March 29, 2024 - While not always my favorite Freemark offering due to the heavy (63%) Merlot component, this bottle was really very good. It likely has something to do with the exceptional vintage but this was singing. Dark cherry, blackberry and leather on the palate. Full bodied and rich. Integrated tannins and a long finish. This will certainly hold for another 5 years and maintain its quality but I don't think it will improve over that time.
January 7, 2024 - Drinks beautiful now. Good value here. Lots of bold blackberry along with leather and graphite. Medium-full bodied. Has a good bit of life but probably close to peak. Drink now-2026
January 30, 2022 - I am not usually a big fan of merlot dominant wines but this was very good and compared nicely to a Spring Mountain cabernet consumed at the same sitting. Medium ruby in color. Blackberry and raspberry on the palate with secondary notes of saddle leather, fig and maybe a bit of clove. Soft, silky tannins and full bodied. I suppose this will last until the early '30's but it is drinking so well now, why wait?
March 1, 2021 - Deep ruby color in the glass with a slightly fading rim. Moderate, woody aromas of plum, black currant, tobacco and mocha. The palate brings fresh blackberry, fig and currant, along with forest floor and sandlewood. Acidity is medium-high, with tannins medium and mostly resolved (although slightly rough). The mid-palate is a bit hollow, likely due to the use of merlot in the blend. Long finish with a slight acidic tang and lingering fruit.
December 8, 2019 - Oxidized. Very unusual as this is usually a lovely blend.
March 14, 2019 - Still quite young. Good but will benefit from a few more years in the bottle. Hard to justify this price point today, but well-made and with room for improvement.
February 15, 2019 - Merlot heavy Bordeaux. Very smooth. Good from the start after 80 minute decant, but never really improved. Would definitely drink more after a couple more years in cellar.
October 26, 2018 - Decanted for an hour. Well balanced true to its Bordeaux style. Flavors too muted. Earthy finish. Pleasant but not exceptional. 91 points.
December 2, 2017 - Patience is not my virtue, but no disappointment here. Fantastic, rich , long finish.