October 25, 2023 - One hour decant through a screened and aerating funnel. No sediment. Moderate aroma of blackberries on stems during decant. Wine was clear; dark ruby from bowl to rim. After resting, fruit was still apparent in the nose along with some vanilla and a little lead pencil. In the mouth: deep black fruit, toast and a hint of greenery; still plenty of structure but in no way unbalanced. Two hours after decant, the nose had moderated further and the wine became even smoother. Lovely long finish. I believe this wine has room for improvement with further aging.
January 10, 2023 - Just 30 minutes in the decanter before I poured a glass, but this was quite open with limited time. Lots of rich red currant and blackberry fruit, as well as a hit of vanilla from the still prominent oak. The tannins are in line with the fruit, and it has very good mid-palate depth, so further cellaring should be no issue. Worked very well with our beef stew entree. It’s certainly in a somewhat modern mold, but the fruit is not glossy or fat. It still feels like Bordeaux, just with a nod to classically styled Napa Cabs like Montelena or Corison, but at a much lower price point. I am very happy to have more.
January 31, 2022 - Definitely still young, but really evolved well with a decant over a couple of hours. Classic Cabernet nose and taste with the merlot to smooth out the rougher tannins. Really delicious wine, glad I have more to sit on.
January 27, 2022 - Dark color, slight bouquet, medium to full body, grainy texture, tannic but lots of fruit, good sipping, drank with sirloin steak, would drink again, 13.5 abv, enjoyed but never soared.
January 2, 2022 - Surprised at how good this was. I've generally struggled with the '14 Bordeaux vintage, but perhaps it's just coming into its own now. This was very open and inviting, with a sweet vanilla tone, still well structured but yielding. One to seek out. 93+pts.
December 10, 2021 - PNP - dark black color with slight meniscus. Black currants, cassis, coffee grinds, gravel and touch of tobacco on nose. On palate, medium body, medium + acidity, medium tannins and long finish. Palate is blackberry, black currants and plum. 91+/-
July 1, 2021 - really good, light sediment, wonderful nose upon opening. best on the second day. always good qpr
March 22, 2021 - Maybe shutdown? Not showing much at all with very little fruit, dry and lots of acid.
February 10, 2021 - Rainy nose with blueberry syrup, cedar, and leather. Balanced fruit and stern features, prominent tannins. Supple blue fruit sprinkled with cedar dust. Will improve and resolve with a few more years.
November 28, 2020 - Medium full, some mineral complexity, long.