7/20/2019 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

in a beautiful space right now. THe fruit is still fresh and cherry driven but the acid and tannins are beatifully integrated. a bit of mushroom and forest floor but still quite primary fruit driven, but in the best way possible. good to go for several more years easy.

1/26/2017 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

notes taken with a leftover sample after working the market with Brittany.

Tight on opening, give this plenty of air. best at the end of the work day, maybe even better day 2.

Lovely. Ripe, savory, but plenty of complexity for the price point.
More obvious French oak than other Avennia wines.

Full bodied with plush dusty tannins and just enough acid. Full velvety texture, slight grip, long chewy finish.

sweet blackberry and blackcurrant preserves, salty olive, and big chocolatey french oak. More new world than other avennia wines but still very seamless and beautifully integrated. Ashy minerals make this distinctively washington state and tie everything together.

1/15/2017 - Merky_Waters wrote:

Asleep right now, no rating.
full bodied, strong tannins, rich oak, deep color, but the fruit isn't showing. I received very good feedback on this wine from colleagues last year, perhaps this is just in a lazy spot right now. too bad i only had the one bottle.

10/6/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

tasted throughout the day while working with Tim

My highlight of the 5 betz wines we tasted. very young but super expressive.

lovely interplay between tannin, acid, and minerality.

This shows my favourite characteristics of both merlot and petite verdot. Merlot's Bright tangy fruit with plenty of nuanced medicinal herb and spicebox aromas but in no way underripe.

The PV adds complex violet and savory notes while adding color, weight, and acidity. the texture and polish here are so on point i don't quite have the words.

There is still plenty of silky blue and black fruit at this early stage that will only evolve with time.

random interesting flavors include: chalk, honey, bluebery jam, sweet tobacco, loads of stoney minerals and just a whiff of black chocolate and coffee bean.

WOW this was good.

10/6/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Tasted throughout the day while working with Tim

Far more delicate and mineral driven than the Cote Rousse '14

Medium bodied with old world elegance and serious complexity.
Tim said it best, "northern rhone style" crushed rocks, lovely floral perfume but plenty of meaty and savory nuances. Very balanced and integrated for drinking in this youthful stage.

black cherry fruit with refreshing acid and grippy tannins. richer notes of black chocolate, sandalwood and salty meats show lots of finesse. No brett.

Everything i love about old world syrah with plenty of polish and ageworthy structure. Betz makes some seriously good wine.

10/6/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Bottle tasted throughout the day while working with Tim

Deep purple color with electric blue hues
On opening, Tannic and woolly with surprising concentration.

After a few hours of air, this starts to soften.
Inky and muscular compared to La Serene.
Fuller bodied with very dusty tannins. Driven by more savory smoked meat, bitter green herb, and purple flowers. Fruit is still developing but mostly blueberry, blackberry, and dark licorice.

The mix of meaty animal notes, sexy violet aromas, and gorgeous tannic structure and a LONG finish make this a must try.

Young but drinkable with lots of air but this is only going to improve over the next 5+ years.

9/22/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Delicious and rich.

Full bodied with medium acidity and creamy and polished texture.

obvious oak and lees richness but it wears it well. Front loaded sweet orange, honeysuckle, peach and vanilla with a savory, almost salty finish. Finish is very long and slightly oily.

Definitely an ageworthy and new world style Verdejo but damn is it delicous. Serious wine.

8/6/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

88-89

Rich, round, and shows great varietal character.

Much more interesting than many $10-15 verdejos with the extended lees aging. medium bodied with a creamy round texture and juicy acid.

savory yeast and ripe citrus and tropical fruit aromas weave together for a surpisingly rich and supple unoaked white.

notes of orange peel, tangy ginger, ripe peach, and even mango are backed by heartier honeysuckle biscuit and bread dough.

More of an autumn than a summer white. try it!

7/22/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Wow. Wish i had more of this. Purchased this one bottle 2 years ago.

Amazing nose on opening. black cherry, fresh currants, menthol, violet, and ashy minerals.

After an hour, drinking nicely. full body, integrated acid. Oak is present but not obtrusive. Tannins still young and dominate the second half but lovely fruit and nuanced flavors upfront.
creamy black and blue fruit lifted by plummy acidity followed by sweet oak and brown sugar. Savory and bitter green herb notes are amplified by the tannins, making the palate fall short of the gorgeous nose.

all things considered this is a tremendous value and worth double the $25-30USD asking price. Wish i bought more 2010s

7/18/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Bottle from the cellar. Purchased in 2014. Still delicious and an amazing QPR. Ready to go but with plenty of life left.

nose of fresh picked dark berries, dried plum, old fashioned candy and garrigue. Zero brett. but a pleasant tang.

Medium bodied, plummy structural acid and sticky tannins.
Good mix of candied, slightly raisined, and brambly wild fruit on the palate. The maturity and lack of oak aging allows nuanced flavors to shine through. Cherry menthol, ripe blueberry, and a touch of black coffee and cured meat.

Drink now-2018

7/14/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Marselan and Merlot Rose.

Delicious sleeper value from Mordoree

fuller bodied and medium acidity. Dry but with tremendous ripeness. Candied melon, spicy strawberry, and ripe cherry fruit. A touch of petrol and sharp lemon gives this a zing and minerality rarely seen at this price point.

Plush texture with Tavel like structure and complexity but still wonderfully quaffable.

I agree with Dunnuck, "buy it by the case."

7/14/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec

Powerful and rich. A rare steak wine for sure. Napa Valley style.

Full bodied with obvious new French oak(22 months) and viscosity from the ABV. that being said it's big but not totally unbalanced. red pepper heat and young tannins on opening subside with air. Decant if possible.

nose of brambly blackberry and blueberry compote. Lactic chocolate and vanilla bean from the french oak are balanced by a savory umame character that reminds me of rhubarb or red beans. very interesting.

mouth coating and extracted fruit linger but the tannins are still a bit austere at this stage. Will improve significantly with age.

For the money this is still a fantastic wine. Big, bold, but not clumsy.

7/14/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Sexy delicious blend. Classy style. Drink or hold.

If blind i'd call Bordeaux.
Femenine nose of black fruit, menthol, tea leaf, and red brick.

Texture is the selling point here. very integrated, even on opening. Velvety fine tannins with enough structural grip on the finish. Restrained oak adds polish and dust while letting the perfumey dark fruit and powerful minearlity shine.

more notes of blackberry preserves and black cherry pie. A faint touch of plummy acid shows off the merlot but this is no lightweight. Wet cement and baking chocolate are distinctly cabernet.
Ashy-Volcanic minerality gives this the perfect savory edge to balance the ripe fruit.

really impressed by this for Avennia's entry level Bordeaux Blend.

7/12/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Such a crowd pleaser.

no oak, but full malo. Medium bodied with juicy acid but a creamy and polished texture. Ripe pear and crisp apple fruit with a dash of tropical tangerine. Malo adds some richness but a a flinty-smoke mineral note adds a savory nuance without the use of oak.

really well made and a great QPR.

7/10/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

good rosso

medium bodied, good acid and tannic structure but drinking now.

nose and palate of tangy black cherry and blueberry fruit. ginger, mint leaf, and cool herbs. oak is obvious(slovanian and french?) and adds a chocolately richness.

well made but not the best complexity or value. still has good regional character.

6/27/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Had one funky corked bottle but this one's a hit.

perfurmed, complex, and characteristic Syrah.

full bodied with a soft texture and very dusty tannins(unfined/unfiltered + french oak)

notes of creamy milk chocolate, violets, fennil sausage, blueberry and french oak. low acid, low tannin, but not overripe or unblanced.

very integrated structure at an early stage. good for short term cellaring.

6/27/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Delicious, polished, balanced.

fuller bodied with a soft sexy texture and just enough acid.

notes of creamy orange blossom, ripe peach, meyer lemon, and a very balanced oak presence. The richness of the lees is prominent and adds complexity. long mineral finish that cuts through the oak and rich fruit. super harmonious and well made wine.

6/20/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Clean bright and distinctly burgundy.

nose of brambly strawberry, tart cherry and raspberry. sweet incense, rose petal and a touch of game.

Matching light bodied palate with fresh but not racy acidity. Very Clean and mineral driven. 50% of the wine was aged in large used oak which adds texture, polish, and a faint whiff of spice but never overwhelms the fruit.

well made, textbook cru Beaujolais.

