Much better than before. Even better on the second day. Everything has smoothed out. Again, as before, I wouldn't peg anything as "Spanish", but it's a delicious wine. Initially, on opening, I sensed a sharpness of acid that was a distraction. D didn't notice it as much and liked it from the start. In 10 minutes, that had dissipated, and it turned into a fine, balanced wine... one dominated by dark flavors and a broad bottom. Worked well with food (a spicy shredded pork concoction). Much better overall than before.
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Perfectly pleasant wine, but not identifiable. I'd be hard pressed to point out anything that is "Spanish". Good dark fruits. Balanced acids and tannins.
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Needs a little coaxing in the glass but evolves nicely over about a half hour. Robust notes of dark fruit with muted leather and tobacco elements. Nicely balanced tannins.
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Hard to place the grape varieties . Lots of dark fruits. Considerable tannins. Perfectly pleasant wine. Enjoyed with a highly spiced lamb stew. Good, balanced flavors.
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The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like blackberry. It tastes like blackberry. The body is medium. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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Has changed since year ago. The tanks have softened but are not gone. Can taste the unusual blend and cannot readily place grape origin, except that is is Spanish wine. Friend remarked has a sweet finish, sort of port like, agreed. Went down very well. One of those wines that, if was offered on restaurant menu, would look no further at this price point. Savored each sip and tried to prolong the tasting. Not Grenache, but not Tempranillo, the blend makes an interesting wine. Recommended.
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First of two bottles of this that I purchased. Very smooth and great mouth feel. Even better than I had hoped. Drank well over two days with vacuum in between. Will save bottle 2 for next year.
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Dark garnet color, loamy nose, acidity of red and dark fruits along with integrated and smoothe structure in the mouth. Very pleasing esp for the price point. So accessible, make it one of your "house wines" for simple occasions
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The cork seemed a little soft and spongey but still pulled good. As this is a Spanish wine, i expected it to taste more like a Rioja; it didn't, not entirely. This wine is blended from all across Spain and with different varieties and today it tasted like that. I couldn't place it exactly but regardless it was very decent and smooth. The tannins that I experienced in my tasting last year seem to have integrated. And after an hour in the glass, the wine changed, became crisper, more focused, and the fruit intensified. This would go well with meat dishes and perhaps even pizza. I'm going to take my time with the remaining bottles and stretch out consuming them over the next five years. Recommended.
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Full-bodied, bold red here, captures well the notes typical of a Spanish wine. Would guess it's heavy on Garnacha, lighter on the tempranillo and perhaps Syrah. Dry, solid and grippy tannins, some smokiness after it's been open for hours. Spice and acidity check and check. Dark red and black fruit, black cherry, coats mouth and tongue with a cocoa powder feel for a long-lingering finish. Very well made, yet still lets the grapes do the talking. 89+ pts.
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Per winemaker: E-2 is a "blend of Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Carignan/Cariñena from Priorat, Jumilla, Toro, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero regions on the Iberian Peninsula".
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Jammy fruits on the nose with hints of pipe smoke. On the palate, there are jammy dark fruits with hints of chocolate and some spice on the finish. It's a great wine for the price.
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Color: dark, inky purple -> dark ruby rim. Quite the intense, upfront nose of tar, tobacco, asphalt and rubber that settled down (receded) after about 30 minutes or so. Vacuvinned overnight and nose has now smoothed out to plums and black cherries with a little pepper and leather. Fairly thick in the mouth -- think Aussie meets Spain a la Clio but much less intense. Pretty nondescript on the palate; was hoping for a little more; internationally-styled Grenache/Syrah. A little minerality and decently long finish make this a pretty good buy at $17. Could just use a little more personality.
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Did improved some from last year. A bit more solid with a lingering finish. Medium to full body and mixed black and red fruits. Flavor profile is somewhat similar to the Meiomi Pinot but with less acidity and more structure. You may even mistake the two, tasting it blind.
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Deep red, a little oaky vanilla, instantly fruity, ripe plums, dark cherries. Nicely balanced, smooth tannins, wonderful finish. A unique, truly interesting and thoroughly enjoyable wine. This has somehow improved from excellent to incredible less than a year. I will be reloading on this one.
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Auf der Habenseite saftige, dunkle Beeren mit einer gutenTextur und einer kräftigen, dunklen Farbe. Auf der anderen Seite ziemlich durchschmeckender Alkoholgehalt von 14,5% und ein Eichengeschmack, der sich auch nach ca. 2 Stunden in der offenen Flasche nicht so recht integrieren wollte. Potential für 88-90 Punkte, aber in der vorliegenden Form für mich nur 85 Punkte.
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Dark red. Blueberry notes (I have a hard time remembering another wine with such a strong blueberry taste), along with a smokiness. Pretty fun for the price.
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Smooth dark cherry, plum aroma and flavor; slighly oak, maybe cedar; inky dark, medium body & tannin; no sediment , slightly high acidity; silky, long finish.
