Burgundy color with large change from rim to center with a clear meniscus. Savory nose - tobacco, cocoa, cherry. Similar flavor profile on palate. Medium body/acidity and completely integrated tannins with a long finish. This surprised me how well this wine has aged. 92+/- Too bad the winery changed hands in the downturn.
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Pop and pour. The nose here is complex and reminiscent of Bordeaux. Similarly, the palate is complex but a bit hollow, with the fruit having faded some. Tannins are extremely relaxed, and this wine is so easy to drink. This was a great bottle of wine, and it's sad that these wines are no longer made at this quality level.
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Dark fruit, cassis and blackberry- more like a Cab than a Merlot. Medium tannins with dark fruit flavors on the palate. Plenty of life left in this one.
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First night, I just didn't enjoy this. Not decanted. The fruit is entirely restrained and overshadowed by almost punitive dark, tight flavors of pencil lead, almost acrid smoke and dirt. Not flawed by any sense, just backward and densely packed. Night two is far more pleasurable. The fruit has emerged, but only because the darkness seems to have subsided. Tannins are delayed in their presentation by almost 30 seconds, but are still vigorous enough to match elegantly prepared fatty meats. Acids remain in tact, though losing their breadth. If the present arc continues, this should continue to develop nicely for years to come
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Excellent and dry. More Bordeaux in style. Needs air still. This bottle was a bit tight, but some really liked it. Earthy and slightly tart red fruit. 90+
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I will count my 7/28/2011 prediction as accurate. This is drinking really well in 2013. No emergency, but I would be looking to drink this (and I have one left to do so) in the next year/year and a half at the most. Acidity now has the upper hand on the tannins. Oak more predominates over fruit on the palate as well, so I wouldn't hold much longer. Drank a bit better on day 1 than on day 2. A great QPR buy a few years ago, but holding much longer now does not seem warranted to me and very much risks getting a bottle TOO advanced.
This, pretty much by happenstance, followed a 94 La Mission Haut Brion, and was a pretty decent complement and follow on in the flight. But it won't be that for much longer. 91.
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Still as described in Tanzer's review-definetly caught what he referred to as meat on the nose. As it has aged it has developed nicely giving it a round smooth feel. Very nice merlot-not of the insipid variety at all.
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I liked this wine when it was younger and more fruit forward. It is still a smoking deal at $11 per bottle. Its good to be a value buyer. Hold at least one of the remaining to see how complex it becomes. This still has significant potential.
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Day 3 review and much better. Currants, leather and spices. On the palate tons of spice, raspberry and minerals. Medium finish and very nice. Should drink well for five plus years.
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Not as complex as last time. Good on day 1...didn't get to on day 2...going downhill on day 3. Could still feel the tannins on day 3 but the fruit was fading.
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Dark bloody water red, a bit thin under the light. Mixed red and black berries on the nose. Strong red berry notes with a bit of cola. Herbal and sour red berry bitterness on the finish. Quite a bold flavor profile. Looking back over my notes, this wine does not appear to have been built for the long term, but is still quite drinkable.
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I would say this is 90-91. Very sanguine night 1, savory fruit, like blood. Still ripe fruit to offset the savory notes. This is quite good, but less complex now that the tannins are subsiding a bit. I dont get the cocoa bean or other nuances the same way as prior bottles. Still very good with nice structure.
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Decanted and followed over a couple of hours with dinner. Opaque inky crimson color. Lovely bouquet featuring grilled meat, violets, cocoa powder, cherry and black fruit. Full-bodied, with firm but sweet tannins, and flavors of black fruit and cherry. Long finish. 92 pts for me; 93 pts for Domino.
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PNP this still has lots of tannins that detract from the back end. The fruit is more subdued, this is out of balance right now. Vacuum sealed half the bottle see how it is on day 3.
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Different experience than last time, No where near the funk as the last bottle. Dark, Dark fruit and tannin. Good length but not as complex. More my style, but the tannin is out of balance. Better without the aerator. Significant variation.
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Just had one of these the other day and am lazy to re-taste. Briefly, it is a bit better than that bottle. Still red fruit centric with aggressive acids and a nice lingering finish of bubblegum and raspberries.
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Lovely garnet red. Nose of red berries. Notes of raspberry and mildly bitter herbs. A touch of pleasant sweetness on the finish, which has a decent length.
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Not crazy about this on the PnP--major FUNK-fest. An hour of air brings the red fruit forward, a touch of oak, though the FUNK never leaves. The fruit fades off after 3-4 hours leaving leather and coffee au lait. Some decent complexity here, even if it's not exactly my thing. 88-89 pts.
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This bottle was not as fresh as the last. Fruit and tannins were definitely more subdued. It was tasty, but certainly not what I remembered just a few months ago. If you have any of these left I would drink now. Do not decant. All this needed was a few minutes in the glass.
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Minneapolis Wine Club Does Merlot (Gail's House): Dark red color, rather light for merlot. Pop and pour, drank 1 glass over 2 hrs. 80% Beau Terrior and 20% Hyde Vineyards. Nose is very funky, red fruits of red currant, some strawberry, mint. The palate is quite spicy, wood, medium body, tart, tannins with sharp edges. I felt the fruit had faded a bit here and the palate was a little thin. While the drinking window should be longer, I find it questionable to hold.
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We drank most of this bottle two nights ago and are having trouble recalling exactly how it tasted. But we wanted to post because we notice this bottle has gotten bad ratings and we liked it. Here's what we remember: well-balanced, not overly fruity, great-with-food wine. We had it with Middle Eastern food. We drank it after a short decant, probably better after a longer one.
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Drank over 3 days, best on the second. A very nice complex nose. On the first day, 30 minutes was needed to blow off the alcohol. Then a rather luscious merlot emerged. A relatively long finish. This is a quality wine.
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Poured through vinturi, no decant. This has definitely improved since the last bottle. Expressive nose of vanilla, raspberry, and spice. Translates nicely to the palate, with an added touch of cocoa. Really has a delicious factor going for it right now. Drink now or hold for another 1-2 years.
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Two nights ago we had the '04 Reserve, last night we had the '04 non-reserve, tonight we are tasting the '05 Reserve. Compared to the '04 Reserve, this wine is less complex, has much more blueberry flavor then raspberry, has an alcoholic component and smoother tannins - not chaulky like the '04. We tasted the some cocoa initially but that flavor has unfortunately subsided over the past 2 hours. This '05 has a shorter life expectancy then the '04; we think it will be peaking next year. Overall, this Merlot is smooth, rich, supple mouth feel and quite enjoyable.
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As with previous bottles, on first opening, definitely had some funk on the nose and a bit of stewed fruit. However this subsided a bit after opening, especially with aeration. Good fruit remained, along with enough herbal and barnyard notes to add some nice complexity. This was my last bottle, but it might have been interesting to see how this evolved over the next few years. It certainly seemed to have plenty of time left.
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Stunningly gorgeous deep ruby red. Asian spices and loads of red fruit on the nose. The alcohol is strong enough to burn. Notes of strawberry with a sort of cranberry bite. A long, pleasantly bitter finish, with a sexy, silky mouth-feel.
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Popped and poured. Pretty fantastic for first 30 minutes with big dark fruit and all kinds of earthly things. Then wine got a little heavy and strange. Put a stopper in it. Tried again on second night - this is as close to the perfect wine as I have been with in years. Perfectly balanced, smooth as velvet, restrained dark fruits, lovely old world elegance. My drinking partner tonight, my wife who has a very good palate, thought it was undrinkable. Go figure. YMMV.
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Medium purple color. Pretty nose with floral notes mixed with dark red berries, cocoa powder and a touch of oak. Dark red fruit on the palate with black plums and cherries with bitter chocolate and dry, dusty tannins on the finish. Medium acid and tannin. Slightly tart on the finish but otherwise this wine was singing and it continued to open up over the course of dinner. Would definitely rebuy for the price paid.
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Similar to the previous bottle, but with a bit more stewed fruit on the nose, which mostly blows off after some time. Still plenty of fruit. Seems like it might actually get better after it mellows out a bit and comes together a little better.
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Still a baby. Disjointed and very primary on day 1. Did not fully express its potential until day 3, at which point it was fantastic. Old school. Must have patience..
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Not as impressed by this bottle. Consumed over one evening, and I recognize the appealing characteristics I've noted previously, but I felt that the fruit did not adequately balance the secondary and savory elements this time and I never really got the open finish I was hoping for. Maybe situational or bottle variation...still very enjoyable but just not as stellar. May have been better with a rich food to balance the tannins.
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New world for sure. Dark fruit with coffee and dark chocolate notes. Wood there but not obtrusive. Took a little while to open up. Definitely about the fruit, but not over-the-top or flabby.
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Fairly light density ruby just beginning to show some orange to the rim. Nose has lots of earthy, woodsy character with chocolate, cassis, and caramel. Medium body with chocolate, cinnamon toast, molasses. Maybe a trifle heavy-handed and with more oak than needed, but has a solid richness and brings some rich raspberry type fruit on the palate to sex up the darker earthier elements on the palate. Still has a tannic framework. I now predict this will be better in 2013 than it is now. And it's darn good now. 90+
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Enjoyed this last bottle very much, showing ripe fruit and dusty chocolate with some earth and herbs and only a hint of some 'greenness' towards the end of the bottle.
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91-92(+)? This is not for everyone. A teeth staining wine despite not being over extracted. Tannic, earthy and old world inspired. This needs air, but has beautiful fruit even if a bit hidden by the earthy tannins, hint of brett, licorice, and hint of bitter cocoa beans in a savory style. Excellent, but i wouldnt have liked this in my new world youth as much.
