2006 Viñedo de los Vientos Tannat

The Tannat grape originated in Madiran, located in southwest France and made its way to Uruguay in 1870.
This particular bottling by Viñedo de los Vientos (Vineyard of the Winds) caught my attention while attending a wine tasting at the Spirited Gourmet a couple weeks ago. They weren't pouring it, but having already developed an interest in the wine (I'm told a good French version is best described as a "monster with manners" and pairs nicely with steak frites), I decided to pick up a bottle. Upon opening, woodsy, subtle black fruit, and bittersweet chocolate aromas become evident. Soft fruit, toasty oak flavors glide across the palate; the tannins are present, but not nearly as harsh as was expected.

2005 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills (H3) & 2007 Mollydooker The Scooter Merlots

Columbia Crest's H3 Merlot was beautiful upon opening it last night. On the other hand, my mother thought it was a bit closed and required aeration. That being said, as more was poured during dinner the luxurious amounts of fruit that flowed were a pleasant surprise; simply said, tasty and a worthy representation of Washington merlot at its finest. This is definitely a wine that can be enjoyed several days after opening, one that'll pass . Tonight, is Mollydooker's The Scooter. Upon opening, ripe cherries were the dominant aroma with a spicy overtone I find common in Australian reds. After doing The Mollydooker Shake the chunky texture described by Wine Spectator's Harvey Steinman disappeared.

1995 Guenoc Reserve Beckstoffer IV Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

At age 13, you could smell and taste the loamy currant, well-integrated tannins coat the mouth, all of this leaves me wanting more. This pales in comparison to the other wine of the night (see below).

2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia

Wine Spectator named this Wine of The Year in 2005 and gives it 96 points and predicts it to be best starting in 2008. Upon opening, aromas of black currant and other black fruit were quite apparent. Tasting the wine revealed a symphony of flavors that were strikingly balanced and followed by an extremely long finish that made me blush. It's been nearly 4 minutes since my last sip and I can still feel the softness of the tannins on the inside of my cheeks. How well this pairs with the porterhouses that have been marinating remains to be seen. This one is for you P.

2004 Marquès de Càceres

Two days old, but still a nice tempranillo showing aromas of wet earth and spicy red fruit. The aromas remind me of this wine in particular.

2006 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon

A Paso Robles Cabernet with little, if any, aging potential--two day test yielded mostly oxidation as opposed to fruit and secondary flavors, three day test revealed what little fruit was remaining.

2005 D'Arenberg The Stump Jump

I think the wine glass had soap residue leading to the initial tingly taste in the mouth. I thought the wine was one of Wine Spectator's Best Values, but it turns out the white was the Best Value. That being said, I still found the wine to pair nicely with Pizzeria Regina Margherita pizza (medium basil, no parmesan, well-done) because it cut through the cheese enough to go with the tomato sauce.

2007 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier

Aromatic, with melon and many other aromas that are difficult to distinguish which proceed its lusciously sweet, yet crisp flavors of Chinese pear. Surprising, a nice choice for my first voyage with Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc-Viognier. The beauty of chenin blanc is that the winemaker's touch can have such a dramatic effect on what it turns into. In this case the viognier adds

2007 Woop Woop Shiraz and an outdated French system

The first time I heard of Woop Woop was when I saw a bottle of it in my brother's apartment some time in the spring/summer of 2003, mind you, this was also before I had a great interest in wine. I didn't really ask him about it other than why he had saved the bottle. I want to say that his bottle is from the 2003 vintage, but I'm not exactly sure. Even when he moved into his first home, he took the bottle with him, probably due to the immense sentimental value he attributes to the bottle (not that there's anything wrong with sentimental value, after all, one man's trash is another man's gold). Anyway, the other day I picked up a bottle of this Southeastern Australia--more specifically, McLaren Vale--Shiraz. Tonight I drank it with leftovers (ribs, stuffed chicken, and brown rice with craisins and mango) and I'm currently drinking it as I sneak bites of fudge from a recent trip to Rockport, MA. It's not bad, nice legs, decent fruit, and the fudge brings out some interesting flavors I can't quite put a name on right now. However, when I compare it to the similarly priced, similarly rated Barossa Valley Estates E Minor, E Minor wins, hands down (even without considering the sealing method of each bottle). Now if you're looking for a nice McLaren Vale Shiraz that won't break the bank, try Two Hands Angel's Share ($30). If you want to go for gold, try Two Hands Ares ($160) which features fruit from both the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

On another note, there's a nice article at Slate examining why French bureaucrats and AOC standards are shooting its own wine industry in the foot.

