Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This 2006 was a tale of 1/2 of the bottle decanted in a wide decanter and the other 1/2 left in bottle. The bottom 1/2 bottle better than the 2 hour decant. The decanted part lost complete Bordeaux character, mid palate and depth. A shorter decant was in order, but that doesn’t mean this 06 is waning. It has another 7–10 yrs from bottle.

2006 was the vintage that followed the grand 2005 vintage, not an entirely fair growing seasons. Based on the 2005 vintage, the Bordelaise overpriced the 2006 vintage. The Bordelaise disappointed in the price they sold 2005’s looked to make up their perceived losses in 2006. Except, the quality wasn’t the same. Not even close.

The nose shows brambly, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries and lean raspberry edges. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark chocolate bar, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather,. softy layered baking spices, black licorice-tarriness, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender.

The palate is ripe, juicy w/ medium, rounded tannins. Ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, strawberries and lean raspberry. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark & slightly melted chocolate, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, softy layered baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & vanillin, mid dark spices w/ some palate heat, black licorice-tarriness, dry herbs, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dry top soil, moist, grey, volcanic clay, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender, very nice acidity, nicely balanced, well structured/tensioned w/ an elegant finish that lasts a minute plus and lands on earth & spice with mid intensity palate heat.

92 decanted. 93 the bottom 1/2 of the bottle, not decanted. — 4 months ago

Ned Clark

10

This is a perfect wine. — 4 years ago

Barry Grossman

9.1

Rich, smoky, meaty, but well balanced. — 5 years ago

Tania Vetluzhskikh

8.9

Tasted in 2020 — 6 years ago

James Forsyth

9.2

Nicely balanced, red fruit, plums, smoke, graphite. Good mouthfeel. Clearly all the stops are pulled out to make this. Impressive given Virginia has otherwise been short notable wine for quite a few centuries. — 7 years ago

Barb Anderson

9.2

A fantastic right bank blend of Cab Franc and Merlot! — 8 years ago

Marc Melser

9.0

We had the 2014 Vintage on 2/27-28/26. Tastes of candied apple and bing cherry. A very good wine. The tastes now are different from when I had the same wine 6 years ago. Interesting. The remarkable comment is how this wine is sailing four years after the notes say it should be consumed — 7 months ago

Jason Keefer

9.4

Just great. Vigorous on the pallet with lots of tantalizing dark fruits, spice, and cedar. Every sip a delight! — 3 years ago

with Natasha

Ned Clark

9.5

Blend has come together beautifully — 4 years ago

Angila Hutchinson

9.8

Angila had this 5 years ago

Sarah

9.2

Medium bodied, little dry, fruity. Would be good with steak. — 6 years ago

Glenn Nick

9.3

Thanks @Jimmy E ! — 7 years ago

romo

9.1

New Year’s Eve sparkling. — 9 years ago

Billy L.

9.3

Thanksgiving 🦃Wines & Champagne 🍾 Cheers👍🏻👏🏻
— 2 years ago

Bill Morgan

9.0

Dark fruit complex flavors. Beautiful finish — 2 years ago

Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.4

So warm and inviting. It’s big and high alcohol but somehow not excessive at all. Wonderful texture. Warm spicy aromas, dark plum, cherry and cola. Very nice ! — 3 years ago

Paul Pigott

9.4

I think this was fantastic! But I had covid and lost my sense of taste and smell... so... I make these notes based on people I drank it with. Was originally going to cellar, but figured why not. A bit young still, but also still very drinkable. — 6 years ago

Cameron Parry

9.0

Wood got in the way of the fruit... otherwise totally solid. — 6 years ago

Barb Anderson

9.0

A very nice blend 92% Syrah 8% Viognier. — 8 years ago

Natalya Pemberton

9.0

A little too much vanilla for me, but it was beautifully balanced by the acidity. Very delicious wine. — 9 years ago