Yes this wine is definitely past its prime, but still delivers for 23 years old. Absolutely love the unique nose of the Alexander Valley Meritages from Estancia. Just intoxicating! Flavors have certainly waned but wow what an amazing run it had. Yum!
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Held up remarkably well for being over 20 years old. Fruit flavors have mellowed considerably, yet after being decanted for an hour still has a subtle balance and the Cab Franc seems to be pulling through the most. Still drinkable. Probably at least 5-6 years beyond its prime but by no means a wash yet.
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This delicious wine exemplifies how enjoyable Bordeaux blends from Alexander Valley get, as well as how they age very gracefully. Shows no sign of declining in quality at 16 years old. The color is dark purple, opaque with an inch pour, with a lighter purple at the edge. The nose is an inviting plum and cherry fruit. The wine entry features a soft and caressing feel buoyed by refreshing acidity, which endures for minutes after swallowing, slowly giving way to gently drying tannins.
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6/7/2022 - Dine&Vine Likes this wine: 88 Points
Yes this wine is definitely past its prime, but still delivers for 23 years old. Absolutely love the unique nose of the Alexander Valley Meritages from Estancia. Just intoxicating! Flavors have certainly waned but wow what an amazing run it had. Yum!
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11/7/2020 - MuirVines wrote: 80 Points
Held up remarkably well for being over 20 years old. Fruit flavors have mellowed considerably, yet after being decanted for an hour still has a subtle balance and the Cab Franc seems to be pulling through the most. Still drinkable. Probably at least 5-6 years beyond its prime but by no means a wash yet.
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9/16/2015 - Mossrose wrote: 92 Points
This delicious wine exemplifies how enjoyable Bordeaux blends from Alexander Valley get, as well as how they age very gracefully. Shows no sign of declining in quality at 16 years old. The color is dark purple, opaque with an inch pour, with a lighter purple at the edge. The nose is an inviting plum and cherry fruit. The wine entry features a soft and caressing feel buoyed by refreshing acidity, which endures for minutes after swallowing, slowly giving way to gently drying tannins.
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3/19/2009 - BonnieM wrote:
Probably past its prime. Fruit beginning to fade. Enjoyable but I wish we had opened it a year or two ago.
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5/17/2008 - shank wrote: 87 Points
Decanted for `1 hour and started to open up nicely. I agree that it needs to be consumed this year. Dark fruit with tannins that soften over time.
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