Truncated notes. Not as ripe as expected. “13 2/3%” alcohol (who puts fractions on a label?). Reminded me of a tannic Pomerol from a not too ripe vintage. Rustic mouthfeel.
UPDATE: on night two, after overnighting under a vacuum closure, this has really improved. A lot. Intense plummy fruit on the nose. Stony, smoky gravel scents, and on the palate, the rich Merlot fruit coming out, more velvety textured. Upping from a 8.8 to. 9.2. Obviously, the way this improved, it will likely benefit from air. I am quite chagrined my initial impression was so off.
Truncated notes. Not as ripe as expected. “13 2/3%” alcohol (who puts fractions on a label?). Reminded me of a tannic Pomerol from a not too ripe vintage. Rustic mouthfeel.
UPDATE: on night two, after overnighting under a vacuum closure, this has really improved. A lot. Intense plummy fruit on the nose. Stony, smoky gravel scents, and on the palate, the rich Merlot fruit coming out, more velvety textured. Upping from a 8.8 to. 9.2. Obviously, the way this improved, it will likely benefit from air. I am quite chagrined my initial impression was so off.
Nov 2nd, 2026
Black raspberry and plum, dusty tannin, med + acid, long 😋
Black raspberry and plum, dusty tannin, med + acid, long 😋
Jul 25th, 2021
Wonderful! A little early to open, but still enjoyable. Perfectly balanced fruit with acidity and more tannin than most Merlots from CA. Minerality and depth more apparent after decanting.
Wonderful! A little early to open, but still enjoyable. Perfectly balanced fruit with acidity and more tannin than most Merlots from CA. Minerality and depth more apparent after decanting.
Oct 25th, 2020
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA
