December 19, 2023 - Full throttle, big black red fruits, red meat, violets, blood, iron, nimble on the palate despite its overall bigness, a bit of heat on the finish. Remarkably fresh at 15 years old, cork was tight and in pristine condition with no staining. Not my favorite style of WA Syrah, but for what it is, it was very, very good.
December 9, 2017 - Dark ruby color, no bricking. Red and black fruits with a slight smokiness; in a very good place right now.
January 23, 2016 - Friends brought this to our 1/23/16 smoked brisket dinner. It had a ripe, fragrant bouquet of smoked meat, blackberry, plum, licorice and spice. The palate was rich, ripe and dry with flavors of blackberry, plum, licorice, pepper, spice and minerals.
May 1, 2015 - Lush and juicy blueberry and blackberry flavors, leading to a hint of black pepper, red chili pepper and cedar. The finish just doesn't quit. Drinking beautifully right now.
May 12, 2014 - Much more approachable than when I first tried this wine after it was released in 2010. Tannins that were very pronounced are now subdued and integrated into the fruit-dominated structure. Very easy at this point with ripe plums and blackberries, but not as much backbone as I would expect from a wine that was previously huge in that regard.
The recent releases of Suicide Shift definitely give this a run for it's money at this point.
March 22, 2014 - Really enjoyed this wine. Decanted for two hours, very deep, long finish, outstanding flavors to enjoy all night
March 16, 2014 - Popped and poured on sat 3/15. It was a bit closed some dark fruit with molasses, but may have been impacted due to having justin focus prior to this one. Left remaining overnight and next night was quite different. Nicely balanced with dark fruit and smoke notes, good long finish.
January 18, 2014 - big nose followed by lots of blueberry and pepper. drinking very nice after being opened for about an hour
November 5, 2013 - Great representation of Red Mtn fruit. Big, bold flavors, lush mouthfeel, long, delicious finish. Blackberry, pepper, with a zing of acid and espresso on the finish.
February 23, 2013 - Dark purple, great nose, blackberry cobbler, prune, potpourri, rosemary, tobacco. Smells yummy. Medium- heavy weight with great feel on the palate, balanced acid and tannin. Fresh blackberries, dirt, tobacco, strawberries. Long mid-palate length, long finish with both lingering fruit and structure. Very "purple drank", but very delicious.