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Popped and poured - only needed about 15 minutes to open up; dark garnet, medium bodied wine; beautiful nose of red fruits - I could sniff this all day; cherries, currants, some pleasant herbal notes on the tongue; nice acidity, fine tannins; mid-palate a little thin but then a medium/long finish takes over. To me this is a very nice Napa meets Bordeaux wine. I'm going to TRY and give my last bottle a year - this is a very nice wine.
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Popped and poured. Medium-plus hazy garnet. Aromatically forward, with aromas of red fruits, fresh herbs, cedar, toasted oak, and a note of roasted espresso/mocha. Medium, veering on medium-plus body. On the palate, this Merlot has certainly become more opulent...and while seemingly less elegant than previous bottles, the fruit is delicious, with notes red raspberry & ripe currant complimented nicely by notes of smoked cedar, vanilla bean, and spice from toasted oak. The tannins are still a bit astringent on the moderate-plus finish. While drinking quite nicely and open right now, this should undoubtedly improve further with another 1-2 years in the cellar.
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Excellent. This was showing more elegant. A little brett, but great tart cherry fruit and nice texture and elegance. This was better than one or two prior bottles. Really good.
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Wine with excellent depth. Stood at as WOTE in a tasting of 06 Stag's Leap, 05 L'Ecole 41 (WA), and 90 Ridge. Mourhfilling, and succulent, with sufficient structure to continue developing for several more years.
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Dark garnet red. Stewed red and black berries on the nose with a touch of cloves. Raspberries, strawberry juice, vanilla, and a touch of mulled wine spices. Coffee and a bit of bitter cocoa powder on the finish, which lasts a pleasant while. A bit too much sour raspberry on the front end for my tastes, but an excellent food wine. This went very well with onion meatloaf and casparone mashed potatoes.
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14.5% ABV. Dark ruby garnet, translucent in the glass. Downright stinky (sulfur?) nose on opening with more reticent tart red fruit in the background. Medium full bodied with tart red currant fruit and menthol flavors. Eh. Maybe the leftovers will be better day two. Reporting from the second day, this has not improved noticeably, although the nose is a bit less stinky.
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Right in my sweet spot for merlots. Right bank leaning with plenty of terroir, dark fruit and earth. Full bodied, beautifully balanced structure and acidity, dark fruit and a long finish. Give this a lot of air. Excellent.
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A fair bit of funk on first opening, but some of that blows off, still leaving something of a barnyard note. Fruit still holding up well, with blackberry and sour cherry notes. Definitely benefits from some air.
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This continues to drink really well and show wonderful secondary flavors and complexity. I'm getting strong soy sauce and mushroom notes on the nose this time. Also serious cat box for the first several hours, but this blew off with time. Leather, sour cherry or underripened blueberry. Tannins are slightly grippy and the finish lingers for 40 or 50 seconds. Need to let the rest of these sit for a while!
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This bottle was drinking just great. Needs some air Night 1 certainly, but not like it did in the past. There was nice, dry, dark red fruit with some dark clay and earthy spiciness in a cool feeling package. With air, gained complexity and additional bitter chocolate and slight coffee grounds come out but nothing overdone. Very complex, very balanced. Night 2: Vacuvin and still better after a bit of additional air. Really balanced and slightly darker fruit profile, but still the balance of terroir, dark red to black fruit, and cocoa/licorice/coffee grounds with a silky texture. Just drinking great this bottle. 92+? Better than the last bottle from not too long ago.
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Popped and poured, needed about an hour to show its stuff. Very nice - a cross between Napa and Bordeaux - cherry fruit, fine tannins, medium finish. An elegant Merlot - an excellent food wine. I'm going to give my other bottles more time.
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First night: a bit tough on open no doubt. This is a mandatory decant if you really want to see what the wine is about. Nice medium+ body, some really nice dark cherry fruit trying to peek out from behind the slight brett and big earthy tannins. Becomes much friendlier after a few hours, but still has more old world than new. A bit of fruit and earthy licorice eventually come forth and the tougher parts recede. Always interesting, but I am wondering if this is in an awkward spot compared to a few excellent past bottles where the fruit showed more. Definitely not fading, but I don't think its getting better either at this point. Time will tell.
Night 2: Showing better. Lean, but luxurious texture. More dark red fruit showing and licorice and earth. Screams of cool climate terroir, clay and dirt. Still a good dose of barnyard which would be offputting for many and I fear the brett for longer term cellaring even though the wine should otherwise go for some time. 90. New world only fans, run away.
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Had with an Antinori that just overshadowed this, at least for me. My brohter in law preferred this but by the end of the night this still had half remaining while the antinori was gone. Enjoy!
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Night 1: This bottle was very tight upon open with the bit of brett noticeable b/c the fruit was tight and tannins bitter. OK, it was downright pretty unfriendly. Still a very good wine potentially, but more after some air. Decant. This bottle wasn't as good as the last. Disappointed. I usually love this wine, but only high 80s this night and tough. Night 2: Wow, what a transformation. Left the botte corked in fridge. Much smoother and less bitter and the bit of brett much more subdued. Tastes like understated fruit and terroir. Just screams cool climate merlot in a bordeaux style. Fruit, earth, clay, spice/herb with no noticeble alcohol. 91 very nice. Still not up to the last bottle, but I was worried night 1 since i have a bunch of these. Day 3: a bit tired, more earth and clay and still nice, but more flat and muted.
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Decanted a few hours, this is quite a wine, would totally fool me for a Bordeaux. Was unable to take formal notes but this was a steal and a really classic bottle of wine.
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Concentrated sweet fruit with heavy oak footprint, not enjoyed by either me or wife, but actually much better after a couple of days in the refrigerator. Then oak was less prominent, still plenty of fruit and chewy tannins. This might be much better in a couple of years if the oak integrates.
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Much better this time around. Fruit showing more than 1st bottle with a nice balance between oak, acidity and tannins. I think time (1 year) will improve the remaining bottles.
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Not your typical merlot and not typical Cali fruit, very much an old world style. Nose of cedar and dried herbs, a bitter chocolate and tobacco flavor with a note of greeness I normally associate with cab franc. In fact, this reminded me more of a cab franc than a merlot.
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Consistent with previous note, but I feel like this has opened up a bit during 6 months in the cellar. No vinturi this time, and I don't feel that it's particularly closed down, but the fruit is definitely held in check by secondary flavors. Very earthy - nose reminds me of the B&B, maybe more soil and less dung. Great acidity, full flavor profile, tastes like schist. Slightly gritty tannins lead add some bitterness at the end.
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Last bottle of 4, and this blew away the others. Poured 2 small glasses re corked and put the bottle in the fridge until the next night. Notes are from 2nd night. A little "greeness" on the nose, giving way to cherries. cherries and earth on the plate with a dark chocolate note to the finish. i think these are just starting to come around, and i wish i bought a case.
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Nothing great as a pop and pour. This needs air and was quite lean on open(not that it is ever plush and jammy). If you don't decant, you are missing out. Cherry, earth, exotic spice, flowers, tea, licorice, and lots of bitter chocolate. It is like a elegant CA cab, barolo, and right bank merlot mixed together. Excellent tannin structure and acidity, but still unfriendly at first. Unique and complex. Mesmerizing. Should be long lived.
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Needed a bit of air; vinturied first glass. Light garnet, bit of orange coming on the rim. Nose is huge cinnamon oak, with raspberry, mocha. Medium- body, good drippy acidity. Really not overly fruity. I swear I think this would be a perfect pairing for a brown sugar and cinnamon pop tart. Have to keep that in mind if I ever need such.
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Decanted about 90 minutes. A little lighter in color than expected. Classic merlot nose. Palate was a little underwhelming. While this was drinkable, I guess I was expecting more. Will take better notes next time. Good QPR for $14.
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Did not decant but used an aerator. Tight and tannic and slow to unwind. I'll buy what the back label says about mocha and flowers. The fruit is hard to coax on the nose and palate but when it's there it's pleasant. Difficult to score because in some ways it wasn't very enjoyable but you can tell it has a seriousness and hopefully something more to show.
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A solid notch above more generic supermarket fare. A little too much heat for my taste, but the overall profile was quite nice. Dark fruit and forest on the nose and a rich, but balanced palate. This was good on both night 1 and night 2.
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Popped another one last night. A PNP, got home late again, so not much time. Boy these have some heat on them. Even after two hours they were still hot. It covers up the fruit or at least distracts from it. The one thing I kept saying over and over last night was that If this was a blind tasting I would have picked this for a Washington State Merlot blend. I even got up and looked at the bottle to make sure this was Ca, which I knew, but looked anyway. Overall, a better experience then the last few bottles, its just the heat that botters me. Next time a nice long decant, if I don't work late. Enjoy!
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WTSO Purchase (1st of 4 bottles) - 1/2 hour decant and I was loving the dark fruits and vanilla bouquet. Palate unfortunately did not match the nose. Upfront acidity, smooth tannis gave way to green/herbal/oaky finish which I did not care for. Nice nose and price at $14 with a "nothing special" on the palate.
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Bull's-blood red. Black fruits and cinnamon on the nose with a touch of black pepper. Strong notes of plum, spices, and strong bittnerness on the finish. A bit flabby, but very nice on the front palate.
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On the nose, this is a 95 point wine. The palate, though, wasn't for me. After an hour or so, it didn't improve - if anything, it seemed a bit unbalanced at that point.
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Beautiful dark fruits, smoke and earth in this structured merlot. Really made me want to break out a 2005 right bank to taste side by side. Still plenty of upside on this with a few more years.
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This bottle was singing. Herbs, tannins, dark fruit, menthol, hint of chocolate....all in a package of nice balance and acidity. Great merlot if you like the herbal notes. Really like this one, best showing yet.
