Significant decline from last bottle 17 months ago. From magnum. Still chewy with dense blueberry flavors, but has taken on an acidic, bitter, vinegar-y edge. Past its prime.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted from magnum. Tasted non blind as part of a vertical tasting.
Garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of dried herbs, black pepper and cassis. Flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and cassis. Tart acidity, medium tannin, medium body. Drink now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
From magnum. Was afraid that it might have been over its particular hill, but instead, it was gratifyingly rich, fruity, and plush, without jamminess For me, the texture stood out the most. Only started to decline on the third day open. A winner & super value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Just as it was a month ago when I wrote, “Sometimes something familar and comforting is the most satisfying. Bright with black cherry and blackberry, tobo, eucalyptus and black pepper and black olives. This QPR never fails to deliver far more than its price point would suggest in the hands of any other producer.” Loads of sediment. 14% alc. With assorted cheeses (Bleu de Basque and cambazola) crusty bread, and country ham. Recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Sometimes something familar and comforting is the most satisfying. Bright with black cherry and blackberry, tobo, eucalyptus and black pepper and black olives. This QPR never fails to deliver far more than its price point would suggest in the hands of any other producer. 14% alc. With assorted cheeses (Black Betty, Bleu de Basque and others) and crusty bread, black olives. Recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Old Reliable. Our last bottle. While most vintages of this CdR have been good weeknight values, the '11 was particularly enjoyable. Still fresh, with black and blue fruits and spicy elements. Throwing off some grit, and offering a shortened finish compared to when it was younger. Might last another year. But I'd drink 'em if you've got 'em. (= Worth Seeking Out)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is my third try on a third of fourth. And the there is an off "effervescence". A fizziness that conflicts with the wine. Could three out of four be bad? Or does the effervescent fizziness affect the bottles here. Any observations are appreciated. Oh these are 1.5 liter bottles from Garagiste.
Mmmmmmm......Still good, even tho the community seems to think this is past its prime. Still good fruit on the palate and a nice finish. Smooth as silk. Easy drinking and versatile.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
In a great place right now. Integrated red/purple fruits, a little spice and garrigue. Tasty and balanced. Perfect with grilled new yorks. Crowd pleaser but not in the modern/fruity overdone way. This is why good CDRs are the best red QPRs.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A lower bottling from a historically great winery. Fragrant berry fruits and Rhone garrigue harmonize on the nose. Med-light body typical of a Cotes-du-Rhone. Some sharp oak is noticed up front but ripe berry fruit coats your mouth and lingers. Solid tannins on the finish. For $14, this is a great wine, and it worked well as a starter. I'd recommend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Some unwelcome spritz upon opening that settled down within 20 minutes in the glass. Almost ink black with a fine necklace and a woodsy, floral bouquet once the funk blew off. Buckets of blackberries, black raspberries, dark currants and black plums on the palate that spill over into the finish, where it's joined by some tar and black licorice notes. For a humble CdR, this punches way above its class. I'd put this up against Syrah-based offerings that retail for three times the price. Splash decant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Just pulled, popped and poured as a quick relief hitter for a dinninr of sausages over polenta. This is just as it always is - satisfying. Showing well just now with pretty black fruits, good acidity and mellowing tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not a lot of depth but a drinkable wine that is simple. Others seem upset by it's lack of pretension but I found it enjoyable if not complex. Considering how inexpensive it is it met my expectations.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Strong effervescence that took hours to dissipate. Little if any nose. Weak fruit character. Still drinkable, if barely. Another polished Reamerman turd..
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
As solid as they come, especially at this sub-$15 price point. Decant or let it open in the glass. Ruby/purple/black with substantial legs. Whiffs of ripe black currants and raspberry jam that get amplified on the palate while adding black and yellow pit fruits. Black fruits and nuances of rosemary and thyme in the finish, along with some hillside brush notes. Always one of our favorite producers, especially at entry level offerings. Drink now through 2017. 89+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Big fan of cotes du Rhone and upon pouring into the glass through and aerator the color of the wine is a deep red. The nose is very light but pleasing with hints of oak, earth, and berries. On the palate the wine is very dry but lingers on the finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Excellent wine. Dark ruby-purple, nearly opaque. Lovely garrigue in the nose; textbook, classic. Same in the mouth. Medium bodied, quite delicious. Very fine, especially at the modest price. This is well made, for sure. 4-12-16-8: 90/100.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Color: deep purple. Nose: notes of flowers, plums, Asian spices. The wine has a luscious and bright fruit up front coming from an obvious amount of Grenache. A more brooding, earthy, and deep plumminess coming from southern Rhone and Vinsobres Syrah. There is a touch of white pepper as well. For a $12-15 bottle of wine, this is an excellent every day drinker that pairs with rich meat dishes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Rhone Valley red wines: St. Cosme (Houston, TX): Mold and earthy aromas on the nose, with flavors of blackberries and pepper salami on the palate. Good length and fresh tannins and very good QPR at $13. Excellent everyday food wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
After a trying 3.5 hour drive to avoid a fast approaching snow storm, the snow catches up with my car and me making for a slippery run that could have turned out much worse. The familiar and comforting profile of black cherry color with a nose of bright cherry and blackberry. Tobo and blackberry flavors with eucalyptus and balsamic fleshing out the profile. A finish of black pepper. Smooth, easy and relaxing. 14% alc. With sausage-mushroom ragout over gnocchi. 03.16.14. Recommended..
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Raven black out of the bottle with sensual legs hugging the glass. Has gained weight over the year since we last tasted this wine. Gritty and tannic upon first opening with a hint of Rhone funk. So buttoned up right now that it took a couple of pours through the Vinturi to open things up, revealing the classic Old World flavors that only the French can catch in a bottle. Seasoned blackberries, black currants, thyme and rosemary all framed by antique cedar notes and a whiff of moss and candle wax. Drinking well now (with decanting and time in the glass), but I'm thinking this has the bones to go 10 more years with some fun along the way -- even as a lower-end offering from St. Cosme.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Vin foncé et légèrement violacé. Nez sur les petits fruits, les épices, des arômes de viande et de fleurs. En bouche, c’est de la belle Syrah caressante sur le fruit, le poivre et viande rouge. Un délice, surtout pour le prix !
