July 1, 2017 - Much better than my last bottle 18-months ago. Cassis, blueberry, sweet black currant, and cherry cobbler pie on the nose. The palate is full, square, and textured, bringing blackberries, dark cherries, more sweet black currant, dried tobacco, dark chocolate, coffee bean, soy sauce, and wild herbs into the finish, which is dry, thick with tannins, and still resolving. Overall, this has matured into a solid mountain cab. Will probably be best after 2018-19. Technical score: 92. Enjoyment score: 92.
December 4, 2015 - Opened and decanted 20-min prior to dinner, then consumed over the following 4+ hours. Dark, cloudy, inky purple color with a violet hue. Very aromatic nose of chocolate raspberries, espresso bean, cherry cobbler, and baking spices. The nose is the best part; the rest, meh. Palate is full, square, thin, and sort of wobbly, bringing cherries, blackberries, streaks of blue fruit, milk chocolate, hints of tobacco, and wild herbs. The finish is limp and uninspiring. Terrible QPR. Drink now - 2020.
October 11, 2015 - Ready to drink
September 20, 2015 - PERFECT TIME TO DRINK
June 21, 2014 - Opened-up after an hour in the decanter. Enjoyable wine with nice dark fruit flavors, but would I echo other comments about expecting more from a wine at this price.
February 7, 2014 - Time has smoothed out any rough edges. Nice fruit but found it a bit simple... one dimensional. Still very enjoyable though.
November 17, 2013 - Dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen w/ Robin and Carol
March 30, 2013 - Brought to a restaurant to have with dinner. Poured into a decanted and drank over the course of about two hours. Needs at least an hour to begin to reveal itself. Starts off very tannic with some heat on the finish. Later softens to reveal soft red fruit. Needs at least a 4 hour decant and has the goods to last another 15+ years.
December 27, 2012 - Very good wine with strong aromas of dark fruit, tobacco, and tar. On the palate tobacco, blackberries, licorice with some slight tannins on the long finish. Given the quality, complexity and depth of this wine at this price point it is a good buy.
September 15, 2011 - This is a huge, refined wine with great purity and a delicious vanilla aftertaste. It starts out clean, and over time, becomes more peppery and leathery. It has hints of rocky, chalky dryness, but the tannins are resolved and it is silky and velvety. It has just the right consistency and is well rounded and makes everyone happy. A delicious wine.