Anderson's Conn Valley Library Tasting (Temecula, CA): Reticent aromas, mostly built around red pepper, cherry, red currants, and leather. For me, the alcohol and acidity are a bit too prevalent at this point on the palate and pulls down the back of the palate, especially the spicy finish. Cabernet Franc heavy, showing lots of vegetal, red pepper, and jalapeno character. A good 5-10 years past its best, but not at all unpleasant. Needs food.
Wow, this wine is in a nice place right now. Opened and slow oxidation over two hours. Wine in glass over half hour and opened nicely. Soft, but with beautiful notes. Slight bricking and dong see any reason to hold off. Drink now. Will try second bottle in next week or so.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This bottle came out with guns blazing after PNP, then got "stupid" or flat toward the end of the first day. Day 2 brought fabulous integration and the CF presence and a beautiful wine to enjoy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This well-cellared bottle was presented as a "ringer" at a Right Bank Bordeaux tasting. With a youthful deep ruby/red color, this blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot has changed very little since last being tasted 7/9/13. The nose flaunts intense aromas of red currants, Asian spices, dried herbs and graphite, while the medium-bodied palate shows similar flavors. Freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13.7%) and with silky tannins, it stays solid in the middle and concludes with a medium-to-long, supple finish. This proved to be a credible Right Bank knock-off with the added benefit of beautiful Napa fruit. Properly cellared bottles should last longer than I previously estimated. Drink now-2020.
Still deep ruby/red, this blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot delivers the goods for those who enjoy the wines of Saint-Émilion, albeit with a New World flare. The nose shows intense aromas of dried herbs, red currants, cardamom and graphite, while the medium-bodied palate shows similar flavors. The framework is one of medium acidity, light sweet tannins and well-integrated alcohol (listed as 13.7%). Solid in the middle, the wine concludes with a medium-length, supple finish. True to what it should be, this is a well-made right bank knock-off...with a riper bent. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2017.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pop/pour. Just "ok". A bit tight and ungiving. However, as this opens up in the glass, it becomes much more alluring. I'm not very familiar with Cab Franc dominated wines, but here goes, after about an hour open:
On the nose - very fresh. Some commonality with French Cab Franc in that regard, but this gives off a freshness of cut grass with red fruit undercurrents. Also a hint of secondary character starting to show. Overall quite bright and uplifting.
On the palate, medium bodied with a distinct acidity. A bit of a resinous character in the background serves as a counterbalance. Relatively strong tannins remain on the finish.
With the caveat of "I have no idea how this will age" - I'm concerned that the fruit will outlive the tannins and acidity in this wine. I could be totally wrong on that, but for my tastes, this seems slightly out of balance at present, tilting too strongly towards acidity and tannins. A 90 point wine for now. With two more btls in the cellar, I look forward to a continuing education on this one. I will try not to open another until 2015, when I hope I might be pleasantly surprised.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
So the first day this wine was good, but not great. Tasted a little hot / acidic. I corked the bottle and threw it in the fridge overnight. Re-opened it tonight and was expecting more of the same - very wrong.
Tannins have mellowed out and the wine has come into itself on day two. Some vegetal properties on the nose. Hints of cassis and tobacco. Red fruit. Great mouth feel. Medium body. Well balanced. Long finish. Silky and integrated. Good depth too.
