October 9, 2014 - We popped and poured this bottle. Very nice nose that was notable while pouring. Very soft and wonderful tannins meshed with layers of red fruit, toast, cinnamon and licorice. Everyone at dinner enjoyed this wine.
November 23, 2013 - Drinking at its peak now. Layers and layers of casis and berries. Love this wine, especially for money
September 16, 2011 - Absolutely stunning wine! Popped and poured and opened with a Bordeaux funk that was not to be believed! This is not your average California Cab but rather a California Cabernet masquerading as a French Bordeaux and pulling it off with aplomb! Just great stuff!
March 20, 2010 - Beautiful nose of dark fruit and tobacco. Lots of black cherry on the palate with notes of leather, smoke and a little spice. Medium to full bodied with nice complexity. The finish was quite long with some tannins showing but they didn't get in the way. Looks like this is reaching a good point just now. Very good and represents a good QPR at around $45. Decanted 2 hours.
February 11, 2010 - Same note as before. This wine gets better and better.
January 17, 2010 - everything is so pleasing except for a little tinge of green in the finish.
December 30, 2009 - Same note as before but with more integration. This is really getting good.
March 12, 2009 - Popped and poured without food. Initial reaction was 'this smells terrific.' THis has a beautiful dark red color and aromas of black cherry and cigar box. After about an hour of sipping and swirling, this really starts to sing. Incredible balance, integrated tanin and acidity that lets you know its there but doesn't get in the way. Altough not overly sweet and fat there is a roundness to this that makes it truly pleasurable. What a value.
November 18, 2008 - Dark Veeder fruit. Very smooth tannins. Full bodied but not a bomb. Great.
May 20, 2008 - Ohhhhh. That's the only reaction I can give when I remember drinking this wine. It was amazing and I did not even see it coming. On the note, it came off elegant, dark, complex, you could smell the dark fruits, the bold coffee, and smoked meats that were perfectly coupled with the sweet vanilla. It was just amazing, and had a very complex and long toasty oak finish. I loved it. If you can find it, get it. Unfortunately, I currently live in Massachusetts, and it is very difficult to ship wine to the state.