February 22, 2024 - Decanted with stir for 5 min then back in bottle for 4 hrs prior to serving, and it was well opened although smoothened out and changed in character over an hour. Deep dense maroon and dark ruby color. Black cherry, violets, brambles, leather, and earth on the nose. Concordant great initial complexity on the palate and just beautifully balanced, with nearly 55 sec finish. Subtly complex yet powerful at the same time. One of the few wines I have seen that I think is better by itself, without food, although perhaps the chimichurri sauce on steak was to blame. Over an hour the complexity was lost as it became smoother with some hints of vanilla. For this old Napa/Peschon style of wine it is nearly a perfect representation. 97.5 but rounding up since it still has more potential to age.
February 2, 2024 - CDV713/MacDonald Event.
I've always have loved this vineyard, vintage and wine. Tonight, this had a bit more oak than I remember in the past. I little out of balance so I'm assuming this might have been an off bottle or awkward phase.
Still fantastic but not the near perfect wine I remember.
December 31, 2023 - NYE Vino Fest (Atlanta, GA): Tasted at the annual 2023 New Years Eve Vino Fest in Atlanta. BYOB and guests were encouraged to bring wines with years ending with a 3. No formal notes, just scores. Brad - heavypourwine.com
October 21, 2023 - far from being ready, but how great is this?
steak and oysters at gallaghers in nyc
October 17, 2023 - Marvin (WineBurrowingWombat) Visits Minnesota; 10/16/2023-10/23/2023 (Jason's House): Decanted, but can't remember how long....After quaffing on a 2013 Marcassin Pinot, Marvin a.k.a. WBW, requested to open this wine. Of course, I obliged him! I had not tasted this wine yet, and was very curious after reading CT reviews, and also knowing how highly Michael reveres this wine! I believe this wine will get even better, but no regrets drinking now!
TN: Violets, cherry, cedar and spice on the nose. Palate echoed the violets and cherry, but also added some dark fruit, earthy notes, tar, tobacco and some toasty oak.
Do I get the hoopla? Yes, I do! It is very tasty now, and improved the whole time we drank it. Like the Immortal we had, this too was delicious now, but will definitely get even better. One of the best VHR bottles I have tasted. I personally think the 2018 has the most potential, followed closely by this wine. However, IMO, the 2012 is drinking best right now (and likely in the next couple years). This wine is a 97 now, but will likely flirt with perfection down the road! Wish I had more of this!
October 17, 2023 - Cracking the whip; 10/16/2023-10/23/2023 (Eagan, MN): N: Clean new oak (akin to that new leather smell of a brand new car), cut stems of a flower, a clean and dry forest floor with a blend of black and dark red fruits, and a subtle dusting of graphite.
P: Black and red fruits, a core of beautiful dark graphite and tar, deep earth to soften the landing of any roughness, fine black minerals, and golden steeped tea on the finish. There’s an aura of savoriness that envelops everything, protecting everything from sharp edges or random stiff arms. With time, flavors come together in a beautiful integration of everything, while keeping a dark, serious profile. Deep roasted coffee beans develop as well, with its tasty bitterness, strong earthiness and bright, savory stones.
A regal darkness but with such class and grace, like a badass villain that you would cheer for.. you know you shouldn’t be, but you do anyways because of the charm and charisma the character brings (like Loki or Wukong). Amazing now and should develop into near perfection within a handful of years. This is something you should definitely try to follow along throughout the years if you have the bottles. If you’re having now, pop and pour and journey along.
June 17, 2023 - Needs a couple of hours of decant. Super well balanced and so clean and lighter in body than most Napa cabs. Can benefit from more time.
April 14, 2023 - Exceptional wine with modest tannic bite upon initial opening but really smoothed out after a 2 hour decant. Still ascending.
February 11, 2023 - WOTN after tasting 2011 VCC, 2018 Eastside & 2013 Kathryn Hall. The VHR seemed to take on a life of its own at the 3 hour mark. Such craftsmanship in winemaking.
December 11, 2022 - Gave it 4 hours decant before first glass, which was plenty to open up. Not materially better four hours after that. Outstanding in a New World style. Have to think time will improve this further.