Found this lost in the corner of my cellar. No surprise - it was past its prime - with dried fruit aromas and tea color in the meniscus, but at the same time, also very drinkable. Amazingly rich, ripe dark cherry fruit with a concentrated, full body and soft edges on the palate. A bit of acidity on the finish. Improved with airtime
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Last bottle of this one, sadly. Mellowed to near perfection. Nicely balanced velvety. If you still have some, just give it some air and it will open up nicely. Or send it to me!
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This is what I call a typical flavored Chianti. That said it is a bit disappointing for a reserve. Medium body flavors include a tart cherry and slight smoke and leather. Finish was a tad weak with light tannin along with cherry. An enjoyable but not outstanding wine.
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Dark fruit aromas with some background dried herbs. Black and red cherry flavors, very fresh and slightly sweet. Good balance, easy to enjoy right now.
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Palate shows a quick punch of darker fruit flavors immediately drowned by heavy oak, leaves, and a bitterness (dust and perhaps endives?). Medium to full bodied tannins coat the mouth and may remain there for a moment, yet the flavors themselves are quick to dissappear and finish abruptly. Served after decanting for ten minutes.. perhaps more time would have helped? I could certainly see why some might enjoy it, yet not my speed.
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Solid Chianti. Still drinking well. Certainly worth the price. Drank with typical Italian pasta and marinara, but think it could complement beef dishes very well.More complex and full bodied than many non-classico versions.
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This has really come along since 2010. Very nice, much softer now, but still with some bite. Great depth and balance. Very nice. Not quite the polish of top chianti, but excellent.
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I seemed to have overpaid a bit for this wine, at $17.99. It was still worth it. Very delicious. Aerated and decanted for 20 minutes. Paired with extremely dark Dagoba dark chocolate. Very good pairing. Medium to dark ruby in color. Sour cherries and vanilla on the nose. Cherries, tobacco and currant on the palate.
I think this wine is still a bit young and may even improve. If you can get this for < $15 as some have stated on this forum, buy it by the case. You will not regret it. Best sub $30 Chianti Classico Riserva I have had.
Very nice go to wine. Old line Chianti taste that really opens up after a few minutes in the glass. Fairly long finish, with a bit of complexity. Also, seems to be consistent from vintage to vintage. Bargain too at $13 a bottle.
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Feels young, with either piercing tannins or too much alcohol. Good Tuscan qualities though mouthfeel a bit incomplete. Tough to tell if age will help but there are other good QPRs out there
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Wow, a 2006 reserva for $13? Ruby and translucent. Nose of leaves, forest, cigar box. Small cherry joined for mid-palate, nice balance, some pepper, medium plus finish. Just missing the fruit. Overall a ho-hum Chianti as it was too old school. Mentions using the classic grapes on the label. Really? Wine technology has changed in 200 years, throw off the chains. QPR not a big issue as the wine warrants the lower price. Better second day.
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The color of this wine was a medium dark purple with reddish tint and edges. The flavors started with heavy fruit with some dark berries and a bit of tobacco. The finish was full of fruit and had a small smooth tannin finale. This is a nice Classic Riserva with a very good price point.
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Clear, medium ruby with a hint of garnet on the rim. The nose is medium plus in intensity, with aromas of strawberries, sour cherries and a little vanilla from the oak ageing given to riservas. The nose is developing. The palate is dry, with medium plus acidity and medium plus tannins. The alcohol is medium to medium minus at 13% and the body is medium. The palate is consistent with the nose, with a little tobacco and black tea on the finish. The flavor intensity is medium and the finish is medium. At first, the wine seemed a little astringent and tannic, but after a quick decant it opened up nicely, appearing much rounder and fruitier. Overall, this is a well made wine, which is still surprisingly youthful at six years of age. The fact that it can be purchased for well under $15 is just stunning. It's hard to believe that you can buy this good of a Chianti Classico Riserva, black rooster and all, for such a price. Best consumed with food, I would pair it with something rich and fatty that would benefit from the wine's acidity.
