Good value. Did not decant, but it opened up over time and became more complex. Floral and berry nose, pretty nice. Some herbal character appeared in the palette over time. Not enough to stand up to fatty steak. To me every southern French wine is a bit too strong, but alcohol wasn't too overwhelming, but very present. One more bottle in the cellar to try in 18 months
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Fruit from the syrah and grenache comgo is always a good blend with this wine, but it's the structure that I'm most impressed with. The denser substantial palate has the taste and bearing of a more expensive wine. Seems like it's always a solid choice whenever I reach for it. Fruit is not over the top but comes to the front with more tme in glass. think it took the 6 years I aged it well without fading and for waht it is, just about perfect.
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Surprisingly tannic, so a quick decant was in order. Lots of black fruits, roasted notes, spices and a bit of earth. Medium-to-full-bodied, somewhat rich, vibrant blackberry fruit, with slightly ripe tannins. Excellent finish with small jolt of acidity. This could easily have aged another 3-5 years.
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Very Good- This was a very good pairing with an excellent traditional homemade cassoulet. The wine itself is a bit simple, but as expected worked well with the dish. Nice dark fruits that aren't too dense with a bright fruit wrapper. Only touches of peppery spice. I wish this were a bit more on the brooding and wild side, but for $14 USD paid a couple of years ago, it's solid QPR.
Opened but not decanted two or three hours prior to dinner. Paired beautifully with homemade cassoulet. Dark fruits with some red thrown in, with nicely integrated tannins. Just what this meal called for.
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Nice full fruit, red fruit, blueberry, cherry, bit of wood, good balance, enough depth, some lushness. Used some for braised red cabbage, had rest 5 or 6 hours later with dinner. Opened up a bit with air, and was better for it.
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Let me pound the table … this is consistently very very good, very easy to drink without decanting (I love to decant), and is an incredible value. This is my favorite $14 bottle of wine in the universe!!!
While I have wine that is much more expensive (and also excellent), Bastide Miraflores has the best PQR - hands down. Love it.
Enjoy.
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Med / med + aromas. Blueberries, black cherry. Med+ acidity. Med tannins. Short finish. Astringent finish. A good wine except I can’t get past the bitter finish.
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Love Lafage wines as they epitomize the South of France. Been drinking this offering for a while (7th bottle) but have failed to write a review previously. I liked the 2016 a bit better but overall the 2018 is pretty much on par. Fruit forward Grenache/Syrah blend that gives a bit more oomph than a basic CDR. Would rate this higher but it has a green streak in the palate reminiscent of an Australian Shiraz, which is a little off putting. I will continue to buy future vintages. 3.6 stars.
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Initially opened on 4/24/23. Cork was tough to extract but removed. Tannic, astringent, and fruit is not showing up yet. The body is decent. It's not a high alcohol content that makes it feel drying but tannins. There is a nice feel to this. The tongue and mouth take in flavors but as stated fruit restrained, but hoping it will come forward. Ruby color. First wave of legs run really fast, but next wave creep down. 2nd day and a bit more fruit but not a big bump. But the balance between fruit and mouthfeel and structure is decent and makes this a good wine. I rate today at 89 to 90 but a very respectable rating and likely at the top of wines similarly rated. Would purchase again and especially if a vintage like 2016 came along. 3rd day. While not abundant in fruit, this wine has the weight and mouth feel of a better crafted wine. Had it the depth of fruit from its 2016 release it would be remarkable. Enjoyed it but can't judge it on what might have been. Will continue to buy this and can only hope price remains stable. Now 4/29/23 and five days open. Come to conclusion this was better than I initially thought. The fruit it present but not prominent, but the balance and structure of the rest of it sells this. A small amount of sediment in last sip, and a bit more astringent but not brutal. Recommended and may age a few years more. I base this on how it changed over a 5 day period.
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A nose strongly redolent of violets, cherries, blueberries, and strawberries, which continues on the palate. Juicy as all get out. A bit of chewy tobacco leaf on the long finish to keep things interesting. Over the course of 4 hours it's only gotten better. Double plus good.
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Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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The gold standard for this is still the '15, although the '18 is another solid effort and terrific value. Blackberry and black licorice notes lead the way, with hints of smoke in the background. Just enough acidity and a slight tarry note provide needed tension. A touch of heat too.
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This is a rare mass produced nicely priced wine that is always good. If you want a nice dependable tasty red that works with food and even without this is a great choice. Not nearly as good as the other Miraflors I had, the 2015.
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Let it open up a bit and you’ll be rewarded with aromas of cherries, oak, cocoa, cinnamon, mint. Tastes of tart cherries, strawberries. Medium body with a dry finish. Good QPR. Paired quite well with Instant Pot Red Wine-Braised Elk Stew over mashed taters.
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structure is really good and well above its price point--medium bodied and great balance....flavor profile is sometimes amazing with a nice balance of dark fruit and earth...other times it is a little uneven with hot bell pepper coming in at the end.
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Well made wine, and a great value, although not my style. This fruit bomb mercifully has enough tannin to provide some focus. Finishes a little hot. Will be better in cold weather.
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Love it! Really delicious, and every time I open a bottle (I’ve been drinking this wine for years), I say that this is a really good wine at any price … at $14, it is an absolute steal!
Very well balanced - fruit , a little spice, and soft.
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Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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This is a well made wine and an incredible bargain. It's just a little big for my tastes. Tannin has melted away, revealing a fruit bomb. Good acidity balances the fruit. I noted that I gave this a point more last January. Perhaps this is a cold weather wine. If you like this style of wine, get some!
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Nose of violet, saffron, and Vanilla Coke. Dry entry with strong acidity, followed by sweet, perfumed fruit: cassis, lemonade, and a touch of absinthe.
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Generally consistent with 2/12/22. Has matured and mellowed out just a tiny bit, so I think it is entering a good drinking window. If it’s anything like previous vintages, it will peak for 2-4 years. 89/90, being conservative for now. Really good QPR.
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Medium ruby in color. Plum, strawberry, oak, pepper, cinnamon, sour fruit candy, and wet earth on the nose. Cherry, cranberry, and soft vanilla on the palate. Dry with structured tannins and medium acidity. Lingering cocoa and dark fruit on the finish.
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While I like this, it feels a little simpler than past vintages I’ve had. Still a solid daily drinker, but unlike past vintages, I didn’t think it punched that far above its weight.
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Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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At moments this is an amazing mind blowing wine that can compete with $50-100 wines, super balanced medium bodied with dark cherry and earth...but other sips over time sees some deterioration, more flabbiness, more uneven betraying its low cost price point. Great QPR
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Agree this has become slightly more international/generic, but I don’t really care. There simply aren’t many wines at this price point that showcthis level of polish. Lovely, effusive nose too. 90-91.
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A bit young and exuberant, with fleshy blueberry, cinnamon and some heat from the alcohol. Not sure if it will match the 2016 but it’s solid and it should be better in 6-12 months.
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Cork is a Nomacorc, and initially faked me out into thinking it was 100%, It's synthetic and designed to look like a genuine cork to the untrained eye. Many CT reviewers state 2018 can't hold a candle to the 2016 version, and inclined to agree; however, it is still a good wine, especially for the price. Fruit is it's strong suit and it does have a fragrant nose that travels far from freshly opened bottle. Agreeable with many cuisines but mostly meat based dishes. If the 2016 was a caseworthy purchase hands down, this one is on the line, but I think you would not be disappointed. Feel this needs 2 more years to reveal more but by all means try one now.
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Really fascinating wine, and serious QPR. This wine is almost all nose. A really rich, vibrant, layered nose of bramble and other dark fruits, smoked meats, black olive and grilled bell pepper, and unmistakable bacon fat. Provencal herbs. Syrah coming to the fore, Grenache provides a richness. On the palate, not quite as enticing. 2018 still youngish, some purple fruits, some malo, not fully integrated. Again some lovely fruit, nondescript but nice, black pepper and something meaty. Just not as forward and developed as that excellent nose.
Highly recommend this!
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Good complexity for 20 bucks! Hits all the notes you expect from Syrah - stewed plum, cherries from the Grenache, cedar, black pepper and the twin umami bomb of bacon and olive tapenade. I love Syrah for how savoury it can be and this is a solid example. Tannins are just a touch rough and acidity is medium+ - needs a meaty accompaniment. Alcohol is high for my liking though a quick chill before dinner helped tone it down.
Fruit forward and drinkable from pop and pour. I’d put it on par with many lower end Rhône wines. I don’t see it as a great QPR. It’s fruity tooty with subtle complexity. 87 - 88
Edit: day 2 the wine has taken on a bitter quality.
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Perhaps , I may have "missed" this wine, or perhaps time in cellar has worked it's magic,.but I now understand what tasters see in this wine. It's bigger than I would like, but it succeeds in what it wants to be. A great accompaniment to Mexican cuisine.
