4/26/2024 - jdjjadair wrote:

TC’s Production Notes:

The 2021 vintage came after a chilly, relatively dry winter, the exception being a single storm that dropped more than a foot of rain on us in late January. The cold, dry winter produced a fruit set with smaller clusters and smaller berries, and yields were down about 25% compared to our average. The growing season was ideal, with each hot stretch followed by a cool period that allowed the vines to recover, and that combined with the low yields to produce some of our most intense fruit ever and our highest average acids since the chilly 2011 vintage. We believe that 2021 has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster year.
As always, the Esprit is based on the red fruit and meatiness of Mourvedre (35%). The relatively equal proportions of Grenache (26%, for sweet spice and bright acids) and Syrah (23%, for dark color and savory, tannic richness) are a good indicator of the vintage's overall balance and quality. This also seeméd to be a great vintage to lean into three of our more trace varieties, and we used all our Vaccarese (7%, for black fruit and minerality) and Cinsaut (5%, for warm purple fruit and sweet spice) as well as 4% Counoise for vibrancy and wildness. This blend produced something both intense and fresh, complex and yet pure. The wine's components were selected for Esprit, blended in June 2022 and aged a year in foudre before bottling in August 2023.
2950 cases produced.

4/24/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Pretty thin at this point. Very tight on opening but black fruits with a little bit of spice begin to emerge after an hour of decanting. Surprisingly acids and tannin still present and in balance. Day two the black fruit was a bit more pronounced as the acid receded. Tannin provided a nice backdrop for red meat, but the finish was pretty short. All in all not a bad bottle for 13 years old that probably wasn’t meant to age this long. Enjoy now.

4/16/2024 - jdjjadair Does not like this wine:

Just bad wine. Some discernible blackberry and dull cherry, chalky tannins and flat acidity. Virtually no redeeming qualities. This is why people dislike wine, and if this was what good wine was like I'd not drink it as well. Use it as a stew base if necessary.

4/4/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Very closed on opening but finally came alive after one and a half hours. Tart cherry and some blue fruits were soft but tannin softer and acid low and well balanced. Finish is short but pleasant. Drink now before it is gone.

3/31/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Magnum, decanted for an hour, no sediment to speak of - still lots of acid, tannins fairly well resolved, tart cherry and a little strawberry on the nose, confirmed by the palate along with a little leather and herb (oregano or thyme). Held up well to leg of lamb. Can't believe this will get any better. Drink it now if you have it.

3/7/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Drinking well. Acid is bright and tannins in balance. Cherry and Raspberry on the nose and confirmed on the palate. Finish is moderate. Starting to develop a slight bit of tertiary flavors of leather and mushroom. Not terribly complex but worth opening if it is in your cellar. Might have another couple of years but I doubt there will be much more development.

2/29/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Wow! My first Bourgueil and what an interesting wine. The nose is very aromatic with cherry and currant. The barnyard, spice and a hint of ripened fruit are immediate on the nose and confirmed on the pallet. Finish is pleasant and moderate. Tannins still very present but resolving nicely. Still plenty of acid as well. Served with a sirloin steak finished in butter and thyme and it was an excellent accompaniment. I would expect the earthy notes to continue to develop with time; doubt I’ll let my remaining two bottles go more than two years. You won’t be disappointed if you drink it now.

1/28/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Classic Turley, big fruit, low acid and tanin. There is no surprises in this wine and didn’t disappoint. Accompanied a hardy meal of tri-tip and sides; it was a perfect companion.

1/28/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

I agree with the last review so no reason to be repetitive. This wine is a testament to the craftsmanship of Arrowood. Still very pleasant fruit left in this wine and the acids and tannins are very muted at this point. Lots of tertiary undertones that you get to experience as the primary tastes rather than having to search for them in the finish.

One word of warning. The cork on this bottle was nearly rotted through, only the top quarter inch or so was left fully intact. Having said that, the wine exhibited no flaws as a result. If you still have it, don’t deny yourself any longer. Enjoy now.

1/21/2024 - jdjjadair wrote:

Agree with the recent critical observations. A bit overly acidic and fruits are thin, finish is short and unmemorable. If you still have it, drink it now, pair it with acidic foods but don’t expect it to add a lot to the meal.

1/15/2024 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

A lot to like here and very much at the top of its game IMO. Sediment in the bottle consisted of large solids. Wine was decanted for an hour (~60 degrees on tasting), there was tart cherry on the nose with lots of earthy notes like forest floor, mushroom, tea and some leather. All together very appealing. Taste confirmed the nose plus some light raspberry and cherry. Body is medium, smooth texture, acid and tannins still present but taking a backseat. Finish was medium and consistent. I have one more bottle and will drink it this year.