Honestly this wine is a winner. Don't judge it too quickly.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Christmas 2012 From Magnum Cork bled through, barely, and was completely soaked 2/3 through. Great Napa nose. Red/black fruit palate. Good length, good acidity. Enough tannin. Fruit is Classy, not overwhelming. Nice
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was one of those wines that I liked and it was also a great crowd pleaser. Color remains dark with just a hint of lightening. Nose shows leafy Cab Franc characteristics and also some juicier undercurrents. On the palate, the Cab Franc/Merlot blend shows its stuff. A cassis component is framed by a greenish note and also a hint of the California eucalyptus. Very drinkable now and a true crowd favorite.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Starts with lush and fresh black fruit aromas along with licorice, baking spice and dark chocolate. Very similar profile comes through on palate that is also well balanced by smooth, soft tannins. At a very good place right now, seemingly just entering its peak drinking window.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Plenty of tannins left in this one. The fruit at first was a bit elusive, but they did show up more after decanting. While this is a great wine, not sure there is much upside in holding on to this one for much longer. PJP 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Memorial Day weekend wines at Mike's: Also controversial, I liked this more than most. The nose is dusty with cassis and the beginnings of an aquarium quality. Great texture though. Slight tannins. Dark cherry fruit with a green bell pepper note and some tobacco. Is there Cab Franc in here. Tastes more like an aged Loire Red. I would drink these up sooner than later, but I enjoyed this bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very nice, mature wine. Nose of bright red fruit, counterbalanced by notes of herbs, dill, grass and smoke. Palate is anchored by a melange of raspberry, cranberry, and cherry. Earthiness and acidity lead to a long finish, with a nice spine of tannin to keep things structured. Fabulous value at the $35 paid for this long ago.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Never really opened up even with 4 hours in the decanter. Stayed tight on the nose and the palate. Dark fruits dominated by the merlot. Very bordeaux on the palate. Could taste the minerals, cocoa and flint. The fruit was not lucious though. Definately a food wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very nice. Decanted about 30 minutes before the meal. Nice nose, good fruit and muted tannin in the background. Very pleasant with a good piece of beef. Sorry that this was my last bottle of the '02 from this vintner.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium red color. Almost no tannin at this point. Clearly a quality wine. However, the fruit was not my favorite. Nice, but I was not excited about it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very good bottle. Deep garnet color, nice fruit and perfume (floral?) on the nose, elegant mouthfeel, medium finish. Still significant, well integrated tannin - has plenty of life left
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Good wine, not singing like it was a couple years ago. Maybe in a dumb phase. Dark purple, medium bodied with a good nose (the cab Franc) really comes out with tobacco, pencil lead and dark fruit, most of which carries through to the palate. A bit short on the finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark red in color with expressive bouquet of wet stone and blueberries, soft tannins (this is the 2nd night opened) and the Cabernet Franc and Merlot come together in an integrated fashion without blurring the edges. A bit short on the finish is my only complaint. Will probably get better in the glass over the next few hours. Good minerality and subtlety make this a very nice wine indeed for the price. A nice surprise.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted one hour and this picked up weight over time. Nice red fruit profile that started with some noticeably high acidity, but the fruit came alive later to balance it out. The cab franc (60%) dominates over the merlot (40%). Medium body with a 35-40 second finish with a hint of oak and dark fruit. Great wine for the $35 I paid, and kudos to Todd for making another wine that keeps the fruit and ripeness in check and balance and elegance at the forefront.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was seriously good wine. I had no great expectations, but found this a perfume filled, mineral driven elegant blend of CF and Merlot. Violet notes and black cherry meld with gravel and a conspicuous absence of green notes finish with firm tannins. Youthful and precise, this is at peak and likely will last for 5-10 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A nice wine. Nose of blueberry, chocolate/mocha, and smoke. Layered palate of blueberry, cranberry, and chocolate, with a slight and not unpleasant dill/herbal note. Picked up both cab franc and merlot elements, but they have melded nicely. Still some tannic bite, but not harsh. Great now, but likely will improve with some additional age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Popped/poured. 90 points. Perfumed nose, with aromas of a masculine cologne. After drinking several vintages of the reserve, this has less depth and is more "reserved" on the palate. Seems like decent fruit, but right now it seems to get overwhelmed a bit by acidity. Comes across as quite youthful. Gives the impression that it will probably benefit and round out with additional bottle age. Probably deserves a decant at this point in its life. As much as I like the Reserve wines from Conn Valley, I've had a hard time pinning down the Eloge and Right Bank bottles I've had. Update: I mistakenly left this open on the counter over night. Quite an improvement; development of secondary notes on the nose and a mouthfeel that is much more lush and elegant, with the acidity receding significantly. A couple of points better at this point. I'm adjusting my drinking window on this to start 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
