Similar notes to previous posts but for some reason this bottle was sharper, more intense and just all around slightly better. Excited to open up future vintages.
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This wine was good when it was a few years younger but it's a bit over the hill now. Somewhat sour, the fruit is quite matured and going, tannins are largely gone. Nevertheless it would go well with some rich, meaty foods.
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Crowdpleaser. Dark, rich fruit with pleasant oak notes in the background. Not complex or compelling, but a very nice example of this type of wine. Good QPR for $25 sale price. Less so at full retail.
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Wow! This bottle was very good. Much better than 3 years ago when I first tried it. Fruit is much more integrated. Nice dark fruit flavors. Well balanced.
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This was a bit of a disappointment. Just have a general memory - that I was not impressed. Seemed thin, not a lot to chew on and I had been hoping for more. Possibly a flawed bottle? When I tasted in the store, I had like it a lot.
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This was really a nice blend. Drinks more like a cab than anything -- gave it 1.5 - 2 hours to breathe before drinking. Paired well with grilled filets. Nice QPR. Dark fruits, some cigar box and a bit of pencil lead. Medium finish.
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This is a very big wine, even after a two hour decant. I am not in love with it, especially for the price. I have a few more bottles, and I think I will give this a couple years before trying again.
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Big big Cali. So this is what Cali can do with red grapes other than just cab and merlot. Still a juvenile, this packs a punch on flavor. Big nose as well, with an unusual floral tilt and some sweetness that's not echoed on the palate. I think it's a successful blend - applause. 50/5/13/15/9
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This is quality juice, but, the alcohol heat was overpowering. I'll give my other bottle a few years of rest before coming back. There is a lot of nice cherry fruit, and the tennis were almost tempered.
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Aromas of black currant, plum and some oak spice. Some mineral notes as well with some charcoal and camphor. Firm tannins and acid. Strong frame of minerality. Flavors of dark plum, berry and with a nice woodiness. Some spice and black pepper notes.
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From an interesting blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, 17% Merlot and 10% Malbec, the wine offers ample black pepper, dark berries, jam, vanilla and earth. Medium bodied and ready to go, there is some dryness in the otherwise, ripe, fruit filled finish.
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Not impressed for the price point, easy drinking, fruit was present but not pronounced, light to medium bodied, would be a nice every day drinker but not at this price. high 80s.-S
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Was expecting more. Nice nose on open. Decanted briefly, comsumed over 2 days, no difference either day. Drank well, but for price point have had better. Will be an ok wine to share but not a wine to brag about.
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Seems slightly improved over earlier bottles. Very fruit forward with lots of black currant and sweet berries. Noticeable oak and vanilla that seems to subside with some air. Medium ending. Over priced at $35.
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Black berries and cherries, some Ribena, with spice, white pepper, soft oaking which carries thru the finish. I did not get the heat that some mentioned here.
Good acid, tho still some tannins from the fruit that may take a year or two more to blend in fully.
Good solid finish, medium to long.
This is a very nice bottle of wine, and I think it will still get better.
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wino_tim nailed it, I think. This was consumed over two nights, night 1 showing slightly better. New world, crowd pleasing, with better than average complexity, but at the end of the day nothing memorable and, for my pocketbook, not worth more than $25-$30. 40% Cab Sauv, 33% Syrah, 17% Merlot, 10% Malbec, from 4 different vineyard blocks. 14,5% abv, drink thru 2015. score: B
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Fruit-forward, made in a crowd pleasing style, but well defined with plush, appealing flavors of fresh blackberry jam, currant and spice, this is fill bodied with silky tannins and medium- acidity.
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Decanted 2 hours. Had with grilled ribs. Needed more time. Big wine, heat from alcohol, high percentage of syrah this vintage. Pepper and spice on the nose. Lacks balance. Not nearly as smooth and cohesive as 2005. Haven't yet tried 2006. Another year should help some. Hopefully better today.
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Inky full bodied cuvee with plenty of berries and currant on the nose. Nice mouthfeel with flavors of ripe cherries and blueberries. Medium finish. Mild tannins but a bit on the ripe side for my tastes.
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Inky, glass staining violet. Nose had roast meat and black fruit initially with pure blck fruit with air. Palate showed plum, cassis leather and tobacco. Medium finish. Fleshy, ripe and full bodied with moderate dry tannin. Good with NY strip.
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Delicious. Deep purple-ruby color Intense nose with boysenberry and plum notes. Palate-coating juicy berry flavors with a nice balancing acidity. Medium-length finish. Nice drink with or without food.
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Deep violet color. Nose of blackberry, cinnamon, and glycerin. Palate with lots of blackberry and less cassis. Some vanilla. Acidity is light. Plenty of dry tannin. Medium finish. Paired nicely with filet mignon.
