May 21, 2021 - Agree with the spice and peppery comments - very smooth right now but i would drink up. Excellent but at its zenith!
January 10, 2021 - This bottle was a bit different from the previous one. There was a strong smell of pine, something I've not experienced before, and it bordered on unpleasant. Fortunately, the flavors had none of that. Fruit is definitely in the background, dominated by mineral and a touch of spice. Medium-bodied, not tannic at all. After this bottle, I think it's time to drink up.
November 20, 2020 - Earthy aroma and light red in appearance. Medium-bodied with stone and red berries. A touch of effervescence was the only drawback. I think the fruit will fade from here but it should last a few more years.
May 3, 2020 - Bigger and showing nice aged notes. Good stuff.
June 4, 2018 - This is in a great place right now. PnP, was ready to go on open, but held steady through the two hours over which it was consumed, so I think there's no harm in holding for another couple of years or more. Elegant and silky, a bit peppery, fruit is still present and balanced. Really enjoyable bottle.
August 7, 2016 - Thinner, lighter and had a crispier texture than I remember. Good, but not as intense and deep as last bottle back in early 2014.
December 25, 2014 - Opened up nicely after several hours. Beautifully layered and complex. Flavors of black berries, smoked meats, peppery spices and dry earth. Lengthy finish. More time in the bottle can only improve this wine.
February 16, 2014 - Lighter and fruitier than expected, silky, smooth and elegant with a wonderful long finish but without the peppery finish others have mentioned; a tiny bit one dimensional. Not decanted, none needed and should continue drinking nicely over the next five or six years.
Edit: Finished off the bottle on day two and I must withdraw my 'one dimensional' comment from the first night. Still no peppery finish but definitely notes of leather and something else I can't quite put my finger on which really add a complexity to the wine not found on day one. I will have to decant my next one to see if that helps on day one.
November 25, 2012 - Really good blend. I love wines that lead with Mourvedre. Needless to say, it needs a lot more time, but a couple hours' decant might help a lot. Each variety could be identified here. An excellent wine!
October 20, 2012 - Licorice, plum and sage. amazingly aromatic and integrated wood is prominent. evolution of aroma and palate was constant.