It is often assumed that the wine industry, like other sectors of the French economy, is micromanaged by bureaucrats in Paris. The INAO does oversee the appellation system, but as wine writer Tyler Colman (a friend of mine) notes in his informative new book, Wine Politics, viticulture is an exception to the norm in France, in that it is mostly administered locally by the winemakers themselves. This arrangement, plainly fraught with conflicts of interest, has had onerous consequences.

In some appellations, the boundaries have been extended to include land not fit for making decent wine. Yield limits are now routinely flouted in many appellations, and a number of them also permit mechanized harvesting, which is a surefire way to produce rotgut. Then there are the taste tests, whose results are about as trustworthy as Zimbabwean presidential elections. In a survey released last year by the French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir, wine industry insiders acknowledged that as many as one-third of all AOC wines were undeserving of the distinction. Local control, combined with reckless growth, has been a disaster, and the wine-buying public has taken note. In the past decade or so, the French share of the global wine market has declined sharply. Fine cabernets and chardonnays are being produced around the world nowadays, and while the most celebrated French wines—the Romanée-Contis and the Latours and Lafites—are more popular and expensive than ever, the market for many lesser ones has all but dried up. Alain Bazot, UFC-Que Choisir's president, summed it up well: "For years, there has been a steady fall in the quality of many AOC wines which has completely undermined the confidence of consumers in the system." This, combined with the continued decline of domestic consumption in France (it has plunged 50 percent over the last four decades), has left thousands of winemakers in danger of losing their livelihoods.

Wine Spectator gets dupped

The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence symbolizes the supposed strength of a restaurant's wine program. The much coveted Grand Award broadcasts that you're the best of the best. I've been to many restaurants that have an Award of Excellence or better and for the most part, I was impressed by their wine lists. I can't say much about bottle service because I didn't always order a bottle when I went. That being said, a wine critic and academic asks what it takes to win such an award and dupes Wine Spectator into bestowing an Award of Excellence to a restaurant that doesn't even exist. (HT: Wine Economics.)

DISCLOSURE: I subscribe to Wine Spectator and I also enjoy many of the Italian reds that they rave about (see here).

2006 Ruffino Aziano

A deep dish, Chicago-style pizza with roasted peppers, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and pepperoni called for an Italian red. Chianti sounded good, or at the very least, something with Sangiovese. I chose a 2006 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico ($13) and was delighted. After reading Suckling's review of the 2006 vintage in Chianti Classico I couldn't help but admire my selection for the evening.

2002 Spring Mountain Elivette

Extremely tannic upon opening, this could've aged for several more years without a problem. After decanting, the tannins softened and finally revealed black fruit and an engagingly long finish. If I can find more of this 93 point wine I'll definitely purchase more, perhaps a case.

Waiter is moving on

Waiter has turned a new leaf, but promises to continue blogging. Good for him.

2003 Fisher Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon

Marvelous. Upon opening up it was a bit tight, but with a quick burst of black fruit before the tannins grabbed a hold. After 30 minutes, the fruit became more pronounced and the aromas really came through. Still young and with such a high alcohol content (14.8%) it's capable of aging for an extended period and adopting the markers of aged Napa Cabernet. Perfect with the porterhouse and a medley of snow peas, squash, red, yellow, and orange peppers sauteed in olive oil with garlic, butter, and lemon. Not too bad for my first solo cooking session...who knew?

