December 27, 2017 - Held up well and was really enjoyable.
May 10, 2014 - Still drinking well.
April 29, 2014 - Still drinking well.
May 13, 2013 - Brambly dark berry fruit, a little hint of vanilla, a touch of barnyard. Fully mature and drinking well. B+
January 6, 2013 - Dull garnet color. Lovely bouquet of roses and mixed berry jam. Though this came off as cooked initially, it calmed down after a couple of hours to reveal jammy notes of overripe raspberry, a bit of coffee, and a touch sweet vanilla. Silken texture. I think it was mildly cooked but a bit of air muted it. As the last few bottles drank very well, I am assuming this was a storage rather than a sell-date problem.
September 24, 2012 - Exceptional. More Montrose than Montelena.
Deeply satisfying and wishing I had not finished the rest of the case years ago.
June 2, 2012 - Wow, a really outstanding bottle. The color is dark ruby. The nose exploded after about a half hour with chocolate, plum, dark cherry, leather and cedar. The mouthfeel is rich and luxurious with mild, integrated tannins. On the palate the dark fruit and leather hit first then you get a long aftertaste of the cedar and chocolate that I really like. The flavors are complex and layered. I wish I had more of this one!
April 2, 2012 - This wine is absolutely spectacular! No one that I am aware of in the new world is making a blend like this. If anyone knows of a similar Merlot/Cab Franc blend that is in this style, please post the information. Michael Havens, if you read this, you need to make this wine again. You have a lot of fans who are hanging on to their last few bottles of this amazing wine. BTW, I love the Merlot Reserve too. The nose, mid palate, and finish are great!
March 18, 2012 - Not as good as past bottles, but still had that great earthiness that I associate with Bordeaux.
February 26, 2012 - From the half-case purchased from Winebid.com, this first bottle from the lot was a bit vinegary. Here''s hoping the others are better.