Psydr Short & To-The-Point Wine Reviews
Below are reviews of fun little finds purchased locally. The typical cost per bottle is $10 or less, and the label probably has a little more pizazz than your traditional Barolo. But don't judge the bottle by the label. These reviews are personal and certainly non-professional evaluations of wines we've tried. Enjoy!
February 23, 2009
February 7, 2009
2007 French Maid Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2007WINERY: French Maid
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: France
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "French Maid Cabernet"
Labels: 2007, 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, French Maid, Red
2 Reviews:
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February 22, 2009 at 11:00 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is pretty good stuff. Of course it hits our upper price ceiling, but so what. I enjoyed this Cabernet. I feel like it's been a while since I've been semi-excited about a Cab.
Cherry and anis here, but not in a bad way. I'm usually not a fan of anis in the palate, but it might be doing this vino a little good.
The color is dark. Dark as a Cab should be.
Legs are strong. More reminiscent of a Merlot. Clinging to the sides of the glass, there is more of a thick, syrupy indication here than is actually present. I don't find this wine to be thick or overly sweet. And there is no bitterness in the aftertaste.
I've actually picked this bottle up before but failed to review it. It was good enough to purchase again, and I felt a review was due. -
At
February 26, 2011 at 8:28 AM ,
said...
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I just bought it at a gourmet/farmer's market in S Florida for 3.99.
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January 15, 2009
1 Reviews:
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January 15, 2009 at 9:14 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Just when I was losing all hope, Zestos chimes in. What a relief from the last many, many wines I've tried over the past several days. This fella really hits the spot. I do believe I'm starting to acquire quite a taste for the Garnacha (aka Grenache) wines. I'm becoming more and more of a Spanish wine lover every day.
So, this guy rhymes of blackberry, current, raspberry, and cherry. Throw in anything else red and fruity and you'll start to understand the sensations I'm encountering. This is a very pleasant fruity blend. Not overly sweet. Just right really. I believe this is where the Garnacha comes in. Delicious.
The legs are perfect. Not soupy thick or chewy. And not overly thin. Really, the consistency of the concoction is perfect. Kudos to Zestos. This is one of the main characteristics of a vino which makes or breaks for me.
I'm so excited to encounter a decent wine finally that I'm probably over raving here, but that's okay. It's better to exagerate a positive than a negative. Usually humans tend towards the opposite. I'm happy to break the mold.
This is a very good wine, but not great. I can't quite give it a five star. It's soooo close though. And Zestos has given me plenty of reason to pick up the rest of their offerings. I'm eager to sample them all!
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January 6, 2009
2007 Trader Joe's Zinfandel
YEAR: 2007WINERY: Trader Joe's
FLAVOR: Red, Zinfandel
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $4
NICKNAME: "Trader Joe's Zin"
1 Reviews:
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January 6, 2009 at 7:13 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a decent wine... And I just realized it's the first Zin I've reviewed here. It compliments the Curry Chicken Artichoke Casserole I just devoured quite nicely. Very light bodied as one would expect in a Zin and very refreshing. This is an excellent purchase at $4. I highly suggest picking up a bottle or two at your local TJ's.
Being light in color and light in nose it's sure not to offend. I would suggest you could get away with serving this beverage to those who prefer a more substantial wine due to its thick legs. Yes, the legs are a tad heavy, but it doesn't lead one to being overwhelmed with sweetness as one would expect. The legs are misleading, but in a good way. Especially if you do prefer a good Syrah or Pinot.
As I mentioned, the aroma is light as well, but there is a hint of tannin and Earth leading to a dirty smell. Good though. Earthy is good...
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November 3, 2008
2005 Tomas Cusine Vilosell
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Tomas Cusine
FLAVOR: Red, 49% Tempranillo, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Garnacha, 10.5% Merlot
ORIGIN: Costers del Serge, Spain
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $12
NICKNAME: "Vilosell"
Labels: 2005, 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, Spain, Tempranillo, Tomas Cusine
1 Reviews:
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November 3, 2008 at 9:23 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a very good Spanish offering. It really is. Being an accidental purchase, I was taken a little by surprise. When I placed the vessel in my basket at the store I could not find a price listed anywhere. But having grabbed it from the "lower" shelf with the rest of my sub-ten-buck purchases, I just assumed it was similarly priced. However, upon scanning the item during self-checkout I found the bottle to be priced closer to $14, but the clerk gave me a $2 break since the price was not clearly marked. Sweet!
This is a wonderful blend with a strong Tempranillo base. The other key varietal in my opinion is the Merlot. It's addition really smooths out the tannins in the Tempranillo and Garnacha. The nose is mainly berry with a hint of smokey residue. While the palate portrays blackberry and raspberry I would not call it overly fruity by any means. And then there's a little bite in the end. A good bite though. Just enough of one to let you know it means business. Some other reviews have listed this trait as spicy. At least I believe that is what they're referring to. What do I know???
So, we all know red wines go well with red meat. No other red in my experience has proven this to be more so. There's just something about it that REALLY compliments a thick, juicy, delicious fillet. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but I think you'll understand if you give this vino a try. It's almost a dirty, gritty flavor that is very, very good and carnal.
With just the slightest bit less bite in the end, this wine would be perfect, and I would grant it a 5 STAR rating. As is, I'm officially listing this as a 4.9 STAR. I'm excited to try future vintages from Tomas.
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October 14, 2008
2006 The California Wine Party Franc/Merlot
YEAR: 2006WINERY: The California Wine Party
FLAVOR: Red, 70% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 4% Petite Sirah
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Trader Joe's, Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $5
NICKNAME: "Wine Party Red"
Labels: 2006, 4 STAR, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Petite Sirah, Red, The California Wine Party, USA
1 Reviews:
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October 27, 2008 at 9:33 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Good nose. Maybe slightly sweet in smell. Dark and slightly clouded. Not the clearest of beverages. Good flavor though. Not bad at all for a cheap wine. Surprisingly, there is very little aftertaste. For some reason I was betting on a bit of the bitters after swallowing. Maybe because the color was a little off. Or maybe is was something I sensed in the aroma. Either way, I couldn't have been more wrong. This wine starts off smooth and finishes in exactly the same way. Some might describe it as having a slightly watered down feeling, but personally, I just think it's a nice, smooth vino. I tend to prefer a thinner wine at times. They just seem more refreshing.
Anyway, this is a good buy and can be found at your local Trader Joe's. Pick up a bottle and let me know what you think.
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September 8, 2008
2007 The Wolftrap Syrah
YEAR: 2007WINERY: The Wolftrap
FLAVOR: Red, 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvedre, 1% Viognier
ORIGIN: Western Cape, South Africa
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $11
NICKNAME: "Mixed Wolf"
Labels: 2007, 4 STAR, Mixed Varietal, Mourvedre, Red, South Africa, Syrah, The Wolftrap, Viognier
1 Reviews:
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September 9, 2008 at 9:35 AM ,
psydr said...
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This is a very nice wine. There's a slightly woody/oak palate with a bouquet of cherry and other red berries. Smooth going down, and a nice color. Not too shabby. It even complimented the stir fry I wokked up for dinner this evening. In general this is a good purchase. And even though it's a tad over our proverbial $10 ceiling, I would recommend it to any of you wishing to try a wine from South Africa.
This is our first South African wine review. They're off to a good start!
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September 6, 2008
2006 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Smoking Loon
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Smokin' Loon Pinot"
Labels: 2006, 4 STAR, Pinot Noir, Red, Smoking Loon, USA
1 Reviews:
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September 6, 2008 at 8:11 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
So, I was standing there at my local corner store racking my brain trying to decide which of their lovely wines would best compliment my jalapeno cheddar dip and Tostitos scoops when my eyes came upon this Smoking Loon. After quietly pulling up the Psydr Wine Review site on my new iPhone, I was quickly able to determine I have yet to review this bottle. Soon I was out the door with my new discovery. Now, sitting on my favorite couch, I have the following information to dispatch:
This is an excellent Pinot. Great nose. Almost refreshing like that first whiff of coffee in the morning. While a little leggy visually, the wine itself does not have a thick or sticky texture. The palate is very, very, cherry-berry. How's that for a description? Sorry. That's just what came to mind on first swallow. It's a very smooth wine which is fairly typical of the Pinot and probably why I tend to enjoy them so much.
I think you'll be a happy little camper if you choose this wine. Sometimes they DO carry the good stuff at the corner store. Whadaya know...
Okay, so now it's time for the chips and cheese. I was holding off for the review. Enough of that! I'm hungry.
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August 31, 2008
1 Reviews:
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September 1, 2008 at 1:10 AM ,
psydr said...
