It's been eight years since I've had this wine and it appears to be showing its age in anti-Benjamin Button fashion. It feels like another flashy 2007 that is tanking faster than it should (looking…
This is a super hot fruit goober. I mean, it's a Crane, so fruit is kinda its thing, but I would leave these alone for a while. It's on total flash and overtly cocktaily in its current fraternity…
More black fruited than I would have expected given its age, but the leather and soil elements waltz in and provide a layer or two of complexity that holds interest. It's a little Plain Jane in…
Plum, cherry, leather, dust, and some sherry notes. Classical in form all the way around. Past its prime in terms of freshness and tannic structure, presenting with a softness that is pleasant but…
At peak, at least in terms of its components continuing to harmonize in a synchronized outpouring of freshness, fruit flavor and expansion, and focus. It has become a bit of a one hit wonder, but the…
A very well preserved bottle here. Purple berries, blackberry, pine resin, and hints of leather. Still a decent chunk of primary fruit present, but I appreciate the restraint and control on the…
Dark and deeply pitched black raspberry and spice. Bits of leather and garrigue add interest. Still a bit of a bruiser on the initial attack, but gains some elegance on the back end. Drink now for…
When I initially tried this upon arrival, it seemed fairly sound (it had been decanted for a couple of hours); a little lush and gush on entry (especially compared to more honed versions of Tychson…
A solid performance, though a bit outshone by the 2003 Scarecrow next to it, the 2006 Maya offers soft dark berry fruit and forest floor elements that caress the palate and flow through the delivery…
A lovely profile, with ripe berry fruit and layered soil elements, the inaugural 2003 Scarecrow is holding strong with solid freshness and focus. This bottle shows no signs of being past its prime;…
This thing kinda smelled like a meth lab, with acetone and Red P aromas that made me wonder if my RV was going to blow up and my three pit bulls were about to jump over my chainlink fence and hide in…
After a strong showing from a 1996 I had a bit ago, I was hoping this 1982 might offer up a similar profile with just a little more age on it to showcase tempting tertiary notes and classical Lalande…
Funky, tired, and fairly flat. There were grumblings about possible questionable storage here, which I unfortunately think to be the case. Cheval is one of my favorite Right Bank houses, but I think…
I had the 2005 VCC a few years ago and it was pretty funky and heady. This bottle is 'certan'ly less 70's afro show, but it lacks some energy, slouching around with bad posture for most of…
Interestingly, I found this 1989 Montrose to be much more awake and fresher than a funky 1990 Montrose I had a while back. Mulch, forest floor, and tobacco leaf are beautifully counterbalanced by…
Even more thin and diluted than the bottle I had previously (which was from magnum, which might explain the better showing before). Red and black fruit make for a very pretty wine, but noticeably…
Barrel sample. Snappy poppy cherry. Pucker factor is ultra high here. Super high-toned purple red licorice. Pure and fresh. Picked before the heat spikes. Might be one of the few 2022s worth checking…
A compelling nose, with spice and crunchy red and black cherry, cinnamon, salami, and red currant notes dominating. Earth and spice notes slowly come into form, making for a full mouthfeel and…
A better showing than a few months ago, this bottle was fresher and more focused. It still seems to be straining for a full depth of flavor, so perhaps more time in bottle is needed. It's very lifted…
Instantly captivating, with beautiful tobacco, leather, macerated plum, and orange rind flavors that roll across the palate with classicism and sophistication. Super fresh and fully mature, with no…
Charcoal, blackberry, and a little booze on the back end. A little warmer (room) temperature leveled out the finish. Cooling off would regain focus; so, I recommend this at cellar temperature.…
