From memory. This wine was really nice, I have not had enough tannat to be sure, but it seemed to me pleasantly vivacious, while still retaining deep and filling tannic red-wine flavors. There was no indication that this wine needed more aging, although it was certainly still healthy. Tasted a bit like a pretty large and bruising if not especially refined Bordeaux, heavy on the malbec and cabernet sauvignon. Enjoyed with rack of lamb
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Ilarria's unoaked, Ecocert-certified blend of 60% cabernet franc, 15% cabernet sauvignon, and 25% tannat is a refreshing and uncomplicated Basque wine with aromas of toast and dried cranberries and flavors of tart currant fruit, some fresh mint, and dried green herbs. Nicely structured – modest tannins, plenty of acidity; it stands up in the mouth.
This is one beautiful bottle. On opening, the aromatics jumped from the glass, but the palate was closed and acidity stuck out. Into the decanter for an hour or so, it emerged much happier, supple, approachable. It reminded me of an excellent, old school Bordeaux with its lithe power and pencil shavings, except for a spicy note on the finish that gave its origins away. I need to try this again.
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6/14/2014 - SteveG wrote: 90 Points
From memory. This wine was really nice, I have not had enough tannat to be sure, but it seemed to me pleasantly vivacious, while still retaining deep and filling tannic red-wine flavors. There was no indication that this wine needed more aging, although it was certainly still healthy. Tasted a bit like a pretty large and bruising if not especially refined Bordeaux, heavy on the malbec and cabernet sauvignon. Enjoyed with rack of lamb
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3/3/2011 - Wicker Parker wrote:
Ilarria's unoaked, Ecocert-certified blend of 60% cabernet franc, 15% cabernet sauvignon, and 25% tannat is a refreshing and uncomplicated Basque wine with aromas of toast and dried cranberries and flavors of tart currant fruit, some fresh mint, and dried green herbs. Nicely structured – modest tannins, plenty of acidity; it stands up in the mouth.
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1/11/2011 - bovcellars Does not like this wine: 69 Points
Sour and little fizzy. Decanting did not help.
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1/8/2010 - 14frimaire wrote:
This is one beautiful bottle. On opening, the aromatics jumped from the glass, but the palate was closed and acidity stuck out. Into the decanter for an hour or so, it emerged much happier, supple, approachable. It reminded me of an excellent, old school Bordeaux with its lithe power and pencil shavings, except for a spicy note on the finish that gave its origins away. I need to try this again.
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