8/26/2023 - sfwinelover1 wrote:

The sad descent of this case, excellent for first 9 bottles over close to a decade, observed in a TN from 2 months ago, continues, with similar but even more diluted notes (maybe 92 on opening, 90- by night 2 with pretty much everything faded. These last 2 bottles, and presumably my final one, which will be consumed post haste, have taught me at least 2 things: 1) since I like to vary my quaffs spreading out consumption of the same cuvee, particularly of the same vintage, I should buy in lots of 6 or less, even with a lot like this, which was bought on release, and 2) when a bottling is drinking well with its elements integrated, drink up; speculating on how long that vintage of that wine will continue to excel isn’t a science, isn’t an art, and under any circumstances, is above my pay grade. I’m hoping that the ‘12, ‘13 and ‘16 of this cuvee, of which I have multiple bottles of each, is longer lived, but under any circumstances, I won’t tarry.

6/18/2023 - sfwinelover1 wrote:

Short note: brought to Thomas’s birthday garden party; aerated for about 90 minutes beforehand. Well balanced on initial taste, with decent tannic structure, light acidity, dark fruit, dark earth, spice, graphite. Not getting the alcohol others are. Not terribly delineated—perhaps because of the relatively equal percentages of CS, CF and Merlot, although that’s not always the case with similar blends—nor complex, but enjoyable. Had with bread, cheese and similar snacks, which it complemented, and think it would be fairly versatile with the usual BDX-adjacent foods or on its own. Not sure where others are seeing upside from here, but should hold well for 5 years or so if decently stored. I wouldn’t get up on a soapbox or anything about this, but at $25-30 from online wine discounter #1, this punches at or a bit above its weight and serves the purpose of being something better than decent to bring to non-wine loving friends while having something that’s not a chore to sip. 90+

7/31/2021 - SSGibson Likes this wine:

really loving this Oregon PN and already searched to see if I could buy more, to no avail : (

5/6/2019 - GaryHOhio Likes this wine:

Upon open there was an offensive odor and taste. Hard to distinguish. I decanted and checked 30 minutes later. Still present. Decided to put it back in the bottle and off to the restaurant with a backup bottle. Hoping. Decanted at restaurant and let it sit through first two courses. When our steaks were served it was beautiful. No odor just that typical blue and black fruit of Shiraz. Wonderful nose and 20 second finish. Nice balance. No heat. Great with steaks. It continued to improve the rest of the night and was just delicious with our chocolate lava cake. Wish I had more.

10/16/2016 - guribh Likes this wine:

Very classy. Would put against (really alongside...) big house champagne and it will hold its own. Fine, delicate nose of white flowers, apple and a hint of yeast. Bubbles are possibly a tiny bit larger, but overall very classy. Got as a gift so not sure where it falls on the price scale. Have not seen it online (not even on Gruet's own website), so would appreciate additional info..

1/27/2015 - fm1488 Likes this wine:

So this was a suRaprise as I thought I was grabbing a white Sancerre which my wife and I both enjoy. Wine is branded a rose but it leans more red. Translucent ruby typical of a light claret. It's got the Pinot character. Hint of floral and dried plum on the nose. But there is also a hint of cheddar and fresh sawdust. All very subtle. Flavor are a combination of just ripe strawberry and dash of cherry. Seems low - moderate acidity. Medium body. Well balanced with a simple finish that suits the wine. This is a specific occasion wine and for an afternoon bottle in spring like whether sitting in my sunroom with Andre Bocelli in the background, it was a very nice fit. Would fit nicely with an English cheddar.

7/6/6/6/5

1/25/2015 - RPerro Likes this wine:

Did the "Mollydooker Shake" to release the nitrogen in the wine. Definitely a difference before and after the Shake. Massive bruiser of a wine...16% abv (and shows it), but strangely I really liked it. Abundant blackberry fruit, cracked pepper and sweet vanilla. Finish showing lots of milk chocolate. Very tasty if over the top. Would buy again.