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Colour: Dark, garnet colour. Nose: Black fruit (blackberry, elderberries, dark cherry), spice, dried herbs, a bit of vanilla and laurel. Palate: Again dark fruit, tar and red meat. Very lush but the acidity keeps it all in balance.
Needs some time to open up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice, sharp acidity. Fresh, fruity. Reminds me of a Cru Beaujolais a bit, due to its acidity. A nice 'cocktail' wine or a great wine to pair with food. Will try to find more to buy!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really about as good of a under $15 bottle every vintage as it gets. Dark fruits, spices, earth and minerals. 100% Syrah as the rep told me and sourced from 2 different sites in the Rhone. Excellent for your non wine drinking friends.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is a fine bottle of easy drinking wine and certainly worth the cost. ($14) With that said, it's pretty unremarkable and simple too. Most pleasurable on the palate with some very pleasant red fruits, a touch of earthiness, and perhaps a bit of cola. A bit of evergreen or pine.
Texture felt flat. It's certainly very smooth, but there was not really enough acidity to brighten things up, nor is there any tannic structure to speak of.
In fact, the finish had the only real perceptible tannin. Also more of that red fruit and some metallic tastes.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
A terrific cotes du rhone and an absolute stud in the QPR department at $13.99/bottle. Cherry and blackberry coated in spice and rolled up in a bit of earth. In the end, I prefer the Les Deux Albions from Saint Cosme, but you really can't beat this gem on price.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Typical Southern Cotes du Rhone in many regards but with unusual and pretty powerful flavor... I could not believe - the most dominant component was sweet black current, similar to Napa's cabs, but there were also other fruits and berries, such as black cherry. Taste was harmonic, slightly sweet, meaty. Tannins were pleasant, but excessive; one or two more years would be surely helpful.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
14.0% - Clear, med to deep purple/ clean, med intensity - a mixture of juicy blackberries and red berries, smoky and toast, spices (light vanilla), dried herbs / dry, med- acidity, med+ body, med well integrated tannin, med intensity and length, linear and direct with intense juicy berries at first, leaving the palate with pistachio like note (quite the first time I get this one). Very nice Villages wine from this producer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Quite a QPR winner. Opens with notes of tar, plum, black cherry, garrigue, and exotic spices. Lush on the palate, with fine tannin and ample acidity. Flavors of meat, gravel dust, ripe black fruit, and more peppery spice all manifest. The finish is a bit brief but it ends cleanly.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
- Garnet color with medium forming legs. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Polished texture with a medium finish - Flavorful and complex. A bit earthy upon open, then fruit builds. Med finish and tsnnins. Went well with my steak. Red ripe fruit and lite cedar. Good body.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Côtes du Rhône at it's best. Dense, complex, meaty and ripe. Does not feel immature. Flavor is complex, overall dark fruits and oak. There are specifics in flavor, some kind of red fruit/berry fresh tone, but I did not put enough efforts to analyze it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I let this breathe for three hours in the glass. Garnet stone core to purple hued robe. Ebullient aromas of white pepper and bonfire smoke come out to greet me before my nose reaches the glass. There are grape and smoked venison scents in the glass. Energetic acidity and tartness upon entry. Primary flavors of blackberry juice, some gritty mid-palate charcoal with some graphite threading the finish. The finish is shortish on flavor, but there is a lingering acidic wash. Bright palate. Complex. I could see this improving and being better in 3-4 years. I expect this would pair well with some hearty comfort food. 88
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
PnV. Dense purple with violet to clear rim. Blackberry fig paste herbs and charcoal on the nose. Medium weight with pleasantly grippy tannins. Very ripe blackberry and smoky fig flavours with herbal notes for complexity and good acidity to keep it in balance. Another great vintage of this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
An interesting nose, full of wood and red licorice undertone. This is one you could smell for awhile. In the mouth it's dark, but goes down with ease while maintaining this jovial-fruit, care-free approach to the overall feel. Chewy, bright and warm. A great wine for the price. Worthy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I agree with the reviews by 'Sleepyhaus', 'Vinsant', 'San Diego Dago', 'Burgundybrooks', and 'Johndefi' on this wine. It represents all that is wrong with Old World producers making wine for the New World palate. Yuck!!!
Smells interesting, fruity, floral, and spicy, but it is a flabby, bitter, boring, hollow, train wreck on the palate with a non-existent finish. This does not need time, it needs to be put in a stew, or something. Really disappointing considering some of this producer's high-end wines. Stronger message to follow!
Don't age this, drink it now or cook with it. Try it with sweetish barbecue, that may help. Did I say Yuck!?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The first bottle of this I had, I poured out as flawed because of its obnoxious odor and taste. This bottle is not much better, although I wouldn't call it flawed or corked. At first taste, there is a nice mouth of jam, but it quickly gets totally muddled into who know what and finishes with mouth-drying tannins with an aftertaste that tells you to send it back...oh, wait, I got this from my own cellar. At least it didn't cost a lot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Terrific nose of black raspberry, tobacco, olive and manure. Palate shows unripe berry and a hint of tar up front, with olive and a bit of grip on the finish. Decent mouthfeel, and a bit more structured then a few months ago, but still not quite firing on all cylinders..
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Aromas of red and black plum, white pepper, crushed rocks and smoked meat. Absolutely beautiful on the nose, and it got more expressive with two hours of air. On the palate, this wine shows strong tannic backbone, balanced by acidic verve throughout. I love the mix of fruit flavors (black cherry, wild raspberry, plum skins) with the earthy and savory flavors of charred meat, white pepper, tobacco leaf, graphite and anise. The mineral components, the length of the finish and the overall complexity give this wine so much more than your basic Cotes-du-Rhone bottle. Unbelievable value at $12. Deserving of some age perhaps, because there's some serious flavor packed in here. I've heard this is 100% syrah, but I'm not 100% sure of that.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Colour: Deep dark purplish red. Nose: Apricot, dried plum, strawberry and blueberry. Hint of spice and cedar. Floral and fairly jammy nose overall. Palate: Medium to full bodied. Ripe Blackberry and licorice. Good balance and minerality. Nice smooth tannins and long finish.
Considering its price this is def good buy!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Much as it was two months ago with “Cranberry to cherry in color with a nose of bright cherry on the nose. Wonderful brightness with tobo and herbal elements.” There’s lots to love here. Seems to have already developed some black pepper quality to the finish. Yum. 14% alc. With a Byer’s Street Pizza of sausage and red epper. Recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Much better this time around. Love the nose, raspberry, perfume, and stones. Good plum & raspberries that have good depth yet and yet are delicate. Really good finish, with a bit of spice and stony minerality. Good stuff, but not sure if it has more than a year or two in it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Overwhelming lavender nose and nice light red fruit and garrigue on the palate. Not a super weighty CDR but very pretty, perhaps a large part Grenache? I drank it late in the night without food, but was happy with the bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Blind at store: medium purple-red; fresh strawberry, raspberry, blackberry puree with blueberries; medium body, simple, slick mouthfeel with fruitbowl, black cherry, blueberry, lavender, hint of bacon-granite; maybe slight carbonic? Guessed Cotes du Rhone, or OW Grenache, but it was actually 100% Syrah (CdR). Hit all the markers for Syrah though.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wonderful wine. Deep rich color. Dark cherry, blackberry, a bit of earth. Long lasting with a tiny bite on the end. I think I'm going to lay down my last two bottles for a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine is getting better every time I taste it. The color is dark with a purple rim - denoting many years of life in front of this wine. The nose is succulent with lush black raspberries. Palate is creamy black raspberry preserves with creamy hints of leather and stone. The finish is very long, another great sign, and really makes the inside of my mouth happy.
$15.99 OH retail. www.austinbeeman.com
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Young wine. Needs 2-3 years for tannins to mello and acid to balance out. Has nice density. Spicy an dark red fruits. Be patient with this bottle and you'll be happy with it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Big meaty spice, lots of power, delicious. Oddly, its not bad for being open 12 days either... hmmm... I have two bottles right now. One just opened, one a 12 day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Roasted coffee, tobacco, blackberry. There is such weight and density to the earthy dried black fruits flavors in this, and yet with bright acidity. Classic CdR and something to put in the cellar for a few. ★
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Needs some airtime, but after 30 minutes or so it opens up nicely. Lots of fruit, with green olive and tar poking through. Needs more stuffing mid-palate, but a heck of a value for $15.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
On day two: much lesss spice on the nose but much more filled in on the palate, richer, rounder, lingering savory finish. Very long finish for how cheap it is. Tannins are presented - integrated if you will. This is classy wine. Has a long life ahead. I can only imagine with three years in the bottle it will be utterly superb.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Syrah in a big way. Just opened, a little bit stiff right now, needing some time to ease into itself. Garriqgue, power, pretty darn interesting stuff. We shall see how it develops.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not a bad wine, but not my style. Better than California wines of this type that are generally pricier. Does not present as a natural wine. Flavors are bold, but not integrated and I don't think they will make much of an improvement with age. One note on the palate.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Rubis sombre. Nez de petits fruits noirs et rouges, épices, viande rouge. En bouche, une matière assez dense sans être agressive, droite, de la mâche sans être rond ou explosif. Pas mal de saveurs de baies noires (mûres, bleuets), un peu de framboises cuites, du poivre en masse, de la viande rôtie. Acidité qui aide à faire passer le taux d'alcool (un peu perceptible, mais pas plus) de 14% sur une finale savoureuse mais un brin asséchante. Bien bon !
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Lovely basic CdR as always from this producer. Very young but already there is more than just fruit on offer - you can almost taste the minerals in the soil here - tannins are not too strong, good dark berry fruit and a hint of smoke. Very good and will only improve over the next 5+ years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The nose would have you believe you're smelling something slathered in dark-fruit jam, tons of blackberry/boysenberry/plum/black cherry present with a strange hint of smoked pork. Anywhoo, becomes more straightforward on the tongue, rich fruit forward, hangs around. Leaves a stained reminder. Pleasant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Day 1: Dark purple with a bright disk. More substantial in the nose than on the palate. Tarry, sappy notes in the bouquet, with plums and stale soy sauce on the tongue. One dimensional, but still has the Rhone-ish sense of place. Medium bodied, and picks up an on again/off again metallic note in mid-palate. On Day 1 I would have given this an "78-79" rating.
Day 2: Everything brightens, and the fruit comes into play. Nice dark berry notes with a freshness and aliveness that makes this a completely different wine than when first opened. Aromatically, it releases spring flowers and stone fruits, and it finishes with some nice humidor notes. As a $10 Costco purchase, an excellent QPR. Delicious.
