A medium gold color is accompanied by slightly oxidized notes of stale hazelnuts intermixed with lychee nuts and orange marmalade as well as jarring acidity and jagged edges. According to Brian Talley, 2003 presented a challenging growing season and while this wine seemed to get better as it sat in the glass, it is still disjointed and problematic. It will undoubtedly fall apart over the next 3-4 years. While there are some nice waxy, tropical fruit notes, this wine is clearly on the downside, and unlikely to get any better. Mother Nature does make a difference as evidenced by this offering.

A medium gold color is accompanied by slightly oxidized notes of stale hazelnuts intermixed with lychee nuts and orange marmalade as well as jarring acidity and jagged edges. According to Brian Talley, 2003 presented a challenging growing season and while this wine seemed to get better as it sat in the glass, it is still disjointed and problematic. It will undoubtedly fall apart over the next 3-4 years. While there are some nice waxy, tropical fruit notes, this wine is clearly on the downside, and unlikely to get any better. Mother Nature does make a difference as evidenced by this offering.

The fruit is massive, succulent in pineapple custard, Key lime pie and roasted coconut, and the oak is also powerful in new, charred character. There there's the brilliant acidity that makes it all work.——S.H.(7/1/2006)—— 96