Daniel Ciolek

8.8

Past its peak 11 years later but I liked it when I tasted it long ago. Still holding up decently. On the sweeter side with bricking throughout the red color. Nose is honey and prunes. I’d say honey is the dominant flavor with dandelion prune and butterscotch. Fine for a dessert wine. — 17 hours ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.0

Fun blend of Grenache Mourvèdre Petite Sirah Merlot and Malbec. First day seemed to be dominated by the Perite Sirah but by day 2 it was smooth silky and loaded with layers of fruit flavors and spices and a touch of medium-dark chocolate with a long smoky finish. Think of a box of the old time Christmas chocolate covered cherries with a cream filling your grandmother had - but with a nice alcohol punch - or maybe a young port - and that’s what this is. — 10 days ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.3

Outstanding on opening and still smooth and elegant two days later. Lovely aroma, perfectly balanced acidity and tannins. Rich layers of dark fruits and earthy flavors with a touch of balsamic and spice. Luxurious finish. I would have thought this was a much longer aged bottle than a 2019 vintage. — a month ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.0

COVID year lockdown vintage. Much brighter and fruitier than earlier years. Can’t believe this is a 100% Merlot. Almost Zinfandel in density and slight rhubarb background notes. Lots of cinnamon and clove forming the structure behind dark cherries licorice and dark chocolate. The finish is long and surprisingly crisp. I like a wine that creates an adventure and although this is slightly sweeter than my usual - this is a fun adventure. — 3 days ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.7

Decent restaurant wine. Lemongrass/citrus nose. Crisp with juicy acidity on palate. Light citrus and mineral with a touch of effervescence on the palate. Touch of grapefruit on the finish. — a month ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.8

Nice and interesting aroma of dark cherry and anise. Heavy tannins s on opening. Softened after 3 hours. May need another day to be balanced. Medium bodied - leaning towards earthy and leathery than fruit forward. Graphite and undergrowth and slight clove - with some dark cherry, blackberry, and licorice. Long dry finish. — a month ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.2

Delightful! Elegant dense rose nose. Medium bodied with lots of layers on the palate. Well balanced and smooth. Dark cherries blackberries mouth tingling spice dark chocolate hint of wet bark and mineral. Long lingering pleasant tingling finish. Just a wonderful sensory experience! — 9 days ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.1

Excellent value second press valpolicella wine. Smooth dark fruits and fig with soft holiday spices. Well balanced. Better than some Amarone I’ve tasted at a portion of the price. Not spectacular like the better Amarone but a great everyday selection from the region. — 9 days ago

Daniel Ciolek

Not going to rate this because it seems to be a well made wine with a lot of years to mature. However it is just not my thing. Seems to get even on day 2. Dark fruits and earth are prominent. Medium bodied. Long finish. It just seemed to be more tart and with less softening spice than I was expecting. — a month ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.0

Clearly past its peak. Amber colored. Nose is oaky with dandelion notes. A little viscous on the palate with nice acidity but otherwise unremarkable palate with only hints of butterscotch , dandelion and oak. A bit of funk at the finish. Sorry I let it sit so long. — a month ago