March 4, 2024 - Decanted for 3 hours and brought to a Korean BBQ. When it was first opened it was a wall of tanin on the palate and sweet oak on the nose. After the decant the sweet fruit really comes forward, but not the Thomas river brown style of fake candy sweet, real preserved raspberry and blackberry sweet, with a mint undertone and a acid backbone that prevents it from going overboard. That being said, it is still a little too adolescent for my taste. Give it another 10 years and see where it lands.
January 20, 2024 - PNP as terrible as that is for this wine. Purchased on Spectrum Auction (6 btls) ullage minimal and cork was great. All said this isn't a PNP wine at this time and requires hours of decanting and or a couple of more years to soften. Full bodied chewy tannins however very astringent under the circumstances.
December 17, 2023 - This wine is a propoer Wow! Big and rich to be sure but is light on its large feet. The big structure of acidity and tannin giving this an almost racy character. Fruit cake, quince. Drinking beautifully now, will last for many years but right now it has a wonderful vibrancy of fruit that it would be a shame to miss.
December 16, 2023 - After 3 hours of decanting, still wasn't close - integrated, just didn't taste good.
By hour 5, magnificent - tannins have mellowed, balanced acidity, fruit is shining through in an appropriately reserved way, long finish, etc. Everything you expect from an All-Star.
December 12, 2023 - Drank at 67
A big wine
October 14, 2023 - Similar to prior notes afte double decanting for 3.5 hrs; outstanding, drink or hold
September 6, 2023 - Similar notes to June 2023. Magnum this time. Drank over 3 days; better on day 2 but best on day 3. Day 3 notes: Full bodied, ripe black fruit: blackberry liqueur, black cherry, cassis, dust, some floral notes, very fine sweet tannins; 30 sec finish. Recommend long Slo-ox or decant, checking often.
August 26, 2023 - Excellent window right now for this wine. Resolved tannins, gorgeous fruit, impeccable balance, and a long lasting finish that makes this wine one of the most enjoyable experiences I've has in a while. Impressive structure and feels like it has years and years left on it to evolve. W-Katie and Tim w-cheese/ crackers.
July 1, 2023 - At home in Fl with Phil of the valley and BB
Decanted for two hours
Dark dense color
Big Cali cab nose
Young but tasty, full body, minimal signs of aging
Would revisit in 5-7 years
July 1, 2023 - Similar to prior notes after double decanting for 2.5 hrs; outstanding, very consistent, drink or hold. Had it with the 2010 Paul Hobbs Dr. Crane & although both were equally outstanding, they were different on both nose & palate