November 28, 2020 - Unfortunately we waited too long. We always enjoy and save our Miner Family wines for special occasions. Obviously we need to lower the bar for what we consider special occasions. Next Tuesday is looking pretty special to me!
April 5, 2020 - Mature, but not over the hill. Integrated oak, fruit and tannins in beautiful balance. One hour decant - wine stayed very consistent throughout dinner. Lacking only a longer finish, but more than enjoyable with grilled loin lamb chops, garlic mashed potatoes and whole steamed green beans. Ready now - can't imagine it would improve beyond its current state of grace and elegance.
January 18, 2020 - Nice pour but its time to drink.
April 7, 2019 - Started a bit rough, but opened well. Paired nicely with Roast Beast. Notes of leather and tobacco, with some blackberries, ground pepper and goat milk.
November 4, 2018 - Had 2 bottle for Birthday Dinner
showed really well right away and for another hour
Blackberries and blueberries, with a light feel on the tongue
smooth finish perfect tannins light but plenty of structure left
very nice bottle
May 5, 2018 - Alex's Birthday Party (Yan's China Bistro, Walnut Creek, Ca.): Nose of black berry, black cherry, boysenberry, and floral mums boquet, same on the palate, in this magnum format it showed very well, big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, slightly pungent, long, medicinal finish.
October 1, 2017 - drank 2 bottles over 2 evenings both were excellent ready to drink when opened and holding up very well a couple hours after opening
big fruit nose slight bricking full fruit on tongue
balanced with a smooth finish
December 12, 2016 - Nose of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis, same on the palate, slightly old, very tasty, medium/big body, if you own, I suggest you drink up, mouth filling fruit, long, flavorful finish.
March 12, 2016 - Went well with grilled lamb chops
January 19, 2015 - Top of the hill right now. I am not going to give another rating, but this one is showing the very hint of age if served pop and pour. This one is best with an hour of air to soften a few harsh lines. Very oaked up wine, even after it opened. Classic Oakville style. Blackberry notes, but blueberry notes are rather apparent as well on this one. Very dense and full bodied wine. Mid-palate is smoke and leather on top of a blackberry core. Finish was firm oak tannin, but I can tell that this one is much softer than the last one I graded. I am not certain that this one has much more longevity. I can see that it would last until 2018, maybe 2019 with perfect cellaring. If you have many of these, it's time to drink up! You've got excellent bottles of wine!