May 11, 2015 - corked
May 23, 2014 - Some cork taint
April 18, 2012 - I rate this an 86 because it didn't sing, not because it was bad like some other 86's. It was OK, if uninspiring. The fill was excellent as was the cork. The color was a medium ruby with slightly paling edges. Not bricking. This could go on, but I doubt it would improve. In the nose there was a subtle hint of raspberry. No oak or vanilla. No spice or complexity. Then again, nothing off-putting either. That's actually a big plus given what I have tasted of late. In the mouth, there is nothing much. It is hollow. The predominate taste is not on the palate, but on the buccal mucosa (the sides of the mouth) where I get slightly drying tannins. The finish is medium in length and just defines the persistence of that impression.
October 4, 2011 - A terrific wine on the low end. Some reduction makes the nose a bit stinky initially but that fades leaving earthy, slight pepper and bell pepper notes. There is still some light tannin and plenty of acid to balance out the rich fruit. The fruit shows a bit riper on the second night but the balance is still there. On the darker side of Loire reds. No rush to drink but there is probably not a lot a room for improvement.
July 11, 2011 - Far more enjoyable than the last bottle we drank in January. Light raspberry and red currant notes. Soft finish.
February 27, 2011 - Light. A bit dry. Fruity up front.
January 24, 2011 - OK. Fruit faded a bit after opening.
January 5, 2011 - Popped and poured. Rather austere, particularly without food. Some dark fruit up front, but not much. Drying midpalate and a hint of bret on the finish. Very good, not great.
December 8, 2010 - Crimsony purple. Cranberry, pine needles, and mulled spice nose. Medium bodied, asparagus, brussel sprouts, unripe blackberries, good acid, smooth tannins, and a dry, medium+ tobacco-laced finish. Varietally correct, but not really something I enjoyed drinking.
February 14, 2010 - The fruit seems hidden right now behind the soily rocky earth tones. There are slight traces of plum and vegetal and the fruit still has a fleshy feel to it. Good but not great acidity. This could be closing up some and for $10 it might be worth putting a couple away for the short term to see if so. Or a drink now for those that prefer earth and mineral to fruit.