Absolutely scrumptious! Chewy, fruit laden and multi flavored from its big bouquet through a long, complex finish. Absolutely at it's peak though I'm sure that is at least a five year plateau. My bottles were bought at a bargain basement price as if the winery and/or wholesaler was dumping the vintage. Given my experience with this wine, it's hard to figure out why. My last bottle and I will miss having no more to enjoy.
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Pnp. Dark-medium purple-garnet in appearance. Blackberries, blueberries, and some hints of cocoa on the nose; there are some black and blue fruit creaminess as well. On the palate, some hints of sweet and sour grape candies, some currants, and dark cocoa are detected. There are some tartiness on the end thats a bit off putting. Medium bodied with a medium finish. Drinking like a champ right now.
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Some streaking on the cork which was somewhat ynsettling however all turned out well. Not as lush as previous bottles but still a solid and sumptuous quaf.
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Decanted for two hours; minimal sediment. Crimson color. Black cherries and vanilla on the nose. Bright mouth feel with medium-bodied dark fruit on the palate with a good balance of acids. In its prime drinking window which should last for at least another year or two. Good QPR at under $30.
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Excellent wine. Drinking perfectly now, but still has a few years of life left. Decanted for an hour and paired nicely with bacon wrapped filets. I can't find any more of the 08 locally, but I will look to acquire other vintages
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Big and jammy. Still holding up well even though I was told to drink up the rest of my holdings by one of the somms at a recent trip to the vineyard. This wine is still very opulent. Goes great with baked brie. Matt really loved this wine.
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Popped and poured with grilled ribeye. This bottle was somewhat disappointing as it didn't live up to previous bottles. Hoping this was just a one time bottle variation but this one seemed a little disjointed. Very syrupy up front with a bit of a sharp, dry tannic finish. This wine is typically one of my faves from this vintage. I only hope this is not the trend for the remaining 8 in my cellar.
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great wine now, but I think many years left in tank and should continue to improve with time... thick, molasses, jammy, cassis, licorice, black currant.... pleasant surprise and great QPR
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Very nice wine. Drinking well right now. Popped and poured, probably could have used a nice 1hr decant.
Nice red and black fruit on the nose. Some smokiness, almost a nice smoked meat smell. Chocolate covered cherries. Some slight spring floral notes as well. Licorice, nutmeg and cloves. A lot of nice things going on in the nose and they blend together nicely.
On the palate black cherry, some smokiness, ripe fruit, smooth well integrated tannins. Alcohol doesn't stand out even though it's 14.9%. Nice long finish. Quite delicious. Could even improve over the next few years but drinking very nicely at its current stage.
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This stuff just keeps getting better and better. Great QPR. Phenomenal nose! Juicy, luscious, and succulent on the palate. I will be holding onto the rest of my stash.
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Solid performance as usual. This is wonderful wine with a great QPR. Had in my cellar with a Napa flight including an '05 Valentine and and '06 Nickel & Nickel and this was the best of the bunch. See previous notes.
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I really don't know where to begin... it could have been flawed... it didn't have have structure to it at all. I really don't know what to say... lol. What a horrible review but true.
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Absolutely love this wne. It was the hit of the flight as it went up against an '04 BDM, an '07 CNP and an '07 Silver Oak. Hands down, the best of the bunch. Drinking perfectly now. I have several bottles left and will be drinking them sparingly.
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Enjoyed with New Year's eve dinner with Carol, George and Jenny consisting of outstanding filet mignon, lamb chops and lobster tails. A perfect pairing. Carol loved it. George tasted the wine and had to have a glass with his steak. This wine is pretty special with jammy fruits up front and some cherry on the back palate. This is a well made wine that should evolve nicely. Fantastic QPR.
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This wine from this vintage continues to impress. It keeps getting better and better. Decanted for 3 hours. Enjoyed on Thanksgiving with Debbie and Dennis. Had with spinach dip and an assortment of cheeses and a balsalmic and olive oil dipping emulsion. What a perfect pairing. It was a veritable taste extravaganza. The wine has fantastic legs with a purple black color. The nose is sweet with crushed black fruits and some floral notes. Lots of fruit up front with totally intergrated, soft, silky tannins. I absolutely love this wine. So did everyone else. Phenomenal QPR. This wine was favored over a excellent 1997 Rutherford Rubicon that we had with dinner.
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Decanted for around 30 mins. Dark purple color. This was Napa cab right out of the gate with cassis, black cherry, charred oak and a bit of vanilla on the nose. Similar flavors on the palate with some jammy, dark fruit flavors, cassis and a good amount of toasty oak notes and a touch of coffee on the back end. Medium+ tannins, medium acid with a nice mouthfeel and long finish. Went really well with a spice rubbed steak. This was an excellent bottle of wine and silly QPR for the sale price paid.
