2/24/2024 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

A bit young but with some decent decant time really does exhibit a lot of promise. Quite opaque ruby yet swirling lighter in the glass than you'd think from appearances. Black cherries, bramble, vanilla, cocoa dust, magic marker on the nose. Carries over on the palate smooth as velvet, brilliant acidic middle pop, then a nice long lush and spicy finish. Only going to get better. Lovely all around.

8/18/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Was inspired to open this due to a recent Sagrantino post on WB. Recent CT TNs suspect EOL, holdings (somewhat) suggest this may not be the case. Let's take the Pepsi Challenge... Opened and let bottle decant for about an hour+ to start. It starts scary, nose of heavy figs and overdone. Gave it more time, why not?! That blows off actually. Do not be lazy like me and use the bottle; decant in a wide base vessel as the glass I poured in and left alone evolved amazingly to real fruit emerging with tart (VA on after-thought) black cherries, leather, earthiness, hints of black tea. Moving on... the front is so different than what I expected. Not tart at all as this maybe the most well integrated end-to-end sip I've had in a decade, maybe more. Mature dark cherry and plums dancing with dusty/musty earthy forest floor, kissed w/vanilla and cocoa dust, and an all spice/nutmeg kinda splash. Middle gives way to a kick of acidity and some tart, faded; it tried. The back is a whole thing. All the front coming back to the party on a velvet carpet of tannins and earthiness fading to black tea and blackberry, late to the party. I've not seen something like this ever and it was a complete surprise and fortunate at that. Be patient with this yet also don't be shocked at how fast it can shift lanes on fruit, earth, tertiary nuances. The middle acidity throttles a bit up and down over time based on what's happening around it. Some of this is the sediment that is creeping in more on the later glasses, some not. All in all, wow, I don't put numbers on wine but this would be material. Was a "gift" in a way. I gave a friend a well kept '43 German Riesling for his Dad's BD; he insisted I take this. Good karma comes around. Right now, I just hope he and his Dad felt as much joy as I just did. Edit: Mine is No. 1322

7/17/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Very pale straw swirling in the glass, nose is poached pear, white peach, and white florals. The palate, the same but heavier on the peach with a honeyed sweetness crossing the middle, tangerines, wet stones, light on acidic zing yet holds a strong finish down the back; smooth and fruit focused. All in all a solid pairing with a spicy chx Tikka that I just destroyed and sipping away on the wine far after. Liking the value. Has years to run.

7/4/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

The night cap of a good night.... Lovely. Did not expect the color to be so dense. Its copper and coffee, beautiful. Body is lighter than you'd expect, super light somehow despite the color implying more. The nose is dense smorgasbord of things that you can't put in one swim lane... white peach, apricots, pineapples, raisins, prunes, dates. That's just the nose and the front. It blends gloriously. Middle interjects some citrus notes, orange marmalade goodness, added depth of flavor as it all builds to a monumental finish of the heavier, richer fruits soaked in oranges. It lasts forever, not cloying, just that heartwarming fondness of a good moment lasting.

7/4/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Its July 4th, a long day, and this was an ad hoc nice add on to earlier bottles; drank this over 3 hours ending the night with other bottles but kept track. Dark garnet in color, swirls heavy, pretty weighty nose. Nose starts bright, red fruit forward, vanilla, then steers to a bit more stewed over time surprisingly. Front is all the bright cherry mixed raspberry over time, acid forward; all compliments up front through the middle and then provides a lush back drop for a delightful finish. I wish I had another bottle looming. Enjoyed this.

7/3/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Quite the color in this one, a friend called it peach bordering orange. its deep and that just gives a warm vibe of goodness on presentation. Nose is all the good things that follow, apples and pears, tangerine, honey, and some tangerine peel. Then on the palate, it took a bit to really wake up honestly, like 2 hours. The front gives you the aforementioned goods, that apple hit followed by poached pears that break down to a light citrus-y interlude through the middle, a bit hollow but picks back up for that parade down the back albeit with a bit more honey and softness. A nice expression, does not feel all together at this point as the middle kinda evaporates for me. In a bit though, maybe time is the answer, it comes more together for a full end to end. Super enjoyable still and singing with the Smashing Pumpkins Gish vinyl its paired with.

