September 7, 2022 - Acker Pre-Auction September 2022 (Redbury Lounge): Really enjoyed this wine which isn’t as well known I don’t think, but drinks incredibly well. This area of California is underappreciated I suspect, but works with my style. A bit of a more vegetal note which I think adds some interest and when combined with fruit and more woodsy makes the wine quite nice.
October 3, 2021 - On the downslope but not bad. 13% alc, slight oxidation, some sediment, very faint raspberry nose, medium briary and licorice flavors.
March 3, 2017 - Cork crumbled when I tried to remove it, so I decanted this through a wire strainer. This shows very mature and resolved; a bottle last fall was corked but otherwise seemed younger. Cedar and smokey gravel and mint, red currant fruit, light in weight, plenty of acid. Pretty but starting to fade. I wonder if bottles with better corks would show younger.
February 25, 2017 - BIG ripe dark fruit on the nose. Palate has intense notes of black currants, black berries, plums, tomato leaf, dust. Medium + body, medium acidity, medium + tannins that can still rip you face off. Medium + finish
September 30, 2016 - Still holding up quite nicely and actually improved with some time in the glass; The nose has pleasant aromas of dried herbs/mint, cedar and tobacco; The palate still has impressive concentration, with densely packed dark fruits and some dusty tannins
September 30, 2016 - Served blind. I was guessing an 20+ year old Napa Cab. Close but not quite. Beautiful classic Cali Cab nose with dried plum, toasty oak, bell pepper and cigar ash. On the palate this is polished with mature fruit that still has plenty of life and even gains intensity with air. Tannins are gentle and resolved. Terrific and classic.
September 17, 2016 - corked
February 26, 2014 - Served to me blind and I immediately thought it from Bordeaux, possibly 1989 or 1990. Dense black fruit with some very good licorice, black pepper and dried herb from start to finish, with some elegant, earthy notes. Very good acidity and balance throughout with good mid-weight.
September 7, 2013 - Upon opening this was beautiful, with red and black stone fruit, herbs de provence, and dusty notes. It fell apart somewhat quickly though, increasingly showing just leather and fruit-roll flavors. Still, what a treat to drink! Might be several years past peak.
November 18, 2010 - Tasted blind.
Nose deep cedary black currant and cotton candy, hints of black olive, mint and dill.
Classic Mount Eden - deep Margaux fruit, intense minerally mountain expression, licorice with a slight hint at that green bamboo shoot. Smooth, dark and sultry.