This was still alive, but definitely past its peak. There was some cool menthol and cigar on the nose with a faint memory of dark curranty fruit, but also the beginnings of oxidization, not really there but might creep in after a few more years. The palate was still shockingly tannic and gritty, which might speak to more aging potential, yet, it's as though the flavors had been gradually fading while the structure remained unchanged. A cool experience to try and I enjoyed a glass, but didn't crave going back for more. You can tell it was built for the long haul, though. Would love to try one from the late 90's or early 2000's.
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Honey and pepper in the smell. Taste is surprisingly acidic and fruity. Sour cherry and underripe blackberry. Black pepper, as well. Overall, fresher than expected, and not shabby.
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This really surprised us - at 27 years old, this showed like a 15 year old - a small bit over the hill, but not too far. The color was amazing for this age. Likewise the mid palate. Quite pleasing for a wine this age from a marginal California vintage.
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7/14/2023 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine: 89 Points
This was still alive, but definitely past its peak. There was some cool menthol and cigar on the nose with a faint memory of dark curranty fruit, but also the beginnings of oxidization, not really there but might creep in after a few more years. The palate was still shockingly tannic and gritty, which might speak to more aging potential, yet, it's as though the flavors had been gradually fading while the structure remained unchanged. A cool experience to try and I enjoyed a glass, but didn't crave going back for more. You can tell it was built for the long haul, though. Would love to try one from the late 90's or early 2000's.
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3/4/2021 - Spydernsx Does not like this wine:
Tasted like shoe leather. Threw it away.
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10/25/2015 - shleepy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Honey and pepper in the smell. Taste is surprisingly acidic and fruity. Sour cherry and underripe blackberry. Black pepper, as well. Overall, fresher than expected, and not shabby.
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5/7/2015 - berkeleywinedog Likes this wine: 90 Points
This really surprised us - at 27 years old, this showed like a 15 year old - a small bit over the hill, but not too far. The color was amazing for this age. Likewise the mid palate. Quite pleasing for a wine this age from a marginal California vintage.
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11/13/2013 - jlgnml Does not like this wine: 86 Points
Off putting taste out of the bottle. Poured larger glasses, let sit and it opened up, went well with steak
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