Meh. Underwhelming. The Bear has not been what it used to be. There was a vitality to the earlier vintages. This bottle was mid-range Chilean cab at the outset and barely improved through to the next day. I have some '15s I'm planning on opening later this year per Bill's guidance on the back label. Fingers crossed the x factor is back on that vintage.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
So....bottle #3 of this wine, since over a year ago... On nose and palate: similar notes of Cassis, tomato plant, cigar tobacco , Kona coffee, and spice notes, on a full bodied , maturing tannic body, with good balance, after a 3 hour decant....fine steak wine....will continue to age well.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Second bottle of this since Jan 2019.... On nose: similar profile of tomato plant, Asian spices and bell pepper On palate: all of the above notes , in addition to more pronounced black currant and light tobacco, after a 3 hour decant this wine has tamed , but present tannins ...an elegant savoury version of a Bordeaux blend , with a great future.....a go to for steak or prime rib.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
A bit disappointed. Good, well made wine, but not super exciting. Missing some of the intensity and wow factor that I use to get with previous vintages. Great balance, medium length on the finish. Let's wait a bit longer, but I don't think it will change/improve much. Decant for at least 3 hours to give it a chance.
Another wine from British Columbia , Canada. One of the best Bordeaux -style blends I have tasted from this country. On nose: eucalyptus, a hint of tomato plant and oriental spices. On palate: follow through from above in addition to warm tobacco , bell pepper , and tart currants. In style and body weight a balance of Bordeaux and Napa.....fairly high alcohol at 14.8%, but not noticeably hot..... this wine is just STARTING to loosen up , even after a 2 hour decant.....give it a few years....a fine steak wine.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
When Bill Eggert writes “Best after December 2020” on the back label...listen to him. Unfortunately, this is way to young. You can assess the structure, the quality of the tannins, the length...but that’s about it. Next time listen to Bill!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
8/22/2022 - Canoehead Does not like this wine: 88 Points
Meh. Underwhelming. The Bear has not been what it used to be. There was a vitality to the earlier vintages. This bottle was mid-range Chilean cab at the outset and barely improved through to the next day. I have some '15s I'm planning on opening later this year per Bill's guidance on the back label. Fingers crossed the x factor is back on that vintage.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/12/2021 - Pontifax Likes this wine: 92 Points
So....bottle #3 of this wine, since over a year ago...
On nose and palate: similar notes of Cassis, tomato plant, cigar tobacco , Kona coffee, and spice notes, on a full bodied , maturing tannic body, with good balance, after a 3 hour decant....fine steak wine....will continue to age well.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/15/2020 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine: 89 Points
Similar to my other tasting notes; very good but not very exciting. Keep it cellared for a few more years to see how it will evolve.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
6/11/2020 - Chuck Soule Likes this wine:
10 years from purchace this wine opened very nicely little light for a Bordeaux but was very nice with cheese and then spiced Teriaki dinner
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/7/2020 - Pontifax Likes this wine: 92 Points
Second bottle of this since Jan 2019....
On nose: similar profile of tomato plant, Asian spices and bell pepper
On palate: all of the above notes , in addition to more pronounced black currant and light tobacco, after a 3 hour decant this wine has tamed , but present tannins ...an elegant savoury version of a Bordeaux blend , with a great future.....a go to for steak or prime rib.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/2/2020 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine: 90 Points
A bit disappointed. Good, well made wine, but not super exciting. Missing some of the intensity and wow factor that I use to get with previous vintages. Great balance, medium length on the finish. Let's wait a bit longer, but I don't think it will change/improve much. Decant for at least 3 hours to give it a chance.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (5)
1/26/2019 - Pontifax Likes this wine: 91 Points
Another wine from British Columbia , Canada.
One of the best Bordeaux -style blends I have tasted from this country.
On nose: eucalyptus, a hint of tomato plant and oriental spices.
On palate: follow through from above in addition to warm tobacco , bell pepper , and tart currants.
In style and body weight a balance of Bordeaux and Napa.....fairly high alcohol at 14.8%, but not noticeably hot..... this wine is just STARTING to loosen up , even after a 2 hour decant.....give it a few years....a fine steak wine.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/14/2018 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine: 90 Points
When Bill Eggert writes “Best after December 2020” on the back label...listen to him. Unfortunately, this is way to young. You can assess the structure, the quality of the tannins, the length...but that’s about it. Next time listen to Bill!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment