February 16, 2024 - still drinking well. splash decant but would have been better with 30-60 minutes of air.
March 18, 2023 - There is something off putting on the finish. Kept trying and can’t get past it.
February 19, 2023 - Part of a large tasting. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot. Red and black fruit, bell pepper, spice and vanilla aromas. Red and black fruit, herbs, spice, tobacco flavors. A little low on acid. Medium tannins in the finish
September 3, 2022 - Huge fruit matched by big tannins. Wait 2 years for the next one.
July 8, 2022 - This seems at its peak for me: silky, mellow, with fine grained tannins. Flavors of dark cherry, vanilla fudge, tobacco. Finishes with a layered mix of cherry, sweet raspberry, and cream soda. Continued to open in the glass.
April 10, 2022 - Cherry, blackberry, a slight flavor of thyme, good acidity, and nicely integrated oak.
November 27, 2021 - Solid WA cab
August 16, 2021 - Promising core of intense dark cherry but needed more time in bottle to come together, even after a 6 hour decant.
April 26, 2021 - Stopped by the tasting room late in 2019. Was fortunate enough to be invited to try a vertical of The Illusionist from 2014-2018. I opted for the 2015, although the 2018 also showed considerable promise.
Black cherry, black berry and cassis...even amounts of earth and tobacco...full and long finish.
This is drinking well right now with the potential to integrate more.
These days I buy at least two of everything. If I don't get the 15 I'll have to lay my paws on a couple of their other Cab Suav offerings.
March 20, 2021 - Red pepper flakes and spicy cedar on the nose. Very intriguing. On the palate, brambly dark fruits come through with some spice as well. I don’t have much experience with Washington wine but this was a fun intro that’s leaving me interested to see what else is out there!