Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried, mixed fruits: brambles, plum, blueberry, purple flowers, leather, earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and rich. Alcohol is medium+. Pretty tasty stuff.
Initial conclusions: this could be a Merlot (or blend thereof), Cabernet Franc (or blend), Cabernet Sauvignon (or blend), Shiraz (or blend) Tempranillo or Syrah from the United States, France, Australia or Spain. The fruit is the star here so I’m taking this to the “new world”. Plus, there is a generosity and elevated alcohol that gives me Aussie vibes (though I find the wine balanced). I also think this has 15-20 years of age. Final conclusion: this is a Shiraz blend from Australia, Barossa, 2005. Daaaaaang. Andrew Will! I don’t hate my call but I should have probably done better with this one since I’m very familiar with these wines. Still much to learn. Drink now through 2037.
Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried, mixed fruits: brambles, plum, blueberry, purple flowers, leather, earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and rich. Alcohol is medium+. Pretty tasty stuff.
Initial conclusions: this could be a Merlot (or blend thereof), Cabernet Franc (or blend), Cabernet Sauvignon (or blend), Shiraz (or blend) Tempranillo or Syrah from the United States, France, Australia or Spain. The fruit is the star here so I’m taking this to the “new world”. Plus, there is a generosity and elevated alcohol that gives me Aussie vibes (though I find the wine balanced). I also think this has 15-20 years of age. Final conclusion: this is a Shiraz blend from Australia, Barossa, 2005. Daaaaaang. Andrew Will! I don’t hate my call but I should have probably done better with this one since I’m very familiar with these wines. Still much to learn. Drink now through 2037.
May 21st, 2026
Decent wine, but taking some time to open up. Second tasting of this over the past year, and still not quite as impressed as the price suggests I should be.
Decent wine, but taking some time to open up. Second tasting of this over the past year, and still not quite as impressed as the price suggests I should be.
Mar 11th, 2014
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
