A wonderful Syrah, great balance between fruit and structure. Cannot wait to taste this wine with a little bit of age. Re-tasting 3/20/20 - Rating maintained. — 5 years ago
Like the nose...berries, deep color, soft in mouth — 8 years ago
Was raisiny on the nose and I assumed it was oxidised. Surprisingly tasted much fresher with cedar, dark fruits, meaty and the controversial nail polish Wendouree is known for, with only a slight raisin flavour on the finish. My guess is this wasn't stored in the greatest of conditions. — 8 years ago
Very expressive nose displaying mature and complex aromas of prunes, dry figs, peanuts, almonds, caramel, toffee, nail varnish remover and hints of vanilla. It is bone-dry in the mouth with a medium+ body and pronounced elegant and tasty flavours. The alcohol is well-integrated and the finish is very persistent. — 9 years ago
Good but the 2012 was a little long in the tooth. Prob a year or two past its prime. Decent at least 2 hours — 3 years ago
1995 vintage. Nail polish removal smell. Beautiful golden color with orange hues. Dried raisins, delicate flavor with very good acidity. Not a Yquem that blows you away, rather delicate, feminin, finesse rather than power. Misses weight; good burn. — 7 years ago
A little long in the tooth. Decanter for 3 hours and just never got as big as I expected.. — 7 years ago
It’s usually a good sign when the winemaker can articulate what the wine is about like this: “Ceras is Botanica’s counterpoint. Its color is more purple than red. It is more about minerals and herbs than fruit and flowers. It is a focused and elegant distillation of rock rather than an opulent cascade of fruit. It is an expression of the geology that lays beneath our land, the tart blue fruits of the coast range and the tender herbs that one finds amongst the trees and mushrooms of the Northwest forest.”
Her 2013 Ceras is yet another example of Maggie Harrison’s sorcery over the vines at Antica Terra. The focus and intensity of flavor is off the charts, yet it maintains an almost ethereal weightlessness, only emphasizing the layer of silk that separates you from the wine. The pungent rock is so on point and distinctive it instantly reminded me of the scent of lichen growing on rocks, which I experienced in Colorado when I was 7 or 8 years old. This sets the stage for the level of complexity exhibited. The fruit has both an extraordinarily high level of purity and yet the woven tapestry of herbs and spices and even fruit blending are impossible not to notice. The key being that nothing is forced.
The nuance of complexity only being noticed when desired is nearly an impossible feat. I can’t help but recall James Conaway quoting Andy Beckstoffer in his recently released book: Napa at Last Light: America’s Eden in an Age of Calamity. “If a wine was a model with a chipped tooth, you’d have to give her something to compensate with. If she needs better shoulders, better breasts, give her some. But her real charm is in how she carries the defect.”
After reading his book, I can tell you I’m definitely not certain whether you can accept his quotes verbatim. One thing is certain, though, Maggie Harrison’s Antica Terra wines carry the defect like no other. — 6 years ago
Frog's Tooth Malbec has always been really good. With their new wine maker on board the 2013 kicks it up a notch further. Really noteworthy. Owners told me it won "best Malbec in region" @ Calif State fair. Well deserved. — 8 years ago
Elegant #ownrooted #phylloxerafree #chardonnay from limestone clay terroir @PyramidValley in North Canterbury, NZ — 8 years ago
Complex wine, brings in plenty of fruit and spices and ends up nicely balanced. Peppery, but not over the top. — 9 years ago
Neil Valenzuela
Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, plum, violets, vanilla and baking spices. Delicious red and black fruit on the palate with a black tea finish. Paired nicely with some steaks and baked potatoes. — 3 years ago