I had this neighbor when I lived in Monterey who was building a new home. A castle of a home. The trees around their property were dense and tall, obscuring any clear view of the construction. But what I could see was a beautiful elegant estate which someday, would be a visual feast to behold.
This wine is exactly the same. It was completely locked up at opening, very hot with some hidden fruit just barely there. Roughly one hour after decanting, it had opened up a bit, revealing characteristic sour cherry, a little gaminess, and even some cassis. Explosive at the beginning, and strong at the finish, but a bit thin in the mid-palate, which will probably evolve and come out after a few years of cellaring.
I drank it at Ella in Sacramento, which is readily becoming my Cheers. It's everything a restaurant should be.
-M
