September 14, 2022 - Decanted for sediment. From the nose I knew the wine was likely a bit over the hill as the dominant aromas were stewed red fruits, some mocha and oak and a sharp note of alcohol/heat coming through. Has some port-like characteristics on the nose for sure. On the palate, there are some kirsch and cherry cordial type flavors coming through but mostly baked red fruits and oak. Medium acidity, very high alcohol. Perhaps there was a time when the fruit held up to the alcohol and oak, but this wine is now past that point. Drink up if holding any.
August 9, 2021 - PnP... and had with appy's at an Italian restaurant with friends. Deep dark, almost black coloring in glass. Rich lush dark fruits, maybe some mocha... finishes smooth and soft, almost a hint of sweetness. Was not over the top though, had balance and was delicious to drink. Certainly had some life left. In a great spot right now. Threw a lot of sediment....
August 6, 2021 - No score here. I love these wines (especially the newer Force Majuere wines), but this sported quite a bit of EA (ethyl acetate). When I first popped this, I double decanted to get it off the sediment, tried a glass and it seemed fine. Took it to its final destination and thought it had a hint of EA…as the day went on, it got stronger and stronger, sadly. Aside from the aromas being compromised, the palate seemed to be in order. At peak for this wines evolution, and sported a lot of kirsch, rhubarb, candied black cherries, and peppered plum. Wish the nose was as good as the palate!
September 17, 2020 - Last of 4 bottles. Tasty and enjoyed over several days.
June 10, 2019 - Dark red, heavy sediment. Lush ripe raspberry, red currant fruit. Ripe, and rich- not much in the way of savory flavors. Smooth tannins on the finish. Delicious now.
July 4, 2018 - Tasty and well-bridled red from WA state. Went nicely with grilled meats on July 4th. Drink now through 2020.
October 29, 2017 - This had rich, expressive bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, orange rind, mocha, cola, toast and spice. The palate was big, rich and nicely balanced with flavors that followed the nose.
April 8, 2017 - Tasty and proper Washington red wine. At $60/btl, a "never again buy" for me. Ouch. So many other options at half the price.
January 22, 2016 - Magnificent wine. I loved it, but yet perhaps I enjoy Grenache. Still youthful, benefits from decant/ time open. Wonderful nose of fruit, strawberry liquor, rhubarb pie, nice acidity- youthful; moth coating, nice acid finish with fruit.
January 3, 2016 - On the way from the primary fruit driven phase to the secondary phase, lost a lot of its fat and richness, still good but a long shot from the fun of its primary phase