Decant!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A solid CDR for a cold winter's day. It is one dimensional but I enjoyed the black fruit, vanilla and floral aromas and flavors. Paired very well with beef stew.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Spice, black pepper and sandlewood. Shockingly drinks well now. And just opened too. Maybe its going to close down in a moment. At $12.99 to $14.99 it rocks. But its not that price, its $16 or $17. Ok. Whew.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Color: Vivid inky ruby/violet. Aroma: Loads of boysenberry. Plum, blueberry and overripe dark cherries. Taste: Very full bodied. Solid and dense with blackberry, charcoal and smoked meats. Unlike the fruitbomb the nose would suggest. ($14.99 at Binny's Beverage Depot)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A well made wine and not bad for the price. its got a lot of flavour to start, dark plum with wild herbs, liquorice and more, but it fades very quickly, leaving a bit of a dusty tannin feel with no finish. pleasant enough but no real satisfaction in drinking this wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
deep red purple. At this price point (always higher in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), a boring one dimensional wine. A little rough. Opened tasted, decanted tasted, waited an hour or two - flatter and did not develop. If it was below $10 I might consider it again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
14% d'alcool, 100% Syrah Œil : opacité 6/10, forte viscosité en parois, larmes colorées Nez : projection d'intensité 6/10, frais, fruits noirs rappelant la mûre et le cassis, glycérine (alcool) transcende un peu, garrigue, épices chaudes rappelant le poivre et le girofle, touche séveuse/végétale, pierre chaude, pointe métallique, ça sent le soleil du Sud de la France...! Bouche : sec, ample, attaquey franche, acidité rafraîchissante, tanins charnus, amertume modérée, ensemble fruité et épicé, persistance moyenne+, rétro fruitée, végétale, minérale, amère Conclusion : un très beau Côtes-du-Rhône générique et excellent RQP! Heureux de retrouver ces arômes des vins du Gard (d'où vient une partie de l'assemblage ici)...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose: Blackberry, Iron, Earth and Anise. Palate: Med bodied with strong dark fruit and licorice notes. There are nice secondary components beyond the fruit that include, garrigue, fall leaves, pepper, and braised lamb. Finish: Moderate length with a blackberry and some spice. A touch one note at times, and you have to look for the nuances.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Definitely young. Loads of bacon on the nose. A little jammy on the palate initially, but smooths out with air. Broad tannins, could use some time. As always, a great value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very different from the 2009er. Black currant, very viscous texture, anis/licorice, very spicy, light tannins. Not as good as the 2009, more intense/spicy, but still very good and a nice QPR.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
2/29/2020 - bubucap Likes this wine: 89 Points
Fruit upfront; raspberry; cherry; some plums; black olive; short finish; overall easy drinking
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/15/2020 - Magnolian wrote: 85 Points
Significant decline from last bottle 17 months ago. From magnum. Still chewy with dense blueberry flavors, but has taken on an acidic, bitter, vinegar-y edge. Past its prime.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/20/2019 - Alaskawino wrote: 84 Points
Much better than last bottle with a peppery fruit balanced with spice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/13/2019 - wineismylife wrote: 89 Points
WIML89
Tasted from magnum. Tasted non blind as part of a vertical tasting.
Garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of dried herbs, black pepper and cassis. Flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and cassis. Tart acidity, medium tannin, medium body. Drink now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/22/2018 - Italiana Likes this wine:
From magnum. Was afraid that it might have been over its particular hill, but instead, it was gratifyingly rich, fruity, and plush, without jamminess For me, the texture stood out the most. Only started to decline on the third day open. A winner & super value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/16/2018 - Magnolian Likes this wine: 89 Points
From magnum. A bit rustic and chewy, classic CdR syrah, drinking well now but unlikely to improve. Much enjoyed by a big group with steak sandwiches.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/20/2018 - ccrida Likes this wine: 87 Points
Mostly earthy tertiary flavors with some dark purple fruit left as well, good bbq glugger, drink now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/1/2018 - Alaskawino Does not like this wine: 69 Points
A little left but could not finish the bottle. One left for cooking.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/7/2017 - Alaskawino wrote: flawed
Corked
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/11/2017 - vatausae wrote: 82 Points
Past it's prime.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/10/2017 - timewithwine wrote:
Just as it was a month ago when I wrote, “Sometimes something familar and comforting is the most satisfying. Bright with black cherry and blackberry, tobo, eucalyptus and black pepper and black olives. This QPR never fails to deliver far more than its price point would suggest in the hands of any other producer.” Loads of sediment. 14% alc. With assorted cheeses (Bleu de Basque and cambazola) crusty bread, and country ham. Recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/2/2017 - Mike V wrote: 84 Points
Effervescence really off putting. ?secondary fermentation. From mag Garagiste
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/13/2017 - timewithwine wrote:
Sometimes something familar and comforting is the most satisfying. Bright with black cherry and blackberry, tobo, eucalyptus and black pepper and black olives. This QPR never fails to deliver far more than its price point would suggest in the hands of any other producer. 14% alc. With assorted cheeses (Black Betty, Bleu de Basque and others) and crusty bread, black olives. Recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/4/2017 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
Old Reliable. Our last bottle. While most vintages of this CdR have been good weeknight values, the '11 was particularly enjoyable. Still fresh, with black and blue fruits and spicy elements. Throwing off some grit, and offering a shortened finish compared to when it was younger. Might last another year. But I'd drink 'em if you've got 'em. (= Worth Seeking Out)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/9/2016 - Ideasthatstick wrote: flawed
This is my third try on a third of fourth. And the there is an off "effervescence". A fizziness that conflicts with the wine. Could three out of four be bad? Or does the effervescent fizziness affect the bottles here. Any observations are appreciated. Oh these are 1.5 liter bottles from Garagiste.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
7/16/2016 - madvitale Likes this wine: 90 Points
Mmmmmmm......Still good, even tho the community seems to think this is past its prime. Still good fruit on the palate and a nice finish. Smooth as silk. Easy drinking and versatile.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/4/2016 - jes0811 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Late curve. Surprisingly still fruit forward and drinking quite well. Brick. Good density. Overall well balanced if not just slightly tart.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/14/2015 - danibus Likes this wine: 90 Points
In a great place right now. Integrated red/purple fruits, a little spice and garrigue. Tasty and balanced. Perfect with grilled new yorks. Crowd pleaser but not in the modern/fruity overdone way. This is why good CDRs are the best red QPRs.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/26/2015 - Doc90 Likes this wine: 88 Points
A lower bottling from a historically great winery. Fragrant berry fruits and Rhone garrigue harmonize on the nose. Med-light body typical of a Cotes-du-Rhone. Some sharp oak is noticed up front but ripe berry fruit coats your mouth and lingers. Solid tannins on the finish. For $14, this is a great wine, and it worked well as a starter. I'd recommend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2015 - jkwatson Likes this wine: 89 Points
Really nice and funky on the first day for the BBQ. Not great on day 2.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/30/2015 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
Some unwelcome spritz upon opening that settled down within 20 minutes in the glass. Almost ink black with a fine necklace and a woodsy, floral bouquet once the funk blew off. Buckets of blackberries, black raspberries, dark currants and black plums on the palate that spill over into the finish, where it's joined by some tar and black licorice notes. For a humble CdR, this punches way above its class. I'd put this up against Syrah-based offerings that retail for three times the price. Splash decant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/11/2015 - timewithwine wrote:
Just pulled, popped and poured as a quick relief hitter for a dinninr of sausages over polenta. This is just as it always is - satisfying. Showing well just now with pretty black fruits, good acidity and mellowing tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/8/2015 - bartgerrits Likes this wine: 90 Points
K dieprood paars
G zoetig intens
S in balans mooie vanille tonen.
