Pretty tight upon opening, will see if it changes over the next couple hours. Nose has red and black berry with some dark chocolate, smoke, and earth notes. Taste is similar to nose, but the earthiness takes over, I am hoping that will dissipate as it opens up. TBC.
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Dark garnet in the glass. Nice floral aromas. Dark fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and some kirsch. Great acidity with good structure. Smooth, integrated and round tannins. Long dark chocolate finish. Terrific.
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Interesting flavor profile - not sure how to describe it as it’s not standard fare. Nose is overwhelmingly rose hips. Smooth and mouthfilling. Very good fruit on the nose and a strong fruit flavor up front. I taste some black currant, blackberry, black cherries, and dark chocolate with licorice on the edges. Really interesting. The finish is quite long and decadent. Some alcohol burn too and some oak. I think this is really unusual in a great way.
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We opened for an hour and then poured through a vintorio. Dark fruit on the nose, the palate was dark berries, dark cherry, some fig and hints of chocolate. The finish was moderate to long.
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Decanted for 2 hours ahead of grilled pork loin, roasted potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Dark, murky crimson color. Nose brings potpourri, eucalyptus, creme de cassis, fresh mint, hot chocolate, and dark cherries. The palate is full, square, compact, and completely shut down, bringing a muddle of blue fruit with dark chocolate, savory herbs, and tobacco. The tannins are thick and unforgiving. Hold this for a few more years and drink after 2020. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 90.
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Very Well made oaky, thick, tart napa blend. Maybe a bit too much oak for me as I think the fruit takes a backseat unfortunately. I am left a little confused about what this wants to be. The 10 percent cab franc comes off more like 40 percent while the cab sauv feels more like 10! Better with food.
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My 1st Mernet and not my favorite style. I thought it was a little unbalanced and harsh. Possibly more bite from the cab franc. Dark fruit nose, decent lenth, and a green finish.
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500 cases made. 40/10/50 Cab/Franc/Merlot. Really smooth and elegant, balanced, tannins back it up. Made with all mountain fruit, which used to not be the case when they started this in '99. Decent acidity for Napa as well, coming from Spring mountain where they get more sun. Long finish despite restrained fruit. A wine lover's wine.
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9/25/2022 - Aztec94 wrote: 88 Points
Pretty tight upon opening, will see if it changes over the next couple hours. Nose has red and black berry with some dark chocolate, smoke, and earth notes. Taste is similar to nose, but the earthiness takes over, I am hoping that will dissipate as it opens up. TBC.
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10/30/2020 - Tym4wine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark garnet in the glass. Nice floral aromas. Dark fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and some kirsch. Great acidity with good structure. Smooth, integrated and round tannins. Long dark chocolate finish. Terrific.
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2/8/2020 - Hover low 64 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Interesting flavor profile - not sure how to describe it as it’s not standard fare. Nose is overwhelmingly rose hips. Smooth and mouthfilling. Very good fruit on the nose and a strong fruit flavor up front. I taste some black currant, blackberry, black cherries, and dark chocolate with licorice on the edges. Really interesting. The finish is quite long and decadent. Some alcohol burn too and some oak. I think this is really unusual in a great way.
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6/29/2019 - sdrucker1000 wrote: 92 Points
Spot on and ready to go. Really smooth. No reason to wait.
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1/1/2019 - t0pshelf Likes this wine:
Delicious, but too young. Thick tannins, long finish. Needs more time.
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8/1/2018 - markcic Likes this wine: 91 Points
We opened for an hour and then poured through a vintorio. Dark fruit on the nose, the palate was dark berries, dark cherry, some fig and hints of chocolate. The finish was moderate to long.
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4/6/2018 - Bob23 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice blue fruit/floral components. Still could use a year or two.
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3/3/2018 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted for 2 hours ahead of grilled pork loin, roasted potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Dark, murky crimson color. Nose brings potpourri, eucalyptus, creme de cassis, fresh mint, hot chocolate, and dark cherries. The palate is full, square, compact, and completely shut down, bringing a muddle of blue fruit with dark chocolate, savory herbs, and tobacco. The tannins are thick and unforgiving. Hold this for a few more years and drink after 2020. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 90.
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6/2/2017 - sdrucker1000 wrote: 91 Points
Very Well made oaky, thick, tart napa blend. Maybe a bit too much oak for me as I think the fruit takes a backseat unfortunately. I am left a little confused about what this wants to be. The 10 percent cab franc comes off more like 40 percent while the cab sauv feels more like 10! Better with food.
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4/12/2017 - Penrodr Likes this wine:
Excellent mouth feel, with a unique and complex flavor. Tasting well right now, but will probably get better in a few more years.
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7/31/2016 - dmccann3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really nice blend of Merlot and Cabernet with just a hint of Cab Franc. Tart on the attack with a smooth finish
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2/12/2016 - tfesmgk Likes this wine: 89 Points
My 1st Mernet and not my favorite style. I thought it was a little unbalanced and harsh. Possibly more bite from the cab franc. Dark fruit nose, decent lenth, and a green finish.
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12/24/2015 - croftar0 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Perfect in 12/2015
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1/21/2015 - D.Redmond Likes this wine: 95 Points
Great fruit. Wine has evened out nicely in last six mos. unbelievable concentration on the finish.
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1/26/2014 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 90 Points
The 10% Cab Franc gives this wine a nice red fruit and veggie element that adds some complexity to this wine.
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3/6/2013 - GTFreek wrote:
500 cases made. 40/10/50 Cab/Franc/Merlot. Really smooth and elegant, balanced, tannins back it up. Made with all mountain fruit, which used to not be the case when they started this in '99. Decent acidity for Napa as well, coming from Spring mountain where they get more sun. Long finish despite restrained fruit. A wine lover's wine.
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