Of the four botles I've had, this would rank 2nd and notably consistent with the 1st and 3rd; skirting the bright fruit but with nice balance. Most notable is that this value wine garners contemplation. Now, 4 of 7 bottles in, it's worthy of a "highly recommended".
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This bottle quite literally split the difference. Not a hint of over-ripe simplicity from my last bottle and though it had structure, it lacked the complexity and intrigue of my first. An acceptable compromise/median.
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(Comment: much more fruit forward - nearly off-dry - than the first bottle. Likewise, that zingy acidity is missing. In reading the reviews, I'm prep'd for some significant bottle variation. This bottle probably an 84 but I'll refrain from rating until I've made it through a couple more.)
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Right out of the gate, I'm totally diggin' this wine! Super zingy acidity and bright, chunky fruit - both elevated but in balance. A perfect example of what I mean when I say that if your gonna' drink cheap (read: inexpensive), be it a wine of intrigue. This certainly fits that bill. Available for little more than a sawbuck, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that can match this QPR here in California. Deep ruby-purple. Aromas of damp earth and pencil shavings, with coffee nuances. The entry is all blue-black fruits - wild Blackberries; with the coffee profile continuing on. Normally red blends such as these are but bastardized afterthoughts. Not this one. I get the impression that some real thought was put into it. Malbec and Cab Franc are usually but minute subplots (pun intended) with Syrah playing a major supporting role. On the contrary, the latter is reduced to but 8% and the other two combine to comprise a full 21%. Zin is controlled nicely @ 2% with the 1% Grenache certainly adding to the fresh acidity. 14% Merlot is the great equalizer. Nearly an hour in, it's all settling down and growing slightly more simple...but hey!..a pop & pour quaffer, shared amongst friends would never last an hour. Highly recommended. (3hrs later, the simple turned to perfectly integrated. This is a very solid wine! - an extra point deserved.)
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This deep red has aromas all over the place, something new with every sniff. After allowing to breathe this bottle presents itself with aromas of black pepper, raspberry, cassis, spices, plum, sage, wood, and hints of earth and rock. The palate is lively with bright acidity and ripe tannins, adding to good grip of this wine. Dry and medium-plus body with flavors of currant, cedar, plum, dark cherry, sage, black pepper and spice. The finish is moderate and slightly hot reinforcing the currant, sage and woody pepper notes. 54% Cab. Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 14% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 6% Cab Franc, 2% Zinfandel, 1% Grenache.
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wine seems to young, big acid finish (almost harsh), but also great fruit. Much different than what we tasted @ Bookwalters. Would probably improve with air time, but a late night dinner.
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Wow, this wine tasted surprisingly much better at home than it did in the tasting room a few months back. Big bold red with lots of fruit up front with spices that come up in the mid palate that blend together for a very pleasant lingering finish
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1/19/2014 - Motz wrote: 87 Points
Nicely done. On the oaky side. Standard WA in all regards, perhaps a bit over priced.
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9/21/2013 - golfwine wrote:
A tad ripe but overall, a solid QPR. Held strong into day three!
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4/11/2013 - golfwine wrote: 87 Points
Of the four botles I've had, this would rank 2nd and notably consistent with the 1st and 3rd; skirting the bright fruit but with nice balance. Most notable is that this value wine garners contemplation. Now, 4 of 7 bottles in, it's worthy of a "highly recommended".
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3/7/2013 - golfwine Likes this wine: 86 Points
This bottle quite literally split the difference. Not a hint of over-ripe simplicity from my last bottle and though it had structure, it lacked the complexity and intrigue of my first. An acceptable compromise/median.
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1/28/2013 - golfwine wrote:
(Comment: much more fruit forward - nearly off-dry - than the first bottle. Likewise, that zingy acidity is missing. In reading the reviews, I'm prep'd for some significant bottle variation. This bottle probably an 84 but I'll refrain from rating until I've made it through a couple more.)
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1/24/2013 - Dcristman wrote: 90 Points
Jammy and fruity. Good to start but heavy on the palate by the end. I'd try another bottle ...
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1/9/2013 - golfwine wrote: 89 Points
Right out of the gate, I'm totally diggin' this wine! Super zingy acidity and bright, chunky fruit - both elevated but in balance. A perfect example of what I mean when I say that if your gonna' drink cheap (read: inexpensive), be it a wine of intrigue. This certainly fits that bill. Available for little more than a sawbuck, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that can match this QPR here in California. Deep ruby-purple. Aromas of damp earth and pencil shavings, with coffee nuances. The entry is all blue-black fruits - wild Blackberries; with the coffee profile continuing on. Normally red blends such as these are but bastardized afterthoughts. Not this one. I get the impression that some real thought was put into it. Malbec and Cab Franc are usually but minute subplots (pun intended) with Syrah playing a major supporting role. On the contrary, the latter is reduced to but 8% and the other two combine to comprise a full 21%. Zin is controlled nicely @ 2% with the 1% Grenache certainly adding to the fresh acidity. 14% Merlot is the great equalizer. Nearly an hour in, it's all settling down and growing slightly more simple...but hey!..a pop & pour quaffer, shared amongst friends would never last an hour. Highly recommended.
(3hrs later, the simple turned to perfectly integrated. This is a very solid wine! - an extra point deserved.)
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1/2/2013 - VinoHunter wrote: 86 Points
Good stuff for 13 bones!
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12/18/2012 - Giacomo wrote: 84 Points
14.8% alcohol = jammy, over extracted , if you like that kind of wine you will like this, it is well made.
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11/26/2012 - vinoKillian wrote: 89 Points
Nice nose, a bit young but good with steak.
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11/25/2012 - Giacomo wrote: 88 Points
Nice nose , nice fruit . Could have more acidity for better balance, finish on the short side, nice mid range wine
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11/16/2012 - bjamesclark wrote: 88 Points
This deep red has aromas all over the place, something new with every sniff. After allowing to breathe this bottle presents itself with aromas of black pepper, raspberry, cassis, spices, plum, sage, wood, and hints of earth and rock.
The palate is lively with bright acidity and ripe tannins, adding to good grip of this wine. Dry and medium-plus body with flavors of currant, cedar, plum, dark cherry, sage, black pepper and spice. The finish is moderate and slightly hot reinforcing the currant, sage and woody pepper notes.
54% Cab. Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 14% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 6% Cab Franc, 2% Zinfandel, 1% Grenache.
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11/3/2012 - EducatedDrunk wrote: 81 Points
About as subtle as a brick through your windscreen. Lots of fruit, no refinement, Wouldn't buy again
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10/27/2012 - Batts wrote: 85 Points
Reminds me of a Bloody Mary: V8 and pepper.
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8/19/2012 - MIRick wrote: 88 Points
wine seems to young, big acid finish (almost harsh), but also great fruit. Much different than what we tasted @ Bookwalters. Would probably improve with air time, but a late night dinner.
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8/2/2012 - Skully wrote: 89 Points
Wow, this wine tasted surprisingly much better at home than it did in the tasting room a few months back. Big bold red with lots of fruit up front with spices that come up in the mid palate that blend together for a very pleasant lingering finish
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