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Sehr gut! This is a very enjoyable Pinot from Germany of all places. A beautiful ruby red and smooth, smooth, smooth.
This bottle has close to zero nose... which is a little odd. It's practically without sent of any kind. Not a bad thing I suppose. Just suspicious.
Regardless, this is a wonderful beverage. Go pick up a bottle at your local grocery, sit down on your favorite couch, fire up one of your all-time favorite flicks, and enjoy. That's precisely what I'm doing at this very moment. What movie you ask? Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back of course!
Regarding the label: I found the artwork refreshing for a modern wine. Perhaps the duo palate is a bit non-traditional and overly simple for some, but I quite like it.
Also of note: This is the first Psydr review posted via iPhone. A fairly amazing device I must admit regardless of my much deserved dislike of Apple Computing.
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August 30, 2008
2006 Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Mirassou
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Mirrasou Cab"
Labels: 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mirassou, Pinot Noir, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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August 30, 2008 at 6:21 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Dark and delicious. This is a very nice Cabernet. It goes down smooth and has a nice finish. Then just a hint of tannins take over. Therefore the aftertaste is the only thing non-5 STAR I could find. There's something else in the aftertaste I can't quite define. It's not bad. But it's not terribly good either. This flavor doesn't detract from the wine though, so don't hesitate to snatch up a bottle or two. If you're a Cabernet Sauvignon fan, I DO believe you're going to enjoy this beverage.
I absolutely love Mirassou's Pinot Noir. It's one of my personal favorites, so be sure to give it a try as well... if you're in the market for a Pinot that is...
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August 28, 2008
2007 Yellow Tail Shiraz
YEAR: 2007WINERY: Yellow Tail
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: South East Australia
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $9
NICKNAME: "Hoppin' Shiraz"
1 Reviews:
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August 28, 2008 at 9:27 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
With it's strong berry influence and it's near complete lack of tannins or bitter aftertaste, I think Yellow Tail is bound to have another hit on their hands. Bravo Yellow Tail! This is a very good Shiraz.
Of note: One thing missing is a wee bit of earthy palate. The bottle would benefit from a little more substance. As is, the flavor suggests a lack of aging in oak barrels... keeping me from awarding the beverage with the coveted 5 STAR rating. I'll bet this bottle could use a little more time in the racks. Perhaps a year or more. Too bad I rarely have such patience. Good thing for YOU!
Using the new site search option here on Psydr Wine Reviews, I was quickly able to find my previous review of the 2006 vintage. I also gave it a 4 STAR rating. Nothing better than a consistent winery.
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July 31, 2008
2 Reviews:
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July 31, 2008 at 6:25 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
I do enjoy Barberas, and this particular selection is no exception. However, the bottle is the first example I've sampled from the hills of California rather than my family's homeland of Italia. I say, "it's great!" Very smooth. Full of light-bodied flavor and ruby-red color. An excellent Barbera indeed.
I believe I gave a similarly shining review of Renwood's Syrah. To date I am very happy with their offerings and will continue to sample more of their varietals as time allows. A pat on the back to you Renwood Winery. -
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May 25, 2009 at 8:55 AM ,
Tom said...
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Very impressed with this full-flavored wine. It was a real hit with our friends over for dinner. 5 stars.
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July 2, 2008
1 Reviews:
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July 2, 2008 at 9:04 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
A very good Merlot. Dark and sweet with only a tinge of bitter aftertaste. The pallet is certainly heavy with cherry. I can almost visualize cherries and grapes being smashed together by tiny little feet to come up with this concoction.
And how cool is this label? Simplicity with a splash of color. Very classy. I love it.
I look forward to sampling more Red Rock in the near future.
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June 27, 2008
2005 The Red Square Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2005WINERY: The Red Square
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: New Zealand
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $13
NICKNAME: "Red Square Pinot Noir"
Labels: 2005, 4 STAR, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, Red, The Red Square
1 Reviews:
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June 27, 2008 at 10:31 PM ,
psydr said...
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5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Very nice! While this wine is priced a little above our "cheap," $10 ceiling here, I wanted to report my feelings. I liked it!
There's a rich oak flavor with a hint of cherry and blackberry. Not too much. Just a hint. Perfect. A wonderful palate.
The liquid goes down very smooth. No bitter. No regrets.
It's a Friday night here, and this is JUST the wine I was looking for to finish off my hectic week of work and injury. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Delicious!
