87 now...was high 89 - 92 a few years ago. What a metaphor for life. It has turned the last corner of a mile long race nearing its last 50m...top of the 9th...a half-inning left with no chance for extra innings. It sang about 6 years go.
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"Drinking more and more wine than I used to" but not sure I always know what to look for. Read the "drink window" on this site which may not always be accurate. Assuming it was cellared properly at Sterling. Truck to Denver. Stored in 65'ish degree closet for 4 years before it ended up properly cellared with me for 2 more years. Upon opening, more pucker/tannin than I expected for an old wine (or perhaps that's normal?). After 1 hour of decanting, it softened and the velvety texture and blended (balanced?) flavors came out...mild tannins. Soft brick hues. Not as much fruit as I expected but in 'red' family. A hint of 'earthen' flavor but not sure if it's from age or terroir. 88 may be harsh but would be a smidge higher if there was a bit more fruit...or is this unfair expectation?
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The aged Merlot is showing its age being past its prime drinking window with the diminished black cherry and black berry fruit giving way to ripe raisin and hints of black licorice on a modest finish.
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Consistent with last bottle. Deep and complex merlot with blackberry, cherry, tobacco, oak and cocoa. Rich, supple tannins along with big, ripe fruit and smooth, lingering aftertaste. What a shame these guys are now such a huge corporation, not focused on top quality as much as bottom line profits.
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Very elegant and well made. The extra time has added some complexity to it. Nice dark fruit with some tobacco and chocolate flavors and long rich finish.
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Time has definitely helped this wine develop more personality. Deep purple with very faint clear edge. Very closed upon opening, after 30 minutes the nose delivered blackberry, cherry, tobacco, spicy oak and cocoa. Supple tannins delivered a very nice mouthfeel. Still possessed lively fruit in the mouth and a nice balanced finish. Would drink the rest before the end of 2008.
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A deep ruby red color. On the nose there are cherries, tobacco, licorice, and blackberries. Medium to full body with persistant tannins and good acidity. On the palate there is cherries, a bit of blackberries, an herbal element, and a bit of coarse oak. The finish is a bit short, but tasty with spicy cherries, dried herbs, and a bit of oak. Could use a touch more concentration and some cellar time would help integrate the oak better, but this is nothing memorable.
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11/16/2014 - Allagashme wrote: 87 Points
87 now...was high 89 - 92 a few years ago. What a metaphor for life. It has turned the last corner of a mile long race nearing its last 50m...top of the 9th...a half-inning left with no chance for extra innings. It sang about 6 years go.
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6/24/2014 - Allagashme wrote: 88 Points
"Drinking more and more wine than I used to" but not sure I always know what to look for. Read the "drink window" on this site which may not always be accurate. Assuming it was cellared properly at Sterling. Truck to Denver. Stored in 65'ish degree closet for 4 years before it ended up properly cellared with me for 2 more years. Upon opening, more pucker/tannin than I expected for an old wine (or perhaps that's normal?). After 1 hour of decanting, it softened and the velvety texture and blended (balanced?) flavors came out...mild tannins. Soft brick hues. Not as much fruit as I expected but in 'red' family. A hint of 'earthen' flavor but not sure if it's from age or terroir. 88 may be harsh but would be a smidge higher if there was a bit more fruit...or is this unfair expectation?
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3/27/2014 - rmcnees wrote: 86 Points
The aged Merlot is showing its age being past its prime drinking window with the diminished black cherry and black berry fruit giving way to ripe raisin and hints of black licorice on a modest finish.
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8/11/2013 - Acohen Likes this wine: 88 Points
Was pleasantly surprised after the cork broke when opening. Still has dark fruit and nice balance
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11/23/2011 - ArlenP wrote: 88 Points
Nice bottle of wine still has plenty of room left to age. Recommend decanting for an hour plus.
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10/3/2010 - gmat5497 wrote: 91 Points
Very nice. Well integrated. Tannins perfect.
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8/29/2010 - gmat5497 wrote: 89 Points
Nice. Pleasant.
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11/19/2008 - cyu wrote: 90 Points
Enjoyed this bottle. Much better than I remember. Opened up nicely. Still has a few years left.
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1/19/2008 - TinMan wrote: 85 Points
I think I agree with the movie SIDEWAYS.
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7/7/2007 - GolferChris wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with last bottle. Deep and complex merlot with blackberry, cherry, tobacco, oak and cocoa. Rich, supple tannins along with big, ripe fruit and smooth, lingering aftertaste. What a shame these guys are now such a huge corporation, not focused on top quality as much as bottom line profits.
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6/24/2007 - Acohen wrote: 89 Points
Opened and was quite nice with good smoothness and nice fruit, was a great match with the duck
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5/2/2007 - Acohen wrote: 88 Points
Very elegant and well made. The extra time has added some complexity to it. Nice dark fruit with some tobacco and chocolate flavors and long rich finish.
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1/21/2007 - GolferChris wrote: 90 Points
Time has definitely helped this wine develop more personality. Deep purple with very faint clear edge. Very closed upon opening, after 30 minutes the nose delivered blackberry, cherry, tobacco, spicy oak and cocoa. Supple tannins delivered a very nice mouthfeel. Still possessed lively fruit in the mouth and a nice balanced finish. Would drink the rest before the end of 2008.
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2/23/2006 - cbbrown3 wrote: 87 Points
A deep ruby red color. On the nose there are cherries, tobacco, licorice, and blackberries. Medium to full body with persistant tannins and good acidity. On the palate there is cherries, a bit of blackberries, an herbal element, and a bit of coarse oak. The finish is a bit short, but tasty with spicy cherries, dried herbs, and a bit of oak. Could use a touch more concentration and some cellar time would help integrate the oak better, but this is nothing memorable.
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