A year or so ago we drank our other bottle of this and I posted a note wondering aloud at the overripe, strawberry jam-like flavors. Not long after someone else posted a similar note. Last night we opened our remaining bottle, me thinking that the overripe character wouldn't be at all bad with the not-quite-sweet-but-almost navy bean soup seasoned with maple syrup and thyme that was our dinner's main course.
Well, when am I going to get it through my head once and for all that unexpected strawberry jam flavors in a wine made by someone whose style I trust is just going through an awkward phase and will eventually become something quite beautiful? Indeed, this did. In perfect late middle age now, the wine is showing all the best elements of a warm vintage wine made with true class and restraint. Complex red fruits are joined on the palate by light herbs and just a hint of gameyness, and there was a warm little rush of caramel on the finish. Very good, as was the soup, but the two together? Outstanding.
