Christmas dinner wine. As with my previous bottle, this is much more subtle and smooth than what one might expect from a Napa Cabernet. It's a wonderful wine though, with so many nuanced flavors. Very elegant. We had it with a superb prime rib roast - obviously a great pairing. The bottle showed no signs of going south, so it probably could have aged for many more years. In fact, I wondered if it was in a bit of a quiet phase and might be better five or more years from now. This is possible. It remains one of the best Napa Cabernets I have ever had.
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Sitting here with a glass from a 2 hour decant . The nose is fragrant and perfume . The color is still very youthful and the legs are climbing up the glass . I get blackberries, casis, hint of sweet tea, slightl hint of menthol and the finish is elegant with soft resolved tannins and a slight touch of acidity. The wine is superb with finesse in every aspect but it is missing the big bold in your face Cabernet experience . This is an outstanding Cabernet that is at the peak and maybe a little past . An amazing wine but now is a good time to make an excuse to drink it
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This wine still is young, showing somewhat muted deep fruit notes but not a lot of bouquet yet. Tannins are soft. I'd give it another five years (2026) and try another bottle.
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was bested by the Dunn Howell '92 (magnum) we had alongside, but this was very good, with youthful palate, good acidity, light and dark red fruit, and more primary that the Dunn Howell... felt downright youthful... feels at this point that well stored bottles of this could go another 10-15 years (and likely improve)
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This was the Easter wine with marinated lamb. I was a little worried at first because the cork fell apart, but the first glass was delicious. I let it decant for 2-3 hours.
In some ways this wine surprised me by not being a blockbuster, fruit bomb kind of Napa Cabernet. It proved to be a very subtle wine with delicate fruit flavors. Exquisite, in fact. It had a nice range of berry flavors, occasionally but not consistently taken away by some stronger tannins. But in the end, the tannins were weaker than I'd expected.
All in all this was a delicious wine and certainly one of the best Napa Cabernets I've ever had, but it was more delicate and reticent than I'd expected. I have one more bottle; it is in a beautiful spot right now, but I'll probably lay off it for a year to see how it might change.
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Really beautiful, deep and FB’d minus, really special if u like cabs, with red fruit, cedar and hints of earth, tastes like an ‘05 Bordeaux at this pt in evolution
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Ok, this was a big boy (I like them elegant generally)... but very well made, seemed better to me on night one when it was "blowing your doors" with smoke and oak and dark fruits... tasted like a very young powerful Bordeaux from '15... not sure this will be better in 30 years however (like those Bordeaux) so I would drink in the next 5 years
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A note from an old friend inspired me to open this tonite as it was his allocation through which several of us purchased 6-packs of Phelps’ higher-end wines for several years. This bottle has moved with me twice since initial receipt, and was in perfect condition. Firm cork with no signs of seepage or compromise. Initial taste from standard riedel stems had a nice nose but a brief and shallow finish. Wine improved dramatically with Sommelier series stems, adding depth and enhancing the length of the finish across the palate. Notes are following 90 min breathing from bottle.
Nose is faint but reminds me of an aged bordeau. Dark cherries, black tea, hint of leather and charcoal. tough to discern many distinct flavors but its very good. Clearly beyond its high-point, at least after all my moves, but very enjoyable.
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Classic Oakville nose of black currants and sweet dark earth. Best after a 2-hr decant, this has aged well and softened into a silky, elegant wine. Delicious flavors of blackberry and smoky cassis flow across the palate leading to a very smooth, earthy finish. This is now very terroir-driven and a good representation of how an aged Napa Cab should taste although it lacks the complexity and freshness of a similarly aged Bordeaux which I prefer. However, at least its not an alcoholic, disjointed mess like most of its brethren. Well done and delicious with bbq pork tenderloin and very much ready now.
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Not much fruit. Dark. Slight bricking. Full rick mid palate. I don't get the eucalyptus as was present in earlier offerings. I believe all of the eucalyptus around the vineyard had been removed sometime before this vintage.
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Stood up for an hour, then it got about 90 minutes in duck decanter. Drank over about an hour. Also had a 2007 Jack Quinn and a 2012 Kata open.
This was my favorite. Quite dark in color; minimal bricking. Nose was beguiling. Frankly like a 2000 Left Bank Bordeaux. Some forest floor, pencil lead. Black fruit. Lean on the palate. Finish just sang, with minimal tannins.
In a great spot, but can surely take another several years in cellar and still perform.
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This may just be the smoothest Cab I have ever had. A twenty minute decant and it was begging to be guzzled. The perfect balance of red & black fruit with a thirty second long finish. If you can wait one minute between sips, you get the greatest most subtle finish. This is a serious winner.
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Spectacular, had very high expectations that were met. Lovely combination of berries, woodsmoke and leather on the palate which builds slowly and evenly and then smoothly goes on for a long finish. The lamb chops alongside added more nuance. One of the wines of the year
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Fantastic nose on this wine. Big, big wine with lots of complexity. Still a bit young and though it is a great drop now, it will be even better when the tannins soften a bit more. finish goes on and on.
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I was anticipating a LOT from this wine so was shocked when it was still tight after being open for 4 hours then decanted for another hour. I was disappointed so vacuum corked it and set it on the cold cement cellar floor until the next day. Day 2 it was a totally different wine, very much like an aged Bordeaux. Nice nose of fruit blossoms and berries. Smooth, round and silky on the pallet, every sip left me anticipating the next. Didn't finish the bottle so corked it again and returned to it on Day 3 and it didn't lose even a notch of its beauty, it may have gotten even better!
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Had it for Thanksgiving dinner with minimal decanting but was consumed very slowly.
Nose: Great earthy black fruited nose with cigar box nuances, with some scents of oak and some leather. Very nice complex nose.
Taste: Wow. This is a very very smooth bottle of wine. This wine is much more balanced and much more civilized since the last time I tried it. Very silky smooth mouthfeel with nice accents of dark fruit, chocolate, leather and sweet oak. The wine reminds me a little of the 2005 Don Melchor but with a much less tannic bite. The fruit and the tannins are very harmonious and you can definitelly dicern the classic Phelps trademark; Complex, delicious and very balanced. Best wine I have tried this year and I am lucky I bought 3 more. This is ready to drink now. Not great QPR but who cares when you get this experience.
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Huge cherry licorice nose. Supple mouthfeel with black cherries leather and some pleasant earth. Kept changing in the glass. Had the Insignia sweetness with more complexity. Finish lasted forever. Best wine I have had in a while. I know spectator rated this at release but I can't imagine what they were drinking. I suggest JL drink this one again.
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The nose had dark fruits, leather and dusty earth aromas. The palate had currant and plum flavors wtih earth and green tobacco nuances. Fairly tannic and tight at the finish. This bottle was only open for about an hour and could have used an extended decant, or at least a double decant. Full bodied with a medium long finish. No idea why this would have gotten a 79 from WS. That's just wrong.
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Nose of pure rasberries and cedar. palate was packed like lee haney, pure, stuffed, so unctuous and long, cassis, some new oak, a touch of blueberry and expresso bean, this showed a touch of torrefaction but with an acidic and tannic spine to keep this baby living for a while.. decanted for 2 hours and excellent, i would hold for a few years... in my opinion this is a notch below the insignia in the sex appeal department, but may ultimately be a better wine...
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1/6/2024 - Ex-Ray wrote: 93 Points
Fully mature, still garnet and opaque. Typical cassis aromas and flavors but still has noticeable tannins. I wouldn't age it any longer.
Ric
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1/23/2023 - Tranquility Base Likes this wine: 95 Points
Christmas dinner wine. As with my previous bottle, this is much more subtle and smooth than what one might expect from a Napa Cabernet. It's a wonderful wine though, with so many nuanced flavors. Very elegant. We had it with a superb prime rib roast - obviously a great pairing. The bottle showed no signs of going south, so it probably could have aged for many more years. In fact, I wondered if it was in a bit of a quiet phase and might be better five or more years from now. This is possible. It remains one of the best Napa Cabernets I have ever had.
