Sunday Drop-in at Cork Vault Charlotte (Guigal, Delas, Tablas Creek) (Charlotte, NC): Decanted 2 hours although we checked in from time-to-time. Nose: concentrated aromas of dark fruits. A fun contrast to the Rhones. Body: Full-bodied with balanced dark fruit notes -- Cherries against blackberries with red currants. More fruit and less earthy than a big Napa Cabernet Sauvignon which makes sense considering this was a "Right Bank" blend. Continued to soften with more air and was best at the 3 hour mark. Finish: Medium length finish of red fruits. Youthful. The actual blend was a bit of a debate as there is apparently confusion as to some of the source material. I think this was 55% Merlot, 25% Cab franc, 5-10% Cab Sauvignon, and then a blend of Viognier/Gewurztraminer (only because I was told these grapes were in there).
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This wine is open and ready for business. All of the tannins have smoothed out and it's in a nice, easy drinking spot. Good mix of fruit and spice and woodland. Nothing totally over the top, but given we paid $25 for it from Napa it was a real bargain. Can certainly drink longer, but not sure extra years are going to add much.
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I opened this bottle a full week ago, corked it and placed in the fridge due to a business trip, and came back to it today expecting to have to dump it and boy was I wrong! The wine seemed to really come to life. Last Saturday it was tight with some tannins, definitely needing time to open. Today, after a week in the fridge and spending the afternoon warming on my counter this came to life for me.
A huge bouquet of berries, fruit, and violets on the nose with a hint of alcohol. The finish is medium to long, probably 20 - 30 seconds with some lingering beyond that. The palate I can't figure out and typically have trouble with it, I just know that I want more! This really is enjoyable. Velvety maybe? I think it has some fruit to it, maybe some cocoa.
Regardless, I really enjoy this wine and wish I had another in the cellar.
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Inky purple color. Violets, fig, and vanilla notes on the nose, lead to rustic flavors of plum, mineral, iodine, and game on the palate. Ripe fruit and fine tannins stand out. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah.
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Similar to prior tasting, but tannins are a bit more integrated. Allowed this one to breathe for 3 hours, and drank over another 3. Suggest popping in the near term with similar treatment. Dark red fruits, a bit of menthol, a soft note of oak and a splash of graphite. Very nice wine that will take you on a trip; suggest drinking over several hours. Pairs well with game meats.
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7/3/2022 - kevinpatrick Likes this wine: 90 Points
Sunday Drop-in at Cork Vault Charlotte (Guigal, Delas, Tablas Creek) (Charlotte, NC): Decanted 2 hours although we checked in from time-to-time.
Nose: concentrated aromas of dark fruits. A fun contrast to the Rhones.
Body: Full-bodied with balanced dark fruit notes -- Cherries against blackberries with red currants. More fruit and less earthy than a big Napa Cabernet Sauvignon which makes sense considering this was a "Right Bank" blend. Continued to soften with more air and was best at the 3 hour mark.
Finish: Medium length finish of red fruits. Youthful.
The actual blend was a bit of a debate as there is apparently confusion as to some of the source material. I think this was 55% Merlot, 25% Cab franc, 5-10% Cab Sauvignon, and then a blend of Viognier/Gewurztraminer (only because I was told these grapes were in there).
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12/26/2015 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
This wine is open and ready for business. All of the tannins have smoothed out and it's in a nice, easy drinking spot. Good mix of fruit and spice and woodland. Nothing totally over the top, but given we paid $25 for it from Napa it was a real bargain. Can certainly drink longer, but not sure extra years are going to add much.
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3/15/2015 - Neat Water Back Likes this wine:
I opened this bottle a full week ago, corked it and placed in the fridge due to a business trip, and came back to it today expecting to have to dump it and boy was I wrong! The wine seemed to really come to life. Last Saturday it was tight with some tannins, definitely needing time to open. Today, after a week in the fridge and spending the afternoon warming on my counter this came to life for me.
A huge bouquet of berries, fruit, and violets on the nose with a hint of alcohol. The finish is medium to long, probably 20 - 30 seconds with some lingering beyond that. The palate I can't figure out and typically have trouble with it, I just know that I want more! This really is enjoyable. Velvety maybe? I think it has some fruit to it, maybe some cocoa.
Regardless, I really enjoy this wine and wish I had another in the cellar.
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12/10/2014 - scott davis wrote: 90 Points
Inky purple color. Violets, fig, and vanilla notes on the nose, lead to rustic flavors of plum, mineral, iodine, and game on the palate. Ripe fruit and fine tannins stand out. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah.
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11/23/2014 - ageverett Likes this wine: 92 Points
Similar to prior tasting, but tannins are a bit more integrated. Allowed this one to breathe for 3 hours, and drank over another 3. Suggest popping in the near term with similar treatment. Dark red fruits, a bit of menthol, a soft note of oak and a splash of graphite. Very nice wine that will take you on a trip; suggest drinking over several hours. Pairs well with game meats.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment