This sat open in the bottle for 30 minutes, then was decanted 15 minutes before consumption. I have not sampled this particular vintage in the past, but this bottle seemed on the later stages of it's drinking window. Still, it was incredibly enjoyable on its own, and then with chicken and vegetable dinner. Fun to try a CA merlot with this many years behind it.
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Dark ruby colored, medium-full bodied, forward somewhat obtuse flavors of black berry and black cherry fruits with tangy acidic notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, tea and bitter mocha chocolate.
This is the last bottle of a trio that I bought back in 2008. The first two bottles were stellar and this might be the best of the three. Slightly stewed blackberry and cassis in the glass, with dark fruit, balanced tartness, and nearly integrated tannins (this still has the stuffing for some more cellaring). Sure, I would drink this in the "near" term, but given that this is nearly two decades out, "near" is a relative concept. Yowza. Baller. Close to a whoa. thedrunkencyclist.com
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Dark red color, bouquet was mostly earthy cassis, dense black currant, black cherry fruit, a hint of green pepper, well balanced, medium length finish. Nicely matured, our last bottle, went well with grilled ribeye steak.
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Deep garnet in color with bricking edge. Nose of blackberries, cherries, and hint of earth. Tastes of cherries, crushed dark berries, dark chocolate, and hint of tobacco. Nice fruit, integrated tannins, with light tannins. Drink now.
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Consistent notes with the last bottle: fruity, deep, plenty of verve. Starting to show a bit of age, but it wears it quite well. We opened several bottles over the course of the night, and this was the bottle that emptied first. thedrunkencyclist.com
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At Fleming's Steak House with Kathy, a magnum purchased at auction for $65, a floral nose of black cherry, blackberry, and forest floor, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, at it's peak, four of the Staff made a favorable comment upon tasting, Kathy is a white wine drinker but preferred this wine tonight which is very unusual, elegant with lovely, rich fruit, paired well with my Double Breasted chicken, long, long finish as was the magnum during the meal.
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Opened my last Magnum of this wine for my birthday month to consume the next three nights, lovely nose of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, and a touch of forest floor, the same on the palate, medium/big body, at it's peak or slightly past, delicious tasting, elegant Merlot to sip and savor with goat cheese, salad, and meatloaf, long, long finish.
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If more Merlot were like this, I would be drinking it all the time. Rich dark berry fruit with bits of chocolate and a touch of oak. Full mouthfeel without being over the top. This was really, really good. Outstanding. thedrunkencyclist.com
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- Garnet color - Still has the cherries mixed in with deep flavors. Nose of a solid red and has aged well in the cellar. Enjoyable fruit and length of finish on this merlot.
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Garnet color moving to rust around the edge. Soft and supple, but a bit past its prime. Drank the second bottle I had the next night as I dont think this will be getting any better with age.
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- Garnet color. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Leathery texture with a long finish - The cork on this bottle absolutely disintegrated being extracted. Made me worry about the content but the wine was fine. Definitely showing its age with nice cedar notes. Fruit now mellowed and in balance.
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Dark fruit, spice, notes of cedar on the nose. On the palate, full bodied, more black and red fruit, tannins present but not overpowering. For me it was classic Merlot (admittedly not a favorite varietal of mine) in its fruity front end with a hollow middle and tart backend. I think the 2004 is probably at its peak now.
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Unfortunately a bit past its prime. We really enjoyed the 03 a month or so ago, and decided to go ahead & drink the 04 with a T-bone, but there was very little fruit and not much leather, cedar, etc. Brickish color with a definite clear rim, and no depth of color. Very short finish. Tasted much older & flatter than the 03.
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Tasted at the winery, bought two magnums at their special price to Club Members of $80 that day. Opened the first magnum for dinner at Yan's China Bistro three hours later. nose of cedar, spice, and dark fruit, more of the same on the palate, lush, rich, easy to drink, mouth drying merlot at its peak, medium body, medium/long finish. Continued to drink the magnum the next two days, similar notes, lovely wine, worth the price for a winery stored magnum for 9 years, waived my tasting fee, tasted 7 wines, sold me a Twomey shirt at 50% off, and gave me 6 Twomey tasting glasses. hard to beat this purchase!!!!!
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Tasted at the winery, bought two magnums at their special price to Club Members of $80 that day. Opened the first magnum for dinner at Yan's China Bistro three hours later. nose of cedar, spice, and dark fruit, more of the same on the palate, lush, rich, easy to drink, mouth drying merlot at its peak, medium body, medium/long finish.
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Nose is similar to the 2008 Merlot - it is unique with hints of tobacco and pasture-like notes without the mustiness. Not very fruit forward - it is almost cab-like with balanced tannins and light spices in the finish. It is very smooth and easy to drink.
