Decanted one hour, light sediment, last bottle of six, I Always had high hopes that this blend would come around with time, as I always found it a bit tannic and disjointed. Here we are a almost nine years after the first bottle and I believe my hopes have been fulfilled. Beautiful nose, lovely red plum, cherry, cassis, followed by soft tannins, yet firm acidity, very dry, with medium complexity.
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Still shining, revising drink dates out to 2025 easily. In late first stage but still right after peak, very little bricking. Nose and taste of all the usual good WA Wine things in 2010: cool berry compote flavor, tobacco, earth. Finish is lasting. Needs 15-30 min opening, but then expressive and soft mouthfeel after. Nicer even on second day.
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Medium-dark garnet color, with aromas of cedar, rose, and dry brush. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry and blueberry in a nice balance of fruit flavor, accented with dark chocolate and pomeganite. Very nice balance of fruit intensity, soft tannin, and acidity. This is a very nicely crafted wine. Long time to unwind, but very much worth the wait. This still has 2-4 more years in it.
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Prior bottle was nearly 27 months ago and this wine has improved nearly exactly as I'd hoped. Nose remains quite similar with black cherry, floral, earth and spice notes. Nearly full bodied with a flavor profile (like the nose), very similar to my prior bottle: black cherry upfront (retaining just a touch of pretty brightness), then deeper, darker plum through the middle and tart black cherry and blackberry on the backside, before finishing with integrated spices, mineral qualities, currant and fine grained tannins. This wine has changed noticeably in two very positive ways: (1) the tannins and acidity are much better integrated and much more in balance with the fruit, providing backbone without taking anything away from the wine and (2) the spices qualities (which were a touch overpowering and distracting previously) are now a complement to the backside/finish. My initial impression regarding the first bottle (that I opened it too early) were proven quite correct by tonight's showing. Should continue to improve along these lines and should hold up well for several addition years. Quite pleased with how this bottle shows.
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Decanted 1hr. Drank 1dissapointing glass and poor back into the bottle, corked and consumed the next night. These notes are from the next night which are considerably better th the first night. The fruit is far better than the first night smoother and more complex as well.
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- Medium forming legs. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Juicy texture with a long finish - Firm in texture, with a grip of chewy tannins surrounding a sleek core of currant and plum fruit, showing intensity, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Last bottle!
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An interesting and different nose of black cherry, earthiness, floral qualities and spices. Opened an hour in advance and drank over the next 3.5 hours. At cellar temperature, it was a bit too cool, but as it warmed and the longer it was open, the better it showed. A mix of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot, it was to the medium side of full bodied (14.7% ABV). Black cherry upfront, backed with a deeper, darker, denser plum and then adds a lighter, much brighter note of blackberry/black cherry that serves to round out and soften the back-end and blends very nicely with the finishing notes of currant, spices and tobacco. Tannins provide a very solid backbone and it's possible I opened this a little on the early side. That's not to say it isn't enjoyable now, but seeing where the tannins and fruit are today and taking into account expected improvements in balance and integration, I believe this wine has positive future potential. Next bottle in late 2018, but more likely early 2019.
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Decated 1hr, a bit one dimensional compared to the privious 2 bottle. Simple upfront fruit, but tart, drying tannins on the back end. Got a couple more of these, may wait a year or two before the next one?
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Decanted .30, last tasted 11/2014, minty, herbal nose, not umplesant at all, tart cherry, blueberry, cassis, tart, extra tart, nice acidity and structure. Maybe room for improvement, another couple of years or three perhaps. 91+
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Smooth wine decanted and drank over 2 days. Day 1 might have been better with food. Acidity high but plenty of life left in this wine. Day 2 better with food
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beautiful Red blend from WA. Not a fruit bomb but sophisticated and lovely. Needs a decant but is starting to come into its drinking window. aromas of currant, cherry, straw, earth, herb and leather. Chewy tannins and a lingering finish.
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Oh my, what a luscious wine. Dark fruits. Silky tannins. I poured through an aerator to soften the wine. I feared that a 2010 would be too young. But it is drinking just fine. Enough structure to hold up for several years, but not sure it will get much better. Not sure it can get much better! Not a new world fruit bomb, but certainly new world. Some subtlety .... herbs and leather. At $ 60 a decent wine. But at $ 30 a fantastic wine. I purchased three bottles this week. If there is any left, I will buy more.