C mooie eetwijn. Een van de betere shiraz wijnen
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/4/2015 - travelin.mikeyt wrote: 87 Points
Not a lot of depth but a drinkable wine that is simple. Others seem upset by it's lack of pretension but I found it enjoyable if not complex. Considering how inexpensive it is it met my expectations.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/1/2015 - Sennma wrote:
NYE - from magnum, a touch simple but a crowd pleaser.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/1/2014 - fitchbuck Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Strong effervescence that took hours to dissipate. Little if any nose. Weak fruit character. Still drinkable, if barely. Another polished Reamerman turd..
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/17/2014 - timewithwine wrote:
Just as it always is: delicious and food friendly. With assorted cheese, Toscano and Surryano.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/10/2014 - Armando B wrote: 84 Points
Restrained but not particularly focused. Dark fruit and hints of minerality. Like an echo of a good C-H or St. J.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/16/2014 - jonahfactor Likes this wine: 89 Points
As solid as they come, especially at this sub-$15 price point. Decant or let it open in the glass. Ruby/purple/black with substantial legs. Whiffs of ripe black currants and raspberry jam that get amplified on the palate while adding black and yellow pit fruits. Black fruits and nuances of rosemary and thyme in the finish, along with some hillside brush notes. Always one of our favorite producers, especially at entry level offerings. Drink now through 2017. 89+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/25/2014 - Gymcoach11 wrote: 85 Points
Big fan of cotes du Rhone and upon pouring into the glass through and aerator the color of the wine is a deep red. The nose is very light but pleasing with hints of oak, earth, and berries. On the palate the wine is very dry but lingers on the finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/1/2014 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent wine. Dark ruby-purple, nearly opaque. Lovely garrigue in the nose; textbook, classic. Same in the mouth. Medium bodied, quite delicious. Very fine, especially at the modest price. This is well made, for sure. 4-12-16-8: 90/100.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/20/2014 - madvitale Likes this wine: 88 Points
Great at a dinner party. Nice counterpoint to all the California wines folks brought. Earthy nose. Nice fruit and finish. Very good for $12.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/17/2014 - mattlennert Likes this wine: 89 Points
Color: deep purple. Nose: notes of flowers, plums, Asian spices.
The wine has a luscious and bright fruit up front coming from an obvious amount of Grenache. A more brooding, earthy, and deep plumminess coming from southern Rhone and Vinsobres Syrah. There is a touch of white pepper as well. For a $12-15 bottle of wine, this is an excellent every day drinker that pairs with rich meat dishes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/11/2014 - magnusu wrote: 89 Points
Rhone Valley red wines: St. Cosme (Houston, TX): Mold and earthy aromas on the nose, with flavors of blackberries and pepper salami on the palate. Good length and fresh tannins and very good QPR at $13. Excellent everyday food wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/16/2014 - timewithwine wrote:
After a trying 3.5 hour drive to avoid a fast approaching snow storm, the snow catches up with my car and me making for a slippery run that could have turned out much worse. The familiar and comforting profile of black cherry color with a nose of bright cherry and blackberry. Tobo and blackberry flavors with eucalyptus and balsamic fleshing out the profile. A finish of black pepper. Smooth, easy and relaxing. 14% alc. With sausage-mushroom ragout over gnocchi. 03.16.14. Recommended..
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/20/2014 - BobJr Likes this wine:
Perfect wine for a party
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/6/2014 - jonahfactor Likes this wine: 90 Points
Raven black out of the bottle with sensual legs hugging the glass. Has gained weight over the year since we last tasted this wine. Gritty and tannic upon first opening with a hint of Rhone funk. So buttoned up right now that it took a couple of pours through the Vinturi to open things up, revealing the classic Old World flavors that only the French can catch in a bottle. Seasoned blackberries, black currants, thyme and rosemary all framed by antique cedar notes and a whiff of moss and candle wax. Drinking well now (with decanting and time in the glass), but I'm thinking this has the bones to go 10 more years with some fun along the way -- even as a lower-end offering from St. Cosme.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/20/2014 - dzitt wrote: 89 Points
Vin foncé et légèrement violacé. Nez sur les petits fruits, les épices, des arômes de viande et de fleurs. En bouche, c’est de la belle Syrah caressante sur le fruit, le poivre et viande rouge. Un délice, surtout pour le prix !
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/7/2014 - m_arcon wrote: 91 Points
Colour: Dark, garnet colour.
Nose: Black fruit (blackberry, elderberries, dark cherry), spice, dried herbs, a bit of vanilla and laurel.
Palate: Again dark fruit, tar and red meat. Very lush but the acidity keeps it all in balance.
Needs some time to open up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/30/2013 - DStone Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice, sharp acidity. Fresh, fruity. Reminds me of a Cru Beaujolais a bit, due to its acidity. A nice 'cocktail' wine or a great wine to pair with food. Will try to find more to buy!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/28/2013 - docjavadude Likes this wine: 89 Points
Consistently good. Deep, dark fruit with subtle earthiness. Juicy. Excellent value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/26/2013 - Keith_kohler wrote: 90 Points
Merry Christmas. Thanks, Jim
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2013 - goofy Yno Likes this wine: 89 Points
https://www.cellartracker.com/popup/tasting_note_assist.asp
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/17/2013 - timewithwine wrote:
As always, steady, reliable and rich. With hamburgers from the Bistro.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/10/2013 - Keith_kohler wrote: 89 Points
Fantastic with flank steak and bbq ribs on Angie's last day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/25/2013 - jmull Likes this wine: 89 Points
Smooth and silky, with great depth of fruit. Less spicy than some but I like this style.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/22/2013 - bugdoced Likes this wine: 87 Points
more integrated the second day
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/20/2013 - timewithwine wrote:
Per usual. With country ham, mushroom and caramelized onion pizza.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/5/2013 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 90 Points
Really about as good of a under $15 bottle every vintage as it gets. Dark fruits, spices, earth and minerals. 100% Syrah as the rep told me and sourced from 2 different sites in the Rhone. Excellent for your non wine drinking friends.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/3/2013 - LindaFox Likes this wine: 86 Points
Full body, long finish with aromas of smoky wood, blackberries, vanilla, dark cherries, earth, and anise. The flavors just keep coming.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/2/2013 - df1962 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous notes. Really floral licorice nose this time (like Goodies). Great density with no oak.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2013 - sjr wrote: 86 Points
This is a fine bottle of easy drinking wine and certainly worth the cost. ($14) With that said, it's pretty unremarkable and simple too. Most pleasurable on the palate with some very pleasant red fruits, a touch of earthiness, and perhaps a bit of cola. A bit of evergreen or pine.
