This was much more complex than I expected at this age. Rich fruit flavors (mostly dark berries, plum, cassis) with some notes of roasted herbs and toasty oak that was noticeable but not overbearing. The tannins are very well-integrated even at this age. Perhaps only a little thin on the mid-palate at first, it put on plenty of weight after a couple hours. Drink within the next 5-10 years.
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A perfectly respectable crianza that overdelivers at this price point. Rather than a thin, green, fruit driven wine, this has good weight, nice balance, and some lovely savory/umami notes like soy or balsam that give it added interest. I’ll definitely be carrying more of this at my store.
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Medium-bodied with lemon and lime flavors but only moderate acidity. Zesty up front but the acidity fades away while the citrus aromas linger much longer along with notes of nectarine, tropical fruits, and some herbs (rosemary? mint?). The lime and tropical fruit flavors are what linger (along with a light minerality) and make me want coconut shrimp with a spicy dipping sauce on a tropical beach. Not complicated, but super fun!
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2018 Blackbird Vineyards Arise
2/3/2023 - bens275 Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was much more complex than I expected at this age. Rich fruit flavors (mostly dark berries, plum, cassis) with some notes of roasted herbs and toasty oak that was noticeable but not overbearing. The tannins are very well-integrated even at this age. Perhaps only a little thin on the mid-palate at first, it put on plenty of weight after a couple hours. Drink within the next 5-10 years.
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2018 Martinez Bujanda Rioja Viña Bujanda Crianza
1/24/2023 - bens275 Likes this wine: 87 Points
A perfectly respectable crianza that overdelivers at this price point. Rather than a thin, green, fruit driven wine, this has good weight, nice balance, and some lovely savory/umami notes like soy or balsam that give it added interest. I’ll definitely be carrying more of this at my store.
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2021 Argiolas Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino
1/10/2023 - bens275 Likes this wine: 86 Points
Medium-bodied with lemon and lime flavors but only moderate acidity. Zesty up front but the acidity fades away while the citrus aromas linger much longer along with notes of nectarine, tropical fruits, and some herbs (rosemary? mint?). The lime and tropical fruit flavors are what linger (along with a light minerality) and make me want coconut shrimp with a spicy dipping sauce on a tropical beach. Not complicated, but super fun!
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