October 3, 2023 - Flawed (vinegar by now, sadly).
December 28, 2021 - Tasted a bit punky
October 17, 2017 - Very nice wine. It was a tad brooding. I like the fruit but felt that it lacked a little acidity to keep it lively. Overall it is enjoyable but not overly complex. Drink over the next few years.
June 28, 2015 - In the glass: dark ruby with no bricking. On the nose: Pronounced black cherry and raspberry...very fruit forward with a hint of ruby port. On the palate: The nose promises more than the wine delivers...quite tannic and a bit tart but not unpleasant with a hint of bell pepper on the finish. I'm hoping some time in the glass may help it improve from here.
May 31, 2015 - Past its prime.
April 14, 2015 - Super duper yummm on this. I think aging these wines is the smartest thing you can do. Rich flavors, medium body, but what this wine lacks in "hugeness" it makes up for in nuance. Great fruit, black and red, and subtle but lingering earthy/spicy notes. Just exactly what a "Bordeaux blend" should taste like, a wine from Bordeaux. I had this at the little French bistro in my neighborhood. Perfect!
October 11, 2014 - Berry preserves, oak, coffee, sap, chocolate, still fairly overtly oaky and torrefacted. Saturating palate with gobs of dark fruit, a touch of bell pepper, lovely. I think this will continue to integrate and be in a perfect spot in a few years.
October 11, 2014 - Deep purple. Delicious nose of bark, graphite, blackberries, and violets. Mouthcoating leather profile opens this up and spice, depth, and impressive complexity follow. Long finish. This could actually go for quite a few more years in the cellar, but it is still great now.
June 21, 2014 - Wonderfully soft tannins, fruit is subtle and complex. Really in a nice place. Sorry that this is my last bottle. I love Champoux fruit. Mid and back palate are pleasant with a medium length finish. May lack just a tad acidity (softness in the mouthfeel), but I (and everyone at the table) really liked this.
December 14, 2013 - 2013 Christmas Wine Dinner (Naperville, IL): Fifth of a six bottle vertical. This was the surprise of the bunch. It's my first time trying the 04 and based on the scores from others I wasn't expecting too much. This was as good as it gets from AW. Flavors were bright and the nose was the best of the bunch.