August 24, 2019 - From a 3L bottle.
Nose showed high toned red fruit, herbs, tar, graphite, and cedar. Quite aromatic and pleasant that draws you into the experience and increases the anticipation for the taste.
That taste started with black cherry and plum, then red cherry and raspberry along with notes of wild strawberry emerged. Graphite and mineral melded into the fold along with herbs like sage. Finish is long and silky with minor drying tannins on the very back end.
At least in this large format, the wine delivered the goods and exceeded expectations. Great stuff, this big bottle could have lasted longer, but it was still perfectly mature. I’d drink up the smaller bottles soon.
February 18, 2019 - A bit past its prime. Very earthy and leather on the nose. Scent isn’t great but fhe taste is fine.
May 25, 2017 - Decanted for over an hour. Menthol and dark cherry on the nose. Grippy tannins that smooth out nicely, followed by fruit, tobacco, spice and bitter chocolate. Medium finish. Balanced and pleasant. Very interesting. I should have bought two bottles.
December 24, 2016 - Nice aged blend with leather, tobacco and still some fruit
May 24, 2016 - Well better than I expected to be honest. Leather, chocolate and tobacco with dark fruit on the palate. tannins rounded the wine out beautifully without overpowering in terms of structure of strength. Really well made wine.
January 10, 2016 - I just drank this with my wife, parents and aunt. It's a 2003 and the cork broke so I decanted and let it sit for about 30 minutes. I really enjoyed it even though it's quite a few years past it's prime. It was a combination of the company, conversation and food and it was great.
Inky colored, slow legs and a bit dusty.
January 3, 2016 - Initially, this was a bit one note: a bunch of fruit up front and not much else. With a little time and air, the wine developed a lot more depth and secondary characteristics. Cassis, black cherry, and vanilla followed by a bit of tobacco and leather. Despite the noticeable sediment on the side of the bottle, there is still a considerable amount of tannin on the back end. No need to wait any longer, though, as it's Outstanding. thedrunkencyclist.com
August 16, 2015 - This bottle had aged well with nose a first taste being flowery and sweet. It followed with a medium Cab mouth with a nice smooth fruit finish and light tannin and oak. I expect well cellared bottles to be about 3-4 years away from this bottles point because of some mishandling of the bottle at the wine store where I purchased it.
April 12, 2015 - Decanted for about an hour. Dark brickish ruby in color. Aromas of black cherries and cocoa. Not much fruit left with taste of leather and toasted oak. Surprisingly delightful considering that it has past its prime.
January 17, 2015 - Excellent after a few minutes open. Was surprised an '03 needed time but it did need A LITTLE time. Don't go hours