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- Ruby color with fast forming legs and aromas of cloves and ethanol. It's unbalanced and has flavours of alcohol and dusty with a light/medium body. Linear texture with a medium finish - Lacking fruit and the alcohol hits you.
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Healdsburg 4/7/2012 (Healdsburg, CA): Licorice, pepper, and dark fruit. Very dry. Tasted in a vertical with the 2007 but this tastes like an aged wine should while still maintaining the base.
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Trademark Twomey red berry notes with a bit of earth, but the oak profile overwhelms the fruit. Given the price point, I'd expect a more well-integrated effort.
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excellent merlot breathing after decanting for just 30 minutes. Wine is at its prime with the excellence of a fruit forward merlot. Cherry and currant flavors followed by a dryer finish excellent with my thanksgiving meal.
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Breathed in the glass for about 1/2 hour. Lovely ruby color. Nose had sweet raspberry, earth, and a mere hint of oak. Big raspberry fruit and a bit of savory herb overlays a firm tannic, almost hard center. Velvet glove mouthfeel on a steel fist. Even some acidity so not flabby at all! Medium length.
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I had high expectations for this bottle and it did not deliver as I expected that it would. It had a decent but somewhat reticent nose. The fruit was there but very light. This bottle was vinturi'd about two hours prior to drinking but it seemed flat and old. One more bottle left.
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Earthy with mild fruits on the nose. Mouthfeel has some residual tannins but the fruit is nice. I'm not a big Merlot fan but would have this again if presented with other merlots. Not like the Yokum Bridge Merlot, which I think was the last I had, this is more muted. Not as complex as I know Merlot can be, but its a fine accompaniment for lighter meals. Tried alone only.
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Big oak on the nose, but I can pick up a little earthy notes. Ripe berry fruit, even Jammy. I don't believe the 14.2 % alcohol. I think it's more! Tannins come through on the finish. Needs more time in the bottle to mellow the tannins. Length should be better. A rustic wine on the palate. I would taste this wine again in 5 years, but this is my only bottle. I hate it when that happens. I let the wine breath in the glass for 20 min. before tasting
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Hard to find a reason why this is so expensive. Glad I purchased it on severe discount. Very tannic, lacking real fruit backbone. Will sit on the next bottle for a while and see what the hype is all about.
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8/13/2023 - bobadopolis Likes this wine: 91 Points
This sat open in the bottle for 30 minutes, then was decanted 15 minutes before consumption. I have not sampled this particular vintage in the past, but this bottle seemed on the later stages of it's drinking window. Still, it was incredibly enjoyable on its own, and then with chicken and vegetable dinner. Fun to try a CA merlot with this many years behind it.
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12/3/2022 - gabird wrote: 91 Points
Holding up nicely w/ some cherry aromas but more berry in the mouth. I picked up some licorice. Good depth and richness.
So wonderful with the lamb chops!
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3/27/2020 - rmcnees wrote: 88 Points
Dark ruby colored, medium-full bodied, forward somewhat obtuse flavors of black berry and black cherry fruits with tangy acidic notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, tea and bitter mocha chocolate.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/03/twomey-napa-valley-merlot-2004.html
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1/1/2020 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is the last bottle of a trio that I bought back in 2008. The first two bottles were stellar and this might be the best of the three. Slightly stewed blackberry and cassis in the glass, with dark fruit, balanced tartness, and nearly integrated tannins (this still has the stuffing for some more cellaring). Sure, I would drink this in the "near" term, but given that this is nearly two decades out, "near" is a relative concept. Yowza. Baller. Close to a whoa. thedrunkencyclist.com
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8/11/2017 - Schwarzer Hund Likes this wine:
Dark red color, bouquet was mostly earthy cassis, dense black currant, black cherry fruit, a hint of green pepper, well balanced, medium length finish. Nicely matured, our last bottle, went well with grilled ribeye steak.
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8/8/2017 - efeldhake@yahoo.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep garnet in color with bricking edge. Nose of blackberries, cherries, and hint of earth. Tastes of cherries, crushed dark berries, dark chocolate, and hint of tobacco. Nice fruit, integrated tannins, with light tannins. Drink now.
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5/10/2017 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent notes with the last bottle: fruity, deep, plenty of verve. Starting to show a bit of age, but it wears it quite well. We opened several bottles over the course of the night, and this was the bottle that emptied first. thedrunkencyclist.com
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11/23/2016 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
At Fleming's Steak House with Kathy, a magnum purchased at auction for $65, a floral nose of black cherry, blackberry, and forest floor, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, at it's peak, four of the Staff made a favorable comment upon tasting, Kathy is a white wine drinker but preferred this wine tonight which is very unusual, elegant with lovely, rich fruit, paired well with my Double Breasted chicken, long, long finish as was the magnum during the meal.