Night 2: still drinking great with even more fruit and the same herbal complexities. Great cool feel and sophisticated. 92+?
Nights 3 and 4: Even better. Gorgeous cherry fruit coming forward and still some of the interesting complexity. 93 points? virtually no oxidation.
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As tight as they come. Popped, poured a small sip and there was nothing doing. Followed over the course of two hours and it opened a bit, but didn't show much in the way of complexity. I'd hold for several years but not expect too much. Still have 1/4 bottle left decanting, so there's an update forthcoming. Update: Much better 48 hours after opening. Tannins are much more resolved, the wine is very earthy as others have mentioned, but there's just not much happening for me. Not bad for $13 but I wouldn't rush out to buy more.
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Really nice bottle, showed totally diiferent then when they arrived. The oak has integrated nicely. A little bit of dill on the nose, along with some floral. Blackberry on the palat.
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Crazy good bottle for $14. Needs an hour or 2 of air but after that it has a very right bank nose of earth, leather, cocoa and a little brett. Palate showed red and black fruits with good earth and herbal notes. Nice acidity and went well with food. Held up well over 3 days.
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This was a FANTASTIC bottle of wine. I put it in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill it off a bit. Served cold. It has a huge amount of right bank Bordeaux qualities tonight. Full of earth and leather and cassis. Just plain awesome. The flavor profile is much more restrained when cool. If anyone wants to sell theirs please contact me at coby.stilp@gmail.com.
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Enough notes from prior CT users that I'll keep this simple. Popped and poured - nice but nothing special. With a couple of hours of air, aromatics (rose petals, cherry) much more pronounced, medium body - blackberry / raspberry & plenty of acidity - better with food. You are kidding yourself if you can get much better than this for $15.00 or under.
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Massive, tough tannins for a medium bodied wine. Mouth coating and bitter, but with such underlying acidity, texture, and earthy cool climate flavors tending toward tea, spice, earth, and hint of licorice and hint of chocolate. So unfriendly as a pop and pour. Needs serious decanting. Fruit starts to peek out with some air and tannin bitterness recedes. This wine is not for all. Lots of old school right bank in here. Open day 1, drink day 2. Impressive that CA can make wne like this.
Day 2: One point downgrade based on night 2. The fruit didn't come forth on this bottle the same way. This was all about earth, rose petals, and dry herbs. Beautiful to be sure, but definitely on the earthy side for many.
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14.5% ABV. Dark ruby garnet, translucent in the glass. Herbal nose with pencil/cedar overtones. Medium full bodied with dark currant fruit and some mocha. This bottle seemed a little less green than the one I opened previously and I enjoyed it quite a bit more.
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Notes of red fruit and spice. Light-bodied and a bit thin through the midpalate and finish, ending with a tinny, metallic quality. Maybe a little time will help this flesh out a bit. Disappointing even at the closeout price.
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Strong red fruits with lovely tannins and acids. Delicious burgandy similarity. Light bodied but the 14.5 percent alcohol lifts up the flavors nicely. The finish really brings out the integrated notes. I am suprised it is drinking so well so young and don't think it will improve from here. Excellent.
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Better then my first bottle. Still more green then I like. I like my veggies on a plate, not in a glass. This was a simple merlot, easy drinking and got better as it sat open. I'll have the other half tonight.
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First one was still a bit bottle-shocked as the 2nd was even better... delicious, old world, leather, dust, ripe fruit, elegant, bordeaux-esque,... enjoyed very much.
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I reported a month ago that I thought I might be experiencing bottle travel shock from my first one. Opened the second, and indeed there is substantial difference. Dark garnet. This one has a full nose, with dark chocolate, blue/black fruit, allspice, olive, cedar. Medium full velvety body. Plush, not especially fruity, more of a balance with a chalky earthy tone. Darn good merlot and super QPR.
I think it did improve a bit by night two, enough to warrant a 90. It should hold up well for a few years, and improve a little, though honestly I wouldn't expect it to improve at a rate greater than the storage costs. I wouldn't hesitate to drink pretty soon, but do give it some air.
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Decanted for 4 hours. Just as great as the first bottle. I'd love to let this sit in the cellar a few years but it just keeps calling me. Such an elegant merlot.
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Upon opening forest floor, vegetal aromas. Bitter tanins w/ a chalky taste. Decanted to take to dining club. Will report back later as to what happens.
Glad I decanted. Still a muted nose but went well w/ the chicken Saltimbocca. Tannins and chalk wnet away. I think this will be a very nice wine in 2-3 years.
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90-91+. Just delicious in an old world way. Not a pop and pour, this needs a long decant to show its balance and stuff and to shed some bitter tannins. Perfect acidity, fruit pokes forth with air. Nice balance of earth, anise, black tea and dark fruit. Just really nice balance and a pleasure to drink. Still not a blockbuster, but amazing QPR and style. 90-91+. i didn't get any of the bright red fruits/italian this time, this was cool climate merlot. Slight bottle variation.
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Forest Floor, chocolate and dark fruits on the nose. Flavors carry through on the palate. Racy acidity, definitely has a colder climate profile. Wine was open for 3 days and it held up amazingly well, did not suffer - but got better. Great qpr.
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Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cherries, chocolate and leather. This is a bit more restrained than I expected and I enjoyed it very much. Needs some time to develop but this seems to have the stuffing. Not overblown and although the oak is noticeable, it was not an issue. Well worth the WTSO pricing.
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Just plain awesome for an $11 wine. Lush, thick, dark purple color. Dark forest floor on the nose. Could discern a little vanilla on the nose too. Layers and layers of crushed velvet. Soft tannins. It has a lot of bittersweet chocolate on the finish. There could be a bit of tca bitterness that is mixed in to make the chocolate bitter. Very nice. The alcohol is somewhat discernible but covered well by the cherries.
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Opened this last night following a half empty bottle that didn't survive over night and a horribly corked Sonoma cab that shall remain nameless. Dark garnet red. The nose and wine were pretty simple last night -- not bad but making me wonder why I had "splurged" on this closeout.
Tonight though it is much better. The nose shows a level of funk/barnyard that some won't like but is at a level that I find appealing. Quite rich, medium to full bodied with a remaining bag of chunky tannins. The fruit is nice and is supported by a core of herbs and earth. I think this has the potential to be a plus 90 wine over the next 3-5 years. 89+
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Far too young to pop and pour with this wine right now. Decanted on day one for 3.5 hours and wine was drinking fairly smooth with blueberry and tobacco showing prominently. As someone mentioned earlier in a tasting note, there is a delicate chalkiness on the tail end that is pretty interesting. Day two, this wine was well integrated with all bitterness gone. Fruit was showing nicely and the tannins were well rounded. I think this should be excellent in about 1-2 years.
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Smell: Fine and delicate cedar and blueberry pie notes that give way to earth, leather, and a touch of pepper when I swirl the glass.
Taste: On day one popped and poured, then vinturied. Vinturi helped, but tannins were too tight on day one. On day two much improved, with nice full blackberry and blueberry, full, silky mouthfeel, slightest vanilla note on the back. Good length.
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Bitter tannins and undrinkable by my standards on pop and pour. Decided to decant and check back. After 4.5 hours it's finally coming around nicely. Very old world. Nose of orange peel, forest floor and subtle fruit. Taste of plum, black cherry and jerky with an awesome chalky finish. Seems to be evolving quite a bit in the glass. Very complex for Cali Merlot. This is a thinkers wine and the exact opposite of a fruit bomb.
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Joining the parade of recent closeout reviewers. I had mine held a bit and only got it yesterday, and honestly think there may be some bottle shock (which I'll check back on in a few weeks).
Plummy color. Lots of cedar on the nose, with spice, raspberry and black currants, turned earth. Medium weight. Palate seems restrained, mostly low toned wood/earth with muted fruit. Acidity more prominent than the tannins. I suspect this will loosen up and be fine. I'll save the scoring until the next one to give it the benefit of the doubt.
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Popped and poured. Medium to medium-plus ruby hue. Forward aromas of fresh red berries, red currant, smoke, and toasted oak. Medium body, with a nice elegance. Fresh fruit abounds on the palate...with a unique mix of red and black fruits, plum, red currant, and a touch of citrus (ruby red grapefruit?). The fruit is complimented by additional nuances of earth, fresh cedar, minerals, and a kiss of oak, the latter of which is far more pronounced on the nose than in mouth. Has great freshness, an appealing aspect found in many Napa reds from the 2005 vintage. Tannins are slightly chalky on the moderate finish. Should age nicely with short to midterm time in the cellar.
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Popped and poured. Deep, opaque plum color. Nose has dust, black fruits, tar, and mint. Nose was excellent, rich and smoky. Palate exhibits same, though felt a bit young on the first night. On the second night, the wine was silkier, with violets coming out on palate and nose. Overall, an nice wine that seems still a bit young. Could benefit from some additional time in the cellar, or at least time to open after pouring. Recommend at least a one hour decant if drinking now.
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Bottle opened at 57degF. Decanted for ~1hr. Dusty, light red fruit aromas. Touch of cedar on the nose. Big, bold juicy attack with very fine but short lasting tannins. Some spices appear midway through. Finish is juicy and long. Decent structure. Can probably hold up for several more years if you want to.
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To me, this was smooth and elegant. Muted dark fruit and just a touch of oak and tannins. I am a little worried that the tannins could drop off in the next couple years, but right now, I like it. More in a Bordeaux style than a big Cali Merlot. This is clearly not a "cheap" wine and is a value at $14.
