Community Tasting Notes (average 90 pts. in 6 notes)
Tasted by bahiadave on 2/9/2009: this is very good. actually tastes like a bordeuex.
Tasted by neurovino on 1/25/2009 & rated 90 points: Not sure it this wine was a little more settled than last time or if my expectations adjusted downward from the last bottle, but I enjoyed it more. Others commented on it positively, too.
Tasted by neurovino on 1/8/2009 & rated 89 points: Opened up quite a bit about 3 hours after I popped the cork. Not sure if that was due to warmer temp, oxygen, or both. I liked it more at that point.
Tasted by Oski98 on 12/30/2008 & rated 91 points: Opened and poured a glass with the remainder distributed to a decanter (room temp 67 F). The juice offers a deep ruby color, with a rose rim. Interesting nose. I'm getting a bit of spice, maybe some raspberry components, and upon further reflection, hints of the smoke suggested by CH. Lot 93 is definitely pleasant with no overpowering alcohol smell, which more often than not appears to be present in CH offerings (this Tempranillo weighs in at 13.5%; I may be wrong, but I have the impression that CH wines often are in the 14.0%+ area). I am a bit disappointed with the flavor and finish relative to other reviews . . . and decide to let this open up a bit . . . "Disappointed" is a bit much, but so was CH’s use of the words "massively structured" (kudos to neurovino for pointing out CH "hyperbole"). That threw me, an admitted novice, off a bit. I would say that all the suggested flavors (chocolates, leather, smoke, earthy fruit) are present, but in a much more subtle capacity. That said, this wine is wonderfully complex and interesting and I look forward to evaluating it's evolution (though I'm not sure it would hold up until 2024 . . . how about 2014?). I will be buying more since my math suggests this is a great value even at $21.
Tasted by matterhorn78 on 12/24/2008 & rated 90 points:
Tasted by neurovino on 12/5/2008: Definitely a modern style Spanish tempranillo. Nose is sweeter than the actual taste with hints of cheesecake. Flavor: Ample oak, chewy tobacco, spice and earthy flavors. I would agree with the CH website of toffee, too. The finish has a hint of dill. Reasonable finish length (15-20 seconds), but not even close to the typical Cameron Hughes hyperbole, in this case 2-3 minutes. That's ridiculous. But, still a very nice wine and worth the price.