no formal notes, dinner with guests. extremely youthful, with controlled fruit and smooth tannins. Was expecting, hoping for a little more dirt. Easily up to grilled sausages. 91-92
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose of cherries and earth; medium body with mellow tannins; not very complex but satisfiying fruit flavors; fiinishes quickly; may improve with more age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Poker Night at my place (My house): Very dark in color, opened and poured. It did not require much decanting or airtime- as it performed right out of the gate. Nose of smoke, prunes, plums, coconut, Fruity and fleshy in the mouth black and blueberry pie with a wet lava stone crust finish. This is a very nice wine with great balance and focus. This is also a very controversial wine. I am in the camp that likes it and thinks it delivers.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose of charcoal, clay, smoke and crushed blackberry. Nice firm structure, not overly concentrated, tannins on the finish-evolving nicely. I had this one year ago and was really turned off by an overwhelming green-vegetal taste. Completely different wine now, upside with more aging. 91+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wine Crawl 7: Cabernet Franc: Very ripe red fruit nose with excessive volatile acidity, in this case distractingly strong acetone aromas. Tannic on the palate, with cassis, earth, and some spicy oak. Refreshly dry and classic in style. This is a dense, chewy wine that i would have rated higher in this tasting if not for the distracting VA. My 5/6, group's 3/6.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Consistent w/ previous notes here, it has substantial tannins vying with the fruit, and hard to tell who'll win. Some nice violet and plum hits, but a bit short. Wait a year+ to see if it'll integrate a bit and soften.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A bit out of wack...the Cab Franc is overpowering the merlot. Green vegetal cab franc flavors with pretty thick chalky tannins...the merlot isn't mellowing out. Will let my other 2 cellar for at least a year before trying again. drank over the course of 2 days.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Should have decanted. Somewhat syrupy red fruit and green undertones. Had some muted secondary flavors (tobacco) and was a little hot. Expected more from RP write-up but was a fairly enjoyable wine - more is there w/ decanting and/or bottle age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice, but lacking any real distinctive quality. Good flavors, but only moderate concentration and perhaps a little "raw" around the edges with some green and briery flavors. Not quite as elegent as I was hoping, but good nonetheless.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Ripe red frut and a pleasant bit of tobacco underneath. A very nice "different" perspective on Conn Valley fruit.. first bottle of this wine. Drink over the next 7 or so years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose boasts dark cherry, olive, and hints of green tea and menthol. Not a blockbuster, the palate is nonetheless rich and delicious, with excellent acidity, pure, almost sparkling fruit, and a moderately tannic and long finish. Drank over two days; on the second day, the wine had opened up a bit and revealed some additional nuances without fading at all. Very nice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
after much discussion over at the Squiers/Parker BB, especially the winecommune shill that says the wine got better after he purchased it because of the better parker score(!?!), i bought a three pack at a good price of $30/each. i decanted and drank over three hours. i was a little disappointed that I could never coax it to come out of hiding, it just seemed muted. i will put the other two away for a couple of years and hope for a better showing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I have to disagree with the previous notes on this one. Had this with a wine geek friend of mine tonight and we both thought it was very good. Color is deep purplish/garnet to the rim with only a little lightening. Nose of spice, mocha, and smoke. On the palate, I found spice, mocha, and currant with a bit of acidity and fairly moderate tannins in the finish. Thoroughly enjoyable...and the nose rocks!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Couldn't wait to try a bottle. Smells were great out of the bottle, but wine was somewhat muted compared to the 2001. Will need to wait a year before trying again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
6/14/2021 - R2-D2 wrote: 88 Points
Anderson's Conn Valley Library Tasting (Temecula, CA): Reticent aromas, mostly built around red pepper, cherry, red currants, and leather. For me, the alcohol and acidity are a bit too prevalent at this point on the palate and pulls down the back of the palate, especially the spicy finish. Cabernet Franc heavy, showing lots of vegetal, red pepper, and jalapeno character. A good 5-10 years past its best, but not at all unpleasant. Needs food.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
