A wonderful wine, delicious and satisfying, and another great example of the ’07 vintage in Napa. Made of the five classic Bordeaux varieties, it’s full-bodied, dry and richly tannic. The flavors are enormously complex, suggesting blackberries, cassis, olive tapenade and cedar, with a long, sweet finish. Already throwing some sediment, it should age well for the…
— S.H.
(4/1/2011)
An outstanding Pinot, absolutely, decadently good, that combines attributes of the fine vintage with some fine parcels from this celebrated vineyard. Softly lush, it shows fabulous flavors of cherries, red currants, licorice, cola, orange peel, sandalwood and Asian spices, but never loses structural balance and control.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
Great Merlot, one that rises above the ordinary to achieve real distinction. Has aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, plum, chocolate, coffee, violets and smoky oak, and drinks dry and smooth. The tannins are wonderfully thick, soft and complex, and the finish impresses with its intensity. So rich, it’s almost its own food group.
— S.H.
(12/1/2003)
A great success that showcases its origins in the rich, sweet tannins that support the well-ripened fruit. Blackcurrants, cassis, white chocolate and oaky vanilla flavors drink extraordinarily deep and long, in this soft wine. It’s almost a dessert, except it’s dry.
— S.H.
(12/31/2004)
Paler in color than Miner’s Rosella’s bottling, and more delicately structured, but there’s nothing shy about the flavors. They’re richly intricate, a tapestry of red cherry, cola, rosehip tea, cinnamon, mocha, vanilla and smoky oak. Simply delicious, and so smooth, so fine in the mouth.
— S.H.
(11/1/2004)
Just beautiful, so well-crafted and balanced. With an edge of tannins and acids, could be an ager for a while. Shows a delicate structure, with cherry cola, raspberry, orange peel, vanilla and anise flavors that taste sweetly appealing, but are really bone dry. Now though 2012.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
The huge currant and dark fruit aromas are typical of Napa Valley-floor wines. The flavors are surprisingly complex with plum, black olive and leather. The mouthfeel is rich and powerful with a velvet-like finish.
— C.S.
(11/15/2002)
Still young and sharp in acids and tannins, but what a mouthful of fruit you get. Pure, sweet black currant and black cherry fruit, with a spicy, peppery finish and generous oak. Cellar this for a few years to soften. It should develop softness and complexity by 2006.
— S.H.
(12/15/2004)