February 12, 2024 - Simply amazing. did not decant but already well-blossomed.
January 13, 2024 - Bought in the secondary market at a decent price. After Mark’s positive review of the 2005, I decided to open this one and drank over two nights. Not sure if there was some bottle provenance issues but this felt slightly roasted/stewed, possibly just secondary or tertiary notes. Was hoping for more primary fruit notes but it felt a bit tired. Could be an off bottle.
November 14, 2020 - Ripe but not roasted. Youthful enough, but it has some early tertiary things going on. I would have thought a 2012 rather than 08. Well integrated and all class
September 22, 2020 - From a magnum. Another stellar showing, with tremendous concentration and depth of flavor. Dark red and black fruit notes dominate, bright and flower, with impressive balance. Some fennel and ash as well. Should last for decades.
March 30, 2020 - Very nice, well-integrated, soft and smooth mouth-feel Napa cab blend. Complex without being overpowering, nicely balanced, pleasing breadth of flavors.
May 27, 2019 - Decanted and served. Well-made old-world-style blend with full, silky body and buoyant acid. Evolved nicely over 2.5 hours. All about the balance. A treat.
January 18, 2018 - Decanted over cocktails. Opened up after about an hour total. Nose of bright sweet berries and violets. Bright, focused, concentrated black fruit on the palate with a very long finish of dark chocolate and rose hips. Very special balance of the masculine and feminine.
June 15, 2017 - Farewell for now: Really good lift on the nose here - raspberry, cherry, some cocoa and earth, with smoke and tar as well. There is certainly power to the fruit on the palate, but it doesn't sacrifice depth, with layers of flavour and plenty of character shining through. A confident wine with plenty to offer now and in the future.
June 15, 2017 - Quick Notes From a Memorable Night in Sydney (Cirrus, Barangaroo): I continue to love what these guys do. Deep red fruit, bright and powerful but balanced. Some fennel, ash and perfumed flower petals as well. A masculine wine for sure, yet there was plenty of nuance to accompany the robust fruit profile.
October 23, 2014 - Second bottle of six. Awesome - taste this before you die. Second best 2008 Napa on the market behind Bryant and praise doesn't come better than that!