5/8/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Quite a shy nose right from the bottle. This needs a good decanting of at least 2 hours to release the aromatics. More vegetal notes and less fruit forward than previous vintage. Very high level of acidity but it is balanced by the juicy fruits and smooth tannins. Medium-bodied with an opaque structure not letting
much of the fine elements through. Some funky tar and toasty oak evaporate after sometime in the glass, it then finished cleanly. Good to hold on to this for a few more years before drinking it. 89-91 pts

5/7/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Fragrant and deep aroma of ripe black plums, black peppers, intense clove and hints of toasted oak on the nose. Palate is less forward and more elegant than what the nose suggested. Felt more like a cool climate Shiraz from Victoria on the palate. Medium-bodied with some tannins to support proper aging. Good level of acidity running through from entry to an extended mid-palate and velvety spicy finish. This lacked some density and depth compared to the winery Joanna Shiraz on the palate. Almost at its finest peak now and will continue to drink nicely for the next 3-5 years.

5/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Forward barnyard nose with fresh red fruits of redcurrant and strawberries, savoury sage and hints of earthy spices. Very Burgundian. Palate is elegant and linear. Not much depth and light-bodied structure. There are good level of acidity, juicy fruit and smooth tannins in the mid-palate, transiting to a clean but somewhat watery finish. Drink now with roast chicken or salmon Wellington.

4/30/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Perfume bouquet of gentle red fruits, touch of vanilla spice, earthy gravel, with undertones of fragrant oak and dried herbs. Elegant and savoury fruits and grilled meats. Medium-bodied, fresh and extended. Transition to the lingering finish is seamless. Drink with some decanting to bring the aromatics into better balance. Will be drinking well for the next 3-5 years. 92-93 pts.

4/29/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Generous ripe black fruit cocktail with equal strength of sweet spices and leather on the nose and palate. Rich and penetrating. Good level of fresh acidity to support the huge structure. No subtlety at all. Short transition to a one dimensional finish. Drink this with hearty meal.

4/26/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Complex and rich raspberries, plums, vanilla oak, sweet toasted spices and hints of cedar on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, fresh and supple structure. Good level of density and layers, transiting to a lingering and spicy finish. Drink now with some decanting for better balance. Will continue to evolve for the next 3 years.

4/25/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Very floral and ripe berries with undertones of savoury herbs and earthy spices on the nose. Palate is rich, perfume and smooth. Balanced and almost silky in the texture, leading to a clean and dense finish. Ready to drink now and for the next few years.

4/25/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Profound bouquet, toasted almond, deep blue and black fruits, earthy spices and no hints of oak overtones even though this is aged in oak. Bold and intense palate, full-bodied and firm structure. Some minerality. This needs time as most elements are hidden behind the opaque mid-palate for now. Transition from entry to finish is quite seamless and extended. Long and lingering finish. Potential to show more complexity and layers in 5-8 years time. 91-93 pts.

4/25/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Bright red cherries, toasted almond and sweet spices on the nose. Palate showed some tensions and tannins on a medium-bodied structure. Not much complexity. Finish is spicy and fresh with some bitter tannins. Ready to drink now and for the next 3 years.

4/25/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Deep and spiced black cherries with earthy and minty vanilla notes on the nose. Structured and extended palate which is almost full-bodied. Good intensity and depth for a Crianza, reaching the quality of a Reserva. Texture is rather smooth at the edges. Finish is complete but grippy. Still can age for the next 2-3 years for the tannins to fully integrate into the wine.

4/25/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Very bright cherry fruits with a touch of fresh herbs and spicy notes. Palate echoed the nose. Fruity but not forward, elegant and balanced on the medium-bodied palate. Not much structure. Made to drink young and at casual settings.

4/22/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Good density of red and blue fruits with ginger, bright raspberries, violet, toasted nuts and sweet spices. Medium-bodied structure with rich and fresh acidity. Good purity of fruits from entry to finish which is extended and grippy. Still young but promising development potential for the next 3-5 years. Very good quality for a regular Cote du Rhone. 91-92 pts.

