March 24, 2015 - I liked this wine a year ago and I like it more now. On opening, it had a really odd, off-putting wet basement smell. I thought something might be wrong with my glass so I switched glasses. It wasn't the glass. But the wine itself was fine. After about 30 minutes the icky smell disappeared. At that point, the wine was beautiful - bright red, sweet strawberry/cherry fruits, enough acid to carry and a finish that was dusty, spicy-tart and long. Very nice wine - better value.
November 3, 2014 - Lightweight perfume strawberry, nose subtle, muted. Good bit of mushroom earthiness. Balanced. Enjoyable and interesting bottle for the price.
October 28, 2014 - Like the old school goal and low 13% ALC but this left me not wanting another btl. This is a bit funky, earthy, with some cinnamon, blackberry and earthy flavors. Can't put my finger on it but the particular combination of flavors just didn't appeal. PNP into a Oregon PN glass. Like the nose better than the palate. At $18 I was hoping to love this as a potential "go to" week night PN. I'll try another vintage someday.
October 20, 2014 - Off the list at The Modern. Light in color. after 20 minutes, the wine opened to wonderful light bodied, elegant red fruit. Nice balance. Excellent value at sub $25 retail.
October 11, 2014 - Garnet stone color. This boasts aromas of cola, lavender, spice and rhubarb pie. This has some flattering oak on a polished opening. I was immediately impressed. I've had this producer recommended to me several times and I now see why. The flavor profile echoes the cola, tart rhubarb and spice and has a tendril of fresh strawberry interwoven through the whole. Juicy and round with a resonating finish. I drink a lot of great wine, but this stands out. 92
August 7, 2014 - Tasted over 3 days. Light garnet in color. First day, nose of cola, cherry and rhubarb. Light body with similar palate but light in body and concentration. Acidity and alcohol spiked in the mid-palate; hardly any tannins on the finish. Oak was integrated and was not very noticeable. The next 2 days, more strawberry rhubarb and less cherry cola but again, light and a touch thin. Acidity and alcohol became much more balanced and smooth.
While the components seemed balanced, it was a bit too light and thin especially with 2012 being a banner vintage for Oregon. The entry level Haden Fig from the same producer was much more polished and enjoyable for a few dollars more.
July 5, 2014 - very nice
April 13, 2014 - Excellent to start, got a bit tart after some time in glass.
February 1, 2014 - Mouthwatering rusty middle.
November 17, 2013 - Pretty mute on the nose, some decent cherry flavors on the palate but mostly tannins and acid. Not offensive to me, but the wife does not like this at all. The La Grive Bleue (2010) is far superior for only a few bucks more.