William Leslie

8.7

Unfortunately it was a bit corked, easily seen and smelled on the cork. Those comments aside… dark cherry is abundant, with cedar lingering. Peeper characteristics are really faint as you roll the wine, but I chalk this up to the corking. I’ll try again. Hoping the tannin/dryness gets better. — 3 years ago

William Leslie

8.8

Subtle can be good. This word sums up the wine well. The fruit is subtle, the late pepper is subtle, the tannin is subtle. Nothing stands out, nothing overpowers, nothing underwhelms. The tannin and pepper Linger well and allow for a wide range of pallet styles. I think this is a nice introduction wine for Syrah and Grenache novice drinkers weary about the grape influences that typically stand out. Overall I think the price point is too high, but I would enjoy this again.  — 5 years ago

William Leslie

7.7

This red blend missed the mark, likely due to In overuse of varietals. Although the wine is fruit forward with blueberry and black currant, the wine moves so quickly through it misses the opportunity for anything representing a finish. The tannins are high for a blend in this price range (quality wine makers know how to balance this). Over a few glasses you can find the oak and some pepper, but you end up spending more time reconciling the flavor rather than enjoying it. — 5 years ago

William Leslie

9.7

This is a very enjoyable wine. I look at this as an approachable Napa Valley wine, ideal for drinkers who are looking for approachable Napa without the heaviness that many associate with Napa Valley. This wine has some very good oak flavors that you don’t have to search for, but are not overwhelming which puts many drinkers off. Overall the wine is medium a overall body with nice long oak characteristics. The finish does have a touch of a spice likely coming from the barreling and is welcomed — 4 years ago

William Leslie

7.4

Upon first opening the bottle the nose had a great oak and fruit nose. Initial tasting showed some mild sweetness with an oak and pepper spice.. but a very light feel. Interestingly enough, by the second glass these characteristics were almost gone. Overall I’m disappointed in this crianza as the flavors became so mild I found myself searching for them too much. — 5 years ago

William Leslie

9.6

A very enjoyable Zin. This wine finds a nice balance between the common “too sweet” and “too dry” extremes which dominate this price range. Fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry (without the tart) allow for a smooth feel. There is a nice mild to medium pepper spice that lingers on the tongue long after. There is also a bit of cedar, but I would hardly call this an oaky wine. Overall I find it very approachable by not hitting any of the extremes. Based on the growing conditions I did expect a bit more spice flavorings, but the long finish almost makes up for it. I think the price point is a bit high but I will be buying again. — 5 years ago

William Leslie

8.9

I enjoyed this wine but also was a bit disappointed. Tannins are medium for a Grenache; meaning I expected more but found it more approachable. Raspberry flavors were dominant, some dark chocolate and something else I just couldn’t put my finger on. There was also a pepper finish that was noticeable as you drank but didn’t really stand out or linger as expected. Pepper is something I look for her but I found myself “forgetting” it was there, which is unusual for a quality Grenache. Overall, the fruit hits quick, the tannin lingers and the pepper is lacking. A good introduction to the grape, but the flavor staples are underperforming.  — 5 years ago

William Leslie

6.9

I can’t write much on this one. It’s a disappointing wine in regards to flavor, longevity and just about anything else. It’s a cheap bottle that is too expensive. Sorry for the horrible review, I enjoy a lot of low priced gems, but this one really misses the mark. — 5 years ago

William Leslie

7.6

It’s disappointing when a nose out weighs the flavor. Overall the wine falls flat in flavors. The positive is a spice kick on the tongue that has a long finish. Unfortunately everything else is muted. For the price point this is way off. — 5 years ago

William Leslie

7.1

Nose is floral and clean. Wine is overtly dry and masks flavors. If you enjoy tannic wine, then this is a good choice for you. But... upon tasting, you get a quick taste of cherry flavor that is overrun by the tannin. It stays on the tongue too long blocking multiple sips. Essentially the Franc ratio is off. This is a disappointment for Emilion even for the price. — 6 years ago