Day 3 - simply re-corked and served in a Zalto Burgundy glass. Pronounced herbal aromas of caramelized fennel and fresh tarragon over the top of muted blueberry rhubarb pie. This wine is in a nice place. The medium bodied juice leads with a slightly soft mouthfeel and then just a nice edge of acid is felt before the soft tannins assert themselves on the finish- yet the acid lingers as well. Very nice and relaxed, as if the wine is simply sauntering across the palate and taking its sweet time along the way. The herbal notes are prominent on the palate, blueberries and rhubarb notes that almost lean toward root beer- but stop short of both the concentration and sweetness of root beer. There is just the faintest floral spice, akin to white pepper that shows up two third of the way through the finish. I’d say this wine is in a spectacular place right now. I am glad that I checked in and I am looking to drink my next and last bottle sooner than later based on tonight’s observations. Drink in the near term or roll the dice.
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Inky black pour. First impression of this wine is one of massive masculine character. Absolutely stacked with black and blue fruits, industrial chemicals, bloody peppered red meat, and dried figs and prunes.
First drink is a sock in the mouth. Still rather short tannins that really grab you by the undercarriage. Everything is balanced and integrated and in tune, but there's a lot there to contend with. The black mission fig quality really comes out in the drink, as well as black pepper, axle grease, and violets. It moves across the palate very squarely and finishes long and dry.
With time, some sweet caramel and cedar wood emerged.
Overall, very serious and stately wine. Pretty cool!
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Opaque purple in color. 14.4% ABV. Soaring nose of espresso, black fruits and tar. Full bodied with strong acidity. Dark and brooding. Black cherries, grilled meat and olive brine on the palate. Impressive finish. A truly unique interpretation of Washington Syrah. Not exactly in my wheelhouse but I can appreciate what is in my glass. Drink over the next 4-6 years.
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3-hour decant. didn't pick up any TCA on the nose or in the decanter, but once we started it drinking I suspected a flaw. again, I couldn't smell it, but the muted, "dumb" aromas and flavors led me to the conclusion that this was corked.
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Decanted 6 hours prior to tasting. Still fairly new to this winery, I continue to be surprised by what is in each bottle, because the experience always seems different. This proved to be amazingly soft and subtle with interesting flavors spreading demurely across the palate. The tannin is equally soft with the acid core saluting the finish. A pleasure to drink.
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3/24/2024 - PDX-S wrote:
No detailed notes- random glassware, in a delicious place. Showing quite nicely. Great depth and balance for a domestic Syrah.
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5/2/2022 - rrscellar Likes this wine: 90 Points
Slow ox for 3.5 hours. In a great spot right now. Dusty fruit, long finish, well integrated tannins. Very enjoyable
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1/20/2022 - W2WineGuy wrote: 93 Points
wow, fabulous wine in a wonderful spot. Deep and dark, dark fruits. Well integrated and coats your mouth with silk. Medium/long finish.
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1/2/2022 - mellie Likes this wine: 93 Points
perfect drinking window
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1/22/2021 - PDX-S wrote:
Day 3 - simply re-corked and served in a Zalto Burgundy glass.
Pronounced herbal aromas of caramelized fennel and fresh tarragon over the top of muted blueberry rhubarb pie.
This wine is in a nice place. The medium bodied juice leads with a slightly soft mouthfeel and then just a nice edge of acid is felt before the soft tannins assert themselves on the finish- yet the acid lingers as well. Very nice and relaxed, as if the wine is simply sauntering across the palate and taking its sweet time along the way.
The herbal notes are prominent on the palate, blueberries and rhubarb notes that almost lean toward root beer- but stop short of both the concentration and sweetness of root beer. There is just the faintest floral spice, akin to white pepper that shows up two third of the way through the finish.
I’d say this wine is in a spectacular place right now. I am glad that I checked in and I am looking to drink my next and last bottle sooner than later based on tonight’s observations.
Drink in the near term or roll the dice.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/11/2020 - Jack Cranley Likes this wine: 92 Points
Inky black pour. First impression of this wine is one of massive masculine character. Absolutely stacked with black and blue fruits, industrial chemicals, bloody peppered red meat, and dried figs and prunes.
First drink is a sock in the mouth. Still rather short tannins that really grab you by the undercarriage. Everything is balanced and integrated and in tune, but there's a lot there to contend with. The black mission fig quality really comes out in the drink, as well as black pepper, axle grease, and violets. It moves across the palate very squarely and finishes long and dry.
With time, some sweet caramel and cedar wood emerged.
Overall, very serious and stately wine. Pretty cool!
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11/23/2017 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 93 Points
Plenty of black olive and coffee notes to blend with dark cherry and blackberry - I like the balance of this wine. Drinking well now.
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5/30/2015 - tomlee wrote: 92 Points
Opaque purple in color. 14.4% ABV. Soaring nose of espresso, black fruits and tar. Full bodied with strong acidity. Dark and brooding. Black cherries, grilled meat and olive brine on the palate. Impressive finish. A truly unique interpretation of Washington Syrah. Not exactly in my wheelhouse but I can appreciate what is in my glass. Drink over the next 4-6 years.
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9/28/2014 - caeleric wrote: flawed
3-hour decant. didn't pick up any TCA on the nose or in the decanter, but once we started it drinking I suspected a flaw. again, I couldn't smell it, but the muted, "dumb" aromas and flavors led me to the conclusion that this was corked.
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4/28/2014 - jeagle wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 6 hours prior to tasting. Still fairly new to this winery, I continue to be surprised by what is in each bottle, because the experience always seems different. This proved to be amazingly soft and subtle with interesting flavors spreading demurely across the palate. The tannin is equally soft with the acid core saluting the finish. A pleasure to drink.
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