Nose of licorice and currant. Cherry and currant on the palate. Nearly resolved tannins make this smooth but somewhat hollow. Acidic finish. This is fine now, but I remember it showing better at age 5 than 10.
I remember this being more complex when younger, ironically. Today, on the PNP, the color was a beautiful purple/Ruby, with no signs of oxidation or sediment. The nose was blackberry and an astringent green note. The mouthfeel was silky, unremarkable. The palate was all primary, all blackberry and licorice. Fine, I suppose, but not very interesting.
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This was a pleasant surprise at a gala wine dinner with a dozen friends in Chicago. Full of raspberry, blackberry, clove, baking spice and a bit of tobacco box. Lot's of body and grippy tannins with this bottle. We visited Rubissow on Mt. Veeder in 2011 where we met and toured the winery with George Rubissow. Although we very much liked the wines, I do not recall this much body. This was special and although it was my only bottle, I still have a 2013 which should also be very special.
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This bottle had a better nose, black and blue mountain fruit was more intense than previous bottles. Hints of pencil shavings and ? Some eucalyptus. Fine, integrated tannins. Drinking beautifully. One bottle left.
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In our cellar for a little over 3 years - 1st of our six pack. Agree that it could pass for a much more expensive Napa cab. Full of fruit but not at all cloying. With filets and bleu cheese sauce matched well - stood up but not overpowering. Our vote? Ready to drink - don't save this one for later.
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See my tasting note of 4-16-2020. Interesting that there was no sediment in this bottle. Otherwise the same as before. Better after 30-45 minute decant.
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Dark and full of fruit, but no heat or harshness. Nice nose, very good mouthfeel, dark cherries and medium length finish. Excellent QPR, could pass for a more expensive Napa Cab. Good right out of the bottle, and mild improvement after half hour decant. Mild tannins, but held up well with beef roast and potatoes. Note: This had a lot of sediment, decant carefully.
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1/29/2024 - gmbdds wrote: 89 Points
Nose of licorice and currant. Cherry and currant on the palate. Nearly resolved tannins make this smooth but somewhat hollow. Acidic finish. This is fine now, but I remember it showing better at age 5 than 10.
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10/22/2021 - cchoukal wrote:
I remember this being more complex when younger, ironically. Today, on the PNP, the color was a beautiful purple/Ruby, with no signs of oxidation or sediment. The nose was blackberry and an astringent green note. The mouthfeel was silky, unremarkable. The palate was all primary, all blackberry and licorice. Fine, I suppose, but not very interesting.
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9/25/2021 - wconnolly Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was a pleasant surprise at a gala wine dinner with a dozen friends in Chicago. Full of raspberry, blackberry, clove, baking spice and a bit of tobacco box. Lot's of body and grippy tannins with this bottle. We visited Rubissow on Mt. Veeder in 2011 where we met and toured the winery with George Rubissow. Although we very much liked the wines, I do not recall this much body. This was special and although it was my only bottle, I still have a 2013 which should also be very special.
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4/30/2021 - Watchster wrote: 94 Points
This bottle had a better nose, black and blue mountain fruit was more intense than previous bottles. Hints of pencil shavings and ? Some eucalyptus. Fine, integrated tannins. Drinking beautifully. One bottle left.
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4/10/2021 - GJVines Likes this wine: 92 Points
See previous tasting notes. Still drinking nicely. Decanted for sediment, good to go as soon as it warmed up a bit from cellar temp.
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7/10/2020 - KC Lawyer Likes this wine: 93 Points
In our cellar for a little over 3 years - 1st of our six pack. Agree that it could pass for a much more expensive Napa cab. Full of fruit but not at all cloying. With filets and bleu cheese sauce matched well - stood up but not overpowering. Our vote? Ready to drink - don't save this one for later.
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5/3/2020 - GJVines Likes this wine: 92 Points
See my tasting note of 4-16-2020. Interesting that there was no sediment in this bottle. Otherwise the same as before. Better after 30-45 minute decant.
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4/16/2020 - GJVines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark and full of fruit, but no heat or harshness. Nice nose, very good mouthfeel, dark cherries and medium length finish. Excellent QPR, could pass for a more expensive Napa Cab. Good right out of the bottle, and mild improvement after half hour decant. Mild tannins, but held up well with beef roast and potatoes. Note: This had a lot of sediment, decant carefully.
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9/18/2018 - Tonythefish wrote: 88 Points
Plenty of fruit and very forward. Nice dark garnet color, decent finish and balanced. Good value
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8/5/2018 - canefan Likes this wine: 91 Points
I realy enjoyed this one. It was big with a long finish.
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