February 23, 2020 - Decanted and showing moderate sediment.
8 years since my last assessment of this wine and it's developing nicely.
Brooding in the glass with scents of smashed blueberry, blackberry pastilles, stewed plum and black cherry with notes of pine, camphor and menthol that weaves in notes of cocoa, baking spice, melted black licorice, leather, forest floor, crushed violets and hints of herbs.
Full bodied and bold on the palate that shows powerfully gripping tannins and full-mid-palate density. Acidity, though outweighed by the tannins, keeps the wine lifted through the back end. Flavors of blueberry compote, prune, blackberry pastilles and plum sauce meet notes of wild herb, black licorice, dried violets, leather, pine resin, earth and coca. The finish pulls with tannic force and lingers with authority. This wine still has some years on it.
November 9, 2019 - Showing zero signs of decline, this one poured an inky black into the glass. Nose of black and purple fruit, baking spices. The entry was a lot of young black fruit, olive tapenade. Very robust with a rounded mouthfeel up front. Finishes with sweeter roasted cedar tannin but surprisingly there was a lot more tannin on the finish than I had thought there would be. Hint of roasted BBQ meats to the finish. This one could go another five years in my opinion, and might even improve a bit on the finish in the next one or two.
August 21, 2019 - This bottle was far more expressive than the last one I tasted in 2016. 45- minute decant. Dark black-ruby color. Blueberry and black currant notes on the nose and palate, with a hint of chocolate. Very full-bodied. This wine is heavy and kicks butt; not for the faint of heart. Can likely age far longer than the 2013-2019 CT Community Drink Dates, IMO.
November 8, 2018 - Thick and inky with blackberries and currants.
March 5, 2017 - No detailed notes.... but decanted for >1hr and served with roasted leg of lamb... inly black. soft, rich nose, purple fruits and eucalyptus/menthol hints. Palate follows, but is more subtle. Tannins are still holding on...
August 16, 2016 - Medium-full bodied; dark ruby/purple; dark fruit on nose and palate. Good wine, but expected more.
September 25, 2014 - black purple, concentrated, plum and blackberry with hint of spice. went with butternut squash risotto
July 27, 2014 - Decanted and began to serve. Ink purple. Deep, rich blackberry and lavender on the nose. Smooth, rich purple fruits and earthieness on the palate. Smooth all the way through the finish with well integrated tannins. Medium body.
Enjoyed with a fruit crisp desert and sipping afterward. Stands up well to strong flavors.
June 28, 2014 - Another good bottle. Dark fruits with a lot of spice. Smooth, round tannins, perfect acidity. A bold wine without harshness. Paired with a curry chicken soup and stood up perfectly.
June 22, 2013 - Big and bold. Good tannin backbone. BlackBerry and pepper come through. Nice