12/1/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Second bottle was far better. Still fairly thin but black cherry and some earthy undertones were present; tannins were well integrated. Color was relatively light and finish medium and consistent. Was far better with food as the acid helped balance the red meat sauces. No need to hold on to the is one; I highly doubt better days are ahead.

11/19/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Ugh. Thin, astringent and bitter. Cork was perfect but the bottle was clearly flawed. Hoping the remaining bottles are ok.

10/28/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Still holding big berry but well balanced at this point. Benefited from a full hour of decanting. Tight on the open but became aromatic and full with time. Typical berry as anyone would expect but a little maturity with some earth and mushroom on the finish. Perfect with tri-tip. No need to wait any longer.

10/26/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

JN with pork and sweet potatoe soup.

8/17/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

No reason to wait. I generally agree with the recent reviews so no additional comments needed. Fruit is fading and tannins are generally resolved. Palate is still pleasant but not remarkable in any way. Drink now but don't buy it.

7/24/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Excellent. Tannins are still very much present but resolving nicely. Fruit of blackberry and cherry perfectly balanced. definitely benefited from an hour and a half decant; served with grilled ribeyes. Drinking very well and might improve a little but I’ll drink my last bottle within two years.

7/14/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Still ok but drink it now if you hold it. Fruit is muted, acid is very light, tannins gone. Was still a little tight on opening and benefited from an hour of decanting.

7/11/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Still holding up well but likely no more than a year left before it loses its fruit and balance. Tannins nearly gone but acid still present. I didn't get the strong Vanilla notes of the previous review. Raspberry and Cherry on the nose and palate. Finish is moderate and consistent. Enjoy now.

7/2/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Excellent; wish she was still making wine. Plenty of tannins left to age another 5ish years +-. Solid Cab forward wine that has become very well balanced. No need to wait any further to drink unless you want to but drinking excellently now.

6/25/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

OK, not great, decent value, still some acid and tannins but at the end of its life, needs an hour to open, mostly cherry with a little earthiness on the nose and palate, medium finish but pleasant. Drink now.

6/18/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Decanted for 3 hours; bottle has been well aged with moderate sediment. Beautiful crimson color with great clarity. Typical blackberry, cherry and vanilla nose; similar on the palate with some black pepper and a bit of earthiness/mushroom. Finish was moderate and very pleasant. Tannins are still quite evident, even after the decant, I would expect it to hold up and continue to improve for quite a while. I did not get the over oaked taste or maybe just don't mind a little oak. Enjoy now or later; don't think you can go wrong at this point.

5/14/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Still holding up some strawberry and other light red fruit. Acid is still present. Very surprised it has held up. Drink it if you still hold it.

4/28/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Drink it now. All tannins are fully integrated at this point. Ripe Blueberry and Strawberry are sill perceptible but very, very soft. Easy drinker to PNP but won't add anything to a meal.

5/4/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Recently acquired five bottles in a nonprofit fundraiser. Happy to see this one still holding up but certainly nearing the end of its drinking window. A good weekday pnp with acid still present and mellow blueberry and blackberry. The body is on the lighter side but still tangible and a short but consistent finish. I won't let the remaining four bottles see the end of this year.

Oct 13 - still drinking well. Seems to have benefited by settling after being moved. Blackberry and blueberry store present, finish is a little longer. Overall mouth feel has improved with less chalky feel. Still will not let them see 2024 but looking forward to the remaining bottles.

4/27/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Happily surprised it is still drinking well. I doubt that it will get any better and might have two years on the outside before deteriorating too much. Dark garnet red in color, dark fruits on the pallet with a short finish, acid and tannins are still present which gives me hope for a little more time to get through the remaining four bottles. Good companion to red sauces and grilled meats. Don’t hesitate to drink now.

Update: Four days after opening using an inert gas to seal (not always a fan of results) and the wine has held up very well. Lost some of the fruit but maintained acid and tannin and was a good accompaniment to a Tuscan bean soup.

4/23/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Pleasantly surprised: Acquired 4 btls included in a cellar purchased at a non-profit auction. The wine was represented as cellared well. Opened at roughly 55 degrees and tasted on opening; it was fairly flat with no discernible fruits on the nose or palate. Let air for 30 minutes and Blueberry and light Raspberry started to become evident. Aired another 30 minutes and the wine really opened up with meaningful blueberry and even a little backbone (tannins and acid). Served with light meats and cheeses over the following hour and it held up well; consumed about half the bottle. Used an inert gas preservative and held at 55 degrees for the following two days. Second opening never regained the first night's profile but I am excited to open the next three bottles (soon). I have to say after 10 years this vintage held up well. Congratulations to the Dry Creek team.

