Dark in color, brooding in tannins, this massively constructed wine is destined for a period in the cellar. It’s bone dry and balanced in acidity, with concentrated blackberry, cherry, Canadian bacon, sandalwood and spice flavors. Delicious and complex, it’s drinkable now, and should develop additional bottle notes over the next 7–8 years.
— S.H.
(7/1/2011)
Well oaked, with a toasty, vanilla-infused cream and caramel edge, this polished Chard has peach custard flavors dusted with cinnamon, nutmeg and candied ginger. It’s delicious and complex. The word “rich” doesn’t begin to do it justice.
— S.H.
(12/1/2006)
Mi Sueño has captured the deeply impressive flavors of blackberries, mocha and chocolate and especially the pronounced black pepper of a fine Northern Rhône Syrah, along with noble tannins. The acidity is much lower, of course, giving the wine a delicious immediacy. A beautiful, elegant restaurant wine.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)
Rolando Herrera brings his deft touch to Cabernet. He captures the ripe blackberry and black currant fruit of Napa Valley, yet retains a lovely structure. The result is a dry, richly tannic wine that should age well over the next 6–8 years, but drinks beautifully now.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)
Here’s a fine, young Cabernet, rich in pastry-filling blackberries, cherries, black raspberries, cassis and sweet toasted oak notes. Already throwing some sediment, it should glide effortlessly through the next eight years, gaining bottle interest.
— S.H.
(6/1/2011)
A beautiful Pinot Noir, but one you want to age for a while. Rolando Herrera brings his experience with Napa Cabernet, resulting in a tannic wine that should begin to blossom after 2011. Rich in blackberry, cherry liqueur, cola and sweet oaky flavors, it grows better in the glass as it airs and warms.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)
Rich and almost overpowering in ripe fruit, this is a wine that doesn’t pull its punches. Masses of jammy blackberry, cassis, cherry, mocha and smoky pie-crust flavors, with significant tannins and a dry finish. Nothing subtle here, just pure, spectacular New World red wine.
— S.H.
(12/1/2006)
Shows lots of sweet, smoky oak and superripe flavors of pineapple tart, lemon meringue pie and zesty limes. For all that richness, the wine is balanced with crisp acidity and a streak of stony minerals. Fine now and through 2011.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)