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Similar rating and comments to my bottle a week ago. This one lasted to Day 2 - the funk notes are no longer on the nose, which doesn't come across as terribly aromatic. Pleasant but reserved. On the palate, once again very nicely balanced, maybe even more so the 2nd day. Medium weight with a fair amount of oak, but again the sense on that too is "balance". Good structure with noticeable acidity and tannins, but neither of these are overdone. However, more time in the bottle would be beneficial so these can soften and better integrate. This is a more serious wine than I expected for the $14 price. In a few years, this will be a great ringer to bring to a tasting.
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A bit vegetal. Really tannic and oak needs to integrate. i don't really know how to rate this since it wasn't very pleasant when we opened it but i think it will be really nice in 2 years+. Was MUCH better, and really showing fruit on day 2.
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Dark fruit, with a bit of floral characteristics and earth. Flavors became more subtle and comlex after a couple of hours. Tannins still have some bite, so there should be a few more years aging potential.
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Tried one expecing good things after all the recent reviews. Either theres bottle variation, I'm having an off night or everyone else did. Not sure what's going on. It was a veggie fest. Not my cup of tea. I'm guessing its an off bottle. Better luck next time.
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Just received from WTSO. No real nose. Reserved in an old world sort of way. Medium light clarity. Color of plums. Tight nose upon opening and didn't seem to change later. Taste turned into plum and chocolate milk after about an hour. Give it some time in the bottle. Nice zingy acidity on the back end. I liked this a lot. ESPECIALLY for $11. +1 for the qpr. By night three this wine was still going strong. Honestly though I think it could have passed for Shiraz from OZ. Big, heavy, tooth staining. It is a meal by itself.
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14.5% ABV. Garnet translucent in the glass with a slight tawny hue. High toned herbal green wax nose with a sort of wet wood component that reminds me of Bordeaux. Medium full bodied with dark currant fruit and a slightly peppery tangy green edge. I'll re-taste this tonight, but overall a little disappointed given my other experiences with Havens wines.
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Very nice old world style merlot. Complex layers of fruit, herbs and wood on the nose and palate. Picks up weight and depth with with air. Should be fantastic an another few years.
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On the nose, dark fruit, cassis, a bit of merlot funk of meat and savory spices. On the palate, medium bodied with nicely balanced flavors including a hint of resin that extends the finish nicely (medium length). Excellent QPR @ $14.
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Changes moderately with air. At first, lighter red fruits with dark cherry and a hint of orange peel as well as nice acidty and hint of earthiness. Upon open, reminds me a bit of a barbaresco or something italian with red fruits, acidity, and a hint of earth and floral notes. Tastes like a pinot maker tries to make a floral, perfumed, red fruit merlot. But, then with some more air it transforms with air to become darker, blacker fruit, still no more than medium bodied, but with really juicy acidity coming forward that keeps it silky and light on its feet. Much more like a mid-quality bordeaux. Moderate tannins, but not overwhelming. should age nicely for up to 5 more years. Very interesting and quite good. Not like many Cali merlots. just different and a bit better. 90-91. Great QPR.
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Elegant nose of cigar box, rosemary, cassis, leather and tea - very complex. Nice cassis and sour blackberry flavours with savory herbal elements. Great with rare prime rib. Keeps opening up over several hours. Class and structure great bridge between old world and new. Miles can f*** off for dissing merlot.This shows what the grape is capable of in the right location in the right hands.
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8/27/2018 - CWilliam wrote: 92 Points
Last of 3 bottles purchased in 2010.
Burgundy color with large change from rim to center with a clear meniscus. Savory nose - tobacco, cocoa, cherry. Similar flavor profile on palate. Medium body/acidity and completely integrated tannins with a long finish. This surprised me how well this wine has aged. 92+/- Too bad the winery changed hands in the downturn.
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3/25/2017 - galewskj wrote: 92 Points
Pop and pour. The nose here is complex and reminiscent of Bordeaux. Similarly, the palate is complex but a bit hollow, with the fruit having faded some. Tannins are extremely relaxed, and this wine is so easy to drink. This was a great bottle of wine, and it's sad that these wines are no longer made at this quality level.
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9/26/2016 - TCKM wrote: 91 Points
Rich cherry, orange peel, and herbs.. plenty of tread on the tires. Fine vintage of this wine and a great value.
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7/20/2016 - CWilliam wrote: 91 Points
Continues to drink well. Best QPR in my cellar. If the winery had not gone BK this would be $30+ and I would still be happy.
Didn't take notes but paired great with grilled burgers. Should last another few years. 91+
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12/1/2014 - winegr wrote: 90 Points
Well structured merlot.
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7/27/2014 - AllRed wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit, cassis and blackberry- more like a Cab than a Merlot. Medium tannins with dark fruit flavors on the palate. Plenty of life left in this one.
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10/27/2013 - winegr wrote: 91 Points
Herbacious and delicious. Settling down. Dry, sophisticated and old world. No fruit bomb here. Becoming approachable. 91-92.
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10/27/2013 - allensounhein wrote: 90 Points
Very nice color and aroma needs to be decanted well 1/2 hr at least and last bottle
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10/13/2013 - zakaib wrote: 91 Points
First night, I just didn't enjoy this. Not decanted. The fruit is entirely restrained and overshadowed by almost punitive dark, tight flavors of pencil lead, almost acrid smoke and dirt. Not flawed by any sense, just backward and densely packed. Night two is far more pleasurable. The fruit has emerged, but only because the darkness seems to have subsided. Tannins are delayed in their presentation by almost 30 seconds, but are still vigorous enough to match elegantly prepared fatty meats. Acids remain in tact, though losing their breadth. If the present arc continues, this should continue to develop nicely for years to come
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9/15/2013 - team-blackburn wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic!!!
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8/24/2013 - BrunelloBob wrote: 87 Points
This time the funk is gone completely, as is much of the fruit. The aerator helps, especially with the nose, but I'm glad I'm through these. Drink up.
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5/6/2013 - allensounhein wrote: 90 Points
Very dark for a merlot nice nose and great with extra sharp cheddar and had with friends that that enjoyed it too
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4/13/2013 - winegr wrote: 90 Points
Excellent and dry. More Bordeaux in style. Needs air still. This bottle was a bit tight, but some really liked it. Earthy and slightly tart red fruit. 90+
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4/6/2013 - MindMuse wrote:
I will count my 7/28/2011 prediction as accurate. This is drinking really well in 2013. No emergency, but I would be looking to drink this (and I have one left to do so) in the next year/year and a half at the most. Acidity now has the upper hand on the tannins. Oak more predominates over fruit on the palate as well, so I wouldn't hold much longer. Drank a bit better on day 1 than on day 2. A great QPR buy a few years ago, but holding much longer now does not seem warranted to me and very much risks getting a bottle TOO advanced.
This, pretty much by happenstance, followed a 94 La Mission Haut Brion, and was a pretty decent complement and follow on in the flight. But it won't be that for much longer. 91.
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3/30/2013 - cweiss wrote:
well-made.No sharp edges.
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3/16/2013 - dabovino wrote: 91 Points
Still as described in Tanzer's review-definetly caught what he referred to as meat on the nose. As it has aged it has developed nicely giving it a round smooth feel. Very nice merlot-not of the insipid variety at all.
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1/21/2013 - biggwater Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fantastic deal...great wine...rich and long on finish
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12/25/2012 - cobystilp wrote: 89 Points
I liked this wine when it was younger and more fruit forward. It is still a smoking deal at $11 per bottle. Its good to be a value buyer. Hold at least one of the remaining to see how complex it becomes. This still has significant potential.
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11/24/2012 - cweiss wrote:
Pretty Merlot fruit, good balance, oak has integrated. Drink or hold for a year or two.
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11/15/2012 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 90 Points
Day 3 review and much better. Currants, leather and spices. On the palate tons of spice, raspberry and minerals. Medium finish and very nice. Should drink well for five plus years.
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9/30/2012 - pedwards wrote: 90 Points
Last bottle and consistent with prior notes. Time has been beneficial for this wine. One of the better values from WTSO.
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8/29/2012 - meatman wrote: 88 Points
Not as complex as last time. Good on day 1...didn't get to on day 2...going downhill on day 3. Could still feel the tannins on day 3 but the fruit was fading.
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8/26/2012 - Bob in NC wrote: 84 Points
Not overly complex, singular and the fruit was fleeting
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8/9/2012 - TexasBob wrote: 87 Points
Dark bloody water red, a bit thin under the light. Mixed red and black berries on the nose. Strong red berry notes with a bit of cola. Herbal and sour red berry bitterness on the finish. Quite a bold flavor profile. Looking back over my notes, this wine does not appear to have been built for the long term, but is still quite drinkable.
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7/19/2012 - winegr wrote: 90 Points
I would say this is 90-91. Very sanguine night 1, savory fruit, like blood. Still ripe fruit to offset the savory notes. This is quite good, but less complex now that the tannins are subsiding a bit. I dont get the cocoa bean or other nuances the same way as prior bottles. Still very good with nice structure.
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6/18/2012 - AllRed wrote: 92 Points
Decanted and followed over a couple of hours with dinner. Opaque inky crimson color. Lovely bouquet featuring grilled meat, violets, cocoa powder, cherry and black fruit. Full-bodied, with firm but sweet tannins, and flavors of black fruit and cherry. Long finish. 92 pts for me; 93 pts for Domino.
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6/5/2012 - Bumbanian wrote: 88 Points
Good, but not impressive in its depth and complexity this time around.
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4/12/2012 - TCKM wrote: 90 Points
Still better on day 2. Nees more time.. if I can resist.
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4/4/2012 - team-blackburn wrote: 88 Points
PNP this still has lots of tannins that detract from the back end. The fruit is more subdued, this is out of balance right now. Vacuum sealed half the bottle see how it is on day 3.
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3/28/2012 - BrunelloBob wrote: 88 Points
Different experience than last time, No where near the funk as the last bottle. Dark, Dark fruit and tannin. Good length but not as complex. More my style, but the tannin is out of balance. Better without the aerator. Significant variation.
