PnP Lovely, dark syrah drinking at its peak. Perfect with a grilled New York Strip steak with Texas Roadhouse Rub. Should stay at this level a few years although this is my last bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wow, this reminded me of a CDP almost, mature beauty at this point drinking very well with and extraordinary nose. Notes of mulch, pine and cedar with some barnyard, fresh boiled pasta, chocolate covered coffee beans and new leather. Hints of bean soup and lilacs too. Still has plenty of red and purple fruits a smooth mouthfeel and enough acidity for food. 92-93 points for me
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Darnk over several days. Cork disintegrated on opening. Day one was decent. Full bodied with black currants and dark cherry with flavors more muted than prior bottles. The second day started to drop off. Past peak. I suspect height was in 2016 and early 2017.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The wine is in full stride right now. It's full bodied, lush feel in the mouth and the acidity has balanced beautifully. Rich dark fruits, blackberry, cherry and some chocolate notes with spice and some freshness in mid-palate. Ends with soft tannin and lingering finish. It was always a decent well structured wine before, but 10 years of patience pays off on this one. Drinks like a $100 bottle now. 91+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Opaque with ruby at the edges. Aromas of black and blue fruits, dried spice drawer, anise, chalky mineral, and a light touch of floral. Medium body, medium(+) acid and finish, and flavors of cassis, licorice, and a blend of dried spices (maybe Chinese five spice?). Worked well with grilled skirt steak with avocado/lime relish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
On first night, this was excellent. Full-bodied and dark, with muted fruits and oak, and spice to spare. I thought I might have detected some brett, but it was so far in the background it actually added to the wine's complexity. On second night, unfortunately, this was all brett and heat, with only hints of the previous night buried in the finish. My suggestion: drink now and drink in one sitting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
PWS 2016-01: 5 reds (@ My place): In the bouquet creamy fruits, vanilla, tobacco, smoke and a pleasant touch of barnyard. On the palate a tasty wine with chocolate, vanilla, sweet licorice, a firm amount of sweetness, but also good acidity and round tannin. In its maturity stage now, but it will stay on this level for another years or two(+).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine just gets better and better. I'm sorry this is my last bottle! This wine is now "a point" -- ready to drink now although I imagine it will hold where it is for another 3-4 year. Deep, dark purple with just a hint of browning along the edge. Nose of spices, underbrush, and subtle oak. Really outstanding on the palate: medium to full bodied with bright cherry flavor that persist through a long finish. No longer tannic bit enough acidity to keep it bright. Smooth and sleek but at the same time powerful! Not bad for a part-time winemaker-journalist!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Opened another bottle to see if it matched my impressions from 2 days earlier. Also decanted thru Vinturi, with similar/identical impressions by both tasters. All was consumed. 92-93 points.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Poured thru a Vinturi, captivating nose of spice, bright dark fruit, palate of dark fruit,some leather/roasted meat silky mouthfeel cork was dried and top half crumbled. Saved 1/3 btl under gas for day 2, which was every bit as good, if not better a solid 92-93.
More full body with age. Still has nice acidity and dark fruits predominate. Has long finish with sour cherry notes. A bit more austere than my last bottle in 2012.
Begynnande mognad, fylligt, varmt och välkomnande. Flaskan försvann i ett nafs, vilket i sig är ett betyg gott som något. Dessutom en rolig överraskning då jag köpte en flaska för fem år sedan och aldrig smakat innan.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This has evolved big-time! Nose is strong after pouring, but fades quickly. Palate remains flavorful. Smoked meat, a little leather, blueberry, blackberry, a little smoky acidity. Impressive. Gave this an 86 two years ago. 90-91 pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Last bottle and consistent with previous showings. This wine, to my taste, is very indacative of heavy handed wine making which has only become more pronounced with age. The fruit taste is a bit stewed with a heavy handed oak influence. There is some decent red fruit that tries to stick it's head out on the mid palate, but in the end the wine just comes off as thick with notes of charred berries and coffee syrup. I have had this wine a number of times and get none of the notes that other tasters have had - such as bright fruit, bacon fat and herbs, which are typrically notes I love. Perhaps a shipment or two got cooked coming across the pond? With my experience with these - if you like your wine dark and pruney with a solid dose of oak, you will love this. Not bad by any stretch, but not something I would seek out again.
Last tasted 2.5 years ago; time for a reevaluation.
Color: still very dark ruby -> moderately deep ruby rim. Perfumed bouquet of iodine, cedar, a little vanilla, minerals and leather. Medium bodied wine with excellent acidity. Well integrated wood, earth, dark fruits and a little floral spritz. Moderate tannins are still present with good built-in fruit. This took about 3 hours to open up and was delicious. I think the tannin level is appropriate and will continue to ease gracefully so no worries about the next few years of development. A very good buy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
PnVnD. Super dark and violet tinged. Great nose with camphor, blueberry, leather. Big and extracted with a plush mouthfeel and super soft tannins. Finishes with just enough acidity. So wanting some grilled lamb chops with this.