7/1/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

This is really solid. Didn't pull with food in mind, more an after dinner hanging out with family thing. Popped and gave it 2 hours bottle decant. This is super dense, its hard to make the finer color tone unless the it splashes a bit in the glass for a super opaque ruby. Nose is not pungent yet offers up dark red fruits, raisin, tomato, a light menthol and mint herby-thing going. Front is more pure, a bit more focused. Weighty. Dark cherries, prunes, raisins, some cocoa; viscous; well integrated acidity across the middle and a rise of all lasting quite a bit. Maybe a bit hedonistic. Alcohol is in check throughout it all. Super bottle here and can go further. Its not youthful and not elder, pretty prime with time on its side. Indulge.

5/29/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Gotta say I like it. And for the money can't be beat and wish I bought more. For the 28% of us still holding on CT, you are sitting on a nice night to come. Very Opaque in the glass between dark garnet and ruby. Thick, weighty; nose leads with red but settles on more blue fruits, cocoa dust, vanilla, a light airy gazpacho (?) note underneath. The front is punchy with red fruits but shifts quickly to a pure blueberry that carries to the middle, skins and all, with moderate acidity and tannin. The finish starts astringent, however brings all the fruits together yet initially disjointed down the back. HOWEVER... fast forward another 2 hours... nothing astringent, smooth with the fruit playing nice, some vanilla, and the tannins softened with acidity playing nice. Solid finish. Smoother and feels like a screaming value that can last for another few years and evolve a bit more to be more integrated. So to the 28% of us still holding, Na Zdrowie.

5/17/2023 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

Loring has a weight I enjoy, smooth and unpretentious; carries a vein of purity that I love. Heavy black cherries, cola, vanilla... the base... some time kissed in. Add all spice, fun dip, some boysenberry, other red berries, and some tea notes. The acidity is a bit muted a bit on this bottle (not all bottles); Tannins give good texture; Finish punches but does not punch long in this case.

5/17/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Likewise to most, I'm counting down what I have left from Todd. It seriously kills me that one day this all ends. I just hope that the retirement boat is treating him well. This brings me to 13

This bottle is fruit forward of raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate tart goodness. Not quite as structured but ok for that pretty spry punch of tart that punches in that sucks you in. Smooth otherwise, velvety.

Not a typical Todd wine, interesting, and enjoyable.

5/17/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Bottle had me worried with a slight (1/2 inch) lower neck fill vs others in the lot I purchased, however was not a thing. Glass is similarly opaque with some light murk. There is really fine sediment floating in glass vs heavier elements at the bottom however was nothing that impacted texture or taste; and really not uncommon if well kept on the side and handled gently to pour. Its time and I let breathe a bit more vs last outing. This was actually quite robust with the additional air vs previous and needed lesser time to blow off the dust and funk. Dark red fruits, funk, cigar, spice on the nose. Dark cherry, cocoa dust, all spice, anise, forest floor and earthiness, all on the palate. Well integrated acidity and tannin on the middle to back. Its well aged, well put together, and holding up amazing.

5/4/2023 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

This note will not be scientific because I really just left the pencil to the side despite having one ready. Fantastic sparkler. It had a few days to lay, not enough from delivery, did not matter. Exceptional regardless, I just want more. The fruit was on point... red, like red berry, cherry mix raspberry, light and bright, with just the loveliest bubbles making it dance with brilliant acidity and some light toast. I loved this. Have a few left and will save them for moments. Not sure the distance but I doubt they will last long on my account, not the wine's.

4/23/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Two hour decant, super dense and dark ruby in the glass. Fair sediment on the later pours. Dark cherries, anise... mostly, light vanilla and rose lingering. Palate is softened and smoothed versions of the nose; acidity a bit more medium than typical; tannins smooth and softened as well. Finish is of decent length, finishing with chocolate-dusted cherries. This is not a dark and brooding wine or over-powering. It works with food though won't be chewy or super acidic so stand it up accordingly. Enjoyable yet if you dig less traditional.

4/19/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Thoroughly enjoyed this, well done effort. Pouring it in the glass you can see it is lighter in body and swirls the same but just super opaque and seems dense, and its not. Deep, dark ruby, left it out for an hour to breathe. It kinda needed it. The nose is cherry, dried roses, light green herbiness, vanilla, wafts of menthol in there. Let it breathe. Lighter side of medium in body, the palate delivers with tart cherries, that <thonk> kinda tart with strong fruit pressing and balancing; strawberries towards middle, vanilla, some sweet tobacco, bright acidity, moderate tannin still a bit firm. Feel like the tannins are just calming down and giving it some balance with the lighter weight and fruit. Finish is super dry riding the cherry backbone, touch of the oily menthol thing in there. Superb effort, first bottle opened and have one left. @CABFRANCOPHILE had it right that it needed to about now to hit its stride, feels like it is there with plenty of room to run if you want to be patient. Most TNs have a similar vein for this wine comparing an reflecting on my notes.