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June 9, 2008
2006 Redwood Creek Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Redwood Creek
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: Pavia, Italy
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Redwood Noir"
Labels: 2006, 4 STAR, Italy, Pinot Noir, Red, Redwood Creek
1 Reviews:
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June 9, 2008 at 7:51 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
I was a little surprised by this wine. Considering where it was purchased and the amount paid, I mostly expected a mouthful of tar and ash. Instead, I was treated with the smooth, sweet taste of dark cherries. I really did enjoy this bottle. The aroma was quite pleasant, and the color very good.
Overall, I fully recommend you try this cheap wine from Italy. Now for the best part: Head on over to your local 711 to pick one up...
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May 9, 2008
2006 Cortijo III Tinto Rioja
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Cortijo III
FLAVOR: Red, 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ORIGIN: Rioja, Spain
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Cortijo Rioja"
Labels: 2006, 4 STAR, Cortijo III, Grenache, Mixed Varietal, Red, Spain, Tempranillo
1 Reviews:
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May 9, 2008 at 8:28 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not bad. In fact, quite good. This is a more-than-drinkable wine. There's a bit of tannin here but no real bitter aftertaste. Smooth.
My first sniff revealed a bit more acidity than I would prefer, but the first taste quickly made me forget. This wine is full of flavor. There's a good mix of berries here: Raspberry, blackberry, and cherry. Not overwhelming. Just good.
I certainly recommend you pick up a bottle. I am positive you'll be pleased.
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May 6, 2008
2006 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Syrah
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Robert Mondavi
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $9
NICKNAME: "Robert's Private Syrah"
1 Reviews:
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May 6, 2008 at 7:31 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
A very tasty wine indeed. I've had good luck with the Mondavis and particularly enjoy their Syrahs. I'll often order a bottle when out dining if nothing else looks new and exciting. You just can't seem to go wrong purchasing a Mondavi.
I feel like I sound like a Robert Mondavi commercial...
This Syrah is quite dark in color but has a very subtle nose. The palate is struck with a hint of raspberry and cherry... I think. No earthy tones here and no real hint of oak. Just goodness.
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April 13, 2008
2006 The Ghost of 413 Syrah
YEAR: 2006WINERY: The Ghost of 413
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Ghost Syrah"
2 Reviews:
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April 20, 2008 at 12:19 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is one tasty beverage! The color: ruby as ruby can be. The nose: very fresh and fruity. The flavor: very, very good. There are hints of darker berries here but not bitter in any way. A really smooth and delicious wine.
The name is kinda groovy too. You really need to give this bottle a try. -
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October 28, 2008 at 6:44 PM ,
said...
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Keep up the good work.
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2006 Fat Bastard Shiraz
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Fat Bastard
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: Carcassonne, France
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Fat Hippo Shiraz"
1 Reviews:
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April 13, 2008 at 7:43 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
A nice Shiraz. A few tannins here, but the flavor is nice. Bright, rich color. A wonderful Shiraz with a fantastic label. Who wouldn't love a Fat Bastard Hippo? Well done Fat Bastard.
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1 Reviews:
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April 13, 2008 at 7:10 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a pretty darn good Valpolicella. A bit dry, but very good. Dark cherry and oak flavors. No bitter aftertaste. Smooth going down. A very earthy wine. Nice.
I was a little apprehensive about such an inexpensive Valpolicella. But it was good. I'm looking forward to continuing through this vessle of goodness with my upcoming meal of smoked salmon over penne with a light cream sauce!
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1 Reviews:
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
I have to tell you, I'm a bit shocked by this vino. I nearly gave it a 5 Star for the pleasant surprise. Smooth. No bitter tannin aftertaste what-so-ever. Very berry with a hint of cherry. Perfect legs. Not too thin. Not to thick. Very subtle nose which might relate to the smooth overall texture and mild acidity. A really pleasant wine. Kudos to Trellis for producing such a wonderful concoction on the cheap.
Palate-wise, I'd say this Cab more resembles a Pinot than it's true heritage. It's probably a tad thin for your standard Cabernet. Very refreshing.
Served with stuffed chicken thighs and a fantastic rice pilaf, this wine really hit the spot tonight. I'm wondering if it was the roasted almonds that brought the flavor to life. Normally, this dish would be served with white wine, but I couldn't have made a better pairing if I'd tried...
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