Last of 4 halfsies I picked up for about $10/ea. and I maintain my impression from '16 that the smoky element here is more of a complicating addition than a fault for me. Transparent garnet color. Aromas of smoke, tar, black tea, dry leaves, tobacco, cedar, lemon, dark red fruits, a bit of herbs, and maybe some old potpourri that's been sitting out a while. Medium body, medium (+) acid and finish, with flavors of bourbon soaked cherries, black tea, orange peel, lemon, and barrel spice. Drinking well now and I imagine for at least a few more years anyway. 90-91
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Further to my last TN on this wine on Oct 3 '18: Two more hb during the last week of Dec; no decant, no detectable sediment. This is delicious--I like the smokiness--and I'm reminded of the convenience of half bottles. Solid notable+.
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Bought 9 half-bottles from Wine Library four years ago for 10/hb; this is my third hb. Decanted as a precaution--no sediment apparent on the coffee filter so not needed. Translucent ruby color, highly aromatic of red fruit and smoke, flavor of mature redcurrant and smoke, very good mouthfeel, overall impression is tasty better Burgundian. Fading after two hours. Delicious with simple food: sauteed chicken breast with herbes de Provence, pasta, and steamed green beans and carrots. Stored horizontally in a cool, dark basement since purchase. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this notable+ when considering quality, age, and price.
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(Migration (Duckhorn Vineyards) Pinot Noir Anderson Valley) Medium cherry red color with pale meniscus; smoke, roasted berry nose; smoke, ripe plum palate; medium finish
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10/27/2020 - Oenecnist wrote:
Further to my Note of Aug 18 '19: Another half bottle: till holding well, consistent notes, smoky note seems to be receding. Solid Notable+.
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8/18/2019 - Oenecnist wrote:
Further to my TN of Dec 29 '18: This continues to please with no significant decline--still notable+.
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3/8/2019 - studleytrey Likes this wine: 91 Points
Last of 4 halfsies I picked up for about $10/ea. and I maintain my impression from '16 that the smoky element here is more of a complicating addition than a fault for me. Transparent garnet color. Aromas of smoke, tar, black tea, dry leaves, tobacco, cedar, lemon, dark red fruits, a bit of herbs, and maybe some old potpourri that's been sitting out a while. Medium body, medium (+) acid and finish, with flavors of bourbon soaked cherries, black tea, orange peel, lemon, and barrel spice. Drinking well now and I imagine for at least a few more years anyway. 90-91
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12/29/2018 - Oenecnist wrote:
Further to my last TN on this wine on Oct 3 '18: Two more hb during the last week of Dec; no decant, no detectable sediment. This is delicious--I like the smokiness--and I'm reminded of the convenience of half bottles. Solid notable+.
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10/3/2018 - Oenecnist wrote:
Bought 9 half-bottles from Wine Library four years ago for 10/hb; this is my third hb. Decanted as a precaution--no sediment apparent on the coffee filter so not needed. Translucent ruby color, highly aromatic of red fruit and smoke, flavor of mature redcurrant and smoke, very good mouthfeel, overall impression is tasty better Burgundian. Fading after two hours. Delicious with simple food: sauteed chicken breast with herbes de Provence, pasta, and steamed green beans and carrots. Stored horizontally in a cool, dark basement since purchase. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this notable+ when considering quality, age, and price.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment