87-88. Not at all unpleasant, but not balanced, either. A bit of heat on the back, and some acetic notes on the nose and palate. Did this side by side with a Madiran -- a Tannat-off -- and this one was the hands-down loser. Sad to hand the American a loss on 4th of July, but then it's not really America's year now, is it?
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Drinking well now, showing red & black raspberry along with mixed red/dark berries and integrated medium acid/tannins. Over 15% but the etoh is hidden. Based on this example not enough is done with this grape in California. More a Cali take on a Uruguayan style than Madiran.
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This wine develops a lot with air, becoming much more savory. Had it open over the course of 1.5 hours. Definitely give it a good decant... and would drink it with food. I love acidity but this is too much now. I think this needs several more years to mellow out. You certainly don't get the heat from the 14.7% alcohol though.
Black tea, dark fruits on the nose; medium body, medium tannin, high acidity; black tea, plum (upon pop and pour), dark fruits, earth and slightly bloody (with air); medium finish with dark fruits and on an uptick in acid.
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Nearly opaque with black tea, dark fruits, tobacco, and a touch of floral aromas. On the palate it's between light and medium-bodied with medium acidity with an almost Pinot like texture. It shows black raspberry, pomegranate, blackberry, and spice flavors. Medium finish. Smooth with supple tannins.
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Decanted for 30 minutes. Color dark blackish purple. Nose of black tea. Palate is full with a lively white pepper texture. Lingering acidity on the finish. 5,13,14,5=87
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7/4/2018 - wormfarmer wrote: 87 Points
87-88. Not at all unpleasant, but not balanced, either. A bit of heat on the back, and some acetic notes on the nose and palate. Did this side by side with a Madiran -- a Tannat-off -- and this one was the hands-down loser. Sad to hand the American a loss on 4th of July, but then it's not really America's year now, is it?
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5/14/2016 - David_T wrote: 89 Points
Drinking well now, showing red & black raspberry along with mixed red/dark berries and integrated medium acid/tannins. Over 15% but the etoh is hidden. Based on this example not enough is done with this grape in California. More a Cali take on a Uruguayan style than Madiran.
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11/14/2015 - drrobvino wrote: 88 Points
Tasty, red fruited and med+ acidity. Fresh and nice.
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3/9/2014 - sjr wrote:
This wine develops a lot with air, becoming much more savory. Had it open over the course of 1.5 hours. Definitely give it a good decant... and would drink it with food. I love acidity but this is too much now. I think this needs several more years to mellow out. You certainly don't get the heat from the 14.7% alcohol though.
Black tea, dark fruits on the nose; medium body, medium tannin, high acidity; black tea, plum (upon pop and pour), dark fruits, earth and slightly bloody (with air); medium finish with dark fruits and on an uptick in acid.
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1/18/2014 - MRichman wrote:
A day tasting in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma (Russian River Valley): Tight tannins, black acidic fruit. A bit too acidic for me.
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1/7/2014 - Martin Redmond wrote: 88 Points
Nearly opaque with black tea, dark fruits, tobacco, and a touch of floral aromas. On the palate it's between light and medium-bodied with medium acidity with an almost Pinot like texture. It shows black raspberry, pomegranate, blackberry, and spice flavors. Medium finish. Smooth with supple tannins.
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2/3/2013 - rodsjuice Likes this wine: 87 Points
Decanted for 30 minutes. Color dark blackish purple. Nose of black tea. Palate is full with a lively white pepper texture. Lingering acidity on the finish. 5,13,14,5=87
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