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10/17/2016 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened my last Magnum of this wine for my birthday month to consume the next three nights, lovely nose of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, and a touch of forest floor, the same on the palate, medium/big body, at it's peak or slightly past, delicious tasting, elegant Merlot to sip and savor with goat cheese, salad, and meatloaf, long, long finish.
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5/24/2015 - Steve&Carolyn Likes this wine: 89 Points
Probably a bit past its prime, but still quite nice: mild tannins and lots of dark fruit flavors.
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2/20/2015 - Mjcoup wrote:
Jammy, but very good. Had with miso chicken.
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12/20/2014 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 92 Points
If more Merlot were like this, I would be drinking it all the time. Rich dark berry fruit with bits of chocolate and a touch of oak. Full mouthfeel without being over the top. This was really, really good. Outstanding. thedrunkencyclist.com
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11/25/2014 - Sheldog Likes this wine: 90 Points
Yowsa!! So soft and refined like a family Matriarch. Most would probably say she is over the hill but I do love a nicely aged Merlot.
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1/25/2014 - gabird wrote: 89 Points
- Garnet color - Still has the cherries mixed in with deep flavors. Nose of a solid red and has aged well in the cellar. Enjoyable fruit and length of finish on this merlot.
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12/27/2013 - RedWineLover66 wrote: 90 Points
Garnet color moving to rust around the edge. Soft and supple, but a bit past its prime. Drank the second bottle I had the next night as I dont think this will be getting any better with age.
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10/8/2013 - Oakwine wrote:
- Garnet color. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Leathery texture with a long finish - The cork on this bottle absolutely disintegrated being extracted. Made me worry about the content but the wine was fine. Definitely showing its age with nice cedar notes. Fruit now mellowed and in balance.
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9/8/2013 - raypedia wrote: 86 Points
Dark fruit, spice, notes of cedar on the nose. On the palate, full bodied, more black and red fruit, tannins present but not overpowering. For me it was classic Merlot (admittedly not a favorite varietal of mine) in its fruity front end with a hollow middle and tart backend. I think the 2004 is probably at its peak now.
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8/17/2013 - Fishboy Likes this wine: 89 Points
Very enjoyable merlot that is drinking well right now.
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6/15/2013 - StarM wrote: 86 Points
Unfortunately a bit past its prime. We really enjoyed the 03 a month or so ago, and decided to go ahead & drink the 04 with a T-bone, but there was very little fruit and not much leather, cedar, etc. Brickish color with a definite clear rim, and no depth of color. Very short finish. Tasted much older & flatter than the 03.
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5/27/2013 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tasted at the winery, bought two magnums at their special price to Club Members of $80 that day. Opened the first magnum for dinner at Yan's China Bistro three hours later. nose of cedar, spice, and dark fruit, more of the same on the palate, lush, rich, easy to drink, mouth drying merlot at its peak, medium body, medium/long finish. Continued to drink the magnum the next two days, similar notes, lovely wine, worth the price for a winery stored magnum for 9 years, waived my tasting fee, tasted 7 wines, sold me a Twomey shirt at 50% off, and gave me 6 Twomey tasting glasses. hard to beat this purchase!!!!!
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5/26/2013 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tasted at the winery, bought two magnums at their special price to Club Members of $80 that day. Opened the first magnum for dinner at Yan's China Bistro three hours later. nose of cedar, spice, and dark fruit, more of the same on the palate, lush, rich, easy to drink, mouth drying merlot at its peak, medium body, medium/long finish.
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5/25/2013 - Gordianbar Likes this wine: 90 Points
very smooth, more body as the night went on. at its peak
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4/6/2013 - Pufferfish22 Likes this wine:
Nose is similar to the 2008 Merlot - it is unique with hints of tobacco and pasture-like notes without the mustiness. Not very fruit forward - it is almost cab-like with balanced tannins and light spices in the finish. It is very smooth and easy to drink.
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12/20/2012 - dssinger wrote: 85 Points
somewhat dull
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4/20/2012 - Red Wine Johnny wrote: flawed
Corked! This bottle should still be drinkable despite getting up there in age, must have been bad care from the vendor.
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4/14/2012 - gabird wrote: 87 Points
- Ruby color with fast forming legs and aromas of cloves and ethanol. It's unbalanced and has flavours of alcohol and dusty with a light/medium body. Linear texture with a medium finish - Lacking fruit and the alcohol hits you.
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4/7/2012 - sammy Likes this wine: 89 Points
Healdsburg 4/7/2012 (Healdsburg, CA): Licorice, pepper, and dark fruit. Very dry. Tasted in a vertical with the 2007 but this tastes like an aged wine should while still maintaining the base.
