October 4, 2020 - I love this wine with its ruby-cherry core that shades to maroon on the rim. Scents of cola, black cherry, violets, and Asian 5 spice followed by chocolate cherry and herbs create an abundant bouquet. I’ve said before that “the nose is at once both intense and complex. The mouthfeel is round and full iwth integrated tannins. A seamless wine. The herbal aspect of the nose comes through the palate as herbs de Provence. Every other aspect of the nose tracks the palate with precision. Such a silky finish.” 14.6% alc. With grilled-seared duck dredged in allspice, cloves and cinnamon. 10.05.20, the day following Von’s memorial service. Highly Recommended.
June 22, 2017 - After pulling this a month ago, I found myself pulling two more of these. I can’t keep my hands off of this wine. It’s just too damn good! The ruby-cherry core shades to maroon at the very edge of the rim. Cola, black cherry, violets, and Asian 5 spice followed by chocolate cherry and herbs create an abundant bouquet. The nose is at once both intense and complex. The mouthfeel is round and full iwth integrated tannins. A seamless wine. The herbal aspect of the nose comes through the palate as herbs de Provence. Every other aspect of the nose tracks the palate with precision. Such a silky finish. 14.6% alc. With both three seed tuna steaks over succatash and then with salmon under a balsamic glaze. (This wine screams for lamb!) 06.10 and 22.17. Highly Recommended.
May 27, 2017 - What an incredible wine! Gone is the opaqueness in the glass. Instead, a clear, clean translucent ruby flows from the rim to the core. The nose lifts with cinnamon, coffee, clove or teaberry, cherry and thyme. It’s delicious with intensity and depth. On the palate, it’s all cherry, Asian 5 spice, and then all of the same elements come through from the bouquet to make an exquisite wine. Picking a nit, this is a touch out of balance with a touch of heat, but otherwise, it is silky smooth. Such a terrific value and one of the best Cali Pinots I can remember. 14.6% alc. With grilled-seared duck dredged in allspice, cloves and cinnamon. Highly Recommended
September 6, 2014 - The difference between these two bottles of the same wine is marked. Both are very enjoyable, but the second bottle was so much brighter and fresher. The color is a deep cranberry. The nose is all dried cherry, Dr. Pepper, and something between lavender and rosemary as well as the expected SRH spiciness, perhaps Asian 5 spice. On the palate the hugeness of the wine cannot be overstated. Not overripe huge; not jammy huge, but ripe and rich. 14.6% alc. With smoked salmon and pea ricotta purée with the Scripps during the very boring Richmond race (4 lead changes between 2 drivers). Recommended.
May 27, 2013 - Tart cherries with some nice age. Still very expressive. Became quite a bit more impressive after opening it, vacu-vining, and then holding for two nights.
May 2, 2013 - Clear with a deep cranberry color. The nose? Whoa! Dried cherry, Dr. Pepper, and something between lavender and rosemary as well as the expected SRH spiciness, perhaps Asian 5 spice. Unfortunately it also shows some VA. More Dr. Depper on the nose - a loaded nose of DP. On the palate the hugeness of the wine cannot be overstated. While this isn’t SQN huge, it is nevertheless a huge wine. The DP element carries across on the palate like a blitzkrieg. As the wine heats up, blueberry punches through the palate. Some alcoholic heat kicks in. Nevertheless, the wine is complex, rich and layered. I’m not sure where this wine is going, but it will be interesting to keep it around awhile and see where it goes. 14.6% alc. With salmon and olive tapenade. Recommended with reservations.
February 14, 2013 - Very light colour with a teal hue on the rim. Come across quite mature. Nice clean Pinot flavours with a fresh acid grip. On the simple side, but quite enjoyable.
February 12, 2013 - Last bottle and by far the best. Took some time for it to hit its stride. Cherry/raspberry pie, wonderful depth and concentration. Ample acidity gives a nice lift into the medium-length finish.
December 2, 2012 - Good acid and fruit, very food friendly for a ripe California pinot. A bit simple at this point as the fruit is starting to fade a bit and nothing it really taking over.
October 13, 2012 - Much better the. Second day. Simple. Red fruit, cranberry.