A coupla' 97s that show some power and staying ability

[winoweenie]

1st was the Flora Springs Trilogy. Always one of my favorite top Meritage wines. Ken Dies IMHO is among the truly elite winemakers in this country. With Flora since inception (1978 vintage) he has the intimate knowledge of the terrific vineyards the Komes and Garveys have put together and whether it's a SW of a block-buster red like Trilogy or Hillside Reserve his deft hand puts out the best wine possible from the site. This wine was outstanding on release and is coming along beautifully. Medium dark ruby. Great aromatics. Supple entry and medium weight center and a 4&1/2 lapper finish. Still needs another 2-4 to resolve some silky tannins but purty-derned tasty rite now. 92/92. 45-55 per box(bought in three different places.) 14% alc.
The 2nd wine was the Justin Isosceles. 63% cabernet Sauv, 19% Cab Franc, and 18% Merlot.A brooding giant. Took almost an hour for the nose to open and show off the tremendous concentration of black fruits, plums, black cherries, black-berries and a spiciness that was as close to cinnamon/allspice as I could determine. The finish had a distinct menthol-minty note that added to the complexity. IMHO the finest wine made by this lovely winery and still 3-6 years away from maturity. The finish hit the magical 5-lapper status. Tremendous effort and a classic wine in all respects. 95/97. 40 by the box. 13.9% alc. WW