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3/16/2012 - TexasBob wrote: 90 Points
Just had one of these the other day and am lazy to re-taste. Briefly, it is a bit better than that bottle. Still red fruit centric with aggressive acids and a nice lingering finish of bubblegum and raspberries.
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3/9/2012 - TexasBob wrote: 89 Points
Lovely garnet red. Nose of red berries. Notes of raspberry and mildly bitter herbs. A touch of pleasant sweetness on the finish, which has a decent length.
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2/17/2012 - BrunelloBob wrote: 88 Points
Not crazy about this on the PnP--major FUNK-fest. An hour of air brings the red fruit forward, a touch of oak, though the FUNK never leaves. The fruit fades off after 3-4 hours leaving leather and coffee au lait. Some decent complexity here, even if it's not exactly my thing. 88-89 pts.
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2/5/2012 - Sniffy-Sniff Likes this wine: 88 Points
This bottle was not as fresh as the last. Fruit and tannins were definitely more subdued. It was tasty, but certainly not what I remembered just a few months ago. If you have any of these left I would drink now. Do not decant. All this needed was a few minutes in the glass.
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2/4/2012 - WDSteers wrote: 83 Points
Tired. Fruit gone and tannins left. Beyond it's time
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2/2/2012 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 90 Points
Minneapolis Wine Club California Merlot; 2/1/2012-2/2/2012: Different but good. Light in color with strawberry, floral, smoke and spice. Picks up some leather on the finish. Medium finish.
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1/28/2012 - rocknroller wrote: 87 Points
Minneapolis Wine Club Does Merlot (Gail's House): Dark red color, rather light for merlot. Pop and pour, drank 1 glass over 2 hrs. 80% Beau Terrior and 20% Hyde Vineyards. Nose is very funky, red fruits of red currant, some strawberry, mint. The palate is quite spicy, wood, medium body, tart, tannins with sharp edges. I felt the fruit had faded a bit here and the palate was a little thin. While the drinking window should be longer, I find it questionable to hold.
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1/25/2012 - cobystilp wrote: 90 Points
I liked this a little younger. Maybe goung through a lull.
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1/6/2012 - brooklynJ&O wrote: 88 Points
We drank most of this bottle two nights ago and are having trouble recalling exactly how it tasted. But we wanted to post because we notice this bottle has gotten bad ratings and we liked it. Here's what we remember: well-balanced, not overly fruity, great-with-food wine. We had it with Middle Eastern food. We drank it after a short decant, probably better after a longer one.
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1/4/2012 - galewskj wrote: 92 Points
Drank over 3 days, best on the second. A very nice complex nose. On the first day, 30 minutes was needed to blow off the alcohol. Then a rather luscious merlot emerged. A relatively long finish. This is a quality wine.
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12/23/2011 - Sniffy-Sniff Likes this wine: 90 Points
Poured through vinturi, no decant. This has definitely improved since the last bottle. Expressive nose of vanilla, raspberry, and spice. Translates nicely to the palate, with an added touch of cocoa. Really has a delicious factor going for it right now. Drink now or hold for another 1-2 years.
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12/22/2011 - Bob in NC wrote: 88 Points
Two nights ago we had the '04 Reserve, last night we had the '04 non-reserve, tonight we are tasting the '05 Reserve. Compared to the '04 Reserve, this wine is less complex, has much more blueberry flavor then raspberry, has an alcoholic component and smoother tannins - not chaulky like the '04. We tasted the some cocoa initially but that flavor has unfortunately subsided over the past 2 hours. This '05 has a shorter life expectancy then the '04; we think it will be peaking next year. Overall, this Merlot is smooth, rich, supple mouth feel and quite enjoyable.
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12/3/2011 - stevenjstein Likes this wine: 89 Points
As with previous bottles, on first opening, definitely had some funk on the nose and a bit of stewed fruit. However this subsided a bit after opening, especially with aeration. Good fruit remained, along with enough herbal and barnyard notes to add some nice complexity. This was my last bottle, but it might have been interesting to see how this evolved over the next few years. It certainly seemed to have plenty of time left.
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11/7/2011 - deltacop wrote: 88 Points
It's ok. Needed about 45 mins to open up and blow off. A simple merlot and nothing more.
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11/5/2011 - TexasBob wrote: 90 Points
Stunningly gorgeous deep ruby red. Asian spices and loads of red fruit on the nose. The alcohol is strong enough to burn. Notes of strawberry with a sort of cranberry bite. A long, pleasantly bitter finish, with a sexy, silky mouth-feel.
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11/3/2011 - tbone wrote:
Popped and poured. Pretty fantastic for first 30 minutes with big dark fruit and all kinds of earthly things. Then wine got a little heavy and strange. Put a stopper in it.
Tried again on second night - this is as close to the perfect wine as I have been with in years. Perfectly balanced, smooth as velvet, restrained dark fruits, lovely old world elegance.
My drinking partner tonight, my wife who has a very good palate, thought it was undrinkable. Go figure.
YMMV.
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11/2/2011 - Rich S wrote: 91 Points
Medium purple color. Pretty nose with floral notes mixed with dark red berries, cocoa powder and a touch of oak. Dark red fruit on the palate with black plums and cherries with bitter chocolate and dry, dusty tannins on the finish. Medium acid and tannin. Slightly tart on the finish but otherwise this wine was singing and it continued to open up over the course of dinner. Would definitely rebuy for the price paid.
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10/30/2011 - AllRed wrote: 90 Points
Introduction to Riesling (The Anvil Club, East Dundee, IL): Red fruit and plum notes. Medium-bodied, with plum, cherry and soft spice tones.
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10/26/2011 - stevenjstein Likes this wine: 88 Points
Similar to the previous bottle, but with a bit more stewed fruit on the nose, which mostly blows off after some time. Still plenty of fruit. Seems like it might actually get better after it mellows out a bit and comes together a little better.
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10/18/2011 - TCKM wrote: 90 Points
Still a baby. Disjointed and very primary on day 1. Did not fully express its potential until day 3, at which point it was fantastic. Old school. Must have patience..
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10/1/2011 - Texas Jerky wrote: 89 Points
Smooth and easy drinking, but a bit simple this evening.
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9/11/2011 - Bumbanian wrote: 88 Points
Not as impressed by this bottle. Consumed over one evening, and I recognize the appealing characteristics I've noted previously, but I felt that the fruit did not adequately balance the secondary and savory elements this time and I never really got the open finish I was hoping for. Maybe situational or bottle variation...still very enjoyable but just not as stellar. May have been better with a rich food to balance the tannins.
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8/13/2011 - Armando B wrote: 89 Points
New world for sure. Dark fruit with coffee and dark chocolate notes. Wood there but not obtrusive. Took a little while to open up. Definitely about the fruit, but not over-the-top or flabby.
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7/28/2011 - MindMuse wrote: 90 Points
Fairly light density ruby just beginning to show some orange to the rim. Nose has lots of earthy, woodsy character with chocolate, cassis, and caramel. Medium body with chocolate, cinnamon toast, molasses. Maybe a trifle heavy-handed and with more oak than needed, but has a solid richness and brings some rich raspberry type fruit on the palate to sex up the darker earthier elements on the palate. Still has a tannic framework. I now predict this will be better in 2013 than it is now. And it's darn good now. 90+
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7/19/2011 - tward wrote: 88 Points
Enjoyed this last bottle very much, showing ripe fruit and dusty chocolate with some earth and herbs and only a hint of some 'greenness' towards the end of the bottle.
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7/7/2011 - winegr wrote: 91 Points
91-92(+)? This is not for everyone. A teeth staining wine despite not being over extracted. Tannic, earthy and old world inspired. This needs air, but has beautiful fruit even if a bit hidden by the earthy tannins, hint of brett, licorice, and hint of bitter cocoa beans in a savory style. Excellent, but i wouldnt have liked this in my new world youth as much.
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6/12/2011 - TexasBob wrote: 85 Points
This one was quite bitter. It just didn't hit the spot for some reason.
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5/16/2011 - green-steve wrote: 89 Points
Popped and poured - only needed about 15 minutes to open up; dark garnet, medium bodied wine; beautiful nose of red fruits - I could sniff this all day; cherries, currants, some pleasant herbal notes on the tongue; nice acidity, fine tannins; mid-palate a little thin but then a medium/long finish takes over. To me this is a very nice Napa meets Bordeaux wine. I'm going to TRY and give my last bottle a year - this is a very nice wine.
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5/10/2011 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured. Medium-plus hazy garnet. Aromatically forward, with aromas of red fruits, fresh herbs, cedar, toasted oak, and a note of roasted espresso/mocha. Medium, veering on medium-plus body. On the palate, this Merlot has certainly become more opulent...and while seemingly less elegant than previous bottles, the fruit is delicious, with notes red raspberry & ripe currant complimented nicely by notes of smoked cedar, vanilla bean, and spice from toasted oak. The tannins are still a bit astringent on the moderate-plus finish. While drinking quite nicely and open right now, this should undoubtedly improve further with another 1-2 years in the cellar.
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5/7/2011 - winegr wrote: 91 Points
Excellent. This was showing more elegant. A little brett, but great tart cherry fruit and nice texture and elegance. This was better than one or two prior bottles. Really good.
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5/1/2011 - Texas Jerky wrote: 92 Points
Wine with excellent depth. Stood at as WOTE in a tasting of 06 Stag's Leap, 05 L'Ecole 41 (WA), and 90 Ridge. Mourhfilling, and succulent, with sufficient structure to continue developing for several more years.
