Community Tasting Note
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ajbergren wrote: 91 points
September 30, 2018 - Rich ruby red with medium plus to high optical density and brilliant reflectivity. Good intensity and interest on the nose, with candied red fruits, confectionary, and a flourish of floral and forest notes in the background. Fresh on the palate, with full body and bright acidity. The texture is open-grained, and yet tight-grained at the same time- not quite rustic, but not pure polished gloss either- somewhere in between. The tannins are very present, and perhaps need time to be tamed a bit, but at the same time, this complements the very dry nature of this wine, to yield a big, bold, hearty red. Flavours of red fruits (raspberry, bright cherry, and even some strawberry) on the attack, but with some hints of darker fruits hiding below the surface. Very fruit-forward and even mixed with some candied character, although not stewed or dried here- just big and juicy red fruits. The midpalate stays firm in candied fruit, but adds some spicy florals and herbal brush to the mix, providing a good bit of interest. The final transition shows more of the candied red fruits and forest floor as things turn toward a finish of cracked black pepper and a just a touch of smoked meat. Decent length and intensity on the finish. All of the flavours here are interesting and bold, with a layered type of experience (rather than a homogeneous mixture), and some nice tension in the balance of bold fresh fruits, vivid acidity, and firm structure. This provides plenty of interest across the palate, and provides a really modern take on some old world varieties.
Not really an old world Rhone-type wine or a Bordeuax, and not even a super-tuscan, this mixture of 43% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 15% Syrah, is decidedly modern and yet with no new oak, is a refreshing take on this style. And each of the varieties used can be sensed here, making this one an absolute delight and a triumph of wine making for me. So unique and delicious and rich, with interest and boldness, but all in balance and not over the top. Really great wine! Can be cellared for sure!1 person found this helpful 649 views