Recent wines

It's been awhile since I've last posted about the wines I've been drinking, perhaps its because I've been preoccupied with numerous happenings elsewhere. Here's a quick, incomplete rundown in no particular order:

2005 Two Hands Ares: A stellar Australian Shiraz, quite possibly the best I've ever had, but definitely the highest-rated. Loads of black fruit accompanying a comical story and a great meal at Morton's. Here's the low-down: Per my request, the Assistant GM decanted the wine before our arrival. Upon arriving and making ourselves comfortable at the table, the same Assistant GM brings a decanter of wine over to the table and starts idle conversation in which he asks if I've ever had the Ares before. Let it be noted that I instantly noticed he had not only failed to bring the empty bottle or the cork, also the decanter was not nearly as full as one would expect from a standard 750 ml bottle, but the biggest clue was that the wine inside was not nearly as dark as I had expected. Anyway, long story short, I taste the wine in the decanter and then ask "Is this the Ares? Because it really doesn't take like it." He smiles, states that I'm correct in identifying the intentional mistake (it was actually Inglenook cooking wine, I think a Burgundian), and promptly brings another decanter, this one bearing the wine I so desperately desired. That same night I also tasted a 1997 Grand Cru Echezeaux from Lamarche.

2002 Darioush Shiraz: Another funny story: P and I decide to get a late-night snack from McDonalds, lo-and-behold guess what I do? Breakout this bottle of Shiraz and in all seriousness, say "This'll go great with those Quarter-Pounders without onions, the BBQ sauce for the nuggets, and the overly-crisp fries that sat in the oven a few minutes longer than they should have". Excellent wine, horrible food--never again will such a pairing occur.

2006 Two Hands Bella's Garden: A great Australian Shiraz. The culmination of a weekend of Shiraz.

2004 Justin "Isoceles" Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot: A beautiful red that shows Justin's ability to comeback from a startling setback in 2005.

2004 Concha Y Toro "Don Melchor" Cabernet Sauvignon: Yummy. Were it not for the lack of funds, I would've stocked up on this one. Instead, I'll stock up on the 2005.

2002 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: Excellent, a prime example of Beringer's ability to create age-worthy Cabs. A steal of a deal found buried in a case of 2004 BPR at the Waltham Costco.

2003 Antinori Solaia: Who would've thought I found this at a 7-11 in Vermont, just outside of Mount Snow? Upon opening and taking that first sip, I updated my Facebook status with something along the lines of having "found heaven on earth". I then received a message from a friend saying that was the best update he'd seen in a long time. Really though, this was stellar wine; its 1997 vintage was Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year. I just wish there was more than one bottle on the shelf.

2001 Antinori Tignanello: Upon cutting the seal, I noticed leakage and instantly became worried about oxidation. Fortunately, abundant, robust fruit flavors flashed shortly after opening and the wine was still very much enjoyable even several days after being opened. I think the bottle lasted for 3-4 days and only on the 4th day did sourness preclude the fruit.

2005 The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc: A beautiful Sauvignon Blanc, one of my proposed wines for a professional project that until recently, I was involved in.

2006 Four Vines "Naked" Chardonnay: Another one of my proposed wines. First tried at the Burlington Nordstroms.

1995 Chateau Simard Saint Emilion: My first mature Bordeaux (I've tasted an Ausone, but tasting is far different than drinking).

2005 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel: Their 40th vintage Zinfandel. If I recall correctly, the fruit is grown in the Anderson Valley.

2005 Barossa Valley Estate E Minor Shiraz: From the makers of the notoriously tasty E&E Black Pepper, a steal for $11.

2004 Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon: It seems I've got a distinct ability to sell this wine to guests (last I checked, I was the only one to have sold any, my record being 2). On both occasions, I had the pleasure of tasting this gorgeous wine--frankly its elegance and graceful style make it like--even the fear of sounding cliche will not prevent me from saying this--poetry for the wine lover.

1998 Col Solare: Antinori and Chateau Ste. Michelle's Washington collaboration found at D&L, one of my favorite liquor stores in Waltham.

2005 Joseph Phelps Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon: Produced from the left over fruit used for Insignia and its Napa Cabernets. Excellent, two bottles gone in the blink of an eye while celebrating a former colleague's birthday, one who happens to be quite the fan of Phelps' Insignia.

Big boys still sitting in the cellar waiting for their day: 2002 Spring Mountain Elivette, 2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, 2004 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23.

Updated: 8/19/08.