Enjoyed in a Riedel Vinum Syrah glass at 63F.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Big, modern wine with dark fruits, good structure, strong earthy notes and good backbone. Thick body. Easy to drink. Held up OK over two days but was getting dustier on day #2. Quality if not terribly exciting wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bold, spicy. Didn't keep detailed notes because I only got a sip but probably my least favorite bottle from a mini-Spanish tasting we had that included some comparably priced Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat and this; a friend who loves bold New World-styled wines really dug this.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pop and pour; the bottle was a little warmer than it should have been. Red berry and camphor on the nose; raspberry, white pepper, and a hint of iodine on the palate, with decent acidity. The warm serving temperature seemed to make this more aromatic and spicy than usual, fortunately without accentuating the alcohol. I wouldn't say this is fading, but I think I liked it better when it was young and had more dark fruit. It may yet develop secondary flavors -- but this was my last bottle of the '07; the '08 is up next. I might try decanting to see how it evolves with air. This is an excellent value for the money.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Excellent for the price. Smokey, spicy nose. Medium mouth feel. Great acidity leading to a very long finish. Right now the wine is very primal. It seems to have more than enough acidity to last for many more years. If this gains any complexity as it ages, it will be outstanding.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not quite as impressive as my last bottle, interestingly this one's cork was fine. Complex aromas of earth, dark fruit, leather, barnyard funk and herbs. The palate isn't quite as complex but still shows pleasant earth, herbs and dark fruit. Medium acid/tannins and some oak influence. Drink now-2016.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Juicy and dark fruit complected. Straight forward and simple. Still, this is a satisfying glass of wine for after dinner - I'm not sure how it would do with food. Drink now as it's doubtful this will improve or gain complexity although it's also not in danger of fading.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Full and rich on the nose, with all sorts of aromas: bacon, charcoal, sweet berries and tapenade. Rich and velvety on the palate with an amazing mouthfeel. Rich boysenberry and blueberry fruit mixes in with plenty of minerals, olives and charcoal. The oak has imparted these walnut, pecan pie and roasted coffee flavors, which are awesome, but there’s a pervasive mineral and crushed rock aspect as well. This is rich and very 2007, but I think the high elevation of these vineyards helps it maintain some crispness. I drank this with my sister and we both loved it. So full of life now, I think this will continue to do well for a few more years. 79% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre and 8% Bobal.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
While I enjoy the integrated subtleties of oak in some wines, I found this to be a very heavy handed effort. A PNP revealed an overly oaked and tannic harshness. After a three hour decant, some of this smoothed out but there were still some edges and the wood continued to over-power the fruit. On day two, the oak influence was transforming to vanilla on the finish…a flavor I don’t particularly enjoy. I experienced the same interpretation on two previous bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Two hours in the decanter. Super dark purple in the glass. Dense and thick. Nose of black pepper, pine sap, oils, dark baking spice, and charred berries. On the palate syrupy espresso notes, with oak and foresty notes. Mature tannin is perfectly balanced. Lush and chewy in the mouth. Finishes with a lot of dark tones and acidity. Enjoyable. PJG: 90
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This had a really expressive nose immediately upon opening, and it evolved nicely over the next few hours. Dark berries, smoke. Full bodied with a smooth mouthfeel and great tannins. Long finish. Delicious.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
So my cork was stained 1/4 way up. Modern style here that I would guess Spain or maybe Washington state. Dark fruit, licorice and oak on the nose, and dark fruit, a little mineral, and a touch of oak on the palate. Medium+ body, medium finish. Enjoyable, but lacks complexity and I don't really get the hype on this one. Fine at the $20 sale price for me. 95 is nutty.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Kind of rustic on the nose, extremely dark in the glass, and somewhat disjointed on P&P. But, after being open for 3 hours before a blind syrah/syrah blend tasting, very nice fruit on the nose and palate. Balance was stored under Argon for a day and re-opened. Still more fruit on the nose, still smoother on the palate. A little is left under gas again for another night. This wine really needs air/decanting, both, or time in the bottle to fully show. A great qpr. Note: cork was stained to the top, but it has been kept in perfect conditions for the 4 months I have had it. I hope that others have not been damaged and I can spread out my consumption of the remaining 8 bottles for a few years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
It's been four months since I drank this wine and I remember it well. Just checking the CT community prior to cracking open another Finca tonight. I clearly remember the "boldness, the black fruit, and the pepper" that Madisonwineguy mentioned, and thought it was resolved very nicely, if not completly. It made a lasting impression on my 'palate memory'. Looking forward to tonight's version. If my impressions change, I'll post another note. The wine looks Purple colored. The legs are Medium. The body is Medium/Full. The wine has Round texture. The wine finishes Medium.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Was disappointed here, but believe it has possibilities. Going to keep the other bottle in the cellar for another year or two minimum. Must agree with amateurwino, this was somewhat bitter on the finish (not much smooth about it). Like the boldness, the black fruit, and the pepper, but this one hasn't come together yet. Maybe some decant time would have been useful here, just PnP on this one. 86 pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Another wet cork but a nice wine. There is definitely a difference between a bottle with a 1/4 wet cork (this one) vs. a bottle with a mostly wet cork. If you are holding these, peel of the wrapper and see if the cork is wet. All of mine from two sources had wet corks. Not a wine to hold.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Has a modern New World syrah feel - dark fruits, oaky vanilla profile buffeted by pepper and licorice notes. Competent but unexciting; bitter on the finish. Fine for the $19 paid, but I had hoped this might turn out to be a gem. Will hold remaining bottles to see if a bit more age helps this. 85-87
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark purple in color. A full bodied red blend, with blackberry, blueberry, cherry, vanilla and spice on finish. A very good interesting blend, great QPR.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This one was again a wet cork but from a recent purchase from Wine Library. Since two of my separate purchases had faulty corks, everyone should watch this wine. I brought to a family gathering and it compared well against some other good reds.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Was a few weeks back. Drank with roasted leg of lamb. Remember it being good but not getting to 92 for me. It did have a pretty wet cork but didn't detect any spoilage...have one more to try. I remember the nose being somewhat muted with some earthy/tobacco notes. Was smooth with fine grained tannins but almost seemed the fruit was "faded"...maybe b/c of the cork issue. As others have said, will try to drink my other bottle soon.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Another wet cork with the nose getting a bit funky comparative to previous bottles. This cork was wet in a irregular pattern with some areas extending all the way up. Eventually, the funk blew off (decanted) and the palate and nose come together. This wine was definitely a fading version of my previous bottles. Still, not bad :-)
I purchased these four bottles, all with wet corks, from Empire Wine. I suggest inspecting your bottles by peeling the wrapper and shining a bright light on the cork area. I have more on order from Wine Library so my research will continue :-)
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
The cork had streaks almost to the top so watch out for cork issues. The wine was still fine with a nice palate and nose. The wine streaks in the glass almost seem to contain extremely fine particles but the decanter did not have sediment. This is a good value wine but I don't recommend storing too long. It drinks well now and I suspect that they are discounting this wine because the corks are not holding up. I peeled of the top foil of another bottle, shined a bright light on the cork and I could see the wine stain on part of the cork. I will drink this one soon...
