4/1/2019 - sasfunguy wrote:

Clear, light garnet to a watery rim showing faintly desiccated, mature red and dark fruit, cherry, plum, dried herb on the nose complemented by pronounced earthy, leather, tar. Confirmed on the palate the wine offers a soft entry with focused savory flavors confirming the nose; oak and alc well integrated; medium tannins, medium+ mouthwatering acid with a short finish; this is still a very good simple wine 86-89pts; drink what you have; this wine is peaking with tertiary flavors and acid keeping our attention yet breaking down with signs of pigment separation and a watery mouthfeel (that is not acid); best-served 65-68F (18-20C) with acidic foods; enhance a simple lasagne and enjoy!

3/2/2019 - sasfunguy wrote:

Tight on open, unremarkable hints of red fruit, raspberry, violets, menthol, licorice, bell pepper, better as it came to room temp and 3 hours. Immediate attack of sour cherry, cranberry, and a lean acidic mouth watering backbone, moving to tongue coating chalky limestone, crushed rock fine tannins and a lingering finish. Hmmm? JG93+ to 2050, not sure there. But enjoy it for the style it is! CF had a good show in 2015 with the mostly hot-dry season.

2/27/2019 - sasfunguy wrote:

At 10yr old, fruit has taken a backseat, vegetal qualitites and pyrazines have softened; deep ruby color and remains intense, no bricking at rim, med-high acid, high alcohol, grippy pencil lead tannins

5/26/2017 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

Believe the hype. This wine is magic right now. Pull them and enjoy!

3/25/2017 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

While not their reserve, winemaker @gregmatiko and team offer great QPR in the 2012. In 30 min out of the bottle it is a welcome deep ruby color with a knock out nose of black currant, black olive, baking spice, cranberry, cedar, and a touch of vanilla. The entry is supple, light and watering through the mid-palate and finishing smooth, round with integrated oak and medium tannins. Nice touch of lingering red fruit, red plum and gentle tartness on exit! An overall balance to this wine is perfect for lazy, mid-day weekends or even mid-week with its 13.9 abv.

2/15/2017 - sasfunguy wrote:

Needs food. Very Angular. Dbl decanted. Gave it a chance but not integrated at all. Not my wheelhouse.

2/11/2017 - sasfunguy wrote:

meh. my first bottle was not bad. this is an interesting blend cab sauv and petite syrah. the fruit is a bit baked (missed on harvest?), soft entry, nothing in the mid and a real iffy finish...don't get me wrong, it's drinking ok, just needs a protein or cheese to help it. if you like a softer, non-oaked cab with a bit of angular structure it's ok (or avg).

10/26/2015 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

92+ Opaque, dense, layered and voluptuous. Dbl decant and allow 2-4 hours to open. Super concentrated cherry, blackberry, spice and tar with a long finish. Revisit from 2017-2022.

10/22/2015 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

Best paso cab I've had. This is a big wine that is easily ready now and to cellar for the next 10-15 yrs. go get this wine. So approachable and for $20-$30 now it will not be that price for long. The fruit, spice, oak, alcohol and tannins are so well integrated. Buy a case. You will not be disappointed. 2014 should be a great year for the Adelaida District.

10/13/2015 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

decant and give it time to open. At pop it's sharp and herbaceous on the nose; almost oddly Pinot noir-ish. In 1-2 hours nice dark fruits, blackberry, plum and leather come forward with much better integrated flavor, oak, and tannin. Not a huge wine for sure as it has very little mid-palette and an extremely soft finish with little lasting fruit. Still a good weekday wine to pair with most anything.

10/4/2015 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

give this a day or more to open otherwise it is very tight and closed off. Well balanced and good fruit with medium tannins. Good value for $20.

9/28/2015 - sasfunguy wrote:

Ok attempt. Dark color, good nose but very tight and closed on the palette. Long finish. One dimensional. Decanted.

9/14/2015 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

Great value here! Fantastic fruit and typical approachable Gainey style, but enough tannins for a good finish. Wow this could be worth a case purchase!

8/23/2015 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

Excellent and drinking well. Lots of black fruit on the nose and palette. Medium finish. Not over oaked! Get this wine and share with friends.

8/2/2015 - sasfunguy wrote:

Could agree with others as an everyday wine; although do know that it’s much more earthy and full bodied than its Pinot Noir parent. This wine has an excellent deep red color with a nose that’s a bit closed. Even after 2 hours open, faint hints of banana and rust appear. Upon open and first taste—and later confirmed—this wine is fairly one dimensional without a noticeable mid-palette. The dark fruit hits and dissipates with only a right-hook smashing your mouth with its long dry finish. Overall I’m neutral; this is a decent wine that will complement rich, mouth-watering foods.

3/23/2014 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

A 100% Zin that is accessible, having well integrated acid and tannin in body with a polished style that is clean and well made. Perhaps a hallow mid-palate (now), but structured and persistent with fine-grained tannin without being too chewy. On first open, expected to be hot and bright from the nose, it is not. It softens with a smooth mouth-feel, that is absent any burn on the back. With further cellaring, this wine may open, exposing further blackberry and cherry flavor. Enjoy now and for the next 3-5 years.

1/17/2014 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

WOW

12/31/2013 - sasfunguy Likes this wine:

Ready now. Age has likely softened this wine; now with light-medium tannins, deep color and an even structure. On first open, the nose is rich with berries, chocolate and somewhat dusty. Yes, the palette is a bit one dimensional without a huge finish on the back, yet has very good balance overall...would share with others!