2004 Hook & Ladder The Tillerman

Community Tasting Notes (9) Avg Score: 86.9 points

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  1/8/2014 - wondersofwine Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Cecil DeLoach, winemaker. 15.4% abv. Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Cabernet Franc 33%, and Sangiovese 17%. Grapes are from Los Amigos Ranch in the northern reach of the Russian River Valley. I purchased this on my first visit to Sonoma County some years ago. I knew at the time that it was a big, robust wine but set it in a box and sort of forgot about it. I thought this might be over-the-hill. Not so.
  Very dark purple color; opaque. The nose reflects currants and dark raspberries. The same fruits show up on the palate along with spices. Fruity, yet drying on the finish when held in the mouth for a bit of time. Appropriate match for roast beef, steak, bison or perhaps lamb chops. Drinking well now, it could probably hold at this level for several more years. I liked this more than I expected to like it. Recommended for those who like to indulge in an occasional "hedonistic" wine.

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  2/17/2010 - agentorange wrote: 90 Points

  A strikingly pretty color. Nose: Bright and big with cranberry and brambles. Very recognizable as "Californian" in style. Big fruit and some oak. Taste: Vibrant black fruit, graphite and Asian spice. Lot's going on, but surprisingly well balanced. Firm tannins, a nice heavy and silky texture and a solid finish. Yum.

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  1/24/2009 - jonb72 wrote: 88 Points

  Dark berries and oak. Opened to drink without food and enjoyed it.

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  5/31/2008 - sjarnold wrote: 84 Points

  Very strong nose filled with fruit and some spice. There was some heat on the tongue with berry flavors. This is a very full wine and will just about dominate any food pairing. Will probably pass on this one next time, too heavy for my tastes.

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  11/25/2007 - winegr wrote: 86 Points

  Some interesting flavors from this blend, but not overall that good. Seemed to really have some bright fruit and oak to balance out some spice. Got worse with air. Not very memorable but pleasant enough.

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View all 9 Community Tasting Notes

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