Still some dark fruit on the nose, blueberry pie and maybe a little stewed plum. Tannins are gone but there was surprisingly some life in this 2 decades old Washington merlot. Very smooth mid palate with a longish finish. I bought this knowing it could be long gone but I was pleasantly surprised and may buy the remaining bottles I saw on the shelf. The cork was very crumbly except for the last 3/8" or so. Forgot my ah-so and had to decant with a decanter strainer.
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Fabulous bottle! Drank on the heels of a disappointing 99 Guigal... and had opposite experience. Very lively, lush in the mouth, ripe full fruit, not overly tannic.
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Delicious and a fantastic buy at $20. Not nearly as good as the 1998 Ciel du Cheval, but close. Showed the color of an aged wine but was youthful and expressive on the palate. If this was not my only bottle I would hold off for at least 2 more years as the tannin structure was still very well defined.
Delicious stuff.
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The nose on this wine screamed of chocolate covered cherries and cherry liqueur with a slightly medicinal edge, very intriguing! On the palate this was initially very structured, but with time it gains a lush edge. It has a cool, mentholated feel with waves of fruit and tannins that coat your teeth on the finish. This is a terrific Merlot, very fresh and bright.
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2/12/2024 - gr8vino Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still some dark fruit on the nose, blueberry pie and maybe a little stewed plum. Tannins are gone but there was surprisingly some life in this 2 decades old Washington merlot. Very smooth mid palate with a longish finish. I bought this knowing it could be long gone but I was pleasantly surprised and may buy the remaining bottles I saw on the shelf. The cork was very crumbly except for the last 3/8" or so. Forgot my ah-so and had to decant with a decanter strainer.
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3/12/2013 - Gary wrote: 91 Points
Fabulous bottle! Drank on the heels of a disappointing 99 Guigal... and had opposite experience. Very lively, lush in the mouth, ripe full fruit, not overly tannic.
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11/1/2012 - junglejuice wrote: 91 Points
Delicious and a fantastic buy at $20. Not nearly as good as the 1998 Ciel du Cheval, but close. Showed the color of an aged wine but was youthful and expressive on the palate. If this was not my only bottle I would hold off for at least 2 more years as the tannin structure was still very well defined.
Delicious stuff.
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9/5/2010 - buckeye76 wrote: 93 Points
DEEP BERRY FRUIT AND A BIT OF SMOKINESS IN THE NOSE WITH BLUEBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, AND PLUMS IN THE FLAVOR. MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH.
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7/20/2010 - Gary wrote: 91 Points
Very jammy - still full of fruit, acid & tannin balanced. A touch sweet.
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1/7/2009 - GSW wrote: 91 Points
Popped & poured. Still a delight and consistent with May 2008 notes.
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5/24/2008 - GSW wrote: 91 Points
Delightful wine. Dark red/purple. Expressive nose of fruit, spice, smoke and earth. Smooth palate, noticeable tannins, and a lingering finish.
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8/11/2004 - Eric wrote: 90 Points
The nose on this wine screamed of chocolate covered cherries and cherry liqueur with a slightly medicinal edge, very intriguing! On the palate this was initially very structured, but with time it gains a lush edge. It has a cool, mentholated feel with waves of fruit and tannins that coat your teeth on the finish. This is a terrific Merlot, very fresh and bright.
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7/5/2004 - 97mjr wrote: 87 Points
[The Harrison]
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