There’s a heavy sniff of earth and saddle leather here, along with raw meat and matchstick. Nonetheless, it’s a substantial wine that simply needs breathing time.
— W.E.
(11/1/2004)
Spicy, supple and silky fruit lights up the front of this excellent wine. Black pepper spice highlights the midpalate, and the wine glides to a smooth, modestly long finish.
— P.G.
(2/1/2004)
Very earthy and stemmy in the nose, the fruit buried in scents of bark and soil. The wine is a bit rough and tumble in the mouth, more powerful than many Merlots, but less smooth and sweet than the truly ripe ones. This is tannic, herbal and quite astringent.
— P.G.
(2/1/2004)
Dark and smoky, with green flavors dominating the finish. There’s a minty/menthol streak as well, and some very dry, astringent tannins.
— P.G.
(2/1/2004)
Feels disjointed and incomplete; there is some raisiny fruit in front, then a big hole in the middle, then some burnt sugar and smoke, and finally a drop off into a vaguely leafy finale.
— P.G.
(2/1/2004)