Full medium ruby. Alluring floral lift to the aromas of black cherry, dark plum, licorice, cocoa powder and minerals; showed a slightly exotic hint of liqueur-like ripeness with aeration, possibly due to a bit of late dehydration of the fruit. Wonderfully sweet and plush, with its blue and black fruit, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors enlivened by graphite minerality. The wine's slightly high-toned character just contributes to its personality. This began with big, dusty tannins but harmonized nicely with air and became smoother, finishing with outstanding juicy cut and length. Still, I find it a bit clenched next to the Cabernet Grand Vin. I should note that when I originally tasted this wine shortly after its bottling, I described it as "perhaps the single greatest Merlot-based wine I have ever tasted from California." So I would not be at all surprised if it merited a higher score with more time in the cellar. (100% new French oak) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, May 2020)
Full medium ruby. Alluring floral lift to the aromas of black cherry, dark plum, licorice, cocoa powder and minerals; showed a slightly exotic hint of liqueur-like ripeness with aeration, possibly due to a bit of late dehydration of the fruit. Wonderfully sweet and plush, with its blue and black fruit, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors enlivened by graphite minerality. The wine's slightly high-toned character just contributes to its personality. This began with big, dusty tannins but harmonized nicely with air and became smoother, finishing with outstanding juicy cut and length. Still, I find it a bit clenched next to the Cabernet Grand Vin. I should note that when I originally tasted this wine shortly after its bottling, I described it as "perhaps the single greatest Merlot-based wine I have ever tasted from California." So I would not be at all surprised if it merited a higher score with more time in the cellar. (100% new French oak) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, May 2020)
May 27th, 2020
This is up there in my top 5 this year - this is shooting at me 0 to 60 in a Porsche GTO or 3 seconds but finishing like the tortoise against the hare - a winner and in slow motion - but nice and smooth and long - wait now I am confused - am I drinking wine or getting ready for sex / oh wait - never mind - different story - but this is badass is a glass as my friend @Martin G Rivard would say
All smiles tonight
This is up there in my top 5 this year - this is shooting at me 0 to 60 in a Porsche GTO or 3 seconds but finishing like the tortoise against the hare - a winner and in slow motion - but nice and smooth and long - wait now I am confused - am I drinking wine or getting ready for sex / oh wait - never mind - different story - but this is badass is a glass as my friend @Martin G Rivard would say
All smiles tonight
Apr 13th, 2018
Yountville, Napa Valley, California, USA
