April 4, 2023 - Decanted about an hour. Deep purplish ruby color. No bricking. Toasted coconut is the predominant aroma, alongside some rhubarb and jalapeño pepper. Black cherry and vanilla flavors carried forth by noticeable tannins that are grippy, but pliant. Probably in another couple hours the tannins will soften some, but right now they are pretty aggressive. Not terribly complex, but tasty nonetheless. 88-89 right now. Decent mid-week wine.
July 20, 2022 - This was not a polished wine to begin with but like an old boxer battered and weathered (but still fighting on), at 10 years past it has developed a certain "polished" character. Rough but smooth at the same time.
Dark brick red in the glass, nice grape florals on the nose, tannic but quickly transitioning to smooth, rustic, earthy, acids noticeable but pleasant, vague dark fruits, lingering finish.
Paired successfully with a wide range of foods/dishes. Great restaurant wine if you can find it.
Last tasted back in 2018, same score.
May 30, 2020 - Fairly tight and tart on pnp. Try again with food and 2-3 hr decant.
October 3, 2019 - good balance between cherry fruit, tannin and earth notes. drinking quite well both without and with open time.
June 15, 2019 - Similar to last time tried, a good value. www.winelx.com
February 17, 2019 - Really nice. Cherry fruits, earth, plenty of tannic structure. Great bones for aging on this wine.
December 13, 2018 - Opened 6 hours before consuming. Was medium body, velvety tannins, black and blue fruits, and tasty finish. May improve but drinking well now.
October 26, 2018 - Really good bottle. Initially tight, opening up a bit with time. Strong acid and tannin. Still years left on this one.
September 21, 2018 - Good QPR. Good cellar defender.
September 12, 2018 - Medium weight, nice balance of fruit, acids and minerality. Ready to drink although a few more years may bring out the secondary flavors a bit more as the bright fruit (cherry plum) continues to fade.