3/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Serviceable Pinot Grigio with soft notes of pear and flint on the nose, and a pleasantly citrus palate with undertones of pear, peach, and a refreshing mineral finish. After a few sips, started to notice a slight funk in its taste, may be starting to turn so definitely suggest to drink this one soon.

3/6/2024 - crinklycuteKai Does not like this wine:

Not great. Flavors are starting to fade and leave an unpleasant funk in the aftertaste. I would only drink it with food, as it can't hold it's own anymore.

3/2/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Upon opening: decadent nose of applewood smoke, flavors are muted so definitely needs a short aeration period. After 30 minutes, the palate has opened up to display intense savory notes of smoked bacon, cured meats, and red berries; followed by a peppery, woody finish. While firm bodied, it feels just a tad bit watered down, so it may be starting to fade. Definitely enjoy soon, impressive value for the price point.

2/27/2024 - crinklycuteKai wrote:

Nose is nutty, slightly doughy. Palate is quite acidic, notes of almonds, red cherry. Overwhelmingly tannic. Slightly earthy, unfortunately weak on fruit. Aftertaste of unripe grapes. Definitely needs to be drunk soon, as it is on a fast decline typical of an inexpensive BDX blend.

2/23/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Decant for 30 minutes, though it definitely will do great as a slow sipping wine without decanting. Acidic nose of raspberry, unripe grapes and alcohol. Palate is dominated by firm notes of red berries, grape must, and toasted tobacco. Soft tannic structure that makes this red feel a bit thin, short and satisfying vegetal finish. If you have it, drink it soon, as it seems to be slightly past its peak. Nevertheless, it is still thoroughly enjoyable.

1/21/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Simple, enjoyable table wine. Needs at least an hour of decanting or it will be bitter enough to be unapproachable. Afterwards, nose develops into a sweet scent of fresh red grapes. Strong notes of dark chocolate and bunch grapes in the palate, while good, it is a bit one-dimensional as it does not evolve beyond the initial impression. Finishes short, with a light tannic structure overpowered by the enduring bitterness of the primary notes. Aftertaste is mellow, sweet grape must.

1/20/2024 - crinklycuteKai wrote:

Way past gone. Tried it to see if it was salvageable, tasted like feta cheese.

1/15/2024 - crinklycuteKai wrote:

Nose: fruity, jammy, red berries with light alcoholic notes. Palate is jammy, slightly overpowering though not to the point of being acrid. Simple but fairly pleasant notes of red berries. Finish is short, a bit synthetic, with an aftertaste like red licorice candy. It is just okay, a common, drinkable Pinot Noir that'll do just fine for a casual meal.

1/15/2024 - crinklycuteKai Does not like this wine:

A sugar bomb. Nothing more, nothing less. Not a fan

1/11/2024 - crinklycuteKai Does not like this wine:

Tastes like a weak Chard, really not much like a Viognier at all. Sickly, synthetic buttery flavor and mouthfeel, sour finish. Drinkable, but not recommendable.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Much more tame than the 2020, sweeter and softer mouthfeel and strong tannic structure. Red berries and mild chocolate in the palate, astringent finish of dried grape must, kind of like an Apassimento blend.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Light-bodied, but powerful. Delightful, soft nose of grape juice and red berries, initial palate is savory, almost bloody at open, but as it aerates it starts to develop into a bitter dark chocolate palate, followed by vanilla and leathery notes that finish into a fruity aftertaste of red grape must and a subtle flavor of raspberry. Definitely a sipping wine, as it develops into complex flavors after pouring.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Strong, full bodied, intense from nose to tail, strong red grape and blackberry notes, bookended by blackcurrant and charcoal char. Perhaps a bit too young right now, as it feels a little overpowering.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Very sharp and rough at open, let breathe for at least half an hour then pour and sip slowly. Medium-bodied, offers lots of fruit, but not a fruit bomb: plenty of red fruit; grape, cherry notes that converge with a light sourness as of unripe fruit, strong tannic structure, lingering aftertaste of blackcurrant and grape must

