November 21, 2023 - 2002 vintage. Decanted with just a little sed. Tasted immediately and after 2 hours. Medium-heavy body. Some pencil shavings and fudgesicle in the nose. Chocolate-covered raisin and dark-skinned ripe plum in the flavors. Initially, still pretty rich and "fat." Thinned out somewhat at the 2 hour mark whilst acquiring a pittance of tannins for a bit more balance. Still, waves of persistence and follow-through. Have tasted a few Napa merlots over the years since the 1985 vintage. This may be the best of them all. Still has at least 8-10 years of quality drinking ahead. This is solidly "in the zone." 11.21.23.
September 10, 2023 - Lovely but fading
December 20, 2022 - Out of magnum, similar notes as previous tastings in 2012 through 2019 and still going strong. Black cherries, currants, licorice, leather, and espresso in the nose. Black cherries, plums, chocolate, and a hint of minerals in the flavor. A rich wine with nice complexity, well balanced, full bodied and a long finish.
July 16, 2022 - Deep purple with lots of flavor of black, very ripe plums. Still drinking well, but is certainly time to drink up. While enjoyable tonight, it will not be to everyone's taste.
February 13, 2022 - Deep red color. Aromas of red fruits, dark chocolate and fruit chutney. Ripe and nicely extracted but rather unpleasant fruit in the mouth. The 20 years of bottle age has morphed this wine into an odd concoction of strange fruit flavors. Very disappointing.
May 17, 2021 - Round and plummy on the palate, with good fruit reflected in the generous bouquet, and extending into a lingering finish that gives hints of the terroir. Still youthful, with 10-15 years ahead of it.
June 23, 2020 - Still drinking wonderfully. Black cherries and dark chocolate, plenty of structure. Medium-long, firm finish.
April 27, 2020 - Delicious, impressed the guests at Xmas dinner
December 29, 2019 - Perfect with grilled Korean bbq beef courses !
August 31, 2019 - Similar notes to 2017 tasting. Deep rich fruit in the nose and flavor. Black cherries, currants, licorice, leather, and coffee in the nose. Black cherries, plums, and chocolate in the flavor. Full bodied, well balanced, nice complexity, and a long finish. We were in the 93/94 range.