April 14, 2022 - This has a rich, oaky, opulence to it that's classy and although I'll invoke a lot of descriptors that I generally use negatively this isn't a bad wine. In fact, it's delightful in the way that old Cali wines often are: forward, full flavor, cocoa, espresso, Ribena, tobacco, suave tannin, ever so slightly sweet from a toasty oak treatment. Sometimes this style really hits the spot.
April 18, 2018 - Pnp. The nose opens up with plum, tea leafs, tobacco, earth and mushroom. Palate is initially old and tired. After 20 mins, the acidity slowly emerges with sweet dark fruit and tea. The tannins are resolved. Perhaps drinking off the peak but the tertiary amd secondary note are enjoyable. 90+
April 2, 2016 - Pleasant, though quite simple and oddly a touch too sweet and almost nonexistent secondary notes. Not the profile I would expect for a 25 year old wine.
February 20, 2016 - Used for the 25th Anniversary party as the toast.
July 18, 2015 - Best for last. This was my last bottle, and probably the best of them all. Wonderful layering of 5 nobles but with a clear California over-ripeness. Some dried herbs, sweet Oak and hints of cassis. 20 second finish and near silky on palate.
May 15, 2015 - Not my best bottle over the past year. It took about 30 minutes for the funk/age to blow off, but even then this bottle was a bit tired compared to others I've had recently. Still, however, a perfectly lovely Meritage with red, black and blue fruits in that order, soft Oak, dill and other herbs.
March 13, 2015 - Not the best of the 6-pack but still quite tasty. Nicely layered black, blue and red fruits with some leather notes and sweet Oak.
March 7, 2015 - There is some funk when first opening, but after 30 to 40 minutes, the wine comes around fully. Sweet and perky black, blue and red fruits, a little bit of spice and sweet Oak. Very smooth wine with a 20 second finish. A real bargain.
February 5, 2015 - Another excellent bottle. Pop and pour and within 15 minutes in the glass it was fully blooming. Beautiful layers of black, blue and some red fruits. A little leather and dried herbs too. Very smooth with a 20+ second finish.
January 17, 2015 - This bottle was from a differnt auction lot than prior bottles and although the storage seems great (into neck, solid cork and capsule and color) this bottle was clearly more advanced than others I've had. The fruit had started to fade a bit, although still present and very enjoyable. Both overripe and slightly sour red fruits with black fruits in the background, sweet Oak, some hints of leather and tobacco.