March 1, 2013 - very good wine. 92 points
September 3, 2012 - (9/2/12): Decanted for 1 hour before drinking. This has a rich nose of black pepper, the lightest bit of camphor, a hint of cigar smoke and dried fruit, especially cherry. On the tongue, it sparks interest with a mouthful of earthy flavors, black pepper and Provence spices. It packs a 30 - 40 second finish and pairs perfectly with grilled steak. This was very popular with our guests.
January 9, 2012 - This is in a good place. Stylistically, it mixes ripeness with some definition. In the first half of the style, it shows a bit forward, with the heavier kind of texture and some straw/raz jam. With the definition, I can find the spicier notes--zesty, some pepper and zippy flavor. Both sides are together but the riper edges for me are more dominant. Seems like it is in a good place to drink now.
September 27, 2011 - Decanted for 2 hours - drank over 3 more. Nose of black fruits, spice and bacon fat. Black fruits, pepper, spice and anise on the palate. Was underwhelmed at first but this has put on more weight and complexity as it opened up. Still not convinced it offers good value for the money.
March 14, 2011 - Dang - should have decanted. Still tight in the glass. Needs a full night and a big meal.
August 12, 2010 - Decanted an hour and a half, then funneled back into the bottle. Enjoyed as the hors d'oeuvre with cheeses. Big wine. Intense fruit of black raspberry, plum, blackberry, dark cherry, mocha, earth, with the flavors evolving in the glass over an hour or so. Slightly more interesting in the first half. Soft, soft tannins. Drinking well now.
June 21, 2010 - My fathers day wine. My son and I went to a winery, lunch and then took dogs hiking at the lake in 90 degree humid weather. Dogs had the best of it jumping in the water to cool off. Went for this when we got home. Decanted for an hour. Concentrated wine of cherry, black currant, pepper with strong tannins that relented over an hour but still there. Good finish. Intense. Day 2, just fell apart. Strong acidity overpowered everything. Don't know if this will get any better.
June 4, 2010 - Popped and poured at BYOB. Tight for a few minutes, but then opened up nicely. Rich, powerful fruit in bath of smooth tannins. 90% Syrah; 10% Grenache. Delightful. Great food wine. Wish for just a little more structure, though.
March 26, 2010 - This is drinking really nice now. It has tamed somewhat, but is still a rich, delicious wine with just enough savory components and acid to balance the powerful fruit. Might it be at its peak?
January 30, 2010 - Powerful nose of rose petals, cherry starburst, and petroleum. The flavor lacks some dimensionality, but is rich and powerful, with good high-toned fruit.