December 11, 2023 - So happy to say that my previous bottle in May seems to be a one-off as this bottle was definitely better.
Started with a relatively quick double decant (slight sediment) but the wine continued to open so a true 15 minute decant might be better. A blend of 65% Grenache + 35% Syrah that yielded a palate of bright red and darker fruit - with the darker fruit increasing with more air - along with some spice and just a touch of earth. The acidity was balancing, and all tannins were integrated. Could hold but might be best within the next year or so.
May 15, 2023 - PnP. Sorry to say but it seems I waited too long to open this bottle. While the palate showed the expected dark red and blue fruit, they were overwhelmed by the earth, spice and acidity. In general, the fruit was muddled and faded - probably a sign of my having waited too long to pop the cork. Would rate an 85, but I'll refrain from rating this one.
April 6, 2022 - Amazingly big, would not have guessed a 2012 -- will check again in a couple of years. But pristine.
March 6, 2017 - Enjoyable. Not much obvious structure, but some nice fruit. Needs to be paired a bit carefully, as it can come across as a bit sweet.
January 15, 2017 - Donated to blind foundation
January 15, 2017 - Donated
April 3, 2016 - Delicious and Rich, with excellent Santa Cruz Mountain terroir
February 20, 2016 - Needs a couple years
December 20, 2015 - Excellent wine. Delicious now but 2 more years in the bottle will probably let things integrate nicely. Will try our next bottle in 2017
June 27, 2015 - Big Basin Tasting with Bradley (FMIII in the OC): Like the Grenache used in this bottling, this is a big, rough, and high energy wine at this point. All estate fruit so no more Mourvèdre, just Syrah and Grenache. The whole cluster is very prevalent. Grizzly is the perfect name for the wine. Needs 5 years to settle down.