This is a tremendous young wine, enormous in fruity stuffing. It’s fairly tannic, but the Grenache-like cherry, cassis, plum and fudgy chocolate flavors are so powerful, so evocative, nothing could mask them. Grilled steak will tame it, but this is a good cellar candidate to open between 2008 and 2015. You can also decant for a few hours.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
This very complex wine is a blend of grapes from various parts of the county. It shows a myriad of flavors ranging from tropical tree fruits to limes and crisp, green apples, and has been well-oaked. The texture is creamy and opulent. Don’t chill it too much, because you’ll lose some of the high-end nuances.
— S.H.
(4/1/2004)
Ripe orange and papaya, spice, graham cracker and smoke are a few of the adjectives tasters used to describe the nose of this delightful wine. Though rich and open on the palate, it never gets loose or sloppy. A great chalk element and spice accents nicely offset the rich fruit foundation. Buttered toast and nutty, leesy notes mingle with pineapple on the long…
— W.E.
(7/1/2001)
Napa-based Fisher has a new Chardonnay vineyard in Sonoma, 1,300 feet up, and these Dijon clones have produced an intense wine. The grapes were picked very ripe, and the wine is huge in pear and crème brûlée flavors, with zesty acidity. Impressive for its size and interest. You keep reaching for another glass.
— S.H.
(11/1/2006)
Opens with complex aromas of cassis and new smoky oak, and turns lush and smooth when it hits the palate, yet at times seems almost too ripe. Gorgeous now, and should improve through 2015.
— S.H.
(5/1/2005)
Smells rich and extracted, with plum, currant, anise, vanilla and oak. Tastes rich and supple. The fruit isn’t big, but the wine is balanced, rich and elegant.
— S.H.
(2/1/2000)
The question about this wine is, will it age? Now it’s firm and hard with tannins and acids, and not too pleasant. But you’ll find rich, sweet blackberry and cherry fruit on the finish. Then there’s the fine balance of tannins, acids and oak. My hunch is, it’s a keeper.
— S.H.
(4/1/2004)
Fisher’s been on a roll with this wine. While the ‘03 could use greater structure in terms of acids and tannins, it has that plush, opulent Napa feel of world-class Cabernet, with its succulent cassis and chocolate flavors and sweet oak. Drink through 2008 for freshness.
— S.H.
(6/1/2007)