February 25, 2018 - Popped and poured. Dusty garnet hue, showing a little age. Meaty overtones with dark pinot fruit underneath. Hint of baking spice in the finish. Getting a bit too long in the tooth perhaps...time to drink up.
November 6, 2015 - Not a lot different from when I twisted one open in the first month of this year when I said, “The color is all cranberry; a deep, inviting cranberry. The nose is all about teaberry, crushed cranberry and smoke. But on the palate, the wine shows more complexity with notes of cherry, smoke, balsamic, cranberry, and something resin-like (perhaps rosemary).” The wine is a touch alcoholic and out of balance. Still plenty of life in this wine with years ahead of it. The fruit shows no sign of fading. 13.7% alc. With mustard crusted french pork roast and the Sheets and Smiley’s on the last weekend they live on Fallon. Recommended.
January 24, 2015 - The color is all cranberry; a deep, inviting cranberry. The nose is all about teaberry, crushed cranberry and smoke. But on the palate, the wine shows more complexity with notes of cherry, smoke, balsamic, cranberry, and something resin-like (perhaps rosemary). At first the wine shows hot and out of balance, but with time, it smooths out. This is still a big wine with big tannins. But at 10 years, how much more time will it hold? No idea, but the fruit is still going strong. 13.7% alc. With balsamic glazed, seared pork chops under a blue cheese sauce (and a side of cranberry sauce). Recommended.
April 13, 2014 - Second Sunday Group: 2000 Bordeaux (R&D's): Gorgeous bouquet featuring red fruit, cherry, and a smoky bacon-like note. Red fruit and black raspberry, meaty and a hint of spice on the finish. Balanced, with plenty of fruit remaining; lovely finish. At peak IMO, should hold for a couple of years at this level. Drink now-2016.
November 29, 2013 - Waited too long. The 2006 is still ok and drinking much better but time to during up.
December 13, 2012 - Still all there.
Love the wines. Have several cases over several vintages. My go to Pinot.
But....
HATE the ugly labels. Serve it from a paper bad so as not to suppress expectations of guests!
April 15, 2012 - Filling in w/the Sunday Brown Bag Group (Rich's & Dana's): Cherry and earthy aromas mix with spice and berry aromas. Balanced, with lush cherry and red fruit tones across the palate; hints of cola and earth on the finish. Silky texture with a long finish. Terrific stuff.
December 26, 2011 - Twisted and poured. Still tons of red fruit on the nose and the palate. Good balance. Blew away the two 1er Cru Burgs and I am a Burg guy.
August 25, 2011 - I pulled one of these just a month or so ago. I couldn’t resist pulling another, despite swearing I wouldn’t for a year.. Loads of cherry, balsamic, rosemary or lavender with a tip of the hat to the lavender. It’s all followed by brined black olives and blackberry, teaberry, crushed cloves and Dr. Pepper. The wine may be all about the fruit, but the fruit is showing some pretty incredible things! The wine lacks length on the palate, a significant short fall. The mouthfeel is almost silky. Some sediment. 13.7% alc. With a de-constructed tuna nicosie salad. Recommended.
July 11, 2011 - Drinking beautifully.