April 17, 2020 - This one falls into the just ok category. I had hoped for a little more after 12 years in bottle.
If you like big, very dark Cabernets, then this one is for you.
While it had nice integration, well rounded and was smooth, its fruits are all very dark, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum & some dark cherries. Almost nothing in the way of mid red fruits. Heavy on; tarriness, very dark spice and the darkest of expressos. Baking spices; clove, nutmeg, some cinnamon and dull vanilla. Dry top soil & clay, stones, dry crushed rocks, touch of dry herbs with withering dark & red flowers. The acidity was round and nicely done. The long finish is elegant, smooth, somewhat balanced but, all primary in terms of darks tones.
This will age for another 10–15 years with proper storage.
March 2, 2017 - Lots of creamy black cherry and red cherry fruit with a nice streak of Rutherford dust. More cherry fruit lingers on the medium long finish with well integrated tannins and a silky texture plus just enough acidity to keep it fresh. Mature and around peak, drink now through 2018. Good stuff.
November 19, 2015 - Deep ruby red color. Still a little acidic and tannic but nice layers of ripe figs, toast, coffee, licorice and spices.
November 12, 2015 - This was great. Classic Rutherford nose. Dark fruit balanced with earth. Nice lengthy finish.
August 26, 2015 - Nice deep red color. Not a big nose but nice mouthfeel. Flavors of blueberries, strawberries, red licorice and tobacco. Short but pleasant finish. At its peak or just beyond peak.
October 12, 2014 - Really enjoyed this. Well balanced. The fruit is ripe but not too dark. Nice finish as well.
September 28, 2014 - Herbal, viney nose but with some hints of berry fruit. Initial hit of currants on the tip of the tongue. Then, there are hits from tannin and acid. A perfectly functional wine, but it does not seem to have much depth and complexity. Additional air seemed to calm down the tannin, but that only seemed to add to the berry fruit.
February 23, 2014 - Not sure what I drank 2 years ago, but this was a really big fruity cab. This needs 2-3 years to balance out. It drinks well now if you like this style of cabernet.
February 8, 2014 - hints of leather or tobacco. Balanced. Smooth.
January 5, 2014 - Still a big wine. Good drinking now but could also use a year or two, if that is your style