August 8, 2023 - Deep ruby but not opaque. Forward blackberry fruit and smokiness. Medium to full bodied, meaty, vibrant dark fruit, strong acidity, some soil, moderate ripe tannins. Sappy but not soupy. World class Syrah which would be very interesting to insert into a Hermitage tasting. Outstanding now, easily 10-15 years in hand.
April 8, 2022 - Medium bodied. Blackberry, pepper
April 7, 2022 - With Artichoke Calzone
Definitely needs some time to open as first hour was very unfocused. Very thick but nice mouthfeel.
Blackberry, Graphite and minerals.
Nose never fully opened which cost it a few points.
Not as much floral as I had hoped for.
Probably drink up.
December 28, 2021 - initially very jammy when opened before dinner. Served 1½ hours after opening. Pretty toasty nose, still very sweet, woodsy and fragrant. Reasonably smooth on the palate now but still concentrated. Not quite sharp and alcoholic but still packs a punch.
October 23, 2021 - ripe and jammy, really, really toasty, smoky, very beautiful and drinking extremely well.
July 19, 2021 - Excellent. Drink now
February 21, 2020 - A significant upgrade over the last bottle. There is a richness and deep fruit element that makes it truly Californian yet the impression is peppery, meaty Northern Rhône Syrah - Cornas? Needs some time to settle as it opened with disjointed acidity. This integrates quickly to reveal a deep, satisfying mouthful. Excellent complexity. The best Kongsgaard Syrah I have tasted. (94)
May 28, 2019 - Deep garnet / crimson red. Looks like a 5 year-old wine. Opened very tight and unforgiving. With some air, things improved significantly. Blackberry fruit and minerals dominate the nose with some leather and animal hide. The palate is more subdued with rubber accenting the rich and full-bodied texture. Very good but there is a green element on the finish that prevents it from greatness. (90)
August 4, 2017 - Deep plum and blueberry fruit on the nose but there's also earthy notes and wildflower. Definitely a cool climate Syrah. Tight and astringent, lots of berry here. Friend said there's kalamata olive and I get that too. But definitely wild and different and pretty damn good. Still plenty of life.
September 28, 2016 - Near jet black. Beguiling masculine nose of cocoa and smoke. Palate loaded with tart blackberry and graphite. The finish is dominated by stone dust. A SQN clone- but if nitpicking, this has a more subdued fruit component. Still has a long way to go and a decant is advised.