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12/2/2022 - aerosol Likes this wine: 94 Points
Sitting here with a glass from a 2 hour decant . The nose is fragrant and perfume . The color is still very youthful and the legs are climbing up the glass . I get blackberries, casis, hint of sweet tea, slightl hint of menthol and the finish is elegant with soft resolved tannins and a slight touch of acidity. The wine is superb with finesse in every aspect but it is missing the big bold in your face Cabernet experience . This is an outstanding Cabernet that is at the peak and maybe a little past . An amazing wine but now is a good time to make an excuse to drink it
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11/29/2021 - cabfrancair Likes this wine: 96 Points
Wow, near perfect California cab
Amazing complexity. This is why
You keep a wine cellar!
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9/9/2021 - mlawren1 wrote: 95 Points
Wow, this an amazing, Fresh wine. Layers of currants, berries and dark cherries. Just fluids into a smooth finish with mint and chocolate.
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8/31/2021 - pucsolus Likes this wine:
Wine was off the charts good.
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5/17/2021 - norsktorsk wrote: 94 Points
still some fruit on opening full mid palate and nice integrated tannins. long finish.
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4/18/2021 - KenK Likes this wine: 92 Points
Good brawny wine with black fruits and a strong chunky structure. Very nice in an old world style. Still lots of life, but don’t see this improving.
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1/18/2021 - cfulbright Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine still is young, showing somewhat muted deep fruit notes but not a lot of bouquet yet. Tannins are soft. I'd give it another five years (2026) and try another bottle.
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12/19/2020 - WoodieBayArea wrote: 92 Points
was bested by the Dunn Howell '92 (magnum) we had alongside, but this was very good, with youthful palate, good acidity, light and dark red fruit, and more primary that the Dunn Howell... felt downright youthful... feels at this point that well stored bottles of this could go another 10-15 years (and likely improve)
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4/13/2020 - Tranquility Base Likes this wine: 95 Points
This was the Easter wine with marinated lamb. I was a little worried at first because the cork fell apart, but the first glass was delicious. I let it decant for 2-3 hours.
In some ways this wine surprised me by not being a blockbuster, fruit bomb kind of Napa Cabernet. It proved to be a very subtle wine with delicate fruit flavors. Exquisite, in fact. It had a nice range of berry flavors, occasionally but not consistently taken away by some stronger tannins. But in the end, the tannins were weaker than I'd expected.
All in all this was a delicious wine and certainly one of the best Napa Cabernets I've ever had, but it was more delicate and reticent than I'd expected. I have one more bottle; it is in a beautiful spot right now, but I'll probably lay off it for a year to see how it might change.
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12/31/2019 - KenK Likes this wine: 93 Points
In a very good place, dark rich vibrant black fruits in a left bank style. Quite enjoyable and see plenty of years left.
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10/22/2019 - WoodieBayArea wrote: 93 Points
Really beautiful, deep and FB’d minus, really special if u like cabs, with red fruit, cedar and hints of earth, tastes like an ‘05 Bordeaux at this pt in evolution
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9/24/2019 - WoodieBayArea wrote: 92 Points
Ok, this was a big boy (I like them elegant generally)... but very well made, seemed better to me on night one when it was "blowing your doors" with smoke and oak and dark fruits... tasted like a very young powerful Bordeaux from '15... not sure this will be better in 30 years however (like those Bordeaux) so I would drink in the next 5 years
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7/22/2018 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 94 Points
A note from an old friend inspired me to open this tonite as it was his allocation through which several of us purchased 6-packs of Phelps’ higher-end wines for several years. This bottle has moved with me twice since initial receipt, and was in perfect condition. Firm cork with no signs of seepage or compromise. Initial taste from standard riedel stems had a nice nose but a brief and shallow finish. Wine improved dramatically with Sommelier series stems, adding depth and enhancing the length of the finish across the palate. Notes are following 90 min breathing from bottle.