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Tart, dry, and austere. There's some cherry, a little plum, and saddle leather on the nose and palate. Quite thin, mostly one dimensional, somewhat harsh. I have had equally good Chiantis and better Chianti Classicos. Wouldn't age this a long time. Underwhelming in all regards. May merit 88.
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3rd bottle of this I have tried, decanted other two for 1-2 hours and they were fine. Based on some comments I have seen, I tried drinking this one right after opening and it was a bit harsh out of the bottle. Would still recommend decanting if possible.
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Can't add much to recent comments except to echo that this is a really nice Chianti for the price. We did not find the lenghty decant necessary, but some air time benefits most hearty reds, so why not?
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Popped and poured. Based on earlier comments, thought this would need a decant, but was smooth out of the bottle. Nice chianti with smooth tannins, sour cherries and bright flavors. Will buy a case when I make it back to the store.
Everyone at dinner enjoyed
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We unfairly judged this wine after having a Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, and this wine got slammed by my guests. Will try again after a few more months in the cellar.
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This is a great house/food wine to have for the price. Nose of cherry, licorice, baking spices. Palate is acidic and slightly tart, with prominent tannins--could be a little thin for New World fans but perfect for mid-week drinking for me. Has a great cherry pit note, hints of leafy herbs, and lengthy finish of mineral and tart cherry. A little oak comes through on the finish. Fresh and well poised.
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As recommended by a previous post, I decanted for 30 mins. Nose of leather with a palate of cherry and floral. Finish was tart and tannic. Overall, a great bottle of wine, but probably needs a few more years.
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Expressive nose of licorice, cherry, and dried herbs. Palate was tighter, but had a great tart cherry note, fine acidity and somewhat prominent but unintrusive tannins. Slightly sour heading into the finish, with cherry pit, sandalwood, and hints of leafy herbs coming through. Slightly austere, but the acidity makes this a great food wine. Love it for $14.
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Still in an adolescent stage, so a 30-45 minute decant is recommended. Medium plus body with a dark plum color. After letting it sit for a while, it starts to show perfume, cedar and leather aromas with bright, vibrant cherry and earthy tobacco flavors. Based on some of the earlier comments this wine seems to be maturing nicely. Finishes strong with a bit of tart, sour cherry and a slightly decernable tannic underpinning. Very pleasant, with another five plus years of enjoyment. Paired well with a pepperoni pizza but would go great with any tomato based Italian food. Great QPR at Costco for $13.
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Moderately dark for Chianti Riserva. Nose of tar and leather. Cherry on palate. A bit too oaky on the finish. Tight, tannic and not ready for a few more years. Update - better day 2, further confirming youthfulness.
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In der Nase jede Menge Eichenholz, reife, rote Frucht und der Alkohol ist auch immer präsent. Wird später feiner mit ein wenig Kaffee und Zeder. Etwas schüchterne Säure am Gaumen, massive, aber diffuse Kirschfrucht, dunkle Beeren. Mittlere Statur, langer Abgang mit trockendem Tannin, Holz und ganz am Ende bitterer Schokolade. Wird mit einiger Zeit an der Luft runder. Manchmal bedeutet - selbst bei einer Riserva - weniger Holzeinsatz am Ende ein besserer Wein. So bleibt ein etwas überreifer, überholzter und damit unharmonischer Eindruck - in dem Jahrgang wäre sicher mehr möglich gewesen.
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Dark coloured and medium-full body. Flamboyant nose of oak and black cherries. A little one dimensional but nicely weighted and already drinkable with a splash decant. Medium long and slightly tannic finish. A good food wine.
