April 27, 2023 - Deep red with purple tones. Sediment significant (should have stood up a while). Ripe cherry body, some cedar and menthol, touch of white pepper. Drinking well - no need for more cellaring.
December 15, 2022 - medium red color with bricked rim, lovely aged wild strawberry note on the mature nose, soft moss and forest floor, on the palate gently faded, soft berry notes, lingering scents and textures and a finish that is only just still there, attractive in its way and we caught it just in time, carpe diem.
**+, drink now
May 3, 2020 - Opened and poured. Lots of reds showing on this, our first Koplen. Not as weighty as many KBs, and showing some unique vineyard characteristics. Solid.
November 30, 2019 - Same as my prior note....thanksgiving 2019 lineup. was still vibrant with fruit and life...needs a bit of time to breathe, integrate and open. more powerful than a 2006 sea smoke southing...but not as good...this was bought winery direct and has been in a temp controlled cellar since release
January 13, 2019 - opened and let breathe in the bottle for 30 mins...needs a full 45 - 60 to open and integrate...a bit out of balance and syrupy until it fully opens...when it does...it's harmonious and wonderful.
December 24, 2018 - From our cellar. Decanted and drank over a 3 hour window. Best in the first hour. This was a very nice aged KB wine. We loved the bouquet and the ultra smooth texture. However, IMHO, after trying several KB wines with age, I think they are much better in their youth. This one has moved on to a more mature state in which the fruit is more sour and the spices are more pronounced. Alcohol level is still too noticeable as well. The wine is still a joy to drink, but the freshness, vivaciousness and overall 'wow' factor has faded. Drink up.
September 25, 2018 - Popped-and-poured. No decant. Drank over the course of 2+ hours. Had alongside a grilled pizza. Nice spice to compliment the pizza. Smooth red fruit. Drinking very nicely.
September 9, 2018 - Brought to the restaurant too cold but only a few minutes in the glass it was perfect. This wine was drinking so very well. It was wonderful.
March 10, 2018 - Another Saturday at Chevalier...Mostly Blind (Chicago, IL): Tasted double blind. Candied black and red cherry with impressive concentration. More sweet vs my preferences, but well made in its style.
July 23, 2017 - Not a bad wine, but could not get over the heat. Lots of jam and fruit, but over weighted in the ABV column. Maybe the 1/2 hour of air was not enough. I save a bit for day two, so I will check in.