2/19/2010 - tcklord wrote:

On a pop in pour, not really any heat, nose is great very fruity and flowery, love the nose. It is dark ruby red with purple on the edges. Taste initially a bit of blueberries and dark fruit, not a lot of tannins but has some acidity midway through that would pair better with food then by itself.

12/24/2009 - tcklord wrote:

Would agree with what many others stated. It is a bit hot and should improve after at least a year in the bottle. So I'm going to let mine sit until next year before I drink another one.

12/10/2009 - tcklord wrote:

First off purchased this because it had Nebbiolo and was not too expensive. Nebbiolo 41% Barbera 32% Merlot 27%. Deep red in color. After a pop and pour into my glass get a little alcohol heat and dark black cherries, raspberries and maybe a bit of dark chocolate on the nose. Taste is dark fruits. It has pretty high acidity and would pair well with red sauces and red meat or spicy food. Some tannins at the back but still retains a lot of fruit. In the mouth very fruity, tail end is slight tannin that quickly fades away.

After Decanting for 30 Mins:
Alcohol heat is gone. Nose is mostly crushed Raspberries. Taste Smooth and fruity but still more thin than I would have liked. Great with food to counter acidity, only so so by itself.

After Decanting 60 Mins:
About the same as after 30. I will update on second day.

3/26/2009 - tcklord wrote:

This is getting better as it ages more. Flavors of dark cherries and currant. Pretty tannic even after an hour in the decanter but paired wonderfully with some tbone steaks. I'm glad I still have some bottles left.

2/28/2009 - tcklord wrote:

Very dark purple almost looked like Welches grape juice in the glass however it was a bit more syrupy. Color would stain the glass and decanter for several seconds after a pour. Was a favorite of the night that was complex. Would definitely recommend.

2/9/2009 - tcklord wrote:

Opened dumped into the decanter for about 5 minutes and poured in the glass. A dark purple with some setiment when put into the glass. Taste was not overly complex but a decent wine that shows the standard characteristics of a shiraz/syrah. A little spicyness and mild tannins, not at all hot. I drank it with spaghetti so it did not seem overly tart but probably could have benefited from more time in the decanter.

8/21/2008 - tcklord wrote:

It was awhile ago that I drank this at a Minnesota Wine Woot get together, but I remember it was one of the best bottles of the night. Smooth well rounded not overwhelmed with tannins, needs some decanter time but after that it is great.

5/9/2008 - tcklord wrote:

I drank this a few days ago and should have posted then, so I'm not going to post specifics but it was one of the better Merlot's I have ever had and was well worth the purchase. The two others I drank it with also said it complemented our meal and was very good. The tannins were quite low leaving a very smooth finish that others who do not drink a lot of tannic wine will enjoy. I also tried it with some of the Madagascar Amano chocolate and it paired really well.

1/13/2008 - tcklord wrote:

Straight out of the bottle it had a nose of cinnamon, taste was sweet inital apple and more honey on the tail end. Can taste both the Apple and the Honey as two distinct flavors. Little to no lingering aftertaste. As it opened up more in the glass and warmed up it took on an almost red hot type nose, but it was not evident in the taste. Pairs well with slices of fresh apple to further compare and contrast it's own fruity flavors.

1/13/2008 - tcklord wrote:

Was a great bottle of wine, Smooth on the palate, not overly oaky or a fruit bomb. Was the best wine consumed of 12 at the tasting event.

12/10/2007 - tcklord wrote:

First taste after opening the bottle, was a little harsh and disappointing, I knew it needed more time to breath. Second glass after letting it breath in the bottle for about 45 minutes was a great improvement. Strong initial mouthfeel with strong cherry, hints of leather, and plum, aftertaste is dry but satisfying makes you want to drink more.