July 15, 2017 - Dark ruby, full bodied, low tannins, mellow dark fruit flavor, lacking complexity, may be past its prime. None the less, very well made and quite drinkable.
May 18, 2016 - With low expectations because I thought this bottle might be past its prime and without flavor, I was pleasantly surprised how good this bottle held up. Yes, it has a chocolate nose and flavor that was excellent when paired with a medium steak. I very much liked this wine and it flavor profile. Well done CC!
March 27, 2016 - I bought a 6 yr vertical of this - long story - I drank this second. It didn't hold up. It was well cellared. Perhaps just the bottle? The '02 held up very well.
April 27, 2012 - I think this wine is aging beautifully - blog report at http://gortonator-on-wine.blogspot.com/2012/04/some-special-washington-merlots.html
August 8, 2010 - This was an excellent merlot. Improved with decanting and was at its best on day 2. Plush dark fruits with a little oak peaking in. Smooth and balanced.
January 31, 2010 - Merlots on a Saturday Afternoon: Inky purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, oak and a liqueur note. Tannic with black raspberries on the palate. Long finish. This was opened late and kept unwinding all night. Not a bad wine at all, I think a couple of hours in a decanter would help. Always one of the great values in Merlot I think.
August 11, 2009 - Very nice. Even held up well the second day.
July 3, 2009 - really good stuff!
January 9, 2009 - very enjoyable bottle. full bodied, fruit forward, massive fruit but not jammy or sweet. plenty of structure with cola and chocolate notes. nice oak treatment.....not overdone. medium length finish. i'd gladly drink this again.
November 16, 2008 - still drank OK. was a little bland and straightforward.