The cork on this bottle was completely soaked, but it opened with a pop and didn't seem to affect the wine. The nose on this wine is very dark & complex- blackberry, red & black licorice, a bit of meat, leather & smoke. The flavors are quite meaty/smoky, along with red/dark fruit, a spicy midpalate and an oak-driven finish. My mouth is watering from the acidity, and the finish is medium+ with noticeable tannins. All that said, it is quite approachable now with a bit of air but should easily last 3-5 more years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very nice wine. Balanced and smooth with sweet black and red fruits, restrained tannins, spice and acidity on the finish. Slightly better on the second day - an hour or two of decanting improves the wine but not bad right out of the bottle. Like a more refined Tres Picos. 90+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice aromatics, but a little tight and somewhat thin on the palate compared to my recollection of the 2005. Might just be a little shut down and/or in need of a lot more air than I gave it (30 min decant). will wait a year or two on my remaining bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Color: dark ruby -> bright medium ruby rim. Perfumed bouquet of flowers, cedar, a little vanilla and leather. Medium bodied wine with excellent acidity. Wood was well integrated. Moderate tannins and good built-in fruit. I think this will continue to develop positively. Still fairly young and primary -- retry in ~ 2 years. Great QPR on Cinderella for under $18.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is 2005 all over again.... Intensely dark purple in the glass, nose of dark fruits and syrah... Medium to big on the palate, a bit concentrated and with enough acidity to offer some longevity. Tannins were there, but well concealed. This was best after having been open for an hour+, or better yet, on day 2...
I'd suggest this has a drinking window that stretches beyond 2015 as suggested on CT.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A wine like this reminds me of why seeking out new wines can be such a thrill...ridiculously good for $20. Most of the other reviews are quite accurate. Needs an hour+ decant. Bought more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Big dark fruit, with nice depth and some earth and spice complexity. I've always found this wine to be well made and a good value, and this 2007 version does not disappoint. A good wine to try if you are in a rut and are looking for something big, interesting but not over the top.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Beautiful wine that was loaded with dark fruit, spice and earth. Elegant nose of the same. Surprisingly long finish of the same. Definitely out drinks its $17 price point. 91-92.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tons of black fruit. Wonderful body and finish. Plum and black currant on the nose. The color is so dark, it's hard to identify it. My only down comment would be the wine wasn't clear. Lots of suspended sediment, but that might be a characteristic of the wine's style. It was very enjoyable though. Very well made.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pitch dark in color, loaded with fresh dark fruits, pencil shavings and sweet currant. This is round and polished with a big time finish. Overall the wine is delicious and very enjoyable. (Drink now)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
While I'm sure this will be better with an hour-long decant, it is quite delicious right from the bottle (in a glass, I would add). Delicious notes of dark berries and earthy, this is a great bottle to drink now or hold for several years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Brunello Bob's note is spot on. Exactly what I was expecting and performs well for the price. Loads of dark fruit and spice, full bodied with good structure to balance the richness. Delicious, if not a bit straightforward at this point in time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Midnight black color. Eucalyptus and spearmint in the nose. Loads of black fruit, but with enough tannin to offset. Decent length. Very interesting, if not outstanding wine. Right price. Buy again. 89pts, 90 with some air.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep purple/red color. Aromas of black fruits, violets, oak and spices. Rich fruit in the mouth with excellent balance, depth and length and well-integrated tannins. Still very youthful, this very modern styled wine was highly extracted but restrained on the palate and was dellicious to drink after about 20 minutes of decanting. Excellent value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Plum and violet notes on the nose. Decanted for about an hour and I think it could have used a touch more. Much more aggressive wine when tasted than on the nose. Currants, tobacco and touch of tar which surprised me a bit. Not as well integrated as I might like and a touch hot but a great wine now. I would guess in 6 month to a year we will see improvement. Had the last glass the night after opening and it was improved. The rough edges were gone and it seemed to be much more supple. More raspberry and cherry notes. I would suggest decanting for 2 or 3 hours prior to drinking at this point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I really enjoyed this wine. Dark red color. On the nose, intense black fruit with some chocolate-y background. Had great body, enough to complement a nice braised ossobuco. Would definitely recommend especially given the price tag (<$30).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A mouth full of wine. Young, but already approachable. A bouquet with black fruits, spices and a pleasant dose of oak. On the palate very tasteful. Mainly ripe black forest fruits, herbs and spices again and a very pleasant dose of good acidity. There is good and soft tannin which can handle at least another 4+ years. Very pleasant qpr.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark garnet with medium viscosity in glass. Pepper, tobacco, hide, bramble, pencil lead and heat on the nose. Ditto the palate with medium/full body. Young, grippy tannin and not much in way of structure. Medium/long finish. Well made, but a bit disjointed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A massive attack on the palate this well-made wine explodes in an array of black pepper, dark brooding fruit and kirsch liqueur. I adored it but a few of the other guests did not appreciate the spiciness and the somewhat edgy tannins... This is still a very young wine which needs to rest for at least 12-24 additional months. Though nothing for the weak or fainthearted it is highly recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not as good as the 04, but I loved it nonetheless. This is such a well-made wine. Very rich, mouth-coating body makes it a pleasure to drink. Oak makes it definitely Spanish, but there are enough dark fruits to balance it out. Paired perfectly with a grilled skirt steak. FYI: the wine is best between the 20 to 60 minute mark. Although you can drink it right after popping, this was the prime richness and flavor window for us. After 60 minutes, the finish started to become a bit funky/alcoholic.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose: Cedar, a bit of swampy/forest floor. Black fruit creeps in but the oak is the big story on the nose. Taste: Echoes the nose to a certain extent. Black fruit transitioning to tobacco. Finish is somewhat bitter, with some wood taste, but very long at 25+ seconds. Nice mouth feel, well made, but a little off balance.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Lots of black fruit, peppery spice, some funk, and oak vanilla. It's well-made, no doubt, but just didn't hold a lot of interest for me on the day. I probably drank it too soon, though, and I bet this will improve.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
RUSSK Gave this a 3+hr decant and also drank some on day 2. Pretty consistant with the '04, this one may have had less bitterness in the finish, but it may also have been less complex. Overall very satisfying. Nice nose. Fullbodied. Texture = creamy graphite, which I attribute to small crop yields or more Monastrel. Sweet start with a bit of a burnt carmel finish. Would buy again at $26.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
funky, Im a huge fan of Finca Sandoval, but this is different than others ive had vegetal and funk I was drinking by a campfire so im not sure I got all the nose i could out of it my brother in law says it smells like butthole on the nose-(don't ask)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
12/11/2021 - booksmiths wrote: 90 Points
PnP
Lovely, dark syrah drinking at its peak.