4/20/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Bright and forward nose of dried crane berries and blueberries fruits, sweet star anise and clove. Palate is rich, fresh and spicy. Almost full-bodied structure which is polished and bold. Long transition to a prune and earthy finish. Ready to drink now and for the next 3-5 years.

4/20/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Fragrant bouquet, ripe plums and black fruits, dark chocolate, roasted fennel and expensive oak. Very delicious smell. Palate is fresh and persistent. Medium-bodied mid-palate. Nice transition to a deep and lingering finish.

4/19/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Nose is somewhat funky, intense black plums, rustic barnyard, old spices with tar. Palate is elegant and fresh. Good density and length on the medium-bodied palate. Finish is rounded and deep. Drink now.

4/18/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Good purity of blackcurrants, roasted bell peppers and sweet spices. Bright aromatics. Palate echoed the nose. Rich and fresh. Very smooth texture with tannins gently supporting from the back. Medium-bodied, linear and not much depth in the mid-palate. Finish is clean and somewhat hollow. Good with BBQ meats.

4/16/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

A nice savoury nose with notes of dried leaves, roasted fennel, blueberries and star anise. Palate is rich and dry, earthy spices and herbs. Good fermented beans. Medium-bodied structure. Texture is seamless and velvety. Finish is extended and elegant. Still need time in the bottle, an hour of breathing will open up the wine more.

4/15/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

An intriguing aromatics of plush and ripe cherries and plums with overtones of white pepper and eucalyptus on the nose and palate. Need some time in the glass for the flavours to settle down. Nice acidity in the medium-bodied structure to keep the texture tight and focused. Clean and not much depth after entry. Finish has some bite and somewhat watery. Promising nose, average palate but finish is a let down. Drink now.

4/13/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Deep and profound bouquet of black berries, fermented soya bean and dark chocolate. On the palate, there are aroma of lavender, tar and savoury grilled meat. Medium-bodied structure. Clean and lingering finish. Ready to drink with some decanting to bring out the flavours.

4/7/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Classic nose of ripe blackcurrant, roasted bell peppers, tobacco and clove. Palate echoed the nose with overtones of cassis bell pepper on the entry. Nice acidity in the structure. This is followed by a powerful but polished mid-palate that extends for a long time to a supple finish. Ready to drink now and will continue to hold for the next 5 years. A good wine for steaks.

4/6/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Gentle red cherries, vanilla oak, dark chocolate and toasted spices on the nose. Very classic Rioja. Delicious and balanced. Palate is rich and polished. Not much depth and power for a Gran Reserva in the mid-palate. The quality is more like a Reserva. Finish is firm with some savoury notes and ripe blue fruits. Ready to drink now. A few years of aging helps to smoothen the tannins.

4/4/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

A nice ripe fruit plummy nose with a touch of dried herbs and toasted spices. Palate echoed the nose, clean, taut cherry but rounded at the edges. Medium-bodied structure. Not much depth with some tannins towards the end of the mid-palate, leaving a herbaceous aftertaste in the finish. Ready to drink now.

4/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Nice minerality, spices and black fruits on the nose. Dry and taut palate. Clean with a touch of grippy tannins from entry to finish. Some cocoa nuts but lacking some richness and depth. Medium-bodied structure. Finish is earthy with dried herbs. Ready to drink now.

3/31/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Beautiful strawberry fragrance with dried tea leaves, gravel and potpourri. Elegant and balanced. Palate is dry and clean. Almost medium-bodied in structure. Polished texture. Transition to a lingering and floral finish is smooth. Ready to drink now.

3/30/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Prominent bouquet of old spices and wardrobe, high level of minerals with ripe cranberries and black raspberries. A touch of Chinese medicinal syrup. Palate echoed the nose. Good elegance. Good layers without the heaviness of a typical pure Barossa fruits. Polished medium-bodied structure. Finish with a bed of velvety tannins and barnyard. Intriguing aromatics from a blend of Barossa and Eden valley. Some decanting is necessary for the wine to open up.

3/24/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Complex nose of spices and ripe blueberries and old wardrobe. Palate is rich and toasty. Medium-bodied structure. Nice clean and lingering finish. Ready to drink now and for the next 2 years:

3/22/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Initial impression is subtle blue and black fruits, toasted star anise with a touch of savoury vanilla beans and grilled meat. This wine needs an hour for the complex aromatics to go into full throttle. Palate is dry despite the ripe fruits, tons of spicy dried black peppers. Fresh acidity and bold flavours in the full-bodied structure which is supported by a foundation of ripe tannins. Transition to a hot and linear finish is still somewhat uneven. Need extensive breathing for the elements to balance out. Keeping for another 3-5 years would be a better option. 90-92 pts

3/18/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

This wine needed some air for the fine and complex aromatics to wake up. There are layers of plums, earthy spices, river stones on a bed of toasted cedary oak. Palate is rich, fresh and smoky. Savoury meat with some pencil shavings. Almost full-bodied in the structure. Dense and need time for the phenolic layers to emerge. A touch heavy for now. Finish is equally savoury and mineral. Ready to drink now with some decanting. Will continue to develop for the next decade if kept well. 91-92 pts.

3/17/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Nose is somewhat shy. Need an hour for the nose to open up. Notes of red and blue fruits, toasted cumin and clove with a touch of crushed stones. Palate is dry with decent fruit and spices. Medium-bodied structure. Consistent and grippy tannins in the finish. Decant if you are drinking now. Otherwise drink this in 2-3 years.

3/16/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

A balanced and clean nose of blueberries, dried herbs, clove and undergrowth. Palate is full of herbaceous and spices notes. Medium-bodied. Texture is somewhat chalky. Finish is rounded but short. Ready to drink now.

3/16/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Good purity of blackcurrant, fragrant cedar, herbaceous and undergrowth on the nose. Palate is smooth and polished. Good elegance on a medium-bodied structure. Nice length. Finish is persistent and minerals. Ready to drink now.

3/16/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Good density of ripe black fruits, toasted fennel, dried herbs and cedar. The palate is soft and polished. Medium to full-bodied on the mid-palate. Strength is decent leading to a clean and fresh finish. Ready to drink now.

3/16/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Good depth of black fruits, toasted spices, fennel and gravel on the nose. Palate echoed the nose. Medium-bodied. Good depth and polished. Finish is clean and lingering. Ready to drink now and will continue to develop for the next 3-5 years.

3/16/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Bright raspberries and redcurrant nose with a touch of spice and licorice. Very little oak influence. Palate is fruity and dry. Medium-bodied structure. Finish is somewhat short. Made for early drinking.

3/15/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Rustic nose of gravel stone fruits, a touch of cumin and dried herbs. Palate is taut and dry. Medium-bodied structure and short mid-palate and finish. Good for hearty stew.

3/11/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Toasty spicy plums and tar on the nose. Palate is dense, full of black plums and star anise on the full-bodied structure which is bold and opaque. Finish is somewhat short.

3/10/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Very aromatic nose. Balanced and complex. There are fresh herbs, ripe plums and tomatoes, roasted fennel and fragrant cedary oak on the palate. Medium-bodied and fairly elegant in the mid-palate. Nice transition to a lingering finish with a touch of bitterness. Need some breathing for the tannins to soften. 3 more years of development will be good for better harmony.

3/10/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Forward nose of ripe plums, raspberries, sweet toasted spices and some lavender. Palate echoed the nose. Almost full-bodied. Lively and dense spiced black fruits from entry to finish which is extended and deep. Drink this with an hour of decanting. Will continue to age for the next 3 years.

