March 19, 2011 - Saturday Evening Wines (Washington, DC): Tasted blind. Light burgundy color with a really interesting nose. This was hard for me to place as a californian cabernet! Spicy nose with brambles, peppered radishes, and sour cherry. Mid-palate featured more sour cherries, some wet coffee grinds, and red florals. The finish had strong tannins and nice acidity. While not what I'd place as a typical california cabernet, this was thoroughly enjoyable to me.
March 19, 2011 - Saturday Night at Tooch's (Tooch's - Washington, D.C.): tasted blind and was thoroughly confused. burgundy color in the glass. the nose shows radishes, red cabbage and sour cherries. the palate starts with a rush of sauerkraut. then some sour cherries. interesting... massive tannins come out on the finish. a bit of pickle juice on the finish. an "intellectual" wine, as in nerds will like it but most sane people would be skeptical.
February 25, 2011 - The flavors here are not so much candy apple as they are caramelized black fruits. Licorice and mint quickly follow. Next to the Flora Springs Cab, this stands out like the drainings from a dill pickle jar. Drink now; no reason to hold this. 13.6% alc. With cheeses and crusty bread and leftover flank steak (beef). Recommended with reservations.
December 19, 2010 - The flavors here are not so much candy apple as they are caramelized black fruits. Licorice and mint quickly follow. The finish suggests a raisining of the wine. While the mouthfeel suggests a sense of richness on the palate, it no longer suggests much by way of place. But then, some purchases are sentimental purchases. Thanks, Milan. Drink now; no reason to hold this. 13.6% alc. With leftover ribeye slices in yorkshire pudding apps. Recommended with reservations.
April 24, 2010 - Still bright and juicy, not a chocolate milkshake any more, now it's a raspberry shake. Drink now.
August 13, 2008 - Took to dinner at Palate Food and Wine. Excellent, holding up very well, with chocolate and mocha tinged black fruit and sweet tobacco notes. Acidity still good, texture is improving, as is the finish. Drink or hold.
June 14, 2007 - Very California in style, with plenty of oak influence, but the dark fruit profile, with cassis, smoke, fruitcake spices and roasted cherries comes through beautifully. A delicious wine, holding up very well and went well with prime rib as well as a roasted wild white salmon dish.
March 10, 2007 - I give this wine a higher rating than previously as it has developed some nice secondary characteristics--deep chocolate, hint of tobacco, black cherry and more evident acidity than previously, which I like. I've heard Milan's wines show better and better as they age and this one is definitely proof of that. RIP Milan Maximovich. I believe this is one of the last wines he made.
June 3, 2005 - Drank with Paul G in Fort Myers. Nice chocolatey flavor. easy drinling, ready to go
April 30, 2005 - Drank with Matt and Brooke. Deep color to the edge of glass, dark fruits (blackberries and black cherry) with good mountain fruit character. Earthy, moderate spice and medium finish with soft and integrated tannins make this wine great to drink now but should last a few more years.
Served with two aged goudas (one cow's milk, one goat's milk), goat cheese and brie.