Texture felt flat. It's certainly very smooth, but there was not really enough acidity to brighten things up, nor is there any tannic structure to speak of.
In fact, the finish had the only real perceptible tannin. Also more of that red fruit and some metallic tastes.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/22/2013 - mat600 wrote: 89 Points
Très bon RQP, superbe fruité. Du niveau d'un châteauneuf du pape.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/27/2013 - VintageSully wrote: 88 Points
A terrific cotes du rhone and an absolute stud in the QPR department at $13.99/bottle. Cherry and blackberry coated in spice and rolled up in a bit of earth. In the end, I prefer the Les Deux Albions from Saint Cosme, but you really can't beat this gem on price.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/5/2013 - Dgames Likes this wine: 88 Points
Good fruit but a bit of heat and rough tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/30/2013 - ryanmhale wrote: 75 Points
Did not enjoy at all
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/24/2013 - Quarked wrote: 89 Points
Forgot to save my notes, but this was a powerful Southern Rhone, with no hint of bitterness. Really nice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/20/2013 - Mlyles wrote: 88 Points
Always tasty!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/17/2013 - OlegE Likes this wine: 89 Points
Typical Southern Cotes du Rhone in many regards but with unusual and pretty powerful flavor... I could not believe - the most dominant component was sweet black current, similar to Napa's cabs, but there were also other fruits and berries, such as black cherry. Taste was harmonic, slightly sweet, meaty. Tannins were pleasant, but excessive; one or two more years would be surely helpful.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/9/2013 - edjBoca wrote: 89 Points
A very nice CDR from a good producer. The acid balances the fruit nicely. Good for near to intermediate consumption. A great buy at $12.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/30/2013 - SiR wrote: 87 Points
14.0% - Clear, med to deep purple/ clean, med intensity - a mixture of juicy blackberries and red berries, smoky and toast, spices (light vanilla), dried herbs / dry, med- acidity, med+ body, med well integrated tannin, med intensity and length, linear and direct with intense juicy berries at first, leaving the palate with pistachio like note (quite the first time I get this one). Very nice Villages wine from this producer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/25/2013 - ucbeau Likes this wine:
Quite a QPR winner. Opens with notes of tar, plum, black cherry, garrigue, and exotic spices. Lush on the palate, with fine tannin and ample acidity. Flavors of meat, gravel dust, ripe black fruit, and more peppery spice all manifest. The finish is a bit brief but it ends cleanly.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/16/2013 - Fonzie1568 wrote:
- Garnet color with medium forming legs. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Polished texture with a medium finish - Flavorful and complex. A bit earthy upon open, then fruit builds. Med finish and tsnnins. Went well with my steak. Red ripe fruit and lite cedar. Good body.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/12/2013 - OlegE wrote: 91 Points
Côtes du Rhône at it's best. Dense, complex, meaty and ripe. Does not feel immature. Flavor is complex, overall dark fruits and oak. There are specifics in flavor, some kind of red fruit/berry fresh tone, but I did not put enough efforts to analyze it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/10/2013 - jwells wrote: 88 Points
Good value. Fruit up front, rasberry, dark cherry, then a spicy finish. Still some tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/30/2013 - timewithwine wrote:
As usual. Excellent wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/26/2013 - jay_hawk@yahoo.com wrote: 88 Points
Jammy with long finish. Good with burgers.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/24/2013 - timewithwine wrote:
Simply just good wine. With chicken sausage-mushroom ragout over polenta. Recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/5/2013 - @ethanfries wrote:
From Magnum. Easy drinking, but jammy. Not my style.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/1/2013 - goldgarf wrote: 80 Points
Smooth tannins and a little jammy. Not bad for the price, but also nothing stands out.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/23/2013 - swade wrote: 88 Points
I let this breathe for three hours in the glass. Garnet stone core to purple hued robe. Ebullient aromas of white pepper and bonfire smoke come out to greet me before my nose reaches the glass. There are grape and smoked venison scents in the glass. Energetic acidity and tartness upon entry. Primary flavors of blackberry juice, some gritty mid-palate charcoal with some graphite threading the finish. The finish is shortish on flavor, but there is a lingering acidic wash. Bright palate. Complex. I could see this improving and being better in 3-4 years. I expect this would pair well with some hearty comfort food. 88
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/20/2013 - J2K wrote:
Very nice CDR at an excellent price. Will pickup a few more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/19/2013 - df1962 wrote: 90 Points
PnV. Dense purple with violet to clear rim. Blackberry fig paste herbs and charcoal on the nose. Medium weight with pleasantly grippy tannins. Very ripe blackberry and smoky fig flavours with herbal notes for complexity and good acidity to keep it in balance. Another great vintage of this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/16/2013 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 88 Points
A terrific value in Cotes du Rhone. Spicy, chewy, dark fruits, saddle leather and garrigue. Easy down the hatch!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/16/2013 - FrugalGlug Likes this wine: 89 Points
An interesting nose, full of wood and red licorice undertone. This is one you could smell for awhile. In the mouth it's dark, but goes down with ease while maintaining this jovial-fruit, care-free approach to the overall feel. Chewy, bright and warm. A great wine for the price. Worthy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/5/2013 - Motz wrote: 84 Points
I agree with the reviews by 'Sleepyhaus', 'Vinsant', 'San Diego Dago', 'Burgundybrooks', and 'Johndefi' on this wine. It represents all that is wrong with Old World producers making wine for the New World palate. Yuck!!!
