1989 vintage. Last tasted 3 years ago (9.6). Nice fill. Durand used to open. Cork 95% saturated with extensive bottle rim cleaning involved before pouring. Not decanted. Tight, minty nose throughout along with a decided, lingering zinc note under the tongue at the finish line. Tasted 2 hours after opening. Power but without delineation. Just a consistent, forgettable push. Nothing wrong with the wine...it just needed more air/time and a decant but it wasn't my call. Feel like the zinc flavor would have dissipated/blown off with more time. Good but more memorable for what it wasn't vs what it was. Pity and an entire wasting of what could have been. 11.21.25. — 8 days ago
11/2025. Good fruit giving a nice flavor. Nice on the palate. — 2 days ago
Finally talked this dude into drinking.
I don't know, maybe I'm getting old but aged Riojas are starting to taste/feel weighty to me. It's very good. Muddled fruits, resolved tannins, nice and round, leather notes. But somewhat boring. Probably my mood.
92+ points — 6 days ago
Really nice California Cab. Drinks lighter than the ABV. Tannins smooth and well integrated already. Black fruit, tar, licorice, ample vanilla oakiness that mellows out a little with time. Relatively accessible, relatively affordable, eminently enjoyable — 3 months ago
Ruby with a rich bouquet of fruit, spices and floral notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with notes of pepper, cinnamon and floral. Long finish, nice balance with fine soft tannins ending with earthy notes. Enjoyable now, a few more years will benefit. The ‘21 is a real insight for what the Riservas will taste like. Rated #7 wine of 2025 by spectator. — 8 days ago
Joe DAscoli
From magnum at Acker birthday auction. Incredibly fresh and light colored. No oxidation. Really nice — 7 days ago