October 24, 2010 - Good spice on the nose. The palate had lots of fruit still, some smoke and pepper. There was definitely some Red Mountain dust and terrior. Good body and a long finish. Solid wine.
May 29, 2009 - starting to lose some of the complex mineral flavors that it had a year ago. Might be time to drink up. Juicy blackberry flavor balanced with a smooth earthiness.
March 26, 2009 - This can NOT be the same wine I had recently. Two different bottles, different labels, different cork, etc....this one was the "cheaper" looking bottle ($20 at Safeway). TN: Nose of blackberries and currents, more of the same on the palate. But it's missing the cigar box, cloves, and earthy notes of the 'other' bottle I've tasted. A very good wine, but not spectacular.
December 19, 2008 - This was really a fantastic wine. Vanilla, black pepper, currant, and cigar box notes on the nose and palate. Well rounded, but not heavy in the mouth--this wine had a nice, smooth finish and was very well integrated. All in all, a killer value at $20.
December 18, 2008 - Decanted for 45 minutes and drank over the next 2 hours. There were tartaric crystals on the cork. Nose of black pepper, vanilla, and blueberry. The pallet still has fruit on it and the tannins have are well integrated. There is a slight cinnamon mid-pallet. The finish goes on and on. This wine is peaking, buy as many as you can now.
June 27, 2008 - lightly smoky, dried meat, smooth & rich