Perfect with a grilled New York Strip steak with Texas Roadhouse Rub.
Should stay at this level a few years although this is my last bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/4/2021 - Joelene wrote: 92 Points
Wow, this reminded me of a CDP almost, mature beauty at this point drinking very well with and extraordinary nose. Notes of mulch, pine and cedar with some barnyard, fresh boiled pasta, chocolate covered coffee beans and new leather. Hints of bean soup and lilacs too. Still has plenty of red and purple fruits a smooth mouthfeel and enough acidity for food. 92-93 points for me
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/17/2019 - wineoracle wrote: 91 Points
Full bodied with balanced acidity. Dark fruit with soft tannins. My last bottle and I feel it was as fresh as the first bottle consumed years ago.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/27/2018 - MatsRahm Likes this wine:
Time to drink! Goding down.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/14/2018 - Kentw wrote: 88 Points
Darnk over several days. Cork disintegrated on opening. Day one was decent. Full bodied with black currants and dark cherry with flavors more muted than prior bottles. The second day started to drop off. Past peak. I suspect height was in 2016 and early 2017.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/13/2018 - gcarl wrote: 92 Points
Still as nice as 2 years ago
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/15/2017 - Kentw wrote: flawed
The cork was wet almost to the top. Still ok to drink but noticed some variation from prior bottles. Difficult to judge.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/3/2017 - aquaman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Funky smell at first pop. But let it breath for at least 30-1hour.
Very good right now. Full body I would say this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/30/2017 - Kentw Likes this wine: 91 Points
The wine is in full stride right now. It's full bodied, lush feel in the mouth and the acidity has balanced beautifully. Rich dark fruits, blackberry, cherry and some chocolate notes with spice and some freshness in mid-palate. Ends with soft tannin and lingering finish. It was always a decent well structured wine before, but 10 years of patience pays off on this one. Drinks like a $100 bottle now. 91+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/24/2017 - Edouard84 Likes this wine: 90 Points
A syrah on the new world style, full bodied, very ripe but still balanced
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/23/2017 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
Big, dark and earthy wine that hasn't evolved much with age. Nice QPR, dependable crowd pleaser.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
9/24/2016 - studleytrey wrote: 89 Points
Opaque with ruby at the edges. Aromas of black and blue fruits, dried spice drawer, anise, chalky mineral, and a light touch of floral. Medium body, medium(+) acid and finish, and flavors of cassis, licorice, and a blend of dried spices (maybe Chinese five spice?). Worked well with grilled skirt steak with avocado/lime relish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/29/2016 - Quarked wrote: 89 Points
On first night, this was excellent. Full-bodied and dark, with muted fruits and oak, and spice to spare. I thought I might have detected some brett, but it was so far in the background it actually added to the wine's complexity. On second night, unfortunately, this was all brett and heat, with only hints of the previous night buried in the finish. My suggestion: drink now and drink in one sitting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/30/2016 - hesnctrl Likes this wine: 90 Points
PnV. Enjoyed during an Indian-themed dinner party. No formal notes, but very similar to previous bottle. Didn't go too well with the dishes we had.
Enjoyed in a Riedel Vinum Syrah glass at 65F.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
4/2/2016 - Zweder wrote: 89 Points
PWS 2016-01: 5 reds (@ My place): In the bouquet creamy fruits, vanilla, tobacco, smoke and a pleasant touch of barnyard. On the palate a tasty wine with chocolate, vanilla, sweet licorice, a firm amount of sweetness, but also good acidity and round tannin. In its maturity stage now, but it will stay on this level for another years or two(+).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/18/2016 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 88 Points
Last bottle. Nice on day one but not good alone on day two in spite of vacuum sealing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/5/2016 - niloc36 Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine just gets better and better. I'm sorry this is my last bottle! This wine is now "a point" -- ready to drink now although I imagine it will hold where it is for another 3-4 year. Deep, dark purple with just a hint of browning along the edge. Nose of spices, underbrush, and subtle oak. Really outstanding on the palate: medium to full bodied with bright cherry flavor that persist through a long finish. No longer tannic bit enough acidity to keep it bright. Smooth and sleek but at the same time powerful! Not bad for a part-time winemaker-journalist!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/18/2015 - John O' Likes this wine: 92 Points
really nicely integrated. No fading, but can't see it getting better.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/3/2015 - gcarl wrote: 92 Points
Opened another bottle to see if it matched my impressions from 2 days earlier. Also decanted thru Vinturi, with similar/identical impressions by both tasters. All was consumed. 92-93 points.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/1/2015 - gcarl wrote: 92 Points
Poured thru a Vinturi, captivating nose of spice, bright dark fruit, palate of dark fruit,some leather/roasted meat silky mouthfeel cork was dried and top half crumbled. Saved 1/3 btl under gas for day 2, which was every bit as good, if not better a solid 92-93.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
10/10/2015 - MatsRahm Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent! No problem to keep even longer. Still has lots of fruits and tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2015 - Kentw wrote: 89 Points
More full body with age. Still has nice acidity and dark fruits predominate. Has long finish with sour cherry notes. A bit more austere than my last bottle in 2012.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
6/30/2015 - carstenf wrote: 92 Points
A very drinkable Syrah wine. Too drink now and you will enjoy....