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1/30/2012 - urban_dk wrote: 86 Points
Trademark Twomey red berry notes with a bit of earth, but the oak profile overwhelms the fruit. Given the price point, I'd expect a more well-integrated effort.
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11/24/2011 - jperez68 wrote: 92 Points
excellent merlot breathing after decanting for just 30 minutes. Wine is at its prime with the excellence of a fruit forward merlot. Cherry and currant flavors followed by a dryer finish excellent with my thanksgiving meal.
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10/29/2011 - Wineshington wrote: 89 Points
Big berry, very sweet. soft tanins. Enjoyable, but a little too fruity.
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8/6/2011 - Mig22 wrote: 92 Points
Breathed in the glass for about 1/2 hour. Lovely ruby color. Nose had sweet raspberry, earth, and a mere hint of oak. Big raspberry fruit and a bit of savory herb overlays a firm tannic, almost hard center. Velvet glove mouthfeel on a steel fist. Even some acidity so not flabby at all! Medium length.
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3/26/2011 - 57 Degres wrote: 88 Points
I little sweet for my taste
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12/19/2010 - Max Power wrote: 85 Points
I had high expectations for this bottle and it did not deliver as I expected that it would. It had a decent but somewhat reticent nose. The fruit was there but very light. This bottle was vinturi'd about two hours prior to drinking but it seemed flat and old. One more bottle left.
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10/10/2010 - Seventy wrote: 87 Points
Nice wine, earthy and peppery. But I knocked off a couple of points for the short-medium finish.
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9/13/2010 - stantheman wrote: 93 Points
Fantastic! One of the best Merlot's you can find.
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8/1/2010 - ckinv368 wrote:
Very much like a garden, with notes of herb, a bit of lavender and some spice at the end.
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7/12/2010 - kgh wrote: 88 Points
Nice aroma, big soft mouthfeel, and attractive fruit/tannin integration. Very nice merlot, drinking well now.
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5/9/2010 - Caring_Bear wrote: 89 Points
Earthy with mild fruits on the nose. Mouthfeel has some residual tannins but the fruit is nice. I'm not a big Merlot fan but would have this again if presented with other merlots. Not like the Yokum Bridge Merlot, which I think was the last I had, this is more muted. Not as complex as I know Merlot can be, but its a fine accompaniment for lighter meals. Tried alone only.
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2/12/2010 - CultCabKing wrote: 78 Points
comes across as thin, but has lots of fruit and spicy flavors - chocolate hints in the finish
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12/23/2009 - Winopig wrote:
Big oak on the nose, but I can pick up a little earthy notes. Ripe berry fruit, even Jammy. I don't believe the 14.2 % alcohol. I think it's more! Tannins come through on the finish. Needs more time in the bottle to mellow the tannins. Length should be better. A rustic wine on the palate. I would taste this wine again in 5 years, but this is my only bottle. I hate it when that happens. I let the wine breath in the glass for 20 min. before tasting
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5/5/2009 - skinowdrinklater wrote: 91 Points
Hard to find a reason why this is so expensive. Glad I purchased it on severe discount. Very tannic, lacking real fruit backbone. Will sit on the next bottle for a while and see what the hype is all about.
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3/12/2009 - joraesque wrote: 84 Points
Much better than the first vintage. Still, over-oaked, which is to be expected from California Merlot bottlings. A monster. 83-85
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10/4/2008 - cowtownguy wrote: 89 Points
Exceeded my expectations after reading several reviews. A merlot style I like; will buy more.
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5/30/2008 - EMichels wrote: 86 Points
Red Carpet Tasting: Soft rich red licorice nose; Simple one-note fruit
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5/16/2008 - AllRed wrote: 86 Points
Stewed fruit aromas with dark fruit tones on the palate.
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4/30/2008 - beezer6 wrote: 90 Points
California Wine Night (Sam's South Loop - Chicago, IL): Tasted at the 2008 Sam's South Loop Grand California Night Event.
Classic chocolate and vanilla on the nose.
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3/14/2008 - KeithAkers wrote: 88 Points
a tasting of new releases: nose: big nose of black licorice, cherry, floral notes, and red currants
taste: solid cherry and floral flavors with a nice amounts of red currant on the back end
overall: a bit heavy for a merlot and it doesn't really bring the silkyness that I love from merlot. Still, it has a nice profile and a good finish
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2/2/2008 - EMichels wrote: 85 Points
Wine Exchange - Silver Oak Day: Sharp; Tannic; Dark chocolate; May have a future but I wouldn't drink it now
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1/18/2008 - EMichels wrote: 87 Points
Red Carpet Wine Tasting: Licorice nose; Strong tannins; Cherry and raspberry
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