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Same as last time. Rich, ripe, fat, lacking a little presicion and acidity compared to previous vintages but still really fun and delicious for under $15. Not very obviously old-world, but who cares. I got a little tiny touch of herbs/garrigue this time, but still mostly about the heady warm purple fruit that feels fully deliberate.
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One of the better Syrah/Grenache blends I’ve had under $20. Dense purple and violet in the glass, the nose bursts with ripe, wild berries and vanilla bean. The palate is silky with rich notes of raspberry and blackberry, dried herbs and slate-like minerality. Round and supple tannins make this an easy drinker with or without food.
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As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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Super great QPR for under $15, as was the case for the other two vintages I've tried (2015 and 2016.) Once again, I would probably never blind this as a French wine- this feels super super plump and new world, with very ripe, fat, flagrant purple fruit, touches of vanilla oak, and relatively low acidity. (The acidity is there, but still a very soft delivery, bordering on too soft.)
To me it's almost evocative of good Spanish Garnacha or even inexpensive, well-made Barossa Shiraz (!) rather than showing a focus on minerality or acidity which I usually associate with French Syrah/GSM, etc. It's true that if this had a little bit more acidic lift it would be stunning, but I think this wine achieves what it sets out to do beautifully- provide a heaping dose of delicious dark fruit (that doesn't feel like it's gone overboard) for very little cost. It's big, but definitely feels like "real", serious wine from good grapes, which is important at this price point.
This was about on par with the 2016; the 2015 showed a little bit more precision and freshness. Considerably better on day one when it was at its most expressive - this doesn't need decanting and it definitely doesn't need aging. Considering the price I feel I'm probably underrating this, if anything.
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For me, the 2016 is an absolute standout, and the 2017 and 2018 have been disappointing relative to the 2016. The 2017 was fine, but more about ripe red fruit, and the 2018 is more about darker fruit but a bitterness on the finish that takes away from the wine. Still a very good wine for the price, but I won't be seeking out the 2018 and hope a future vintage returns to the glory of my view on the 2016. B/B+
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Gave 1h air, but found this improved significantly in glass so I think it requires something more like the 2.5h I gave it back in February. Offers strawberry, blackberry, pepper, dark chocolate, lavender and a hint of coffee. Dense, maybe a bit extracted. Satin texture, medium-full body, with juicy red and black fruit prominent on entry and hints of lavender and coffee in the finish. Remains a true value.
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I don't rate this as highly as others here. Bottle was in good shape, color is dark purple, but not much fruit, and a mix of hot residual sugar and bitterness that my palate does not care for.
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Red Blend of 74% Syrah and 26% Grenache. Taste of dark red fruits with a wonderful smooth, but medium finish. Very good QPR because I got it for 10€ on sale.
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Poped and poured. Dark ripe fruit, well balanced, soft tannins, this drinks like a mini Chateauneuf. Didn't like the high alcohol. Bought a case, let's see how it develops. Great 👍 value wine at $13. Buy this one for every day drinker.
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More leather than fruit. Took a while to open up in the glass. Decently made, but just too subtle for this style of wine and hoped for something a bit more complex and aromatic.
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Tasted like a $30+ bottle. Medium to full bodied, extremely balanced and satisfying. Drank well on its own and paired with flavorful meal of orange chicken. Already looking forward to next bottle.
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Not really my style. I like to think I'm a Musigny guy (when others are paying), however it keeps begging for one more sip. Simple and good; I can't think of a better wine to go with charcoal broiled cheese burgers. Made in an international style. The combination of quality and low price make it a winner in the American market. Vinified for early drinking.
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Mid purple Dark red fruits plum, some oak, med-intensity Dry, med acid, med- tannin, hi alc, med body, med finish. Nn distinct black/red fruit alc obvious 12
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I've had several prior vintages of this wine and enjoyed them all - but not this one. I thought I caught a hint of grenache on opening, but if so, it disappeared quickly. No nose to speak of; next-to-no taste; no particular finish. Darkish fruit, but little taste to it. Reasonably balanced, medium body, but fairly disappointing in all other areas. Looking at the other reviews, maybe an off bottle.
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Cuvée created from old vine Grenache (30%), grown on schist and granite, and Syrah (70%) from gravelly soils. It had an exceptional vintage in 2015 and, while it has not scaled that height since, remains deeply satisfying especially considering the price.
Gave 2.5h air. Medium ruby color. Plum, cherry, white pepper, forest floor and smoked bacon on the nose. Supple and robust, medium-full bodied, with a smooth texture and broad sinewy tannins. Primarily dark fruit on the palate, with a peppery finish.