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Initial impression was tart, almost bitter. Quite frankly, I did not enjoy this at first. Now that I have gone through a few bottles of this (not all in one day :), I am enjoying it more. This needs a bit of time and air. I am not a huge fan of decanting so just prefer to pour the first glass and let it settle a bit. Once the tartness burns off, this shows heavy spice and dark fruit. Certainly not subtle and therefore not something I would serve to a large group, but works for me.
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<3 <3 <3 What GREAT LEGS! Loved the very berry nose on this wine! Beautifully constructed wine. Rich, vibrant berries in your face! Absolutely LOVED this bottle! I am a novice, but this is by FAR the best bottle I have ever had, and what a steal at $17! Medium finish, just a wonderful buy!
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Really amazing wine. Easily woulld assume this is a $35-50 bottle. it could use a two hour decant. The wine really opened up and began showing more fruit, some vanilla after a few hours. By the time te wine was fuy ready to drink it was gone - so easy to drink. Tremendous value wine.
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Mass appeal, yes, has it. All the notes of a wonderful blend swirl about, but none claim the main stage, so it seems a bit disjointed, yet the blend works, the balance is here, but because of the mix not settling together, comes off a bit disjointed. Young, few more to try after some slumber, but not quite getting the IWC accolade here yet.
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Decanted an hour and served slightly chilled. Fresh and delicious. Grenache dominated with bright cherry-raspberry. Very rhone-like. Dusty tannins on the finish.
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Ditto on REDRUNNER's and MEZZOMORTO's reviews, hence scoring it right in the middle. Based on previous comments, it appears letting this age a while longer has been helpful. Initially, there was some smoke on the nose, but after a couple hours of decanting the smoke and heat gave way to more tobacco and plum. The highly extracted wine tasted like it feels to wear a ripe plum and cigar sweater that wards off the crisp, autumnal chill. About what one would expect from Phinney, but at a much more approachable price than Orin Swift wines. Pretty delicous and remarkable at $14 a pop!
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Nose and palate a rich mix of red and black fruit flavors (black cherry, blackcurrant, plums, blackberry). Sweet fruit flavors on the initial attack with good concentration of flavors and medium+ body. Medium acidity with minimal tannins on the finish.
As others have mentioned, a new world, crowd-pleasing, one-dimensional style. Of note, pairing w/ burgers, BBQ, or sausages did not elevate the food nor the wine any further. Perhaps due to the fruit being bigger than its acid and tannin structure?
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Very fruity. Its of very decent quality (especially for the price), but it is 100% new world style and clearly shaped by the winemaker. It has a little more character and tannic grip than CA-2 and F-2, but is clearly of the same vain. Very fruit forward - red and blue fruit with oak and a little heat. A little over-wrought for my taste. Having tasted 3 out of the 5 and they have been very similar in body and general profile. I find them more expressive of the winemaker than the "Locations". With that said, they are good bottles for the price - decent quality and exceedingly approachable. 6-16-7-8
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I stand by my 8/22/14 review - very nice wine for the price point, good monastrell character, some real complexity, but very new world in style. I like it, but I fear losing the traditional styles.
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Deep maroon in color, nice pop and pull on cork, stayed together but still young and no chance yet to degrade. A very decent wine, one of the better mid grade Spanish wines I've had lately. Dry, tannic, but still pleasant. Drank very well. Agree with other CT users not really complex (yet?) but enjoyable, and as it sat more in the glass, felt more was emerging that could eventually evolve with age. A decent texture somehow. I kept pouring myself another glass. Felt so highly about this wine that I went out and purchased two more. I have faith that this is a decently made wine that will age up to five years, but wouldn't surprise me to see it go a bit more. I feel the blend Phinney put together worked well, as it did not come off as too much of any one variety, but a well assembled mixture. Recommended.
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Tried a few other products from this Phinney project and really didn't like them. Opened this hoping for a better result but was prepared to be disappointed. Big grapey wine, no doubt. But this has a much better balance and the blue fruit profile is not overwhelming and the wood and alcohol are also in balance. This is a good product and I wish I had a little more.
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Hard to find fault with this concoction, ESP at the price point. A Spain Wine Smoothie. Blend it and they will come. I'm tempted to take a straw. Not really, but this is easy and accessible. Definitely a crowd-pleaser. Serve this to your little brother who only drinks wine "for effect!"
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Locations E-2 Spanish NV Red Wine (SRP $22): A medium garnet-purple in color, the Locations E-2 offers a pleasing core of dark berry fruit flavors intertwined with nuances of raspberry, shy underbrush, and hints of spice box. In the mouth, it is medium-full in body, with a round, velvet-like texture. The tannins are ripe and supple, carrying the flavors through the mid-palate, and ending with a medium-length, polished finish. Overall, this is an appealing wine from Orin Swift’s Locations label that is both satisfying and reasonably priced. Grab a few bottles to enjoy with your next meal! Region: Spain. (Other info: ABV 14.5%, barrel aged 10 months, cork enclosure.)
Nose of dry spice, underbrush, dry leaves, with red fruit in the background. Palate nicely balanced, cherry / berry and butterscotch balancing the aggressive tannins and acid. The Mourvedre (my favorite grape) is prominent This is a good deal at $15, but I have to say, too California-styled for this Californian. You can do a lot worse at the price, but the overall effect is thick and heavy.
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Good nose, needs to air for awhile, it has a lot of the same flavors as a pinot noir, but is more dry and has a heavier body. I personally like more aroma, but not a bad wine for $18.
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OK...I don't want to like a non vintage, non site specific or terrior derived spanish wine...but it's impossible to not like this as a pop and pour $15 QPR....amazingly ready to drink, approachable, integrated and good. A bit hot and alive...but really good.
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Smooth tannins with Plum, cherry and vanilla flavors. Somewhat sweet like a Zinfandel - High extraction, but not overbearing. Had with sirloin tips and grilles vegetables on the grill. Worked with the food.
One of the better locations wines I have tried so far, (haven't been impresses with the others). Works with the right food.
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Dark violet, hazy. Nose of spiced oranges, morning dew, red fruit. Soft; undecided tannins, plum palate. Rather noncommittal wine. Maybe it would be better with a higher percentage of Tempranillo.
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Had two bottles of this. One I had been aging since its release and one we purchased fresh from the store. The aging one was softer and more agreeable. Brambly fruit, lots of dark berries, a hint of heat and a mildly tannic finish. The wine is outstanding after a little cellar time. The one we bought from the store was hotter and bolder and was more disjointed. I believe I will buy for future consumption and age wine before drinking it from now on.
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A nose of dark fruit and spice, dark purple in color. A medium to full bodied red blend, with black cherry, currants, herbs and candied chocolate and spice on finish. A easy drinker, and a good QPR. www.winelx.com
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45 minute decant, very dark, bouquet is very savory, mushroom and bell pepper and moist earth are prevalent. On the tongue there is a tiny bit of red fruit and the mushroom continues along with red meat, soft on the acid side and mellow in tannic terms to begin with but as it aged in the glass the tannins increased. It is slightly fleshly in its overall tone and leaves a fairly long, rich aftertaste, am curious to see what time does to it. Two days after decant: had some of this left and after this much time with the air the fruit has blossomed further and the tannins are completely integrated, with a meal this is very nice, if you can get a 48 hour decant in then do so, it is worth it, moves to a 91 with this much air.
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Decanted about 45 minutes. Very dark. Very earthy to the nose with a bit of leather over tones thrown in the mix. Has a rich taste. Non oak in the taste. More of a earthy, passion fruit taste to it. Low tannins and acidity. I can see pairing this with a good New York strip steak. I would buy again.
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Amazing ruby red color and heavy, chewy body to match. This is a very drinkable blend, heartier and more memorable than the average labeled "Spanish red wine" but still nothing amazing. Others have commented that it's a good value -- sure, I agree. I'm enjoying a glass with some basic vegetarian pizzas on a cool, rainy night. It's standing up nicely to the spicy red pepper oils on the Sicilian style pizza. Be sure to let it breathe a bit to mellow it out. Might be better in a year or two.
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Grenache/Tempranillo/Monastrell/Carignan, sourced from Priorat, Rioja, Ribera del Douro, Toro. Good all purpose wine, a little sweet but not too much, tasty, medium tannins. Hard to pick out a style of any kind if you're going for that. Could be Old World or New world, no obvious varietal characteristics. Fun wine and good for the $$.
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This is a very interesting wine. Lots of fruit. I can taste the Grenache and Mouvedre, but not the Temprenillo. Good tannins. Should probably improve a bit with age, but is highly drinkable today. Not what I was expecting from a Spanish wine, but very enjoybale.
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More spice-box and minerals than fruit driven, unlike the F-1 and I-1 offerings, with bright acidity to distinguish it from its Phinney brethren. Starts out bigger and bolder with solid legs and a plummy hue, glides across the palate with a spicy zing, but then fades quickly in the finish, showing tart cranberries and sour blackberries. At the same price, the F-1 is more satisfying and elicits more conversation around the dinner table.
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Another from Phinney's stable of international wines. This is a Spanish red blend of Grenache, Tempranillo, Monastrell (aka Mouvedre) and Carignan. In the glass, the wine is darkest garnet with a ruby halo. It has a nose of cherry and muted vanilla. On the palate, the same cherry and vanilla as well as dark fruits and a hint of Christmas spice. The wine has a lengthy finish, but the tannins are not obtrusive. Accordingly, I would drink this wine now, or plan on drinking it within the next 2 years. This is a good bottle of wine, but the mid-palate comes up short. Moreover, it pales (literally and figuratively) in comparison to Phinney's French efforts, including the tasty "F," and the deliciously over-the-top D66. At around $25 per bottle, the wine has a so-so QPR.
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2/1/2021 - Mezz Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fading, don’t wait any longer
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10/15/2019 - LightDancer wrote:
Donated to a party at D&M's.
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8/18/2019 - pbilling wrote: 89 Points
In spite of it's age and definitely not being a wine to age this Locations I NV circa 2015 is still drinking well.
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10/14/2018 - LightDancer wrote: 89 Points
Much better than before. Even better on the second day. Everything has smoothed out. Again, as before, I wouldn't peg anything as "Spanish", but it's a delicious wine. Initially, on opening, I sensed a sharpness of acid that was a distraction. D didn't notice it as much and liked it from the start. In 10 minutes, that had dissipated, and it turned into a fine, balanced wine... one dominated by dark flavors and a broad bottom. Worked well with food (a spicy shredded pork concoction). Much better overall than before.
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2/15/2018 - LightDancer wrote: 86 Points
Perfectly pleasant wine, but not identifiable. I'd be hard pressed to point out anything that is "Spanish". Good dark fruits. Balanced acids and tannins.
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11/23/2017 - widgiemooltha Does not like this wine: 84 Points
Probably a bit past its prime.
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10/16/2017 - Keckes wrote:
Jim and Pat - soup party 2017
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9/23/2017 - LightDancer wrote: 86 Points
At dinner with D&M. Ok bottle, but seemed a little uninspired. Fine with food (mexican flavors) bot a lot of character.
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7/7/2017 - garrigue65 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Needs a little coaxing in the glass but evolves nicely over about a half hour. Robust notes of dark fruit with muted leather and tobacco elements. Nicely balanced tannins.
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3/2/2017 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Last bottle. better than the first one. Solid.
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1/7/2017 - wforster2@gmail.com Likes this wine: 93 Points
Betty likes this red wine. consumed last bottle at Ugly Sweater party 1/7/2017
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12/12/2016 - LightDancer wrote: 89 Points
Took to D&M's for dinner. Worked well with a spicy chili and polenta stew.
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12/6/2016 - LightDancer wrote: 89 Points
Hard to place the grape varieties . Lots of dark fruits. Considerable tannins. Perfectly pleasant wine. Enjoyed with a highly spiced lamb stew. Good, balanced flavors.
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11/5/2016 - wforster2@gmail.com Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like blackberry. It tastes like blackberry. The body is medium. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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8/19/2016 - pmarlo wrote: 91 Points
Has changed since year ago. The tanks have softened but are not gone. Can taste the unusual blend and cannot readily place grape origin, except that is is Spanish wine. Friend remarked has a sweet finish, sort of port like, agreed. Went down very well. One of those wines that, if was offered on restaurant menu, would look no further at this price point. Savored each sip and tried to prolong the tasting. Not Grenache, but not Tempranillo, the blend makes an interesting wine. Recommended.
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6/12/2016 - GimmeDatGold Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tobacco and dark fruit fill the glass. Blackberry, plum and vanilla with smooth tannins. Long finish tops off this nice little blend.
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5/15/2016 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 90 Points
First of two bottles of this that I purchased. Very smooth and great mouth feel. Even better than I had hoped. Drank well over two days with vacuum in between. Will save bottle 2 for next year.
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4/17/2016 - skinut Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice, well balanced. Fruit is fresh dark and blue fruit. Soft on the palate and mid-length on the finish.
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4/2/2016 - Janstan Likes this wine: 86 Points
Fruit forward, dark fruit
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2/17/2016 - hoops92 Likes this wine: 87 Points
Pleasant start, but somewhat of an offputting aftertaste
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12/22/2015 - wforster2@gmail.com Likes this wine: 89 Points
Betty N loves this red wine - good for large parties with women red wine drinkers
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10/31/2015 - Endodr Likes this wine: 88 Points
Tastes very similar to E 1.
Excellent QPR.
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10/6/2015 - wmdlong wrote: 90 Points
The wine has medium acidity. The body is full. The wine finishes long. The wine has polished texture.
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9/28/2015 - Kentw Likes this wine: 90 Points
Keeps getting a bit better with more time. Good mid week drinker.
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9/26/2015 - DStone Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smooth, easy to drink blend from Dave Phinney. Great price for quality ratio.
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8/29/2015 - WineWright Likes this wine: 89 Points
Dark garnet color, loamy nose, acidity of red and dark fruits along with integrated and smoothe structure in the mouth. Very pleasing esp for the price point. So accessible, make it one of your "house wines" for simple occasions
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8/9/2015 - jrwhitney6 Likes this wine: 87 Points
Easy to drink, some cherries.
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6/12/2015 - WineWright Likes this wine: 89 Points
Easy drinking blend
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6/12/2015 - pmarlo Likes this wine:
The cork seemed a little soft and spongey but still pulled good. As this is a Spanish wine, i expected it to taste more like a Rioja; it didn't, not entirely. This wine is blended from all across Spain and with different varieties and today it tasted like that. I couldn't place it exactly but regardless it was very decent and smooth. The tannins that I experienced in my tasting last year seem to have integrated. And after an hour in the glass, the wine changed, became crisper, more focused, and the fruit intensified. This would go well with meat dishes and perhaps even pizza. I'm going to take my time with the remaining bottles and stretch out consuming them over the next five years. Recommended.
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5/17/2015 - blabbott wrote: 88 Points
This is a solidly drinkable wine with a pleasant spicy red fruit flavor. It's not complex but it is well balanced and goes nicely with spicy food.
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4/24/2015 - Jokermac wrote: 89 Points
- Violet color.
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4/16/2015 - MadisonWIneGuy wrote: 89 Points
Full-bodied, bold red here, captures well the notes typical of a Spanish wine. Would guess it's heavy on Garnacha, lighter on the tempranillo and perhaps Syrah. Dry, solid and grippy tannins, some smokiness after it's been open for hours. Spice and acidity check and check. Dark red and black fruit, black cherry, coats mouth and tongue with a cocoa powder feel for a long-lingering finish. Very well made, yet still lets the grapes do the talking. 89+ pts.
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4/16/2015 - diamondbacks wrote: 90 Points
- Garnet color with medium forming legs.
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4/12/2015 - deekmon Likes this wine: 90 Points
Per winemaker: E-2 is a "blend of Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Carignan/Cariñena from Priorat, Jumilla, Toro, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero regions on the Iberian Peninsula".
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3/28/2015 - GEMon Likes this wine: 92 Points
Jammy fruits on the nose with hints of pipe smoke. On the palate, there are jammy dark fruits with hints of chocolate and some spice on the finish. It's a great wine for the price.
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3/23/2015 - BVal wrote: 88 Points
Color: dark, inky purple -> dark ruby rim. Quite the intense, upfront nose of tar, tobacco, asphalt and rubber that settled down (receded) after about 30 minutes or so. Vacuvinned overnight and nose has now smoothed out to plums and black cherries with a little pepper and leather. Fairly thick in the mouth -- think Aussie meets Spain a la Clio but much less intense. Pretty nondescript on the palate; was hoping for a little more; internationally-styled Grenache/Syrah. A little minerality and decently long finish make this a pretty good buy at $17. Could just use a little more personality.
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3/23/2015 - Kentw Likes this wine: 90 Points
Did improved some from last year. A bit more solid with a lingering finish. Medium to full body and mixed black and red fruits. Flavor profile is somewhat similar to the Meiomi Pinot but with less acidity and more structure. You may even mistake the two, tasting it blind.
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3/21/2015 - deekmon Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep red, a little oaky vanilla, instantly fruity, ripe plums, dark cherries. Nicely balanced, smooth tannins, wonderful finish. A unique, truly interesting and thoroughly enjoyable wine. This has somehow improved from excellent to incredible less than a year. I will be reloading on this one.
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3/1/2015 - DMARTZ wrote: 89 Points
Pretty good for its price point. Easy drinking. Popped and poured.
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2/25/2015 - WineSnob7 wrote: 90 Points
Love Dave Phinney
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2/15/2015 - hcl-1 wrote: 85 Points
Auf der Habenseite saftige, dunkle Beeren mit einer gutenTextur und einer kräftigen, dunklen Farbe. Auf der anderen Seite ziemlich durchschmeckender Alkoholgehalt von 14,5% und ein Eichengeschmack, der sich auch nach ca. 2 Stunden in der offenen Flasche nicht so recht integrieren wollte. Potential für 88-90 Punkte, aber in der vorliegenden Form für mich nur 85 Punkte.
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2/13/2015 - Millennial Drinkers Likes this wine: 86 Points
Really good for price
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1/24/2015 - Dbader wrote: 89 Points
Excellent everyday wine. Has the qualities of a much more expensive wine.
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1/24/2015 - mpricher wrote: 90 Points
same as prior TN's. Great Value
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1/19/2015 - DRHiman Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nice dark aroma. Full flavored, easy to drink. Light oak flavor. Great wine!
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1/14/2015 - captjimo Likes this wine: 88 Points
My third bottle into a case. Takes a while to open up. A bit of spice and lots of dark fruit. Found it easy to drink at a good price.
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1/12/2015 - Mr Helper Likes this wine:
Pretty good. Better than the Italian locations blend. Looking forward to the French.
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1/9/2015 - shleepy wrote: 88 Points
Dark red. Blueberry notes (I have a hard time remembering another wine with such a strong blueberry taste), along with a smokiness. Pretty fun for the price.
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12/26/2014 - deekmon Likes this wine: 91 Points
Smooth dark cherry, plum aroma and flavor; slighly oak, maybe cedar; inky dark, medium body & tannin; no sediment , slightly high acidity; silky, long finish.
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12/23/2014 - laxman Likes this wine: 89 Points
Initial impression was tart, almost bitter. Quite frankly, I did not enjoy this at first. Now that I have gone through a few bottles of this (not all in one day :), I am enjoying it more. This needs a bit of time and air. I am not a huge fan of decanting so just prefer to pour the first glass and let it settle a bit. Once the tartness burns off, this shows heavy spice and dark fruit. Certainly not subtle and therefore not something I would serve to a large group, but works for me.
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12/20/2014 - mpricher wrote: 90 Points
Same as prior TN's
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12/19/2014 - dvcashman wrote:
Hints of cherry on the nose. Very balanced taste. Despite the 14.5% abv, taste is not overly alcoholic. Berry taste in the throat.