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Strong raspberry notes on the nose, almost jammy with a hint of spice. Initial palate is acidic, savory, though it quickly gives way to deep, satisfying notes of ripe grape must, fresh raspberries.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

One word: smoky. Tastes and smells like a fresh, delicious smoked beef brisket, and drinks very smooth. I genuinely can't explain it, it's savory, spicy, gives you a little burn on your throat going down, doesn't taste like any other wine I've ever had and I absolutely love it.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Jasmine tea and peach on the nose, as well as a light mineral tinge. Palate is of strong citrus: lemon and orange notes at the forefront, soft mineral note of flint and sweet soursop in the aftertaste. Quite enjoyable, though it finishes a bit short, and flavors seem a bit muffled at times.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Nose is very boozy: slight notes of spiced rum surround an intense red cherry scent. Could probably open a bottle just to enjoy the scent, mouthwatering falls short of describing it. Strong tannins from the first sip, ardent notes of blackberry, smoke, and rum cherry dominate the palate, aftertaste is slightly vegetal, almost of a bite of a fresh grape, and emphasizes a very firm tannic structure.

1/9/2024 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Light, inviting nose of chocolate, raspberry, and spice. Let rest for at least an hour after opening. Strong, slightly bitter blackberry notes dominate the palate in this claret. Despite this, it feels a lot lighter bodied than most Bordeaux reds I've tried. Notes of tobacco and mint help balance the fruit forward nature of this wine. Finishes a little short, a little bitter and vegetal, almost like unripe red grapes. Quite a nice inexpensive Bordeaux.

11/8/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Not memorable, but fairly enjoyable nonetheless. Fruity, notes of red grapes, blackberry, and strawberry, with a faint taste of olives in the finish. Fairly strong tannins, though a slightly short finish. Overall, a tasty, agreeable, if only slightly common everyday red.

10/14/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Very pleasant nose, strong yeasty grape juice notes. Let it aerate for an hour, as it will be very sharp at open. Initial palate features strong notes of blackberries and unripe red grapes, which quickly give way to a slightly overwhelming bitterness reminiscent of a dark roasted coffee beans, finishes with moderate tannins and a faint note of vanilla bean. Sudden bitter flavor throws this wine slightly off-balance, and it finishes a bit short. Not quite a fruit bomb, but really strong in those initial fruit flavors, and would perhaps be best enjoyed by itself. Overall, a really good everyday table wine, though perhaps a tad overpriced.

10/14/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Nose and palate have an almost artificial berry flavor. Not a lot of depth or complexity, drinkable, but not too interesting.

9/11/2023 - crinklycuteKai Does not like this wine:

Very dry, quite sour, initially very refreshing, but after sitting in the glass for 5 minutes it developed a weird funk of overfermented fruit. Not the best.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Begins as unripe red cherry at open, lots of sediment and bitterness demand decanting and aeration, almost evolves as if maturing of the fruit, turning into red cherries juxtaposed against the brief acidity and complexity of green olives and young tobacco leaves. Finishes with fairly strong tannins, which don't linger but stay for just long enough to demand another sip.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Nose of licorice candy and chocolate. Palate consists almost entirely of sweet red cherry and red licorice, alongside a subtle progression of fruit notes from sweet bunch red grapes to strawberry, finishes decadently into bitter dark chocolate and red licorice which accompany a short tannic mouthfeel at the tail end of the tasting. Definitely a lot fruitier and more mellow than I would expect for an Argentinian Malbec, but it is still pretty good

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Full-bodied, strong, bouquet has notes of black cherry and tobacco, definitely on the better side for a budget Bordeaux.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Smooth, very fruity though not a sweet bomb. Strong notes of sweet red cherry, dark berries and licorice. Do not decant, as it develops in the glass into unripe bitterness, adding strength to balance out the fruitiness. Aftertaste is of red licorice and sweet grape must, and lingers for a while. Much less tannic than any Sangiovese blend I've had before, but brilliant as a casual, easy drinking red for a nice dinner at home

