February 6, 2015 - What a pleasant surprise. I think UpfromtheCellar (6/2013) captured it well. It is not a deep, complex wine, but it is very well-balanced with full, rich flavors. Great QPR @13.
May 14, 2014 - Big tannins, rich, smooth, balanced, very fine. Dark fruit maturing but very robust. Not overly savory. Long finish, aging very nicely. Still a long life ahead. Last tasted about a year ago with consistent notes. Nice!
June 26, 2013 - Wow, I loved this wine. I see several reviews from the same people stretching back over time and the change in opinion from nasty swill water to lovely and elegant nectar is remarkable.
As this is my first bottle, without prejudice I say: Very Very Nice! Bravo. It lacks a few layers of depth to take it any further up the rating scale but that's like saying a 20 foot deep pool is better than a 9 footdeep pool. Really, when you are swimming in it you can hardly tell the difference - your feet don't touch in either!
So apart from lacking depth, at 8 yrs its drinking spot on. I wouldn't save this for another 8 years but drink over the next 2-4 and you will be most pleasantly surprised.
July 29, 2012 - Drinking better then my last bottle over a year ago. Good black fruit on nose, with a lush palate of well integrated fruit as well. Some heat on the back palate, notes of mint and pine as well.
December 12, 2011 - Used Vinturi to p&p and barnyard nose diminished and fruit was more forward than one opened 2 days ago. A good QPR at $13 delivered.
November 10, 2011 - Ok wine, muted nose,dry taste. Pleasant, drinkable, just not great!
April 28, 2011 - Spot on notes from last time
February 27, 2011 - Somewhat muted, perhaps past prime, can't see a wine at the price point going much further. Very little fruit on nose and palate. Predominant stem and green under ripeness on palate, although a hint of nice stewed fruit and root veg peaking through at times. Drink now IMO.
February 24, 2011 - 1 hour in glass after pouring through Nuance Wine Finer. Nose is a bit muted, but am getting some darker berries and dirt. On the palate, this literally comes across as dry toast with some light flavor of berry jam. Well balanced with an interesting flavor profile - definitely not a fruit bomb. Enjoyed this one, although not as much as the 2004. Aloha!
February 4, 2011 - On the nose there is some barnyard (aka poop) with a mix of leather and dark berries. The palate is dry with some dark berry flavor, but nothing specific stands out. The finish is dry and tannic. A solid wine, but falls short compared to it's big brother from 2004. ($12)