4/18/2023 - jdjjadair wrote:

Drinking far better than the ‘16. Acquired four bottles recently in a nonprofit auction. Represented to be cellared well. There was significant sediment, much of it on the cork, so I presume it has been laid down consistently for a number of years. Tannins and acid still present, will probably make it another year, possibly two. Dark fruit, raspberry and blueberry, with a bit of strawberry as it finishes. Starting to gain brown colors, but still quite clear. I get a little bit of good funkiness, the finish is medium and pleasant. If you still own it don’t wait, I can’t imagine it will get any better.

4/18/2023 - jdjjadair Does not like this wine:

Gone. We recently acquired a moderate sized wine collection at an auction supporting a local non-profit. While I trust that the collection had been cellared well (the purchase included the wine storage unit), these 5 bottles are well past their prime. The wine has little left in any form of character or taste. Virtually no perceptible acid so it won't be much to cook with either. Bid the 642 bottles left in CT cellars au devoir.

4/10/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

First bottle of Pinot Meuniere. The similarity to Pinot Noir is very clear although this wine was less acidic, and very little tannins. Mostly blueberry with a little bit of earth, the finish was moderate and very consistent. All around a good wine and I’ll look for more in the future. Drink this one now. Doubt it will improve.

3/8/2023 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Drinking exceptionally well; PNP. Very balanced with blueberry and raspberry on the nose followed by ripe berry and a little earth/mushroom on the palate. Medium bodied with balanced acidity and a moderate finish but solid through out. Do not hesitate to drink now.

12/29/2022 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Outstanding. Very well balanced. Moderate stone fruit that resolved with subtle grasses. Just the right touch of acid to hold up to shellfish pasta with light red sauce. Would buy more if available. Drink within the next year.

12/26/2022 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Ripe, deep blackberry as expected from Turley. A classic Turley Zin, has been one of our favorites over the years and this one did not disappoint. Decanted for 3 hrs. Tannins we’re well balanced, finish was long and ultimately developed some subtle earth notes. There are probably two to three years left but it is drinking well now so no need to wait IMO.

8/21/2022 - jdjjadair wrote:

Drinking well, no need to cellar further. Tannins are light, acidity is well balanced, notes of dark cherry and tart berries, very little earth, tobacco, etc. medium finish but very nice. Enjoy it with a light dish of your choice.

3/28/2022 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Shockingly still good. Light blueberry and cherry but balanced, medium finish resolving with pleasant acidity, virtually no tannins, if you still hold it drink now.

11/26/2021 - jdjjadair wrote:

Drinking in its prime. Still nicely balanced, fruit is still prominent but has melded well with earth notes. Might last another year or two but no reason to wait.

4/24/2021 - jdjjadair wrote:

Surprisingly still good. Nearly all of the ripe berry was gone but lots of complex earth notes left.

1/16/2021 - jdjjadair wrote:

As expected very soft and fruited but past its prime. Blueberry is the prominent fruit but a bit flat. Keep your expectations low and drink now. Drinking like a $15 bottle.

12/25/2020 - jdjjadair wrote:

Magnum. Still well fruited and balanced. Cellared very well. I have one more and will drink within the year.

12/13/2020 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Decent but nothing you will remember next week. Drink now.

12/13/2020 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Magnum, cellared well. held up exceptionally well. Allowed to decant for two hours. Fruit was still very present but soft and supple. Finish was unexpectedly long and complex. Sweet cherry and earthy. If you still have it enjoy.

11/12/2020 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Purchased on release and cellared well since. Big fruit, well balanced but will continue to age well for several years. Let it open!!! First taste was very tanic and little fruit on the palette. Gave it an hour and the fruit came forward nicely. Likely the remainder of the bottle will be better tomorrow.

9/4/2019 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Drink now. Still balanced with no heavy fruit but should not be held any longer. Enjoyed with steak, cauliflower mash and asparagus. Paired well but not the star of the meal.

8/19/2019 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Solid and easily approachable. Drank it with several rich red meats and it held up well. Not a stuffy wine for sure. Berry was front and center but not overpowering. Enjoy now.

3/10/2019 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Good not great. Holding up well.

1/29/2019 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

IMO good but not great. This was a really decent wine but not worth the hype. The nose was more complex than the wine on the pallet. If anything I would give it another 5 years to soften the tannins. I have plenty of $40 cabs that would match it in a blind taste. Great as a gift but not worth the price to purchase today.

11/24/2018 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Well balanced with typical Malbec fruit. Dark and inkey, smooth on the tongue. Finish long and pleasant; the fruit fades without getting tart. Great wine.

11/21/2018 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Fruit has softened and the wine is now about prime IMO. Probably no more than another year; two at most.

10/22/2018 - jdjjadair Does not like this wine:

Bought 4 bottles from the winery this summer. This first one was definitely well past its prime. Will open the others very soon.

9/28/2018 - jdjjadair Likes this wine:

Still outstanding but don’t let it go much further. Mine was cellared in a well controlled environment from bottling. Glad I saved it until now and even better that it was perfect.