September 2, 2023 - Still liking this, but need to step up consumption
June 17, 2018 - Plum, cassis, ripe raspberry, tobacco, tar, cedar, and sage. Intense aroma that my girlfriend noticed from across the room. It took a few minutes in the glass to open up, and it just keeps getting better. This has a good amount of acidity and tannin that makes me believe it could go another 5 years easily. It's in a good place now though, so wait if you want but don't feel the need to.
August 9, 2014 - Open for 3 hours before I got to it. Nose has the classic Ardente funk, cured meat, strawberry, cherry, and tobacco are all on the nose.
Palate is entering tart cherry, cola, full mouth feel with a weighty tannic grit. If I ha more is save them for another 5+ years.
March 22, 2014 - Not drinking it's best right now. Nose is great, palate is muted and numb. Improved after an hour + open so I would suggest a long decant, or hide it away for a while.
December 31, 2013 - Cedar closet, sweet tobacco, and cherries on the nose. Dense. Strong acid profile, cherry driven palate. Medium finish. Good wine, but simplistic palate. The nose carries it.
August 30, 2013 - Pnp. Overly tart/ zingy at first. Nice fruit, but restrained. Came together after a while in the glass. I'm getting the impression that none of these wines can be enjoyed fully without some breathe time.
May 31, 2013 - Nose shows sweet tobacco and dirt as dominant, stewed cherries, and a bit of oak are also present. Wine is full in weight; it enters smooth and silky; it shows red fruits, licorice, slight cola, and finishes with a slight chalky component and red fruit. Medium finish is around 12 sec. Well integrated tannins on the mid palate are well balanced with a nice acidity. Flavors are balanced but slightly less complex than I would've hoped. Has an interesting mineral component I haven't seen by this producer yet. Drinking well now, especially for the price, definitely has the potential for a bright future, we shall see. Drink now or hold.