March 16, 2020 - WIML90
Tasted non blind.
Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of rose petals, white pepper and red plum. Flavors of red berries, red cherries and red raspberries. Medium to tart acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink now.
August 15, 2018 - Good color with no bricking. Nose of leather, tobacco, earth. Dark cherry at the front of the palate mixed with vanilla and forest floor and leather. Still pretty astringent. Shorter finish with a little bitter herb at the end of the palate. Tasty for sure, but not hugely complex anymore. Drink now! Offers great qpr, and gives you an old bordeaux taste without the price. 88-89
November 28, 2013 - thanksgiving 2013
April 27, 2013 - Nose- Blackberry
Taste- Raisin, plum, cinnamon with tannin on finish
August 18, 2012 - Very nice, and plush St. Emilion Merlot fruit really shines through. Has some underlying earth, and acidity, but this is squarely on the hedonistic side of the fence. Not a good bet to go with food, but this represents the region well enough, has very good fruit and enough going on to make for an interesting drink that outperforms its price level. 88 - 90 points.
June 6, 2012 - Tasted non blind at home. PnP and followed over 3 hours. Nice dark berry and cedar nose. Similar palate with cassis and a hint of mint. The finish is surprisingly long with tart cherries, rubber and some licorice. Mostly resolved tannins and a nice, sightly powdery texture. Very good QPR, I wish I had more of these. Drink now.
February 17, 2012 - Cassis, plum and cherry nose with pencil shavings, some liquorice and cedar.
Medium bodied dusty palate with refreshing acidity and mid-intense darkish fruit. Chewy, leathery and oaky, but all aspects nicely balanced. Cedar, cinnamon and graphite in the finish.
Convincing cheaper stuff. The stuff that makes one believe in things - even things like Bordeaux. Enjoyed with entrecote and parsley beurre blanc - ooh, what a night.
December 31, 2011 - This really is exceptional value for Bordeaux @ under $20. Tons of earth and soil, well balanced acidity, with black and red fruits showing plenty of life. As others have mentioned, this wine is very likely not yet near its peak as there is plenty of power held in reserve. Just a very useful wine for regular drinking, blind tastings, or as a dinner companion. I'm told it appears on at least a few well known and respected restaurant wine lists, not surprised.
December 4, 2011 - Very open and expressive already when uncorked; didn't evolve significantly after some two hours of aeration in a carafe. Deep ruby color. Very rich nose of Merlot redcurrant, old leather jacket, woody oak, wet forest floor, dark chocolate and pencil shavings. Quite full body with generous aromas of ripe redcurrant, some blackcurrant, aged dark fruits, peppery spice, and leather on the palate; oak comes to the fore after a short while. Abundant yet velvety tannins and bright acidity give the wine nice structure and intensity. Long finish with a tug-of-war of oak versus red and berries; finally oak taking the lead, finishing the whole package with elegance.
Overall the wine is very classy, balanced and harmonious, its 5 years of age giving it nice, calm character. Not past its prime by a long shot, but probably peaking - you can keep this for a handful of years, but most likely it won't evolve much further. Really great stuff and incredible QPR at 13,85€.
August 25, 2011 - WIML90
Tasted non blind. Opened and glass decanted about 90 minutes before serving.
Garnet to perhaps dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of black berries and black cherries that carries through to the palate. Bright acidity, firm tannins. medium to full bodied. Drink or hold.