Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose is dusty with slight aquarium notes. Also some cherries and black cherries. On the palate, there is a lot of heat and it seems disjointed. Tart cherries but brown sugar. Alcohol on the finish. Again, this appears to be a poorly stored bottled, but how to know for sure or where the issue is. Drinkable for sure, but doesn't work with food at this point. Hopefully, this bottle was not representative.
This had some odd label and I am not sure if we ever properly unwrapped it. In any event, this is one of the best 2011's from Sonoma and indeed, California that I have had. Deep magenta in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has black cherries, cedar, and graphite. There are firm tannins still. A supple texture. 14.1% alcohol. Cassis and very concentrated on the palate. Delicious and no ripeness issues. Long finish. Worked well with eharty foods and some pungent cheeses. There are always new wineries emerging on the scene but this is one to watch.
My first time trying this wine made by Russell Bevan. I love Russell's wines but I struggle with this one. Purple to the rim. On the nose, this had that aquarium note that I sometimes find in poorly handled wines. I know this came from an excellent cellar but perhaps along the way somewhere? I tried other glasses and it was consistent. It did blow off a bit with air, but a taste at the end of the night, freshly poured, still had some. There was some cassis underneath but hard to get to. On the palate, its a bit better with coffee, cassis, slight graphite. It also has a tingly acidi
