October 21, 2023 - Still dark. Magical aromas of enchanted forrest, maple syrup, cola and black cherry. Gorgeous perfumed entry, stone fruits, mostly red but with incredible depth and life. Endless layers Turkish coffee, mushrooms, tar, and then some black fruits and bitter spices. Amazing purity, precision and balance. Impeccable Oregon pinot in a prime drinking window.
November 24, 2022 - This is drinking so good right now.
November 25, 2021 - Great!
July 24, 2021 - One hour decant. Deep rosy ruby color. Pomegranate, dark raspberry, dry popcorn, Granny Smith apple peel, minerality, and subtle dark chocolate on the nose. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish.
This has aged nicely. My only criticism (some like it) is the uniformity (lack of terroir) amongst the DS lineup. Perhaps overpriced as well. Even so, this is a very nice drinker.
February 12, 2020 - Excellent
September 29, 2019 - Great nose with light bright strawberry cranberry nose. Balanced fruit that emerges with time. Decanted 3 hours. Rich strawberry palette with some light leather earth. Silky Pinot. Pair perfectly with ahi and scallops.
September 12, 2019 - medium ruby; red cherry, damp earth, spice; cherry, raspberry,silky tannin, 14.3% ABV; 18 months in 59% new French oak, sourced from Two Barns Vineyard, 38 acres planted in 2000 to Dijon, Pommard and Wädenswil clones; $95
April 15, 2017 - Tasted with Winderlea Shea Vineyard '14 over 2 nights. Not much bouquet on pnp but strong flavor, astringent cranberry and loam on a thin backbone. With time retains cranberry but softens and expands, with more classic Pinot earth and a richer texture. After 1.5 hours the astringency is pretty much gone, but cranberry still primary fruit with more sweetness and complexity. Also delicious, if somewhat atypical.
2nd evening - This is delicious on first pour. Cranberry is still present, but like a cranberry tart, more sweet and with baking spices. Long, long finish. Wonderful.
I would have given this a much lower score after pnp, so I'm guessing this will benefit a great deal from cellaring and will leave the other bottles I have alone for a few years at least.