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7/24/2022 - DenverGreek Likes this wine: 92 Points
Similar notes to previous posts but for some reason this bottle was sharper, more intense and just all around slightly better. Excited to open up future vintages.
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11/25/2021 - DenverGreek Likes this wine: 91 Points
Color: Dark & Rich
Nose: Reflects front palate
Front palate: Blackberry, leather, tobacco
Mid palate: Nothing really stands out, most likely due to waiting too long to open
Back palate: Long but something not clearly identifiable finish, also most likely due to over aging.
This wine has good balance and still has good, balanced tannin pairing extremely well with Thanksgiving Prime Rib dinner.
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9/23/2019 - Zinlady wrote: 89 Points
Had tonight with a meaty sauce and it tasted great. Round. Not tannic.
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1/4/2019 - mac-eye wrote: 88 Points
This wine was good when it was a few years younger but it's a bit over the hill now. Somewhat sour, the fruit is quite matured and going, tannins are largely gone. Nevertheless it would go well with some rich, meaty foods.
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7/4/2018 - Tgware1861 Likes this wine:
Annual 4th party at Wineaux Ranch
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11/11/2017 - joet626 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nice taste of dark fruits. Really good
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11/4/2015 - Armando B wrote: 90 Points
Crowdpleaser. Dark, rich fruit with pleasant oak notes in the background. Not complex or compelling, but a very nice example of this type of wine. Good QPR for $25 sale price. Less so at full retail.
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5/1/2015 - joet626 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good. Lots of dark fruit and a long, smooth finish
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11/5/2014 - Winerut Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wow! This bottle was very good. Much better than 3 years ago when I first tried it. Fruit is much more integrated. Nice dark fruit flavors. Well balanced.
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4/18/2014 - tmcg55 wrote: 89 Points
This was a bit of a disappointment. Just have a general memory - that I was not impressed. Seemed thin, not a lot to chew on and I had been hoping for more. Possibly a flawed bottle? When I tasted in the store, I had like it a lot.
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4/13/2014 - ageverett Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with prior notes. Paired well with smoked ribs. Still has some time left in it for bottle aging, but drinking well right now.
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4/7/2014 - Winerut Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine still needs more time. Much better after 2 hour decant where the fruit is more exposed. Will wait at least a year for the next one.
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3/7/2014 - grover91 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent balance - smooth and structured - good fruit and hint of spice
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2/15/2014 - TEKinsider wrote: 94 Points
Dark, rich, big black fruit! Coffee, moca, chocolate and a hint of camphore. Pronounced tannins with a nice long finish.
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11/17/2013 - IGN WINESNOB Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big. Popped and poured. Unique and powerful nose. Smooth pleasant from the start, and nice finish. Has evolved very well.
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10/6/2013 - ageverett Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was really a nice blend. Drinks more like a cab than anything -- gave it 1.5 - 2 hours to breathe before drinking. Paired well with grilled filets. Nice QPR. Dark fruits, some cigar box and a bit of pencil lead. Medium finish.
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2/8/2013 - cbkamp Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bramble fruit, black cherry, cola. Amazing mouthfeel. Deep black fruit, black tea, great balance. Getting better and better.
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12/30/2012 - jlaws7lh wrote: 88 Points
This is a very big wine, even after a two hour decant. I am not in love with it, especially for the price. I have a few more bottles, and I think I will give this a couple years before trying again.
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12/13/2012 - Zinlady wrote: 89 Points
Interesting blend of fruit. Nice body. some harshness alone but with food (meaty spaghetti) much improved. Nice color. Not sure if I would buy again
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10/21/2012 - IGN WINESNOB wrote: 90 Points
Big. Popped and V'd. Unique and powerful nose. Smooth and opened well. Modest finish but nice wine.
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10/8/2012 - jfaulk wrote: 92 Points
Very nice complex wine with wonderful layers of fruit, mineral, oak & leather. Nice medium finish. Great QPR
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8/15/2012 - Johnny C NYC wrote: 92 Points
Big big Cali. So this is what Cali can do with red grapes other than just cab and merlot. Still a juvenile, this packs a punch on flavor. Big nose as well, with an unusual floral tilt and some sweetness that's not echoed on the palate. I think it's a successful blend - applause. 50/5/13/15/9
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8/11/2012 - samiamx_1999 wrote: 89 Points
Rock solid, but not inspiring.
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7/24/2012 - jhieb wrote: 89 Points
This is quality juice, but, the alcohol heat was overpowering. I'll give my other bottle a few years of rest before coming back. There is a lot of nice cherry fruit, and the tennis were almost tempered.
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3/24/2012 - vegasoenophile wrote: 88 Points
Aromas of black currant, plum and some oak spice. Some mineral notes as well with some charcoal and camphor. Firm tannins and acid. Strong frame of minerality. Flavors of dark plum, berry and with a nice woodiness. Some spice and black pepper notes.
