I just read my last note and realized it has been almost three years since I opened the last bottle. Nothing much has changed. Beautiful nose of dark fruit and spice. The pallet is just as expansive without the pepper I expected. Dark fruit and tobacco with a perfect balance of soft tannins with minimal impact by the alcohol (14%). The finish is just more of the same. I think this bottle may be even better than the previous. I would have to say this wine should drink well beyond 2020. This wine offers a good argument to make wines with less alcohol and more finesse.
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After rooting through the cellar I found a mixed case of old Australians purchased from Dan of The Grateful Palate in Oxnard. The cork was in good shape and after opening the wine was a little closed. Within 15' it opened and filled the bowl with mostly primary aromas of cherry. Surprisingly there was little typical pepper and spice on the palate but the continuation of the bright fruits. The alcohol was hardly noticeable and the finish was an extension of the nose and initial taste with soft tannins to round out the experience. This was not at all what I expected however I was not disappointed in what the wine offered. I think at least for the remaining bottles in my cellar the wine will be good for a few more years.
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This seems well past its prime, somewhat flabby and faded but with delicious flavors of black cherry, tar, and grape. Faded more over two hours so I don't think this is getting any better.
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9/20/2019 - MJR21401 Likes this wine: 94 Points
I just read my last note and realized it has been almost three years since I opened the last bottle. Nothing much has changed. Beautiful nose of dark fruit and spice. The pallet is just as expansive without the pepper I expected. Dark fruit and tobacco with a perfect balance of soft tannins with minimal impact by the alcohol (14%). The finish is just more of the same. I think this bottle may be even better than the previous. I would have to say this wine should drink well beyond 2020. This wine offers a good argument to make wines with less alcohol and more finesse.
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11/10/2016 - MJR21401 Likes this wine: 90 Points
After rooting through the cellar I found a mixed case of old Australians purchased from Dan of The Grateful Palate in Oxnard. The cork was in good shape and after opening the wine was a little closed. Within 15' it opened and filled the bowl with mostly primary aromas of cherry. Surprisingly there was little typical pepper and spice on the palate but the continuation of the bright fruits. The alcohol was hardly noticeable and the finish was an extension of the nose and initial taste with soft tannins to round out the experience. This was not at all what I expected however I was not disappointed in what the wine offered. I think at least for the remaining bottles in my cellar the wine will be good for a few more years.
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5/5/2016 - Quiet Lion wrote: 90 Points
This seems well past its prime, somewhat flabby and faded but with delicious flavors of black cherry, tar, and grape. Faded more over two hours so I don't think this is getting any better.
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1/31/2011 - jsully75 wrote: 95 Points
Leaky cork had me nervous, but this was a wow bottle.
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8/23/2009 - buckeye76 wrote: 94 Points
BLACK CHERRIES, LEATHER AND TOBACCO IN THE NOSE. RICH DEEP BERRY FRUIT WITH A TOUCH OF SPICE IN THE FLAVOR. ELEGANT, COMPLEX WINE WITH A LONG FINISH.
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