opened at 1 and decanted. poured a small glass and followed it over the next few hours. closed at first. started drinking at 6 when the sharks game started. served with a prime angus beef NY stip steak, john holmes size!
the glass with no food was good. more mushrooms and dark fruits on the nose. seemed a little closed to the taste. but when the steak came… wow
full bodied. why can’t napa make a merlot like this??? the nose had copious amounts of licorice and dark fruits (cherries?) . full bodied with well integrated tannins. this is drinking great now but has the stuffing to go 20+ years.
really love the 2003 vintage. to bad my bud Jamie the Man can’t see the tasting note. thanks squires 
92 points
