April 30, 2022 - Fully open. No character Smooth. Post peak but not skunk
January 30, 2017 - medium metal foil, composite cork, 13.5% alcohol, color is dark purple to black, medium legs, weak nose, well balanced alcohol/tannins/fruit, pleasant finish, pair with fowl, pork; drink at one sitting, deteriorates rapidly in fridge overnight and next day
November 17, 2016 - Not a good showing. Better used for cooking.
November 1, 2016 - Past peak and on decline. Drink ASAP.
December 22, 2014 - Awful. A light-drinking friend (couldn't figure out a better way to describe him) brought over a bottle and wanted to try this. Always hoping to find a cabernet gem among low-priced bottles, it was game on. Ouch! Immediate mouth fill of something tart somewhat resembling a household cleaning product. There was nothing remotely close to notes of cabernet. Avoid.
July 12, 2014 - Generic, mediocre cabernet. Bright acidity, thin palate, red fruit dominates medium finish. Somewhat unbalanced but drinkable. Needs food, but will not hold up to rich, meaty meals; would recommend pairing with Southern Italian, red sauce, maybe pizza. Under $20 but poor QPR.
June 7, 2014 - Decent but not much of a bouquet
May 14, 2014 - I've always had a sweet spot for Simi as it was the producer that triggered my interest in wine. Garnet appearance. Scant cherry, raspberry, currant, dried mint, and vanilla aromas. Mid-bodied and dry, very food friendly, with good cut, smooth tannins, red and black fruit, and a little hard candy action on the finish. I enjoyed this.
March 14, 2014 - Mid-dark; light mint nose; berries; round, decent tannins, some varietal flavor but not deep, a little short. w/Saltimbocca
March 10, 2014 - For what it is, very drinkable now. Agree it is on the light & dry side and at first blush is more consistent with a Merlot.