Received the 2007 Protagonist, Red Mountain, as a gift. Special occasion weekend. Bottle stood up for 2 days. Opened with not-too-trusty Coravin. That worked well, despite the Diam.
Wine re-affirmed my fascination with Red Mountain reds. Merlot-dominant, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, and 2-3% each Syrah and Petit Verdot. Overall impression: Supple, smooth, soft, satiny. Balanced, complex. Evolves. Well-blended, interesting aromatics. Drink now.
Deep garnet to ruby to rose; rim variation consistent with age. Very good clarity. Slow, wide-spaced legs. Day 1: Aromas are fruit dominant; blueberry, red currant, black current. Also noted are dust, nutmeg and black olive. On the palate, nutmeg strengthens and a hint of black olive emerges. By Day 2, wine's balance and complexity become more apparent. By Day 3, cherry was noted on the palate. Impression: well-blended wine with interesting aromatics.
Great gift, good timing.