January 1, 2024 - Cork was in tough shape, broke apart upon extraction, had to strain… But once it was decanted, drank beautifully
August 27, 2023 - Vibrant color of violet purple hue, violet nose with an instant palate of coffee-expresso beans. This is a gorgeous wine, developing into itself with ever-present tannins and core fruit that portend a still longer developing life ahead. Stored in optimal temperature since 2016, cork was perfectly intact and no sign of degradation. Tim and Katie loved this wine, and it developed in glass over 2 hours. Wonderful. 94+
April 23, 2023 - Dark fruit went well with charcoal grilled rib steak
November 2, 2022 - 15 years old - this is majestic; it has matured, and while losing the strong grip of youth, it now bear's an artist's swath; the nose is formidable, broad, intense, and deep; almost a hint of vanilla; round bodied; palate is very mature, just past the peak of a life well-lived; structure has loosened in late middle-age, drawing a parallel with my own life ha; drink this up - now is the time 50/5/15/15/10
July 1, 2022 - Beautiful, bright crimson-ruby color. Raspberry bubble-gum and cracked black pepper on the nose. Slightly sweet, slightly herbal notes mixed with red berries and cola nut. Tasty.
April 15, 2022 - This bottle aged well--it is not past its drinking window. It has retained its structure. The only issue is that we did not particularly enjoy that structure. I understand that heavy red wines taste better with food. But, with several minutes between bites, or after the main meal, the wine still tastes fine. This particular wine needs the food with every sip.
April 11, 2022 - Like the most recent bottle. Drinking very well, still a little heavy for me, but well made.
March 7, 2022 - couple hr open then an hour decant. This bottle is pretty much missing any structure, like drinking a soft mushy cherry drink. Flavors are a bit muddled and though drinkable it offers little enjoyment.
February 12, 2022 - Deep dark center, red rim with some signs of age.
Sweet, pipe tobacco, damson jam, rubbed herbs, great combination of secondary and tertiary flavors.
Smooth and complex, plums and raspberries, smokey, charred oak, moderate acidity and tannin, alcohol (14.9%) is well integrated, very good finish.
Excellent Napa Cabernet, in a richer style, but strikes a balance between new and old world. Good now, and for the next 5+ years.
December 7, 2021 - One-hour decant through a screened and aerating funnel. Some sediment and blackberry aromas emanated during the decant. After resting for an hour, wine was a deep ruby in the bowl with a very thin amber rim and a moderate clear halo. In the glass: nose of black cherries, blackberries, blackcurrant and some earth. In the mouth: wonderful melange of the aforementioned fruits, quite sweet and ripe, tannins were soft and wine had a wonderful backbone to support the fruit. A very nice finish as well. Incredibly delicious right now.