January 20, 2014 - Had cellared this wine for several years - just opened it and the mellowness of it plus the blending of flavors far exceeded my expectations. Very smooth.
The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are slow. There is moderate sediment in the bottle. The body is medium/full. The wine has polished texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
March 17, 2012 - On the nose, roasted chipotle pepper, black fruit, with a nice minerality. Spicy black fruit on the palate. Very spicy finish.
January 19, 2012 - This is the absolute signature Cab Franc flavor profile if anyone is wondering or wants to taste a pure representation of it. That said, I'd mostly agree with prior postings. The nose is quite spare. Very soft mouth feel and the fruit is indeed back loaded. Dark fruit, suggestions of vegetal elements, and a slight bite on the finish. This is where I differ from prior postings, it does not have pepper angles in my mind. Mild tannins. Probably time to drink this up.
November 26, 2011 - Decanted for about 3 hrs. Nose lacks much fruit - maybe a hint of black fruit. Chipotle pepper, mocha, dried herbs, and menthol is what I get. Some blackberry on the palate with a lot of pepper especially on the finish. This wine is in an interesting place right now. It's enjoyable for sure but the lack of fruit is intriguing.
September 13, 2011 - - Brick color. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of black pepper.
April 2, 2011 - When you evaluate this with other varietals, you realize how green the nose is, almost like a jalapeno pepper. Very soft mouthfeel and it seems that the fruit has faded a bit. Very spicy on the finish.
March 7, 2011 - Very Cab Franc in character--not a given in CA Franc. Black cherries and tobacco nose, same flavors. Has a fair amount of oak, but the earthy finish meshes well with it. Plenty of fruit, plenty of earth. Structure about on par with a mid-level Pinot Noir, mild yet not formless. Finishes long.
January 13, 2010 - Decanted for two hours. Strawberries are there on the nose along with mushrooms. Very full and thick in the mouth upon tasting. Taste of mushroom, dirt, and fruit on the palate. Long finish that builds. Just a perfect Wednesday night Franc!
May 18, 2009 - Bashful aroma of fresh strawberries; medium ruby color; medium body; burnt pepper; medium to long finish; good balance; excellent;