December 3, 2023 - Minerally nose, slightly truffled, big black fruit. It manages to shroud the ABV at least on the nose. Oak still integrating. Impressive, but not nearly approaching perfection in my book.
December 2, 2023 - California Wine Weekend; 12/1/2023-12/3/2023 (Mos Eisley Cantina & Waterhouse Restaurant): Black pepper, coffee grounds, lavender, cassis, plum jam and meaty charcuterie. Not overtly hot, but getting into the range of overdone.
July 20, 2022 - Intoxicating nose. Explosively floral with black pepper and meaty Syrah notes. Incredibly plush, just amazing texture, fresh, balanced, sweet and savory. Juicy and intense. Truly excellent wine.
January 31, 2022 - Austin 3-star food + wine; 1/30/2022-1/31/2022 (Our residence, Austin, TX): Raw cacao / dark chocolate was the strongest profile of this terrific wine.
December 5, 2021 - SLDS Decadence 2021: Oak, coffee, blackberry, blackcurrant - dense and deep on the nose. The dense profile continues on the palate, but does manage to find its feet with the acid and oak structure bringing it all into line. Unapologetic about its immense ripeness and full body.
November 19, 2021 - Kleur: Diep ondoordringbaar robijnrood Aroma / bouquet: Een explosie van aroma’s. Donker fruit, bramen en zwarte bessen, zacht zoete kruidigheid. Smaak / Afdronk: Wow.... Wat een concentratie, wat een complexiteit. Dik-sappig. Boordevol tannines maar ultiem gerijpt. Een vuistslag met een fluwelen handschoen. Superlange afdronk. Algemeen / potentieel: Ultieme Shiraz. Wat een WAANZINNIGE wijn. 50 + Kleur: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 15 + Smaak / Afdronk: 20 + Algemeen / potentieel: 10 = 100/100
Colour: Deep impenetrable ruby red Aroma / bouquet: An explosion of aromas. Dark fruit, blackberries and black currants, soft sweet spiciness. Taste / Aftertaste: Wow.... What a concentration, what a complexity. Thick-juicy. Packed with tannins but ultimately matured. A punch with a velvet glove. Super long finish. Overall / Potential: Ultimate Shiraz. What an AMAZING wine. 50 + Colour: 5 + Aroma / Bouquet: 15 + Taste / Aftertaste: 20 + General / Potential: 10 = 100/100
August 21, 2021 - Deep purple. Full bodied. Blackberry, limestone, white pepper.
January 19, 2021 - Decanted for an hour. Stunningly youthful and decadent, with layers of fruit and nuance. Blueberries, espresso, pork shoulder, lilacs, deep kirsch and some earthy notes are starting to show. Epic and long, with crushed velvet tannins and so much backbone. There are some secondary notes starting to show, but this is unabashedly youthful. So much to say with all the right words and style.
Sadly, in a clumsy manner the bottle broke so it will not be added to the empties, as I do love the label. Fortunately, it broke after the decant took place. I see no reason to rush. Drink now - 2031.
December 25, 2020 - Beautiful Christmas dinner wine. Extraordinary nose, spicy fruit cake, tobacco, pepper, blackberries and menthol. Dark Chocolate, some savory flavors, blueberry and blackberry, with just layer after layer of intriguing flavors.
December 25, 2020 - Holy crap. Espresso, chocolate, tobacco, blackberry bramble and açaí. White pepper streak that is just fascinating. Still a big wine but the tannins have mellowed and the fruit is still going strong. Could be confused blind for Petit. Finish is so long it’ll haunt my dreams. Utterly perfect, one of the best wines I’ve ever had. Now-2030?