February 2, 2023 - given as a gift. this is just too ripe for me and very hot/alcoholic.
May 15, 2022 - In a great spot right now. Tannins have softened, very smooth. Blueberry the dominant fruit. A flavor splash on the lips and some cocoa on the swallow. Wish I had more.
January 14, 2021 - 2nd day notes. Big nose of blackberries and smoke and a touch of soy (hate soy in wines). Taste is similar but with more ash and some bitterness. Full bodied and nice balance of acidity snd tannins but taste just isn’t up to par with other vintages or my previous tasting of this one. Maybe in an odd spot age wise? About 91 this time
March 6, 2020 - 2nd day notes; deep opaque purple. Nose of raisons, black cherry and notes of cedar, anise and blueberry. Taste is similar with a definite fruit forward punch but with lively acidity that keeps it in place. Tannins are low to moderate - enough to finish dry. Has an ever so slight alcohol bite but I suspect that will subside with more cellar time. Medium plus body. About 92-93 points.
May 24, 2019 - The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle.
February 3, 2019 - Classic napa notes with dark cherry, cassis and a touch of roasted chocolate. Medium bodied in the mouth, with good structure and balance. very tasty
November 30, 2018 - Winner of an informal 4-wine tasting among friends that included Caymus and Gargiulo. Very sweet and thick, with lots of molasses/raisins/port type flavors, cranberry, and a smooth finish. The winery told me this would only need a year or so in the bottle, and though I'm not very familiar with older wines, it seemed true here, as it is drinkable now.
April 21, 2018 - Amazing, young but delicious, tons of chocolate and strawberries. Enjoyed with 70% dark chocolate and it was simply perfect.
April 12, 2018 - So chocolatey we had it with chocolate desserts. Really enjoyable and much more approachable than the '15 reserve.
December 1, 2017 - Terrific. I thought it might be too soon, but this wine is great now with just a bit of air. Chocolate covered cherries and sweet tobacco on the palate. Nice oak, and tannins that aren't too harsh.