Community Tasting Note

TriggerFingers Likes this wine:

Saturday, November 14, 2015 - I haven't reviewed much with all of the great life changes going on. Now that the weather is getting colder out, I have been in the wine mood. With all of the recent reviews of this wine being across the board, I had to crack one open and see.

PNP: With initial splash decant very tight all over and a bit disjointed. I got the cola and heat was present. Everything else seemed muted. Pretty much what everyone has been saying. But HS wines really need air to show up. So I gave it an hour and revisited.

Wow! It came together after some time and is really nice!

Appearance: Dark Purple...not "Sebastiano" dark. Middle of the road for HS wines
Aroma: Dark fruit, sandalwood, spice.
Flavor: Very large and nuanced. Cola, light brown sugar, almost pinot-like earthiness, overripe dark berries, a hint of bright/sweetened cranberry. All of this compliments what is coming across in the aroma. Heat is still present but the flavors and sweetness keep it check.
Finish: Fresh and fleshy (Fresh grape skins mostly, subtle hints of fresh plum)

This is probably my 4th or 5th vintage of Nuts and Bolts and is my favorite to date (have yet to try 2013). It is so fresh and opens up beautifully. It displays a earthy terrior that I have only ever tasted from wines out of Northern Santa Barbara County (Melville, HP, etc.).

Russell's wines aren't for everyone and even I have tasted bottle variation from the same year. Maybe I got lucky with this bottle, but this is really good! However, I can see what many reviewers are saying. It does have heat, but is by no means the hottest bottle of HS I have ever had. In fact, the sweetness is what I noticed more. It masks much of the heat but for a dry red the sweetness here is borderline cloying.

My only quip is that Herman Story's QPR is starting to slip a little. These wines were a great deal at $28 a few years ago but now they are around $38-40 for club members and $45-50 in shops. Still quality wine, but if it keeps heading north, may be worth it to check out other offerings.

I think its drinking really nicely now, but should be more integrated in another year or so. Doesn't seem like its built for 7-10 years (maybe more like 4 ish).

UPDATE (DAY 2):
Saved a large glass for the second day. Much of the subtle central coast terroir notes are gone. Freshness, sugar, subtle heat, and very mild tannins make for a very linear experience. I will stick with 4-5 years tops on this wine. Probably in its prime sooner rather than later.

Last Words: Solid wine that could maybe use a tad more time (I will revisit in Spring 2016). 92-94. Not my favorite HS wine, but my favorite Nuts and Bolts to date.

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