March 13, 2023 - Rating given on second day - bottle was opened and re-corked, half full.
This one definitely opened up more on the second day. The nose has a strong floral attack, aromas of strawberry, fresh and dried cranberry, fresh and dried red cherry, red plum, maybe just a hint of blackcurrant, smoked vanilla pod, and clove. The green bell pepper note is present, but switches between bell pepper, mushroom, forest floor, and black pepper. The minerality is crazy on the palate, bringing a freshness to the fruit that completely betrays the wine's 9 years of age. The finish has almost a spearmint quality to it, which might come from alcohol, but in this context works itself into the minerality, with the earth and fruit elements holding their own. All that said, this wine still seems young, I would say it has at least 5 more excellent years ahead of it, if not more.
February 6, 2018 - Well balanced franc - varietally correct, moderate tannins. Might have liked a little more richness in the fruit, but a good food wine.
June 7, 2017 - Black cherry, blackberry, licorice and spice with a touch of sweetness. Definitely toward the full end of the full/austere spectrum with a tannic grip on the finish. Very good although a little richer than I recall from previous vintages. Most of our favorite food matches for this grape work better with something a little leaner. Good wine though.
March 12, 2017 - Tasting at a LWS and meeting an old friend for the first time (WRW): An interesting wine. Purple in color. The nose has dark cherries, some tobacco and a bit of spice. On the palate, medium tannins. There is some depth here. Still young. Good fruit. A riper version of Cab Franc which is fine for me. Nice finish. $30 Ohio, it probably has some upside in the cellar.
December 28, 2016 - Overall, I think this needs more time in the bottle. It is a jammy fruit bomb that needs to mellow a bit. But the quality and potential is certainly there. We enjoyed it, but would have preferred the fruit to be a bit more subdued. Great now if you want a wine that drinks more like a late harvest.
December 10, 2016 - dark tart cherry hint of dried citrus, pomegranate with anise notes on finish. short legs, dark rich crimson. drinkable and complex now- will only improve w age
November 22, 2016 - Didn't open up like the previous one. Would let this sit down for a few more years.
November 4, 2016 - Opened up nicely after about an hour. Dark Berry on the nose, Floral notes with licorice and long acidic finish. Full Bodied, Should lay down nicely for a 5-10 years.
July 14, 2016 - Nice full cab franc
A bit tight since young so open and let it breath for an hour