94-96 Barrel sample. Big tannins here, but balanced and equaled by very ripe, immensely black fruit. Acidity playsa good counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit.
— R.V.
(6/20/2006)
The tannins dominate this dark, brooding wine. At this stage, it seems to have closed up, leaving the fruit and acidity buried. But with this concentration, the future looks promising. There is a long aging potential here.
— R.V.
(6/1/2008)
93-95 Barrel sample. Tight wine, the tannins firm, giving considerable dryness. With its dark texture, this is solid, but finishing with the freshest of blackcurrant juice.
— R.V.
(8/9/2010)
Ripe wine, with soft tannins allied to great density. Weight and lovely, juicy, final fruit flavors meld together easily. This is solid, dense, impressive and for long-term aging.
— R.V.
(2/1/2012)
93-95. Barrel sample. Smoky aromas and new-wood flavors mark this wine. It has weight, as well as a concentrated core of tannins; and it shows long-term aging potential.
— R.V.
(5/11/2012)
93–95. Barrel sample. Already a beautiful wine, this is showing fine, sweet fruits along with a solid structure. The palate is juicy and fruity with new wood flavors showing through. The aftertaste is full of the fresh aspect of the vintage.
— R.V.
(4/11/2013)
92-94 Dark, dry wine initially with austerity. Then the bright berry fruits come from behind the severe façade to give a structured, still luscious wine.
— R.V.
(6/25/2011)