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Deep ruby color, nearly opaque. Expressive fresh black fruit, dried floral and garrigue aromas, with notes throughout of blackberry & cherry, dried lavender, rubbed sage, paprika and turned dried soil. Generous and ripe palate, with ample roundness and adding a sweetness to the secondary spice. Integrated medium acidity and thick round tannins. Ripe and spicy on the finish. Very nice - excellent value.
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5/5/2024 - warnerpr Likes this wine: 89 Points
Good value.
Did not decant, but it opened up over time and became more complex.
Floral and berry nose, pretty nice.
Some herbal character appeared in the palette over time.
Not enough to stand up to fatty steak.
To me every southern French wine is a bit too strong, but alcohol wasn't too overwhelming, but very present.
One more bottle in the cellar to try in 18 months
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4/7/2024 - pmarlo Likes this wine: 91 Points
Fruit from the syrah and grenache comgo is always a good blend with this wine, but it's the structure that I'm most impressed with. The denser substantial palate has the taste and bearing of a more expensive wine. Seems like it's always a solid choice whenever I reach for it. Fruit is not over the top but comes to the front with more tme in glass. think it took the 6 years I aged it well without fading and for waht it is, just about perfect.
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2/22/2024 - BHRH Likes this wine: 90 Points
Surprisingly tannic, so a quick decant was in order. Lots of black fruits, roasted notes, spices and a bit of earth. Medium-to-full-bodied, somewhat rich, vibrant blackberry fruit, with slightly ripe tannins. Excellent finish with small jolt of acidity. This could easily have aged another 3-5 years.
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1/20/2024 - tward Likes this wine: 86 Points
Very Good-
This was a very good pairing with an excellent traditional homemade cassoulet. The wine itself is a bit simple, but as expected worked well with the dish. Nice dark fruits that aren't too dense with a bright fruit wrapper. Only touches of peppery spice. I wish this were a bit more on the brooding and wild side, but for $14 USD paid a couple of years ago, it's solid QPR.
14.5% abv
Empty bottle weight: 641g
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1/9/2024 - thelostverse wrote: 88 Points
Opened but not decanted two or three hours prior to dinner. Paired beautifully with homemade cassoulet. Dark fruits with some red thrown in, with nicely integrated tannins. Just what this meal called for.
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1/9/2024 - EdKz@comcast.net wrote: 87 Points
Aging has helped or better bottle
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11/22/2023 - wayfarer Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice full fruit, red fruit, blueberry, cherry, bit of wood, good balance, enough depth, some lushness. Used some for braised red cabbage, had rest 5 or 6 hours later with dinner. Opened up a bit with air, and was better for it.
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10/20/2023 - ogres3 Likes this wine:
The missus keeps drinking them
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8/5/2023 - Dine&Vine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Blueberries galore, medium body and some nice herbal qualities. DW loved it.
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6/29/2023 - 2MLW Likes this wine: 91 Points
Let me pound the table … this is consistently very very good, very easy to drink without decanting (I love to decant), and is an incredible value. This is my favorite $14 bottle of wine in the universe!!!
While I have wine that is much more expensive (and also excellent), Bastide Miraflores has the best PQR - hands down. Love it.
Enjoy.
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6/8/2023 - erhall05 Does not like this wine:
Med / med + aromas. Blueberries, black cherry. Med+ acidity. Med tannins. Short finish. Astringent finish. A good wine except I can’t get past the bitter finish.
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6/7/2023 - Siwink57 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Love Lafage wines as they epitomize the South of France. Been drinking this offering for a while (7th bottle) but have failed to write a review previously. I liked the 2016 a bit better but overall the 2018 is pretty much on par. Fruit forward Grenache/Syrah blend that gives a bit more oomph than a basic CDR. Would rate this higher but it has a green streak in the palate reminiscent of an Australian Shiraz, which is a little off putting. I will continue to buy future vintages. 3.6 stars.
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5/21/2023 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 90 Points
My prior note applies. Very good.
Day 2
The fruit and umami notes are stronger, and a mushroom aroma has crept into the picture as well.
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4/29/2023 - pmarlo Likes this wine: 90 Points
Initially opened on 4/24/23. Cork was tough to extract but removed. Tannic, astringent, and fruit is not showing up yet. The body is decent. It's not a high alcohol content that makes it feel drying but tannins. There is a nice feel to this. The tongue and mouth take in flavors but as stated fruit restrained, but hoping it will come forward. Ruby color. First wave of legs run really fast, but next wave creep down.
2nd day and a bit more fruit but not a big bump. But the balance between fruit and mouthfeel and structure is decent and makes this a good wine. I rate today at 89 to 90 but a very respectable rating and likely at the top of wines similarly rated. Would purchase again and especially if a vintage like 2016 came along.
3rd day. While not abundant in fruit, this wine has the weight and mouth feel of a better crafted wine. Had it the depth of fruit from its 2016 release it would be remarkable. Enjoyed it but can't judge it on what might have been. Will continue to buy this and can only hope price remains stable.
Now 4/29/23 and five days open. Come to conclusion this was better than I initially thought. The fruit it present but not prominent, but the balance and structure of the rest of it sells this. A small amount of sediment in last sip, and a bit more astringent but not brutal. Recommended and may age a few years more. I base this on how it changed over a 5 day period.
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4/10/2023 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 91 Points
A nose strongly redolent of violets, cherries, blueberries, and strawberries, which continues on the palate. Juicy as all get out. A bit of chewy tobacco leaf on the long finish to keep things interesting.
Over the course of 4 hours it's only gotten better. Double plus good.
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2/22/2023 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Makes an angry ogre tolerable.....
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2/17/2023 - yatchisin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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2/8/2023 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 94 Points
Blueberries, currants, sandalwood, medium-heavy body... crunchy, fresh, juicy, and simply delicious.
Glad I bought so much. Very glad.
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2/4/2023 - Frijole wrote:
inky burgundy red, little clarity, ruby violet hue
Nose: blackberries, violets, licorice, bacon fat, cola, minerals, garrigue, touch oak
Pal: blackberries, licorice, leather, bacon fat, cola, minerals, garrigue, touch oak
Feel: medium, astringent
Finish: medium
T7
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1/31/2023 - ogres3 Likes this wine:
A very good pounder at a very good price.
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1/18/2023 - ziavino wrote: 90 Points
The gold standard for this is still the '15, although the '18 is another solid effort and terrific value. Blackberry and black licorice notes lead the way, with hints of smoke in the background. Just enough acidity and a slight tarry note provide needed tension. A touch of heat too.
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1/17/2023 - 408er Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice nose - a little blueberry and smokiness. Finish is a bit thin. Currant and a little tobacco.
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1/15/2023 - melzar wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with previous notes. Had a small glass before dumping the rest of the bottle in the cassoulet. Very nice cooking wine!
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12/22/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 90 Points
A little young, and a bit unidimensional.
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12/5/2022 - bluepeter2020@outlook.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
Really enjoyable wine!
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11/28/2022 - slabslovin Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is a rare mass produced nicely priced wine that is always good. If you want a nice dependable tasty red that works with food and even without this is a great choice. Not nearly as good as the other Miraflors I had, the 2015.
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11/26/2022 - Tpairing wrote: 90 Points
Came to be a top notch wine, - decant for two hours.
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11/25/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine:
Average pounder
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11/16/2022 - bschucha Likes this wine: 89 Points
Let it open up a bit and you’ll be rewarded with aromas of cherries, oak, cocoa, cinnamon, mint. Tastes of tart cherries, strawberries. Medium body with a dry finish. Good QPR. Paired quite well with Instant Pot Red Wine-Braised Elk Stew over mashed taters.
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11/7/2022 - richshoes Likes this wine: 89 Points
structure is really good and well above its price point--medium bodied and great balance....flavor profile is sometimes amazing with a nice balance of dark fruit and earth...other times it is a little uneven with hot bell pepper coming in at the end.
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10/31/2022 - melzar wrote: 89 Points
Well made wine, and a great value, although not my style. This fruit bomb mercifully has enough tannin to provide some focus. Finishes a little hot. Will be better in cold weather.
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10/22/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine:
Remains solid and quite drinkable
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10/20/2022 - 2MLW Likes this wine: 91 Points
Love it! Really delicious, and every time I open a bottle (I’ve been drinking this wine for years), I say that this is a really good wine at any price … at $14, it is an absolute steal!
Very well balanced - fruit , a little spice, and soft.
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10/15/2022 - yatchisin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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10/3/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine:
The missus just sucks these down.
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9/27/2022 - yatchisin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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9/8/2022 - melzar wrote: 90 Points
This is a well made wine and an incredible bargain. It's just a little big for my tastes. Tannin has melted away, revealing a fruit bomb. Good acidity balances the fruit. I noted that I gave this a point more last January. Perhaps this is a cold weather wine. If you like this style of wine, get some!
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8/21/2022 - Cosmo M. Likes this wine: 90 Points
Continuing to develop so nicely. Smooth, balanced with a range of flavors - dark berries, smoked meat, a metallic mentholy zing, black pepper.
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8/2/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine:
Continues to keep the missus happy
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7/28/2022 - Drinking Trees wrote:
Nose of violet, saffron, and Vanilla Coke. Dry entry with strong acidity, followed by sweet, perfumed fruit: cassis, lemonade, and a touch of absinthe.
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7/18/2022 - Cosmo M. Likes this wine: 89 Points
Generally consistent with 2/12/22. Has matured and mellowed out just a tiny bit, so I think it is entering a good drinking window. If it’s anything like previous vintages, it will peak for 2-4 years. 89/90, being conservative for now. Really good QPR.
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5/30/2022 - richshoes Likes this wine: 89 Points
Amazing at times, rounded with good fruit and terroir...other times ordinary and unimpressive
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5/27/2022 - mdnatom Likes this wine: 90 Points
very solid every day drinker. decant 2+ hours to smooth it out
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5/3/2022 - Dravin Likes this wine: 86 Points
Medium ruby in color. Plum, strawberry, oak, pepper, cinnamon, sour fruit candy, and wet earth on the nose. Cherry, cranberry, and soft vanilla on the palate. Dry with structured tannins and medium acidity. Lingering cocoa and dark fruit on the finish.
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4/30/2022 - OaktownRush Likes this wine: 87 Points
While I like this, it feels a little simpler than past vintages I’ve had. Still a solid daily drinker, but unlike past vintages, I didn’t think it punched that far above its weight.
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4/24/2022 - EdKz@comcast.net wrote: 84 Points
See below; no positive development
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3/19/2022 - yatchisin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Same as previous note: As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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3/12/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Maybe a touch young but remains a solid full-bodied wine.
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2/28/2022 - richshoes Likes this wine: 90 Points
At moments this is an amazing mind blowing wine that can compete with $50-100 wines, super balanced medium bodied with dark cherry and earth...but other sips over time sees some deterioration, more flabbiness, more uneven betraying its low cost price point. Great QPR
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2/17/2022 - jmull Likes this wine: 90 Points
Agree this has become slightly more international/generic, but I don’t really care. There simply aren’t many wines at this price point that showcthis level of polish. Lovely, effusive nose too. 90-91.
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2/12/2022 - Cosmo M. Likes this wine: 89 Points
A bit young and exuberant, with fleshy blueberry, cinnamon and some heat from the alcohol. Not sure if it will match the 2016 but it’s solid and it should be better in 6-12 months.
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2/9/2022 - pmarlo Likes this wine:
Cork is a Nomacorc, and initially faked me out into thinking it was 100%, It's synthetic and designed to look like a genuine cork to the untrained eye. Many CT reviewers state 2018 can't hold a candle to the 2016 version, and inclined to agree; however, it is still a good wine, especially for the price. Fruit is it's strong suit and it does have a fragrant nose that travels far from freshly opened bottle. Agreeable with many cuisines but mostly meat based dishes. If the 2016 was a caseworthy purchase hands down, this one is on the line, but I think you would not be disappointed. Feel this needs 2 more years to reveal more but by all means try one now.
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2/5/2022 - hahostolze Likes this wine: 89 Points
Really fascinating wine, and serious QPR.
This wine is almost all nose. A really rich, vibrant, layered nose of bramble and other dark fruits, smoked meats, black olive and grilled bell pepper, and unmistakable bacon fat. Provencal herbs. Syrah coming to the fore, Grenache provides a richness.
On the palate, not quite as enticing. 2018 still youngish, some purple fruits, some malo, not fully integrated. Again some lovely fruit, nondescript but nice, black pepper and something meaty. Just not as forward and developed as that excellent nose.
Highly recommend this!
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1/30/2022 - Ryan8008 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Good complexity for 20 bucks! Hits all the notes you expect from Syrah - stewed plum, cherries from the Grenache, cedar, black pepper and the twin umami bomb of bacon and olive tapenade. I love Syrah for how savoury it can be and this is a solid example. Tannins are just a touch rough and acidity is medium+ - needs a meaty accompaniment. Alcohol is high for my liking though a quick chill before dinner helped tone it down.
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1/29/2022 - emunn Likes this wine: 100 Points
The perfect red. A slight jam flavor but finishes dry. And an amazing price.
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1/27/2022 - Mootsie Likes this wine: 87 Points
Fruit forward and drinkable from pop and pour. I’d put it on par with many lower end Rhône wines. I don’t see it as a great QPR. It’s fruity tooty with subtle complexity. 87 - 88
Edit: day 2 the wine has taken on a bitter quality.
