Sticky, syrupy and full-bodied, but still not cloying, by any means. Smells of orange peel, cardamom and caraway seeds, and has more orange, plus honey, hay and meat flaovrs on the palate. As busy as it sounds, it has some delicacy, too, with shortcake flavors taking over midpalate and running hand-in-hand with honey through the finish.
— D.T.
(12/31/2004)
A solid Cab for a fair price. Thick but smooth tannins dominate on the palate, where plum and berry fruit are pretty tight, almost sour. Woodspice and barbecue aromas on the nose; an even, constant wine overall. 475 cases produced. Imported by Marquee Selections.
— D.T.
(8/1/2006)
This is an earthier, less overtly fruity rendition of McLaren Vale Shiraz, but one that still has plenty of merit. It’s reasonably round and supple in texture, with flavors of black olive that coat the mouth and persist nicely on the finish.
— J.C.
(3/1/2008)
Round, overt aromas of plum fruit, cedar and putty prepare you for a wine that’s more brash than this one is. It’s a slimmer-sized Pinot, the cedar and plum notes still present on the palate but taking second billing to a nice, rocky-minerally feel that lasts on the finish. Imported by Marquee Selections.
— D.T.
(8/1/2005)
If you're expecting big and overblown, just keep walking. Made at Chain of Ponds, this Cab offers pretty taut, borderline tart, flavors with a heap of outdoorsy, rustic elements. Briary, tree-bark aromas on the nose preface taut red plum and cherry fruit, and the texture on the finish is really nice and velvety. The near-tart element is the only thing that's…
— D.T.
(12/31/2004)
Butterscotch and some noticeable alcohol on the nose; the palate has butterscotch, then a flash of peach and citrus, then chocolate-cherry candy. Smooth and unctuous, but not superrich. A nice-sized wine for folks who are afraid of big stickies.
— D.T.
(12/31/2004)
Marquee’s lowest-priced offering performed best in our tastings. This bottling is vibrant and tasty, medium weight, with pure peach fruit, and accents of vanilla, tropical fruit and grilled nuts. How’s the bouquet? Just as nice as the palate.
— W.E.
(7/1/2004)
Very compelling aromas of fresh whipping cream and vanilla bean take on some black pepper notes with air. On the palate, you get textbook Shiraz, with nice graham cracker accents.
— D.T.
(6/1/2006)