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Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of aspirin, smoke, pepper, black cherries and plum. Flavors of black cherries, black berries, raspberries and plums. Medium to bright acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold.
Tasted with 2010 Katherine. Decanted both for 2 hours and tried. Similar nose and purple color with nice legs. Katherine had opened up more but was understandable more singular (90% Cab Franc) than Frederick. After 4 hours (3 minimum), Frederick began showing layered depth on nose and palette from being a nice blend. Both better with steaks and held up 2nd day. All things considered, we both preferred Frederick over Katherine. Frederick a nice change to Napa cabs, but not quiet as good as those Napa's or Uriah from SVV, IMHO.
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Very full body wine with almost an oiliness on the tongue in the first sip. Opened for a special occasion but think it could have laid down for a few more years. Already a deep burgundy color.
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9/23/2022 - wineshaman wrote: 92 Points
Decanted one hour, light sediment, last bottle of six, I Always had high hopes that this blend would come around with time, as I always found it a bit tannic and disjointed. Here we are a almost nine years after the first bottle and I believe my hopes have been fulfilled. Beautiful nose, lovely red plum, cherry, cassis, followed by soft tannins, yet firm acidity, very dry, with medium complexity.
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8/3/2021 - JasonG Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still shining, revising drink dates out to 2025 easily. In late first stage but still right after peak, very little bricking. Nose and taste of all the usual good WA Wine things in 2010: cool berry compote flavor, tobacco, earth. Finish is lasting. Needs 15-30 min opening, but then expressive and soft mouthfeel after. Nicer even on second day.
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5/10/2020 - SGates Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicious, subtle, elegant wine. Rusty garnet color. Dark fruit and plum. Dark chocolate and spice on the finish. even better than a couple years ago.
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4/19/2019 - kmadamskkz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Medium-dark garnet color, with aromas of cedar, rose, and dry brush. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry and blueberry in a nice balance of fruit flavor, accented with dark chocolate and pomeganite. Very nice balance of fruit intensity, soft tannin, and acidity. This is a very nicely crafted wine. Long time to unwind, but very much worth the wait. This still has 2-4 more years in it.
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2/18/2019 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 91 Points
Prior bottle was nearly 27 months ago and this wine has improved nearly exactly as I'd hoped. Nose remains quite similar with black cherry, floral, earth and spice notes. Nearly full bodied with a flavor profile (like the nose), very similar to my prior bottle: black cherry upfront (retaining just a touch of pretty brightness), then deeper, darker plum through the middle and tart black cherry and blackberry on the backside, before finishing with integrated spices, mineral qualities, currant and fine grained tannins. This wine has changed noticeably in two very positive ways: (1) the tannins and acidity are much better integrated and much more in balance with the fruit, providing backbone without taking anything away from the wine and (2) the spices qualities (which were a touch overpowering and distracting previously) are now a complement to the backside/finish. My initial impression regarding the first bottle (that I opened it too early) were proven quite correct by tonight's showing. Should continue to improve along these lines and should hold up well for several addition years. Quite pleased with how this bottle shows.
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10/7/2018 - wineshaman wrote: 89 Points
Decanted 1hr. Drank 1dissapointing glass and poor back into the bottle, corked and consumed the next night. These notes are from the next night which are considerably better th the first night. The fruit is far better than the first night smoother and more complex as well.
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5/2/2018 - DENNISREITZ wrote: 92 Points
- Medium forming legs. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Juicy texture with a long finish - Firm in texture, with a grip of chewy tannins surrounding a sleek core of currant and plum fruit, showing intensity, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Last bottle!
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11/30/2017 - cpost Likes this wine: 92 Points
Would have been great with a steak, unfortunately I had to enjoy it without
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11/24/2017 - RGCM Gananda wrote: 91 Points
An interesting and different nose of black cherry, earthiness, floral qualities and spices. Opened an hour in advance and drank over the next 3.5 hours. At cellar temperature, it was a bit too cool, but as it warmed and the longer it was open, the better it showed. A mix of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot, it was to the medium side of full bodied (14.7% ABV). Black cherry upfront, backed with a deeper, darker, denser plum and then adds a lighter, much brighter note of blackberry/black cherry that serves to round out and soften the back-end and blends very nicely with the finishing notes of currant, spices and tobacco. Tannins provide a very solid backbone and it's possible I opened this a little on the early side. That's not to say it isn't enjoyable now, but seeing where the tannins and fruit are today and taking into account expected improvements in balance and integration, I believe this wine has positive future potential. Next bottle in late 2018, but more likely early 2019.
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11/18/2017 - JLuv04 Likes this wine: 90 Points
A very nice red....
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3/19/2017 - Rollerball wrote: 91 Points
Ripe and complex with tenacious fruit and a yummy dark finish. At least a few more years of strong drinkability.
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4/28/2016 - spineguy Likes this wine: 89 Points
Agree with most of the tasting notes. Brambles and muted (in a good way) fruit. Bit tart on palate. Solid structure.
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4/9/2016 - wineshaman wrote: 89 Points
Decated 1hr, a bit one dimensional compared to the privious 2 bottle. Simple upfront fruit, but tart, drying tannins on the back end. Got a couple more of these, may wait a year or two before the next one?
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12/18/2015 - wineshaman wrote: 91 Points
Decanted .30, last tasted 11/2014, minty, herbal nose, not umplesant at all, tart cherry, blueberry, cassis, tart, extra tart, nice acidity and structure. Maybe room for improvement, another couple of years or three perhaps. 91+
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9/27/2015 - vincemcd61 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very nice red blend. Wonderful aroma. Had with veggie pizza
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7/21/2015 - Wine Lover 1964 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smooth wine decanted and drank over 2 days. Day 1 might have been better with food. Acidity high but plenty of life left in this wine. Day 2 better with food
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2/17/2015 - texaswino Likes this wine: 92 Points
beautiful Red blend from WA. Not a fruit bomb but sophisticated and lovely. Needs a decant but is starting to come into its drinking window. aromas of currant, cherry, straw, earth, herb and leather. Chewy tannins and a lingering finish.
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2/15/2015 - John from GR Likes this wine: 92 Points
Oh my, what a luscious wine. Dark fruits. Silky tannins. I poured through an aerator to soften the wine. I feared that a 2010 would be too young. But it is drinking just fine. Enough structure to hold up for several years, but not sure it will get much better. Not sure it can get much better! Not a new world fruit bomb, but certainly new world. Some subtlety .... herbs and leather. At $ 60 a decent wine. But at $ 30 a fantastic wine. I purchased three bottles this week. If there is any left, I will buy more.
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12/28/2014 - Skully wrote: 90 Points
Although this blend could be cellared for years to come, it is drinking well now.
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12/18/2014 - Alittlecynical Likes this wine: 93 Points
Best with food
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12/13/2014 - jrockman Likes this wine:
Really enjoyed this, a very nice wine; no notes, but great mouthfeel, smooth, nicely rounded tannins and a lingering finish. Drinking very well now.
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11/1/2014 - wineshaman wrote: 90 Points
Decanted 2 hrs, currants, cassis, plums, hints of cedar, coffee and earth. Approachable now with an extended decant or hold for up to 5 years.
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10/21/2014 - wineismylife wrote: 91 Points
WIML91
Tasted non blind.
Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of aspirin, smoke, pepper, black cherries and plum. Flavors of black cherries, black berries, raspberries and plums. Medium to bright acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold.
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10/12/2014 - enjoyvino wrote: 91 Points
Pretty solid wine.
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9/29/2014 - Motz wrote: 91 Points
consistent with previous note. It showed best at a tasting of Washington and Napa wines. 90-91.
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8/15/2014 - Kopperl wrote: 90 Points
Compares very well with Napa wines and a good value for the price. Even better the second day.
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6/15/2014 - Wine Lover 1964 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tasted with 2010 Katherine. Decanted both for 2 hours and tried. Similar nose and purple color with nice legs. Katherine had opened up more but was understandable more singular (90% Cab Franc) than Frederick. After 4 hours (3 minimum), Frederick began showing layered depth on nose and palette from being a nice blend. Both better with steaks and held up 2nd day. All things considered, we both preferred Frederick over Katherine. Frederick a nice change to Napa cabs, but not quiet as good as those Napa's or Uriah from SVV, IMHO.
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4/19/2014 - Motz wrote: 91 Points
As big as most WWV reds get. Nice wine, with good grip, not particularly interesting or charming though.
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1/25/2014 - roseblossom wrote: 91 Points
Very full body wine with almost an oiliness on the tongue in the first sip. Opened for a special occasion but think it could have laid down for a few more years. Already a deep burgundy color.
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