July 8, 2015 - Medium red color. Forward, somewhat woodsy nose of cherries, pine forest, mushroom, oak spice. On arrival, low tannin and balanced acidity. "New age" fruit forward and rather well-oaked in the mouth, but I like it just fine anyway. Finishes smooth, long, with very good depth and impact. All things harmonious, nothing too big and yet nothing of great subtlety either. Bottle #6 of six.
December 11, 2014 - 91-92. A better bottle than the last one I had -- this one was still hitting all the high notes, 10 years in. At that age, and with its high ABV, it's actually kind of amazing how well this has aged, how structured and restrained it seems. Cherry, some baking spice, soft tannins. Served with roast pork shoulder and they ran off together.
January 10, 2014 - Still plenty of life. Well-integrated, with some rusticity. Medium palate weight.
September 13, 2012 - Absolutely delicious. Silky, well balanced. Burgundian. Mature fruits, tannins, terroir. Elegant. Doris, Ray and Elena Loved this wine. Salmon dinner.
July 15, 2012 - sweet red cherry, long finish, soft on the palate
March 25, 2012 - Big nose of cherries. Delicious soft tannins fill the mouth. Elegant, silky with deep red fruits, earth and smoke. Wonderful lingering finish. (Doris loved this wine even though "tannins a little big")
July 18, 2011 - Awesome nose. Delicate wine that is drinking exceptionally well right now.
February 24, 2011 - ripe cherry rhubarb with an herbal aspect (chicory as James Laube indicates on his notes) that is balanced with a finish that last for 15 seconds. Balanced with burgundian complexities. can last another couple years. drink now - 2015
January 22, 2011 - Medium ruby, brilliant. Nose of coca-cola, cherry, very slight floral and pine accents. Round mouth feel, medium-light acid and little tannin. Smooth cherry fruit leads to mixed woodsy, herbal complexities in flavors. Damned good for the "leftovers" bottling from Merry. Confirms for me again of just how special the Russian River appellation was in 2004 for producers who obtained ripe-not-overripe fruit; probably the best vintage I've experienced from there since 1987.
January 7, 2011 - Absolutely mouthwatering. The acids just gush and so I will too: Beautifully balanced weight and texture. Nothing hot or disjointed. The fruit and earth almost magical in their dance around the tart. The finish just may linger until the morning. Impressive improvement from last year - which was no slouch. 91+