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Deep purple to the edge. Sweet aroma of dark fruits and spices. Decanted for about 2 hours however unnecessary, could have just popped and poured. This is a big,min your face wine with great structure and a smooth finish. Can't wait to see how well this ages.
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Deep purple in color. Plum, dark fruit on the nose. Nice acidity. Good balance and nice oak notes, very smooth mouth feel, perhaps too much so, so it doesn't seem very complex.
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Nose of mint, menthol, kiwi...and bubble gum. very young and fragrant. Wow...explosive kiwi, strawberries...deep layers of plum...50 second finish of slight mint expressive tar. Very light and constantly changing...outstanding QPR.
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- Brick color with slow forming legs. It's in total harmony with a full body. Polished texture with a long finish - As noted in many posts, this wine was heavily discounted. I have no idea why because it definitely has plenty of integrity. Even at full price, it's a wonderful wine. Full of great merit age flavors, it's the Cabernet that shines. Complex, with a most pleasant, soft vegetal flavor and a long smooth flavor. Poured the wine through an aerator and enjoyed the bottle over a two hour dinner. It kept getting better and better. Wonderful now, it easily has enough structure to last seven to ten years, but why wait? Glad I have a few more bottles
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Really nice cabernet, big enough to stand up to a well-marbled steak. Dark, deep purple color with a healthy dose of oak, but all in balance. Typical Napa Cabernet profile. Nice value.
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Very similar to the 2007. Nice acidity. Rich nose with plums and a hint of black pepper. Hint of mocha on the nose. Wonderful mouthfeel and texture. Long velvety finish. As always, this wines represents great value for the loot!
:0)
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Big fruit. A bit of oak. This is your basic California fruit bomb. Not enough acidity for my tastes. Weak finish. Lacked that firm backbone and structure. Kinda creamy and sweet and soft. If you like that kinda thing, this is your wine. But this is just not my style. Forgettable.
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Just got a case. Had to try it, but it needed to sit a little longer after the trip. Fruit was nice with good tannins, but a little backward. Will give it another try in a couple weeks.
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9/24/2019 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
The prediscesor wine maker made this.
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9/24/2019 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
From magnum.
With some tertiary and secondary aromas. A little touch of leather on the palate, just opened, could broaden out.
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9/11/2017 - athurst Likes this wine: 93 Points
Spicy vanilla creeps in after the initial black currant and berries. Long, smooth finish once it opens up. Beautiful Bordeaux.
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6/27/2017 - corkcellar wrote: 92 Points
excellent structure. held up surprisingly well
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5/9/2017 - brujazz wrote: 93 Points
Absolutely scrumptious! Chewy, fruit laden and multi flavored from its big bouquet through a long, complex finish. Absolutely at it's peak though I'm sure that is at least a five year plateau. My bottles were bought at a bargain basement price as if the winery and/or wholesaler was dumping the vintage. Given my experience with this wine, it's hard to figure out why. My last bottle and I will miss having no more to enjoy.
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9/23/2016 - Bodyfxr wrote: 91 Points
My last bottle. This one held up well. Much like earlier posts. A truly yummie wine.
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9/16/2016 - AMC Eagle wrote: 91 Points
Pnp. Dark-medium purple-garnet in appearance. Blackberries, blueberries, and some hints of cocoa on the nose; there are some black and blue fruit creaminess as well. On the palate, some hints of sweet and sour grape candies, some currants, and dark cocoa are detected. There are some tartiness on the end thats a bit off putting. Medium bodied with a medium finish. Drinking like a champ right now.
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8/31/2016 - Bodyfxr wrote: 90 Points
Some streaking on the cork which was somewhat ynsettling however all turned out well. Not as lush as previous bottles but still a solid and sumptuous quaf.
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7/2/2016 - Bodyfxr wrote: 89 Points
On the decline but hanging in there. 2 bottles left.
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6/17/2016 - wculpepper Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for two hours; minimal sediment. Crimson color. Black cherries and vanilla on the nose. Bright mouth feel with medium-bodied dark fruit on the palate with a good balance of acids. In its prime drinking window which should last for at least another year or two. Good QPR at under $30.
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3/25/2016 - Bodyfxr wrote: 88 Points
I'm afraid this vintage is losing steam. May have seen it's best days. Becoming out of balance and more astringent.
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1/4/2016 - Margaux Bro Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent wine. Drinking perfectly now, but still has a few years of life left. Decanted for an hour and paired nicely with bacon wrapped filets. I can't find any more of the 08 locally, but I will look to acquire other vintages
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12/5/2015 - Bodyfxr wrote: 91 Points
Big and jammy. Still holding up well even though I was told to drink up the rest of my holdings by one of the somms at a recent trip to the vineyard. This wine is still very opulent. Goes great with baked brie. Matt really loved this wine.