2006 Root 1

A fruit forward Chilean Cabernet from the Colcghagua Valley. One to remember, albeit for its introductory characteristics to the finer aspects of red wine, especially given the fact that its roots are ungrafted and have yet to have been plagued by Phylloxera. Definitely a wine for a blooming novice and one to recommend to those who aren't familiar with the beauty and intricacy of Cabernets.

ADDENDUM: Not nearly as complex as Concha y Toro's Don Melchor (its 2005 vintage received its highest rating yet), but still a great cabernet.

1996 Faustino I Gran Reserva

My first tempranillo (actually a blend of tempranillo graciano, and mazuelo; rated 87 points). An old world, yet rich and full-bodied red that slowly opened up after a decade+ in the bottle. Even after several days, its red fruit and mineral character showed beautifully; last night, well integrated tannins begged to complement the New York strips which I had paired with the wine a couple days before. Mom liked the bottle it came in.

il Molino di Grace Riserva 2001

I'm satisfied on a consistent basis by the many wines imported by Ed Peterson of Domaine Select Wine Estates. Even after being open for several days, the wines have been particularly impressive. Especially this Chianti Classico from il Molino di Grace, particularly it's Selezione Il Margone, which maintains a complexity that's hard to beat and flavors that make me want to grill a New York strip at 3:10 a.m. In fact, it's so good that I think I'll act on my whim and broil that Kansas City strip I've got marinating in the fridge right now. On a sidenote, I'm rather stuffed up right now, but I get aromas of strawberries right now, but that's about it for now...we'll see if I have any left after my meal. If not, then oh well.

2005 Bradford Mountain Grist Vineyard Syrah

Three days old and with just over a half a bottle left. Having been stored in the fridge for the past two days, oxidation slowed considerably. After warming up to cellar temperature (50 degrees) and subsequently just below room temperature, its black fruits (cherries, blackberry) emerged along with a soft, yet prolonged finish; I don't get blueberry or plum, but I certainly agree with 88 points. Paired with Kansas City strip steaks embedded with crushed peppercorns, sourdough baguettes, and boc choy. Here's what James Laube had to say about it:

Ripe, rich and fleshy, with intense blueberry, wild berry and plum notes that are well-centered and complex, ending with firm tannins. Drink now through 2011. 500 cases made.–JL

2004 Altamura Cabernet

Two days old, but still plenty of life in a half full bottle. Oxidation had begun, but black currant, berries, and bing cherries were still prevalent and the finish was more than enjoyable. Not to mention, it was a wonderful complement to the porterhouse, potatoes, broccoli, and sweet peas. A typical Napa Cabernet, but one that's definitely worthy of a repeat performance (WS: 91 pts). Currently, a Costco special, but as the powers that be, I scored this one for free (see below).

Addendum: Altamura's New England distributors also push Opus One.

1999 Il Palazzone

I experienced this amazing Brunello di Montalcino (which, unfortunately is not imported for retail sale in the U.S. or so says this), along with numerous other wines (from Opus One, which was like velvet but still overrated, to a 1992 Stags Leap Winery Cabernet (amazingly complex and very well balanced), 1999 Heitz Bella Oaks Cabernet (nice, but not my favorite), 2002 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet (wonderful year and proof of Beringer's ongoing ability to produce top notch Cabernet capable of aging; their chardonnay, not so much), 2005 Etude Deer Camp Pinot Noir (blows their standard Carneros Pinot Noir OUT of the water), 2006 Elderton Command Shiraz (powerful, opulent, fruit forward, and possesses a complexity that shines), Perrier Jouet Fleur De Champagne (mmmmm, tasty), Krug's Grand Cuvee (After tasting this, I no longer wonder how Krug has the ability to sell a bottle of champagne for $$$$), complex and one that I repeatedly had to "taste") last night during an extravagant wine tasting event sponsored by the Boston Seaport Morton's. The event was stellar and the networking opportunities numerous; not to mention the great food and a silent auction, benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation and consisting of a Primat (27 Liters) of 2005 Charles Krug Vintage Selection and a private cocktail reception for 40. I'm currently drinking the remainder of this day-old Brunello which has had the chance to really open up. Aromas of wet earth, subtle red fruit, and flowers. Flavors of ripe, yet subdued strawberries, earth, and cherries, with a long, smooth finish. As I remember from yesterday, I didn't enjoy this Brunello as much as I did tonight. My favorite Brunello so far has been the 2001 Capanna Riserva.

The Macallan Fine Oak vs. The 18

I had the opportunity to compare The Macallan 17 Fine Oak to The Macallan 18 tonight. I find the 17 to be slightly darker than the 10 year Fine Oak, with a much more pronounced flavor as compared to the 10 year Fine Oak; however, in retrospect, I find my flavor profile much more accommodating toward Macallan when it's strictly aged in sherry casks as opposed to a blend of bourbon and sherry cask aged scotch. The Macallan 18 has more color and a much more complex flavor profile; granted it's of NO comparison to the 25, but it still has a smooth, soothing finish that's hard to beat. I can't, nor will I, ever choose to compare it to more normal everyday scotch (Walker Black), but given the evening which I've had the chance to really put the two side-by-side, I'd go with the 18, bar none.

On another note, I met the son of the owner of Toscano, Andrew, this afternoon and we had a nice discussion about Nebbiolo and the beauty of Italian wines. I'll have to splurge for the Casanova di Neri next time I'm in.

P.S. As Jon said this evening; NEVER SETTLE. Find The Best and GO FOR IT.

Mayacamas Vineyards 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

Upon opening, aromas of spicy black currant, blackberries, bittersweet chocolate, and anise. The first taste showed strong, unbalanced tannins that overpowered the aromas; I almost thought it was oxidized by the finish. The wine needs a few more years in the bottle to come to terms with itself. After decanting, its complexity opened up majestically and its robust fruit-forward nature and elegant, persistent finish became apparent.

Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Vanilla and black fruit aromas develop upon opening the bottle and pouring the first glass. By itself, there's something wrong with the finish, it dies with an odd bitter note, one that I've never experienced. Perhaps this has to do with what Wine Spectator complained about with bottle variation in this particular vintage.

SECOND DAY: Vanilla and black fruit aromas are still present; with a little air, its had a chance to mellow, but the fruit still pops and the tannins have grip, but for the most part, the funky finish follows. I wonder how this wine would've tasted a couple years ago, perhaps it's beyond its peak.

Brunello di Montalcino Capanna Riserva 2001

Wow. As the first Brunello I've reviewed on this blog, I've got to say, it's established a high standard. Beautiful aromas with an apparent spice (hard to separate), full-bodied, well balanced (with the idea that it'll age nicely), long, partially dry aftertaste with a quagmire of flavors and a mouth-coating texture, and perfect for the broiled New York strip and broccoli (sauteed with garlic and oyster sauce) I had this evening. This is one for the books (WS rated 95 points), although I don't get the citrus fruit in the aromas, and the plum is not necessarily apparent until I read the WS review and compared my notes. Winemaker notes:

Obtained from a careful hand selection of small Brunello (Sangiovese) grapes from the older vines. Aged in Slavonian oak barrels (10-20 HL) for about 4 years, then in bottle for an additional year. Deep-ruby color, fullbodied, with a long and rich aftertaste, intense and persistent perfume; big and robust wine. Best served at 64-68 °F with grilled and roasted red meats, game, and strong cheeses.

2004 Bell Syrah Cantebury Vineyard

Fragrant. Upon first pour, a vanilla aroma became evident. However, after a couple minutes the vanilla aromas disappeared and aromas of subdued spice followed by red fruit (cherries and raspberries) and blackberries emerged. Pleasant on the palate with luscious fruit that's well balanced and proceeds into a long, fruit-forward finish. Noticeable legs, soft tannins with a different sort of richness (at least from what I was expecting from a syrah).

American Wine Company (AWC) rates it 91. Winemaker tasting notes:

Our 2004 Syrah exhibits wonderful varietal character. Deep ruby in color with spicy, peppery fruit aromas, the wine has good acidity, with a rich, luscious mouthfeel and soft, elegant tannins. The oak flavors are in balance with the fruit acidity and fruit flavor to yield an appealing wine, bright on the palate, with great depth and concentration. Often described by our guests as “yummy,” this delicious wine is a nice alternative for those seeking a rich, round, wellbalanced yet softer style wine. A great companion to food, this wine will continue to mature gracefully for many years. Richly flavored and with great concentration, this wine illustrates the great potential of the Canterbury Vineyard.

2005 Incognito

Not being exactly sure of what I was getting into when I purchased this wine, I was drawn to the name of the winemakers; David and Michael Phillips. I recall seeing the Phillips name as one to watch out for in a recent edition of Wine Spectator, so when I saw it in my local store, I decided to give it a whirl. Unfortunately, I had already prepared a New York strip steak to go along with my wine selection before I actually opened the bottle and poured a taste. After doing so, I was glad to have had some brie and crackers on hand to pair with the wine. The wine didn't match up to well with my seared peppercorn strip, but overall, it was a well-blended wine of primarily Rhone varietals, particularly Syrah, Mourvedre, Petite Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Originally this wine was thought to be a Roussanne, until DNA testing proved it to be a rare clone of Viognier. Winemaker's notes:

Flambéed pear and honeysuckle aromas open up into flavors of passion fruit, green apple and a lingering dried apricot finish.

This wine was awarded "Best Rhone in the World" as a Roussanne at the 2000 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. However, using DNA testing, U.C. Davis later determined that this unique grape is a rare clone of Viognier that mysteriously appeared in California during the past decade and is not, in fact, a Roussanne after all.

The phantom clone originated somewhere in the Chateauneuf du Pape region of the Rhone Valley in France, then mistakenly sold to the grower - the talented Mr. Ripkin - as Roussanne, who, finally, sold the resulting grapes to Michael~David Vineyards. The rest is history!

Incognito's grapes are grown in the Ripken Vineyard, east of the Carquinez Straits in the Sacramento River Delta region of California. Warm days and cool evenings - reminiscent of the clone's native Rhone Valley - produce the powerful and intense fruit with a sultry body that characterizes this wine, making it unlike any other Viognier.

Amazingly smooth; will purchase again and pair accordingly.

2003 Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Wow. Upon opening the bottle, pouring the first taste, and taking in its aromas; I was impressed. Jammy fruit blasts the nose and you taste what you smell. Smooth, polished finish. Tannins are present, but far from noticeable. If I were to taste this blind, I'd label it as a merlot. Sediment; needs filter, but not necessarily aeration. In fact, I'd go against aeration because it's gold right out of the bottle. Winemaker notes & back of the bottle:

The flavors get better and better as this vineyard matures. This 2003 Branding Iron flaunts a mixture of wild berry and cranberry fruit. The middle palate is fat and coating as it tastes sweet and polished even though the wine is dry. A warm, spicy toast coming from the barrels complements the fruit, while the soft tannins finish with harmony and grace.
Oakville's Branding Iron vineyard was named for a branding iron shaped like two opposing wineglasses, that has been in the properietor's family for generations. Round and polished, this is an approachable Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of cherry, spice and toasty oak, accented by soft tannins and a harmonious finish.

IHSV.

2002 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages

An amazing claret (meritage). Labeled as a Cabernet Sauvignon; however, it's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot; each of which is aged independently in oak before being blended and bottled. The nose assaults you with concentrated fruit (predominantly black with a touch of red, particulary crushed cherry(?)**). Well balanced, tannins are noticeable, but fade quickly, ending in a smooth finish (not enough to cut through the abundant marbling in a prime ribeye steak, but much more suitable toward a filet). The question I have is how does the 2003 compare to the 2002 (especially since the 2003 received a higher rating than the 2002)?

From the winemaker:

Engaging and seductive, the 2002 vintage delivers the signature aromas we look for on Cinq Cépages – chocolate covered cherries and hints of mocha. Deep, dense and beautifully balanced, a medium – bodied entry fills the mouth with black plums, hibiscus notes and an exotic floral note that wrap around big, juicy tannins. Highly extracted and perfectly balanced, this wine delivers cedar and sweet roasted oak notes throughout a lingering finish.

IHSV