2003 Testarossa Bien Nacido Vineyard Elder Series

[winoweenie]

This Santa Maria standout has the credintials and makes them stand up. From selected areas of 30 year old vines this is one kick-patootie bpttle of juice. Its' berriness leaps from the glass along with some smokiness, spicy notes, and leathery-minerally notes that give tremendous complexity to this bottle. Still a baby that will greatly benefit with 2-4 in the bottle. Lovely medium brite ruby. On the palate you get the addition of some nice sweet spices like cinnamon and ginger. Sweet entry, siolid center and a 4+ lapper finish. 91/90. 49 by the box.14.3% alc. WW

[winoweenie]

Opened another of this sucker for lunch today. Can't remember a wine in my experience that has changed so drastically in such a short period of time. The color was noticeably lighter, the nose diminished, and the the taste was like I'd put ice cubes in it as it was so light. Hopeful;ly this is an abberation and the rest of the box is more like the original. If you have this in your cellar I strongly suggest you checking it out ASAP. WW

[winoweenie]

Opened another for lunch today. My-Oh-My there do be bottle variation. This bugger resembled the 1st more than the 2nd. Will monitor this sucker closely in the next 6 mos. WW

[dananne]

That's odd, particularly given that it's a pretty top-flight producer. We may have a bottle of this in the depths of the cellar, so I'll give mine a look-see.

[winoweenie]

Opened the last of these for lunch yesterday. The bad bottle musta' been my day to walk in Drewskis' shoes. This was absolutelt top notch. An outstanding effort. WW