David Annis

9.1

I made a mistake by giving this a quick chill to get it to 60° or so, but this is better at room temperature. Continues to open up after taking on air. This will continue to improve, and I'm glad I have more to try in a few years. Minerals and gravel on the nose, medium to full body. Firm tannins, long finish. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.8

This was easily the wine of the night, and of the weekend. Incredibly smooth. Fragrant nose of leather and flowers. The balance is subtle. There is absolutely no astringency. You don't even notice the tannins until you realize that there isn't anything cloyingly sweet about it. Were it not for inevitable liver failure, you could drink this all night. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.0

After a few bad experiences with 2011s, I've had a few good ones. Either the wines from that vintage are improving as they mellow or it's inter-producer variability. Quality wine in the $30 range. Cabernet, syrah, merlot. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.3

Complex and surprising. Nose of overripe raspberries and pipe smoke; the palate shows earth, thyme and olives balanced with plum notes. (This is much better than the description.) I couldn't help thinking this would be a perfect Thanksgiving wine with a roast turkey and sage/sausage stuffing. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.1

Deep purple, still big but not unapproachable. Cloves, licorice, chocolate and tar on the nose. Full body. This stands up to any meal you pair it with and overwhelms some of you're not careful. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.1

This is heavy and needs either another 5-10 years or a few hours in a decanter. 55/45 cabernet/merlot, but seemed more like 70/30 new world merlot/cabernet. Coffee and sour cherries with some hints of oak and vanilla. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.3

Decanted for about two hours. Brick coloring, light without feeling thin. Notes of dark chocolate and tobacco. 100% sangiovese, consistent with what you would expect from a brunello (although this is not actually one). — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.3

Well balanced. Earth, moss and blackberry on the nose. Red currant and oak on the palate. Some residual tannins on the finish. Reminiscent of a left bank Bordeaux. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.5

Brilliant start to an evening with Scott and Melissa. Pale brick color, light to medium body. Orange zest and cigar box, noticeable oak but not off-putting or overdone. Classic rioja. Drinking beautifully now, no hurry but I can't imagine it getting any better either. — 8 years ago

David Annis

9.0

I love Washington state reds, and knowing the ratings I expected something a little more refined. This is a good wine, but it's very one dimensional. Jammy, dense, plum notes. Sometimes you're in the mood for something that lacks subtlety. In those instances this fits the bill. — 8 years ago