I not convinced on this wine. There are some good things here, but I get the unmistakable taste of re toasted barrels or maybe just the heads, that doesn't do much for me. The color is as dark a red as wine gets. The nose is carmelized blueberry and raisins. Lots of upfront, rich, ripe plum, blueberry, blackberry, and boysenberry fruit. Not really enough balancing acid. Some enticing little tannins. Can't get over that re toasted barrel molasses flavor.
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Grapey and candy like fruit and a coexisting dry quality in the background. It is a nice bottle of wine that tastes good. Simplistic for a blend of no less that 5 grapes, but again, it just tastes good.
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36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah, 27% Petite Sirah, 6% Zinfandel and 4% Barbera. Dark ruby color. Blueberry on the nose. Heavy handed with the oak. Earthy mid palate with some raspberry fruit. Decent balance. Soft simple finish. 14.5% alcohol. 9374 cases produced.
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Was not at all heavy or syrupy, despite the strong Cali fruit on the nose. It had some nice blackberry and black pepper notes, and the finish was not too bad. My biggest qualm was that after 10 minutes in the glass it fell apart and became a disjointed mess.
Exceed expectations, but still just OK.
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10/4/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 84 Points
I not convinced on this wine. There are some good things here, but I get the unmistakable taste of re toasted barrels or maybe just the heads, that doesn't do much for me. The color is as dark a red as wine gets. The nose is carmelized blueberry and raisins. Lots of upfront, rich, ripe plum, blueberry, blackberry, and boysenberry fruit. Not really enough balancing acid. Some enticing little tannins. Can't get over that re toasted barrel molasses flavor.
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4/15/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Soft, fruit, but with structure. Dominated by its red fruit.
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4/6/2010 - dougdell wrote: 83 Points
Off balance, a bit better the second day
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2/23/2010 - wineward wrote: 82 Points
Note after poured 30 minutes. Aromas of rubber violets. Palate of crayons, clay bricks, currants and tobacco. Good.
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2/2/2010 - jjlobi wrote: 82 Points
Too syrupy for me and too fruity. On the 2nd. day the fruitiness clamed quite a bit makinmg the wine much more drinkable. Will pass on this one.
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10/1/2009 - spo wrote: 86 Points
Grapey and candy like fruit and a coexisting dry quality in the background. It is a nice bottle of wine that tastes good. Simplistic for a blend of no less that 5 grapes, but again, it just tastes good.
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7/14/2009 - kstoddard wrote: 85 Points
36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah, 27% Petite Sirah, 6% Zinfandel and 4% Barbera. Dark ruby color. Blueberry on the nose. Heavy handed with the oak. Earthy mid palate with some raspberry fruit. Decent balance. Soft simple finish. 14.5% alcohol. 9374 cases produced.
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5/4/2009 - christyler wrote: 84 Points
Was not at all heavy or syrupy, despite the strong Cali fruit on the nose. It had some nice blackberry and black pepper notes, and the finish was not too bad. My biggest qualm was that after 10 minutes in the glass it fell apart and became a disjointed mess.
Exceed expectations, but still just OK.
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5/2/2009 - ews3 wrote: 80 Points
Philadelphia Wine Festival (Marriott, Philadelphia PA): no note.
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1/23/2009 - GrandeSerataFuori wrote: 85 Points
Rich color but light attack of sweet plums. Medium tannins on the finish. Screaming value at $9. Love the blends.
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1/6/2009 - jiggerz wrote: 84 Points
a little over extracted for me.
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9/15/2008 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Tasty. Good at $13. The best red of the bunch comments Bill. Cab, Syrah, Petite, Zin, Barbera blend (why not). Smokey, a touch meaty. Works.
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9/13/2008 - kstoddard wrote: 83 Points
Last Tasting of Summer (Fine's Cellar, Scottsdale): Blackberry and charcoal. Dry, tannic finish.
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