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3/15/2012 - Jeff Leve wrote: 89 Points
From an interesting blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, 17% Merlot and 10% Malbec, the wine offers ample black pepper, dark berries, jam, vanilla and earth. Medium bodied and ready to go, there is some dryness in the otherwise, ripe, fruit filled finish.
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1/18/2012 - sasvino wrote: 89 Points
Not impressed for the price point, easy drinking, fruit was present but not pronounced, light to medium bodied, would be a nice every day drinker but not at this price. high 80s.-S
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1/12/2012 - IGN WINESNOB wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Nice nose, simple wine. Drinking well, interesting finish. A great food wine, not sure if worth the $ outlay.
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12/21/2011 - Glharv wrote: 84 Points
Pleasantly earthy nose (after some air exposure). Dry with extreme tannic bite and a medicinal bitterness throughout.
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11/25/2011 - IGN WINESNOB wrote: 89 Points
Was expecting more. Nice nose on open. Decanted briefly, comsumed over 2 days, no difference either day. Drank well, but for price point have had better. Will be an ok wine to share but not a wine to brag about.
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10/15/2011 - wmccone54 wrote: 86 Points
Seems slightly improved over earlier bottles. Very fruit forward with lots of black currant and sweet berries. Noticeable oak and vanilla that seems to subside with some air. Medium ending. Over priced at $35.
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10/2/2011 - Wamrod wrote: 90 Points
Inky dark ruby/garnet with purpling edges.
Black berries and cherries, some Ribena, with spice, white pepper, soft oaking which carries thru the finish. I did not get the heat that some mentioned here.
Good acid, tho still some tannins from the fruit that may take a year or two more to blend in fully.
Good solid finish, medium to long.
This is a very nice bottle of wine, and I think it will still get better.
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9/25/2011 - Tim Heaton wrote:
wino_tim nailed it, I think. This was consumed over two nights, night 1 showing slightly better. New world, crowd pleasing, with better than average complexity, but at the end of the day nothing memorable and, for my pocketbook, not worth more than $25-$30. 40% Cab Sauv, 33% Syrah, 17% Merlot, 10% Malbec, from 4 different vineyard blocks. 14,5% abv, drink thru 2015. score: B
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6/29/2011 - wino_tim wrote: 88 Points
Fruit-forward, made in a crowd pleasing style, but well defined with plush, appealing flavors of fresh blackberry jam, currant and spice, this is fill bodied with silky tannins and medium- acidity.
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5/23/2011 - buckeye76 wrote: 92 Points
MOSTLY CABERNET AND SYRAH, BLACKBERRIES, BLACK CHERRIES, AND CHOCOALTE IN THE NOSE. BLACK CHERRIES IN THE FLAVOR. MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH
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5/16/2011 - dmoes wrote: 88 Points
interesting blend, but pretty harsh on open. Much better on day two. Will buy more and hold.
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5/3/2011 - Rtayloe wrote: 80 Points
Very, very dry with a somewhat rough finish. Consider decanting next bottle.
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5/3/2011 - Rtayloe wrote: 82 Points
Very dry & rough finish.
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5/1/2011 - coreywb wrote: 88 Points
Decanted 2 hours. Had with grilled ribs. Needed more time. Big wine, heat from alcohol, high percentage of syrah this vintage. Pepper and spice on the nose. Lacks balance. Not nearly as smooth and cohesive as 2005. Haven't yet tried 2006. Another year should help some. Hopefully better today.
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2/12/2011 - wmccone54 wrote: 84 Points
Inky full bodied cuvee with plenty of berries and currant on the nose. Nice mouthfeel with flavors of ripe cherries and blueberries. Medium finish. Mild tannins but a bit on the ripe side for my tastes.
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1/26/2011 - dkoontz wrote: 89 Points
Inky, glass staining violet. Nose had roast meat and black fruit initially with pure blck fruit with air. Palate showed plum, cassis leather and tobacco. Medium finish. Fleshy, ripe and full bodied with moderate dry tannin. Good with NY strip.
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12/12/2010 - twinmaple wrote: 93 Points
Delicious. Deep purple-ruby color Intense nose with boysenberry and plum notes. Palate-coating juicy berry flavors with a nice balancing acidity. Medium-length finish. Nice drink with or without food.
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11/16/2010 - dkoontz wrote: 90 Points
Deep violet color. Nose of blackberry, cinnamon, and glycerin. Palate with lots of blackberry and less cassis. Some vanilla. Acidity is light. Plenty of dry tannin. Medium finish. Paired nicely with filet mignon.
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10/31/2010 - Philly-O wrote: 87 Points
A bit pasty, fruit forward, little finish. Will pair it off w/ a nice meal next time. But so far, uneventful.
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