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Left to breath in the bottle for 2 hours. Garnet red with long legs. Very nice bouquet of ripe fruit, tar, cedar and coffee with good heat. Tar and bitter tannins on the pallet with a very long but slightly bitter finish. Good acidity and mouth feel. The nose, mouth feel and finish are by far the defining characteristics of this wine. If the tannins round in time this wine would have significant upside (+2 to 4). Rating 5/5 +14/15+11/20+8/10=88
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3/1/2021 - rickspicks wrote: 89 Points
Found this lost in the corner of my cellar. No surprise - it was past its prime - with dried fruit aromas and tea color in the meniscus, but at the same time, also very drinkable. Amazingly rich, ripe dark cherry fruit with a concentrated, full body and soft edges on the palate. A bit of acidity on the finish. Improved with airtime
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11/10/2015 - swigna Likes this wine: 89 Points
I had one glass, very balanced and smooth. one friend was really taken with it. First wine of the evening served with cheese and crackers.
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11/21/2014 - Luvtexwine Likes this wine: 89 Points
Last bottle of this one, sadly. Mellowed to near perfection. Nicely balanced velvety. If you still have some, just give it some air and it will open up nicely. Or send it to me!
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10/27/2014 - wtianseter wrote: 85 Points
This is what I call a typical flavored Chianti. That said it is a bit disappointing for a reserve. Medium body flavors include a tart cherry and slight smoke and leather. Finish was a tad weak with light tannin along with cherry. An enjoyable but not outstanding wine.
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2/14/2014 - chelmsford wrote: 90 Points
soft, resolved tannins black fruits, some smoke, black plums.
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2/8/2014 - Luvtexwine Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still drinking well. Perhaps smoother with additional age compared to earlier comments from year ago. Nice Chianti.
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12/14/2013 - Skidgllfs wrote: 89 Points
Drink now
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12/4/2013 - Burgundy Al wrote: 86 Points
Dark fruit aromas with some background dried herbs. Black and red cherry flavors, very fresh and slightly sweet. Good balance, easy to enjoy right now.
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7/1/2013 - diturifr wrote: 80 Points
Palate shows a quick punch of darker fruit flavors immediately drowned by heavy oak, leaves, and a bitterness (dust and perhaps endives?). Medium to full bodied tannins coat the mouth and may remain there for a moment, yet the flavors themselves are quick to dissappear and finish abruptly.
Served after decanting for ten minutes.. perhaps more time would have helped?
I could certainly see why some might enjoy it, yet not my speed.
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5/20/2013 - Luvtexwine Likes this wine: 88 Points
Solid Chianti. Still drinking well. Certainly worth the price. Drank with typical Italian pasta and marinara, but think it could complement beef dishes very well.More complex and full bodied than many non-classico versions.
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5/19/2013 - RussK wrote: 90 Points
Russk. without breathing, it is a bit too boring and restrained. After air improved slightly. 90- still, a solid food wine after decanted
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5/5/2013 - Halfeel Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice chianti - Drinking very well at this time.
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3/7/2013 - Some Guy Likes this wine: 90 Points
This has really come along since 2010. Very nice, much softer now, but still with some bite. Great depth and balance. Very nice. Not quite the polish of top chianti, but excellent.
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2/17/2013 - garypn Likes this wine: 86 Points
It took about 45 minutes to open up, but then was nice, medium body, though a little overly sour for my Chianti tastes.
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1/27/2013 - brownman6 wrote: 84 Points
poor nose, not fruit forward, just bland instead of warm and embracing mouth feel.
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1/13/2013 - RussK wrote: 90 Points
Russk. Dark cherry. Liquid mouth. Cleansing tannic finish. 90+. Buy more.
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1/12/2013 - deidominus wrote: 91 Points
I seemed to have overpaid a bit for this wine, at $17.99. It was still worth it. Very delicious. Aerated and decanted for 20 minutes. Paired with extremely dark Dagoba dark chocolate. Very good pairing. Medium to dark ruby in color. Sour cherries and vanilla on the nose. Cherries, tobacco and currant on the palate.
I think this wine is still a bit young and may even improve. If you can get this for < $15 as some have stated on this forum, buy it by the case. You will not regret it. Best sub $30 Chianti Classico Riserva I have had.
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1/6/2013 - brujazz wrote: 89 Points
Very nice go to wine. Old line Chianti taste that really opens up after a few minutes in the glass. Fairly long finish, with a bit of complexity. Also, seems to be consistent from vintage to vintage. Bargain too at $13 a bottle.