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12/14/2014 - MeKnowNoVino Likes this wine: 92 Points
<3 <3 <3 What GREAT LEGS! Loved the very berry nose on this wine! Beautifully constructed wine. Rich, vibrant berries in your face! Absolutely LOVED this bottle! I am a novice, but this is by FAR the best bottle I have ever had, and what a steal at $17! Medium finish, just a wonderful buy!
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12/14/2014 - bjlmrjsj wrote:
Beef, pork, lamb, Gouda, tomato sauce, mushrooms, fig, Apple, blackberry
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12/13/2014 - King JR wrote: 92 Points
Really amazing wine. Easily woulld assume this is a $35-50 bottle. it could use a two hour decant. The wine really opened up and began showing more fruit, some vanilla after a few hours. By the time te wine was fuy ready to drink it was gone - so easy to drink. Tremendous value wine.
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12/5/2014 - Xfactor wrote: 88 Points
Mass appeal, yes, has it. All the notes of a wonderful blend swirl about, but none claim the main stage, so it seems a bit disjointed, yet the blend works, the balance is here, but because of the mix not settling together, comes off a bit disjointed. Young, few more to try after some slumber, but not quite getting the IWC accolade here yet.
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12/1/2014 - mpricher wrote: 90 Points
Great flavors and broad appeal. Great mouth feel and profile to this bottling. Wicked good at this price point!
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11/29/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:
Everyone seemed to enjoy with Thanksgiving.
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11/25/2014 - rsct2001 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Soft and smooth with lots of fruit forward. Tannins well integrated. A very enjoyable blend. Solid QPR
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11/24/2014 - diverdano wrote: 92 Points
- Purple color with slow forming legs - Floral and fruity on nose and palate. Wonderful blend, great QPR
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11/21/2014 - Sniffy-Sniff wrote: 89 Points
Decanted an hour and served slightly chilled. Fresh and delicious. Grenache dominated with bright cherry-raspberry. Very rhone-like. Dusty tannins on the finish.
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11/16/2014 - BrunelloBob wrote: 88 Points
Big, smooth, buy again at price.
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11/6/2014 - ICaWineGuy wrote: 89 Points
Fruit forward Spanish red. Tasty, but much better on the second day
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10/25/2014 - Quaffing in Colorado Likes this wine: 89 Points
Ditto on REDRUNNER's and MEZZOMORTO's reviews, hence scoring it right in the middle. Based on previous comments, it appears letting this age a while longer has been helpful. Initially, there was some smoke on the nose, but after a couple hours of decanting the smoke and heat gave way to more tobacco and plum. The highly extracted wine tasted like it feels to wear a ripe plum and cigar sweater that wards off the crisp, autumnal chill. About what one would expect from Phinney, but at a much more approachable price than Orin Swift wines. Pretty delicous and remarkable at $14 a pop!
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10/24/2014 - budosyu wrote: 86 Points
Nose and palate a rich mix of red and black fruit flavors (black cherry, blackcurrant, plums, blackberry). Sweet fruit flavors on the initial attack with good concentration of flavors and medium+ body. Medium acidity with minimal tannins on the finish.
As others have mentioned, a new world, crowd-pleasing, one-dimensional style. Of note, pairing w/ burgers, BBQ, or sausages did not elevate the food nor the wine any further. Perhaps due to the fruit being bigger than its acid and tannin structure?
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10/18/2014 - LightDancer wrote: 88 Points
big, fruit forward. Consistent with other reviews. Much better on the second day (gassed).
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10/15/2014 - pkatz Likes this wine: 91 Points
A very tasty ready to drink new world style Grenache based blend. Bright red fruit. Excellent buy at $15.
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10/13/2014 - jpstough Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fruit forward with dry spicy finish.
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10/11/2014 - CO_Roots13 wrote: 87 Points
Very fruity. Its of very decent quality (especially for the price), but it is 100% new world style and clearly shaped by the winemaker. It has a little more character and tannic grip than CA-2 and F-2, but is clearly of the same vain. Very fruit forward - red and blue fruit with oak and a little heat. A little over-wrought for my taste. Having tasted 3 out of the 5 and they have been very similar in body and general profile. I find them more expressive of the winemaker than the "Locations". With that said, they are good bottles for the price - decent quality and exceedingly approachable.
6-16-7-8
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10/10/2014 - tautlinehitch Likes this wine: 88 Points
I stand by my 8/22/14 review - very nice wine for the price point, good monastrell character, some real complexity, but very new world in style. I like it, but I fear losing the traditional styles.
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10/6/2014 - Surinam Likes this wine: 89 Points
Soft, not complex, but enjoyed none the less. Recommended easy drinker.
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10/3/2014 - pmarlo wrote: 91 Points
Deep maroon in color, nice pop and pull on cork, stayed together but still young and no chance yet to degrade. A very decent wine, one of the better mid grade Spanish wines I've had lately. Dry, tannic, but still pleasant. Drank very well. Agree with other CT users not really complex (yet?) but enjoyable, and as it sat more in the glass, felt more was emerging that could eventually evolve with age. A decent texture somehow. I kept pouring myself another glass. Felt so highly about this wine that I went out and purchased two more. I have faith that this is a decently made wine that will age up to five years, but wouldn't surprise me to see it go a bit more. I feel the blend Phinney put together worked well, as it did not come off as too much of any one variety, but a well assembled mixture. Recommended.
