November 5, 2018 - This bottle drank beautifully after a half hour od being opened. Tannins and earthy overtones stayed with each tasting. However it began to fade by the end of the evening and was gone the next day. Thanks me to drink up.
November 9, 2017 - Excellent old california cab. Decanted for 15 minutes. Still fruit in the nose and palate. Balancing acids. Tannins smoothed to silkiness. Continued to evolve in the glass. There was a solid fruit-based bottom with subtle cherry and raspberry on top. Good balance. Fine wine from Simi.
July 12, 2013 - Probably could have been drunk a little later. Good fruit and acid. Some of the tannins lost but overall very palatable. Berry fruit, cassis, and plums.
October 18, 2012 - When first opened, the wine appeared to have promise if left to open for a bit. But it did not improve with time. There is too much alcohol and too little fruit left. The next day the wine was not drinkable and was discarded. Disappointing for a 9 year old cab that is the signature wine for Simi.
September 27, 2012 - A total surprise after the last two bottles which were undrinkable. This bottle opened up nicely and presented a mature, well rounded cab that was very drinkable. I did not decant but rather poured immediately and drank . . . the wine left in the bottle was still very nice the following day.
July 18, 2012 - Decanted - no improvement. Let stand for an hour - no improvement. Tasted the next day - no improvement. Reluctantly, I conclude this vintage is beyond salvation and will disappoint all but the most desparately thirsty souls.
July 16, 2012 - Barely drinkable - this bottle had really gone downhill. I have more - will decant next time, but my impression is that the longer the bottle was open, the worse the wine became.
April 3, 2012 - First Night: The cork broke during removal which made me a bit nervous about the bottle. However, upon successful extraction, I was greeted with an aroma of dark fruit, mocha, and forest floor that filled the immediate area. In the glass, it shone a dark maroon. Lush blackberry, currant and cocoa on the tongue. Tannins were evident, but well integrated and supple. Delicious. This is a wonderful cabernet, especially for the price, at an excellent point in its development. I wish I had more. I vacuum sealed the bottle and left it on the counter.
Second Night: No noticeable difference from Night One. I'm really enjoying this, wishing I had more in the cellar.
January 21, 2012 - Showing some leg for sure. Lots of cocoa, cola, bramble and wet stone aromas; very complex with solid primary aromas of raspberry and currant. Sweet raspberry with black tea and asian 5 spice on the palate. Supple tannin gives good length.
December 20, 2011 - Snap past its prime...mostly oak... :(