December 6, 2017 - My previous of two bottles was badly flawed; this one was fine., though the cork broke in two. Decanted and followed over 90 minutes with a meal. A little heat on entry, very well integrated tannins, a nice balance of fruit and oak. Softened and gained in elegance as the air worked its charms. I'd recommend drinking within within a year or so, and no reason to wait.
April 24, 2016 - -- decanted for 20 minutes before initial taste --
-- tasted non-blind over a few hours --
NOSE: red-fruited; very fumey; light leather scent; not complex.
BODY: some sediment present; violet-garnet color of medium-deep to deep depth; medium bodied.
TASTE: definitely some gentle underlying leather/earthiness --- some tertiary development; alcohol pokes through (14.9%); medium-light tannins; medium oak; probably on its down-swing; fantastic finish --- this is really where most of the positive attributes are; cherry; cherry liqueur; when paired with steak the alc. wasn't as noticeable. Drink Now. Gut impression score: 86 – 88.
October 20, 2015 - This one is past prime by quite a bit.
September 5, 2014 - Friday Night Double Blind Tasting $40+ (Bin 75): Bricking crimson; cedar, green pepper, drying tannin, leather, funk, very Bordeaux-like.
June 25, 2014 - Rich fruit (predominantly blueberries), well balanced, smooth but substantive tannins. Good on the first night; even better 3 days later.
December 29, 2013 - Bah. Corked.
January 13, 2013 - Drinking like a champ...fantastic flavors of blackburry and currant. Long finish.
December 28, 2012 - Holy Schnikees, Batman! Good to go right out of the gate. Absurdly enticing nose of dark fruit, leather, mocha and wet cement. Full bodied beauty on the palate. Just fresh, lively, smooth and a joy to drink. Nice finish, showing that this can go on for a few more years, but honestly, I'm not sure it's going to get better. It's wonderful as is right now.
November 12, 2012 - - Garnet color.
September 25, 2012 - Very dark red-purple color. Decanted for 1 hour, drank 2+ glasses over 2 hours. This was showing really well. Beautiful Bordeaux style nose, funk, earthy, ripe fruits full of cassis, blackberry, and some plum, pencil lead, very floral, subtle tobacco. The palate has full body and lush mouth feel, dusty, graphite, cassis, blackberry, some spice, long finish. Very well balanced and tannins are quite round. Really in its wheel house now. Sure wish I had a couple more of these.