November 22, 2020 - I was skeptical that this bottle would be notable, but it drank exceptionally well, especially considering it falls well outside the suggested drinking window.
January 14, 2017 - This proved to be a unique, individualistic, and very perplexing experience. Oxidized at first pour, to the point where I almost opened another bottle, its Merlot personality eventually appeared in the form of plummy black fruit, pencil lead, and singed earth aromas. Bright and lively, with a distinctive and tongue-staining mouthfeel that mysteriously turned velvety soft midway through the bottle. The oxidation never completely went away but this was solid. A very curious wine, indeed.
April 24, 2014 - I gave this wine a 88 on day 1 and a 92 on day 2. Keep in mind I prefer wines that are not fruit forward and in your face. This wine was somewhat in my face on day 1, but on day 2 it was elegant and refined. I also believe that the wines from Paradigm have a lot going on, and have the ability to age. For example, I have a few '04 and '05 Cabernets that I don't plan on drinking for awhile. I have consumed 3 bottles of this wine, and this was by far the best....even on day 1. Wonderful dark fruit aromas with some spice and tobacco and leather elements. On day 2 the wine was smoother. Some of the spice had dissipated and the fruit and tobacco leather elements all came together to form a wonderful glass of Merlot.
February 12, 2014 - Wine is still tight after 7 years in bottle. Expected more finesse and longer finish.
July 8, 2013 - Smooth elegance in a bottle.
June 2, 2013 - Cab drinkers merlot
May 27, 2013 - Very nice. Heidi is a master.
October 7, 2012 - Similar to earlier bottles. Solid daily drinker worth repurchasing @ $25
September 2, 2012 - Pop and pour; fruit based. very little tannin, with some spice. Would have thought this was a thinner Cab Franc if I didn't know otherwise. A little thin for my palate, but a great value that I'd buy again at the $25 purchase price.
April 8, 2012 - Well after-the-fact, but we were dissapointed with this. Turned out to be better in our Sept tasting.