1/14/2021 - chuckos77 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wow, this wine is in a nice place right now. Opened and slow oxidation over two hours. Wine in glass over half hour and opened nicely. Soft, but with beautiful notes. Slight bricking and dong see any reason to hold off. Drink now. Will try second bottle in next week or so.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/25/2020 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 89 Points
This wine was good wit beef stroganoff but has never lived up to expectations. A bit too much acidity for my tastes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/25/2020 - DesMarteau wrote:
A bit tart and out of balance....put 1/2 bottle in .375ml vacuum pumped in fridge. will see if it changes/improves.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2016 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 87 Points
This wine was good but the acidity was a bit too high.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/13/2015 - snarfglk wrote: 90 Points
A damn fine example of what CA can do to mimic France. A thoroughly enjoyable bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/25/2015 - Burgundy Al wrote: 91 Points
Black plum, dark chocolate, espresso with brown spice. Very charming and balanced with moderate length. Good now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/11/2015 - RussK wrote: 92 Points
Russk WSW at Las Pampa's P&L Rt Bank Bx Tasting. A very tasty imposter that no one guessed was not a Bx. 92-
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/5/2015 - snarfglk wrote: 90 Points
This bottle came out with guns blazing after PNP, then got "stupid" or flat toward the end of the first day. Day 2 brought fabulous integration and the CF presence and a beautiful wine to enjoy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/24/2015 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 92 Points
This well-cellared bottle was presented as a "ringer" at a Right Bank Bordeaux tasting. With a youthful deep ruby/red color, this blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot has changed very little since last being tasted 7/9/13. The nose flaunts intense aromas of red currants, Asian spices, dried herbs and graphite, while the medium-bodied palate shows similar flavors. Freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13.7%) and with silky tannins, it stays solid in the middle and concludes with a medium-to-long, supple finish. This proved to be a credible Right Bank knock-off with the added benefit of beautiful Napa fruit. Properly cellared bottles should last longer than I previously estimated. Drink now-2020.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
12/27/2014 - 1961Vintage Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking exceptionally well right now. I know that Mac was smiling from above as we were enjoying his work.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/26/2013 - BklynNeophyte wrote: 90 Points
Even split with the havens right bank, which I liked better
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/9/2013 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still deep ruby/red, this blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot delivers the goods for those who enjoy the wines of Saint-Émilion, albeit with a New World flare. The nose shows intense aromas of dried herbs, red currants, cardamom and graphite, while the medium-bodied palate shows similar flavors. The framework is one of medium acidity, light sweet tannins and well-integrated alcohol (listed as 13.7%). Solid in the middle, the wine concludes with a medium-length, supple finish. True to what it should be, this is a well-made right bank knock-off...with a riper bent. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2017.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2013 - vanpe003 wrote: 90 Points
Pop/pour. Just "ok". A bit tight and ungiving. However, as this opens up in the glass, it becomes much more alluring. I'm not very familiar with Cab Franc dominated wines, but here goes, after about an hour open:
On the nose - very fresh. Some commonality with French Cab Franc in that regard, but this gives off a freshness of cut grass with red fruit undercurrents. Also a hint of secondary character starting to show. Overall quite bright and uplifting.
On the palate, medium bodied with a distinct acidity. A bit of a resinous character in the background serves as a counterbalance. Relatively strong tannins remain on the finish.
With the caveat of "I have no idea how this will age" - I'm concerned that the fruit will outlive the tannins and acidity in this wine. I could be totally wrong on that, but for my tastes, this seems slightly out of balance at present, tilting too strongly towards acidity and tannins. A 90 point wine for now. With two more btls in the cellar, I look forward to a continuing education on this one. I will try not to open another until 2015, when I hope I might be pleasantly surprised.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/22/2013 - chuckk Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wow.
So the first day this wine was good, but not great. Tasted a little hot / acidic. I corked the bottle and threw it in the fridge overnight. Re-opened it tonight and was expecting more of the same - very wrong.
Tannins have mellowed out and the wine has come into itself on day two. Some vegetal properties on the nose. Hints of cassis and tobacco. Red fruit. Great mouth feel. Medium body. Well balanced. Long finish. Silky and integrated. Good depth too.
Honestly this wine is a winner. Don't judge it too quickly.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/7/2013 - BklynNeophyte wrote: 91 Points
Wow. Nice vegetal quality, not too much fruit.
4 on the AF scale
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2012 - BrunelloBob wrote: 92 Points
Christmas 2012
From Magnum
Cork bled through, barely, and was completely soaked 2/3 through.