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
5/14/2015 - Svenssonsmakaren wrote: 92 Points
Begynnande mognad, fylligt, varmt och välkomnande. Flaskan försvann i ett nafs, vilket i sig är ett betyg gott som något. Dessutom en rolig överraskning då jag köpte en flaska för fem år sedan och aldrig smakat innan.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/25/2015 - MadisonWIneGuy wrote: 90 Points
This has evolved big-time! Nose is strong after pouring, but fades quickly. Palate remains flavorful. Smoked meat, a little leather, blueberry, blackberry, a little smoky acidity. Impressive. Gave this an 86 two years ago. 90-91 pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/22/2015 - junglejuice wrote: 87 Points
Last bottle and consistent with previous showings. This wine, to my taste, is very indacative of heavy handed wine making which has only become more pronounced with age. The fruit taste is a bit stewed with a heavy handed oak influence. There is some decent red fruit that tries to stick it's head out on the mid palate, but in the end the wine just comes off as thick with notes of charred berries and coffee syrup. I have had this wine a number of times and get none of the notes that other tasters have had - such as bright fruit, bacon fat and herbs, which are typrically notes I love. Perhaps a shipment or two got cooked coming across the pond? With my experience with these - if you like your wine dark and pruney with a solid dose of oak, you will love this. Not bad by any stretch, but not something I would seek out again.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
4/1/2015 - BVal wrote: 90 Points
Last tasted 2.5 years ago; time for a reevaluation.
Color: still very dark ruby -> moderately deep ruby rim. Perfumed bouquet of iodine, cedar, a little vanilla, minerals and leather. Medium bodied wine with excellent acidity. Well integrated wood, earth, dark fruits and a little floral spritz. Moderate tannins are still present with good built-in fruit. This took about 3 hours to open up and was delicious. I think the tannin level is appropriate and will continue to ease gracefully so no worries about the next few years of development. A very good buy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/13/2015 - hesnctrl Likes this wine: 91 Points
PnVnD. Super dark and violet tinged. Great nose with camphor, blueberry, leather. Big and extracted with a plush mouthfeel and super soft tannins. Finishes with just enough acidity. So wanting some grilled lamb chops with this.
Enjoyed in a Riedel Vinum Syrah glass at 63F.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/15/2015 - hsacks Likes this wine: 92 Points
Same as the 5/30/13 bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/12/2015 - EhrlichDY wrote: 89 Points
Similar impression to previous bottles
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/4/2015 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 91 Points
Keeps getting better with age, wish I had more. www.winelx.com
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/6/2014 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
Big, modern wine with dark fruits, good structure, strong earthy notes and good backbone. Thick body. Easy to drink. Held up OK over two days but was getting dustier on day #2. Quality if not terribly exciting wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/6/2014 - amateurwino wrote:
Bold, spicy. Didn't keep detailed notes because I only got a sip but probably my least favorite bottle from a mini-Spanish tasting we had that included some comparably priced Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat and this; a friend who loves bold New World-styled wines really dug this.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2014 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Enjoyed by all. Very smooth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/22/2014 - RichardP wrote: 90 Points
Pop and pour; the bottle was a little warmer than it should have been. Red berry and camphor on the nose; raspberry, white pepper, and a hint of iodine on the palate, with decent acidity. The warm serving temperature seemed to make this more aromatic and spicy than usual, fortunately without accentuating the alcohol. I wouldn't say this is fading, but I think I liked it better when it was young and had more dark fruit. It may yet develop secondary flavors -- but this was my last bottle of the '07; the '08 is up next. I might try decanting to see how it evolves with air. This is an excellent value for the money.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/22/2014 - juffer Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent for the price. Smokey, spicy nose. Medium mouth feel. Great acidity leading to a very long finish. Right now the wine is very primal. It seems to have more than enough acidity to last for many more years. If this gains any complexity as it ages, it will be outstanding.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/25/2014 - bwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Elegant, balanced, complex. Drinking well now, especially on the second night.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/23/2014 - Trolson wrote: 78 Points
I echo a recent evaluation: not as good as previous bottles. May have exceeded drinking window.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/22/2014 - Blauweiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Modern fruit, with balanced use of oak. Rich and rewarding, good stuff!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2014 - David_T wrote: 90 Points
Not quite as impressive as my last bottle, interestingly this one's cork was fine. Complex aromas of earth, dark fruit, leather, barnyard funk and herbs. The palate isn't quite as complex but still shows pleasant earth, herbs and dark fruit. Medium acid/tannins and some oak influence. Drink now-2016.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/27/2014 - RDHudak wrote:
Smooth and delicious.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/22/2013 - EhrlichDY wrote: 89 Points
Juicy and dark fruit complected. Straight forward and simple. Still, this is a satisfying glass of wine for after dinner - I'm not sure how it would do with food. Drink now as it's doubtful this will improve or gain complexity although it's also not in danger of fading.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/20/2013 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 93 Points
Full and rich on the nose, with all sorts of aromas: bacon, charcoal, sweet berries and tapenade. Rich and velvety on the palate with an amazing mouthfeel. Rich boysenberry and blueberry fruit mixes in with plenty of minerals, olives and charcoal. The oak has imparted these walnut, pecan pie and roasted coffee flavors, which are awesome, but there’s a pervasive mineral and crushed rock aspect as well. This is rich and very 2007, but I think the high elevation of these vineyards helps it maintain some crispness. I drank this with my sister and we both loved it. So full of life now, I think this will continue to do well for a few more years. 79% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre and 8% Bobal.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/27/2013 - Trolson wrote: 90 Points