4/16/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Ad hoc home prepared fancy dinner with the Mrs enjoying the sunset outside on the deck while weather plays nice; a great window with perfect weather actually. Paired with soy-blend marinated prime steak goodness, crisp skin English-style baked potatoes, and brussell sprouts w/bacon, parm cheese, balsamic drizzle. This came through perfect, chewy grip with a bit fruit-forward. Blue/Purple fruit, blackberry too on the front, potent. More there but did not dissect with present company. Middle brings needed balancing acidity and a nice tannin texture, smooth. Feels a bit hot and warming though, throws it off a bit off but manageable. Lengthy finish, heat, fruit, and acidity wrestling. Enjoyable, a food wine, needs to be paired well and those things get forgiven with the right food. This paired well with said dinner so the Mrs and I were quite content. Good value, if grab again.

4/5/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Drinking well before one should but sometimes you do these things.

Lighter golden, and seems lighter in body swirling. Nose is fun to pick apart, lots of things going on at a given point in time. More time taking it in than actual sips to be honest. Probably because I did not give any decant time so it was opening up as I sipped. Green apples, citrus, minerals of some sort; some light tropical notes developing later surprisingly w/some light white florals. Front started with the pure green apple but resolved more towards a mix of that and melon over time, wet stone notes throughout giving a nice back-drop to a pretty bracing acidity all the way through. Has lots of punch on its way to the back with little space for the nuance bringing it all together as its still quite young. The finish is lengthy riding acidity, stones, and the melon. This has so much room to run, can't wait to see where it goes.

4/1/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Wow, I have not had a Sauv Blanc like this since the famed 97 pt Merry Edwards in what was that, 2011? The color is a pale straw, slightly hazy though could be the miles I put on the glass I had that night. Nose is punchy, white peach, melon, some pineapple, tropical all together. Super pronounced. above average viscous in the glass. The palate, this has weight, super fruit forward and velvety (wow), white peach leading and tangerine, its serious. Mineral backdrop, wet stones, acidity well woven in, very nice when you take a pause. Then you pause, and realize this is an SB, how is this outclassing things I drank earlier, and being a late comer to the table...This is exceptional and even better on day 2, still quite ripe however some honeysuckle notes and feels softer. Have had few SBs that showed up well on a day 2. If you can get over the price point, its a crowd-pleaser.

4/1/2023 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

This was killer. I don't find it light to be honest, its a red and plan for it. Its not a Rose... light red... in the context, what does that really mean. Took little notes, was playing guitar with friends across the interwebz, lots of metal and Metallica. Color, couldn't tell you other than red, sorry, see above. Glass however, it is bright red fruit, cherries, some leather, and beautiful. Pure on the fruit, slight tart, not mouth watering "thonk", but you get it. Great bright finish of the same, very smooth, just lovely. I destroyed this bottle without even realizing, took scribblings on last glass as it was going, going, gone.

3/17/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Cork was well intact and pulled easily Dark opaque ruby in the glass, medium viscosity and no real signs of visible age. Seems bright
The nose is dark red fruit, a bit brambly, some funk and a bit barnyard in that regard, oak. Palate delivers on that with black cherries, firm tannins, some cocoa. Medium acidity as customary for bdx. It punches a bit at the start, fruit was forward and tannins had real grip. It smooths out with air time and really comes together to be more polished and satiny, especially on the finish, quite delightful. In a nice window of maturity with room to run is my take.

3/10/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Time to drink up as they say, and this was on that list for me. Bottom line, its there if not past there, enjoy. Cork was solid, no seepage, pulled clean. Poured to a decanter, little to no sediment. Nose was a rare word I use in these cases, seductive. Dark Fruit, beets, V8, tobacco, pencil shaving, still holding to some forest and herbs. Hour decant. Super light in body, shocked vs how opaque and lively the nose. Mixed fruit, ripe plums and strawberry, medium acidity, forest floor, mushrooms, truffles, glycerin; little to none on tannin. Another hour, its silk, so smooth, singing. Only gripe is the light finish, no length. Its a now wine, nothing lingers, killer on the front and a great time capsule of what was and doesn't hang out for the finish.

