This is the last and probably the best of six bottles purchased back in 2008 from Wine Access. For the most part, this wine has been abysmal and very disjointed. I purposely held this bottle in hopes that there would be some improvement. Comprised of around 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this has been really slow to come around. It still requires at least an hour in the decanter to allow some of the unpleasant burned earth and sour, minty aromas to blow off. I noted the unpleasant aromas in all five of the previous bottles.
Once this wine settles down, it starts to display some sour cherry cough syrup, dried smokey plum, minty herbaceous scents, and some black gritty charred earth wrapped around a tightly wound tannic core, which seems to be finally loosening it hard grip. Still a bit hard in the mouth, it shows some acidity which should eventually integrate with the scorched oak from the barrels. Very drying finish. In spite of the recommended drinking window this needs an additional three to five years of cellaring.
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At first pour really captures the essence of the Bordeaux region. In an hour, it loses its sheen & turns pasty & dry with none of the complexity it initiated. Decent for this qpr, but fairly disappointing
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Drank in 2009 and wine was very young. Waiting two years has definitely helped;a year or two more should bring the wine to its peak. Nice fruit flavors with smooth tannins and a very enjoyable finish.
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Minty, herbal nose, not a whole lot of fruit. Slight coffee undertone. A huge disappointment given the vintage pedigree. My impression is similar to when I had the wine initially. This wine cannot be popped and poured. It requires serious decanting or should be opened a day or so before drinking. More approachable on day two...still closed on the nose with faint hints of dark fruit. Tannic on the palate with flavors of prunes and bitter unsweetened chocolate. Finish is tart.
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1/10/2016 - lfbaum Likes this wine: 87 Points
Probably near its peak. Average fruit -- kind of simple tobacco and cassis flavors. Not terrible, but not great.
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11/22/2015 - wmccone54 wrote: 83 Points
This is the last and probably the best of six bottles purchased back in 2008 from Wine Access. For the most part, this wine has been abysmal and very disjointed. I purposely held this bottle in hopes that there would be some improvement. Comprised of around 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this has been really slow to come around. It still requires at least an hour in the decanter to allow some of the unpleasant burned earth and sour, minty aromas to blow off. I noted the unpleasant aromas in all five of the previous bottles.
Once this wine settles down, it starts to display some sour cherry cough syrup, dried smokey plum, minty herbaceous scents, and some black gritty charred earth wrapped around a tightly wound tannic core, which seems to be finally loosening it hard grip. Still a bit hard in the mouth, it shows some acidity which should eventually integrate with the scorched oak from the barrels. Very drying finish. In spite of the recommended drinking window this needs an additional three to five years of cellaring.
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5/6/2015 - lfbaum Likes this wine: 88 Points
Age has been good to this wine. Notes of tobacco and cassis. Smooth mid-pallet.
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5/19/2013 - lfbaum wrote: 82 Points
Very average. Not a lot of fruit. Flat on the finish.
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2/14/2013 - Philly-O wrote: 85 Points
At first pour really captures the essence of the Bordeaux region. In an hour, it loses its sheen & turns pasty & dry with none of the complexity it initiated. Decent for this qpr, but fairly disappointing
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7/18/2011 - rbb100 wrote: 88 Points
Drank in 2009 and wine was very young. Waiting two years has definitely helped;a year or two more should bring the wine to its peak. Nice fruit flavors with smooth tannins and a very enjoyable finish.
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4/30/2011 - wmccone54 wrote: 82 Points
Minty, herbal nose, not a whole lot of fruit. Slight coffee undertone. A huge disappointment given the vintage pedigree. My impression is similar to when I had the wine initially. This wine cannot be popped and poured. It requires serious decanting or should be opened a day or so before drinking. More approachable on day two...still closed on the nose with faint hints of dark fruit. Tannic on the palate with flavors of prunes and bitter unsweetened chocolate. Finish is tart.
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1/24/2010 - floating_cellar wrote: 85 Points
closed
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2/16/2009 - Tpety wrote:
Drank on Valentines Day with T2. Young wine. Hold on next bottle.
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6/6/2008 - JonGray wrote: 95 Points
very special bordeaux
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