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5/1/2011 - TexasBob wrote: 87 Points
Dark garnet red. Stewed red and black berries on the nose with a touch of cloves. Raspberries, strawberry juice, vanilla, and a touch of mulled wine spices. Coffee and a bit of bitter cocoa powder on the finish, which lasts a pleasant while. A bit too much sour raspberry on the front end for my tastes, but an excellent food wine. This went very well with onion meatloaf and casparone mashed potatoes.
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4/26/2011 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 83 Points
14.5% ABV. Dark ruby garnet, translucent in the glass. Downright stinky (sulfur?) nose on opening with more reticent tart red fruit in the background. Medium full bodied with tart red currant fruit and menthol flavors. Eh. Maybe the leftovers will be better day two. Reporting from the second day, this has not improved noticeably, although the nose is a bit less stinky.
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4/19/2011 - sayward wrote: 91 Points
this wine was fantastic for the price. i am in no hurry to drink the rest of my bottles as i think this wine will only get better.
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3/27/2011 - krmcgrath wrote: 92 Points
Right in my sweet spot for merlots. Right bank leaning with plenty of terroir, dark fruit and earth. Full bodied, beautifully balanced structure and acidity, dark fruit and a long finish. Give this a lot of air. Excellent.
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3/26/2011 - stevenjstein Likes this wine: 89 Points
A fair bit of funk on first opening, but some of that blows off, still leaving something of a barnyard note. Fruit still holding up well, with blackberry and sour cherry notes. Definitely benefits from some air.
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3/14/2011 - Bumbanian wrote: 92 Points
This continues to drink really well and show wonderful secondary flavors and complexity. I'm getting strong soy sauce and mushroom notes on the nose this time. Also serious cat box for the first several hours, but this blew off with time. Leather, sour cherry or underripened blueberry. Tannins are slightly grippy and the finish lingers for 40 or 50 seconds. Need to let the rest of these sit for a while!
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3/5/2011 - maxmanx wrote: 90 Points
Last bottles. Spectacular QPR at $7/bottle!!
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2/14/2011 - WDSteers wrote: 86 Points
still not opening up. maybe never will. tannins with subtle hint that fruit may be behind them. Aerated and still closed.
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2/9/2011 - winegr wrote: 92 Points
This bottle was drinking just great. Needs some air Night 1 certainly, but not like it did in the past. There was nice, dry, dark red fruit with some dark clay and earthy spiciness in a cool feeling package. With air, gained complexity and additional bitter chocolate and slight coffee grounds come out but nothing overdone. Very complex, very balanced. Night 2: Vacuvin and still better after a bit of additional air. Really balanced and slightly darker fruit profile, but still the balance of terroir, dark red to black fruit, and cocoa/licorice/coffee grounds with a silky texture. Just drinking great this bottle. 92+? Better than the last bottle from not too long ago.
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2/6/2011 - abunai wrote: 90 Points
base: 50 pts
color & appearance - max 5 pts: 5
aroma & bouquet - max 15 pts: 15
flavor and finish - max 20 pts: 15
overall quality & potential - max 10 pts: 5
OVERALL: 90
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1/30/2011 - green-steve wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured, needed about an hour to show its stuff. Very nice - a cross between Napa and Bordeaux - cherry fruit, fine tannins, medium finish. An elegant Merlot - an excellent food wine. I'm going to give my other bottles more time.
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1/28/2011 - TCKM wrote: 90 Points
Drank over two days - better on day two. Consistent.
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1/17/2011 - winegr wrote: 90 Points
First night: a bit tough on open no doubt. This is a mandatory decant if you really want to see what the wine is about. Nice medium+ body, some really nice dark cherry fruit trying to peek out from behind the slight brett and big earthy tannins. Becomes much friendlier after a few hours, but still has more old world than new. A bit of fruit and earthy licorice eventually come forth and the tougher parts recede. Always interesting, but I am wondering if this is in an awkward spot compared to a few excellent past bottles where the fruit showed more. Definitely not fading, but I don't think its getting better either at this point. Time will tell.
Night 2: Showing better. Lean, but luxurious texture. More dark red fruit showing and licorice and earth. Screams of cool climate terroir, clay and dirt. Still a good dose of barnyard which would be offputting for many and I fear the brett for longer term cellaring even though the wine should otherwise go for some time. 90. New world only fans, run away.
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1/9/2011 - deltacop wrote: 88 Points
Had with an Antinori that just overshadowed this, at least for me. My brohter in law preferred this but by the end of the night this still had half remaining while the antinori was gone. Enjoy!
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12/29/2010 - maxmanx wrote: 89 Points
Tastes like a modest, old world Bordeaux. Fantastic QPR at $7!
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12/18/2010 - winegr wrote: 91 Points
Night 1: This bottle was very tight upon open with the bit of brett noticeable b/c the fruit was tight and tannins bitter. OK, it was downright pretty unfriendly. Still a very good wine potentially, but more after some air. Decant. This bottle wasn't as good as the last. Disappointed. I usually love this wine, but only high 80s this night and tough.
Night 2: Wow, what a transformation. Left the botte corked in fridge. Much smoother and less bitter and the bit of brett much more subdued. Tastes like understated fruit and terroir. Just screams cool climate merlot in a bordeaux style. Fruit, earth, clay, spice/herb with no noticeble alcohol. 91 very nice. Still not up to the last bottle, but I was worried night 1 since i have a bunch of these. Day 3: a bit tired, more earth and clay and still nice, but more flat and muted.
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12/12/2010 - wirelesswine wrote: 91 Points
Decanted a few hours, this is quite a wine, would totally fool me for a Bordeaux. Was unable to take formal notes but this was a steal and a really classic bottle of wine.
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12/8/2010 - Parnelli wrote: 84 Points
We're not enamored by this French style merlot ... 'nuff said.
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12/2/2010 - cweiss wrote:
Concentrated sweet fruit with heavy oak footprint, not enjoyed by either me or wife, but actually much better after a couple of days in the refrigerator. Then oak was less prominent, still plenty of fruit and chewy tannins. This might be much better in a couple of years if the oak integrates.
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11/22/2010 - Rich S wrote: flawed
So corked.
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10/21/2010 - AllRed wrote: 90 Points
Much better than the first bottle. Large-scaled, definitely new world with dark fruit, currant and spice tones.
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9/27/2010 - pedwards wrote: 90 Points
Much better this time around. Fruit showing more than 1st bottle with a nice balance between oak, acidity and tannins. I think time (1 year) will improve the remaining bottles.
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9/26/2010 - jpdel wrote: 90 Points
Not your typical merlot and not typical Cali fruit, very much an old world style. Nose of cedar and dried herbs, a bitter chocolate and tobacco flavor with a note of greeness I normally associate with cab franc. In fact, this reminded me more of a cab franc than a merlot.
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9/21/2010 - Bumbanian wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with previous note, but I feel like this has opened up a bit during 6 months in the cellar. No vinturi this time, and I don't feel that it's particularly closed down, but the fruit is definitely held in check by secondary flavors. Very earthy - nose reminds me of the B&B, maybe more soil and less dung. Great acidity, full flavor profile, tastes like schist. Slightly gritty tannins lead add some bitterness at the end.
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9/12/2010 - TCKM wrote: 90 Points
Starting to come together. Very nice.
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9/5/2010 - team-blackburn wrote: 92 Points
Keeps getting better, was fantastic on day 3.
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8/30/2010 - Zonk wrote: 92 Points
Last bottle of 4, and this blew away the others. Poured 2 small glasses re corked and put the bottle in the fridge until the next night. Notes are from 2nd night. A little "greeness" on the nose, giving way to cherries. cherries and earth on the plate with a dark chocolate note to the finish. i think these are just starting to come around, and i wish i bought a case.
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8/29/2010 - winegr wrote: 93 Points
Nothing great as a pop and pour. This needs air and was quite lean on open(not that it is ever plush and jammy). If you don't decant, you are missing out. Cherry, earth, exotic spice, flowers, tea, licorice, and lots of bitter chocolate. It is like a elegant CA cab, barolo, and right bank merlot mixed together. Excellent tannin structure and acidity, but still unfriendly at first. Unique and complex. Mesmerizing. Should be long lived.
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8/26/2010 - MindMuse wrote: 89 Points
Needed a bit of air; vinturied first glass. Light garnet, bit of orange coming on the rim. Nose is huge cinnamon oak, with raspberry, mocha. Medium- body, good drippy acidity. Really not overly fruity. I swear I think this would be a perfect pairing for a brown sugar and cinnamon pop tart. Have to keep that in mind if I ever need such.
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8/21/2010 - Sniffy-Sniff Likes this wine: 88 Points
Decanted about 90 minutes. A little lighter in color than expected. Classic merlot nose. Palate was a little underwhelming. While this was drinkable, I guess I was expecting more. Will take better notes next time. Good QPR for $14.
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8/20/2010 - gmbdds wrote: 88 Points
Did not decant but used an aerator. Tight and tannic and slow to unwind. I'll buy what the back label says about mocha and flowers. The fruit is hard to coax on the nose and palate but when it's there it's pleasant. Difficult to score because in some ways it wasn't very enjoyable but you can tell it has a seriousness and hopefully something more to show.
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8/19/2010 - tward wrote: 89 Points
A solid notch above more generic supermarket fare. A little too much heat for my taste, but the overall profile was quite nice. Dark fruit and forest on the nose and a rich, but balanced palate. This was good on both night 1 and night 2.
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8/15/2010 - DaddyNeedsPow wrote:
A real crowd-pleaser.
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8/9/2010 - hiltondg wrote: 91 Points
My bottles are starting to come around. Pop and pour.
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7/31/2010 - Lanny21 wrote: 91 Points
Ridiculous qpr.
