This blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot is young, rambunctious and tight, but also very interesting. The aromas of chocolate, clove, pepper and black plum do the trick: you are drawn in. Intense flavors of cherry, plum, cassis and pepper, and a finish of piquant spices and oak are equally satisfying. Based on how this wine responded to air we say give it…
— M.S.
(6/1/2003)
Meaty and rock solid, with a heavily oaked, dark-fruit nose that’s sure to please lovers of big Pinot Noir. The palate is sweet and rich, with lots of oak and black plum, while in the end it turns spicy and offers several dimensions of flavor and texture. While it remains a bit simple and straightforward, it scores points for its modern profile and probable mass…
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)
Southern Oregon, unlike the northern Willamette Valley, is warm and conducive to growing Bordeaux varieties, as evidenced by this hearty, tannic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Right away you get kirsch and cassis from this heavyweight, and that’s followed by a ripe palate that blasts loudly with plum and chocolate. Along the way there are some…
— M.S.
(8/1/2003)
Done in a very sweet, juicy, slightly over-ripe mode, it offers varietally correct flavors in a smooth, everyday style. A couple of extra years in bottle should soften up the tannins sufficiently.
— W.E.
(11/1/2004)