Upon opening there was a hint of "dirt" and mustiness; but after 15 minutes that element cleared. The nose was still a bit shy, but the powerful body was nicely present, with warm earthiness and plenty of dark fruit, tannins assertive but not overpowering. WIth a little chill to about 65 deg the wine came alive, and over the next 2 hours an incredible complexity emerged that made the drinkers at the table gush. Coffee, chocolate, tobacco, leather, exotic mushrooms, balanced with blackberries, even briefly ripe raspberries, cherries --- all there. Oak just bound the elements together and made for a fantastic tasting experience. After about 3 hours and one sip left, the complexity waxed a little. So drink this between 1 hr and 3 hrs and you won't regret it. I haven't had a $20 wine of this complexity and quality for a long time.
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6/4/2020 - Rich S Does not like this wine:
Not drinkable for my palate. Overly reduced and extracted, almost thick. All heat and stewed fruit and tar. Gross.
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11/5/2017 - ilikepopcorn Likes this wine: 90 Points
I absolutely cannot believe I bought this for $20 a decade ago. Complexity and finishhhhhhh.
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3/19/2016 - Wicked Panda wrote: 88 Points
Wow, this thing needed decanting in a big way. Don't drink for a few more years
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6/2/2013 - bfm64 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Upon opening there was a hint of "dirt" and mustiness; but after 15 minutes that element cleared. The nose was still a bit shy, but the powerful body was nicely present, with warm earthiness and plenty of dark fruit, tannins assertive but not overpowering. WIth a little chill to about 65 deg the wine came alive, and over the next 2 hours an incredible complexity emerged that made the drinkers at the table gush. Coffee, chocolate, tobacco, leather, exotic mushrooms, balanced with blackberries, even briefly ripe raspberries, cherries --- all there. Oak just bound the elements together and made for a fantastic tasting experience. After about 3 hours and one sip left, the complexity waxed a little. So drink this between 1 hr and 3 hrs and you won't regret it. I haven't had a $20 wine of this complexity and quality for a long time.
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9/13/2012 - PolarBear22 wrote:
Wait another few years. This needs more time to be ready.
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