Lovely wine: big nose, smooth, and the taste of Spanish soils.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/25/2013 - BrunelloBob wrote: 89 Points
Back to the first note; I Really like this.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/26/2013 - gcarl wrote: 91 Points
Nothing has changed in my 4/13/13 notes. This cork was also wet nearly to the top.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2013 - BrunelloBob wrote: 88 Points
I liked the last, younger bottle botter.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/25/2013 - oenophilemoose wrote: 84 Points
While I enjoy the integrated subtleties of oak in some wines, I found this to be a very heavy handed effort. A PNP revealed an overly oaked and tannic harshness. After a three hour decant, some of this smoothed out but there were still some edges and the wood continued to over-power the fruit. On day two, the oak influence was transforming to vanilla on the finish…a flavor I don’t particularly enjoy. I experienced the same interpretation on two previous bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/23/2013 - noahbw Likes this wine: 90 Points
Two hours in the decanter. Super dark purple in the glass. Dense and thick. Nose of black pepper, pine sap, oils, dark baking spice, and charred berries. On the palate syrupy espresso notes, with oak and foresty notes. Mature tannin is perfectly balanced. Lush and chewy in the mouth. Finishes with a lot of dark tones and acidity. Enjoyable. PJG: 90
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/24/2013 - blash Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine never disappoints. Spice, berries and smoke flavors with a great finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/24/2013 - Nuromri Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cellared since release. Dinner in the Hamptons. Delicious.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/7/2013 - DoubleMagnum Does not like this wine: 86 Points
Thick, intense and cloying. Uber-extracted. Lacks balance, refinement and subtlety. Not for me. Less is more!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/30/2013 - hsacks Likes this wine: 92 Points
Same as the 4/7/12 bottle except delicious from the moment the wine was poured!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/25/2013 - jdoakpark wrote: 91 Points
Excellent....
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/23/2013 - chayward Likes this wine: 91 Points
This had a really expressive nose immediately upon opening, and it evolved nicely over the next few hours. Dark berries, smoke. Full bodied with a smooth mouthfeel and great tannins. Long finish. Delicious.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/21/2013 - pakabear Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consistent notes, great value!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/12/2013 - RichardP wrote: 90 Points
As usual, bold red and black fruit and pepper, with the alcohol showing through just a bit. I seem to remember this being better a few years ago.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/27/2013 - studleytrey wrote: 89 Points
So my cork was stained 1/4 way up. Modern style here that I would guess Spain or maybe Washington state. Dark fruit, licorice and oak on the nose, and dark fruit, a little mineral, and a touch of oak on the palate. Medium+ body, medium finish. Enjoyable, but lacks complexity and I don't really get the hype on this one. Fine at the $20 sale price for me. 95 is nutty.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/13/2013 - gcarl wrote: 91 Points
Kind of rustic on the nose, extremely dark in the glass, and somewhat disjointed on P&P. But, after being open for 3 hours before a blind syrah/syrah blend tasting, very nice fruit on the nose and palate. Balance was stored under Argon for a day and re-opened. Still more fruit on the nose, still smoother on the palate. A little is left under gas again for another night. This wine really needs air/decanting, both, or time in the bottle to fully show. A great qpr. Note: cork was stained to the top, but it has been kept in perfect conditions for the 4 months I have had it. I hope that others have not been damaged and I can spread out my consumption of the remaining 8 bottles for a few years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/13/2013 - zut alors! Likes this wine: 95 Points
It's been four months since I drank this wine and I remember it well. Just checking the CT community prior to cracking open another Finca tonight. I clearly remember the "boldness, the black fruit, and the pepper" that Madisonwineguy mentioned, and thought it was resolved very nicely, if not completly. It made a lasting impression on my 'palate memory'. Looking forward to tonight's version. If my impressions change, I'll post another note.
The wine looks Purple colored. The legs are Medium. The body is Medium/Full. The wine has Round texture. The wine finishes Medium.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2013 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Ruth and I very much enjoyed this wine. Smooth dark fruit with a long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/4/2013 - RDHudak wrote: 92 Points
Cork stained to the top,but a big wine with balanced tannins and acidity. Medium finish with tons of dark, brambly fruit. Great QPR.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/30/2013 - MadisonWIneGuy wrote: 86 Points
Was disappointed here, but believe it has possibilities. Going to keep the other bottle in the cellar for another year or two minimum. Must agree with amateurwino, this was somewhat bitter on the finish (not much smooth about it). Like the boldness, the black fruit, and the pepper, but this one hasn't come together yet. Maybe some decant time would have been useful here, just PnP on this one. 86 pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/25/2013 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 91 Points
Good stuff.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/11/2013 - jstarnes Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nice big Syrah blend. Ready to drink. Too bold for wife.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/15/2013 - Jonnysul wrote: 89 Points
Really opened up after 45 minutes, had nice structure, length and balance for a $20 bottle of wine, great QPV.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/30/2013 - pakabear Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent notes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/16/2013 - ksde wrote: 91 Points
