October 5, 2016 - Lots of bright color , then a good nose. Then disjointed on the taste. Too much alcohol that did not integrate enough for the wine to survive. A bit disappointing.
March 21, 2015 - Has peaked and is on a gentle downward glidescope, but is still capable of giving considerable pleasure. Attractive nose of blueberries, raspberries and vanilla extract; which continue on the very soft palate (picking up other dark berries as well), with almost nil tannins and low acid, and yet remains pleasurable and not out-of-whack despite imparting a sense of sweetness to boot. I have had over-the-hill, peaked highly-extracted California wines, which have been disjointed and unpleasant; this is not one of those. But it is clearly starting to get old and deserves an honorable end, so drink up soon.
September 20, 2011 - Poured and let breathe for about 15 minutes before drinking. The time in the glass was well worth it. Tannins that I'd detected in prior tastings were softer, letting the fruit come through.
June 25, 2011 - Great match with fettucine and a meat sauce. A little tight at first, but opened up relatively quickly.
June 12, 2011 - Nice black looking appearance. Hot chocolate plum and blueberry nose. A very smooth, silky texture
November 5, 2010 - Very tight on opening, but fruit came through as wine opened up over two or three hours after popping.
September 25, 2010 - Beautiful deep hued purple robe with nice concentration and tears. The nose leads with huckleberry, blackberry and plums followed by mocha and dark chocolate. Ripe round fruit and full mouth finish with chocolate and mocha notes.
June 21, 2010 - Opened (not decanted) about an hour before drinking. Had side-by-side with a 2004 Novy zin from Papera. Old school, at least compared to the Novy. Somewhat closed, with red fruit and plums on the nose and on the palate, suggesting it could benefit from more time or more air. Sturdy, rustic wine. Noticeable but not overpowering tannins. Medium body with a surprisingly abrupt finish.
June 2, 2010 - Dark fruit, cloves and spice aromas. Rich raspberry and raisin flavors. Full body with pleasant but relatively short finish. A little too fruity with minimal complexity - but still a nice wine.
May 22, 2010 - Wife wanted a second bottle - so she got it