December 23, 2016 - Poured it with a big rib roast for my neighborhood Christmas/Secret Santa dinner. I'd never had this wine and didn't know what to expect (this bottle was a gift), but I found it enjoyable. Elegant and unassuming, displaying all the classic cedar and graphite notes of a Napa cap, with a little tickle of fruit. Not a monster wine, just subtle and chill, like the friends I shared it with.
January 3, 2015 - Definitely still in its drinking window. This actually improved after a couple hours of air. I wouldn't hold them a whole lot longer, but there's still a year or so left in it.
September 21, 2014 - Big nose does not forecast the very pleasant soft, smooth introduction to the palate. Somewhat sweet red berry flavors—maybe some red plum--are subtle enough to distract. Some hints of clove spice. Still some stiff tannins found at the back of the palate. A very easy to drink. I wish I had more of this one.
November 22, 2013 - Really nice austere wine. Lots of old funky aromas and flavors as one would expect. Surprised at the degree of its secondary characteristic development given this format (magnum). Half the crowd liked it, the other half (non AFWE) did not like it.
June 4, 2013 - Very nice. Tannins have really softened but still plenty of fruit left. Perfect window here. Drink it up.
January 13, 2012 - Nice, but starting to lose some of its fruit. Let it breathe for 2 hours, but it probably would have benefitted from longer time.
November 20, 2011 - Dark, robust...meaty. Needs some time to open up. Fruit is good and ripe Not anticipating too much out of this. Its a little past it's prime. Plenty of other wines open tonight.
July 17, 2011 - Needed a few hours before big dark berry fruit, clove, slight cedar/soft cigar box showed, mild tannin, soft, smooth quite integrated and balanced. Finish 30 sec. Stood up to great coffee-rubbed ribs. I think they're built for drinking within < 4 years. Don't see any improvement with age.
July 7, 2010 - nearly resolved tannins.
May 6, 2010 - Soft and smooth, but packing a wallop in blackberry, cloves and fig.