6/15/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

This caught me by surprise.

Full body, cool and fresh acid, and classy structure.

nose brambly blackberry and cassis with some cool menthol and ash.

palate of wild blackberries, black plum, and fig. just ripe enough but not sappy or flabby. There is a striking graphite/ashy mineral note that can't get enough of. A dash of red pepper flake and hot abv but i see this improving with age.

tannins are very firm and young with plenty of grip.
big potential if this softens a little with time.

6/9/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

super polished and expressive for the price point.

surprisingly creamy and satiny texture for having no oak.

nose and palate of candied blue fruit, sweet licorice, and a vibrant dried herb cornicopia. a brighter tart strawberry and citrus peel note shows on the tail end. acid is low and tannins are approachable finish is a little grippy and short but this really overdelivers at the price.

Drink now-2017

6/7/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

KPF sample.

Nice dry and tropical SA chenin.

Medium-full bodied. silky texture with a touch of creamy oak.

nose and palate of ripe pear, green banana, white peach and a a whiff of cotton candy. acid is crisp but not prickly. the 15% oak aging adds some richness but is very complementary and not obtrusive.

very solid and balanced.

6/7/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

88-89

leftover mondovino sample i think.

restrained medium body, slightly sharp acidity but great minerality and integrated oak influence.

juicy texture without too much dusty grit but plenty of grip. tangy black cherry and sugar plum fruit. distinct graphite and ash minerality with added coconut shavings and cocoa powder from the french and american oak.

the description sounds rich but all things considered this is a more old school and reserved reserva in my book. well made but needs a bit of time to settle perhaps.

6/1/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Great Tavel. Masculine style, solid ripeness, and a savory edge.

Full bodied rose (14.5abv) with medium acidity and a polished texture.

Concentrated spicy red berry notes lead the way. Ripe fruit notes of cherry steeped liqueur + pie filling with some tart strawberry and red currant to balance. There are some savory tannins midpalate complemented by aromas of garrigue, almond, and rhubarb. Finish is clean, dry, and mineral with grippy apple peel tannins.

Absolutely a rose for red wine drinkers. lower acid, ripe red fruit, and some rustic nuance. I imagine this is great with grilled meats.

5/26/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

90-91

Everything i look for in a Toro at this price point. Big oak presence and chewy extracted dark fruit without seeming one dimensional.

the lengthy american oak aging is obvious on the nose with coconut, vanilla and dill aromas. Fleshy full body with dusty tannins and integrated structure. More oak on the palate but the ripe black cherry, smoked meat, and savory spice flavors shine through.

Certainly an opulent style but the tannins, acid, and alcohol are all in sync. I like this alot.

5/26/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

medium body, crisp acid, but a soft texture overall. primary notes of green apple, pink grapefruit, a whiff of tropical ripeness with a clean minerality and something saline on the tail end. Very Polished. Refreshing but no hard edges or jarring acid.

5/26/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

sample bottle from Kysela

2013 Segries Lirac Cuvee Reservee
I loved the '10 and '11 and this did not disappoint. I've read '13 was a hit or miss year for S. Rhone but i've enjoyed most i've tried (ie. colline st. jean.)
Candied blue and black fruit lead the way with a whiff of licorice and sticky tannins. Despite the rich fruit, this seems cleaner and less oak heavy than the '11. Fresh garrigue, sweet spice, black pepper, and something mineral balance the big fruit and the alcohol stays in check. This is a total crowd pleaser and the new embossing makes for a sharper package. thumbs up.

5/26/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

I've had the past several vintages of this and while it isn't my favorite Montebuena, it works out for the price point. I recall you saying this was a barrel sample? Young and bright and structured for immediate drinking. Ripe cherry and strawberry fruit upfront but a hollow finish. Juicy acid but the tannins are a bit green. Not very old world or complex but an affordable fruit driven cuvvee from a difficult vintage.

