Dark fruits, cherry, smooth, like an older Aussie Shiraz, almost. Like other reviewers i didn’t care for the prominent alcohol either in taste or effect. The old Languedocs were reliably grippy and food friendly - this one seems to have had all the interesting bits polished off.
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Robe rubis, arômes au nez de fraise, réglisse et violette. En bouche, on retrouve des arômes de boisé, fruit rouge et cassis. Malheureusement, le goût de l’alcool est très présent ce qui déséquilibre le vin. Manque de finesse. À décanter 30min
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Popped and poured, in the glass the nose is cassis, slightly alcoholic, peppery, both black and white. On the palate it is quite viscous, sweet, peppery, low acid, tannins have faded, and there is a bitter core. Seems like a Robert Parker kind of wine. After an hour the fragrance died and the alcohol blasted through. This wine needs more balance but it is a pleasant quaffer. Good extraction, not thin. Others noted it improved over time after opened. I wouldn't wait.
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Day-3 = 87 Pts This is a nice, seemingly long-lasting Syrah blend. Nothing is overpowering on this one. It is very well balanced, yet complex. It has kept well over a few days and being open may be the reason for the subdued tannins. I think I remember it had high tannins on day-1. This is decent for the investment. Appearance: Deep purple, very slight haze, large colorful legs. Nose: Clean, Med Intensity. In inky with raisin and wet grass. Tatami mat and slight bok choy. Cabbage, fermented fruit and lots of pepper. Palate: Dry, Med tannins, full body. Pepper and fruit very nicely balanced. Bitter chocolate powder, twig and a bit of campfire. Finish = 40 secs and lingering This would pair well with a variety of breads and cheeses and any meat excluding fish.
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It's fine, especially at this price, nothing wrong it, well integrated, balanced, seems like plenty of life left - but it's also a but muted and not all that interesting. Maybe the rest of the bottle will do better with tomorrow night's dinner?
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The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. The body is medium/full. The wine has coarse texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity. A bit of spice in both the aroma and particularly in the taste that ligers for a while. Had this initially alone, but believe it pairs much better with food.
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Robe pourpre-violacé. Nez délicat de fruits rouges (framboises) légèrement poivré. Acidité présente qui couvre le fruit (selon moi…) bonne longueur quoique un peu astrigent. Quand même bon mais requiert in repas costaud (steak) pour le soutenir.
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Purple-ruby in the glass. A candied fruit nose, not unlike Gamay, although I know this to be Syrah and Grenache. Nose is very one dimensional and a bit closed. Strong notes of white pepper, cranberries, black cherries, and wet forest floor. This is heavily extracted and not a delicate charmer, more of a wine with elbows getting your attention. The tannins are toothy but under control. Alcohol is totally tame. Lots of life left on this IGP and at $14 this is a steal. 70% Syrah 30% Grenache.
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Loads of lime and lime peel, some lemon juice, flowers and melon. medium acidity and complexity, lemon and lime flavors with some bitterness in the mid palate to the finish. Good overall, it's a good value.
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Still dark and brooding but definitely coming around. Perfect foil to the ham I roasted and the sweet potato side. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years or give it an hour or two of air.
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Wine was flat and had no mid palate the first day. After a night in the bottle the wine gained weight, showing dark fruit with a touch of the Languedoc funk that I love. Great QPR
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Eye. Pale ruby, almost translucid Pinot style. Nose. Spiceries, some strawberry, little mineral noted. Palate. Round balanced, good acidity, good alcohol, good fruit. Some land ascents noted as well as aspects scented before. This is definitely label to be bought again and much better than the saint roch, which is also well graduated.
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Not bad this time. Opened up after 20 minutes. More balanced and the heat went away. Enjoyed with several other people at my friend's house. Still a big wine. Drank with lots of small dishes.
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Big spicy fruit with dark spiced plum, blackberry, red red cherry, black current, black licorice stick, green peppercorn, a hint of juniper berry and graphite. Popped and poured and got better with air. Agree was a bit better on its own than with the sautéed pork chops we had it with, tho the pairing was just fine. Finish is a bit short but way over delivers at this price point. Another great QPR from Eric Solomon.
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Great nose, juicy fruit on the palate, and a light structure that is acceptable for sipping, but a little too week in acid and tannins to make this enjoyable with grilled meats. Drink on its own, with appetizers or lighter courses (chicken or fish). I drank this with a rosemary port glazed pork chop and I thought that was too hearty of a dish.
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Might be improving with age -- a little animal/funky notes on opening, but they mellowed out significantly after 30 mins open. The result was a rich style of wine with depth and lots of red and dark fruit, mild tannin and some earthiness. Good food wine. Growing past its price point now.
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Better as it opens, but not really my style overall. I like the vegetal notes, but could use more balance and is lighter on the finish than I expected. Not bad, but I expected more.
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Judith's 70th Birthday Party (St. Paul, MN): Just not something I would buy. Simple with egg dye, sweet fruit and simple. Simply floored that Parker gave this wine 93 points which is another example of his outrages palate as of late. All these $13 wines getting silly scores. While I do give out a few to wines in this price range the bulk (bulk wine) of these wines are mid 80s at best.
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Judith's Big Birthday Bash (Jan's Place, St. Paul, MN): I must be missing something. This was at best a pretty mediocre wine. It struck me as green and very herbal. Dark fruits. For me, even at 12 bucks this was just not appealing.
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Drank at a local restaurant after a very short decanting time. Clear and ruby red in colour. Overall, a decent bottle of wine although I found both the nose and taste to be somewhat overripe. Quite heavy on the raisins as well. This wine has a great "quality price ratio".
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Nice wine, spicy, fruit driven and interesting, i couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed given the expectations Parker created with his very positive notes...
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Dark purple. Alcohol level evident but not obtrusive and well integrated with dark tannins and black pepper layered with ripe dark berries. Nice intensity benefitted from venturi
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Blackish purple with thin purple rim; a very youthful nose of dark berries, some floral, a strong reductive note that reminds me of a barrel sample; palate hits you with intense dark fruit at first pent up then unfurls with tart red fruit Grenachiness and satisfying bitterness; good now but this amazing QPR will reward a 1-3 years in bottle.
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Drinks better after a few minutes out of the wine cooler. Still long on alcohol but I think this will improve over time. For $15 this is a nice wine. Nice color and some depth of flavor. I found adding a little bit of spice to a earthy dish like pan fried mushrooms brings out a more complex side of the wine.
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This bottle was popped and poured at home. The wine was purple to ruby in colour. It was of medium intensity and clear. On pouring, the nose was slightly funky with an earthy or forest floor bouquet. This burnt off somewhat over 30 minutes in the glass and was somewhat supplemented by dark cherries. In the glass was a wine that tasted of slightly overripe dark cherries with a good level of spiciness. Mid level acidity and fairly light tannins added to this pleasant wine. Great QPR on this one.
As an aside note, this wine has surprisingly improved greatly over the past 24 hours, if I were to rate it now, I would give it a 90-91.
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Second bottle -- not quite as excited as the first. Still needed time and air to open up, and was still good, but the food pairing was not ideal. Quite tart, with bright red cherry, medium tannin and lots of spice. Didn't get so much oak or dark fruits on this one. Something to look out for next time around.
I think these will improve over time, so in no hurry to get through them.
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Based on other reviews, decanted all but an initial taste through an aerator and into a large bottomed decanter. Decanted for an hour before pouring glasses.
Color is quite pretty, ruby with a touch of violet.
Nose is very slightly floral but primarily some dulled cooked red fruit.
Palate is fairly tight, but follows the nose with more red fruit and a little bit of leather. Not a lot of depth.
Finish is not particularly long or elegant or interesting.
When tasting the pour-off before decanting, I felt that the reviews were right. It needed some air and to open up. While some of the alcohol blew off and the wine softened, I can't say it took on any interesting characteristics. It merely softened. It never really opened up.
This is a perfectly good wine and an okay QPR, but nothing that made me want to go back and buy a case.
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Very finely crafted... After decanting, it has very smooth and well-integrated elements of light vanilla, rich medium/dark red fruit, and spices that come together beautifully. Superb QPR, which is why it is no longer available to get a case :-(
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Decanted for one hour. Tasted immediately and was still too tight. Opened nicely as time went by. Dark ruby color. Jammy nose. smooth tannins with a sour cherry taste on the palate.
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PnP. Should have given it a little air time but you can really see the potential here. Dark, rich, tart cherry. Fairly silky until the tannins hit. Will really come into its own over the next few years and maybe beyond that.
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(15%) 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache - Pure, clean, crunchy red fruits that show nice depth followed by rich, grainy, lasting tannins. It manages the ABV well. A lot of stuffing here. Strikes me as a baby CdP which given the $13 price tag represents quite the QPR.
Wine Geek Notes: An Eric Solomon selection, 3,000 cases made, aged in concrete
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Very dark almost to rim; some youthful reductive qualities of plastic and animal, dark tart fruit; rich on the palate with some black pepper coming out as it warmed, dark tart berries and garrigue in the middle, and finishing with classic Grenache bitterness; very good, others thought this could pass for CdP; I feel it could use some time or a good decant.
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Almost overpowering nose. Thick cassis, bramble, jam. But more balanced on the palate. Nice lingering finish. Enough acidity to keep the fruit from dragging everything down Will be interesting to see if the wine has room to grow.
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Deep ruby color. Shy nose of purple plum. Abundant fruit. Soft tannins, with a slightly tart, but pleasant finish. More grenache than syrah character. What's not to like at this price point. Much better than a simple quaffer that will enhance savory food or any social occasion. Yes, it's New World in style, but it's less than $11/in case quantities.
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Un très bon vin. D'une saveur ferme, je distingue clairement le séjour en fut de chêne. Des tannins bien perçus laissant jouir pleinement les papilles. Reglisse noire et écorce vieilli se dégagent également.
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Big food friendly and decidedly French in character. Floral, jammy, earthy nose with some eucalyptus and olive bite in the mouth. I can see why this wine is unappealing to some tasters - it's price point doesn't indicate it's ideal audience. Below I see it accused in the same breath as being both flabby and overly tart which of course is not possible as a wine can't have both too little and too much acid. Maybe it's the TINIEST bit aldehydic but it's European Syrah (so to be expected) and fully integrated. Buy to hold? A few years wouldn't hurt but really just a very solid wine to drink with a steak on a weeknight w/o much thought.
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The wine is a medium garnet color, much lighter at the edge. The clean and refreshing nose has cherries, baking spices, eucalyptus, forest floor, tobacco, blackberries, and wild flowers. This has medium to full body, moderate tannins, and very nice acidity. The palate has spicy fruit, a touch of eucalyptus, and some earthiness. The finish has nice length and closes with a touch of dark chocolate. Not a lot of complexity but a very tasty glass of wine to enjoy over the next few years.
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- Garnet color and aromas of strawberry and blackberry and has flavours of strawberry, strawberry jam, raisin, fig and cloves - Big, chewy fruit from the start. Almost like liquid jam with a hint of tannins. Not bad for a midweek bottle.
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- Brick color with slow forming legs and aromas of ethanol. It's unbalanced and has flavours of alcohol and sweaty with a medium/full body. Flabby texture with a long finish - Don't know what the rave is about. Extremely tart
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Double decanted with the first 2 hours before dinner and the 2nd as we sat to the table. Softer, smoother and rounder than the previous bottle which was popped and poured. Great with food and a great blend of warm climate Syrah and Grenache. Predominant blue fruit and nice harmony and structure. Ageworthy.
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My last of 5 bottles and I can't say l'm sorry to see it go. Tart red fruits and herbs, with a jagged mouth feel. Could have done much better for the price.
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Deep, dark red in color. Tart red fruits, herbs and a hint a fire-pit. Simple, sharp and unexciting, but quite drinkable. I don't understand the lofty professional reviews for this.
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OK wine. Lots of alcohol 15%, big wine, lots of fruit, glycerin, acid; I can see why Parker loved it. However this is not a wine for drinking more than a glass; share it with 4 friends and everyone will enjoy a glass; not my cup of tea, I do not see it improving much over time, not a fun wine to drink; I have 2 more bottles so I will see how it drinks next time.
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Dark ruby purple. Violets, blackberry, earth, decant at least 1 hr. Great lush mouth feel, cherry , dark fruit , fine tannins, linear finish, awesome, could use a few years. Rp was right on about this
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Not as much fun as my last bottle. The acidity is a bit shrill and the overall sensation is a bit sharp. Better with food. The fruit seems a bit under-ripe.
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Popped and poured at dinner at home (bruschetta and tapanade, green salad, pasta and artichoke). Dark purple, almost black. Some anise on the nose. Dry, some tannins. Flavors of blackberry and cassis. Medium finish. Good QPR at $14@. Will be interesting to see how this wine ages.
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Fruit driven wine, with juicy red fruits, black pepper and a hint of earth. The structure is a bit pronounced and a bit of decanting would serve this well. The pieces are in place, but this is a bit too youthful for current consumption.
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Not my cup of tea, but probably a solid wine. Earth, eucalyptus, orange and a little musty on the nose. Tasted of black and blue fruit with some citrus as well as descent tannins and good acidity. Just could not get into it, but I will give the second bottle some time and try again.
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4/13/2022 - cbuhlman wrote:
cellar clean out candidate
hot and nasty
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9/25/2020 - BMG Wine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wow...the difference a few years can make.
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4/12/2019 - Ravi Deshpande Likes this wine: 87 Points
Dark fruits, cherry, smooth, like an older Aussie Shiraz, almost. Like other reviewers i didn’t care for the prominent alcohol either in taste or effect. The old Languedocs were reliably grippy and food friendly - this one seems to have had all the interesting bits polished off.
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10/21/2018 - Gcashman wrote: 86 Points
Starting to become a bit disjointed. Drink up.
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2/9/2018 - mvande21 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Pnp. Dark purple, fragrant black fruit nose. Medium weight, balanced, earth and spice. Long finish. Great QPR. Last bottle of a case. Held up well.
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10/20/2016 - flussier Does not like this wine: 86 Points
Robe rubis, arômes au nez de fraise, réglisse et violette. En bouche, on retrouve des arômes de boisé, fruit rouge et cassis. Malheureusement, le goût de l’alcool est très présent ce qui déséquilibre le vin. Manque de finesse. À décanter 30min
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8/28/2016 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Excellent mini-chateauneuf, at a great price. Drinking very well, smooth texture, good depth of fruit flavors and well balanced.
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7/10/2016 - Adventr.us wrote: 88 Points
The first glass from this bottle was simple but smooth, balanced, and very pleasant. Interested to see how the rest of it does tomorrow.
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5/23/2016 - ChaineMatt Likes this wine: 87 Points
Popped and poured, in the glass the nose is cassis, slightly alcoholic, peppery, both black and white. On the palate it is quite viscous, sweet, peppery, low acid, tannins have faded, and there is a bitter core. Seems like a Robert Parker kind of wine. After an hour the fragrance died and the alcohol blasted through. This wine needs more balance but it is a pleasant quaffer. Good extraction, not thin. Others noted it improved over time after opened. I wouldn't wait.
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5/13/2016 - Kart36 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Complex, young, smooth, perfect price,
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2/27/2016 - KevinTucker Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent QBR, paired well wine mild cheeses. Not too acidic, medium finish, and much better after two hours of decanting.
Will buy again.
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1/29/2016 - skip2mylu Likes this wine: 87 Points
Day-3 = 87 Pts
This is a nice, seemingly long-lasting Syrah blend. Nothing is overpowering on this one. It is very well balanced, yet complex. It has kept well over a few days and being open may be the reason for the subdued tannins. I think I remember it had high tannins on day-1. This is decent for the investment.
Appearance: Deep purple, very slight haze, large colorful legs.
Nose: Clean, Med Intensity. In inky with raisin and wet grass. Tatami mat and slight bok choy. Cabbage, fermented fruit and lots of pepper.
Palate: Dry, Med tannins, full body. Pepper and fruit very nicely balanced. Bitter chocolate powder, twig and a bit of campfire.
Finish = 40 secs and lingering
This would pair well with a variety of breads and cheeses and any meat excluding fish.
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12/3/2015 - RogerQ wrote: 91 Points
Very smooth and well balanced Cotes Catalanes. Much better on the second day. Great wine at an amazing price.
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11/21/2015 - Adventr.us wrote: 87 Points
It's fine, especially at this price, nothing wrong it, well integrated, balanced, seems like plenty of life left - but it's also a but muted and not all that interesting. Maybe the rest of the bottle will do better with tomorrow night's dinner?
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8/10/2015 - Sparty1983 Likes this wine: 88 Points
The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. The body is medium/full. The wine has coarse texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity. A bit of spice in both the aroma and particularly in the taste that ligers for a while. Had this initially alone, but believe it pairs much better with food.
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7/20/2015 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Very tasty CDR, still tasty second night. Dark fruit, smooth and well balanced.
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7/17/2015 - gravelld Likes this wine:
Clean, fruit forward, a little hot and internationalised. Worth trying figure vintages. I thought maybe a few years left in this.
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7/5/2015 - Richard123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking very well... Maybe even better than before. Did not decant this time.
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5/16/2015 - mwneil wrote: 86 Points
Very funky bouquet but tasted fine, fruit and acid but not up to WA review, drank at Preakness. Not my fav.
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1/23/2015 - Thefatbastard wrote:
Robe pourpre-violacé. Nez délicat de fruits rouges (framboises) légèrement poivré. Acidité présente qui couvre le fruit (selon moi…) bonne longueur quoique un peu astrigent. Quand même bon mais requiert in repas costaud (steak) pour le soutenir.
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1/19/2015 - mattlennert Likes this wine: 89 Points
Purple-ruby in the glass. A candied fruit nose, not unlike Gamay, although I know this to be Syrah and Grenache. Nose is very one dimensional and a bit closed. Strong notes of white pepper, cranberries, black cherries, and wet forest floor. This is heavily extracted and not a delicate charmer, more of a wine with elbows getting your attention. The tannins are toothy but under control. Alcohol is totally tame. Lots of life left on this IGP and at $14 this is a steal. 70% Syrah 30% Grenache.
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1/16/2015 - cortisj2 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Loads of lime and lime peel, some lemon juice, flowers and melon. medium acidity and complexity, lemon and lime flavors with some bitterness in the mid palate to the finish. Good overall, it's a good value.
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11/9/2014 - Grapescape wrote: 90 Points
Brilliant wine at the price
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11/7/2014 - nbrue wrote: 93 Points
Still dark and brooding but definitely coming around. Perfect foil to the ham I roasted and the sweet potato side. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years or give it an hour or two of air.
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11/4/2014 - rebs1 wrote: 91 Points
Wine was flat and had no mid palate the first day. After a night in the bottle the wine gained weight, showing dark fruit with a touch of the Languedoc funk that I love. Great QPR
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10/4/2014 - Alvinho Likes this wine: 89 Points
Eye. Pale ruby, almost translucid Pinot style.
Nose. Spiceries, some strawberry, little mineral noted.
Palate. Round balanced, good acidity, good alcohol, good fruit. Some land ascents noted as well as aspects scented before.
This is definitely label to be bought again and much better than the saint roch, which is also well graduated.
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8/24/2014 - mwneil Likes this wine: 89 Points
Not bad this time. Opened up after 20 minutes. More balanced and the heat went away. Enjoyed with several other people at my friend's house. Still a big wine. Drank with lots of small dishes.
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7/18/2014 - rebs1 wrote: 90 Points
Much lighter than I remember. Bottle variation?
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5/28/2014 - Richard123 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still very good, best after decanting... Maybe a little bottle variation too?
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5/27/2014 - BordeauxBuff Likes this wine: 88 Points
Solid wine for the price....good QPR....held up nicely the next day.
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4/3/2014 - SLR204 wrote: 90 Points
Big spicy fruit with dark spiced plum, blackberry, red red cherry, black current, black licorice stick, green peppercorn, a hint of juniper berry and graphite. Popped and poured and got better with air. Agree was a bit better on its own than with the sautéed pork chops we had it with, tho the pairing was just fine. Finish is a bit short but way over delivers at this price point. Another great QPR from Eric Solomon.
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4/3/2014 - kakpoo wrote:
Great nose, juicy fruit on the palate, and a light structure that is acceptable for sipping, but a little too week in acid and tannins to make this enjoyable with grilled meats. Drink on its own, with appetizers or lighter courses (chicken or fish). I drank this with a rosemary port glazed pork chop and I thought that was too hearty of a dish.
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3/27/2014 - Richard123 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Might be improving with age -- a little animal/funky notes on opening, but they mellowed out significantly after 30 mins open. The result was a rich style of wine with depth and lots of red and dark fruit, mild tannin and some earthiness. Good food wine. Growing past its price point now.
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2/23/2014 - SCMeyer Likes this wine: 87 Points
Better as it opens, but not really my style overall. I like the vegetal notes, but could use more balance and is lighter on the finish than I expected. Not bad, but I expected more.
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1/20/2014 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Like a mini-chateauneuf du pape, delicious and a great QPR. Popped and poured, got better as the night went on.
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1/12/2014 - dekehayes Likes this wine: 87 Points
Nice, for the price. Ruby color. Rather thin. Plenty of alcohol. Blackberry on the nose. Good afternoon sipping wine.
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1/5/2014 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 84 Points
Judith's 70th Birthday Party (St. Paul, MN): Just not something I would buy. Simple with egg dye, sweet fruit and simple. Simply floored that Parker gave this wine 93 points which is another example of his outrages palate as of late. All these $13 wines getting silly scores. While I do give out a few to wines in this price range the bulk (bulk wine) of these wines are mid 80s at best.
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1/3/2014 - rocknroller wrote: 85 Points
Judith's Big Birthday Bash (Jan's Place, St. Paul, MN): I must be missing something. This was at best a pretty mediocre wine. It struck me as green and very herbal. Dark fruits. For me, even at 12 bucks this was just not appealing.
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12/20/2013 - Rosengoo wrote: 87 Points
Drank at a local restaurant after a very short decanting time. Clear and ruby red in colour. Overall, a decent bottle of wine although I found both the nose and taste to be somewhat overripe. Quite heavy on the raisins as well. This wine has a great "quality price ratio".
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12/15/2013 - aaronfeigin Likes this wine: 89 Points
This is a very enjoyable wine with lots of blackberry with some cassis and a hint of pepper. An amazing value and QPR.
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12/14/2013 - rjweitzman wrote: 91 Points
This one just keeps getting better. No decant and had nine if the tartness I complained about from the last bottle.
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12/1/2013 - G_H Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice wine, spicy, fruit driven and interesting, i couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed given the expectations Parker created with his very positive notes...
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11/23/2013 - jmcmchi wrote:
Dark purple. Alcohol level evident but not obtrusive and well integrated with dark tannins and black pepper layered with ripe dark berries. Nice intensity benefitted from venturi
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11/22/2013 - Rezy13 Likes this wine:
Blackish purple with thin purple rim; a very youthful nose of dark berries, some floral, a strong reductive note that reminds me of a barrel sample; palate hits you with intense dark fruit at first pent up then unfurls with tart red fruit Grenachiness and satisfying bitterness; good now but this amazing QPR will reward a 1-3 years in bottle.
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11/21/2013 - boobennett055 wrote: 85 Points
Drinks better after a few minutes out of the wine cooler. Still long on alcohol but I think this will improve over time. For $15 this is a nice wine. Nice color and some depth of flavor. I found adding a little bit of spice to a earthy dish like pan fried mushrooms brings out a more complex side of the wine.
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11/8/2013 - rjweitzman wrote: 89 Points
Very light and a bit tart. Mellowed out over time. May have to decant it next time and see if it is less tart
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10/20/2013 - Rosengoo wrote: 87 Points
This bottle was popped and poured at home. The wine was purple to ruby in colour. It was of medium intensity and clear. On pouring, the nose was slightly funky with an earthy or forest floor bouquet. This burnt off somewhat over 30 minutes in the glass and was somewhat supplemented by dark cherries. In the glass was a wine that tasted of slightly overripe dark cherries with a good level of spiciness. Mid level acidity and fairly light tannins added to this pleasant wine. Great QPR on this one.
As an aside note, this wine has surprisingly improved greatly over the past 24 hours, if I were to rate it now, I would give it a 90-91.
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9/16/2013 - Richard123 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Second bottle -- not quite as excited as the first. Still needed time and air to open up, and was still good, but the food pairing was not ideal. Quite tart, with bright red cherry, medium tannin and lots of spice. Didn't get so much oak or dark fruits on this one. Something to look out for next time around.
I think these will improve over time, so in no hurry to get through them.
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8/20/2013 - jpleedy wrote: 87 Points
Based on other reviews, decanted all but an initial taste through an aerator and into a large bottomed decanter. Decanted for an hour before pouring glasses.
Color is quite pretty, ruby with a touch of violet.
Nose is very slightly floral but primarily some dulled cooked red fruit.
Palate is fairly tight, but follows the nose with more red fruit and a little bit of leather. Not a lot of depth.
Finish is not particularly long or elegant or interesting.
When tasting the pour-off before decanting, I felt that the reviews were right. It needed some air and to open up. While some of the alcohol blew off and the wine softened, I can't say it took on any interesting characteristics. It merely softened. It never really opened up.
This is a perfectly good wine and an okay QPR, but nothing that made me want to go back and buy a case.
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8/14/2013 - Richard123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very finely crafted... After decanting, it has very smooth and well-integrated elements of light vanilla, rich medium/dark red fruit, and spices that come together beautifully. Superb QPR, which is why it is no longer available to get a case :-(
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8/11/2013 - Jrvaught406 wrote:
Great wine
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7/30/2013 - BMG Wine Likes this wine: 89 Points
Delicious Syrah. Needed over an hour to fully open and show it's fruit.
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7/24/2013 - sgatti1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for one hour. Tasted immediately and was still too tight. Opened nicely as time went by. Dark ruby color. Jammy nose. smooth tannins with a sour cherry taste on the palate.
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7/20/2013 - showard wrote: 89 Points
PnP. Should have given it a little air time but you can really see the potential here. Dark, rich, tart cherry. Fairly silky until the tannins hit. Will really come into its own over the next few years and maybe beyond that.
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7/12/2013 - Jason Rzutkiewicz wrote: 88 Points
(15%) 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache - Pure, clean, crunchy red fruits that show nice depth followed by rich, grainy, lasting tannins. It manages the ABV well. A lot of stuffing here. Strikes me as a baby CdP which given the $13 price tag represents quite the QPR.
Wine Geek Notes: An Eric Solomon selection, 3,000 cases made, aged in concrete
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7/6/2013 - Rezy13 wrote:
Very dark almost to rim; some youthful reductive qualities of plastic and animal, dark tart fruit; rich on the palate with some black pepper coming out as it warmed, dark tart berries and garrigue in the middle, and finishing with classic Grenache bitterness; very good, others thought this could pass for CdP; I feel it could use some time or a good decant.
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7/1/2013 - Gcashman wrote: 90 Points
Almost overpowering nose. Thick cassis, bramble, jam. But more balanced on the palate. Nice lingering finish. Enough acidity to keep the fruit from dragging everything down Will be interesting to see if the wine has room to grow.
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6/20/2013 - winewise1946 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep ruby color. Shy nose of purple plum. Abundant fruit. Soft tannins, with a slightly tart, but pleasant finish. More grenache than syrah character. What's not to like at this price point. Much better than a simple quaffer that will enhance savory food or any social occasion. Yes, it's New World in style, but it's less than $11/in case quantities.
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6/10/2013 - cbuhlman wrote: 85 Points
lots of fruit but too animal and sauvage for my liking.
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6/8/2013 - Mon Cellier wrote: 91 Points
Un très bon vin. D'une saveur ferme, je distingue clairement le séjour en fut de chêne. Des tannins bien perçus laissant jouir pleinement les papilles. Reglisse noire et écorce vieilli se dégagent également.
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6/1/2013 - Johnbaier wrote: 89 Points
Recommended by Wine Shoppe Owner
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5/28/2013 - Carniolan Likes this wine: 90 Points
nice balance; tannins a bit rough around the edges, should improve with age
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5/24/2013 - hankj wrote: 90 Points
Big food friendly and decidedly French in character. Floral, jammy, earthy nose with some eucalyptus and olive bite in the mouth. I can see why this wine is unappealing to some tasters - it's price point doesn't indicate it's ideal audience. Below I see it accused in the same breath as being both flabby and overly tart which of course is not possible as a wine can't have both too little and too much acid. Maybe it's the TINIEST bit aldehydic but it's European Syrah (so to be expected) and fully integrated. Buy to hold? A few years wouldn't hurt but really just a very solid wine to drink with a steak on a weeknight w/o much thought.
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5/19/2013 - BadOyster Does not like this wine: 87 Points
I stand by my original review. There are indeed better wines to be had at the $12 mark.
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5/12/2013 - cbbrown3 wrote: 90 Points
The wine is a medium garnet color, much lighter at the edge. The clean and refreshing nose has cherries, baking spices, eucalyptus, forest floor, tobacco, blackberries, and wild flowers. This has medium to full body, moderate tannins, and very nice acidity. The palate has spicy fruit, a touch of eucalyptus, and some earthiness. The finish has nice length and closes with a touch of dark chocolate. Not a lot of complexity but a very tasty glass of wine to enjoy over the next few years.
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5/8/2013 - mgriffith wrote: 89 Points
- Garnet color and aromas of strawberry and blackberry and has flavours of strawberry, strawberry jam, raisin, fig and cloves - Big, chewy fruit from the start. Almost like liquid jam with a hint of tannins. Not bad for a midweek bottle.
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5/4/2013 - KPB wrote: 89 Points
Remarkable for a 9.99 bottle! The very definition of a Rhone red table wine. Delicious! Give it an hour to breath, drink over the next six months.
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5/4/2013 - Bigatlwineguy wrote: 83 Points
- Brick color with slow forming legs and aromas of ethanol. It's unbalanced and has flavours of alcohol and sweaty with a medium/full body. Flabby texture with a long finish - Don't know what the rave is about. Extremely tart
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4/30/2013 - nbrue wrote: 92 Points
Double decanted with the first 2 hours before dinner and the 2nd as we sat to the table. Softer, smoother and rounder than the previous bottle which was popped and poured. Great with food and a great blend of warm climate Syrah and Grenache. Predominant blue fruit and nice harmony and structure. Ageworthy.
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4/23/2013 - BadOyster wrote: 88 Points
grapey, sappy, simple ... good for $11 ... certainly not worth all the buzz of the parker review.
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4/19/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 85 Points
My last of 5 bottles and I can't say l'm sorry to see it go. Tart red fruits and herbs, with a jagged mouth feel. Could have done much better for the price.
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4/17/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 85 Points
Deep, dark red in color. Tart red fruits, herbs and a hint a fire-pit. Simple, sharp and unexciting, but quite drinkable. I don't understand the lofty professional reviews for this.
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4/12/2013 - mwneil wrote: 88 Points
OK wine. Lots of alcohol 15%, big wine, lots of fruit, glycerin, acid; I can see why Parker loved it. However this is not a wine for drinking more than a glass; share it with 4 friends and everyone will enjoy a glass; not my cup of tea, I do not see it improving much over time, not a fun wine to drink; I have 2 more bottles so I will see how it drinks next time.
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4/10/2013 - vikingbass71 wrote: 93 Points
Dark ruby purple. Violets, blackberry, earth, decant at least 1 hr. Great lush mouth feel, cherry , dark fruit , fine tannins, linear finish, awesome, could use a few years. Rp was right on about this
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4/4/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 85 Points
Similar to previous bottle.Medium bodied, with red fruits and herbs, but the texture is a bit sharp and angular.
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3/30/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 86 Points
Not as much fun as my last bottle. The acidity is a bit shrill and the overall sensation is a bit sharp. Better with food. The fruit seems a bit under-ripe.
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3/29/2013 - 312 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Popped and poured at dinner at home (bruschetta and tapanade, green salad, pasta and artichoke). Dark purple, almost black. Some anise on the nose. Dry, some tannins. Flavors of blackberry and cassis. Medium finish. Good QPR at $14@. Will be interesting to see how this wine ages.
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3/16/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 89 Points
Fruit driven wine, with juicy red fruits, black pepper and a hint of earth. The structure is a bit pronounced and a bit of decanting would serve this well. The pieces are in place, but this is a bit too youthful for current consumption.
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3/16/2013 - William&Mary&Wine wrote: 86 Points
Not my cup of tea, but probably a solid wine. Earth, eucalyptus, orange and a little musty on the nose. Tasted of black and blue fruit with some citrus as well as descent tannins and good acidity. Just could not get into it, but I will give the second bottle some time and try again.
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3/9/2013 - larsmello Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dark purple colored. Fruity nose with orange and raspberry notes. Good acidity with medium body and finish. Will improve in a couple of years
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