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12/31/2012 - rjm_va wrote: 86 Points
Feels young, with either piercing tannins or too much alcohol. Good Tuscan qualities though mouthfeel a bit incomplete. Tough to tell if age will help but there are other good QPRs out there
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12/20/2012 - Chiantihound wrote: 87 Points
Wow, a 2006 reserva for $13? Ruby and translucent. Nose of leaves, forest, cigar box. Small cherry joined for mid-palate, nice balance, some pepper, medium plus finish. Just missing the fruit. Overall a ho-hum Chianti as it was too old school. Mentions using the classic grapes on the label. Really? Wine technology has changed in 200 years, throw off the chains. QPR not a big issue as the wine warrants the lower price. Better second day.
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11/20/2012 - wtianseter wrote: 87 Points
The color of this wine was a medium dark purple with reddish tint and edges. The flavors started with heavy fruit with some dark berries and a bit of tobacco. The finish was full of fruit and had a small smooth tannin finale. This is a nice Classic Riserva with a very good price point.
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11/11/2012 - TEH Likes this wine: 89 Points
@fralo's for Jeff's birthday
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11/5/2012 - RussK wrote: 90 Points
RussK day2 iron plum. Enjoyable.
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11/2/2012 - TannicBeast wrote: 89 Points
Clear, medium ruby with a hint of garnet on the rim. The nose is medium plus in intensity, with aromas of strawberries, sour cherries and a little vanilla from the oak ageing given to riservas. The nose is developing. The palate is dry, with medium plus acidity and medium plus tannins. The alcohol is medium to medium minus at 13% and the body is medium. The palate is consistent with the nose, with a little tobacco and black tea on the finish. The flavor intensity is medium and the finish is medium. At first, the wine seemed a little astringent and tannic, but after a quick decant it opened up nicely, appearing much rounder and fruitier. Overall, this is a well made wine, which is still surprisingly youthful at six years of age. The fact that it can be purchased for well under $15 is just stunning. It's hard to believe that you can buy this good of a Chianti Classico Riserva, black rooster and all, for such a price. Best consumed with food, I would pair it with something rich and fatty that would benefit from the wine's acidity.
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10/29/2012 - Motz wrote: 87 Points
Tart, dry, and austere. There's some cherry, a little plum, and saddle leather on the nose and palate. Quite thin, mostly one dimensional, somewhat harsh. I have had equally good Chiantis and better Chianti Classicos. Wouldn't age this a long time. Underwhelming in all regards. May merit 88.
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10/28/2012 - magnusD wrote: 84 Points
Good chianti but does not stand out from the crowd.
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9/22/2012 - JDR58 wrote:
3rd bottle of this I have tried, decanted other two for 1-2 hours and they were fine. Based on some comments I have seen, I tried drinking this one right after opening and it was a bit harsh out of the bottle. Would still recommend decanting if possible.
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9/19/2012 - Grinder wrote: 89 Points
Very young. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Nice fruit on the palate. Give this an hour or so in the decanter. Very good.
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9/5/2012 - barthes wrote: 88 Points
Good Chianti...smooth tannins, dark color. Cherry and leather notes.
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7/29/2012 - Luvtexwine wrote: 89 Points
Can't add much to recent comments except to echo that this is a really nice Chianti for the price. We did not find the lenghty decant necessary, but some air time benefits most hearty reds, so why not?
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7/14/2012 - Redrunners wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Based on earlier comments, thought this would need a decant, but was smooth out of the bottle.
Nice chianti with smooth tannins, sour cherries and bright flavors. Will buy a case when I make it back to the store.
Everyone at dinner enjoyed
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6/30/2012 - StillSilly wrote: 84 Points
We unfairly judged this wine after having a Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, and this wine got slammed by my guests. Will try again after a few more months in the cellar.
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5/21/2012 - Nutty08 wrote: 90 Points
This is a great house/food wine to have for the price. Nose of cherry, licorice, baking spices. Palate is acidic and slightly tart, with prominent tannins--could be a little thin for New World fans but perfect for mid-week drinking for me. Has a great cherry pit note, hints of leafy herbs, and lengthy finish of mineral and tart cherry. A little oak comes through on the finish. Fresh and well poised.
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4/23/2012 - mmh wrote: 89 Points
Full bodied with lots of dark cherries, liqourice, chocolate. Quite firm on the palate with a good acidity. A good match with pasta.
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4/22/2012 - GoodfellaWizeguy wrote: 89 Points
As recommended by a previous post, I decanted for 30 mins. Nose of leather with a palate of cherry and floral. Finish was tart and tannic. Overall, a great bottle of wine, but probably needs a few more years.
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4/19/2012 - Nutty08 wrote: 90 Points
Expressive nose of licorice, cherry, and dried herbs. Palate was tighter, but had a great tart cherry note, fine acidity and somewhat prominent but unintrusive tannins. Slightly sour heading into the finish, with cherry pit, sandalwood, and hints of leafy herbs coming through. Slightly austere, but the acidity makes this a great food wine. Love it for $14.
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4/13/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 90 Points
Still in an adolescent stage, so a 30-45 minute decant is recommended. Medium plus body with a dark plum color. After letting it sit for a while, it starts to show perfume, cedar and leather aromas with bright, vibrant cherry and earthy tobacco flavors. Based on some of the earlier comments this wine seems to be maturing nicely. Finishes strong with a bit of tart, sour cherry and a slightly decernable tannic underpinning. Very pleasant, with another five plus years of enjoyment. Paired well with a pepperoni pizza but would go great with any tomato based Italian food. Great QPR at Costco for $13.
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4/8/2012 - jformusa wrote:
I thought that the wine was also quite dark, but has a very lush flavour, softer tannins and very discernable cherry notes. An excellent chianti
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3/8/2012 - KSWinegeek wrote: 90 Points
Moderately dark for Chianti Riserva. Nose of tar and leather. Cherry on palate. A bit too oaky on the finish. Tight, tannic and not ready for a few more years.
Update - better day 2, further confirming youthfulness.
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9/24/2011 - PeterJ01 wrote: 93 Points
Drink now. Ripe.
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3/14/2011 - pinotwok wrote: 88 Points
In der Nase jede Menge Eichenholz, reife, rote Frucht und der Alkohol ist auch immer präsent. Wird später feiner mit ein wenig Kaffee und Zeder. Etwas schüchterne Säure am Gaumen, massive, aber diffuse Kirschfrucht, dunkle Beeren. Mittlere Statur, langer Abgang mit trockendem Tannin, Holz und ganz am Ende bitterer Schokolade. Wird mit einiger Zeit an der Luft runder. Manchmal bedeutet - selbst bei einer Riserva - weniger Holzeinsatz am Ende ein besserer Wein. So bleibt ein etwas überreifer, überholzter und damit unharmonischer Eindruck - in dem Jahrgang wäre sicher mehr möglich gewesen.
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2/11/2011 - sfqwino wrote: 90 Points
Dark coloured and medium-full body. Flamboyant nose of oak and black cherries. A little one dimensional but nicely weighted and already drinkable with a splash decant. Medium long and slightly tannic finish. A good food wine.
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1/7/2011 - Delli Likes this wine: 88 Points
Left to breath in the bottle for 2 hours. Garnet red with long legs. Very nice bouquet of ripe fruit, tar, cedar and coffee with good heat. Tar and bitter tannins on the pallet with a very long but slightly bitter finish. Good acidity and mouth feel. The nose, mouth feel and finish are by far the defining characteristics of this wine. If the tannins round in time this wine would have significant upside (+2 to 4). Rating 5/5 +14/15+11/20+8/10=88
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5/3/2009 - Alex H wrote: 81 Points
Judgement de Upp Bukit Timah (Nooks Cafe): Racy, smoky, brambly berries. Black cherries , peppery, licourice lift with fresh zesty finish.
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