2/25/2023 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

This is simply exquisite. Neck fill was still quite high, cork came apart on extraction but no signs of seepage. Keep in mind that there's a fair amount of sediment towards the tail end of pouring, go slow and filter. Decanted for about an hour and it needed it just to blow off some funk and open up. Nose is Dark fruits, tar, slight cigar. On the palate, super smooth end to end with black cherries, anise, and truffle giving way to more earthy notes on the back. Moderately acidic, tannins are soft and well integrated; absolutely singing in the glass. Got a few more laying down, not exactly rushing to open them after seeing how this bottle gave me pause. I'll be slow sipping this all night.

12/31/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

So, 17 years of checking in on this, last bottle, wonderful progression and all good things come to an end. Color is still golden, more deeper than last visit, fading at the brim. Nose is honeyed apricots, tangerine, white florals, wafts of petrol passed-by and stone. Lovely. Effortless sipping where a smooth oily viscosity that lets everything on the nose linger elegantly on the palate. A bright citric acidity pipes in towards the middle leading to a back where a blend of honey and tangerine fades softly and slowly away. Might have had more time to give, but I'd hate to have seen this fall down at some point and blemish the memory. At 14 a bottle, may have been the best value that ever crossed my path.

12/22/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Kinda like ALANM68 noted earlier in his note, hits its stride about now. Pretty spot on. Keep it quick, opaque purple in the glass and more red on the fruits. Stewed dark cherries and I get the boysenberry in there. Fun Mix, velvety texture moving to middle with medium acidity, and then a lengthy finish of the same. A bit one note from beginning to end, yet with depth and focus at times that makes you drink this faster than it deserves.

12/10/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Wish I had more. Akin to the previous note, the seepage was just short of top capsule, yet cork well intact and pulled NP. Two hour bottle decant then poured and its opaque ruby with burnt orange at the edges. The nose offers tart cherries, a baking spice note, earthiness, slight magic marker, and faded wafts of vanilla. Loving it. Front is a smooth rush of [not tart] cherry, mushrooms, clay-like earthiness, smooth as can be. The middle splashes a still vibrant acidic note that's not over-powering. The back integrates with a soft tannin texture, everything coming together to fade gently to what feels like a delightful dry black tea and potpourri. There's a lot to unpack here, its soooo good, everything in harmony. At peak, happy I pulled the cork.

11/23/2022 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

I dunno, its an oddball. Starts out kinda like CdR but with a funky fruit loops tinge. It mellows and get better. Dark Purple fruits, plums mostly, light garrigue, but there's this odd underlying tone of injected fruit. like someone threw a fruit loop in there proverbially. Its 14 bucks, won;t kill you, and I'd maybe not drink this alone for my last, but put it with a roast of some sort. BBQ would maybe go well too. Also, eb warned, its got a bit of sediment. Drink sooner.

10/23/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Drinking fairly early by various accounts, but the steaks needed something interesting. Let it open for a few hours, kicks down some doors. The nose is purple and black fruits, oak, graphite, some magic marker. Still tight yet surprisingly smooth over the front with plums and blackberries, black tea, acidic and velvety tannic middle, giving way to a lengthy finish integrating all the aforementioned. Its not young; its not 'ready'; just can do with some more cellar time. Not super complex right now however perfectly drinkable with some patience and the right fare. Could have held back but why wait for the last second of life.

10/23/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Agree with others on the acidity, its subdued and the fruit is fat. Its still a pleasant wine, enjoyed over an afternoon of football. Otherwise pretty potent on the honeyed stone fruits, viscous, petroleum on the nose and palate. Enjoy.

9/8/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Somewhat opaque, lighter-complexion of garnet swirling around. Strawberry, orange zest, some spice on the nose. Strawberries and sour cherries to start, lighter in body. Rhubarb and some earthiness towards the middle, acidity is complementary. Finishes softer than the start with strawberry down the stretch, that sour "thonk" loosened up. Enjoyable and still holdings its own, for how long? not sure. I would not wait too much longer on these if you have them. Does not feel it will improve and if anything the fruit will just get more faint. Read @KJD45$ 's notes, pretty much on the same page I was. Was nice for watching the NFL season start on its own, better with less heavy meat fair... lamb and pork; also maybe something with good acidity to shine its own back and let the fruits shine more.

