March 16, 2023 - As expected this is still pretty big. Firm tannins starting to mellow with some air. Dip a feather in it and you could write a letter. But if you weren't expecting that you should probably stick to generic retail reds. Black and red fruit thickly coat the palate. Long finish shows blackberry and cassis. No tertiary flavors whatsoever. This is all about the big fruit. Enjoy it for what it is. Go big or go home.
July 15, 2018 - Buy again
March 20, 2018 - What a great blend of grapes usually used to add backbone to other, more “mainstream” grapes! This wine is drinking beautifully now — very well balanced, not “hot”,with a velvety, smooth finish. Great on a cool evening as a stand-alone drink. Excellent effort from AO.
December 31, 2017 - One of my favorite AO blend and JH knows how to capitalize on this fruit. Really dark purple with a lighter nose than previous vintages, but still possesses a great nose, pallet and finish
December 20, 2016 - Very dry - it seems young. There was something missing from this bottle - not the usual AO quality.
February 27, 2016 - Saturated purple. Incredible viscosity. Nose is filled with violets and purple fruit. Graphite. Needs time for bouquet to emerge. Silky-smooth but rich and substantial, this is chock full of fabulous flavors and textures. It may be tannic, but it is monumental in its stature, character and presence. As my 8th grade science teacher used to say while stroking his moustache in sex Ed, Wow!!!! Expensive, but worth it. 5-12-18-9: 94/100.
January 1, 2016 - Fruit forward, dry, needs time in the bottle.
December 31, 2015 - Gave to Angie and Cy Xmas 2015