Tight as a drum at the start. Aroma only giving off wood smell. No fruit. Then slowly the cassis began to show. Coming around after a couple of hours to a very nice wine - but still pretty tannic. Needs some good roasty toasty meat to along for this ride, or another 3 years in the cellar. Really. Will it come to the fore? Not sure. Good stuff, but a bit austere at this point (and possibly always).
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Big hit with the ladies. Heavy blend of Merlot and as expected very smooth presentation and finish. Deep garnet in color. Had a bit of cork spoilage but did not appear to impact the wine.
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Really enjoyed this wine, in a great spot right now - alluring nose to it from the get-go, could smell it practically across the kitchen - very balanced, not an over-the-top fruit bomb but an integrated set of flavors that work very well together. Noted a touch of savory/herbal as well,which I like - almost finished the entire bottle myself.
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Nose is dark fruit and herb but on the muddy, petro side, mouth is heavy with softening tannins, dark fruit, herb and olive but needs a little brightness, finishes is long but un the unpleasant side. Would not buy this again
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Nice "left-bank" Bordeaux-like wine from Sonoma. Still a bit rough around the edges and a tad "herbal" on the palate. It was still the same on "day 2".
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Double decanted. Throwing lots of sediment. Deep, dark color, ruby color at the edges. Showing aromas of violets, graphite, cassis, black cherry and cedar. Juicy black fruits on the palate with lively acid and big broad polished tannins. Additional notes of mineral, florals, spice and tobacco. Very nice depth and length, although the flavors are still wound tight after a few hours. This might have actually shut down a bit since I had it last two years ago, but still fun to drink. I'd give this a little time. Excellent wine, excellent producer.
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Popped and poured with Vinturi aerator. Deep and dense garnet color showing full body in the glass. Bouquet of violet, chalk, black tea and red currant. Polished palate showing red & black currant & cherry notes along with a melange of floral, dried herb, mineral and cedar notes. Seamless balance, full weight throughout with fine firm tannin, along with a full (45+ second) finish. Bordeaux-like structure and grace with California brightness. Excellent, should continue to hold and develop.
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9/20/2017 - TallMikeWine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tight as a drum at the start. Aroma only giving off wood smell. No fruit. Then slowly the cassis began to show. Coming around after a couple of hours to a very nice wine - but still pretty tannic. Needs some good roasty toasty meat to along for this ride, or another 3 years in the cellar. Really. Will it come to the fore? Not sure. Good stuff, but a bit austere at this point (and possibly always).
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12/9/2016 - ddgd Likes this wine: 89 Points
Big hit with the ladies. Heavy blend of Merlot and as expected very smooth presentation and finish. Deep garnet in color. Had a bit of cork spoilage but did not appear to impact the wine.
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2/21/2016 - AngryPrez Likes this wine: 90 Points
Really enjoyed this wine, in a great spot right now - alluring nose to it from the get-go, could smell it practically across the kitchen - very balanced, not an over-the-top fruit bomb but an integrated set of flavors that work very well together. Noted a touch of savory/herbal as well,which I like - almost finished the entire bottle myself.
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11/22/2014 - rwerner Likes this wine: 90 Points
After 30 minutes the wine opened up to deed rich flavors of dark fruit and smooth tanins.
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10/21/2014 - Thad Does not like this wine: 86 Points
Nose is dark fruit and herb but on the muddy, petro side, mouth is heavy with softening tannins, dark fruit, herb and olive but needs a little brightness, finishes is long but un the unpleasant side.
Would not buy this again
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8/9/2014 - Tetherton Likes this wine: 87 Points
Nice "left-bank" Bordeaux-like wine from Sonoma. Still a bit rough around the edges and a tad "herbal" on the palate. It was still the same on "day 2".
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5/24/2014 - MattMauldin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Double decanted. Throwing lots of sediment. Deep, dark color, ruby color at the edges. Showing aromas of violets, graphite, cassis, black cherry and cedar. Juicy black fruits on the palate with lively acid and big broad polished tannins. Additional notes of mineral, florals, spice and tobacco. Very nice depth and length, although the flavors are still wound tight after a few hours. This might have actually shut down a bit since I had it last two years ago, but still fun to drink. I'd give this a little time. Excellent wine, excellent producer.
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10/20/2012 - MattMauldin wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured with Vinturi aerator. Deep and dense garnet color showing full body in the glass. Bouquet of violet, chalk, black tea and red currant. Polished palate showing red & black currant & cherry notes along with a melange of floral, dried herb, mineral and cedar notes. Seamless balance, full weight throughout with fine firm tannin, along with a full (45+ second) finish. Bordeaux-like structure and grace with California brightness. Excellent, should continue to hold and develop.
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10/1/2012 - Bob in NC wrote: 89 Points
Balanced, smooth and a plush roundness to the palate with fresh blackberry and melding tannins.
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8/19/2012 - sfern Likes this wine: 92 Points
fresh fruit, nice tone, left me wanting more.
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2/19/2012 - UnincorporatedCo wrote: 91 Points
Wonderful wine. Great flavors and balance.
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7/11/2011 - jtfenelon wrote: 91 Points
Good to drink now, great spice to it.
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