Core Hard Core

This has always been good enough -- up front fruit, spicy, solid; but this, the last of a dozen, is way more than good enough. I taste a bloody salinity in this bottle that I have not picked up before. There is roundness when before the edges were maybe a little sharp. It hasn't been that long since the last bottle but this is a different animal altogether. It is outstanding. It is so good that if someone described it …

Spicy, pepper and eucalyptus, red berries, and right on point for burgers, chili, etc. A good effort.

As with the last couple of bottles this is drinking very nicely. I thought in its youth it was a bit over the top, not completely in balance. That is most certainly not the case at this stage. The blend is non- traditional, but this tastes of a piece, with cherries, cassis and subtle caramel in the finish.

Has evolved nicely; supple black fruits propped up with good structure. I would drink up this year or next to be on the safe side.

Either through bottle variation or maturity, this wine was significantly better than previous bottles from this case. Pure black and red fruits from the Cabernet and Mourvedre, with some Syrah character (smoke and leather) added in for good measure. Couldn't ask for much more out of a burger wine than this delivered tonight.

PnP, ran through a vinturi, the nose is strong raspberry and cherry and is a little on the hot side. The palate is filled with cassis, raspberry and rhubarb and has a lot of nerve with soft tannins thrown in, this has some bite to it that needs to be paired with food to tone it down. Elegant in body, with a longer finish, if you like tart wines with solid acidity represented you will enjoy this one.

Enjoyed with snacks and family last night. A lot of upfront fruit without being overly simple. Easy to drink.

Dark red violet color; intense, black fig, spicy, baked cherry nose; complex, cherry, tar, baked berry, tart berry, dried fig palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish (37% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Mourvedre, 4% Grenache; 14.9% alcohol; 42 mos in barrel)