Smells interesting, fruity, floral, and spicy, but it is a flabby, bitter, boring, hollow, train wreck on the palate with a non-existent finish. This does not need time, it needs to be put in a stew, or something. Really disappointing considering some of this producer's high-end wines. Stronger message to follow!
Don't age this, drink it now or cook with it. Try it with sweetish barbecue, that may help. Did I say Yuck!?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/25/2013 - NavyVet6874 Does not like this wine: 70 Points
The first bottle of this I had, I poured out as flawed because of its obnoxious odor and taste. This bottle is not much better, although I wouldn't call it flawed or corked. At first taste, there is a nice mouth of jam, but it quickly gets totally muddled into who know what and finishes with mouth-drying tannins with an aftertaste that tells you to send it back...oh, wait, I got this from my own cellar. At least it didn't cost a lot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/23/2013 - grease wrote: 86 Points
Smokey almost ham like aroma. Leather in nose and flavor. Restrained fruit, balanced acidity and oak astringency. Nice complexity.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/22/2013 - timewithwine wrote:
Pulled by DDB while I’m on wine sabbatical. With ham, brined olives, manchago and truffled cheeses.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/5/2013 - ziavino wrote: 89 Points
Terrific nose of black raspberry, tobacco, olive and manure. Palate shows unripe berry and a hint of tar up front, with olive and a bit of grip on the finish. Decent mouthfeel, and a bit more structured then a few months ago, but still not quite firing on all cylinders..
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/4/2013 - isaacjamesbaker Likes this wine: 90 Points
Aromas of red and black plum, white pepper, crushed rocks and smoked meat. Absolutely beautiful on the nose, and it got more expressive with two hours of air. On the palate, this wine shows strong tannic backbone, balanced by acidic verve throughout. I love the mix of fruit flavors (black cherry, wild raspberry, plum skins) with the earthy and savory flavors of charred meat, white pepper, tobacco leaf, graphite and anise. The mineral components, the length of the finish and the overall complexity give this wine so much more than your basic Cotes-du-Rhone bottle. Unbelievable value at $12. Deserving of some age perhaps, because there's some serious flavor packed in here. I've heard this is 100% syrah, but I'm not 100% sure of that.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/2/2013 - samilhan Likes this wine: 90 Points
Colour: Deep dark purplish red.
Nose: Apricot, dried plum, strawberry and blueberry. Hint of spice and cedar. Floral and fairly jammy nose overall.
Palate: Medium to full bodied. Ripe Blackberry and licorice. Good balance and minerality. Nice smooth tannins and long finish.
Considering its price this is def good buy!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/26/2013 - timewithwine wrote:
Much as it was two months ago with “Cranberry to cherry in color with a nose of bright cherry on the nose. Wonderful brightness with tobo and herbal elements.” There’s lots to love here. Seems to have already developed some black pepper quality to the finish. Yum. 14% alc. With a Byer’s Street Pizza of sausage and red epper. Recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/23/2013 - Jobu wrote: 91 Points
Much better this time around. Love the nose, raspberry, perfume, and stones. Good plum & raspberries that have good depth yet and yet are delicate. Really good finish, with a bit of spice and stony minerality. Good stuff, but not sure if it has more than a year or two in it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/20/2013 - Gparker Likes this wine: 91 Points
Overwhelming lavender nose and nice light red fruit and garrigue on the palate. Not a super weighty CDR but very pretty, perhaps a large part Grenache? I drank it late in the night without food, but was happy with the bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/16/2013 - JMLE20 Likes this wine: 88 Points
beau cdr
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/15/2013 - Nuromri Likes this wine: 88 Points
Huge nose.closed on palate. Somewhat short and lean.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/11/2013 - peternelson wrote: 88 Points
Blind at store: medium purple-red; fresh strawberry, raspberry, blackberry puree with blueberries; medium body, simple, slick mouthfeel with fruitbowl, black cherry, blueberry, lavender, hint of bacon-granite; maybe slight carbonic? Guessed Cotes du Rhone, or OW Grenache, but it was actually 100% Syrah (CdR). Hit all the markers for Syrah though.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/9/2013 - sancor20 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wonderful wine. Deep rich color. Dark cherry, blackberry, a bit of earth. Long lasting with a tiny bite on the end. I think I'm going to lay down my last two bottles for a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2013 - austinbeeman- austinbeeman.com Likes this wine: 93 Points
BEST BUY!
This wine is getting better every time I taste it. The color is dark with a purple rim - denoting many years of life in front of this wine. The nose is succulent with lush black raspberries. Palate is creamy black raspberry preserves with creamy hints of leather and stone. The finish is very long, another great sign, and really makes the inside of my mouth happy.
$15.99 OH retail.
www.austinbeeman.com
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2013 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
This is good wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2013 - gharbour Likes this wine: 87 Points
Young wine. Needs 2-3 years for tannins to mello and acid to balance out. Has nice density. Spicy an dark red fruits. Be patient with this bottle and you'll be happy with it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/17/2013 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Big meaty spice, lots of power, delicious. Oddly, its not bad for being open 12 days either... hmmm... I have two bottles right now. One just opened, one a 12 day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/14/2013 - weingutwilhelm wrote: 90 Points
Roasted coffee, tobacco, blackberry. There is such weight and density to the earthy dried black fruits flavors in this, and yet with bright acidity. Classic CdR and something to put in the cellar for a few. ★
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/13/2013 - ziavino wrote: 89 Points
Needs some airtime, but after 30 minutes or so it opens up nicely. Lots of fruit, with green olive and tar poking through. Needs more stuffing mid-palate, but a heck of a value for $15.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/9/2013 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
On day two: much lesss spice on the nose but much more filled in on the palate, richer, rounder, lingering savory finish. Very long finish for how cheap it is. Tannins are presented - integrated if you will. This is classy wine. Has a long life ahead. I can only imagine with three years in the bottle it will be utterly superb.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/8/2013 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Syrah in a big way. Just opened, a little bit stiff right now, needing some time to ease into itself. Garriqgue, power, pretty darn interesting stuff. We shall see how it develops.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/27/2012 - johndefi Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Not a bad wine, but not my style. Better than California wines of this type that are generally pricier. Does not present as a natural wine. Flavors are bold, but not integrated and I don't think they will make much of an improvement with age. One note on the palate.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2012 - Carniolan Likes this wine: 88 Points
dark ruby with purplish tint; somewhat closed; fresh and balanced taste, very nice
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/22/2012 - vegasoenophile Likes this wine: 89 Points
Big, juicy and ripe. Nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/7/2012 - dzitt Likes this wine: 88 Points
Rubis sombre. Nez de petits fruits noirs et rouges, épices, viande rouge. En bouche, une matière assez dense sans être agressive, droite, de la mâche sans être rond ou explosif. Pas mal de saveurs de baies noires (mûres, bleuets), un peu de framboises cuites, du poivre en masse, de la viande rôtie. Acidité qui aide à faire passer le taux d'alcool (un peu perceptible, mais pas plus) de 14% sur une finale savoureuse mais un brin asséchante. Bien bon !
