January 12, 2022 - This bottle was significantly better than the first bottle, so that first bottle must have not been a good example.
In any case, this was very good, but had a little caramel note that I didn't care much for, perhaps due to age, and the flavor profile was a little unusual for Cabernet (as compared to most from the more usual regions). Not really a great wine for me, but my wife enjoyed it more than I did. Still, not bad at all, but I would drink any of these up if you have any left. If scoring, 87 - 88.
December 24, 2021 - 1st of two bottles from a recent auction purchase.
Opened this after two stellar bottles of the 2011 Kitchak Piacere CS with a Christmas Eve German ghoulash meal.
This paled in comparison to the Kitchak bottles that preceded it. This was very soft and lacked a bit in acidity, flavor, and depth. Just seemed a little flat. Not bad, but just lacked energy. Maybe the bottle was not sound - I'll open the second bottle soon. If scoring, somewhere around 84 - 86.
December 24, 2021 - Plum and structure. Spicy.
July 9, 2021 - Opened with cork in bottle for about 30 min. before pouring. Nice dark coloring with dark fruit on the nose accompanied by some meatiness in the mouth. Tannins have totally dropped off leaving a very smooth, easy drinking dinner wine.
November 30, 2013 - Needs to breath. After about an hour it has nice balance. Slightly earthy on the aftertaste. Excellent
October 24, 2013 - Very smooth and elegant Cabernet with lovely dark fruit and nicely integrated tannins. Enjoyed along with a robust tortellini and Italian sausage soup that benefited from an addition of this. I love to cook with wine; sometimes I actually add it to the recipe. This wine had matured nicely to offer a solid performance and lingering finish. Some notes of sandalwood or cedar added to a lovely drinking experience.
May 13, 2009 - Nose is pretty powerful at first and becomes more minerally (wet rocks?) as it opens up. Ripe fruit, low tannin, slightly sweet. Opened up too late into the night.