December 15, 2019 - 15.2% ABV, smooth tannins, at it peak
September 25, 2019 - Not rating this bc it’s not my jam anymore, tons of fruit and little interest.
July 4, 2019 - Amazing ... coravin on first night blew me away, rest of bottle on second was unbelievable.
April 5, 2019 - Blackberry, chocolate, railroad tie, and wet black soil. It’s a good Cali Syrah that delivers round flavor, medium weight, and a bit of a thick delivery. No hard edges; fairly plush, but exhibits a decent grip to house the ripe fruit. It has lost a bit of steam since having it back in 2017.
Drink now and over the next few years.
November 9, 2018 - Stand with my prior assumption that this would be interesting in a few years, definitely drinking a lot better right now. Dark purplish red. Intense and jammy nose with layers of bacon, purple flowers, plums and white pepper. A touch of heat on the palate with medium tannins (6.5/10) and medium plus body. Rich mix of dark berries and caramel on the palate. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2027.
December 11, 2017 - Had with dinner at a friend's house, served with a bourbon-glazed pork roast; the wine had sufficient power (fruit, tannin, finish) to go toe-to-toe with a very flavorful dinner; didn't overpower, fight or back away. A very approachable and smooth syrah.
October 14, 2017 - Wow, very rich. Had an edge after an hour open in the bottle, then decanted and softened up nicely. Deep dark flavors - hold last bottle for at least a year to see what happens...
June 25, 2017 - Same as previous notes. This was drinking very well about 30 minutes after PnP. Gained some really nice depth in the glass with some swirling. Dark blackberry, huckleberry, boysenberry, black hot road tar, camphor, vanilla bean, and hints of scortched earth and clove. A faint, trailing flavor of singed eucalyptus added interest.
I bumped this up a point to 95, as it was really showing well tonight after a total of two hours of consumption. Good to open now, but has plenty of drive to keep it intact for a number of years to come. I'll hold another 8-12 months for my next bottle, but drinking fine now for those who want to indulge. 94-95+ points this go-around.
May 26, 2017 - Intimate Dinner Series (Carlucci's, Downers Grove): Courtesy of R&D. Vanilla, blue fruit, pepper and brown sugar aromas. Firm tannins with a sweet edge. Syrupy dark fruit and vanilla with a long finish.
May 25, 2017 - This wine is terrific. Each bottle confirms my previous tasting notes. Rich, full bodied, exceptional structure. Delicious.