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. -
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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
2006 Luna Benegas Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Bodega Benegas
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Mendoza, Argentina
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Benegas Cab"
Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Argentina, Bodega Benegas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red
1 Reviews:
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January 15, 2009 at 1:39 AM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
I'm just happy this wine isn't as damn sweet as the last several. On this basis alone I give it a 3 STAR rating. It's not great. In fact, it's a bit bitter, but I crave a bit of bitter right now.
The nose: A cherry and blackberry and other darkness. It's decent. I'm happy. May I continue to be so. I might just finish this bottle this evening. We'll see.
While this wine is a bit bitter, it has a fair to good aftertaste. Nothing leaving an overly sour taste on the tongue. No overwhelming tannins. Let's rejoice.
In general, I praise this purple stuff with a plaque of non-crappiness. Try a bottle. I think it's worthy... even as a ten dollar venture.
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January 7, 2009
2006 J. W. Morris Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: J. W. Morris
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Trader Joe's, Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $3
NICKNAME: "Cheap-as-Dirt Cab"
Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, J. W. Morris, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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January 7, 2009 at 11:04 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
For $3 you really can't go wrong. This wine is average. Maybe a tad sweet in the tooth and a bit leggy, but for three bucks what do you expect? Still, I'm giving this beverage a 3 STAR rating. I've had much worse bottles at ten times the cost.
This stuff can be picked up at Trader Joe's for nearly free, and it's a good bottle to have around for non-discerning guests. Serve it. People won't puke. Most of them won't even be offended.
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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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November 2, 2008
2003 Hoodsport Cabernet Merlot
YEAR: 2003WINERY: Hoodsport
FLAVOR: Red, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Hoodsport Blah"
Labels: 1 STAR, 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon, Hoodsport, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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November 2, 2008 at 11:30 PM ,
psydr said...
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1 OUT OF 5 STARS
Wow! Another crappy wine. This is not a good start for Hoodsport. I can take a hint. I promise not to buy another...
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October 27, 2008
1 Reviews:
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October 27, 2008 at 5:54 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Fairly smooth for a Cabernet. Just a little edgy in the aftertaste. You definitely taste the earth in this beverage. Perhaps a little too much so... The other predominant flavor is blackberry. But you only notice it for a moment. Then the earth takes over.
Not one of my favorites.
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October 18, 2008
1 Reviews:
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October 27, 2008 at 9:23 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not a bad Cabernet. Dark purple in color which is consistant for a cab. It has that standard Cabernet bite. Just a tinge of bitter and tannins. Then there is a slight sweetness to the palate. This is unexpected for a Cabernet, yet I feel it balances the beverage quite nicely. The aftertaste has a slight flavor of metal. If I had to pick a metal, I'd choose tin to describe it. While there IS an earthy tone to the wine, I feel the metalic portion slightly overwhelms. Therefore, only 3 STARS.
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September 5, 2008
2005 Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Columbia Crest
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $9
NICKNAME: "Columbia Crest Double Cab"
Labels: 1 STAR, 2005, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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September 5, 2008 at 8:28 PM ,
psydr said...
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1 OUT OF 5 STARS
It makes me sad to have to give such a lowly review to a wine from Columbia Crest, because, in general, I believe them to be one of the best providers of decent wines under our little $10 bubble. This, however, is NOT one of them. And I believe they tend to pride themselves on their Two Vines selections.
The earthy Cabernet nose is there and the color is of dark, dark blackberry. But the palate is really quite unpleasant. There is a strange bitterness I can't quite describe. It's not tannins. It's more as if the wine has expired... not corked though. The "flavor" doesn't mess around. It's not an aftertaste. It hits you the moment the liquid hits your tongue. It's almost as if I had just brushed my teeth...
I don't know. Personally, I'm hoping I just picked up a bad example if this CC offering. I really hope so. I'll make an effort to pick up another bottle and give it another review shortly.
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September 1, 2008
2004 Silverlake Roza Red
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Silverlake
FLAVOR: Red, 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Silver Rose"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2004, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, Silver Lake, Syrah, USA
3 Reviews:
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September 1, 2008 at 9:44 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Semi-tart. Not very interesting in general. Vanilla. Perhaps a bit overdone. Smells of bad vino, but I don't think it's corked.
Don't know what else to say. I guess I'd just avoid from purchasing in the future. But don't get me wrong. It's not terrible. I just don't like it.
I'd rather go play with my new iPhone than spend any more time on this wine... -
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June 6, 2010 at 8:19 PM ,
said...
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They got it down on the newer vintages 4 star
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June 6, 2010 at 8:20 PM ,
said...
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most of us know what a cork is.
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1 Reviews:
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September 1, 2008 at 1:39 AM ,
psydr said...
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0 OUT OF 5 STARS
Okay, so sometimes I pick up a bottle based on the label alone. It's kind of like reading a book by its cover... Well, kinda. And with a prologue like "Evil" and a mantra of "It's just wrong," how could I resist? Vessel purchased!
Excited, I scurried the bottle home from the local grocer with a little extra skip in my step. Upon reaching my humble abode, I popped the cork... Oh, no, wait... I unscrewed the cap and poured a small sampling into one of my favorite tester glasses. You know. The ones having a line revolving the center point saying, "optimista" above and "pesimista" below. No? Then by all means go out and purchase a set. They're great!
Moving on. Next came the pour and a moment or two of wait while checking the color and sampling the nose. Color: dark. Almost a muddy grape. Nose: tobacco and licorice. And I'm afraid these are the same two characteristics I would use to describe the palate. I'd almost go as far to say my sampling tasted as if I had lifted someone's dip cup to my mouth accidentally.
This vino is aweful. It really is. I appologize Evil Winery. I really do. But you folks will have to come up with something a little better to put in a 750ml bottle if you're planning on selling it to me. I will NOT purchase such a Cabernet again. Ever...
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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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July 26, 2008
2007 The Little Penguin Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2007WINERY: The Little Penguin
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: South Eastern Australia
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Little Penguin Cabernet"
Labels: 1 STAR, 2007, Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red, The Little Penguin
1 Reviews:
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July 26, 2008 at 12:48 PM ,
psydr said...
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1 OUT OF 5 STARS
This stuff is sickeningly sweet. It's so thick and syrup-like I required multiple attempts at swallowing to get it down. Seriously, this wine could use some more time in the bin before consumption. Perhaps a couple years or more could improve the taste... maybe.
I considered pouring the substance over my pancakes this morning just to see if grapes could formulate a decent syrup. The legs were so strong and clingy there was a moment I believed to see it climbing UP the glass. This is certainly a beverage for the strong willed. I can't imagine consuming this stuff on a regular basis without going into a diabetic coma.
It would be ill-intentioned of me to recommend this beverage to anyone. So, therefore, avoid purchasing this product unless you absolutely have no other choice or are capable of consuming sryup in a similar fashion as in the famous scene in Super Troopers. Maybe this would be a good party trick.
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July 25, 2008
Pacific Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: None Given, Purchased 2008WINERY: Pacific Peak
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $4
NICKNAME: "Pacific Peak Cabernet"
Labels: 1 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pacific Peak, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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July 26, 2008 at 9:41 AM ,
psydr said...
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1 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not a very pleasant wine, but for four dollars I wasn't expecting much. Although, I have been surprised by super cheap selections before, this is NOT one of them. The initial palate is of glorified grapejuice followed by a bitterness which could best be compared with the scrapings of the inside of an uncorked barrel left to sit in the sun unattended for a week OR three. A fellow drinker helping me consume this bottle had the following to say, "Funky! Gross."
Basically, this wine is icky. The only possible measure saving this bottle from receiving a 0 STAR rating is that it did not make me want to vomit... Close though.
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July 11, 2008
2006 Veo Grande Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Veo Grande
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Colchagua Valley, Chile
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Veo Cabernet"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2006, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, Red, Veo Grande
1 Reviews:
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July 11, 2008 at 7:48 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not terribly exciting. Not offensive, but there is a little too much Earth in my glass. I feel like Mother Earth just wasn't quite done preparing these grapes. It's either that or the dirt was just never sifted from the concoction properly. The flavor isn't bad, but the aroma was a bit on the sour side. In general, this just isn't a very good wine. I'm going to move on...
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June 24, 2008
1 Reviews:
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June 24, 2008 at 9:51 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
A decent wine, but just too sweet for my taste. For $6 it's a bargain though. It's currently on sale for such here and there. Not hard to find.
The nose is good, and the palate not bad. A strong taste of black current followed by an overwhelming sweetness.
Perhaps it just didn't go well with the stir fry I made this evening...
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June 10, 2008
2006 Viu Manent Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Viu Manent
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Colchagua Valley, Chile
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $6
NICKNAME: "Viu Manent Cabernet"
Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, Red, Viu Manent
1 Reviews:
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June 11, 2008 at 6:45 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Honestly, this wine did not strike me as very good. However, I can see how it might appeal a little bit more to the masses. Therefore, the 3 OUT OF 5 STARS.
The stuff just isn't that tasty. There is a hint of cherry, but there is also an overwhelming taste of blandness. Question: Can blandness be considered a taste?
I taste cherry dirt. Is that descriptive enough? There's a lack of flavor with a hint of dirt, cherry, and anise...
But, really, this is probably an average wine. Not terrible. Nothing I'd personally drink again. But also a wine I believe very unlikely to offend.
Try it if you like...
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June 9, 2008
2005 Arrow Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Arrow Creek
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Arrow Cab"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2005, Arrow Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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June 9, 2008 at 9:23 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Don't see myself drinking this again anytime soon. Aroma was pleasant and the legs were nice. But once I splashed a little on my tongue, I was very disappointed. Thick and syrupy like molasses with too much tannins. Unpleasant really, but not awful. I'm giving the bottle two stars today mostly because I'm in a good mood. A one star may well have been in order.
I'll pass.
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May 10, 2008
2004 Trout Trilogy Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Trout Trilogy
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Trout Cabernet"
Labels: 2004, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red, Trout Trilogy, USA
1 Reviews:
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May 18, 2008 at 7:48 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not bad. A little earthy with a tinge of bitter tannins. That's it. No big review here. Just pick up a bottle if you find the label as interesting as I did and give it a shot. Or try a 4 STAR instead...
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April 24, 2008
2005 Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Columbia Winery
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Columbia Cabernet"
Labels: 2005, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Winery, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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April 24, 2008 at 8:10 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not bad. Went well with my flank steak and artichokes this evening. However, this isn't one of my preferred Cabernets. There is certainly a taste (and nose) of oak here. I'd go so far as to say there's a hint of walnut...
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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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