Finely balanced, this has plenty of weight, which shines with the fresh lemon, pear and sweet grapefruit flavors. There is some wood there, but just a hint to give texture. A big success from a fine white wine vintage, and worth aging for 3–4 years.
— R.V.
(7/1/2009)
93-95 Barrel sample. Open, opulent, generous wine, kept in check with spicy wood and acidity. The wine is ripe with delicious yellow fruit flavors.
— R.V.
(8/9/2010)
92-94 Barrel sample. There's great fruit here, lovely ripe dark plums and black cherry flavors pushing through the hugely sweet tannins. It's very opulent, a great full-fruited wine.
— R.V.
(6/20/2006)
92-94 Barrel sample. Smooth, the wood almost dominant but finally integrating well with the ripe yellow fruits. It is rich, creamy, with some toastiness, but well balanced.
— R.V.
(12/31/2009)
92-94. Barrel sample. Creamed fruit aromas are followed by a herbaceous quality. The wine has some richness and new-wood flavors; mouth-watering acidity marks the finish.
— R.V.
(5/11/2012)
92–94. Barrel sample. This is a big, rich, spicy wine, with a generous, warm character. The palate boasts significant weight with ripe pear and apricot flavors that finish with a touch of ginger and minerality.
— R.V.
(4/10/2013)
91-93 The wine feels full, ripe, weighty. More power than elegance, it shows ripe pear and grapefruit juice flavors. Very dense aftertaste.
— R.V.
(6/25/2011)
91–93. Barrel sample. This powerful, dry wine is strongly led by its tannins. The wine has weight, and a dark, dense texture that promises long-term aging potential.
— R.V.
(4/10/2013)