September 5, 2016 - 10th of 12, pnp, odd cork, perfect level - dull, though perfectly correct, previous bottle was slightly flawed, a significant downward step on previous bottles, drink up. G+ (15.5).
August 1, 2015 - 7th of 12, consistent very good notes, still improving, decanted an hour - deepish red, little development; bouquet of black plums and cherries, touch of pepper, pure, refined; medium bodied, long, pure fresh fruit with depth of fine vintage, balanced, improving, not outclassed by Vieille Julienne, Tempier or Delorme, so impressive for Ventoux. Fine for what it is (17.5/20).
August 15, 2012 - Treated this bottle differently than others I tasted recently (see prevous notes) by pairing it with eggs and garlic rather than meat in order to try to coax out the remaining fruit. Seemed to work. Also found a more interesting mineral nose this time.
May 11, 2012 - Consistent with previous notes. Wine seems to be past its prime in terms of loss of fruit. Will see if any secondary flavors evolve on second day, since there is still a bit of grip in the finish, but am skeptical.
February 17, 2012 - Drink up. The fruit has faded. There's a pleasant oak induced herbal-pepperiness still left, with still firm tannins. But I don't think this will improve.
November 4, 2011 - Dusty nose of dried red berry fruit and dried leaves. Strawberry. Hints of black tea and rose petal. On the palate, it's savory and still retains great berry fruit. Some roasted coffee and dark chocolate tones. Loads of red and black fruit emerge on the nose and palate with more time and air. Great structure and balance and once open, it continued to improve and evolve, getting better and better. Delicious wine with great structure and balance.
March 21, 2010 - I think this baby was just a tad old. After about 30 min in the decanter it did come around and turned pleasant but never good. Some fruit left but more on the stewed side. Not bad but wish I had drunk it earlier because it was delicious at one time.
November 25, 2009 - Surprised that this was mostly syrah, seemed like a Grenache heavy cuvee... A little muted on the nose, but a nice savory flavor with a fairly long finish. Lost all verve the next few days.
November 18, 2009 - On par with the bottle tasted on 12/23/08. The orchid pungentcy and white pepper are in full force. Really nice wine for the $.
May 30, 2009 - I remember this being nicely fruity without being CA style.