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/6/2012 - Nohedes wrote: 88 Points
Lovely basic CdR as always from this producer. Very young but already there is more than just fruit on offer - you can almost taste the minerals in the soil here - tannins are not too strong, good dark berry fruit and a hint of smoke. Very good and will only improve over the next 5+ years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/4/2012 - johniwhelan wrote: 86 Points
The nose would have you believe you're smelling something slathered in dark-fruit jam, tons of blackberry/boysenberry/plum/black cherry present with a strange hint of smoked pork. Anywhoo, becomes more straightforward on the tongue, rich fruit forward, hangs around. Leaves a stained reminder. Pleasant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/2/2012 - jonahfactor wrote: 88 Points
What a difference a day makes.
Day 1: Dark purple with a bright disk. More substantial in the nose than on the palate. Tarry, sappy notes in the bouquet, with plums and stale soy sauce on the tongue. One dimensional, but still has the Rhone-ish sense of place. Medium bodied, and picks up an on again/off again metallic note in mid-palate. On Day 1 I would have given this an "78-79" rating.
Day 2: Everything brightens, and the fruit comes into play. Nice dark berry notes with a freshness and aliveness that makes this a completely different wine than when first opened. Aromatically, it releases spring flowers and stone fruits, and it finishes with some nice humidor notes. As a $10 Costco purchase, an excellent QPR. Delicious.
Decant!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/1/2012 - jimmythesaint wrote:
Ok for the price and a fun bottle (1.5L) to bring to a party.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2012 - special juice wrote: 88 Points
A solid CDR for a cold winter's day. It is one dimensional but I enjoyed the black fruit, vanilla and floral aromas and flavors. Paired very well with beef stew.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2012 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Spice, black pepper and sandlewood. Shockingly drinks well now. And just opened too. Maybe its going to close down in a moment. At $12.99 to $14.99 it rocks. But its not that price, its $16 or $17. Ok. Whew.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2012 - monkeypants wrote: 85 Points
Color: Vivid inky ruby/violet.
Aroma: Loads of boysenberry. Plum, blueberry and overripe dark cherries.
Taste: Very full bodied. Solid and dense with blackberry, charcoal and smoked meats. Unlike the fruitbomb the nose would suggest.
($14.99 at Binny's Beverage Depot)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/22/2012 - Vinsant wrote:
Did not enjoy this. Big fake fruit, a lil pepper, and olive. Short finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (5)
11/13/2012 - kingkanu wrote: 86 Points
A well made wine and not bad for the price. its got a lot of flavour to start, dark plum with wild herbs, liquorice and more, but it fades very quickly, leaving a bit of a dusty tannin feel with no finish. pleasant enough but no real satisfaction in drinking this wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/4/2012 - danstrings wrote: 88 Points
GREAT value magnum of red for $25, great balanced plump and juicy party wine. Great with the assorted Italian fare.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/3/2012 - sleepyhaus wrote:
This sucked. Overmanipulated, modern, cheap tasting, and anonymous. We didn't finish the bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/8/2012 - burgundybrooks wrote: 75 Points
deep red purple. At this price point (always higher in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), a boring one dimensional wine. A little rough. Opened tasted, decanted tasted, waited an hour or two - flatter and did not develop. If it was below $10 I might consider it again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/30/2012 - Jobu wrote:
Very young, but still enjoyable. Fruity with blackberries and raspberries. Good value and has a little potential with some time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/21/2012 - kosmik wrote: 87 Points
14% d'alcool, 100% Syrah
Œil : opacité 6/10, forte viscosité en parois, larmes colorées
Nez : projection d'intensité 6/10, frais, fruits noirs rappelant la mûre et le cassis, glycérine (alcool) transcende un peu, garrigue, épices chaudes rappelant le poivre et le girofle, touche séveuse/végétale, pierre chaude, pointe métallique, ça sent le soleil du Sud de la France...!
Bouche : sec, ample, attaquey franche, acidité rafraîchissante, tanins charnus, amertume modérée, ensemble fruité et épicé, persistance moyenne+, rétro fruitée, végétale, minérale, amère
Conclusion : un très beau Côtes-du-Rhône générique et excellent RQP! Heureux de retrouver ces arômes des vins du Gard (d'où vient une partie de l'assemblage ici)...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/18/2012 - mreinitz wrote: 87 Points
Sort of in-your-face fruit at this point, and a little disjointed. It's enjoyable but doesn't seem like it's going to turn into anything special.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/5/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 88 Points
Nose: Blackberry, Iron, Earth and Anise. Palate: Med bodied with strong dark fruit and licorice notes. There are nice secondary components beyond the fruit that include, garrigue, fall leaves, pepper, and braised lamb. Finish: Moderate length with a blackberry and some spice. A touch one note at times, and you have to look for the nuances.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/3/2012 - Michael Davidson wrote:
Definitely young. Loads of bacon on the nose. A little jammy on the palate initially, but smooths out with air. Broad tannins, could use some time. As always, a great value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/2/2012 - joshwoodward wrote: 87 Points
Simple, competent, a little light on structure and still quite primary in fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/28/2012 - hcl-1 wrote: 87 Points
Very different from the 2009er. Black currant, very viscous texture, anis/licorice, very spicy, light tannins. Not as good as the 2009, more intense/spicy, but still very good and a nice QPR.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment