From magnum. Needed about an hour decant for some initial funk to blow off. This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine in every vintage, and probably has a couple of years to go in this format
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Still delicious, no ill effects from being "past it's drinking window" by 4-6 years. Fantastic herbal nose with strong nutmeg. Smoky, juicy dark cherries with a bit of bitter skin aftertaste, some spice on the end. Last of my early Uriahs, this wine is always a good experience.
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Consistent with earlier tasting notes, this Merlot based Bordeaux blend is dark garnet colored with slight brownish tones, medium to full bodied, the fruits are starting to subside a bit and give way to non-fruit tones. It opened with a barnyard funkiness that dutifully burned off as predicted in less than a half hour. The black berry fruit is accented by a layer of truffles, black tea and fresh sauteed mushroom with anise tones and a layer of spicy black cherry fruits accented by subtle smoke creosote on a tangy lingering tannin finish.
Good fruit in the front end with those cherry and blackberry notes often found in Merlot based blends like the wines of St.Emilion. Great producer. The 2003 was my favorite but this was a close second.
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This Merlot based Bordeaux blend is dark garnet colored with brownish tones, medium-full bodied, it presents an essence of full forward bourbon taste with a bit of alcohol, turning to a complex medley of flavors of fresh sauteed mushroom and black licorice with layer of spicy black cherry fruits accented by smoke creosote on a tangy lingering tannin finish.
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This wine's got a nice amount of everything, and in the right places, but not in a way that's especially integrated. Hard to judge whether a few years will sap its oomph or finally allow things to really come together.
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mediumbodied, still has good acidity, refined tannins, controlled fruit (possibly due to its age), nice character--enjoyed with salmon, didn't overpower it The body is Medium. The wine has Round texture. The wine finishes Long.
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Shared with friends with ribeye steaks. At its peak now and very smooth and balanced with long finish. Producer is one of our favorites and this was one of the best so far. Don't think this will improve any more beyond this year so don't recommend sitting on it.
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Sadly my last bottle of this wine. It has never disappointed me. I am very pleased with how this wine has aged over the years. It has not lost its fruit at all. A lovely plum color, with notes of mint, lavender, white pepper and strawberry licorice. The wine is so soft and gentle as it caresses your mouth with cherry, blueberry and cream before this medium to full bodied wine finishes strong with fine tannins. An Excellent wine and glad I have the 2006 to enjoy. :-)
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Mature nose of loamy alluvium notes on a foggy morning. Tobacco with smoke and herbs with dark berry jam followed by soft tannins . Sad to say one more left.
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nice, good nose with fruit. Great color with deep burgundy and brownish meniscus. Dark berry and ripe plum yielding to a tobacco smooth finish with slight tannic note.
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Tasted immediately after opening. I have been concerned (based on both other's notes and my recent experience) that this wine was getting past its prime. Not so this bottle. I see no upside from here but it has moved to a very mellow place. It is drinking exceptionally well this evening.
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Drank over two days - similar both days. Somewhat tight upon opening but softens and the flavors get creamier but more muted as it opens up. Very solid and pleasant to drink. Matter of style as to whether you would consider this outstanding. My first bottle and felt it was not past its prime but I didn't taste it young. Definately mature. A weaker version of a 2003 Miner Oracle that I've had in the last year.
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Muted cherry and chocolate framed with moderate tannins. Agree it could be a bit dumb but I cannot believe it will only last 7 years properly cellared.
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I respectfully disagree with my other enophiles.... The nose has dried fruit and fig... deep purple color without brick meniscus. dried jammy fruit forward and balanced alcohol and tannins .. properly cellared this wine has another 1 to 2 years ... drinking yummy right now!
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Still holding it's own nicely...fruit still vibrant and well balanced as always. My buddy and I disagree...he thinks this is past prime and I think it's still in wheelhouse of flavor.
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say goodbye to this one. had to add another note. gotta drink this quickly outta the bottle. within 45 mins, this one was falling off a cliff. mine seemed to be falling apart too. alot of separation...in bottle.
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We seem to be alternating between bottles of this wine that are at the top of their game and bottles that are past their prime. This falls into the latter category. Still more than serviceable but the fruit has really faded. Three bottles left and time to drink them up.
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What a big bold mouthful of wine this is. Saturated color and understated nose give way to a big mouthful of milk chocolate and dark fruit. Outstanding!
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Slightly brownish color, perfect cork, medium bodied - initial front of black pepper disappeared after twenty minutes - subtle black cherry and red berry fruits were diminished from last tasting a year ago giving way to hint of anise, slight mocha and leather with a moderate tannin finish.
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Destroyed the cork on opening and this has been cellared properly for years. first sip wasn't great but I'll give it some time and see if it opens. I agree with the post a few days ago time to look at the '05's. actually got better and getting better. Cork dried, wine great.
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Tasted without a decant. My last bottle of this wine seemed to be losing a little fruit. It must have been bottle variation. This one still has a lot of snap. The nose is dominated by oak. Rich ripe blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate. Firm tannins and a little pepper on the finish. Really excellent. It is a shame more of the better Washington wines are not available in this market.
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Enjoyable but losing fruit. Probably the most transluscent of any American merlot-based wine I have ever had. Drink now, and don't make the mistake I did of running your first glass through a vinturi.
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first one of these since last winter. really was nice outta the bottle. in fact, i was surprised given i felt the 03 fell off a cliff last year. seems this one is holding up better. true, it has mellowed a touch. and for kicks, i left the last glass out for a couple of hours to see what i was left with. if you are looking for that big fruity kick, it's not there. hard to handicap how long this one goes on for, but i wouldnt mess around. finish them this winter!
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First bottle we have drunk in a year. Still excellent but the fruit seems a bit more subdued than I recall from our last bottle. Peaking, bottle variation or poor memory? Time to drink up our remaining inventory.
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I can understand why this is such a crowd-pleaser - when you bring this kind of wine to a dinner party, it's going to stand out from everyone else's oak monsters, because it really is a well-done version of that brawny, luscious merlot style. Really really hot nose, with alluring dark chocolate mocha on the nose. The heat combined with the spice brought to mind the way your hands smell when you cut fresh jalapeno or serrano peppers. Dark fruit overruns the palate, and the finish reminded me of port. It's really not that out of control, I think the alcohol just turned me off. 88, +1 as a good conversation piece.
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Wines of Washington State (Fort Collins): Dark, lush, Merlot-driven. Ripe cherry, plum fruit, chocolate, burnt coffee. Unlike the other Washington wines tasted, this one failed to conceal it's alcohol and come across as almost nosehair-curling and overripe. Still very much enjoyed but not in balance.
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Nice nose of dark fruit, dark fruit and spice on the pallet with a nice long finish. More alcohol then I realized (15.8%), that is the only thing that detracts from this wine.
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From the bottle with no decant: Dark garnet color. What a beautiful nose, very Merlot, with rich black cherry, creamy dark chocolate, new oak, and earthy soil. Palate leads with fresh raspberries, pomegranate, and black cherry; midpalate thins out considerably, then rebounds with smoky red berry on the finish. Lovely polish and smoothness to entire palate. Drinks very well at the moment with all elements well-integrated.
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drank side-by-side with the '03. blew it away in every category. alll 4 of us at the table assessed similarly. refined, classy, great nose...delivers in every aspect. i wouldnt decant. get after it. and drink em now. even though less merlot that then '03 i wouldnt mess around!
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Not much previous luck with older Uriahs. They have been very thin and have lost that plush feel when first released. This bottle at the start got me excited. Nice Cab Franc flavors supported by the lush Merlot feel. Olive, cherry, plum, graphite, chocolate, and sweet fruit. After about 30 minutes, the wine just started to fade. Tasted like a $10 WA state blend with a short finish. Some heat and dry tannins on the finish but no body. Just not a fan of these wines with any age on em. $50 I need to spend elsewhere.
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Berries, cherry, dark chocolate, plum on the nose. Sweet dark fruit, chocolate, blueberry, with an interesting green streak presumably from the 31% Cab Franc. Soft, pleasing tannins, plush round body, and a fruit-forward style make this a very easy wine. Medium+ finish leaves cherry cordials hanging around. $34, 90 pts.
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Tasted blind. Light fruit on the nose. The palate was smooth with an anise note showing up. There was a nice, creamy finish. This didn't show as well as other '04 Uriahs I've tasted. The characteristic rich blueberry notes were not there tonight.
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Flawed, corked...any way you put it, this bottle was off and undrinkable. The first few bottles were simply amazing!! I have read a few other reviews (here) on CT with similar notes on "flawed" bottles, hot alcohol, funk, etc.. It's more than just wet newspaper on the nose, it's bordering on gag'ible. I am very sensitive to TCA and this was an explosive dose of barnyard rotten wood funk. Let's hope it's not a trend, as I still have 1/2 case of this juice left. Will let the winery know if any of the remaining 6 bottles are off. PLEASE do the same
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not as divine as 03 version but right there. so balanced and smooth. might actually need just a touch more time to be honest. but great nonetheless now.
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Bouquet of fruit and dark chocolate. The tannins have integrated very nicely. Flavors of cherry and blueberry. An excellent wine that is drinking very well.
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Very nice bottle. Enjoyed this much more than an 05 Kosta Browne Pinot we had the night before. This had the complexity with a definite nose of chocolate and cocoa rounded out by dark fruit. Smooth on the palate, with boysenberry and some graphite. This could have lasted a few more years in the cellar as the tannins were still present but it did loosen up nicely as the night wore on.
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Good merlot dominant Walla Walla right bank Bordeaux blend. Drank next to an 04 Cadence Bel Canto (cab franc dominant); both wines were very complimentary to each other.
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dissapointed in this wine. medium bodied with notes of dark fruit, cedar and alclhol on the nose. similar notes on the palate. was really surprised by the alcohol, i couldn't get past it. decanted for 2 hours. off bottle??
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Right Bank Bordeaux nose all the way. Pain Grille, cherries and currants on the nose is intoxicating. Medium to full bodied with a nice tannic bite on the finish. Will evolve for many more years
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Excellent right bank Bordeaux-style blend, but definitely tastes like a Washington meritage. Dark cherry, plum and chocolate notes eventually emerge from this but it needs time to open. Overall, the concentration of the wine seems restrained. Would continue to let this one sleep.
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Wow. Need to get some of this. Easily mistaken for a topnotch right bank bordeaux from a good vintage, except tannins are softer. Very big fruit. Open for business. Pop and pour.
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This was great -- very soft on the palate with bright red fruit all well proportioned and kept in check by oak and forest flavors, and fine integrated tannins.
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Had w/Justin 4 his bachelor's party. Great cherries, earth & spicy oak! Nothing outta balance. Drinking great rite now! Didn't break it down just say back & enjoyed it w/grilled ribeye steaks!
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This is a sort of composite score of the four times I've tasted this wine this year. Wonderful nose that is rich and deep but not overpowering. Consistent taste of blueberry and blueberry dessert. Notes of cream and cinammon. I've loved this wine each time I've had it. I plan on cellaring a few bottles. It has ranged from 91-95.
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This took 2-3 hours open up. The nose was uber complex which included spices, pork fat, asphalt, thistle and mocha. Notes of violets, lavender, blueberries, minerals and chocolate coat the palate. Silky smooth, with ample peaking fruit on the extended palate.
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Bought 3 bottles from the winery and drank throughout 2007. Huge pleaser every time. Very complex and full for a merlot-based blend, have ordered 3 mags of this for future consumption. Big, bold and complex, this wine is a tremendous value.
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Solid effort, albeit not quite as inspiriing as the 03. Medium bodied, tannins integrating nicely with smooth dark cherry and easy, albeit slightlly shortish finish. Might benefit from more cellar time, but a very nice drink now. Competitive with nearly any of the California meritages I have tasted.
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This bordeaux blend from Washington was medium bodied and displayed bright fruit and a couple of the classic bordeaux secondary flavors, but it seemed a little tight in its youth. Fun to drink and not overly complex. Potential is there.
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Wine Spectator top 100 wine for the year. Young, needs some air- decant - plums on the nose, dark cherries, a little licorice and if you let your mind wander, a little chocolate on the finish. Find it, buy some, hold it a bit.
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Very good Bordeaux blend (predominately Merlot) but seemed very tight. Nice Syrah-like pepper/spice character to it but somewhat unexpressive due to its young age. Bottle should have been cellared longer (2-3 years) prior to opening. Overall a very good wine but I find that the Spring Valley Frederick is a superior offering.
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5/1/2023 - Hamersly wrote:
From magnum. Needed about an hour decant for some initial funk to blow off. This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine in every vintage, and probably has a couple of years to go in this format
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1/14/2021 - norsktorsk wrote: 92 Points
right in drinking window
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5/12/2018 - DrBad Likes this wine: 94 Points
Still delicious, no ill effects from being "past it's drinking window" by 4-6 years. Fantastic herbal nose with strong nutmeg. Smoky, juicy dark cherries with a bit of bitter skin aftertaste, some spice on the end. Last of my early Uriahs, this wine is always a good experience.
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5/9/2016 - Andygirl Does not like this wine: 58 Points
Not my taste at all and definitely not worth the $$
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9/6/2014 - rmcnees wrote: 89 Points
Consistent with earlier tasting notes, this Merlot based Bordeaux blend is dark garnet colored with slight brownish tones, medium to full bodied, the fruits are starting to subside a bit and give way to non-fruit tones. It opened with a barnyard funkiness that dutifully burned off as predicted in less than a half hour. The black berry fruit is accented by a layer of truffles, black tea and fresh sauteed mushroom with anise tones and a layer of spicy black cherry fruits accented by subtle smoke creosote on a tangy lingering tannin finish.
http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2014/09/groth-reserve-napa-cabernet-2010-on-eve.html
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12/25/2013 - pauljr1121 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Good fruit in the front end with those cherry and blackberry notes often found in Merlot based blends like the wines of St.Emilion. Great producer. The 2003 was my favorite but this was a close second.
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12/6/2013 - rmcnees wrote: 90 Points
This Merlot based Bordeaux blend is dark garnet colored with brownish tones, medium-full bodied, it presents an essence of full forward bourbon taste with a bit of alcohol, turning to a complex medley of flavors of fresh sauteed mushroom and black licorice with layer of spicy black cherry fruits accented by smoke creosote on a tangy lingering tannin finish.
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12/1/2013 - birdman5828 wrote:
Too much much alcohol. Good fruit left with mellowed tannins.
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9/22/2013 - Rollerball wrote: 91 Points
This wine's got a nice amount of everything, and in the right places, but not in a way that's especially integrated. Hard to judge whether a few years will sap its oomph or finally allow things to really come together.
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8/15/2013 - Tomportwine Likes this wine: 91 Points
mediumbodied, still has good acidity, refined tannins, controlled fruit (possibly due to its age), nice character--enjoyed with salmon, didn't overpower it
The body is Medium. The wine has Round texture. The wine finishes Long.
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7/23/2013 - RedMenace wrote: 79 Points
I thought this was past it's prime. I only had this one bottle, so no others to compare.
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4/12/2013 - memphishusky Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lots of fruit, which would suggest this still has years left. Medium weight, and a good finish.
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4/7/2013 - Rollerball wrote: 91 Points
Better than last bottle.
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3/17/2013 - Don and Pam wrote: 92 Points
well worth the wait, still has life but sadly in its last months. we have other vintages to enjoy thank goodness.
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3/17/2013 - 3marinerfans wrote: 92 Points
Shared with friends with ribeye steaks. At its peak now and very smooth and balanced with long finish. Producer is one of our favorites and this was one of the best so far. Don't think this will improve any more beyond this year so don't recommend sitting on it.
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3/7/2013 - Wine Nut Likes this wine: 93 Points
Sadly my last bottle of this wine. It has never disappointed me. I am very pleased with how this wine has aged over the years. It has not lost its fruit at all. A lovely plum color, with notes of mint, lavender, white pepper and strawberry licorice. The wine is so soft and gentle as it caresses your mouth with cherry, blueberry and cream before this medium to full bodied wine finishes strong with fine tannins. An Excellent wine and glad I have the 2006 to enjoy. :-)
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12/22/2012 - ERx wrote: 90 Points
Garnet red; loam & tobacco, blueberry to a subtle cherry- not much on the nose... Still good despite a crumby cork!
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10/8/2012 - garrigue65 wrote: 92 Points
the last of a fine vintage.
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8/17/2012 - garrigue65 wrote: 92 Points
Mature nose of loamy alluvium notes on a foggy morning. Tobacco with smoke and herbs with dark berry jam followed by soft tannins . Sad to say one more left.
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5/19/2012 - fredman wrote: 90 Points
30 minute decant. Nice dark berry and spice mix. Appears to have some years left.
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3/31/2012 - guitarguy wrote: 92 Points
Wonderful cool blueberry tone, moderate tannins and in an excellent place right now.
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3/24/2012 - gmbdds wrote: 91 Points
Drinking very nicely. Integated oak, blueberry and blackberry. It has traded the lushness of its youth for a more balanced package.
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3/5/2012 - SMZ wrote: 90 Points
Loved this wine; flavorful and still full of life; velvety and elegant.
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3/2/2012 - garrigue65 wrote: 90 Points
nice, good nose with fruit. Great color with deep burgundy and brownish meniscus. Dark berry and ripe plum yielding to a tobacco smooth finish with slight tannic note.
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2/22/2012 - tantotinto wrote: 89 Points
The fruit has faded some but still good. Our last bottle and probably just as well.
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2/9/2012 - tantotinto wrote: 91 Points
Tasted immediately after opening. I have been concerned (based on both other's notes and my recent experience) that this wine was getting past its prime. Not so this bottle. I see no upside from here but it has moved to a very mellow place. It is drinking exceptionally well this evening.
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2/4/2012 - Stumpy wrote:
Think this one just past its prime
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2/4/2012 - Stumpy wrote: flawed
Flawed
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2/1/2012 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
Drank over two days - similar both days. Somewhat tight upon opening but softens and the flavors get creamier but more muted as it opens up. Very solid and pleasant to drink. Matter of style as to whether you would consider this outstanding. My first bottle and felt it was not past its prime but I didn't taste it young. Definately mature. A weaker version of a 2003 Miner Oracle that I've had in the last year.
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1/14/2012 - memphishusky wrote: 91 Points
This wine is still fine. I have had it properly cellared for 3/4 years and it solid tonight. Nice blend of fruit and oak and good finish.
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1/4/2012 - guitarguy wrote: 90 Points
Muted cherry and chocolate framed with moderate tannins. Agree it could be a bit dumb but I cannot believe it will only last 7 years properly cellared.
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1/2/2012 - DStone wrote: 89 Points
I waited a bit too long to drink this wine. Not much fruit, but solid none the less when paired with prime ribeye steak.
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12/22/2011 - garrigue65 wrote: 94 Points
I respectfully disagree with my other enophiles.... The nose has dried fruit and fig... deep purple color without brick meniscus. dried jammy fruit forward and balanced alcohol and tannins .. properly cellared this wine has another 1 to 2 years ... drinking yummy right now!
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12/19/2011 - Bob and Melinda Curtis wrote:
Unfortunately this bottle was well past its prime...
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10/19/2011 - jad1964 wrote: 85 Points
fruit gone. no nose. shell of its former self. im out!
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7/3/2011 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 93 Points
Still holding it's own nicely...fruit still vibrant and well balanced as always. My buddy and I disagree...he thinks this is past prime and I think it's still in wheelhouse of flavor.
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5/30/2011 - jad1964 wrote: 88 Points
say goodbye to this one. had to add another note. gotta drink this quickly outta the bottle. within 45 mins, this one was falling off a cliff. mine seemed to be falling apart too. alot of separation...in bottle.
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4/23/2011 - jad1964 wrote: 90 Points
fruit is definitely fading. still a good wine but not what it used to be. drink up.
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4/7/2011 - tantotinto wrote: 91 Points
Tasty and drinking very well this evening.
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3/28/2011 - tantotinto wrote: 88 Points
We seem to be alternating between bottles of this wine that are at the top of their game and bottles that are past their prime. This falls into the latter category. Still more than serviceable but the fruit has really faded. Three bottles left and time to drink them up.
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3/22/2011 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 92 Points
This wine is still hanging on...I am totally impressed with the legs on this wine...Bravo SV!
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2/6/2011 - bwillia wrote: 92 Points
What a big bold mouthful of wine this is. Saturated color and understated nose give way to a big mouthful of milk chocolate and dark fruit. Outstanding!
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2/4/2011 - rmcnees wrote: 89 Points
Slightly brownish color, perfect cork, medium bodied - initial front of black pepper disappeared after twenty minutes - subtle black cherry and red berry fruits were diminished from last tasting a year ago giving way to hint of anise, slight mocha and leather with a moderate tannin finish.
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1/20/2011 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 93 Points
This wine is still rocking. Lots of fruit, smooth, balanced...one of my all time merlot blends.
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1/8/2011 - mas01950 wrote: 89 Points
Plum and chocolate on nose and palate. Tobacco and vanilla notes on the slightly acidic finish with a bit of VA becoming evident.
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1/5/2011 - alamoave wrote: 92 Points
Thankfully much better than last bottle and not showing aging at all. Rich merlot flavors in right bank bordeaux style.
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12/15/2010 - rogerr wrote: 92 Points
My last bottle. sob. these really reward if given a few years in the cellar. Popped and poured. tasting great.
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12/14/2010 - Don and Pam wrote: 91 Points
Destroyed the cork on opening and this has been cellared properly for years. first sip wasn't great but I'll give it some time and see if it opens. I agree with the post a few days ago time to look at the '05's.
actually got better and getting better. Cork dried, wine great.
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12/13/2010 - alamoave wrote:
Day 2 - completely oxidized - confirmation that this is on the wrong side of the hill. Time to urgently check on the 05s.
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12/13/2010 - tantotinto wrote: 92 Points
Tasted without a decant. My last bottle of this wine seemed to be losing a little fruit. It must have been bottle variation. This one still has a lot of snap. The nose is dominated by oak. Rich ripe blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate. Firm tannins and a little pepper on the finish. Really excellent. It is a shame more of the better Washington wines are not available in this market.
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12/12/2010 - alamoave wrote: 89 Points
Enjoyable but losing fruit. Probably the most transluscent of any American merlot-based wine I have ever had. Drink now, and don't make the mistake I did of running your first glass through a vinturi.
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10/12/2010 - jad1964 wrote: 91 Points
first one of these since last winter. really was nice outta the bottle. in fact, i was surprised given i felt the 03 fell off a cliff last year. seems this one is holding up better. true, it has mellowed a touch. and for kicks, i left the last glass out for a couple of hours to see what i was left with. if you are looking for that big fruity kick, it's not there. hard to handicap how long this one goes on for, but i wouldnt mess around. finish them this winter!
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10/3/2010 - tantotinto wrote: 91 Points
First bottle we have drunk in a year. Still excellent but the fruit seems a bit more subdued than I recall from our last bottle. Peaking, bottle variation or poor memory? Time to drink up our remaining inventory.
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2/20/2010 - brianms wrote: 89 Points
I can understand why this is such a crowd-pleaser - when you bring this kind of wine to a dinner party, it's going to stand out from everyone else's oak monsters, because it really is a well-done version of that brawny, luscious merlot style. Really really hot nose, with alluring dark chocolate mocha on the nose. The heat combined with the spice brought to mind the way your hands smell when you cut fresh jalapeno or serrano peppers. Dark fruit overruns the palate, and the finish reminded me of port. It's really not that out of control, I think the alcohol just turned me off. 88, +1 as a good conversation piece.
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2/17/2010 - andtheodor wrote: 89 Points
Wines of Washington State (Fort Collins): Dark, lush, Merlot-driven. Ripe cherry, plum fruit, chocolate, burnt coffee. Unlike the other Washington wines tasted, this one failed to conceal it's alcohol and come across as almost nosehair-curling and overripe. Still very much enjoyed but not in balance.
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2/16/2010 - birdman5828 wrote: 92 Points
Nice nose of dark fruit, dark fruit and spice on the pallet with a nice long finish. More alcohol then I realized (15.8%), that is the only thing that detracts from this wine.
