2003 Toad Hollow Merlot Reserve Richard McDowell Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (5) Avg Score: 89 points

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  6/11/2008 - MagnumGourmet wrote:

  And then the fruit dissapears. Color on the wine still makes me think that it is Pinot. Deep pink, with just a hint of a cherry center. All that was left tonight of this wine was the barrel. Total oak on both the nose and palate. Wasn't bad enough to pour down the sink, but not something that I'd want to drink again anytime soon. Maybe 2003 just wasn't a good year. Would not purchase again.

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  2/8/2008 - steinni wrote: 91 Points

  Excellent... a great merlot

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  8/28/2007 - MagnumGourmet wrote:

  So much better than the last bottle. The color still makes me think that this is actually Pinot Noir rather than Merlot. Lots of oak showing through on the nose and palate. Notes of black cherry and raspberry. Tannins are still somewhat dull. Developing into a nice wine. Would purchase again.

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  12/6/2006 - MagnumGourmet wrote:

  Was hoping for a repeat of the 2000 vintage. This is a much different wine. If tasted blind I would have guessed a pinot noir. Decanted, but no sediment. The color was a light strawberry with a nose that reminded me of candied cherries. Mouthfeel was a bit thin with a slightly higher level of acidity than I would have preferred. Wine smoothed out a bit over a three hour period. Will wait a couple more years to open the next one and hope that it improves. Would not purchase this vintage again, but would purchase the wine.

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  11/18/2006 - careyd wrote: 87 Points

  Ruby to deep garnet color. Clear. Nose of dark cherry, tobacco and some florals and a little alcoholic at first but that blew off shortly. On the palate it had flavors of dark fruits, a hint of blackcurrant and cassis, and medium soft tannins. A bit chewy on the medium-length finish. Not super-impressive, but quaffable. I recommend at least a 1 hour decant to anyone thinking of opening this soon...as the wine really had a little funk right out of the bottle but it all blew away.

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