May 21, 2021 - What a difference a bottle and 18 months make! In January of 2020 I would have sworn this would be drinking well for another 3 or 4 years. Not so much. Best of the three vintages I tasted (’03, ’05, ’07) but not impressive. Reddish brown color. Slightly floral, cherry nose. Decent cherry fruit, bit of spice. Nicely resolved tannins, good balance. Definite heat. Finishes long but a bit hot. Not bad but still past peak.
January 24, 2020 - This wine has aged beautifully. Dark cherry and anise on the nose. Ripe full fruit, nothing faded here, but layered with age. Dark cherries, anise, hints of dark chocolate. A burst of bright red fruit on the mid-palate. Smooth tannins perfectly balanced with acidity and fruit. Finishes with good length, dark fruits, sharp spice. This can go for another 5 years.
April 11, 2015 - Moderate body, good without being crazy. Silky smooth, strawberry and cherries.
November 2, 2014 - Very pleasant surprise. Bouquet while decanting led me to believe likely flawed or will past its prime following 3-hour decant had opened up nicely. Distinct tobacco notes with ripe fruit on the finish.
January 31, 2014 - Unfortunately, not great. Very flabby, not bright and flavorful. Drink now.
July 22, 2013 - Stunning Rhone varietal from Beckman: Lush red berries with great taste from nose to finish ...good balance with soft tannins-great food wine.
May 28, 2013 - Luscious!
December 31, 2012 - Best God Damn Grenache I have ever had. Shows how amazing the Santa Barbara region can be with a talented wine maker
April 15, 2012 - Descent
March 9, 2012 - Pop and pour. Huge nose of red fruit dominated by strawberry. palate is full of strawberry with a layer of cherry and spice. Long, deep finish.