Nose is faint but reminds me of an aged bordeau. Dark cherries, black tea, hint of leather and charcoal. tough to discern many distinct flavors but its very good. Clearly beyond its high-point, at least after all my moves, but very enjoyable.
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7/10/2018 - kend707 Likes this wine: 96 Points
One of the finest cabs I've had. Right up there with Shafer, Larkmead, Seavey, etc.
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5/29/2018 - EMTAME wrote: 95 Points
This is really terrific and seems to be drinking at peak right now, at nearly 17 years old.
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4/8/2018 - edjBoca Likes this wine: 94 Points
Sublime.....full body, complex. Opened up over hours.
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2/20/2018 - Rezy13 wrote:
Tuesday Night Double Blind $40+ (Alpharetta, GA): Dark core, some age, brick maroon rim; oak, sandalwood, cedar, slight chocolate, mushroom, tobacco, roasted cherry, currants; dock, sweet fruit, chocolate covered cherry; mistook this as BdM; tasty.
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2/3/2018 - dream Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic Oakville nose of black currants and sweet dark earth. Best after a 2-hr decant, this has aged well and softened into a silky, elegant wine. Delicious flavors of blackberry and smoky cassis flow across the palate leading to a very smooth, earthy finish. This is now very terroir-driven and a good representation of how an aged Napa Cab should taste although it lacks the complexity and freshness of a similarly aged Bordeaux which I prefer. However, at least its not an alcoholic, disjointed mess like most of its brethren. Well done and delicious with bbq pork tenderloin and very much ready now.
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12/19/2017 - Brett wrote: 96 Points
Just gets better and better!!
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12/31/2016 - norsktorsk wrote: 94 Points
Not much fruit. Dark. Slight bricking. Full rick mid palate. I don't get the eucalyptus as was present in earlier offerings. I believe all of the eucalyptus around the vineyard had been removed sometime before this vintage.
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11/26/2016 - ageverett Likes this wine: 96 Points
Stood up for an hour, then it got about 90 minutes in duck decanter. Drank over about an hour. Also had a 2007 Jack Quinn and a 2012 Kata open.
This was my favorite. Quite dark in color; minimal bricking. Nose was beguiling. Frankly like a 2000 Left Bank Bordeaux. Some forest floor, pencil lead. Black fruit. Lean on the palate. Finish just sang, with minimal tannins.
In a great spot, but can surely take another several years in cellar and still perform.
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1/10/2016 - phellstrand Likes this wine: 93 Points
A great representation of CA cab. Full body and tannins are in a good place allowing for nice balance between the fruit and alcohol. Great wine!
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12/20/2015 - reichken wrote: 90 Points
dark color some cherry nose, medium weight, medium length, i somewhat expected more from these bottles, nice bottles
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9/16/2015 - MattLA Likes this wine: 96 Points
This may just be the smoothest Cab I have ever had. A twenty minute decant and it was begging to be guzzled. The perfect balance of red & black fruit with a thirty second long finish. If you can wait one minute between sips, you get the greatest most subtle finish. This is a serious winner.
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4/4/2015 - Gestalted Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow, this wine is insane in 2015. The midpalate and finish is this epic cherry liquer that just lasts forever! Unreal!
--
Consumed at at cellar temp: 60°-65° F. Friends don't let friends drink red wine at room temp!
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3/11/2015 - ddingley Likes this wine: 95 Points
Spectacular, had very high expectations that were met. Lovely combination of berries, woodsmoke and leather on the palate which builds slowly and evenly and then smoothly goes on for a long finish. The lamb chops alongside added more nuance. One of the wines of the year
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7/3/2014 - Brett wrote: 95 Points
Great wine
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1/20/2014 - Brett wrote: 93 Points
Great wine
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10/29/2012 - Cashious wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 4 hours. Smooth, elegant, delicious. My kind of Cali Cab. The best part...I have 5 more!