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7/30/2010 - deltacop wrote: 89 Points
Popped another one last night. A PNP, got home late again, so not much time. Boy these have some heat on them. Even after two hours they were still hot. It covers up the fruit or at least distracts from it. The one thing I kept saying over and over last night was that If this was a blind tasting I would have picked this for a Washington State Merlot blend. I even got up and looked at the bottle to make sure this was Ca, which I knew, but looked anyway. Overall, a better experience then the last few bottles, its just the heat that botters me. Next time a nice long decant, if I don't work late. Enjoy!
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7/28/2010 - scotty_b wrote: 91 Points
Great merlot. Wish I had more. Earth, mocha, vanilla, dark cherry. This has really mellowed since my first bottle in Feb 2010. Drink now.
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7/14/2010 - ksde wrote: 88 Points
Big beautiful nose (especially for a Merlot) and a simple, shallow palate. Smooth but the nose leads to expectations on the palate that do not come.
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7/13/2010 - pedwards wrote: 89 Points
WTSO Purchase (1st of 4 bottles) - 1/2 hour decant and I was loving the dark fruits and vanilla bouquet. Palate unfortunately did not match the nose. Upfront acidity, smooth tannis gave way to green/herbal/oaky finish which I did not care for. Nice nose and price at $14 with a "nothing special" on the palate.
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7/9/2010 - bubbachumps wrote: 90 Points
Consisent with prior notes except that I get an additional note of charcoal on the nose.
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7/8/2010 - sstoloff wrote: 88 Points
Agree with dwhiterow--great bouquet, not much palate. Truffles, forest, cherry, meat on the nose; but a little thin and acidic.
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7/1/2010 - TexasBob wrote: 87 Points
Bull's-blood red. Black fruits and cinnamon on the nose with a touch of black pepper. Strong notes of plum, spices, and strong bittnerness on the finish. A bit flabby, but very nice on the front palate.
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7/1/2010 - davidwhitedc wrote: 86 Points
On the nose, this is a 95 point wine. The palate, though, wasn't for me. After an hour or so, it didn't improve - if anything, it seemed a bit unbalanced at that point.
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6/25/2010 - krmcgrath wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful dark fruits, smoke and earth in this structured merlot. Really made me want to break out a 2005 right bank to taste side by side. Still plenty of upside on this with a few more years.
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5/29/2010 - winegr wrote: 92 Points
This bottle was singing. Herbs, tannins, dark fruit, menthol, hint of chocolate....all in a package of nice balance and acidity. Great merlot if you like the herbal notes. Really like this one, best showing yet.
Night 2: still drinking great with even more fruit and the same herbal complexities. Great cool feel and sophisticated. 92+?
Nights 3 and 4: Even better. Gorgeous cherry fruit coming forward and still some of the interesting complexity. 93 points? virtually no oxidation.
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5/26/2010 - TexasBob wrote: 92 Points
Dark blackberry and casis on the nose. Sweet black plums and silky, sensuous goodness. This is a really good merlot.
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5/22/2010 - ggolec wrote: 88 Points
As tight as they come. Popped, poured a small sip and there was nothing doing. Followed over the course of two hours and it opened a bit, but didn't show much in the way of complexity. I'd hold for several years but not expect too much. Still have 1/4 bottle left decanting, so there's an update forthcoming. Update: Much better 48 hours after opening. Tannins are much more resolved, the wine is very earthy as others have mentioned, but there's just not much happening for me. Not bad for $13 but I wouldn't rush out to buy more.
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5/16/2010 - Texas Jerky wrote: 91 Points
Solid wine. deep opaque garnet. Cherry and plum, and cedar on the nose, with notes of leaves and sanguine. Palate is fruity with velvety tannins.
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5/16/2010 - Zonk wrote: 90 Points
Really nice bottle, showed totally diiferent then when they arrived. The oak has integrated nicely. A little bit of dill on the nose, along with some floral. Blackberry on the palat.
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5/7/2010 - glg wrote: 89 Points
Showed better this time - improved somewhat on day 2.
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5/2/2010 - cobystilp wrote: 90 Points
This was my fav at the ranch. Pete liked it too.
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4/25/2010 - deltacop wrote: 88 Points
I'm just not as big a fan as others are These are nice and for the price a good qpr, but I wouldn't buy any more. Enjoy!
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4/19/2010 - meatman wrote: 90 Points
Crazy good bottle for $14. Needs an hour or 2 of air but after that it has a very right bank nose of earth, leather, cocoa and a little brett. Palate showed red and black fruits with good earth and herbal notes. Nice acidity and went well with food. Held up well over 3 days.
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4/14/2010 - cobystilp wrote: 91 Points
This was a FANTASTIC bottle of wine. I put it in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill it off a bit. Served cold. It has a huge amount of right bank Bordeaux qualities tonight. Full of earth and leather and cassis. Just plain awesome. The flavor profile is much more restrained when cool. If anyone wants to sell theirs please contact me at coby.stilp@gmail.com.
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4/11/2010 - TCKM wrote: 90 Points
Decanted overnight. Consistent with prior note. Napa or old school right bank? I think a blind tasting is in order down the road...
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4/9/2010 - CWilliam wrote: 90 Points
Enough notes from prior CT users that I'll keep this simple. Popped and poured - nice but nothing special. With a couple of hours of air, aromatics (rose petals, cherry) much more pronounced, medium body - blackberry / raspberry & plenty of acidity - better with food. You are kidding yourself if you can get much better than this for $15.00 or under.
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4/7/2010 - winegr wrote: 90 Points
Massive, tough tannins for a medium bodied wine. Mouth coating and bitter, but with such underlying acidity, texture, and earthy cool climate flavors tending toward tea, spice, earth, and hint of licorice and hint of chocolate. So unfriendly as a pop and pour. Needs serious decanting. Fruit starts to peek out with some air and tannin bitterness recedes. This wine is not for all. Lots of old school right bank in here. Open day 1, drink day 2. Impressive that CA can make wne like this.
Day 2: One point downgrade based on night 2. The fruit didn't come forth on this bottle the same way. This was all about earth, rose petals, and dry herbs. Beautiful to be sure, but definitely on the earthy side for many.
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3/29/2010 - OneLastSyrah Likes this wine: 89 Points
14.5% ABV. Dark ruby garnet, translucent in the glass. Herbal nose with pencil/cedar overtones. Medium full bodied with dark currant fruit and some mocha. This bottle seemed a little less green than the one I opened previously and I enjoyed it quite a bit more.
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3/27/2010 - AllRed wrote: 85 Points
Notes of red fruit and spice. Light-bodied and a bit thin through the midpalate and finish, ending with a tinny, metallic quality. Maybe a little time will help this flesh out a bit. Disappointing even at the closeout price.
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3/22/2010 - TexasBob wrote: 93 Points
Strong red fruits with lovely tannins and acids. Delicious burgandy similarity. Light bodied but the 14.5 percent alcohol lifts up the flavors nicely. The finish really brings out the integrated notes. I am suprised it is drinking so well so young and don't think it will improve from here. Excellent.
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3/18/2010 - deltacop wrote: 88 Points
Better then my first bottle. Still more green then I like. I like my veggies on a plate, not in a glass. This was a simple merlot, easy drinking and got better as it sat open. I'll have the other half tonight.
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3/15/2010 - Mark Brandon wrote: 91 Points
First one was still a bit bottle-shocked as the 2nd was even better... delicious, old world, leather, dust, ripe fruit, elegant, bordeaux-esque,... enjoyed very much.
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3/6/2010 - Mark Brandon wrote: 90 Points
Somewhere between Carneros and Medoc... Medium, Dark, Red and Black. Touch of Salt-Water... Excellent QPR... 91 on Day 2.
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3/4/2010 - MindMuse wrote: 90 Points
I reported a month ago that I thought I might be experiencing bottle travel shock from my first one. Opened the second, and indeed there is substantial difference. Dark garnet. This one has a full nose, with dark chocolate, blue/black fruit, allspice, olive, cedar. Medium full velvety body. Plush, not especially fruity, more of a balance with a chalky earthy tone. Darn good merlot and super QPR.
I think it did improve a bit by night two, enough to warrant a 90. It should hold up well for a few years, and improve a little, though honestly I wouldn't expect it to improve at a rate greater than the storage costs. I wouldn't hesitate to drink pretty soon, but do give it some air.
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3/1/2010 - cobystilp wrote: 89 Points
Another great bottle. Popped and poured. Served with grilled steak. Chocolate milkshake. Nice.
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2/27/2010 - scotty_b wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for 4 hours. Just as great as the first bottle. I'd love to let this sit in the cellar a few years but it just keeps calling me. Such an elegant merlot.
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2/25/2010 - branman1986 wrote: 89 Points
Didn't get any barnyard or funk, so new world drinkers, buy away. A great deal from WTSO.
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2/21/2010 - NuTricks wrote: 90 Points
Upon opening forest floor, vegetal aromas. Bitter tanins w/ a chalky taste. Decanted to take to dining club. Will report back later as to what happens.
Glad I decanted. Still a muted nose but went well w/ the chicken Saltimbocca. Tannins and chalk wnet away. I think this will be a very nice wine in 2-3 years.
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2/16/2010 - pkbackman wrote: 89 Points
consistent with last bottle
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2/16/2010 - winegr wrote: 90 Points
90-91+. Just delicious in an old world way. Not a pop and pour, this needs a long decant to show its balance and stuff and to shed some bitter tannins. Perfect acidity, fruit pokes forth with air. Nice balance of earth, anise, black tea and dark fruit. Just really nice balance and a pleasure to drink. Still not a blockbuster, but amazing QPR and style. 90-91+. i didn't get any of the bright red fruits/italian this time, this was cool climate merlot. Slight bottle variation.