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1/21/2022 - melzar wrote: 91 Points
Perhaps , I may have "missed" this wine, or perhaps time in cellar has worked it's magic,.but I now understand what tasters see in this wine. It's bigger than I would like, but it succeeds in what it wants to be. A great accompaniment to Mexican cuisine.
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1/14/2022 - CubFan4Life Likes this wine: 93 Points
Shockingly good. Nice integrated tannins, tons of fruit, good complexity, insane QPR. I’m buying 3 more bottles tomorrow.
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1/10/2022 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Same as last time. Rich, ripe, fat, lacking a little presicion and acidity compared to previous vintages but still really fun and delicious for under $15. Not very obviously old-world, but who cares. I got a little tiny touch of herbs/garrigue this time, but still mostly about the heady warm purple fruit that feels fully deliberate.
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1/3/2022 - EdKz@comcast.net Likes this wine: 86 Points
Medium Body, Mild aromas, Red Fruits, Black Olive, Mild Oak, Low Tannins and Acid, Simple Fruit Forward Finish, Disappointing after 2016
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1/2/2022 - jesi1882@gmail.com Likes this wine: 87 Points
Black olive, cedar, butter, rosemary,
Deep, rich, slightly bitter, dark fruit and woodsy herbs, not much body, down tannins, and medium low acidity
Second round
-sweet cherry, kirsch, oregano vinegar, cured meat
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1/2/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Missus drank half, used the other half for cooking. Sometimes the Solomon wines do improve with a couple of years in the bottle.
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12/23/2021 - ElJefeTX Likes this wine: 92 Points
One of the better Syrah/Grenache blends I’ve had under $20. Dense purple and violet in the glass, the nose bursts with ripe, wild berries and vanilla bean. The palate is silky with rich notes of raspberry and blackberry, dried herbs and slate-like minerality. Round and supple tannins make this an easy drinker with or without food.
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12/16/2021 - yatchisin Likes this wine: 91 Points
As with previous vintages, delicious and seductive without going over-the-top. Lots of blackberry, grilled meat, garrigue. Give it time to open up. Great value.
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11/27/2021 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Super great QPR for under $15, as was the case for the other two vintages I've tried (2015 and 2016.) Once again, I would probably never blind this as a French wine- this feels super super plump and new world, with very ripe, fat, flagrant purple fruit, touches of vanilla oak, and relatively low acidity. (The acidity is there, but still a very soft delivery, bordering on too soft.)
To me it's almost evocative of good Spanish Garnacha or even inexpensive, well-made Barossa Shiraz (!) rather than showing a focus on minerality or acidity which I usually associate with French Syrah/GSM, etc. It's true that if this had a little bit more acidic lift it would be stunning, but I think this wine achieves what it sets out to do beautifully- provide a heaping dose of delicious dark fruit (that doesn't feel like it's gone overboard) for very little cost. It's big, but definitely feels like "real", serious wine from good grapes, which is important at this price point.
This was about on par with the 2016; the 2015 showed a little bit more precision and freshness. Considerably better on day one when it was at its most expressive - this doesn't need decanting and it definitely doesn't need aging. Considering the price I feel I'm probably underrating this, if anything.
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11/19/2021 - Chied Likes this wine: 91 Points
Pizza night wine with Gwen, Cam, Ryan & Elizabeth!
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11/17/2021 - MC wrote:
For me, the 2016 is an absolute standout, and the 2017 and 2018 have been disappointing relative to the 2016. The 2017 was fine, but more about ripe red fruit, and the 2018 is more about darker fruit but a bitterness on the finish that takes away from the wine. Still a very good wine for the price, but I won't be seeking out the 2018 and hope a future vintage returns to the glory of my view on the 2016. B/B+
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10/30/2021 - MsDee Likes this wine:
Buy again. Binny's.
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10/19/2021 - 6thDate Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smooth blend rounding out the edges and discomforts of its 2 grape varieties .Concrete and wood combining to create an intimate space.
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9/27/2021 - daveyk39 wrote: 88 Points
Gave 1h air, but found this improved significantly in glass so I think it requires something more like the 2.5h I gave it back in February. Offers strawberry, blackberry, pepper, dark chocolate, lavender and a hint of coffee. Dense, maybe a bit extracted. Satin texture, medium-full body, with juicy red and black fruit prominent on entry and hints of lavender and coffee in the finish. Remains a true value.
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9/27/2021 - winedupe wrote: 80 Points
I don't rate this as highly as others here. Bottle was in good shape, color is dark purple, but not much fruit, and a mix of hot residual sugar and bitterness that my palate does not care for.
