A massive wine that could only have been grown under the California sun. Shows enormously ripe flavors of red and black currants, cola, red plums and spices, enriched with significant oak. Not particularly nuanced or elegant now due to the obvious power. Could age out, but the future is uncertain.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
Dark and heavy, almost Rhône-like, with significant tannins that interfere with palate pleasure. There’s a deep core of black cherries and lots of oak. Could develop.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
Enormously ripe, with jammy blackberry, cherry, plum, mocha and peppery spice flavors that finish dry. Feels heavy and soft in the mouth, and could use greater elegance and brightness.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
Heavy and a bit hot in alcohol, and badly needs greater structural integrity in the way of crispness and lightness. The flavors are ultra-ripe, of blackberry and cherry pie filling and Dr. Pepper.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
Feels heavy and ponderous now, almost like a common Grenache, and might age, but it’s a gamble. Made in a particular style of extreme ripeness, the wine features blackberries, currants, red licorice and spices, and is fully dry.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
Dark, soft, heavy and uninteresting. Shows ultra-ripe black and red currant, mocha, plum and spice flavors, but lacks structure and brightness. Drink now.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)