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2/14/2010 - bubbachumps wrote: 90 Points
Forest Floor, chocolate and dark fruits on the nose. Flavors carry through on the palate. Racy acidity, definitely has a colder climate profile. Wine was open for 3 days and it held up amazingly well, did not suffer - but got better. Great qpr.
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2/13/2010 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 89 Points
Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cherries, chocolate and leather. This is a bit more restrained than I expected and I enjoyed it very much. Needs some time to develop but this seems to have the stuffing. Not overblown and although the oak is noticeable, it was not an issue. Well worth the WTSO pricing.
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2/11/2010 - cobystilp wrote: 91 Points
Just plain awesome for an $11 wine. Lush, thick, dark purple color. Dark forest floor on the nose. Could discern a little vanilla on the nose too. Layers and layers of crushed velvet. Soft tannins. It has a lot of bittersweet chocolate on the finish. There could be a bit of tca bitterness that is mixed in to make the chocolate bitter. Very nice. The alcohol is somewhat discernible but covered well by the cherries.
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2/10/2010 - ChrisBeacham wrote: 89 Points
Opened this last night following a half empty bottle that didn't survive over night and a horribly corked Sonoma cab that shall remain nameless. Dark garnet red. The nose and wine were pretty simple last night -- not bad but making me wonder why I had "splurged" on this closeout.
Tonight though it is much better. The nose shows a level of funk/barnyard that some won't like but is at a level that I find appealing. Quite rich, medium to full bodied with a remaining bag of chunky tannins. The fruit is nice and is supported by a core of herbs and earth. I think this has the potential to be a plus 90 wine over the next 3-5 years. 89+
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2/7/2010 - schuey wrote: 90 Points
Far too young to pop and pour with this wine right now. Decanted on day one for 3.5 hours and wine was drinking fairly smooth with blueberry and tobacco showing prominently. As someone mentioned earlier in a tasting note, there is a delicate chalkiness on the tail end that is pretty interesting.
Day two, this wine was well integrated with all bitterness gone. Fruit was showing nicely and the tannins were well rounded. I think this should be excellent in about 1-2 years.
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2/5/2010 - Bumbanian wrote: 90 Points
Smell: Fine and delicate cedar and blueberry pie notes that give way to earth, leather, and a touch of pepper when I swirl the glass.
Taste: On day one popped and poured, then vinturied. Vinturi helped, but tannins were too tight on day one. On day two much improved, with nice full blackberry and blueberry, full, silky mouthfeel, slightest vanilla note on the back. Good length.
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2/4/2010 - scotty_b wrote: 90 Points
Bitter tannins and undrinkable by my standards on pop and pour. Decided to decant and check back. After 4.5 hours it's finally coming around nicely. Very old world. Nose of orange peel, forest floor and subtle fruit. Taste of plum, black cherry and jerky with an awesome chalky finish. Seems to be evolving quite a bit in the glass. Very complex for Cali Merlot. This is a thinkers wine and the exact opposite of a fruit bomb.
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2/3/2010 - MindMuse wrote:
Joining the parade of recent closeout reviewers. I had mine held a bit and only got it yesterday, and honestly think there may be some bottle shock (which I'll check back on in a few weeks).
Plummy color. Lots of cedar on the nose, with spice, raspberry and black currants, turned earth. Medium weight. Palate seems restrained, mostly low toned wood/earth with muted fruit. Acidity more prominent than the tannins. I suspect this will loosen up and be fine. I'll save the scoring until the next one to give it the benefit of the doubt.
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1/31/2010 - *Vine* wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Medium to medium-plus ruby hue. Forward aromas of fresh red berries, red currant, smoke, and toasted oak. Medium body, with a nice elegance. Fresh fruit abounds on the palate...with a unique mix of red and black fruits, plum, red currant, and a touch of citrus (ruby red grapefruit?). The fruit is complimented by additional nuances of earth, fresh cedar, minerals, and a kiss of oak, the latter of which is far more pronounced on the nose than in mouth. Has great freshness, an appealing aspect found in many Napa reds from the 2005 vintage. Tannins are slightly chalky on the moderate finish. Should age nicely with short to midterm time in the cellar.
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1/29/2010 - Texas Jerky wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured. Deep, opaque plum color. Nose has dust, black fruits, tar, and mint. Nose was excellent, rich and smoky. Palate exhibits same, though felt a bit young on the first night. On the second night, the wine was silkier, with violets coming out on palate and nose. Overall, an nice wine that seems still a bit young. Could benefit from some additional time in the cellar, or at least time to open after pouring. Recommend at least a one hour decant if drinking now.
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1/29/2010 - jakuda wrote:
Bottle opened at 57degF. Decanted for ~1hr. Dusty, light red fruit aromas. Touch of cedar on the nose. Big, bold juicy attack with very fine but short lasting tannins. Some spices appear midway through. Finish is juicy and long. Decent structure. Can probably hold up for several more years if you want to.
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1/28/2010 - pkbackman wrote: 89 Points
To me, this was smooth and elegant. Muted dark fruit and just a touch of oak and tannins. I am a little worried that the tannins could drop off in the next couple years, but right now, I like it. More in a Bordeaux style than a big Cali Merlot. This is clearly not a "cheap" wine and is a value at $14.
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1/28/2010 - vanpe003 wrote:
Similar rating and comments to my bottle a week ago. This one lasted to Day 2 - the funk notes are no longer on the nose, which doesn't come across as terribly aromatic. Pleasant but reserved. On the palate, once again very nicely balanced, maybe even more so the 2nd day. Medium weight with a fair amount of oak, but again the sense on that too is "balance". Good structure with noticeable acidity and tannins, but neither of these are overdone. However, more time in the bottle would be beneficial so these can soften and better integrate. This is a more serious wine than I expected for the $14 price. In a few years, this will be a great ringer to bring to a tasting.
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1/25/2010 - Zonk wrote:
A bit vegetal. Really tannic and oak needs to integrate. i don't really know how to rate this since it wasn't very pleasant when we opened it but i think it will be really nice in 2 years+. Was MUCH better, and really showing fruit on day 2.
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1/24/2010 - stevenjstein wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit, with a bit of floral characteristics and earth. Flavors became more subtle and comlex after a couple of hours. Tannins still have some bite, so there should be a few more years aging potential.
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1/24/2010 - deltacop wrote:
Tried one expecing good things after all the recent reviews. Either theres bottle variation, I'm having an off night or everyone else did. Not sure what's going on. It was a veggie fest. Not my cup of tea. I'm guessing its an off bottle. Better luck next time.
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1/23/2010 - cobystilp wrote: 90 Points
Just received from WTSO. No real nose. Reserved in an old world sort of way. Medium light clarity. Color of plums. Tight nose upon opening and didn't seem to change later. Taste turned into plum and chocolate milk after about an hour. Give it some time in the bottle. Nice zingy acidity on the back end. I liked this a lot. ESPECIALLY for $11. +1 for the qpr. By night three this wine was still going strong. Honestly though I think it could have passed for Shiraz from OZ. Big, heavy, tooth staining. It is a meal by itself.
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1/23/2010 - team-blackburn wrote: 92 Points
Great QPR I hope WTSO sells some more I would buy a case. Style wise I thougt this was more Pomerol than Napa Valley.
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1/21/2010 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 87 Points
14.5% ABV. Garnet translucent in the glass with a slight tawny hue. High toned herbal green wax nose with a sort of wet wood component that reminds me of Bordeaux. Medium full bodied with dark currant fruit and a slightly peppery tangy green edge. I'll re-taste this tonight, but overall a little disappointed given my other experiences with Havens wines.
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1/21/2010 - TCKM wrote: 90 Points
Very nice old world style merlot. Complex layers of fruit, herbs and wood on the nose and palate. Picks up weight and depth with with air. Should be fantastic an another few years.
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1/21/2010 - vanpe003 wrote: 90 Points
On the nose, dark fruit, cassis, a bit of merlot funk of meat and savory spices. On the palate, medium bodied with nicely balanced flavors including a hint of resin that extends the finish nicely (medium length). Excellent QPR @ $14.
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1/21/2010 - jeanluc07 wrote: 91 Points
simply awsome for the price.
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1/20/2010 - winegr wrote: 90 Points
Changes moderately with air. At first, lighter red fruits with dark cherry and a hint of orange peel as well as nice acidty and hint of earthiness. Upon open, reminds me a bit of a barbaresco or something italian with red fruits, acidity, and a hint of earth and floral notes. Tastes like a pinot maker tries to make a floral, perfumed, red fruit merlot. But, then with some more air it transforms with air to become darker, blacker fruit, still no more than medium bodied, but with really juicy acidity coming forward that keeps it silky and light on its feet. Much more like a mid-quality bordeaux. Moderate tannins, but not overwhelming. should age nicely for up to 5 more years. Very interesting and quite good. Not like many Cali merlots. just different and a bit better. 90-91. Great QPR.
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1/20/2010 - shadow wrote: 91 Points
Fresh OTT from WTSO, decanted for several hrs. Glad I got this. Nice mix of minerals, soft tanin and eligant fruity backround.
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1/19/2010 - glg wrote: 88 Points
Pleasant - and on the lighter side - not a Paloma or Pride. Good to very good, but nothing more, which is OK for the price I paid.
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12/25/2009 - df1962 wrote: 90 Points
Very tasty and very elegant as always. Cas worthy quality merlot.
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11/29/2009 - df1962 wrote: 91 Points
Elegant nose of cigar box, rosemary, cassis, leather and tea - very complex. Nice cassis and sour blackberry flavours with savory herbal elements. Great with rare prime rib. Keeps opening up over several hours. Class and structure great bridge between old world and new. Miles can f*** off for dissing merlot.This shows what the grape is capable of in the right location in the right hands.
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