Another wet cork but a nice wine. There is definitely a difference between a bottle with a 1/4 wet cork (this one) vs. a bottle with a mostly wet cork. If you are holding these, peel of the wrapper and see if the cork is wet. All of mine from two sources had wet corks. Not a wine to hold.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/9/2013 - amateurwino wrote: 86 Points
Has a modern New World syrah feel - dark fruits, oaky vanilla profile buffeted by pepper and licorice notes. Competent but unexciting; bitter on the finish. Fine for the $19 paid, but I had hoped this might turn out to be a gem. Will hold remaining bottles to see if a bit more age helps this. 85-87
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/5/2013 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 90 Points
Similiar note.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/27/2012 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 90 Points
A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark purple in color. A full bodied red blend, with blackberry, blueberry, cherry, vanilla and spice on finish. A very good interesting blend, great QPR.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2012 - ksde wrote: 91 Points
This one was again a wet cork but from a recent purchase from Wine Library. Since two of my separate purchases had faulty corks, everyone should watch this wine. I brought to a family gathering and it compared well against some other good reds.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2012 - tigerpaw75 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Was a few weeks back. Drank with roasted leg of lamb. Remember it being good but not getting to 92 for me. It did have a pretty wet cork but didn't detect any spoilage...have one more to try. I remember the nose being somewhat muted with some earthy/tobacco notes. Was smooth with fine grained tannins but almost seemed the fruit was "faded"...maybe b/c of the cork issue. As others have said, will try to drink my other bottle soon.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2012 - Sakas Likes this wine:
drank Christmas Eve, everyone enjoyed. No specific notes. Drink soon.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/17/2012 - jdoakpark wrote: 91 Points
Great balance nice nose god mouthfeel
Liked it a lot
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/13/2012 - ksde wrote: 89 Points
Another wet cork with the nose getting a bit funky comparative to previous bottles. This cork was wet in a irregular pattern with some areas extending all the way up. Eventually, the funk blew off (decanted) and the palate and nose come together. This wine was definitely a fading version of my previous bottles. Still, not bad :-)
I purchased these four bottles, all with wet corks, from Empire Wine. I suggest inspecting your bottles by peeling the wrapper and shining a bright light on the cork area. I have more on order from Wine Library so my research will continue :-)
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/9/2012 - Kentw Likes this wine:
Similar to last note.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/6/2012 - ksde wrote: 91 Points
The cork had streaks almost to the top so watch out for cork issues. The wine was still fine with a nice palate and nose. The wine streaks in the glass almost seem to contain extremely fine particles but the decanter did not have sediment. This is a good value wine but I don't recommend storing too long. It drinks well now and I suspect that they are discounting this wine because the corks are not holding up. I peeled of the top foil of another bottle, shined a bright light on the cork and I could see the wine stain on part of the cork. I will drink this one soon...
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
12/5/2012 - David_T Likes this wine: 91 Points
The cork on this bottle was completely soaked, but it opened with a pop and didn't seem to affect the wine. The nose on this wine is very dark & complex- blackberry, red & black licorice, a bit of meat, leather & smoke. The flavors are quite meaty/smoky, along with red/dark fruit, a spicy midpalate and an oak-driven finish. My mouth is watering from the acidity, and the finish is medium+ with noticeable tannins. All that said, it is quite approachable now with a bit of air but should easily last 3-5 more years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/24/2012 - Dar3 wrote: 91 Points
91-92. Unique blend, but tastes undoubtably spanish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/16/2012 - Lessthanzero wrote: 92 Points
Darker and more brooding this time, and Iam crazy or is that chocolate I'm smelling?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/12/2012 - Kentw wrote: 90 Points
Very nice wine. Balanced and smooth with sweet black and red fruits, restrained tannins, spice and acidity on the finish. Slightly better on the second day - an hour or two of decanting improves the wine but not bad right out of the bottle. Like a more refined Tres Picos. 90+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/6/2012 - aquaman wrote: 90 Points
Open n decant half bottle.. Drank over 3 hours.. Need air to make it more soft.. Has a back spice taste to it.. Kinda taste like a Cdp 2001
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/5/2012 - benny wrote: 92 Points
Decanted and drank over 2 hours. Evolving to an outstanding syrah.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/1/2012 - junglejuice wrote: 90 Points
Relatively young, undeveloped and primary. Will be better in a couple of years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/14/2012 - tastark wrote: 91 Points
Loved it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/5/2012 - Grape_ape wrote: 89 Points
Nice aromatics, but a little tight and somewhat thin on the palate compared to my recollection of the 2005. Might just be a little shut down and/or in need of a lot more air than I gave it (30 min decant). will wait a year or two on my remaining bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2012 - btanz57 wrote: 92 Points
Solid 92, great QPR!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/29/2012 - sharkarama wrote: 92 Points
Good spices, nice finish, bottle gone in a flash
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/25/2012 - BVal wrote: 90 Points
Color: dark ruby -> bright medium ruby rim. Perfumed bouquet of flowers, cedar, a little vanilla and leather. Medium bodied wine with excellent acidity. Wood was well integrated. Moderate tannins and good built-in fruit. I think this will continue to develop positively. Still fairly young and primary -- retry in ~ 2 years. Great QPR on Cinderella for under $18.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/21/2012 - Lessthanzero wrote: 92 Points
This is 2005 all over again.... Intensely dark purple in the glass, nose of dark fruits and syrah... Medium to big on the palate, a bit concentrated and with enough acidity to offer some longevity. Tannins were there, but well concealed. This was best after having been open for an hour+, or better yet, on day 2...
