Almost black in color. Hugely rich, ripe bouquet with dark fruits. A hint of tobacco, plus structured tannins and acidity give the wine shape. The richness and depth of fruit are here, but so also is the ability to age. Give this 10 years before matruity.
— R.V.
(12/31/2001)
93-95 The tannins are huge, very dense, packing through the ripe fruit. At first it tastes like a mouthful of wood and fruit tannins, then the potential of the fruit becomes apparent. That gives a wine with a great, final acidity and finish.
— R.V.
(6/25/2011)
Densely rich, very sweet wine. It has some smoky tannins that give structure, along with a dark core of dry raisin and wood flavors. It has concentration and an opaque texture.
— R.V.
(2/1/2012)
A wonderfully firm wine, which balances extraction with pure sweet fruit. It moves comfortably within its tannic structure, the ripe Merlot allowed plenty of play to show off its black jelly and plum flavors.
— R.V.
(3/1/2009)
Dry and powerful, this has a concentrated plum skin flavor and dark tannins. The wine’s intense fruitiness balances the structure. This has great aging potential.
— R.V.
(2/1/2013)
Tasted in early 2006, the barrel sample of this wine was disappointing. But the wine has now shown the sweetness and richness of its fruit, packed with juicy, ripe Merlot, and is held together by sweet tannins. Developing well; drink in another four years.
— R.V.
(6/1/2008)
88-90. Barrel sample. Juicy and fruity, this wine shows attractive black currant flavors, rounded with the tannins already well integrated.
— R.V.
(5/11/2012)
88–90. Barrel sample. Sweet new-wood aromas give way to an attractive, spicy wine. With such soft tannins and lush red-berry fruits, it's a wine that will develop fast.
— R.V.
(4/9/2013)