January 9, 2008 - Got this for under $10 at a local wine store. Is it a fruit bomb? Yes. Is it a great wine? No. Is it a palate pleasing, easy drinking everyday wine. ABSOLUTELY.
If it were a QPR, then I would give it a 88 or 89.
October 4, 2007 - Boom! Powerful fruit bomb. Not jammy, just lots of varied fruit up front. Slight chemical and metallic on finish. Drinkable enough, although I don't know if I'd pay the $14/bottle the shop was asking. 4th of 6 in flight. (83)
b's notes: fun, but nothing hugely special (82)
July 15, 2007 - Fairly substantial odors of plum and an earthy bitterness are not matched on the palate. Texture is smooth with few tannins, tastes are balanced but weak. Not a bad everyday wine, but fine for sipping alone in the evening, and, while not the best QPR, the price means I'd consider it again.
January 9, 2007 - Unremarkable, but very drinkable as a daily red. If I see it for $8, I'd buy again, but wouldn't pay more.
November 3, 2006 - Dull but not objectionable. This one is better than my last one, but two is enough. No repeats here.
October 20, 2006 - Decent quaffable red. Simple red fruits, no overbearing oak, and light tannins make for a nice everyday red. Great QPR.
October 14, 2006 - Drank over two evenings ... first evening didn't enjoy it. Was better on the second evening having been decanted. Probably will not buy again.
October 1, 2006 - Ok. Not as good as noted by others.
September 21, 2006 - A nice red. Good nose, some fruit forward and a hint of cocoa and cherry. Nice finish. A real deal at this price.
September 20, 2006 - Did not stand up well with pasta and chicken in tomato sauce. By itself, somewhat better. Dark red color, ok bouquet. On the palate, some nice fruit and good, spicy aftertaste. Might be a good value at $6 or so as a nice everyday drinker and with food that's not spicy.
On edit... tasted again next evening. Taste had deteriorated quite a bit. Had to reduce my rating. Won't buy again.