October 12, 2014 - This was tasty. Soft and plush with slight leather and chocolate notes. Light fine tannin and just enough acidity. Doesn't seem like it would be one to age more than short term, but it is very gulpable now. Ann loved it.
November 6, 2013 - Expressive nose; A bit shallow
October 23, 2013 - Congruence Wine Dinner with Steve Eisenhauer (Bourbon Steak, DC): Believe this was a pop 'n pour. 14.7% ABV.
Fruit forward, but definitely not a bomb, this is much more subtle. Nose and palate of cool blueberry, black cherry, graphite, cassis, green pepper, milk chocolate, fresh linen. Very smooth and silky, drinking nicely now.
Steve noted the '07 was done in neutral oak, which contributes to the current drinkability of this, but not sure the backbone is there to go for another decade.
October 15, 2011 - The maiden offering from Steve Eisenhauer. Popped and poured because I have the patience of a child. The first pour blossoms with soft deep dark berries on the nose. Excellent balance on the palate with currants and black cherry flavors blending to form a rich fruit finish. Each taste displays a smooth and jammy flavor with a lushness that makes this bottle really enjoyable. Exceptionally integrated wine with the softest of tannins remaining subdued throughout. An exceptionally well- constructed wine that really sings one hour into its first pour. In a world of fruit bomb, high alcohol wines the 2007 Congruence is an oasis. Happy to be sitting on a few more of these as they should age quite well.
March 6, 2011 - Napa Offline and a whole bunch of wine, mostly Syrah (Napa Valley Wine & Cigar): My first time trying this wine. We got into a discussion on labels. I love the fact the as diverse as everyone's palates were, their opinions on labels were even more divided. Anyway, Steve E. makes this wine and Carrie brought it out to show us the label, which not surprisingly, the crowd was divided on. Well, you know how that goes, and soon the cork was popped. At that time of night, and with no decanting, this was at a bit of a disadvantage. Still, it showed well. Purple in color. Slightly thin compared to the Syrahs, but still had a lovely texture. Lots of nice cassis fruit. Firm tannins. A fair amount of oak, this needs a few years in the cellar for my tastes and should improve. Very nice wine.
January 9, 2011 - Sunday @ home. Sipped all day long and really took the time to let the wine open up and enjoy its evolution in the glass. A very nice wine with fine tannins in evidence. A little young at this stage for my taste, but clear that this is a special wine that will only get better in the bottle. A great effort for the maiden voyage of Congruence. I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the case in the cellar as well as the '08 vintage that has just been released - which I also bought some of. Maybe I should see if I can get some more.
September 11, 2010 - Brought to Lee and Lisa's for an after dinner drink by the fire. Enjoyed by all.
February 24, 2010 - Another strong showing
November 7, 2009 - Enjoyed this tonight thanks to S.E. at the Wine Berserkers Peking Duck House SlaughterFest NYC. For a first effort, what can you say other than WOW! Gorgeous color in the glass with a whole lot of dark fruit on the nose. More dark fruits on the palate as well with a great medium body, and the perfect amount of acidy. For such a young, big cab, this is drinking shockingly well right now, and reminds me of one of my favorite cabs on steroids. Great first effort, and I look forward to picking up a case of the 2008! Cheers!
November 5, 2009 - This is a dark wine with reddish-purple tinged edges. swirling about it sticks to the side of the glass (what us old timers used to call legs). The nose is enticing & inviting with cherry cola, mocha, Crème de Cassis, black currant, and framboise. Very pretty and aromatic--worth the price of admission itself. The palate shows some black & red fruits of black cherries, currants, red plums, and a hint of Chinese apple. Some Kirsch, floral notes with some leather and earth. Its a medium weight wine with grace and structure. A slightly dry edge with a classy tannin/acid base. Some lushness shows its head, and some baby fat keeps it all covered snugly, but my overall impression is happiness and joy. What more does one seek? A long finish keeps the memory alive for more than 2 minutes. A Maiden Voyage I am glad to be a part of.