Great Napa nose. Red/black fruit palate. Good length, good acidity. Enough tannin. Fruit is Classy, not overwhelming. Nice
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/7/2012 - Thilo wrote: 92 Points
This was one of those wines that I liked and it was also a great crowd pleaser. Color remains dark with just a hint of lightening. Nose shows leafy Cab Franc characteristics and also some juicier undercurrents. On the palate, the Cab Franc/Merlot blend shows its stuff. A cassis component is framed by a greenish note and also a hint of the California eucalyptus. Very drinkable now and a true crowd favorite.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/9/2012 - Burgundy Al wrote: 92 Points
Starts with lush and fresh black fruit aromas along with licorice, baking spice and dark chocolate. Very similar profile comes through on palate that is also well balanced by smooth, soft tannins. At a very good place right now, seemingly just entering its peak drinking window.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/1/2012 - ppaluszewski Likes this wine: 91 Points
Plenty of tannins left in this one. The fruit at first was a bit elusive, but they did show up more after decanting. While this is a great wine, not sure there is much upside in holding on to this one for much longer. PJP 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/28/2012 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 92 Points
Memorial Day weekend wines at Mike's: Also controversial, I liked this more than most. The nose is dusty with cassis and the beginnings of an aquarium quality. Great texture though. Slight tannins. Dark cherry fruit with a green bell pepper note and some tobacco. Is there Cab Franc in here. Tastes more like an aged Loire Red. I would drink these up sooner than later, but I enjoyed this bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/12/2012 - Rollerball wrote: 94 Points
Decant and pour. Beautifully balanced, savory, and integrated. As outstanding on its own as with chimichurri lamb chops.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/7/2012 - JOJ wrote: 93 Points
Very nice, mature wine. Nose of bright red fruit, counterbalanced by notes of herbs, dill, grass and smoke. Palate is anchored by a melange of raspberry, cranberry, and cherry. Earthiness and acidity lead to a long finish, with a nice spine of tannin to keep things structured. Fabulous value at the $35 paid for this long ago.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/4/2011 - iamandyc wrote: 90 Points
Never really opened up even with 4 hours in the decanter. Stayed tight on the nose and the palate. Dark fruits dominated by the merlot. Very bordeaux on the palate. Could taste the minerals, cocoa and flint. The fruit was not lucious though. Definately a food wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/23/2011 - Harddriv wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for about an hour. Smooth, luscious, a terrific wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/3/2011 - rmodak wrote: 91 Points
Smooth mineral tinged black cherry, plums on a lush frame with long sweet finish. Drink now and over the next 5 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/1/2011 - rmgambrel wrote: 92 Points
Very nice. Decanted about 30 minutes before the meal. Nice nose, good fruit and muted tannin in the background. Very pleasant with a good piece of beef. Sorry that this was my last bottle of the '02 from this vintner.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/15/2010 - dublwrap wrote: 92 Points
Soft tannins with good fruit up front. Lighter body than I expected. 60% Cab Franc, 40% Merlot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/6/2010 - msny98 wrote: 88 Points
very muted fruit with a litle acidity... not really that good
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/4/2010 - 1961Vintage wrote: 93 Points
Tremendous wine...simply improved day 2..much better than I expected..complex...nice balance of ripe fruit and tannin.....Well done, Todd!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/24/2010 - pickhardt wrote: 88 Points
Medium red color. Almost no tannin at this point. Clearly a quality wine. However, the fruit was not my favorite. Nice, but I was not excited about it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/20/2009 - Teamcrev wrote: 86 Points
OK. Not as good as we remembered. Drank after an 03 Ridge Santa Cruz which may have been the problem?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/30/2009 - nate's cellar wrote: 91 Points
Very good bottle. Deep garnet color, nice fruit and perfume (floral?) on the nose, elegant mouthfeel, medium finish. Still significant, well integrated tannin - has plenty of life left
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/17/2009 - cadamson wrote: 88 Points
Good wine, not singing like it was a couple years ago. Maybe in a dumb phase. Dark purple, medium bodied with a good nose (the cab Franc) really comes out with tobacco, pencil lead and dark fruit, most of which carries through to the palate. A bit short on the finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/22/2009 - brjb7 wrote:
