November 24, 2022 - Cork was dried out. Had the same wine a year ago which was in much better shape. This one was a bit tart and I think was stored poorly than the wine being over the hill. I’d drink any that may be left around.
June 19, 2022 - Another cork in terrific condition. Feel bad shredding these with a Durand when a regular corkscrew would have been fine. Can't take the chance.
Quite rich here still. The tannin has mostly faded. Just a very fine bit left. They actually labeled this vintage as Cab because it's 78%. There is a green, weedy sense in the background. Its so stout still that you almost don't care but you really can't shake it. Not enough to ruin it though. Its just an odd vintage that way. I also noticed the same thing in a bottle of '99 Backus. Draper notes the highest percentage of Petit Verdot they ever put in this saying it barely ripened. That's intriguing given how this performs now. But you also have to note he suggested drinking this by year ten. Its in a good window now with not much room for improvement. The fruit is certainly going to live for a good deal longer if you just gotta wait. Consistent over two nights if maybe more integrated/seamless on night two. Very nice.
January 16, 2022 - Cherry mellow and no bite. May have been better drank 5 years back
December 22, 2017 - Lovely expression of California mountain Cabernet. Just a great classic SCM nose. The fruit is still holding onto plenty of it's richness and flesh. A good bit of tannin. Not a lot of complexity but perfect at what it is. Very nice and has plenty of time to go.
June 1, 2017 - Lovely classic Cab nose. Still dense and chewy. Recommend a decant for this. Lots of sediment and tartrate crystals.
November 9, 2016 - What a wine. PNP! Deep red, medium full bodied, nice fruit, secondary taste, well worth the price but not sure how long it will last. 96 on the other hand...
June 27, 2015 - Took to Underbelly for dinner with friends. The waiter decanted about an hour prior to tasting. The wine was simply fantastic! I believe this wine will still be drinking well for quite some time. If I was scoring would be in the 92-94 range.
January 28, 2014 - Very good. Softened beautifully over several days and developed real character. Tannins strong but resolving.
July 7, 2008 - Very tight upon opening....sour and tannic. Completely changed after 90 minutes in the decanter. Black cherries with some vanilla creaminess. A little heavy on the oak. Long finish. Still has years left in the bottle.
May 30, 2008 - Finally past the tannic stage. well balanced and mature, enjoyable.