May 22, 2017 - Another wonderful bottle. Silky smooth and well balanced- there is still a rich level of cassis and blackberry fruit. My last bottle was a bit better, so I suspect that this may be on the downward trajectory of maturity. A ridiculous value for the $60 I originally paid.
March 28, 2017 - No formal notes, still good fruit, smooth silky tannins, it is difinitly on the back side of the curve. I would say if you have them drink within the next 2 years or so. I have one bottle left, don't think I will wait to long to drink it.
November 24, 2016 - so smooth. been years since I last drank it. my last three for large Thanksgiving dinner. interesting nose and could not exactly place it but almost chemical fragrance, not unpleasant. palate was smooth, delicious balance of fruit with some savory, adequate alcohol and acidity. medium length finish. agree with previous notes that this wine is in peak drinking period but will last few more years at least. enjoy.
October 25, 2015 - This wine was amazing! So complex with coffee, chocolate and dark berries. Finish went on forever. This wine was at its perfect stage. I'm so sad it is my last 04. Unbelievable!
March 23, 2015 - Aged perfectly! Popped and poured. Gorgeous nose of cassis, violets and earth, following to the palate. This is just super-silky, great wine, that is probably right at peak. Held up after being funneled into a 375ml for 4 days!
March 14, 2015 - Drinking beautiful right now.
December 29, 2013 - At peak right now.
November 2, 2013 - The cork was stained all the way to the top, where the lip of the cork splayed out over the top of the bottle. Came out really easy due to the wine lubricant. Burnt marshmallows on the nose without strong flavors. Opened up a bit over the next 4 -5 hours, but one dimensional and disappointing.
September 29, 2013 - In a blind tasting of about 15 high-end Cabernet and Bordeaux blends, this was 2nd in the group and loved by nearly everyone. At its peak at this point, with rustic and smooth classic Cabernet fruit and a lengthy finish. Wish I had more of this, but this is my last bottle. Bravo!
October 3, 2012 - Wine dinner Bonda 2012 kick-off (Bonda Restaurant Fairfield CT): Decanted for 45 minutes. At first alcohol on the nose. A fair amount of heat. Also a lot of oak on the nose. A little burn on the nostril. Not as much sugar on the nose as expected. Heat burned off at 1 hour. Mission accomplished on french copy cat. No doubt that if we had consumed this blind it would have thrown people a curve ball as to its origins.