5/9/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

90-91

super bright, fresh, and clean, but with loads of old world syrah character.

light bodied for northern rhone. minimal oak presence.
Zippy acid but not jarring. Drinking beautifully right now. light grippy tannins.

nose of dominated by fresh herb and black pepper with underlying young wildberries. There is definitely some brett character but it's complementary and doesn't overwhelm the fruit or minerality.

palate shows better fruit and minerality than the nose. Lovely terracotta, slate, and tangy grapefruit notes remind me of a cru beajelais but the savory smoked meat, black pepper, and indian spices make this definitively syrah. Fruit is mostly cranberry and tart raspberry. i wish there was a little more depth here but this is a small complaint.

i could keep rattling off adjectives but the bottom line is this is a light and fresh but overtly complex syrah for early drinking. quaffable structure with superb minerality and varietal character.

5/8/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Love it just as much as the '14

ripe, super fruity, and a dash of RS.

fuller bodied and lush texture with refreshing but balanced acid.

nose and palate of candied melon, ripe strawberry, cinnamon apple, cotton candy, and tangy green herbs. Great depth and concentration for the under $15 price.

the dash of sweetness softens the wine but isn't cheap or cloying.

5/8/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

My first norton. No real reference point but this certainly is interesting.

Deep inky color. medium bodied and a little hollow upfront except for some obvious oak. midpalate is full of candied blue and blackberry, cream corn, and some gamey/earth characteristics. think horsehair, sweat, and even a little concord grape.

the texture is what really sticks out. super soft and creamy but not jammy or flabby. Starts off juicy and light but finishes long and oily.

overall this is a quaffable black fruit and driven wine for immediate consumption at a fair (~$15) price point. that being said there's something, "different" here that i cant put my finger on. definitely want to try more Norton.

5/8/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

88-89 floral, tropical, and great QPR Summer White.

aggressive acid on opening, improves with air.
medium body, crisp spritzy acid, and good length.

Matching nose and palate of fresh peach, tangerine, green banana and lychee balanced by sharper lemon/lime citrus. intermixed are super fresh floral aromas but nothing grassy or too green. a dash of honeysuckle on the finish adds an impression of sweetness but this is almost bone dry. Clean minerality ties everything together.

not overly complex but a super fun, refreshing, and decently balanced white blend for hot weather.

5/3/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

89-90
killer monastrell. Big but not clumsy. opulent, but interesting. . Highlights the varietals big fruit, affinity for oak, and savory undertones.

Full bodied, just enough acid, and chewy tannins with some nice grip.

matching nose and palate of ripe black plum fruit, blackberry cordial, and curants. A tangy blood orange and candied ginger midpalate note lifts up the ripe dark berry aromas. The oak is supportive but not dominating and adds an integrated coffee bean/mocha note that adds even more interest. A cool medicinal herb and almost volcanic mineral note on the long finish wraps everything together.

definitely try this.

5/2/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

85-86
for $11 on sale i can't complain but this wasn't really my style. the barrique influence overpowered any varietal character.

My first full bottle Gagioppo but i couldn't get much of a sense of the grape.
medium body, nice fresh acid, and a some tannic grip despite the juicy entry.

the nose and palate are dominated by toasty French oak. Ripe cherry fruit with a bit of cola, green herb, and saline minerality but the bready oak masks any real nuance.

that being said, the wine shows good ripeness and nice acidity, but there was nothing unique here for me. Not unpleasant but uninteresting.

5/2/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Al nailed it.

smokey and mineral but great acid and clean structure.

black cherry and cranberry fruit, medicinal leafy herbs, nice grip and a cool volcanic minerality throughout.

5/1/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

88-89 paid $15. pretty damn good for a widely available syrah blend.

Definitely heavy with the french oak but the varietals show through.

full bodied, just enough acid, and ripe sticky tannins. Good finish, integrated alcahol, and above average complexity.

Nose and palate of sweet blackberry and black raspberry. candied cherry and cough drop. pronounced chocolate, pastry, and mocha notes from the french oak but a tangy green herb/garrigue aroma peeks through from the dash of viognier and grenache. Faint whiff of cured meats, and a bright orange rind on the long dusty finish.

new world no doubt but well made and crowd pleasing for $15. another hit from AVV.

5/1/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

87-88
Well made and supple but not the best QPR.

Full bodied, fruit driven, with a soft structure and balanced savory edge.

on opening, the wine is muted and covered with fruit and oak but lacking tannin and secondary notes. with air the wine actually gets more tannic and much more well rounded.

nose of and palate show ripe but cool dark fruit upfront. mostly black cherry and blueberry. tannins range from sticky to leathery with a savory aromas of sandalwood, leather, salty meats and smoke. finishes a little short.

the flavor profile would be great for grilled meats but there are so many malbecs at this price point, it's hard to get super excited about this one. The wine could use more structure and depth, but it's not over oaked or menacingly extracted.

