January 15, 2024 - 2hr decant!
May 20, 2023 - Ripe and plush, a bit one dimensional and obvious, maybe will integrate and evolve, unsure. Drank alongside good bordeaux over 4 hours, was stuttering in that company.
March 23, 2023 - If the wife likes it, I guess it is great. Ok, review: Dark color; aromas of blackberries, forest and flint; flavors of blackberry, currant, and boysenberry; a very smooth body wine with mild acidity and tannins. I easily see another 3-5 years in bottle, however, this wine is drinking very well now, so enjoy. Is it worth the money...Yes.
November 21, 2022 - From 375ml. Drank upon PNP and finished within a few hours. Nose is mostly primary but already very well balanced. No dominating vanilla or woody notes. Beautifully layered blueberry, cassis palate with a nice mocha and licorice underbelly. Yogurt-y finish, acidic and creamy.
July 16, 2022 - Balanced and fragrant bouquet, ripe black and blue fruits, dark chocolate, cigar box, star anise and graphite. Classy and sophisticated nose. Persistent palate, rich, fresh and harmonious. Almost full-bodied structure which is polished and open. Seamless transition from entry to finish. Aftertaste of gentle ripe fruit, clove and licorice. This needs an hour in the decanter, potential for further aging for the next 3 years. A wine that will last for at least 15 years.
July 11, 2022 - Opened on a Saturday and finished on Monday. At PNP the dark cherry was front and center with bright acidity. On day three after slow ox in the bottle developed dark broadening bramble, tobacco, roasted espresso notes. The sweet spot might have been day two which I did not approach. 15 Altagracia deliveries the goods if you like quality Calistoga fruit from a storied vineyard at a second wine price. Yes please!
Drink or hold.
94+
June 21, 2022 - From a half bottle, this is still young. Took about 4 hours of air before it opened up fully, and when it did, oh my it was so well-rounded.
September 19, 2021 - By 2023
July 31, 2021 - Decanted 2 hrs. Still very tannic. I like Jancis Robinson's comment that the is a savory element to the wine. I wonder if this is a result of the 5% Petite Verdot in the blend. This wine shows nice potential and will merit a higher score in a few years. There is character lurking beneath the tannins. Drink 2024-2029.
April 4, 2021 - Still tight and little hard. Softened up with time in the glass. Easter dinner crown roast of pork.