$39; 91 WA; 88 IWC; 89 Winetex points

This wine was a dark ruby with spices and cherry on the nose. More cherries, spices and dark fruit were in the middle with a spicy, somewhat floral finish. There is a bit of vanilla from the oak. It was also somewhat acidic with a nice, smooth texture. Nice wine but it was not shining with the food.

Decanted for one hour prior to the meal. With the exception of the 2000 Reserve and the Eileen I think that WA and WS overrated the Cristom wines. Not that they aren’t good but there aren’t too many attributes pushing them over the 90 point mark for me.

Our rtatings are pretty close, tex. Tasted at the winery July 31st this year:

Smooth. Needs time. A little disjointed. 88