5/1/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

One of the more interesting roses under $20 i've had this season. Spicy, floral, but plenty of ripe fruit. Very characteristic of Cab Franc.

medium body, zippy acid, and a long floral/spice finish. a little severe on opening but the fruit ripens with just a bit of air.

Ripe and brambly strawberry, red currant, and melon on the tip of the tongue. Loads of white pepper, spring flowers, green herbs, and flinty minerality midpalate that carries through the long finish.

the style isn't for everyone, but if you like Chinon, you'll dig this chinon rose.

5/1/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

87-88 Good rose for under $15!

light/medium body, fresh but not sharp acid, in a fruit/mineral style!

nose and palate of fresh strawberry, ripe orange, a bit of tart raspberry and a clean watermelon finish with spring water minerality. Not much herb/spice aromas but simple and well made.

4/25/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

87-88 WSET Tasting practice at home. not my usual format.

the wine is clear with a medium+ ruby core leading to pale ruby with a white rim. fast moving legs and tears. no other observations.

the nose is medium intensity with youthful aromas of strawberry, raspberry and red currant fruit. medium intensity aromas of sweet spices and spring flowers and new, possibly american oak. think vanilla, coconut, allspice.

the wine is dry with a medium acidity and medium- tannins. the alcahol is medium but still integrating. the wine is fruit forward with red berry primary notes and matches the nose. the texture is juicy and supple and shows a modest oak presence. the wine is developed but with potential for short term aging. the wine is medium priced.

overall, this is a solid crianza in a crowd pleasing style. not overripe or extracted but still plenty of fruit and oak. drink now-2018

4/25/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

WSET home tasting practice. Not my usual format.

the wine is clear with a purple core and garnet rim with medium+ intensity. average tears. no other observations.

the nose shows medium- intensity with savory animal aromas of smoked meats and game, with added herbal menthol and mint aromas. Some cooked black fruit and burnt rubber minerality.

the wine is dry with medium- acid and medium grippy tannins. alcahol is medium plus and the wine has a medium+ body. Medium intensity palate with flavors of cooked black plum, raisin, and bitter green herbs. Prounouced savory flavors of game and smoke.

The creamy texture and integrated oak suggest this wine is fully developed with little potential for long term aging but is not past its prime. the wine is moderately priced but shows minimal varietal character and nuance. overall the wine fruit seems a bit muted and possibly overripe due to the cooked fruit character. Not offensive but not something i'd return to. Drink now.

4/24/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

WSET practice note.

deep purple with a ruby rim. slow legs and tears noted.

the nose is clean with medium+ intensity with strong french oak aromas. intense black primary fruit of blackberry and black cherry. medium intensity kernal aromas of coffee bean and black chocolate from the french oak. Hints of smokey minerals and cured meats.

on the palate, the wine is dry with medium- acidity, medium tannins, and medium+ alchahol. the full bodied wine shows a silky texture with fine grained tannins and generous oak characteristics. Pronounced black priimary fruit ranging from ripe black cherry to cooked blackberry and plum. medium smoked meat notes and rich coffee bean and chocolate notes linger on the lone finish. there is an underlying stoney minerality but this is very big and new world style wine. The wine is developing but the acid and tannisn are well integrated on the long finish. the alcahol shows a bit of heat on opening.

overall the wine is fruit driven and oaky but with good complexity. For fans of big Parker reds, this will be a hit. More satisfying and dense than many other highly rated mencias i've tasted. thumbs up!

4/20/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

Big burly California Blend with Syrah and P. Sirah coming through strongest on the palate.

full bodied, softer acid, and chewey dusty tannins.
matching nose and palate of ripe blue and blackberry, cherry pie filling from the zin, sweet smoke, and lots of new oak influence. Think cream, sweet spices and a whiff of vanilla. a whiff of medicinal herbs but this is a black fruit/oak driven wine.

opulent crowd pleaser but unique or an exceptional value

4/17/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

New world style rioja with dominating oak preserce but enjoyable fruit and depth for the price point.

