OK, my wife was right: I waited too long. How much is too long? It is hard to tell, but there is still plenty here to like. Sure, the wine has faded in color with orangish-brown picking on the rim, and yes, the nose is a bit stewed and clearly a tad musty. That is the end of the bad news. The palate still has oodles of fruit (albeit a bit stewed), and plenty of earthiness, but there is also considerable tannic structure on the finish. That last element makes it considerably more difficult to estimate when the optimal time might have been. Still, this is a lovely wine, yes, a bit old, but one should revere one's elders, no? thedrunkencyclist.com
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Orange/brown color/ Nose of caramel. spice. On the palate, this has earth notes, caramel, not a lot of fruit. I think the fruit has faded and left behind only oak. This was better on release than now; I held off too long.
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15.0% alcohol. This really is drinking at its peak right now, and it's quite a glorious peak. Tremendously aromatic, with lovely red cherry and plum notes, spice, and minerals. In the mouth, lush and tasty, packed with forward cherry fruit, plum notes, and a spicy background. Refined finish not showing heat. A-
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11/16/2018 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 91 Points
OK, my wife was right: I waited too long. How much is too long? It is hard to tell, but there is still plenty here to like. Sure, the wine has faded in color with orangish-brown picking on the rim, and yes, the nose is a bit stewed and clearly a tad musty. That is the end of the bad news. The palate still has oodles of fruit (albeit a bit stewed), and plenty of earthiness, but there is also considerable tannic structure on the finish. That last element makes it considerably more difficult to estimate when the optimal time might have been. Still, this is a lovely wine, yes, a bit old, but one should revere one's elders, no? thedrunkencyclist.com
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4/30/2015 - ksmith wrote: 87 Points
Orange/brown color/ Nose of caramel. spice. On the palate, this has earth notes, caramel, not a lot of fruit. I think the fruit has faded and left behind only oak. This was better on release than now; I held off too long.
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10/23/2014 - rcurlee Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really quite enjoyable. Still plenty of fruit. A classic tasting California Pinot.
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7/12/2012 - gutt22 wrote:
15.0% alcohol. This really is drinking at its peak right now, and it's quite a glorious peak. Tremendously aromatic, with lovely red cherry and plum notes, spice, and minerals. In the mouth, lush and tasty, packed with forward cherry fruit, plum notes, and a spicy background. Refined finish not showing heat. A-
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4/9/2012 - shaferguy91 wrote: 89 Points
Not as good as previous bottles.
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