I'd suggest this has a drinking window that stretches beyond 2015 as suggested on CT.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/17/2012 - Morrillism Likes this wine: 93 Points
A wine like this reminds me of why seeking out new wines can be such a thrill...ridiculously good for $20. Most of the other reviews are quite accurate. Needs an hour+ decant. Bought more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/14/2012 - ICaWineGuy wrote: 91 Points
Had this with tapas and, though it is full-bodied, it was really nice. Nicely integrated, with decent tannins and loads of fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/12/2012 - StainedGlass wrote: 91 Points
Big dark fruit, with nice depth and some earth and spice complexity. I've always found this wine to be well made and a good value, and this 2007 version does not disappoint. A good wine to try if you are in a rut and are looking for something big, interesting but not over the top.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/10/2012 - DoubleMagnum wrote: 89 Points
Modern. Dark. Full bodied. Good concentration. Needs some time. It should pay off.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/5/2012 - RDHudak wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful wine that was loaded with dark fruit, spice and earth. Elegant nose of the same. Surprisingly long finish of the same. Definitely out drinks its $17 price point. 91-92.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/3/2012 - MCrawford wrote: 90 Points
Tons of black fruit. Wonderful body and finish. Plum and black currant on the nose. The color is so dark, it's hard to identify it. My only down comment would be the wine wasn't clear. Lots of suspended sediment, but that might be a characteristic of the wine's style. It was very enjoyable though. Very well made.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/27/2012 - InternationalWineReport wrote: 92 Points
Pitch dark in color, loaded with fresh dark fruits, pencil shavings and sweet currant. This is round and polished with a big time finish. Overall the wine is delicious and very enjoyable. (Drink now)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/17/2012 - Seweint wrote: 92 Points
Delicious and drinking well now, great with grilled meats.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/7/2012 - hsacks wrote: 92 Points
Same as the 4/7/12 bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/1/2012 - Seweint wrote: 91 Points
While I'm sure this will be better with an hour-long decant, it is quite delicious right from the bottle (in a glass, I would add). Delicious notes of dark berries and earthy, this is a great bottle to drink now or hold for several years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/4/2012 - pete s. wrote: 90 Points
Brunello Bob's note is spot on. Exactly what I was expecting and performs well for the price. Loads of dark fruit and spice, full bodied with good structure to balance the richness. Delicious, if not a bit straightforward at this point in time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/26/2012 - BrunelloBob wrote: 90 Points
Midnight black color. Eucalyptus and spearmint in the nose. Loads of black fruit, but with enough tannin to offset. Decent length. Very interesting, if not outstanding wine. Right price. Buy again. 89pts, 90 with some air.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/7/2012 - hsacks wrote: 92 Points
Deep purple/red color. Aromas of black fruits, violets, oak and spices. Rich fruit in the mouth with excellent balance, depth and length and well-integrated tannins. Still very youthful, this very modern styled wine was highly extracted but restrained on the palate and was dellicious to drink after about 20 minutes of decanting. Excellent value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/26/2012 - kdart000 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Plum and violet notes on the nose. Decanted for about an hour and I think it could have used a touch more. Much more aggressive wine when tasted than on the nose. Currants, tobacco and touch of tar which surprised me a bit. Not as well integrated as I might like and a touch hot but a great wine now. I would guess in 6 month to a year we will see improvement. Had the last glass the night after opening and it was improved. The rough edges were gone and it seemed to be much more supple. More raspberry and cherry notes. I would suggest decanting for 2 or 3 hours prior to drinking at this point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/30/2011 - Vpmacedo wrote: 92 Points
I really enjoyed this wine. Dark red color. On the nose, intense black fruit with some chocolate-y background. Had great body, enough to complement a nice braised ossobuco. Would definitely recommend especially given the price tag (<$30).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/28/2011 - Zweder Likes this wine: 89 Points
A mouth full of wine. Young, but already approachable. A bouquet with black fruits, spices and a pleasant dose of oak. On the palate very tasteful. Mainly ripe black forest fruits, herbs and spices again and a very pleasant dose of good acidity. There is good and soft tannin which can handle at least another 4+ years. Very pleasant qpr.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/7/2011 - christophee Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dark garnet with medium viscosity in glass. Pepper, tobacco, hide, bramble, pencil lead and heat on the nose. Ditto the palate with medium/full body. Young, grippy tannin and not much in way of structure. Medium/long finish. Well made, but a bit disjointed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/19/2011 - Christoffer78 wrote: 92 Points
A massive attack on the palate this well-made wine explodes in an array of black pepper, dark brooding fruit and kirsch liqueur. I adored it but a few of the other guests did not appreciate the spiciness and the somewhat edgy tannins... This is still a very young wine which needs to rest for at least 12-24 additional months. Though nothing for the weak or fainthearted it is highly recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/9/2011 - Decanthor wrote: 90 Points
Not as good as the 04, but I loved it nonetheless. This is such a well-made wine. Very rich, mouth-coating body makes it a pleasure to drink. Oak makes it definitely Spanish, but there are enough dark fruits to balance it out. Paired perfectly with a grilled skirt steak. FYI: the wine is best between the 20 to 60 minute mark. Although you can drink it right after popping, this was the prime richness and flavor window for us. After 60 minutes, the finish started to become a bit funky/alcoholic.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/10/2011 - oog wrote: 88 Points
Nose: Cedar, a bit of swampy/forest floor. Black fruit creeps in but the oak is the big story on the nose. Taste: Echoes the nose to a certain extent. Black fruit transitioning to tobacco. Finish is somewhat bitter, with some wood taste, but very long at 25+ seconds. Nice mouth feel, well made, but a little off balance.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/7/2010 - heythatslife wrote: 88 Points
Lots of black fruit, peppery spice, some funk, and oak vanilla. It's well-made, no doubt, but just didn't hold a lot of interest for me on the day. I probably drank it too soon, though, and I bet this will improve.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/26/2010 - RussK wrote: 91 Points
RUSSK Gave this a 3+hr decant and also drank some on day 2. Pretty consistant with the '04, this one may have had less bitterness in the finish, but it may also have been less complex. Overall very satisfying. Nice nose. Fullbodied. Texture = creamy graphite, which I attribute to small crop yields or more Monastrel. Sweet start with a bit of a burnt carmel finish. Would buy again at $26.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/5/2010 - collinb227 wrote: 91 Points
funky, Im a huge fan of Finca Sandoval, but this is different than others ive had
vegetal and funk
I was drinking by a campfire so im not sure I got all the nose i could out of it
my brother in law says it smells like butthole on the nose-(don't ask)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/15/2010 - varnhem wrote: 92 Points
Dark and heavy, could almost be a grenache wine. Dark berries and a hint of vanilla. Really good wine. I will buy more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment