12/7/2022 - Decanthor Likes this wine:

Very similar notes to the reviewer below me. Practically no nose during the first 15-20 minutes, so give this at least 30 minutes of air. But once it opens up, this is delicious. So many dark berry flavors, yet not brooding. Good secondary flavors coming in to balance against that fruit. So delicious, complex, with a great mouthfeel. I'm an idiot for not buying more.

4/30/2020 - Decanthor wrote:

Like others wrote, it does need a bit of air, as it is very reserved on open. Full bodied, but not heavy at all. Also reserved on the palate, I get dark cherry, violets, white pepper. A little too much on the mineral side for my taste. I don't think it is bold enough to stand up to many of the pasta dishes I make. In fact, a pesto dish mostly overwhelmed it. All this being said, it will have its fans with the correct pairing.

It is definitely not as good as rated by the pros. I will give it some cellar time and try to open it 30-60 minutes early next time.

11/4/2017 - Crasdmek Does not like this wine:

Not good, good initial taste but bad aftertaste that doesn’t go away. Possibly defective.

4/29/2017 - Badmonkey wrote:

It's been around a year since the last tasting of this wine. A neighbor brought this bottle over. Dark black and red fruit - blackberry, currants, and dark cherry. Really smooth mid-palate with decent depth, however, I thought this vintage showed quite a bit more depth and character around a year ago - as the tannins have softened so has the character. Solid finish but not overly long nor deep. Apparently it was decanted for around one hour and we drank it over another two. Not much improvement with time. Maybe a dumb/transition phase but I don't believe so. Although still fairly young, I believe this vintage likely showed its best around a year ago. 80% cab and 20% merlot.

8/19/2017 - Decanthor Likes this wine:

Agree with JVIZ review below mine. This is indeed top-tier shiraz with explosive flavors. This was good on PnP, but really started singing after about 20-30 minutes. 15.5% alcohol was well masked by the delicious plum, dark chocolate, and mild spice notes. Excellent backbone was perfect for a variety of grilled steaks. Lots going on with a nice finish. Just wonderful. I'd buy again without hesitation. 93-94.

6/12/2016 - Decanthor Likes this wine:

A big surprise at this price point. Needs 20-30 min of air to start shining. Great nose. Full bodied with earthy notes along with dark berries. 20 sec finish. This is a steal...blind, I would guess it was double the price. I will buy more.

6/21/2015 - Decanthor Likes this wine:

Although notes are similar to what I wrote on 10/2013, this bottle behaved a bit differently. For the first 30-45 minutes, the wine had a dusty nose. When that blew off, the dark berries were at the forefront. Got a hint of graphite too. Full bodied with the finish on the shorter side.

11/8/2013 - Decanthor Likes this wine:

Wow this is really good and genuinely Rioja. This wine genuinely excited me on the first sip, right out of the bottle (do not decant). Mixed berries on a medium body, with the typical Rioja oak/leather/vanilla notes. A hint of orange as the pro reviewers noted. Extremely smooth on the palate with a crazy, 30-second finish. How can a wine at this price point have that kind of finish? I have three more, but wish I had a case. 91-92.

12/14/2012 - isaacjamesbaker wrote:

Blind Tasting Domestic Pinot Noirs; 12/7/2012-12/14/2012 (The House - Woodley Park): Pretty cherry color, very clear. Soft and inviting on the nose with cherry cola, rose petals and rich soil. Fine-grained tannins and just below medium acid. Juicy flavors of cherry preserves, red plums along with that same rich soil note that’s so nice on the nose. Sweet cherry, earth and mocha carry the finish. A big, fruity pinot with decent structure.