Dark red in color with expressive bouquet of wet stone and blueberries, soft tannins (this is the 2nd night opened) and the Cabernet Franc and Merlot come together in an integrated fashion without blurring the edges. A bit short on the finish is my only complaint. Will probably get better in the glass over the next few hours. Good minerality and subtlety make this a very nice wine indeed for the price. A nice surprise.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2009 - vinole wrote: 92 Points
Decanted one hour and this picked up weight over time. Nice red fruit profile that started with some noticeably high acidity, but the fruit came alive later to balance it out. The cab franc (60%) dominates over the merlot (40%). Medium body with a 35-40 second finish with a hint of oak and dark fruit. Great wine for the $35 I paid, and kudos to Todd for making another wine that keeps the fruit and ripeness in check and balance and elegance at the forefront.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/5/2009 - rmodak wrote: 93 Points
This was seriously good wine. I had no great expectations, but found this a perfume filled, mineral driven elegant blend of CF and Merlot. Violet notes and black cherry meld with gravel and a conspicuous absence of green notes finish with firm tannins. Youthful and precise, this is at peak and likely will last for 5-10 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/28/2008 - JOJ wrote: 92 Points
A nice wine. Nose of blueberry, chocolate/mocha, and smoke. Layered palate of blueberry, cranberry, and chocolate, with a slight and not unpleasant dill/herbal note. Picked up both cab franc and merlot elements, but they have melded nicely. Still some tannic bite, but not harsh. Great now, but likely will improve with some additional age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/2/2008 - vanpe003 wrote: 92 Points
Popped/poured. 90 points. Perfumed nose, with aromas of a masculine cologne. After drinking several vintages of the reserve, this has less depth and is more "reserved" on the palate. Seems like decent fruit, but right now it seems to get overwhelmed a bit by acidity. Comes across as quite youthful. Gives the impression that it will probably benefit and round out with additional bottle age. Probably deserves a decant at this point in its life. As much as I like the Reserve wines from Conn Valley, I've had a hard time pinning down the Eloge and Right Bank bottles I've had. Update: I mistakenly left this open on the counter over night. Quite an improvement; development of secondary notes on the nose and a mouthfeel that is much more lush and elegant, with the acidity receding significantly. A couple of points better at this point. I'm adjusting my drinking window on this to start 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/16/2008 - chapel hill wino wrote:
no formal notes, dinner with guests. extremely youthful, with controlled fruit and smooth tannins. Was expecting, hoping for a little more dirt. Easily up to grilled sausages. 91-92
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/20/2008 - knelsfk wrote: 90 Points
Nose of cherries and earth; medium body with mellow tannins; not very complex but satisfiying fruit flavors; fiinishes quickly; may improve with more age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/4/2008 - jordanj wrote: 94 Points
Poker Night at my place (My house): Very dark in color, opened and poured. It did not require much decanting or airtime- as it performed right out of the gate. Nose of smoke, prunes, plums, coconut, Fruity and fleshy in the mouth black and blueberry pie with a wet lava stone crust finish. This is a very nice wine with great balance and focus. This is also a very controversial wine. I am in the camp that likes it and thinks it delivers.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/3/2008 - Baggio wrote: 89 Points
A little on the thin and uninteresting side. There was more body and flavor the second night.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/2/2008 - phantphant wrote: 92 Points
Getting better with age...total earth, intense fruit...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/24/2007 - pbjosh wrote: 86 Points
Tart, green, very disappointing in comparison to the 02 Reserve Cabernet. Also disappointing to what $32 buys you in St Emilion
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2007 - cadamson wrote: 94 Points
Great nose of blueberry, vanilla, tar and spice. Great finish. Good surprise.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/15/2007 - Arcturus wrote: 91 Points
Nose of charcoal, clay, smoke and crushed blackberry. Nice firm structure, not overly concentrated, tannins on the finish-evolving nicely. I had this one year ago and was really turned off by an overwhelming green-vegetal taste. Completely different wine now, upside with more aging. 91+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/26/2007 - 5laton wrote:
Wine Crawl 7: Cabernet Franc: Very ripe red fruit nose with excessive volatile acidity, in this case distractingly strong acetone aromas. Tannic on the palate, with cassis, earth, and some spicy oak. Refreshly dry and classic in style. This is a dense, chewy wine that i would have rated higher in this tasting if not for the distracting VA. My 5/6, group's 3/6.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/4/2007 - Grinner wrote: 88 Points
Consistent w/ previous notes here, it has substantial tannins vying with the fruit, and hard to tell who'll win. Some nice violet and plum hits, but a bit short. Wait a year+ to see if it'll integrate a bit and soften.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/9/2006 - rdorman wrote:
Really excellent now. Need to order more!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/2/2006 - DesMarteau wrote: 87 Points
A bit out of wack...the Cab Franc is overpowering the merlot. Green vegetal cab franc flavors with pretty thick chalky tannins...the merlot isn't mellowing out. Will let my other 2 cellar for at least a year before trying again. drank over the course of 2 days.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/30/2006 - SeaBud wrote: 89 Points
Should have decanted. Somewhat syrupy red fruit and green undertones. Had some muted secondary flavors (tobacco) and was a little hot. Expected more from RP write-up but was a fairly enjoyable wine - more is there w/ decanting and/or bottle age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/20/2006 - KevinS wrote: 89 Points
Nice, but lacking any real distinctive quality. Good flavors, but only moderate concentration and perhaps a little "raw" around the edges with some green and briery flavors. Not quite as elegent as I was hoping, but good nonetheless.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/15/2006 - d7jersey wrote: 87 Points
Initial taste was better than the later. Had some heat and a bit rough on the edges.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/13/2006 - Mattswines wrote: 89 Points
Ripe red frut and a pleasant bit of tobacco underneath. A very nice "different" perspective on Conn Valley fruit.. first bottle of this wine. Drink over the next 7 or so years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/11/2006 - DRL01 wrote: 91 Points
Very smooth, subtle fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/7/2006 - DaveArsenault wrote: 92 Points
Very nice wine when opened, even better a couple of hours later as more fruit came through.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/1/2006 - dcny wrote: 91 Points
just as good as last time
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/22/2006 - LikeABC wrote:
the wine was showing much better than the previous bottle i had.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/15/2006 - phantphant wrote: 93 Points
Getting better! Earthniess abounds...and it's popping.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/24/2006 - jwwinec wrote: 92 Points
Nose boasts dark cherry, olive, and hints of green tea and menthol. Not a blockbuster, the palate is nonetheless rich and delicious, with excellent acidity, pure, almost sparkling fruit, and a moderately tannic and long finish. Drank over two days; on the second day, the wine had opened up a bit and revealed some additional nuances without fading at all. Very nice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/17/2006 - MTC wrote: 93 Points
Enjoyed much better the second day. Big, long and heavy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/7/2006 - DRL01 wrote: 89 Points
Raspberry, coffee, and spice. The Cab Franc is smooth but muted. Needs some time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/6/2006 - Hoya Vinophile wrote: 92 Points
It opened up after about an hour and just had great dark fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/6/2006 - LikeABC wrote: 87 Points
after much discussion over at the Squiers/Parker BB, especially the winecommune shill that says the wine got better after he purchased it because of the better parker score(!?!), i bought a three pack at a good price of $30/each. i decanted and drank over three hours. i was a little disappointed that I could never coax it to come out of hiding, it just seemed muted. i will put the other two away for a couple of years and hope for a better showing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/20/2005 - phantphant wrote: 90 Points
Solid, tasty and fruity. This one was fun!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/28/2005 - lewisrise wrote: 90 Points
Cedar and raspberries with a hint of smoke. Medium finish
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/25/2005 - Thilo wrote: 92 Points
I have to disagree with the previous notes on this one. Had this with a wine geek friend of mine tonight and we both thought it was very good. Color is deep purplish/garnet to the rim with only a little lightening. Nose of spice, mocha, and smoke. On the palate, I found spice, mocha, and currant with a bit of acidity and fairly moderate tannins in the finish. Thoroughly enjoyable...and the nose rocks!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/5/2005 - shemmy wrote: 86 Points
Nice cab nose, but not much on the palate. Not impressed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/5/2005 - WVWine wrote:
Couldn't wait to try a bottle. Smells were great out of the bottle, but wine was somewhat muted compared to the 2001. Will need to wait a year before trying again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment