Softer and rounder overall from my last note (circa 2011), but the same mix of flavors. The total experience is, on the whole, similar but more refined. Drinking well now, and I'd consume over the next 18 months or so (YMMV).
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Deep crimson purple. Nose is some blackberry, alcohol, pencil box. Full mouthfeel, a touch over-ripe. Compared to recent Ribera del Dueros we have enjoyed this is a bit plummy-syrupy. Lacks the exuberance and freshness I find from the Spanish wines. Lacks a balancing acidity on the backend. Tannins are there, just can't overcome the rich sweet fruit. Fine but not a wine I'd seek out again, especially if given the Spanish alternative.
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Nose is a complex mix of blackberry, leather, earth, and red fruit aromas. If you don't let this wine breathe, you'll be overwhelmed by the tannins, but after a few hours it softens up and is rather pleasant. Blackberries predominate, with some subdued spice and earth providing balance. There is a long, spicy finish with a strong dose of tannins (even after breathing). It's good now, but it still has many years left.
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A day in the valley (Dundee Hills, OR): nose: robust and rich nose filled with tones of black cherries, graphite, blackberries and some tones of dark fruits
taste: full bodied with big and chewy tannins that show off how young it is. Medium+ acidity along with balanced and powerful tones of black cherries, graphite, and dark red fruits
overall: This was very young, but very impressive. There was good depth on both the nose and palate. It would be very interesting to see where this goes in a few years
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Dundee Hills Passport Tour (Dundee Hills, Oregon): This has an incredibly dark nose, showing blackberries with maple surrounding them all sitting on a strip of hot asphalt. The oak is full on the palate, coupled with dark cherry flavors and apples. The apples and cherries are both showing fruit and skin character. The tannins here are full, but they stop short of becoming overbearing, which is nice to see in Oregon Tempranillo! The acidity contributes well. The overall experience is really big, but that's somewhat expected from this grape. I can see it benefiting from some age as well.
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6/9/2015 - Jake112380 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Softer and rounder overall from my last note (circa 2011), but the same mix of flavors. The total experience is, on the whole, similar but more refined. Drinking well now, and I'd consume over the next 18 months or so (YMMV).
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10/6/2014 - Atwellian wrote: 85 Points
Deep crimson purple. Nose is some blackberry, alcohol, pencil box. Full mouthfeel, a touch over-ripe. Compared to recent Ribera del Dueros we have enjoyed this is a bit plummy-syrupy. Lacks the exuberance and freshness I find from the Spanish wines. Lacks a balancing acidity on the backend. Tannins are there, just can't overcome the rich sweet fruit. Fine but not a wine I'd seek out again, especially if given the Spanish alternative.
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10/21/2011 - Jake112380 wrote: 90 Points
Nose is a complex mix of blackberry, leather, earth, and red fruit aromas. If you don't let this wine breathe, you'll be overwhelmed by the tannins, but after a few hours it softens up and is rather pleasant. Blackberries predominate, with some subdued spice and earth providing balance. There is a long, spicy finish with a strong dose of tannins (even after breathing). It's good now, but it still has many years left.
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7/29/2011 - KeithAkers wrote: 90 Points
A day in the valley (Dundee Hills, OR): nose: robust and rich nose filled with tones of black cherries, graphite, blackberries and some tones of dark fruits
taste: full bodied with big and chewy tannins that show off how young it is. Medium+ acidity along with balanced and powerful tones of black cherries, graphite, and dark red fruits
overall: This was very young, but very impressive. There was good depth on both the nose and palate. It would be very interesting to see where this goes in a few years
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4/16/2011 - subtlet Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dundee Hills Passport Tour (Dundee Hills, Oregon): This has an incredibly dark nose, showing blackberries with maple surrounding them all sitting on a strip of hot asphalt. The oak is full on the palate, coupled with dark cherry flavors and apples. The apples and cherries are both showing fruit and skin character. The tannins here are full, but they stop short of becoming overbearing, which is nice to see in Oregon Tempranillo! The acidity contributes well. The overall experience is really big, but that's somewhat expected from this grape. I can see it benefiting from some age as well.
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