3/8/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Clean nose of blackcurrant, gravel, stale wardrobe and old spices with undertones of pickled Chinese cabbage. Intriguing aromatics. Palate is grippy and fresh from entry to finish. Good level of acidity running through its core on a bed of dry tannins. Medium-bodied structure. Showing more of the place and cellar nuances than the fruits. Surprising aromatics but texture can be better. Age this for 3 more years to lose the prominent tannins.

3/8/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Nose is soft and reserved, blackcurrant, star anise and black pepper with a touch of undergrowth right at the end. Palate is fresh, lively and firm edges. Medium-bodied. Very safe presentation, neither to impress nor to trigger dislikes. Simple and short finish. Good with daily fare.

3/5/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

A full-bodied, densely flavoured nose and palate of ultra ripe black fruits, heavily toasted spices and vanilla oak. Engineered to be delicious and fun like a party wine. Nothing wrong with this, for what it is designed for, it is quite good in achieving its objective. For the purist among us, we do want a sense of place and vintage. Depending on which side of the fence you are on, you are going to either like it or finding this highly manipulated.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Bright nose of cherry, a touch of leafiness, cinnamon stick and hints of fennel. Palate is soft, approachable and rounded. Simple. Medium-bodied with nice acidity to carry the aromatics from entry to the finish which is firm and somewhat short. Made for early and daily drinking.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

A subtle and balanced nose of gentle cherry, grilled meats and just a touch of river stones and undergrowth to create some complexity. Palate is equally soft and balanced. Nice freshness in the medium-bodied structure. Transition to the grippy finish is smooth and extended. Need another 3-5 years for the elements to develop better definition. 91-93 pts.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

The nose suggested that this is a complete wine. There are aromatics of spices, ripe red and black fruits, savoury stewed herbs and tomatoes, leather and some earthy nuances. Palate echoed the nose. Good minerality and richness on the full-bodied mid-palate. Structure is still somewhat opaque for now. Finish is deep and elegant. Needs time. Decant for at least 2 hours before approaching it. Another 5 years of aging will lead to better harmony and complexity. 93-95 pts.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

A rustic, old spices and fermented soya bean bouquet. Dark and mysterious. Palate is still somewhat closed after an hour in the bottle slowly decanting. Fresh, iron and iodine aromatics and crushed rocks in the full-bodied structure. Very intriguing aroma from entry to finish which is chewy and earthy.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Nose is a touch closed, there are hints of cognac fragrance, stewed plums, sweet spices and chocolate. Delicious and rich palate. Nice tension between acidity and tannins in the almost full-bodied mid-palate. Good transition to a fresh and cherry finish. Keep for at least 3 more years for the wine to have better balance and depth.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

A nice bouquet of black fruits, mint, dark chocolate, toasted spices and some leather to complete the first impression. Palate has a good layers of flavour ranging from savoury herbs to soft fruits and minerality. Almost full-bodied in the mid-palate. A this point, the tannins are still upfront hiding many finer elements. Finish is velvety and long. Drink this in 3 years’ time. 92-94 pts.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

The nose is a touch shy compared to the Le Volte of the same vintage. This has cherry and earthy spices on the nose. Just like the Le Volte, the fresh acidity defined the vibrant palate, running through its core medium-bodied structure. Dry and clean finish. Drink this with some decanting for the wine to open more in the mid-palate. Better tannins structure than the Le Volte, probably less extracted. Overall slightly better than Le Volte.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

The blueberries and red current are ripe and fresh. Hints of toasted clove and star anise in the palate surrounded by cherry fruits. Medium-bodied with racy acidity on the mid-palate. Finish has a decent base of bright fruits and grippy tannins. A food wine. A few years of aging would have better harmony.

3/2/2024 - Psdycp wrote:

Savoury notes with soft red fruits, hints of dried herbs and gravel on the nose. Palate is dry, less fruity than what the nose suggested. Medium-bodied, fresh and grippy tannins. Good layers of fine aromatics peeping behind the big structure, leading to a taut cherry skin finish. Need more time. Another 2-3 years would open up the wine more.