When tasted and bought at winery upon release, I thought it was backward and closed but might have potential years down the road. Sampled this over 3 nights with Vin-Vac. 1st night was Oak resin and not much fruit - even after 2 hours in the glass (80 points). 2nd night after another 60 minutes in the glass, still Oak driven with some black fruits emerging (86 points). 3rd night the tannins smoothed out a bit more but Oak still far to dominant. The black fruits emerged further still with some dried herbs but then the fruit started to faded on the palate rather quickly (88 points). The total extra air time over 3 nights clearly helped, but there is nothing about this wine that ever says it will be worth its price of admission and maybe in the next few years it might improve a touch, but I doubt it will get to 90 points for my palate. If, however, you love Oak - dive on in.
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Very similar to my last bottle in 2014. Red fruited with nice acidity and fine tannins. Not a lot of complexity or pizazz. No flaws but not much excitement. Good food wine.
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Aroma is of dark fruit, a little earthy as well. Changed a lot over 2 hr after decant. Overall, just ok. Out of balance with good tannins but fruit was uninspired.
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1/26/2021 - mxpbuy wrote: 88 Points
When tasted and bought at winery upon release, I thought it was backward and closed but might have potential years down the road. Sampled this over 3 nights with Vin-Vac. 1st night was Oak resin and not much fruit - even after 2 hours in the glass (80 points). 2nd night after another 60 minutes in the glass, still Oak driven with some black fruits emerging (86 points). 3rd night the tannins smoothed out a bit more but Oak still far to dominant. The black fruits emerged further still with some dried herbs but then the fruit started to faded on the palate rather quickly (88 points). The total extra air time over 3 nights clearly helped, but there is nothing about this wine that ever says it will be worth its price of admission and maybe in the next few years it might improve a touch, but I doubt it will get to 90 points for my palate. If, however, you love Oak - dive on in.
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4/6/2019 - bobthebuilder Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nice pairing with strip steak. Full bodied. Dark fruit. Seems fully mature.
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12/29/2018 - 1997cobalt Likes this wine: 93 Points
Has matured into a great bottle. Smooth yet full of flavor, with nice aroma, balance of flavors and a wonderful finish.
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4/2/2017 - iamandyc wrote: 90 Points
Very similar to my last bottle in 2014. Red fruited with nice acidity and fine tannins. Not a lot of complexity or pizazz. No flaws but not much excitement. Good food wine.
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12/21/2014 - 1997cobalt wrote: 88 Points
Aroma is of dark fruit, a little earthy as well. Changed a lot over 2 hr after decant. Overall, just ok. Out of balance with good tannins but fruit was uninspired.
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