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10/11/2015 - Bodyfxr wrote: 90 Points
Same.
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10/11/2015 - Bodyfxr wrote: 90 Points
Better than last but still not as good as earlier ones.
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9/30/2015 - Bodyfxr wrote: 90 Points
Poured through a Coravin over the course of 3 days. Held up well. Better than last bottle but not as good as earlier ones.
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9/16/2015 - Bodyfxr wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured with grilled ribeye. This bottle was somewhat disappointing as it didn't live up to previous bottles. Hoping this was just a one time bottle variation but this one seemed a little disjointed. Very syrupy up front with a bit of a sharp, dry tannic finish. This wine is typically one of my faves from this vintage. I only hope this is not the trend for the remaining 8 in my cellar.
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8/31/2015 - wayne47 wrote:
Very nice, higher than what we typically spend.
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8/8/2015 - cupoverflowing1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
great wine now, but I think many years left in tank and should continue to improve with time... thick, molasses, jammy, cassis, licorice, black currant.... pleasant surprise and great QPR
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1/10/2015 - Fusions33 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice wine. Drinking well right now. Popped and poured, probably could have used a nice 1hr decant.
Nice red and black fruit on the nose. Some smokiness, almost a nice smoked meat smell. Chocolate covered cherries. Some slight spring floral notes as well. Licorice, nutmeg and cloves. A lot of nice things going on in the nose and they blend together nicely.
On the palate black cherry, some smokiness, ripe fruit, smooth well integrated tannins. Alcohol doesn't stand out even though it's 14.9%. Nice long finish. Quite delicious.
Could even improve over the next few years but drinking very nicely at its current stage.
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12/25/2014 - td1836 wrote: 93 Points
Fantastic deep, multi-layer nose of dark cherry, blackberry, cassis. Full bodied dark fruits on the palate, jammy, round, long finish.
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12/22/2014 - Bodyfxr wrote: 95 Points
This stuff just keeps getting better and better. Great QPR. Phenomenal nose! Juicy, luscious, and succulent on the palate. I will be holding onto the rest of my stash.
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10/17/2014 - TheWrongAlex Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for 45 minutes. Aromas of plum and pine forest. Black cherry, red berry flavors with a hint of smoke rounded off by oak.
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8/24/2014 - Bodyfxr wrote: 94 Points
Solid performance as usual. This is wonderful wine with a great QPR. Had in my cellar with a Napa flight including an '05 Valentine and and '06 Nickel & Nickel and this was the best of the bunch. See previous notes.
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8/2/2014 - Sunocoblue Does not like this wine: 84 Points
I really don't know where to begin... it could have been flawed... it didn't have have structure to it at all. I really don't know what to say... lol. What a horrible review but true.
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3/30/2014 - Bodyfxr wrote: 94 Points
Absolutely love this wne. It was the hit of the flight as it went up against an '04 BDM, an '07 CNP and an '07 Silver Oak. Hands down, the best of the bunch. Drinking perfectly now. I have several bottles left and will be drinking them sparingly.
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2/16/2014 - Mdmiller wrote: 91 Points
Ripe fruit, cassis & cherry. High alcohol. Jammy & delicious CA boldness. Vanilla & smoky coffee notes, touch of forest floor. Great w filet.
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12/31/2013 - Bodyfxr wrote: 94 Points
Enjoyed with New Year's eve dinner with Carol, George and Jenny consisting of outstanding filet mignon, lamb chops and lobster tails. A perfect pairing. Carol loved it. George tasted the wine and had to have a glass with his steak. This wine is pretty special with jammy fruits up front and some cherry on the back palate. This is a well made wine that should evolve nicely. Fantastic QPR.
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12/31/2013 - Treblid wrote: 90 Points
Nice jammy dark fruits with a dark purple color. Still a bit tannic (medium bite but not decanted) so it should be good for several more years.
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11/28/2013 - Bodyfxr wrote: 94 Points
This wine from this vintage continues to impress. It keeps getting better and better. Decanted for 3 hours. Enjoyed on Thanksgiving with Debbie and Dennis. Had with spinach dip and an assortment of cheeses and a balsalmic and olive oil dipping emulsion. What a perfect pairing. It was a veritable taste extravaganza. The wine has fantastic legs with a purple black color. The nose is sweet with crushed black fruits and some floral notes. Lots of fruit up front with totally intergrated, soft, silky tannins. I absolutely love this wine. So did everyone else. Phenomenal QPR. This wine was favored over a excellent 1997 Rutherford Rubicon that we had with dinner.
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10/18/2013 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for around 30 mins. Dark purple color. This was Napa cab right out of the gate with cassis, black cherry, charred oak and a bit of vanilla on the nose. Similar flavors on the palate with some jammy, dark fruit flavors, cassis and a good amount of toasty oak notes and a touch of coffee on the back end. Medium+ tannins, medium acid with a nice mouthfeel and long finish. Went really well with a spice rubbed steak. This was an excellent bottle of wine and silly QPR for the sale price paid.