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9/25/2014 - moega wrote: 90 Points
Nice fruit, very smooth. Well made and not too heavy nor too light.
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9/25/2014 - stebockh Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice, smooth, full but light in body, a tiny bit of spice.
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9/17/2014 - cwiebe Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tried a few other products from this Phinney project and really didn't like them. Opened this hoping for a better result but was prepared to be disappointed. Big grapey wine, no doubt. But this has a much better balance and the blue fruit profile is not overwhelming and the wood and alcohol are also in balance. This is a good product and I wish I had a little more.
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9/12/2014 - corka Likes this wine: 89 Points
A big fruit forward wine with dark fruit filled long lasting flavors and soft tannins. An enjoyable wine to drink now but not meant for aging.
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9/3/2014 - WineWright Likes this wine: 90 Points
Hard to find fault with this concoction, ESP at the price point. A Spain Wine Smoothie. Blend it and they will come. I'm tempted to take a straw. Not really, but this is easy and accessible. Definitely a crowd-pleaser. Serve this to your little brother who only drinks wine "for effect!"
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9/3/2014 - K&J Likes this wine: 93 Points
Incredible value for a big, jammy Spanish wine for under $20. Yes the pedigree is more like a mutt wine but the blending was superb!
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9/2/2014 - Dezel wrote: 89 Points
Locations E-2 Spanish NV Red Wine (SRP $22): A medium garnet-purple in color, the Locations E-2 offers a pleasing core of dark berry fruit flavors intertwined with nuances of raspberry, shy underbrush, and hints of spice box. In the mouth, it is medium-full in body, with a round, velvet-like texture. The tannins are ripe and supple, carrying the flavors through the mid-palate, and ending with a medium-length, polished finish. Overall, this is an appealing wine from Orin Swift’s Locations label that is both satisfying and reasonably priced. Grab a few bottles to enjoy with your next meal! Region: Spain. (Other info: ABV 14.5%, barrel aged 10 months, cork enclosure.)
LINK: http://vinespot.blogspot.com/2014/08/quick-sip-locations-e-2-spanish-nv-red.html
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8/30/2014 - TashNYC wrote:
From memory: easy-drinking red, with some spice notes, but nothing too exciting. Perhaps would have drank a little better with a year of bottle age?
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8/25/2014 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 90 Points
This is a great bottle of wine for the money.
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8/22/2014 - tautlinehitch Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nose of dry spice, underbrush, dry leaves, with red fruit in the background. Palate nicely balanced, cherry / berry and butterscotch balancing the aggressive tannins and acid. The Mourvedre (my favorite grape) is prominent This is a good deal at $15, but I have to say, too California-styled for this Californian. You can do a lot worse at the price, but the overall effect is thick and heavy.
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8/22/2014 - Ken G Likes this wine: 87 Points
Good nose, needs to air for awhile, it has a lot of the same flavors as a pinot noir, but is more dry and has a heavier body. I personally like more aroma, but not a bad wine for $18.
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8/21/2014 - signotim Likes this wine: 89 Points
improved on day 2
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7/27/2014 - DesMarteau wrote: 92 Points
OK...I don't want to like a non vintage, non site specific or terrior derived spanish wine...but it's impossible to not like this as a pop and pour $15 QPR....amazingly ready to drink, approachable, integrated and good. A bit hot and alive...but really good.
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7/26/2014 - Kentw Likes this wine: 89 Points
Easy drinking wine. Fruit forward style, great daily drinker, but not complex.
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7/26/2014 - Redrunners wrote: 88 Points
As expected for the winemaker, a lot of fruit.
Smooth tannins with Plum, cherry and vanilla flavors. Somewhat sweet like a Zinfandel - High extraction, but not overbearing.
Had with sirloin tips and grilles vegetables on the grill. Worked with the food.
One of the better locations wines I have tried so far, (haven't been impresses with the others).
Works with the right food.
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7/20/2014 - VinoRosso wrote: 89 Points
Too sweet.
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7/12/2014 - Doc90 wrote: 85 Points
Dark violet, hazy. Nose of spiced oranges, morning dew, red fruit. Soft; undecided tannins, plum palate. Rather noncommittal wine. Maybe it would be better with a higher percentage of Tempranillo.
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7/12/2014 - fredman wrote: 90 Points
Would pretty much agree with corkscrew's review (6/3/14) but would rate it a few points higher.
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7/6/2014 - lockandkey2 Likes this wine: 90 Points
solid now, good juicy red and a little black fruit, needs 3-5 years to soften the tannins and bring in some tertiary flavors.
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7/4/2014 - aagrawal wrote: 85 Points
Rieussec Tasting (Tom's House, Palo Alto): Tasted blind. Overripe fruit, acidic; palate is a bit unbalanced. 85
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7/3/2014 - europat55 wrote: 88 Points
Excellent concentration. Would likely benefit from a few years in the cellar.
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6/13/2014 - Mezz wrote: 90 Points
Had two bottles of this. One I had been aging since its release and one we purchased fresh from the store. The aging one was softer and more agreeable. Brambly fruit, lots of dark berries, a hint of heat and a mildly tannic finish. The wine is outstanding after a little cellar time. The one we bought from the store was hotter and bolder and was more disjointed. I believe I will buy for future consumption and age wine before drinking it from now on.
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6/3/2014 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 88 Points
A nose of dark fruit and spice, dark purple in color. A medium to full bodied red blend, with black cherry, currants, herbs and candied chocolate and spice on finish. A easy drinker, and a good QPR. www.winelx.com
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5/13/2014 - Gestalted Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rich and concentrated plum, black cherry with chocolate, toasty, vanillin oak.
--
Consumed at at cellar temp: 60°-65° F. Friends don't let friends drink red wine at room temp!
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4/12/2014 - quaffnov Likes this wine: 89 Points
45 minute decant, very dark, bouquet is very savory, mushroom and bell pepper and moist earth are prevalent. On the tongue there is a tiny bit of red fruit and the mushroom continues along with red meat, soft on the acid side and mellow in tannic terms to begin with but as it aged in the glass the tannins increased. It is slightly fleshly in its overall tone and leaves a fairly long, rich aftertaste, am curious to see what time does to it. Two days after decant: had some of this left and after this much time with the air the fruit has blossomed further and the tannins are completely integrated, with a meal this is very nice, if you can get a 48 hour decant in then do so, it is worth it, moves to a 91 with this much air.
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4/12/2014 - Mostholy Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted about 45 minutes. Very dark. Very earthy to the nose with a bit of leather over tones thrown in the mix. Has a rich taste. Non oak in the taste. More of a earthy, passion fruit taste to it. Low tannins and acidity. I can see pairing this with a good New York strip steak. I would buy again.
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3/31/2014 - vegastom2 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smooth with nice finish. Needed about one hour decanting.
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3/5/2014 - Spitulnik wrote: 84 Points
Amazing ruby red color and heavy, chewy body to match. This is a very drinkable blend, heartier and more memorable than the average labeled "Spanish red wine" but still nothing amazing. Others have commented that it's a good value -- sure, I agree. I'm enjoying a glass with some basic vegetarian pizzas on a cool, rainy night. It's standing up nicely to the spicy red pepper oils on the Sicilian style pizza. Be sure to let it breathe a bit to mellow it out. Might be better in a year or two.
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2/25/2014 - mhondo17 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Good value, nice fruit with a smooth finish, pairs well with spicy food such as sausage and peppers.
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2/7/2014 - gigem91 wrote: 87 Points
A nice wine for the price.
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1/15/2014 - Jason Karnes wrote:
Love Orin Swift blends, but this was a little flat. Good, but there are better values in the locations series.
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1/8/2014 - GTFreek wrote:
Grenache/Tempranillo/Monastrell/Carignan, sourced from Priorat, Rioja, Ribera del Douro, Toro. Good all purpose wine, a little sweet but not too much, tasty, medium tannins. Hard to pick out a style of any kind if you're going for that. Could be Old World or New world, no obvious varietal characteristics. Fun wine and good for the $$.
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11/27/2013 - bigdogflow Likes this wine: 90 Points
Solid wine. Much better with food than without n
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10/31/2013 - fbbjim Likes this wine: 88 Points
Good, daily drinker. Holds up to pasta with red sauce, chili, pizza. Good value.
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10/27/2013 - sdrum Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is a very interesting wine. Lots of fruit. I can taste the Grenache and Mouvedre, but not the Temprenillo. Good tannins. Should probably improve a bit with age, but is highly drinkable today. Not what I was expecting from a Spanish wine, but very enjoybale.
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10/13/2013 - jonahfactor wrote: 84 Points
More spice-box and minerals than fruit driven, unlike the F-1 and I-1 offerings, with bright acidity to distinguish it from its Phinney brethren. Starts out bigger and bolder with solid legs and a plummy hue, glides across the palate with a spicy zing, but then fades quickly in the finish, showing tart cranberries and sour blackberries. At the same price, the F-1 is more satisfying and elicits more conversation around the dinner table.
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10/1/2013 - Dagalaifus Likes this wine: 87 Points
Another from Phinney's stable of international wines. This is a Spanish red blend of Grenache, Tempranillo, Monastrell (aka Mouvedre) and Carignan. In the glass, the wine is darkest garnet with a ruby halo. It has a nose of cherry and muted vanilla. On the palate, the same cherry and vanilla as well as dark fruits and a hint of Christmas spice. The wine has a lengthy finish, but the tannins are not obtrusive. Accordingly, I would drink this wine now, or plan on drinking it within the next 2 years. This is a good bottle of wine, but the mid-palate comes up short. Moreover, it pales (literally and figuratively) in comparison to Phinney's French efforts, including the tasty "F," and the deliciously over-the-top D66. At around $25 per bottle, the wine has a so-so QPR.
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