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Very fruity from start to finish. Medium-bodied bouquet of red cherry and cranberry, finishes with a hint of olive acidity and sweet vanilla bean, which preface a strong hit of bitterness, aged leather and tobacco with a bit of spice.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Intense citrus, orange and grapefruit notes which brings lots of acidity. Every sip helps cleanse the palate and is very refreshing. Acidity is countered by light mineral notes.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Really crisp, tasty rosé. Scent and major notes of citrus: orange and grapefruit in the bouquet, with soft peach notes and clean mineral finish.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Unusual, to say the least. Nose of rubbing alcohol. My introduction to this varietal, it has a predominant flavor of banana bread, which becomes more prominent as it sits in the glass. Along with it, softer notes of strawberry and white chocolate, with a little acidity at the start. Closes out with soft tannins and light astringency. Bottle had a significant amount of tartrate crystals at the bottom. Tasty, easy drinking, would love to revisit.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Needs some time to aerate, decanting is a must. Nose is slightly funky, initial palate is a lot fruitier than expected, with red cherries dominant throughout tasting, with a soft bitterness (dark chocolate?) as a preface to a light, pleasant aftertaste of vanilla bean and light cream, followed by unexpectedly light tannins. Definitely on the much more mellow side for a Cab Sauv, though not to its detriment as it is still quite good.

9/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Strong nose of licorice, blackcurrant, and grape must. Firm strawberry notes in its initial palate, exceedingly dry and tannic, probably the most astringent wine I've had, faint citrus note, softens into a lingering aftertaste of sweet grape must and fading tannins. Definitely unique, but delicious all the same.

9/9/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Very similar to a Spanish Tempranillo. Very strong, strong acidity, very savory, dare to say almost "bloody" at times, but overarching flavors are of fresh red grapes and red cherry. Aftertaste of red grape skin, sweet grape must and bitter dark chocolate. Very enjoyable with any red meats, light enough to be enjoyed with something like a mid-rare burger.

9/7/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Very complex, opens with a strong note of ripe red grapes, alongside black cherry and black pepper. Strong finish of oak and smoke, fades well into an almost spicy, bitter finish. Delightful with steak, has decent potential to be aged for a couple more years

8/30/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Give it time to open up, at least an hour, then sip through as flavors develop. Starts with a strong smoky flavor, almost like jamon serrano, but as it aerates it breaks down into softer, slightly more bitter notes of raspberry, vanilla bean, and light chocolate bitterness. Very astringent, aftertaste lingers for a while and ends on a herbal note, of very light mint and basil. Lots of sediment, so decanting is a must. Delicious

8/30/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Strong nose of sweet grape must, benefits from at least 1-2 hours of decanting to tame its acidity and bitterness, and really flesh out the full fruit notes. Initial palate is solid, expressing flavors of blackcherry, red grape, with medium tannins followed by a firm, yet subtle aftertaste of oak and tobacco. Really good and awesome pairing with beef.

8/30/2023 - crinklycuteKai Does not like this wine:

Tastes like gasoline. Enough said. Good to run in any Ford engine.

8/30/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Nose and initial palate of red grapes and blackcurrant. firm note of unripe red cherry that covers the palate with a soft sweetness at start, but becomes more bitter as it develops. Starts fruity, transitions into an almost savory tinge. Strong tannins show in a fairly astringent mouthfeel, with an intensely alcoholic finish with undertones of sweet cream

8/30/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Very fruity from the start, red cherry, bitter notes of dark chocolate, vanilla bean on the aftertaste as well as unripe apple. Good, though a bit too sweet for a Cab Sauv.

