October 3, 2023 - 45 minute decant. Dark garnet red color. Aromas of dark berries, black cherry, herbs and dark chocolate. Medium to full bodied palate is ripe stone fruits, red berries, cocoa with cedar and spice notes. Silky tannins and medium acid lead to a smooth finish. Drinking well now!
August 22, 2020 - Red Heaven, Red Mountain vineyards
Restrained fruit with almond finish. Split views on how it went with coq au vin (M100 in sauce)
October 24, 2019 - Huh, much better than my previous btl, but maybe a better food pairing (porcini, gruyere sausages). On the nose, loads of wild strawberry, spice, some watermelon candy, loads of wood, but (now) very well-integrated...downright sexy. On the palate, good acidity, nice mouthfeel with blueberry and vanilla. On the finish, finely grained tannin that has a nice velvety feel. This bottle is really excellent!
December 21, 2018 - well made; restrained fruit and not a lot going on in my mouth. Turned pruney on day 2; minus points for that, but is not reflected in the score.
November 15, 2018 - This wine has mellowed slightly, but had lots of depth, and was very supple.
Black cherry, hints of chocolate and tobacco and minerals.
August 17, 2018 - Consistent with previous notes.
Now development of fruit density is more evident; tannins are behaving similarly, cherry is reverting to almond
October 21, 2017 - A good amount of power on nose and palate
Decanted two hours, open another hour
Full bodied, soft tannins for a Wa merlot, ripe red fruit, nice balance
Hold a couple of years
June 1, 2017 - Loads of cedar and spice on the nose, followed by ripe strawberry and sweet cherry. On the palate, very bright, high-toned acidity though slightly thinner than the nose suggests (though still robust and full-bodied). Very finely grained tannins on the warm, peppery finish. This is perhaps a bit too woody at this stage; I wonder if it will integrate...
February 19, 2016 - Smokey almond nose
Soft, almost set initial mouth feel. Juicy, spicy, gently layered red berries; hints of stone to finish