherry and red raspberry upfront and through the middle. Mid-body shows a good bit of spice,a long with the beginning of some blackfruit notes starting to shine through. Backside has cranberry and tart red cherry to go with tannins and acidity and then earth and minerals behind. Overall, I'd say there's a lot of potential here. With a bit more time, this wine should show additional depth, the fruit should gain expression and the backside should integrate well. Probably worth holding for the near term as the future potential seem well worth it. I'll plan to open my next bottle in Q1 2025 and reassess.