8/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai wrote:

Drinkable. Nose is actually quite enticing, with hints of spice and grape must. Initial palate is okay, almost like a savory cab.sauv. Light notes of red grapes, pepper, and oak. Has this weird, diesel-like aftertaste that I cannot get over, and it only gets stronger as it sits in the glass. Overall, bouquet is not strong enough to overcome the odd aftertaste, and I would probably not buy again.

8/7/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Dry, but fruity and feels a lot fuller than most rosé I've had. Strong notes of cherry and strawberry throughout the nose and the palate, with a lingering aftertaste of soursop. At open, there is a bit of a sulfur taste in the tail end of each sip, but a little aeration turns that into pleasant minerality. It is full enough to pair excellently with heavier pasta dishes and cream based sauces, but it is also really good on its own!

8/7/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Quite pleasant, nothing special, but fairly serviceable. Strong mineral notes all throughout the nose and palate, balanced by a strong citrus flavor that dominates the bouquet with a wide offering of summer citric fruits and bright summer flowers. In the aftertaste, the mineral notes that have predominated all throughout, seem to merge with the fruit and create a strong, yet elegant lingering note of soursop. Great to pair with a vegetable tray, and vegan dishes if you swing that way

8/5/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Lots of citrus, light notes of melon and honeydew, mostly overshadowed by strong acidity and citric sourness in the shape of a strong lemon taste, almost like fresh lemon juice. Finishes clean, fresh, but very briefly, leaving behind a soft note of honeydew and pear

7/26/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Really clean, crisp Sauv Blanc with greater depth of flavors and aromas than I was expecting, being one of the most complex examples of this varietal that I've tried. Nose is dominated by a combination of orange blossom and white flower scents, its palate is firmly and consistently citric, with strong acidity and fresh notes of orange juice, orange zest, and brief undertones of pear nectar. Lingering, strong, pleasant aftertaste that brings that sweeter pear note to the forefront along with a cleansing mineral taste and mouthfeel. Remarkably refreshing, pairs well with lighter soups and raw salads.

7/22/2023 - crinklycuteKai Does not like this wine:

Generic, borderline insipid. Not a lot of fruit nor flower, dominated by a nondescript, almost synthetic acidity. Not recommended.

7/22/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Fruity, fresh and overall delightful. Nose is slightly acidic, with a light scent of melon. Dry but fruit-forward, delightful notes of fresh cantaloupe, papaya, and melon that combine with cleansing, refreshing minerality to create a solid palate that, although a bit short, still delivers a satisfying tasting. Despite this, it is not a fruit bomb, and serves well to cleanse the palate in between dishes or when paired with a well-spiced lean protein dish. Once again, delightful.

7/21/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Remarkably juicy and hearty for a Sauv Blanc! Strong acidity from nose to finish, wonderfully underscored by firm, harmonious notes of fresh honeydew and ripe melon, which linger all the way thru the long finish, and are accompanied by a slight note of peach nectar at the very end. Perfect compliment for fish dishes, particularly spicier recipes, as it cuts thru the spice quite enjoyable, and serves as a nice counterbalance to the intensity of these recipes.

7/18/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Very complex, very interesting young Shiraz. Nose has notes of vanilla, strawberry, and rubbing alcohol. Palate is full of blackberry, red berries, cardamom and black licorice. Strong tannic structure, which dominates an aftertaste also composed of savory spice, particularly black pepper. Really enjoyable, really comes into its own after aerating for 1-2 hours.

7/10/2023 - crinklycuteKai Likes this wine:

Another standout among extreme altitude Argentinian Malbecs, this is a much smoother, much more mellow example of the varietal. It exhibits an ample, complex palate that starts on a sharp note of red berries, particularly well-ripened raspberry, and smoke. No wood on this one, but it is not missed, as the subdued bitterness lets the fruit-forward character of this wine shine through all the way to its aftertaste. Silky mouthfeel, tannins are a lot milder than expected for a Malbec. Maybe not as well suited for red meats and "asados" as other examples of Argentinian Malbecs, but it is still an outstanding, remarkably deep experience that shines both on its own and when paired with food.