Tasted a second time, it remains a big wine. Inky dark, with flavors of briar, bramble, plums, black olives, and earth. Still has considerable tannins, although after being left open two days it softened and merited a higher score.
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Has flavors of lead pencil, bell peppers, underbrush, and dusty soft tannins. Fruit is dry, somewhat austere. Left open for several hours, the fruit flavors and complexities developed and became more evident.
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Extraordinarily opaque. Nose of anise, eucalyptus, brown sugar, white pepper and black fruit. Big and brambley. The palate attacks with chewy red and blue fruits followed almost uncomfortably by high acidity. Thus rendering the mid-palate almost nonexistent. Would never guess Merlot double-blind. Shiraz comes to mind. The components separate are impressive without blending together well. The Napa Valley fruit is impressive, but it plays the bully in the sandbox of this effort.
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A lot of heat on the nose, along with the palate. Very dry tannins, not much fruit. This bottle has been open for over an hour. Overall a pretty good bottle
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After 6 hrs opened bottle. Extremely dark ruby, 95% saturated. Massive red currant, tempered with blueberry, tobacco leaf, anise, and lilac florals on the nose. Big body and silky smooth with good acidity. Although I'm not detracted by any heat, it does feel even more powerful than the 14.8% would indicate, so expect a big, strong wine and it won't be a disappointment. (5+12+16+7) = 90
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9/3/2020 - Bruce 1er wrote: 96 Points
This bottle was superb. Dark red, hint of smoke, complex rich fruit - esp. pomegranates.
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4/19/2019 - Bruce 1er wrote: 92 Points
Excellent CA merlot. Rich fruit (esp. blackberries, cassis). very balanced. Delicious. Can easily go another 5 years,
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12/11/2015 - Bruce 1er Likes this wine: 95 Points
Tasted a second time, it remains a big wine. Inky dark, with flavors of briar, bramble, plums, black olives, and earth. Still has considerable tannins, although after being left open two days it softened and merited a higher score.
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6/2/2014 - Bruce 1er Likes this wine: 92 Points
Has flavors of lead pencil, bell peppers, underbrush, and dusty soft tannins. Fruit is dry, somewhat austere. Left open for several hours, the fruit flavors and complexities developed and became more evident.
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1/27/2014 - djimpens wrote: 91 Points
Drinking beautifully now. Nice balance and well structured. Big for a Merlot.
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2/25/2013 - Nealefisher wrote: 91 Points
Drank over 2 nights. Pumped I between. Very fruit forward the first night, almost syrupy. 89 points.
Improved the second night with more minerality to thee flavor. 91 points.
Would give it more time to decant if possible.
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1/18/2013 - cgarcia Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice berry flavor. Very smooth.
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7/16/2012 - pdemaio wrote: 91 Points
Nice wine but a bit astringent and tannic. Still quite nece, but needed a bit better balance. Chocolate and blueberry.
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1/8/2012 - Surfdoc wrote: 89 Points
Bright blackberry and candied apple flavor with soft oak and dark cocoa on the finish.
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1/1/2012 - bbcc66 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Most enjoyable. Dark color & dark berry tastes.
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7/10/2011 - TheFoodieTraveler wrote: 90 Points
Drinking well right now
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3/5/2011 - Sauvyfan Likes this wine: 88 Points
Extraordinarily opaque. Nose of anise, eucalyptus, brown sugar, white pepper and black fruit. Big and brambley. The palate attacks with chewy red and blue fruits followed almost uncomfortably by high acidity. Thus rendering the mid-palate almost nonexistent. Would never guess Merlot double-blind. Shiraz comes to mind. The components separate are impressive without blending together well. The Napa Valley fruit is impressive, but it plays the bully in the sandbox of this effort.
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12/26/2010 - Adonisd1956 wrote: 89 Points
A lot of heat on the nose, along with the palate. Very dry tannins, not much fruit. This bottle has been open for over an hour. Overall a pretty good bottle
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9/1/2010 - 560 B&W wrote: 90 Points
Restrained use of oak and decent balance, but nothing all that special. From WS wine club.
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7/4/2010 - fingers wrote: 90 Points
After 6 hrs opened bottle. Extremely dark ruby, 95% saturated. Massive red currant, tempered with blueberry, tobacco leaf, anise, and lilac florals on the nose. Big body and silky smooth with good acidity. Although I'm not detracted by any heat, it does feel even more powerful than the 14.8% would indicate, so expect a big, strong wine and it won't be a disappointment. (5+12+16+7) = 90
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4/19/2010 - wino_tim wrote: 88 Points
Classically styled, but well structured, with black fruit and toasty oak flavors, medium to full body, and a highly textured mouthfeel.
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3/13/2010 - Mark O wrote: 90 Points
Tasted next to 5 other Merlots from France, Napa and Chile. Compared very well to all the others and this was one of everyons favorite.
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11/26/2009 - gcubanl wrote: 90 Points
Happy Thanksgiving
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7/10/2009 - spotaha wrote:
Big merlot, could use some time
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