Nose of red currant and cherry pie fruit with obvious American oak and a whiff on menthol on the tail end.

Palate matches with a creamy full body, low acid, medium grippy tannins but gobs of oak. American shows more than french with coconut, vanilla, dill and cream. Rich Cocoa and cinnamon notes from the French oak peak through aswell. More dark fruit on the palate than nose with added blackberry even a whiff of prune juice.

dense and a little flabby but certainly a crowd pleaser for fans of the style. Don't let the parker press get your hopes up too much.

4/17/2016 - Merky_Waters wrote:

not bad but nowhere near the fantastic 2013. From what i understand '14 was a difficult Dolcetto vintage and it shows.

young and fresh nose with tart cherry and cranberry with sweet spices, flowers, but definitely a little underripe. tomato leaf?

compared to the '13 the palate is thin and a little jarring. more acid and underripe tannins with sour cherry and blueberry fruit. Apple peel, fresh herb and stony mineral notes add some nuance but this is a little hollow for the price point.

4/10/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Elegant and old school but approachable now for the price!

Transparent color with lighter body and youthful acid. Has some young and grippy nebbiolo tannins but nothing jarring for drinking in 2016.

nose of ripe strawberry, tart cherry, new leather, old fashioned candy and a very floral aroma profile.

matching red berry palate with added sweet licorice, crushed stone minearlity, and more obvious flower and herb character. think fresh violets and a whiff of rosemary. The young tannins accentuate a bitter and tangy game note but it's complementary if anything. No new oak presence.

delicate and complex with enough tannin to stand up to richer dishes. Great nebbiolo for the cost! (~$36) Drink now-2022.

4/7/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Bright and spicy style made for drinking young.

medium bodied with puckering acid and young but approachable tannin.

Red fruit driven with zippy raspberry, tart cherry and cranberry upfront. More earthy and savory on the nose than palate but balsamic, tobacco, and a whiff of tangy barnyard complement the young fruit. Black pepper, clove, and orange peel notes round out the short but clean finish.

Simple but shows great regional and varietal character. Screw cap, loud label, and zippy fruit make this a great picnic or party wine.

4/5/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

88-89 big, ripe, and fun. great party wine.

I loved the 2014 and certainly enjoyed the '15.

Electric pink color. Fleshy texture and near effervescent acidity.
Punchy and red fruit driven with mouth coating candied watermelon, tart cherry, and ripe strawberry. a whiff of green herbs but this is all about the red berry notes.

Still in an off dry style but not as much RS as the '14. I did get a bit of alcohol heat on the finish.

This is a crowd pleasing and opulent style rose with a dash of sweetness but i still think i preferred the slightly riper '14. That being said, i will continue to take this to parties as long as it is available.

4/4/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

Drank at the Prime Rib for the staff dinner.

This really impressed me once it opened up.

Ripe and full bodied for a 2011 and for a Cab Franc dominant blend.

Polished texture with fine tannins. Tannins were little jarring on opening but really softened and the fruit bloomed after an hour in the glass. Luscious dark fruit on the palate. Inky blackberry, cassis, charred oak, dark chocolate and almost volcanic minerality. There was a pretty floral note of violets and green herbs that backed up the big fruit and oak.

3/30/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

I have to agree with Parker on this one, this is a fantastic value and example of Alexander Valley Cabernet from the '13 Vintage. Defintely picking up a few cases for the store and might even get one for myself!

tasted from sample bottle.

Opulent and fuller bodied than other AV offerings at this price point. Rich chocolatey oak, super dusty tannins and gobs of ripe black fruit, cassis, and dark cherry. Cedar, cool earth and a whiff of graphite add interest.

The oak is big right now but the acid and tannin are approachable. I think this is perfect for short-medium cellaring.

3/28/2016 - Merky_Waters Likes this wine:

wayward wine was spot on.

lean, but quaffable cab franc with enough ripeness and interest but nothing too complex.

medium body with a light juicy structure. good acid, and minimal tannins midpalate but a young bitter tannin comes through on the finish.

bright boysenberry and cherry juice, coffee bean, red apple skin, pink grapefruit and a stoney minerality. some white pepper but by no means green or stemmy.

drink this cool with lighter fare. i would argue this is a little "hollow" compared to other cool climate cab francs but it's great for springtime.