Although I was not able to detect any flaw in this bottle, I am not adding a numerical score because my impressions are so different from other commenters. That said, this was not enjoyable bottle. Color was dark purple with no bricking, nose was rather mute with nothing much but some subdued blackberry and tobacco. The palate had a distinct note of burnt toast and something else I can’t quite put a finger on, maybe coffee grounds? My sense is that this wine was put together well for consumption at a young age and with fading of the fruit after nine years, things got all out of balance with the oak overwhelming the other components of the wine. This is probably not a wine for long term cellaring.
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A few years has been good for this wine. Dark chocolate, coffee, black fruit and wood spice on the nose. Weighty on the palate with more dark fruit and spice. Fine tannins and nice length to finish. Good balance.
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A very nice wine with compost and fruit on the nose. In the mouth, there were soft but noticeable tannins in tandem with rich acidity supporting earthy fruit flavors and a medium finish. Well balanced and food friendly.
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(L'Ecole No 41 Merlot Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley) A moderately aromatic wine with cedar, raspberries, herbal tones, and medicine cabinet notes. The palate is soft and lush with smooth tannins and rich red fruit flavors. 76% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in French oak (40% new). 14.5% alcohol. 1,190 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.
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2/10/2018 - Momus99 Does not like this wine:
Although I was not able to detect any flaw in this bottle, I am not adding a numerical score because my impressions are so different from other commenters. That said, this was not enjoyable bottle. Color was dark purple with no bricking, nose was rather mute with nothing much but some subdued blackberry and tobacco. The palate had a distinct note of burnt toast and something else I can’t quite put a finger on, maybe coffee grounds? My sense is that this wine was put together well for consumption at a young age and with fading of the fruit after nine years, things got all out of balance with the oak overwhelming the other components of the wine. This is probably not a wine for long term cellaring.
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2/16/2016 - dpolivy Likes this wine: 91 Points
A few years has been good for this wine. Dark chocolate, coffee, black fruit and wood spice on the nose. Weighty on the palate with more dark fruit and spice. Fine tannins and nice length to finish. Good balance.
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9/26/2014 - Radboy wrote: 88 Points
A well balanced and easy drinking wine. I think it could use a bit more depth to satisfy my palate.
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5/23/2014 - Baerst wrote: 94 Points
This was a fantastic bottle of Merlot. Not too strong up front or sweet and a ton of earth underneath.
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3/23/2014 - Tudz Drkl Likes this wine: 90 Points
A very nice wine with compost and fruit on the nose. In the mouth, there were soft but noticeable tannins in tandem with rich acidity supporting earthy fruit flavors and a medium finish. Well balanced and food friendly.
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