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10/19/2012 - Maz wrote: 94 Points
Fantastic nose on this wine. Big, big wine with lots of complexity. Still a bit young and though it is a great drop now, it will be even better when the tannins soften a bit more. finish goes on and on.
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2/21/2012 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 91 Points
2001 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Retrospective (Meadowood, St. Helena, California): Very dark ruby color; maturing, leather, tart cassis, tobacco nose; mature, tobacco, plum, leather palate; medium-plus finish
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10/5/2011 - EMichels wrote: 92 Points
Nice; Voluptuous; Soft; Solid body
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9/30/2011 - AlexHop wrote: 94 Points
Complex nose, wood, spice, a touch of smoke. Nice fruit with solid but elegant tannins. Dark and a bit brooding. Very long finish.
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8/1/2010 - Brett wrote: 94 Points
Out of this world!
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3/3/2010 - calicabnut Likes this wine: 94 Points
I was anticipating a LOT from this wine so was shocked when it was still tight after being open for 4 hours then decanted for another hour. I was disappointed so vacuum corked it and set it on the cold cement cellar floor until the next day. Day 2 it was a totally different wine, very much like an aged Bordeaux. Nice nose of fruit blossoms and berries. Smooth, round and silky on the pallet, every sip left me anticipating the next. Didn't finish the bottle so corked it again and returned to it on Day 3 and it didn't lose even a notch of its beauty, it may have gotten even better!
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12/1/2009 - Eduhersp wrote: 96 Points
Had it for Thanksgiving dinner with minimal decanting but was consumed very slowly.
Nose: Great earthy black fruited nose with cigar box nuances, with some scents of oak and some leather. Very nice complex nose.
Taste: Wow. This is a very very smooth bottle of wine. This wine is much more balanced and much more civilized since the last time I tried it. Very silky smooth mouthfeel with nice accents of dark fruit, chocolate, leather and sweet oak. The wine reminds me a little of the 2005 Don Melchor but with a much less tannic bite. The fruit and the tannins are very harmonious and you can definitelly dicern the classic Phelps trademark; Complex, delicious and very balanced. Best wine I have tried this year and I am lucky I bought 3 more. This is ready to drink now. Not great QPR but who cares when you get this experience.
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9/8/2009 - WineForRob wrote: 96 Points
Huge cherry licorice nose. Supple mouthfeel with black cherries leather and some pleasant earth. Kept changing in the glass. Had the Insignia sweetness with more complexity. Finish lasted forever. Best wine I have had in a while. I know spectator rated this at release but I can't imagine what they were drinking. I suggest JL drink this one again.
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8/8/2008 - last chance wrote: 92 Points
The nose had dark fruits, leather and dusty earth aromas. The palate had currant and plum flavors wtih earth and green tobacco nuances. Fairly tannic and tight at the finish. This bottle was only open for about an hour and could have used an extended decant, or at least a double decant. Full bodied with a medium long finish. No idea why this would have gotten a 79 from WS. That's just wrong.
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2/24/2008 - tommydiesel wrote: 95 Points
Ripe black fruit, currant,and leather.Long finish
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9/21/2007 - EMichels wrote: 95 Points
Red Carpet Wine Tasting: Great meaty nose; Drinking well; Great complexity; I enjoyed this so much that I forgot to take notes
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8/23/2007 - Brett wrote: 94 Points
Fantastic nose with great color and super fruit flavor.
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6/19/2005 - Koods wrote:
Nose of pure rasberries and cedar. palate was packed like lee haney, pure, stuffed, so unctuous and long, cassis, some new oak, a touch of blueberry and expresso bean, this showed a touch of torrefaction but with an acidic and tannic spine to keep this baby living for a while.. decanted for 2 hours and excellent, i would hold for a few years... in my opinion this is a notch below the insignia in the sex appeal department, but may ultimately be a better wine...
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11/1/2004 - winefool wrote: 92 Points
Bright cherry red. Full rich concnetrated glycerin with puckering finish. Nice and light on it's feet for what it is. Probably better with food. 11/04
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