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2/15/2010 - Giggs wrote: 93 Points
From the bottle with no decant: Dark garnet color. What a beautiful nose, very Merlot, with rich black cherry, creamy dark chocolate, new oak, and earthy soil. Palate leads with fresh raspberries, pomegranate, and black cherry; midpalate thins out considerably, then rebounds with smoky red berry on the finish. Lovely polish and smoothness to entire palate. Drinks very well at the moment with all elements well-integrated.
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2/11/2010 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 94 Points
Never disappoints.
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1/31/2010 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 94 Points
Smooth, balanced, light enough to drink with fish or chicken...this wine is easily the best merlot blend I have had.
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1/30/2010 - jad1964 wrote: 93 Points
drank side-by-side with the '03. blew it away in every category. alll 4 of us at the table assessed similarly. refined, classy, great nose...delivers in every aspect. i wouldnt decant. get after it. and drink em now. even though less merlot that then '03 i wouldnt mess around!
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1/17/2010 - Vinsant wrote: 85 Points
Not much previous luck with older Uriahs. They have been very thin and have lost that plush feel when first released. This bottle at the start got me excited. Nice Cab Franc flavors supported by the lush Merlot feel. Olive, cherry, plum, graphite, chocolate, and sweet fruit. After about 30 minutes, the wine just started to fade. Tasted like a $10 WA state blend with a short finish. Some heat and dry tannins on the finish but no body. Just not a fan of these wines with any age on em. $50 I need to spend elsewhere.
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1/10/2010 - andtheodor wrote: 90 Points
Berries, cherry, dark chocolate, plum on the nose. Sweet dark fruit, chocolate, blueberry, with an interesting green streak presumably from the 31% Cab Franc. Soft, pleasing tannins, plush round body, and a fruit-forward style make this a very easy wine. Medium+ finish leaves cherry cordials hanging around. $34, 90 pts.
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12/31/2009 - gmbdds wrote: 89 Points
Tasted blind. Light fruit on the nose. The palate was smooth with an anise note showing up. There was a nice, creamy finish. This didn't show as well as other '04 Uriahs I've tasted. The characteristic rich blueberry notes were not there tonight.
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12/10/2009 - VinLancaster wrote: flawed
Flawed, corked...any way you put it, this bottle was off and undrinkable. The first few bottles were simply amazing!!
I have read a few other reviews (here) on CT with similar notes on "flawed" bottles, hot alcohol, funk, etc..
It's more than just wet newspaper on the nose, it's bordering on gag'ible. I am very sensitive to TCA and this was an explosive dose of barnyard rotten wood funk. Let's hope it's not a trend, as I still have 1/2 case of this juice left.
Will let the winery know if any of the remaining 6 bottles are off. PLEASE do the same
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11/22/2009 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 94 Points
Money every time.
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10/1/2009 - jad1964 wrote: 92 Points
not as divine as 03 version but right there. so balanced and smooth. might actually need just a touch more time to be honest. but great nonetheless now.
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9/10/2009 - tantotinto wrote: 93 Points
Bouquet of fruit and dark chocolate. The tannins have integrated very nicely. Flavors of cherry and blueberry. An excellent wine that is drinking very well.
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3/21/2009 - Clarkmeister wrote: 90 Points
Very nice, juicy sweet fruit transitioning into a very nice long, spicy finish. Crowd pleaser.
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3/7/2009 - Arch57 wrote: 92 Points
Very nice bottle. Enjoyed this much more than an 05 Kosta Browne Pinot we had the night before. This had the complexity with a definite nose of chocolate and cocoa rounded out by dark fruit. Smooth on the palate, with boysenberry and some graphite. This could have lasted a few more years in the cellar as the tannins were still present but it did loosen up nicely as the night wore on.
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2/7/2009 - alamoave wrote: flawed
This bottle drank a bit hot and porty compared to previous bottles
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2/1/2009 - grapemaven wrote: 92 Points
Good merlot dominant Walla Walla right bank Bordeaux blend. Drank next to an 04 Cadence Bel Canto (cab franc dominant); both wines were very complimentary to each other.
