This is the third time I have had this wine. I was hoping that time would improve it, but so far it has not, and I am starting to get dissappointed in this one. I think that this may be the least favorite of their efforts so far. It had a nice nose after opening. Not as spicy or complex as other vintages, but still quite nice. However, on the palate it was quite oaky. Somewhat surprising, in that you couldn’t smell the oak, but you can definately taste it. judegement reserved on this wine, but I don’t anticipate it ever hitting the heights of other vintages. I still have a few bottles left, and if I had a magic wand, I’d love to turn them into 2004’s.
On day #2:
I vacu-vined the wine overnight. A day of air hardly improved it. Although it was not oxidized, it wasn’t any more enjoyable. I have always abscribed to the belief that a great wine is always great, and that time will not change that. I am a huge fan of this estate, and it is one of the few California wines that I get excited about. I think that in 9 vintages to produce one wine that is not my personal taste is forgivable enough. Come fall, my remaining bottles will go on the auction block, and I’ll try to get a different vintage instead