April 2, 2018 - I reviewed this in 2010 with 92points and worried that it might lead age. But it aged beautifully.
Black raspberry compote and nice framing tannins. Rich and powerful but with no rough edge. Hedonistic fun and very easy to drink, but more classic merlot character now than in the wine’s youth.
October 13, 2016 - Lots of oak layered on very ripe fruit.
Needed a couple hours to settle down.
Very CA in style.
Would not have called it Walla Walla or WA if tasted blind.
Certainly a crowd pleaser and well done.
April 16, 2016 - Beautifully integrated flavors of blueberry, blackberry, anise, graphite, leather and tobacco. Had on the deck with cheese. The best cheese paired was an Italian style Gouda
December 26, 2015 - Un peu trop sucré et lourd pour le boire seul en apéro. Je le recommande avec un plat de viande sucré. Avec des boulettes de jambon à l'érable c'était délicieux mais je ne sais pas à quel point ce vin se bonifie en vieillissant.
October 31, 2015 - Really enjoyed tonight. Shame it was my last bottle. Plenty of acid, body and fruit, nice bitter chocolate and red/black fruit. Plenty of time left to enjoy.
June 13, 2015 - My first taste of his wine. I wonder a little bit about the storage. Purchased from big box retailer not stored in the climate controlled area. Been sitting there a few years I'd guess.
Not cooked but flavors seem muddled upon opening. Aftertaste is a little distracting. Might be overwhelming bittersweet chocolate but I don't think so. Definitely ripe and full. Fruit is red and black. Definite mocha. Can't get over the bittersweet chocolate notes.
I'll update as wine airs. Ok. It's been 3-4 hrs. Wine has developed a very nice creamy vanilla oak mouthfeel. Bittersweet chocolate remains but less oppressive. More milk chocolate now. Finish is cleaner and lingering. Quite nice.
Enjoyed. Look forward to the 10 oz I poured off for tomorrow.
July 2, 2013 - Leather, cherry, mocha, dark berry. Had with sockeye salmon grilled. A little heavy for the salmon but still nice. Maybe salmon with a balsamic glaze or pork or filet of beef
April 21, 2013 - What a great wine. Washington makes the Merlot varietal sing. The wine looks Purple colored with slow legs. It smells like Cherry, and Plum which are featured on the palate along with Raisin, Black currant (cassis), Toast, and Violet. The body is Medium/Full and quite silky.
I will be buying more. Cheers!
December 28, 2012 - Very solid WA Merlot. Good fruit and nice and smooth.
August 5, 2012 - Nice fruity nose. Dark fruit, dark cherries, velvety long finish. Terrific bottle!