Jay Kline

9.2

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe, mostly dark fruits: plums, black cherry, dark brambles, purple flowers, sweet tobacco, anise, leather, vanilla and baking spices. I believe this wine sees some new, small format oak. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is smooth and luxurious. Alcohol is medium+. The wine is fairly well balanced.

Initial conclusions: this could be Merlot or a Merlot-based blend, Cabernet Franc (or based blend), Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec or Carménère from the United States, France, Spain or Argentina. From my experience, I didn’t think it was purple or single-toned enough for Malbec. There wasn’t any rotondun or reductive qualities I usually get from Syrah; so I eliminated that as well. There weren’t enough pyrazines for Cab Franc. It left me with Tempranillo or Merlot and since this was lavishly oaked (I felt most new French oak), I veered towards Merlot and since it was leaning pretty heavily towards its fruit and the ABV was elevated, I was going New World instead of Right Bank. Final conclusion: Merlot or Merlot-based blend from the United States, from California, Napa Valley from 2015. Gosh dammit. I forgot about the possibility of Tempranillo from Toro. I totally get it but don’t hate my analysis or call. I’ve had Termes and Numanthia countless times but this was the first time trying Termanthia. It’s a big boy…but pretty well balanced considering the power. Drink now through 2032+. — 9 days ago

Devin B

9.6

Lighter tannins, and softer. But boy does it pack a nose! Dark cherries, figs, leather and wood. Nice long fruity finish. — 3 years ago

AEL

8.9

Granular, ripe and heavy. Syrupy berry and smokey notes. Quite smooth. Enjoyable? Yes. Whopping alcohol level? Yes. Worth fifty bucks? No. At mom's. — 3 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.1

Always great stuff. Cherry cordial. Rye Manhattan. — 6 months ago

DAL 9000

8.9

Poured translucent Ruby. Light dusty nose of cherries with a dark sour Cherry burst of flavor in the middle. With other red and dark fruits. Mouthfeel of Sangiovese — 8 months ago

Adam Deshpande

9.6

Almost no breathing required. Very light on the palette and refreshing. — 3 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Deep ruby color. Aromas of bazooka bubblegum, cherry and hint of sage. Very tasty cab blend- interesting aromas and full of red fruit on the palate. — 3 months ago

Neal Krishna Devaraj

9.2

Great stuff — 4 months ago

Turd Ferguson

9.6

Eight years in my cellar. Big boy wine. Needs 90 minutes in the decanter. Inky. World class wine. 15.5% but no problem, wears it well. Complexity off the charts. Every sip was different. Coffee, smoke, blueberry, Peppercorns, gorgeous acid. Fine tannins. Youthful at 12 years. — 6 months ago

John Pavlovich

9.7

It showed great tonight, one of the best Syrahs in a long time. So complex, so complete, so full of flavour and life, so enjoyable. With many more years ahead of it. Boy, was Jay Miller ever right about this wine. — 3 years ago