Fred Calatayud

9.4

Deep dark stewed berry, dark chocolate, licorice, tiny hint of anise on the finish. Speaking of the finish - it lasts forever. This is a big wine - it needs to sit in the glass for at least four hours before touching it. It will probably be better on day 2. — a year ago

Fred Calatayud

9.8

The last bottle in the cellar - and it just got better over time. Wish I had more! Everything you expect in a big Cali Cab that has aged beautifully and was masterfully crafted. My words won’t do it justice. — 4 years ago

Fred Calatayud

9.3

Lots of muscle left in the 2005 Merlot - much to my pleasant surprise! Deep, dark opaque color, plenty on the nose, nothing thin about this wine. Flavors of dark fruits, leather, licorice, pepper all balanced nicely against the softened tannins. Bigger than most Merlots I’ve had, and bigger than many Cabernets. Let it open up for a good hour in the glass and your patience will be well rewarded. Very tight out of the bottle, and it needs an hour or more to find itself. Yes, I will have this with my steak tonight - no need to go to the Cabernets! — 4 years ago

Fred Calatayud

9.5

Fred had this 3 years ago

with Jennifer

Fred Calatayud

9.5

Mo Ayoub’s Estate Pinot from Dundee in Willamette paired with Thanksgiving dinner - perfect match. Light to medium body, with cherry, forest floor, vanilla and baking spice all coming together perfectly in this 2014 estate bottling. Tasted it in Mo’s kitchen years ago and enjoyed my bottle today. — 3 years ago

Fred Calatayud

9.0

The first thing I tasted was salt, and that was: uh oh. But after 20 minutes, cranberry, nutmeg, a little mint, raspberry, definitely not as meaty as other Aussie Shiraz and not what I expected, but very enjoyable once my expectations were reset. — 4 years ago

Fred Calatayud

9.2

Reviewed this back in 2016, and wasn’t impressed, but clearly was drinking it too early. Having this at 2021 New Years, and it has evolved wonderfully. Tart black cherry, cranberry and leather , with hints of black pepper - acidity much more balanced than my tasting in 2016. Ruby red and medium bodied, it has matured nicely. If you have the 2013 hanging around, give it a try. It has more years to run, so no rush, but worthy of tasting now. — 4 years ago

Fred Calatayud

9.4

Outstanding after an hour or more in the glass. Silky smooth all the way through the finish. Blueberry and blackberry dark fruit, layered with a touch of dark chocolate and a lighter layer of licorice. Extremely well balanced to drink now, and can probably sleep for another year or two, but I would not push it. — 3 years ago

Fred Calatayud

9.4

Better on day two - living up to its Mt Veeder heritage. Bold, dark fruit abound, hint of vanilla and caramel, layers of flavor throughout. Sterling did a nice job with the bounty from Yates Vineyard. This can continue to evolve in the cellar for quite some time. — 4 years ago

Fred Calatayud

9.3

Thinking I should be drinking my 2012s, I opened this up. After giving it 2 hours alone, I realized I’ve opened it too soon. Even next day, it remains tight. It is deep, dark opaque red, tons of blackberry and dark cherry, licorice, leather, but it is still “packed too tight.” If you are holding these, hold them another 5 years. You will be well rewarded, IMO. — 4 years ago