8/28/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Drinking well, decanted 3 hours. Dark fruits in the cherries and plums swim lane, licorice with light vanilla notes mixed in, peppery. Lighter in body than what the opaque garnet suggests, floats easily over the front with stewed dark fruits, pepper, and some blood/iron/meat components. Middle breaks serve with some sharper assertive tannins and acidic notes. Down the stretch, the fruit, tannins and acidity all integrate fairly well for a solid finish. This screams steak wine to me, a good NY strip or Rib Eye, wish I had one now. I had with Chicken Parm, and it worked yet was a bit more over the top. Got legs to run and I have more; thinking a revisit in another 3. That said, someone else questioned how much more this can develop, its a fair question. With a good decant, this may be it. I'll roll the dice for a little more.

2/27/2022 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

Not giving this the usual prep and time. Not a real PnP, and not decanted. It just tastes off its game, acidity is kinda disjointed from the fruit or maybe a Premox thing. It wants to be apples and bread, like a flat champagne, but with an odd acidity. It may be a dumb phase and needs time, or a bad bottle. Will stay neutral give the producer.

2/17/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Last Bottle, and I am saddened mostly at my pace. I wish I was sitting on more. QPR is a given. PnP with some air time in the glass. Its dark and brooding, still has it that way. The nose starts tight with darker berries, funk, char, leather, licorice, pepper; then blooms shedding the funk and char becoming more focused after an hour. The palate is purple and blue fruity goodness, boysenberry feels prominent, pepper, some barnyard sentiments, I get EVOO, and vanilla all as the main course. It keeps focus through the middle, with good acidity and tannins well integrated front to back. The back 9 is lengthy and satin, a great blend of it all. Lingers. This is where I look at scores and could care less, well made wine, it gives, has layers, it can go longer, and drinks effortlessly.

2/17/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

PnP with brown sugar cayenne glazed pork chops and an enjoyable slow sipper watching movies after. Opaque garnet, lighter in body, red brambly fruit, cedar, light tobacco, baking spice on the nose. Cherries leading on the palate with spices, medium acidity in the middle, a little hollow spell there. Medium finish with fruit riding dry tannins and just a touch of heat. A nice wine to sit back and relax with, no overthinking, coasts; fits well with that mindset.

2/12/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Nose presents more tropical with white florals yet the palate gives me green apples, honey, light lemon curd/creaminess, mineral and salinity notes underlying, bright acidity, and finishes the same, the more acidic elements linger, not the full palate. Its lighter than I'd expected for the varietal in general, yet very enjoyable regardless. It had me coming back for more, kept improving with more air time. I'll be drinking mine in the next 2 years.

2/9/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Popped and gave a 45 minute decant. Opaque garnet in the glass with a slight browning at the brim. Plush Cherries, savory, loamy earthiness, dried rose petals, subtle spiciness. A very lovely wine, savory and full, lighter on the acidity than other TN's had me expecting. Nice lengthy finish. Great value and in a good place.

2/1/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

I didn't know what to make of this initially when I got it so it sat on the shelf. Then on Berserker Day 13, Todd went into some detail on the origin and inspiration, super interesting. The bottle is different than his others, wax top, pops easy though and then the goodness inside is just unexpected when you think wine. Its not and it is. Its like a modern New World Tawny if there is such a category. Despite its clarity in the glass and easy swirl, it has the weight; and the complexion; and an amazing texture. The fruit is forward and has that edge where you'd think it was fortified, and its not as far as I'm aware. Viscous bright cherry and raspberry with vanilla, bay leaves(?), and an almost medicinal quality on the outskirts. Its that laser beam of potency and texture that's port-like. The finish is endless, I mean some people like to time these things;don't bother. It will stay with you. Very complex and changing as I sip away. Awesome experience and I have more coming from the latest BD. Enjoy and carve out time to really just let it breathe, evolve, and slowly enjoy it; you won't be disappointed.

1/31/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Solid bottle for the money. Took a bit to open up and come in to its own. Two hours decant just by laziness. Light ruby in the glass and swirls light, and mouthfeel is light(er). Tart cherries and raspberry up front, light spices, some earthiness, medium(+) acidity. Seemed to develop weight with more time. Finish is not long but let's you linger on it. I don't like to throw score on things, but its better than what's represented on CT IMO.

