2/11/2013 - dsmith1970 wrote:

OMG!!!! I've held on to this bottle for good reason. Jancis Robinson says this bottle was prime 2009 to 2011...she got this one wrong, I've had it then and now. Full of fruit, black cherry, over ripe blueberry to a hint of annise finishing with a bit of charcoal or graphite...amazingly balanced, so full off fruit, minimal tannins, ripe and robust. The cork was Black in color after opening....Darioush and Burly were my favorite until now...holy crap!!!!

4/14/2008 - dsmith1970 Likes this wine:

This was the only year Merlot was ever added to the Private Reserve. This bottle was very tannic yet mild, palate was slightly smokey with red currant and other dark fruit. Color was a rich, red brick...once the wine sat in the glass for about 20 minutes, a hint of anise emerged.