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1/17/2009 - dky wrote: 80 Points
dissapointed in this wine. medium bodied with notes of dark fruit, cedar and alclhol on the nose. similar notes on the palate. was really surprised by the alcohol, i couldn't get past it. decanted for 2 hours. off bottle??
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10/24/2008 - texaswino wrote: 93 Points
Right Bank Bordeaux nose all the way. Pain Grille, cherries and currants on the nose is intoxicating. Medium to full bodied with a nice tannic bite on the finish. Will evolve for many more years
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10/6/2008 - wineaux2 wrote: 91 Points
Excellent right bank Bordeaux-style blend, but definitely tastes like a Washington meritage. Dark cherry, plum and chocolate notes eventually emerge from this but it needs time to open. Overall, the concentration of the wine seems restrained. Would continue to let this one sleep.
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9/30/2008 - alamoave wrote: 93 Points
Wow. Need to get some of this. Easily mistaken for a topnotch right bank bordeaux from a good vintage, except tannins are softer. Very big fruit. Open for business. Pop and pour.
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9/27/2008 - dionysis wrote: 93 Points
This was great -- very soft on the palate with bright red fruit all well proportioned and kept in check by oak and forest flavors, and fine integrated tannins.
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9/26/2008 - Clarkmeister wrote: 91 Points
Always a crowd pleaser. Good balance and fruit, the cab part of the blend gives it backbone but still has the approachability of a merlot.
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7/28/2008 - bajayngo wrote: 91 Points
Had w/Justin 4 his bachelor's party. Great cherries, earth & spicy oak! Nothing outta balance. Drinking great rite now! Didn't break it down just say back & enjoyed it w/grilled ribeye steaks!
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4/25/2008 - gmbdds wrote: 93 Points
This is a sort of composite score of the four times I've tasted this wine this year. Wonderful nose that is rich and deep but not overpowering. Consistent taste of blueberry and blueberry dessert. Notes of cream and cinammon. I've loved this wine each time I've had it. I plan on cellaring a few bottles. It has ranged from 91-95.
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2/13/2008 - VinLancaster wrote: 91 Points
This took 2-3 hours open up. The nose was uber complex which included spices, pork fat, asphalt, thistle and mocha. Notes of violets, lavender, blueberries, minerals and chocolate coat the palate. Silky smooth, with ample peaking fruit on the extended palate.
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2/3/2008 - Clarkmeister wrote: 94 Points
Bought 3 bottles from the winery and drank throughout 2007. Huge pleaser every time. Very complex and full for a merlot-based blend, have ordered 3 mags of this for future consumption. Big, bold and complex, this wine is a tremendous value.
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1/20/2008 - kennyg wrote: 92 Points
Solid effort, albeit not quite as inspiriing as the 03. Medium bodied, tannins integrating nicely with smooth dark cherry and easy, albeit slightlly shortish finish. Might benefit from more cellar time, but a very nice drink now. Competitive with nearly any of the California meritages I have tasted.
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1/8/2008 - carnyc wrote: 90 Points
This bordeaux blend from Washington was medium bodied and displayed bright fruit and a couple of the classic bordeaux secondary flavors, but it seemed a little tight in its youth. Fun to drink and not overly complex. Potential is there.
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1/2/2008 - Sydthesquid wrote: 83 Points
Disjointed mess. Ugh.
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12/30/2007 - hamiltonc wrote: 92 Points
Soft and balanced. Good fruit. Nice toasty vanilla tones.
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10/29/2007 - BailliSacks wrote: 90 Points
Big, soft, and broad, but with structure. Characteristic WA flavors.
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8/13/2007 - Danielusmc0331 wrote: 93 Points
WOW.
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1/29/2007 - wineboat wrote: 92 Points
Wine Spectator top 100 wine for the year. Young, needs some air- decant - plums on the nose, dark cherries, a little licorice and if you let your mind wander, a little chocolate on the finish. Find it, buy some, hold it a bit.
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12/16/2006 - Ecbatana wrote:
Very good Bordeaux blend (predominately Merlot) but seemed very tight. Nice Syrah-like pepper/spice character to it but somewhat unexpressive due to its young age. Bottle should have been cellared longer (2-3 years) prior to opening. Overall a very good wine but I find that the Spring Valley Frederick is a superior offering.
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