1/30/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Its a sadness drinking the last bottle of a vintage you held. This one was no different offering great memories for the future and what it was in the past. This is beautifully gold in the glass, appears to have weight. Nose is very fragrant, while and golden florals, honey, apricot jam, the subtlest hints of petrol. The palate delivers on potent honeyed apricots, tangerine citrus, apples underlying the acidity popping in the middle. Acidity is vibrant against the initial punch. The finish is lush however fades quicker than you'd think from how the front hits you yet does enough to keep you Its a lovely bottle overall, nuanced more than I can express. Los going on. Very strong expression and wish I had more.

1/24/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Hour decant, in a very sweet spot. Dark garnet in the glass, medium body. Dark black and red fruits, fun dip vanilla stick, touch of earthiness mixed in on the nose and palate. Medium acidity over the moisture to a smooth finish, light velvety tannins underneath. Still has legs.

1/22/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Lovely bottle. Lovely color, refined and elegant, Dark red fruit, earthiness, a slight tart note with the acidity kicking in the middle. Enjoyable finish. Swirls and sips effortlessly. Aged well though would not try and hold it in the hopes of much more.

1/19/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Kinda think S1 hit it on the head in their review. Stewed black fruits, black cherry, tobacco, 'nilla, earthiness. The seaside thing in hindsight, interesting and sounds right.Opaque, medium bodied, pleasant and enjoyable for the money.

1/16/2022 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

Golden in the glass, has some legs. The nose is stocked with white florals and honey, citrus underneath. The front is viscous with soft tangerines and honey, a kick of sweetness and a bit flat on acidity over the middle, and then the finish rides out smooth with the honeyed tangerines. Kinda one note, the nose is nice once it opens. Not seeing much ability to evolve and its a fair QPR.

1/14/2022 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

All around lovely. The nose is brambly red fruit, beautiful. can also smell a "thonk" of sour amidst the aromatics or cherry, blackberry stems/leaves, some spice. Front is red fruits, dark cherry, drying black tea notes, herbal goodness, Its lighter in body than the glass presents. Bright acidity, well integrated, and effortless from front to back. Finish is a lingering mix of macerated cherries with black fruits, a touch of a sour "thonk" that resonates and echoes well down the stretch. A decade and still going strong, can drink now or hold and see. Doesn't seem to be struggling on any note. Enjoy if you have them.

12/31/2021 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Sadly my one and only bottle. Check out Vancouver's note, similar experience. Let bottle decant for 2 hours, dense ruby and opaque as hell. The nose is rich with a liquor of stewed dark fruits, some magic marker/menthol thing, dried violets, herbs, baking spice; its just fantastic; hypnotic. The front hits with a blend of cherries and blackberry, weighty, smooth, rich, and earthy with leather notes. Velvety tannins, super balanced acidity moving to the middle. A treat. Finish is just a well integrated blend of the aforementioned, a bit light perhaps, but lingers like a nice afterglow for quite a bit. Its drinking amazingly well now, its in a great spot. If you want to gamble, you could go longer but I'm not sure what you'll get out of it. Pus, don't freak out if the cork shows seepage stains up quite a bit, so long as it ain't dripping. May be a thing with the enclosure, but the wine was perfect; cork was "delicate". Saw another note alluding to the same.

12/29/2021 - LotionInTheBasket wrote:

Premox, a shame

11/8/2021 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Its been a year. The bottle I plucked tonight started with a ton of funk and heavy on the prune. Plus had this mushroom olive thing going on with the prunes. Given time it bloomed back to the usual fruit form I've some to expect.. Lighter and softer in body, more refined than last time, and working out well. the bottle ended up in a much more luscious place. Its about that time to drink up but don't rush it.

7/26/2021 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Took a month off booze, health kick and just wanting a breather. Revisiting my cellar and just grabbed this on a whim. Older, under-appreciated, and excels. Some had this dead years ago. Nope. Its well alive and kicking. Its medium opacity in the glass showing a hazy ruby and definitive orange tinting. lighter viscosity. The nose is wonderful.... stewed cherries with a soft-ish tart and rhubarb leading. Follows on the palate adding blood orange, and dried rose petals. Earth and tea joining the party on the middle. Lovely all around. Very well integrated and softer on acidity; aging showed well on this. Finish is a symphony of the aforementioned and rounding to an elderberry with unexpected length, soft and smooth. Last, will miss it. Well spent for a night.

