While this is an equal split between merlot and cab franc (+ a tiny bit of cab sauv), the cab franc has all but disappeared in year 8 with the exception of a mild white pepper note. The wine evolved nicely over the course of 5 hours in the bottle and in the glass with each pour. Intense dark fruit (blackberry, plum) + strong tannins at first, this evolves into a compelling nose of graphite, dried herbs, espresso, cigar, dark fruit, baking spices (jelly donut?), and a bit of earthy funk. Taste toward the end of the bottle follows the nose, highlighting the espresso/dark chocolate note. I do wish that either the cab franc had a stronger presence or that it got out of the way and yielded to the power of merlot. I'm guessing a merlot dominant blend would have worked well this year.
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Nearly two years since my last bottle and wow what a difference. It has all come together. Dark and savory, fruit is subtle but there—plum, dark cherry. Really smooth and balanced. Wish I had more.
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Day 1: Wonderful with plum, dust, funk, gravel and exotic spices. Balanced and beautiful finish. One of the better SOH wines I have sampled 93 points Day 2: Good but not as good. A little heat. Spice, cherry, plum, dust and earth. Lost the wonderful funk of day 1. Based on this performance drink up. 90 points Recommendation: Pop and pour and enjoy. This wine will not age too many more years.
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11/22/2021 - kstatejim Likes this wine: 94 Points
Pre vacation bottle. It deserved more of my attention but I’ll be thinking about it once I unwind!
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5/18/2021 - hsacks Likes this wine: 93 Points
Similar to the 11/22/19 bottle and at peak of drinking window.
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11/30/2020 - thirdeye99 Likes this wine: 91 Points
While this is an equal split between merlot and cab franc (+ a tiny bit of cab sauv), the cab franc has all but disappeared in year 8 with the exception of a mild white pepper note. The wine evolved nicely over the course of 5 hours in the bottle and in the glass with each pour. Intense dark fruit (blackberry, plum) + strong tannins at first, this evolves into a compelling nose of graphite, dried herbs, espresso, cigar, dark fruit, baking spices (jelly donut?), and a bit of earthy funk. Taste toward the end of the bottle follows the nose, highlighting the espresso/dark chocolate note. I do wish that either the cab franc had a stronger presence or that it got out of the way and yielded to the power of merlot. I'm guessing a merlot dominant blend would have worked well this year.
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7/24/2020 - Decanting Queen Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nearly two years since my last bottle and wow what a difference. It has all come together. Dark and savory, fruit is subtle but there—plum, dark cherry. Really smooth and balanced. Wish I had more.
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7/22/2020 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 93 Points
Day 1: Wonderful with plum, dust, funk, gravel and exotic spices. Balanced and beautiful finish. One of the better SOH wines I have sampled 93 points
Day 2: Good but not as good. A little heat. Spice, cherry, plum, dust and earth. Lost the wonderful funk of day 1. Based on this performance drink up. 90 points
Recommendation: Pop and pour and enjoy. This wine will not age too many more years.
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