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10/10/2013 - awineo Likes this wine: 93 Points
I think this wine is one of the great values out there at $20 range.
Solid fruit and always a joy to drink.
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7/22/2013 - awineo Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is KILLER GOOD for the price...$18.88.
Solid fruit with balanced tannins. Very smooth finish.
Just a great buy. Get some.
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6/6/2013 - Bodyfxr wrote: 92 Points
Deep purple to the edge. Sweet aroma of dark fruits and spices. Decanted for about 2 hours however unnecessary, could have just popped and poured. This is a big,min your face wine with great structure and a smooth finish. Can't wait to see how well this ages.
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4/19/2013 - Luribe wrote: 91 Points
Deep dark red nice aroma with some what strong flavor, excellent for red meats escargot, duck.
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3/19/2013 - awineo Likes this wine: 94 Points
I still think this wine is a great value. Solid fruit and big tannins. Nice finish.
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3/18/2013 - NOLA Bob Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark, almost black. Medium bodied. Will get better with age.
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3/9/2013 - DrZman Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really great, nice depth and balance, fruity and yet have great body and long lasting taste.
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1/27/2013 - carlb128 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep purple in color. Plum, dark fruit on the nose. Nice acidity. Good balance and nice oak notes, very smooth mouth feel, perhaps too much so, so it doesn't seem very complex.
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12/25/2012 - Halfeel Likes this wine:
Very nice Napa blend even with just a simple PnP.
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12/13/2012 - DesMarteau wrote: 94 Points
Nose of mint, menthol, kiwi...and bubble gum. very young and fragrant.
Wow...explosive kiwi, strawberries...deep layers of plum...50 second finish of slight mint expressive tar. Very light and constantly changing...outstanding QPR.
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12/11/2012 - brujazz wrote: 93 Points
- Brick color with slow forming legs. It's in total harmony with a full body. Polished texture with a long finish - As noted in many posts, this wine was heavily discounted. I have no idea why because it definitely has plenty of integrity. Even at full price, it's a wonderful wine. Full of great merit age flavors, it's the Cabernet that shines. Complex, with a most pleasant, soft vegetal flavor and a long smooth flavor. Poured the wine through an aerator and enjoyed the bottle over a two hour dinner. It kept getting better and better. Wonderful now, it easily has enough structure to last seven to ten years, but why wait? Glad I have a few more bottles
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12/6/2012 - Druidh wrote: 90 Points
decanted for an hour then knocked it down with a NY strip steak. Good fruit and acid and enough tannin to support everything. Good value.
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10/18/2012 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really enjoyable the first night but develops complexity the second. Nice stuff.
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10/11/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 92 Points
A good value.
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9/3/2012 - wirelesswine wrote: 91 Points
Really nice cabernet, big enough to stand up to a well-marbled steak. Dark, deep purple color with a healthy dose of oak, but all in balance. Typical Napa Cabernet profile. Nice value.
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8/30/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 93 Points
Consistent with last time. Good fruit and balanced tannins.
A STEAL at under $20.....
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8/4/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 93 Points
This one continues to impress for the price. Solid fruit and tannins. Well balanced with a smooth finish.
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7/29/2012 - WProctor204 wrote: 91 Points
Super dark in color. Black liquorish on the nose. Pretty fruit forward, a lot of cab inkiness, and juicy tannins. Super drinkable!
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7/21/2012 - TheDarkPrince wrote: 91 Points
Another great wine from Sterling.
Very similar to the 2007. Nice acidity. Rich nose with plums and a hint of black pepper. Hint of mocha on the nose. Wonderful mouthfeel and texture. Long velvety finish. As always, this wines represents great value for the loot!
:0)
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7/17/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 92 Points
I think this is a great red for the price. It had solid fruit and big tannin. I think it should age well.
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7/15/2012 - Night Thief wrote: 84 Points
Big fruit. A bit of oak. This is your basic California fruit bomb. Not enough acidity for my tastes. Weak finish. Lacked that firm backbone and structure. Kinda creamy and sweet and soft. If you like that kinda thing, this is your wine. But this is just not my style. Forgettable.
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6/29/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 92 Points
A good bottle for the money. Good fruit and tannins. Smooth finish.
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5/14/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 90 Points
Just got a case. Had to try it, but it needed to sit a little longer after the trip. Fruit was nice with good tannins, but a little backward. Will give it another try in a couple weeks.
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12/19/2011 - RadarPC wrote:
Nick's Parents for Christmas.
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12/13/2011 - powrsurg wrote: 94 Points
Nose was thick of creme and gobs of black cherry. The fruit is massive on the nose. This is a fruit bomb. Loved it.
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