Big, bold, complex but quite enjoyable and very drinkable now. Expressive taste, soft on the nose and long finish. Looking forward to the remaining bottle at some point in the near future.
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(B+) Came around nicely after 3-4 hours of air. Sweet cherries, clove, and a bit of underlying spice. Rounded out to a very velvety texture with fine tannins.
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These wines need a lot of time, which is why I was surprised to see the CT drinking windows and more so, reluctant to open it. And, even though it had an almost 3hr decant...through the Vinturi, it was still quite big and muscular; tasting much more like a mountain Cab than a Carneros Merlot. Clearly drank much too early! What stood out to me (and quite frankly, was a negative), was the heavy-handed oak treatment. And, I say that presumptively, as I've got no knowledge to what level that was done. In final analysis, it's clear that these are quality wines, built with steel girders and so, meant for the long haul and not for the uninitiated.
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Dark purple in color. Terrific nose. Dark, rich fruits, licorice, orange peel, and a hint of forest vegetation on the nose. Rich, soft fruits with some orange notes, too, on the palate. Medium-long finish, with dark tannins. Big -- reminiscent of some cabernets. Extremely pleasant.
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Try this Merlot with roasted Carneros. Not the appellation, silly, the animal. Seriously, it would pair well. Nicely textured slightly smoky, herbaceous wine with (some said) rhubarb and dark berry fruit (blackberry, dark cherry). Merlot. 14.3%. Body medium or higher, acid medium, tannin medium. Reasonable QPR at USD28.
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Color: Deep inky, purple. Nose: Muted fruit, vegetal matter, spice & pepper. Taste: Forward fruit, mid-palate dark chocolate, earth and peppercorn, moderate finish with increasing grip and good acidity. Fairly dry overall with decent balance. TBH, however, I think I've had better Merlot's at this price point.
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1/3/2013 - ddgd Likes this wine: 90 Points
Big, bold, complex but quite enjoyable and very drinkable now. Expressive taste, soft on the nose and long finish. Looking forward to the remaining bottle at some point in the near future.
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12/15/2012 - MH Amateur wrote: 87 Points
Note: I liked it much better - a 90, but the rest of the group did not think as much of it.
Nose: a little bit of earth, spice (almost a bit of barnyard but in a good way), red fruit
Palate: chocolate, a bit of bitterness ( one person said it detracted; another said it broadened the profile), fruit driven.
Mouthfeel: full body, well-rounded, Velvety, good legs, good dark color
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12/12/2012 - Bluethunder wrote: 89 Points
Dark, medium bodied with lots of fruit and spice.
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4/30/2012 - prettydeceextrap wrote: 88 Points
(B+) Came around nicely after 3-4 hours of air. Sweet cherries, clove, and a bit of underlying spice. Rounded out to a very velvety texture with fine tannins.
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2/19/2012 - golfwine wrote: 90 Points
These wines need a lot of time, which is why I was surprised to see the CT drinking windows and more so, reluctant to open it. And, even though it had an almost 3hr decant...through the Vinturi, it was still quite big and muscular; tasting much more like a mountain Cab than a Carneros Merlot. Clearly drank much too early! What stood out to me (and quite frankly, was a negative), was the heavy-handed oak treatment. And, I say that presumptively, as I've got no knowledge to what level that was done. In final analysis, it's clear that these are quality wines, built with steel girders and so, meant for the long haul and not for the uninitiated.
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11/24/2011 - rrschrumjr wrote: 91 Points
Dark purple in color. Terrific nose. Dark, rich fruits, licorice, orange peel, and a hint of forest vegetation on the nose. Rich, soft fruits with some orange notes, too, on the palate. Medium-long finish, with dark tannins. Big -- reminiscent of some cabernets. Extremely pleasant.
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10/1/2011 - dynowine wrote: 90 Points
Try this Merlot with roasted Carneros. Not the appellation, silly, the animal. Seriously, it would pair well. Nicely textured slightly smoky, herbaceous wine with (some said) rhubarb and dark berry fruit (blackberry, dark cherry). Merlot. 14.3%. Body medium or higher, acid medium, tannin medium. Reasonable QPR at USD28.
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3/22/2011 - ghoztly wrote: 88 Points
Color: Deep inky, purple. Nose: Muted fruit, vegetal matter, spice & pepper. Taste: Forward fruit, mid-palate dark chocolate, earth and peppercorn, moderate finish with increasing grip and good acidity. Fairly dry overall with decent balance. TBH, however, I think I've had better Merlot's at this price point.
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12/6/2010 - ciesel wrote: 88 Points
Very nice medium bodied merlot. Good fruit and balance. Enjoyed with a rack of lamb.
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10/17/2010 - Dasher wrote: 91 Points
Very Classic Merlot.
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5/16/2010 - shadow wrote: 93 Points
Real mouthful, good classic Merlot, fruity nose, black and deep color, spicy, rich tanins, big finish, wait a few years and you will be rewarded
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