July 24, 2023 - A bit tight and closed, better after open a couple hours. Not really very noteworthy, just solid.
November 18, 2022 - Very pleasant. Does remind one of beef stew with hint of pepper
February 18, 2022 - A little iodine in the first few sips but opened up nicely and finished smooth. Definitely decant a few hours ahead of time.
May 28, 2021 - Fresh and lively, with rounded/smoothed notes on the palate likely due to bottle age. Less of the meaty and iodine notes than sometimes found in Mourvèdre (and Mourvèdre-based blends). That actually worked well with both my pairings (which I have unfortunately forgotten now) and for a few easy sips after finishing the meal.
January 24, 2021 - Opened dark with loads of black pepper and stewed plum. Tasting a smokey meaty flavor with lighter notes of rose petals and a citrus pith on the finish. This wine was silky smooth in texture but bold in flavor and is drinking beautifully now, but still has years to go. 2nd way was mellowed and more of the floral notes came through all the pepper. Great bottle!
June 21, 2020 - Several years still ahead of this. Recommend decanting.
February 23, 2019 - From memory: we had this later in the evening after other wines and much of the food. It was very tasty on its own, with notes of red and dark fruits and lots of savory notes of herbs, tar, leather. It was also good with both the meats.
With Sheila, Ruth, Anne, Madelyn, Jen and me in PA.
November 25, 2018 - Drinking well right now. Berry fruit, soft tannins.
April 25, 2018 - My contribution to my office’s wine night. Really interesting Mourvèdre based blend, but not my style. Floral and red fruit on the nose. On the palate, very lush but much lighter weight than expected. Somewhat candied red fruit with some complexity and spiciness. Just a bit of a manufactured characteristic and not my style, but interesting enough.
January 14, 2018 - A shining example of winemaking talent, this is a wonderfully juicy, sweet and polished example of the cold, wet and miserable 2011 vintage. Aromas are modest in volume, but offer a succulent berry trio of raspberry, strawberry and salmon berry. There's also some underbrush, pepper and seasoned tobacco leaf. The medium palate is round and plush on the entry. Acid is medium-plus, and the tannins are fully integrated. The timing is right to consume this one now. The fruit is on the red side, heavy on the plum with supporting raspberry and strawberry. There's also a nice dose of violets and just a touch of tar. This is a delicate, pretty wine, though not particularly complex.