5/9/2021 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Wanted something more mature and got it. This drinks well. 3 hour decant. Garnet you can't see through and it somehow looks and swirls lighter. Nose is stewed red fruits, rhubarb on a tart note, anise, licorice, vanilla, some all spice. Front hits with a blend of red fruits, Raspberry being what I get most, slight cherry. Mature fruit, pie material, well integrated. Acidity {medium+} kicks in headed towards mid and potent, nice woody funk, griippy tannins underlying dried red florals coming to the table. Great textural transitions and nuances. You can pull on a lot of fun threads with this wine. Finish lingers nicely and I find it super satisfying, I can take a nice breather between sips; think on it. May not be firing on all its younger cylinders, its all OK, it has a whole bunch of fun things to enjoy and dissect. Can't lose for the money. Time, will also not let this become a long term science project. Enjoy in the best term and should not disappoint.

3/15/2021 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

I know, infanticide. Sometimes you have to just go there. End of a good day, wanted something above average and this is definitely above average. Three hour decant. Heavy, Inky garnet/violet in the glass. The nose is sharp and weighted, black cherry and black fruits, smokiness, pepper, cedar, vanilla. Front is black cherry touched with vanilla extract, great focus to start then you get a kick of pepper with some blackberry and a hint of anise towards the middle. Just lovely on texture. Could have been a tannic beast by the nose; anything but. The fruit is the star however its all well integrated and everything in its place, velvety, surprising for the youth. Medium acidity and a lengthy finish of all the same. I need more of this. A bottle that opens and then you wonder where it went.

3/14/2021 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Giving this another spin, for science and interesting discussions it created (WB). Back to back after an odd night with this seemingly odd vintage, last night’s note gives this one context for those following along. Had a stacked day so I popped early and let the bottle decant for about 7 hours. Perhaps unorthodox vs last night but it worked out. Again swirls lighter in the glass with a fairly dark ruby, some bricking, even a slight orange at the brim. The nose is not as subtle or “refined” as the last bottle; it’s got a great presence. Aromas of dried cherries, licorice and anise notes, less earthy, add a hint of orange as it fades. Almost a different bottle if I put these side by side. The palate on this, there’s nothing muted or hollow, it’s well integrated and connects end-to-end, fires on all cylinders. Starts with dried cherries, licorice, some forest floor, tannins are lovely, gripping from the start and complementary all the way through. Light clove even later in. Mid-palate feels less acidic than the other bottle due to the fruit being a magnitude more engaged; still medium acidity highlighted with a touch of lemon rind and more balanced. Fruit, very present in the finish this time, fading out to black tea and cherries. It’s not the proverbial RP 90 seconds, however it gives you what you need and it leaves you wanting the next sip. Two days, two different experiences. This is what I got a glimpse of last night, then this one delivered. Still gives me pause on what to do with the others. This one could evolved into something super interesting in 5 or even more. That said, given the definite vintage variability I’m going to drink sooner than later regardless to enjoy the sure thing. One more thing to add, much more sediment, like a level 2 up, if that matters.

3/13/2021 - LotionInTheBasket Likes this wine:

Interestingly, the notes on this are all over the map. Me, had a decent experience. Some light bottle prep filtering out the sediment, which wasn't much, then a 2 hour decant. Swirls light in the glass with a fairly dark ruby and some bricking at the edge. Nose is dried cherries, red fruit, earthy-goodness, light menthol, light mint/vanilla, some herbs. Somewhat refined. The palate leads with red fruits, cherry featuring, intertwined with velvety tannins up front, earthy mushrooms heading towards the middle. The fruit can mute out a bit in the middle leaving very subtle minty/vanilla and oak notes. Acidity's medium crossing the middle, fruit fades in and out a bit, black tea filling some voids heading towards the finish which is definitely on the short side. Not a cliff however does fade fast and hollow. Overall its enjoyable for the nose and the front. Letting this lay down further is kind of a science project. Maybe something unexpected happens in another 5 - 10. That said, I'm in the camp that this will not evolve much further with the fruit and structure being so delicate and the hollow elements in the wrong places. It still has a punch now, 5 years it could just be a light forgettable jab left. To me, drink up.