February 3, 2018 - Not an overly complex wine, but it's got beautiful cabernet fruit. Does not require a long decant.
November 2, 2014 - Deep purple color, green vegetal tones. Oak. High structure. Drink with food- steak perhaps.
August 4, 2013 - When I opened it, the tannins were pretty awkward, all sharp elbows jutting out, even though I decanted. I had fears that these oak products had us heading towards Silver Oak land--which wouldn't be surprising, since the Phelans sold to that winery before making their own. But that's a winemaking choice, and while they obviously didn't seek to avoid some of Silver Oak's market, it's not the same wine. Still, I think that's the customer they were looking for, and that's not me. After an hour or so, the tannins did smooth out and the solid blackcurrant and dark cherry flavors emerged a bit more. Not a huge finish and, for its pretensions, a not complex wine. There are fewer herbal and tobacco notes than before, suggesting that there won't be a lot more development.
March 2, 2012 - I'd give it another half point if that could be done. But this is improving 7.5 years after vintage. At first tasted a little over-oaked, but with air, it integrated nicely into big but not jammy cabernet fruit flavors--black currants, mostly--and some menthol, tobacco, and fine but drying tannin. I opened it and decanted about 2/3 into a half liter carafe, so it didn't get crazy amounts of air, but we drank it over an evening. Wife took it out of my hands so she could get her share--a good sign. Hoping it keeps progressing over the next year, since I have a couple left.
December 28, 2011 - PnP. Dark ruby, several transitions showing a bit of age. Aromas of cherry, dark chocolate, sage. Flavors follow to the sensibly full-bodied palate. Medium acids, medium finish. This is not a wine I would seek out, but if I had some in the cellar, I'd be sure to decant for aeration for at least an hour - subtle herbal and floral notes are most likely waiting to show themselves. Drink thru 2016, 14,2% abv, score: B+
October 9, 2011 - Drinking well right now but could improve a little from another couple years in the cellar.
May 31, 2011 - Started a little flat even after sitting open for two hours. Eventually developed deeper aromas, a lusher feel, and a bit more depth. Very typical cab flavors with no strong secondary notes. Not hot or overoaked and enjoyable to be sure. Since it was the least expensive wine of the night, I cannot be disappointed. (I would be if I paid full winery price, though.) 5 more bottles to see if it continues to develop.
May 6, 2011 - Nice, dark, medium to full bodied wine. Dark fruit, black berries, smoke, some tannins
April 25, 2011 - Funk on the nose, dark wine with nice legs and some decent depth. Better when decanted. Good Cab - will revisit (11 more reasons to do so).
February 2, 2011 - still a great bottle of wine.