2005 vintage. Decanted and tasted immediately and over the course of 4 hours. Medium body with a continually morphing nose. Super-impressive bouquet throughout the night. Overt fruit fallen off the framework and replaced with secondary attributes/complexities. @Bill Bender remarked twice about a lack of “heat”since the usual CDP ABV range seemed underwhelming One might think that would present issues but, rest assured, it did not. Great wine possibly at its’ zenith/top of the bell curve and living its’ best life now. Backed up the hype and then some. Tied for WOTN along with the 2006 Krug Clos du Mesnil Champagne (missed a picture for that one) for both myself and @Shay A 09.21.25. — 19 days ago
Medium Ruby color with aromas of ripe black and red fruits and smoky spice. On the palate flavors of cherry, plums and ripe red berries with herb, licorice and smoky pepper spice. Fine soft tannins with, medium+ finish ending with fruit, mushroom, tobacco and earthy notes. — 2 days ago
Used the Durand on the cork - soaked to the edge. Decanted for 2 hours.
This wine had some gaminess. Smooth. Fruit was a bit wild and overpowered by the savory flavors.
Paired well with the chicken skewers and onions. Needed complex flavors in the food to pair well.
Good but quite a bit below the Beaucastel — 6 days ago
It’s a very balanced, rich and pleasant wine. No suprises, but perfect delivery. — 14 days ago
Ray Vanderhoff
Blend of Grenache (70%), Syrah (20%) and Mourvèdre (10%). Dark ruby color with a garnet meniscus. Aromas of black berry/cherry fruit, purple flowers, leather, garrigue and dried herbs. Flavors of dried blackberry and red and black cherry fruit, tobacco, black pepper, red and black licorice and a bit of smoked meat. Medium-plus body and finish. Plus acidity, nice structure and nicely smoothed out tannins. Well aged and hitting its peak. Appreciate you opening this one, Ron B! — 7 days ago