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9/26/2021 - Joerg65 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Red Blend of 74% Syrah and 26% Grenache. Taste of dark red fruits with a wonderful smooth, but medium finish. Very good QPR because I got it for 10€ on sale.
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9/22/2021 - cy_eats Likes this wine:
Good. Chewy.
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8/15/2021 - Amerique wrote: 91 Points
Delicious black raspberry fruit with clove flavors, excellent structure, ample acidity, short finish, very good value
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8/9/2021 - dleigh Likes this wine: 88 Points
Great value.
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7/19/2021 - cortisj2 wrote: 91 Points
Poped and poured. Dark ripe fruit, well balanced, soft tannins, this drinks like a mini Chateauneuf. Didn't like the high alcohol. Bought a case, let's see how it develops. Great 👍 value wine at $13. Buy this one for every day drinker.
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7/3/2021 - MSheridan Likes this wine: 89 Points
nice, easy drinking and approachable. Made for good quaffing wine and went down well with everyone at Euro 2020(1) BBQ
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7/1/2021 - Bjweiss Does not like this wine: 89 Points
More leather than fruit. Took a while to open up in the glass. Decently made, but just too subtle for this style of wine and hoped for something a bit more complex and aromatic.
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6/7/2021 - dulcamara wrote: 88 Points
Better than the 2017. Nowhere close to the 2016. Bought 6 and undecided on getting more. Will see how it is on day two.
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5/29/2021 - heatherspratt Likes this wine:
Not as good as the 2017 - we compared side by side.
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5/10/2021 - mats13 wrote: 89 Points
I've enjoyed previous vintages more. Quoth my wife 'this is no good wine'. Well, I wouldn't go that far, but I probably won't be buying this again.
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5/7/2021 - melzar wrote: 89 Points
Ditto previous notes. Well made, but too big for me.
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4/27/2021 - cspeninsula Likes this wine: 88 Points
Much nicer than the 2017
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4/10/2021 - Ejbert Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasted like a $30+ bottle. Medium to full bodied, extremely balanced and satisfying. Drank well on its own and paired with flavorful meal of orange chicken. Already looking forward to next bottle.
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4/6/2021 - melzar wrote: 90 Points
Not really my style. I like to think I'm a Musigny guy (when others are paying), however it keeps begging for one more sip. Simple and good; I can't think of a better wine to go with charcoal broiled cheese burgers. Made in an international style. The combination of quality and low price make it a winner in the American market. Vinified for early drinking.
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3/28/2021 - Jithotw Likes this wine:
Mid purple
Dark red fruits plum, some oak, med-intensity
Dry, med acid, med- tannin, hi alc, med body, med finish. Nn distinct black/red fruit alc obvious
12
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3/22/2021 - Noelle H Likes this wine: 90 Points
This wine has an insane QPR! Range of flavors, well balanced, super drinkable crowd pleaser. And all under $15!
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3/18/2021 - nickvdm Likes this wine: 94 Points
Crazy value. An astonishing wine for <$20
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3/18/2021 - Quiller wrote: 86 Points
I've had several prior vintages of this wine and enjoyed them all - but not this one. I thought I caught a hint of grenache on opening, but if so, it disappeared quickly. No nose to speak of; next-to-no taste; no particular finish. Darkish fruit, but little taste to it. Reasonably balanced, medium body, but fairly disappointing in all other areas. Looking at the other reviews, maybe an off bottle.
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2/21/2021 - Richard123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
A little smokier than I recall from previous vintages, but still delicious and fantastic QPR
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2/17/2021 - daveyk39 wrote: 87 Points
Cuvée created from old vine Grenache (30%), grown on schist and granite, and Syrah (70%) from gravelly soils. It had an exceptional vintage in 2015 and, while it has not scaled that height since, remains deeply satisfying especially considering the price.
Gave 2.5h air. Medium ruby color. Plum, cherry, white pepper, forest floor and smoked bacon on the nose. Supple and robust, medium-full bodied, with a smooth texture and broad sinewy tannins. Primarily dark fruit on the palate, with a peppery finish.
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1/15/2021 - MattMauldin Likes this wine: 88 Points
Deep ruby color, nearly opaque. Expressive fresh black fruit, dried floral and garrigue aromas, with notes throughout of blackberry & cherry, dried lavender, rubbed sage, paprika and turned dried soil. Generous and ripe palate, with ample roundness and adding a sweetness to the secondary spice. Integrated medium acidity and thick round tannins. Ripe and spicy on the finish. Very nice - excellent value.
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