Aromas of wild berries and milk chocolate are balanced and deep. It feels solid, full and fresh, with plum, berry, herb and oak-based flavors that continue onto the finish. For something different, this is one powerful, well-built wine. Drink now–2015.
— M.S.
(12/1/2012)
Powerfully built and well balanced, this has aromas of cherry, red currant, spice, dried cheese and earth, giving way to flavors of red plum, wild berry, buttery oak and vanilla. Drink now or cellar it through 2017.
— M.S.
(12/1/2012)
Solid, juicy Cabernet that has a lot of fresh berry and black cherry on the nose. The mouth is forward and fruity, with slick plum, berry and cherry flavors. Not the most complex or layered Cab you’ll find but it sure is good, thick and tasty. Powerful, too.
— M.S.
(9/1/2009)
New World Cabernet Franc with none of France’s leafiness but a whole lot of ribald black fruit. Maybe a touch more herbal and spicy than Gillmore’s Cab Sauvignon; it has good depth, lots of fruit, sweetness and richness. Lip-smacking, tannic and a lot like Carmenère in terms of weight and herbal influence.
— M.S.
(9/1/2009)
Lots of color and dark fruit, but a little too generic to score higher. This is a smooth, polished wine with blackberry, cassis and licorice aromas and flavors. It doesn’t vary much from its core identity but it’s healthy, structured and not short on tannins and acidity. Expect more from the 2006 vintage.
— M.S.
(9/1/2009)
This small-production Merlot (40 cases made) has reached its point of no return. It’s mature and tannic, with a hard outlook and some odd characteristics, namely a nose that smells of cheesy leather and agave. In the mouth, it’s hard like a brick, with oaky, red-berry flavors that finish hard and with no place to go.
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)