No need to differ from pro scores on this bottle. Beautiful nose of blackberry, cherry and spice. Medium bodied and silky with blackberry, currant, cherry, and a touch of vanilla, with a very long finish that adds a bit of spice. Tannins were just a touch rougher and drier than I would have expected. In a beautiful place, just not as lush as some other vintages I have had in the past such as the '94 and '97.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From half bottle purchased in December that for all I know was sitting on the shelves since release.
Drinkable, but sure seemed more advanced in age that I would have expected. Almost nonexistent nose, medium bodied at best with cherry, black cherry and blackberries, shortish finish with only mild tannins remaining.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Lots of blackberry, black raspberry and spice on the nose, with in and out whiffs of alcohol. Medium bodied with more dark fruits, earth and a refreshing acidity, with a medium to long finish with some spiciness. Well balanced with no heat on the palate. Very good value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
1996 Joseph Phelps Insignia
2/7/2009 - SacredCow wrote: 92 Points
No need to differ from pro scores on this bottle. Beautiful nose of blackberry, cherry and spice. Medium bodied and silky with blackberry, currant, cherry, and a touch of vanilla, with a very long finish that adds a bit of spice. Tannins were just a touch rougher and drier than I would have expected. In a beautiful place, just not as lush as some other vintages I have had in the past such as the '94 and '97.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2002 Cafaro Merlot
2/6/2009 - SacredCow wrote: 85 Points
From half bottle purchased in December that for all I know was sitting on the shelves since release.
Drinkable, but sure seemed more advanced in age that I would have expected. Almost nonexistent nose, medium bodied at best with cherry, black cherry and blackberries, shortish finish with only mild tannins remaining.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2005 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County
1/29/2009 - SacredCow wrote: 90 Points
Lots of blackberry, black raspberry and spice on the nose, with in and out whiffs of alcohol. Medium bodied with more dark fruits, earth and a refreshing acidity, with a medium to long finish with some spiciness. Well balanced with no heat on the palate. Very good value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment