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 Junior W. Wine Reviews
2003 - Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc |
Good White |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was a very pleasant vintage, that was easy to drink. Overall it was an enjoyable white with the expected citrus punch and an overall clean flavor. If there is no red, pass me a bottle of this white. |
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2002 - Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc |
Minerals Noticeable |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was another crisp vintage, with smooth fruit and a good finish. It was also very green - grassy and somewhat underripe fruit (in a good way). Some slight mineral components that make me very happy. |
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2001 - Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc |
Strong for Age |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| We had this vintage a week ago actually and it has really held up on the fruit. Also has very nice aromas grass, grapefruit lime peels. The acidity is sharp but not overboard and has attack of citrus (lemons,limes, grapefruit) some kiwi. |
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2000 - Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc |
Good - not Great |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This vintage has passed it's prime but it still has some interesting components. I even note a slight stony/chalky note on the nose and flavors. I think I would really liked this alot if the fruit had not faded so much. Try later vintages. Great producer. |
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2004 - Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon |
Value Driven |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| I did a little experiment with this value driven wine. I decanted this for about 6 hours before drinking it and it was a nice smooth typical Cabernet Sauvignon. I opened a second bottle and did a pop and pour and could definitely tell the difference between the decanted and the wine that didn't breathe. I didn't do any real "tasting notes", but I'd buy it again... |
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2001 - Cacchiano, Castello di Chianti Classico Sangiovese |
Chalky Mushrooms and Soil |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| If you want Italian wine flavors - this delivers it. It's ok stuff, but the alcohol is pretty strong (13%). It about blows your nose away with the alcohol smell. It tastes very slightly of plums, strawberries, black cherry, and walnut. There's a chalky finish in the wine's aftermath. |
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2000 - Belles Graves Bordeaux Blend |
Big and Bold |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was a very Big and Bold bordeaux blend in this awesome vintage. The palate consisted of cherries, anise, pencil shavings and a very cool velvety finish. This wine lasted for a good 3 minutes on my palate. I loved it. Wish I had bought more than I did! |
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2001 - Albet I Noya, Bodegas Tempranillo Tempranillo |
Good Tempranillo! |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| Good Tempranillo! This was a good surprise to the palate with very nice plum and vanilla taste - I smell a surprising bit of tobacco on the nose. Quite nice and very easy to drink. |
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2002 - Albet I Noya, Bodegas Tempranillo Tempranillo |
pass on this vintage |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| Big disappointment after the 2001 vintage. It has crappy sour-cherry nose with tons of fake sweetness followed by a chemical aspect that is not at all enjoyable. On the palate this stuff is awful because it tastes just like it smells. Pass on this vintage. |
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2004 - Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Proprietary Blend |
Good Shiraz |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| I liked this a lot for the value. It has a good nose, very fruity with an interesting vegetal component coming through. Lots of fruit on the mouth. This wine is spicy, and the tannins are firm but there is a lot of alcohol. The finish is smooth. |
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2005 - Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Proprietary Blend |
Good Blend! |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was another great vintage. It had beautiful deep purple color, wonderful blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and Franc thrown in to round things out. Complex, fruity, alcoholic wine with an unusual but pleasant taste. |
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2003 - Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Proprietary Blend |
off Vintage |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was not as good as other vintages. It consisted of candied fruits and a bit of the over oaking is going on as well. Alcohol was a bit too intense, but settled down after about 30 minutes. |
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2002 - Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Proprietary Blend |
So-So |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was a so-so vintage in my opinion. Starts off on the nose with it's buttery and strength of the alcohol coming through. It's initially intensely sweet, almost no mid-palate that I could detect, followed by a lengthy oak finish. |
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2001 - Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Proprietary Blend |
Worst of the vintages |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was by far the weakest of all the vintages. There just wasn't much besides a short burst of sweet fruit and oak. Tried it again after having it open for a good part of the next day. Not much change. Was better in small doses with food - somehow damped the oak a bit. |
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2000 - Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Proprietary Blend |
Good Stuff |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| Good juice - I was impressed with this vintage as well. Overall, very surprised at the taste. Very smooth all the way through and heavy in the mouth. I got a feta taste in the mid pallet. For the money, definitely worth it. |
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1999 - Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Proprietary Blend |
Fruit Bomb! |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| Loved this vintage, big fruit bomb, drink now! It tastes like hard candy. Buy it when people are coming over who won't appreciate the old world complexity of more traditional wines. There's some tangerine on the palate, but mostly a "fake" fruity candy flavor. Good Juice. |
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2000 - Lyeth Meritage Red Proprietary Blend |
OK Wine |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| Ok wine that does have some great fruit with a vegetal character. Definitely some evergreen forest on the nose. A bit of alcohol burn on the finish, but if you decant it for a minimum of an hour, that should mostly dissipate. Would have scored higher if it wasn't for that. |
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2001 - Lyeth Meritage Red Proprietary Blend |
Good Value |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This is a very complex wine for less than $15 a bottle. Fruit forward with a plesant finish that's not too tannic. Was tasty on its own and went great with my steak. Much smoother finish than the 2000. |
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2002 - Lyeth Meritage Red Proprietary Blend |
Ok for the Price |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This isn't going to blow anyone away but it's still pretty solid for the price. Red and Black fruits on the nose. Fruit forward with somewhat tannic finish. The finish is short and not that interesting, but for $15 - it gives you that much. |
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2004 - Saisons Des Vins Copain Le Printemps Syrah Rose Syrah |
Summer Wine! |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This is a great summer wine! Lots of apples and a hint of cotton candy on the palate. A very sweet bouquet but a dry wine. Definitely chill well before serving...for a crisper feel and taste. A bit peppery in the finish. |
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2003 - Saisons Des Vins Copain Le Printemps Syrah Rose Syrah |
Good Rose |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| Another solid vintage from Copain. This was more strawberry and candied fruit, with an almond aroma, dry, high acidity, medium body, nice lime juice finish. Most should enjoy this easy to drink rose. |
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2005 - Saisons Des Vins Copain Le Printemps Syrah Rose Syrah |
SAY ROSE! |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| After 3 vintages of this wine, I cannot wait for the next three! This particular vintage has very nice cotton candy and other light fruits. For some odd reason I rather liked it after it completely warmed up to room temp unlike previous vintages. |
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9998 - Mionetto Grappa di Prosecco Prosecco |
Crisp |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was an easy to drink sparkler. Very light and lively is likely the best descriptor for this bubbly. Definite citrus and fleshy fruit, like pear or peach on the nose with a slight jolt of acidity and peach to round it out on the finish. |
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2005 - Duck Walk Windmill Red NV Proprietary Blend |
Bad |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| This was just a very bad wine. Metal and alcohol flavors dominate the palate. I don't think this bottle was corked either. Not much else to add to this, it was rough and I won't recommend it. |
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2001 - Ferrari-Carano Syrah Syrah |
Good Cool Syrah |
| Jun 04, 2008 |
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| Very cool grapes make this syrah very pleasing on the palate.Also has a good nose and finish, but something strikes me as off in the mid-palette. Very peppery. Excellent with dark chocolate, though - brought out more berry flavors. |
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2003 - Renwood Zinfandel Old Vine Zinfandel |
Good Zin |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| This Cali zin has great balance of fruit, tannins, acidity, and alchohol. Lots of great dried raspberry, tar, cedar, leather, brown sugar and baking spice flavors and aromas. Smooth tannins and just enough acidity to keep it lively. |
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2002 - Renwood Zinfandel Old Vine Zinfandel |
Good Value |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| Another solid vintage from renwood. Very enjoyable zinfandel. Has some spicy, cedar, and blackberry on the nose. Not as fruit forward on the nose as other zins but I enjoy that. Slightly tannic on the mouth but with vanilla, cherry and some smoke. Slightly grippy on the finish but a nice bottle overall |
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2001 - St Supery Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Cabernet Sauvignon |
Excellent! |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I love this producer and they always seem to make solid wines from year to year. This vintage was exceptional as most 2001 Cali Cabernets were in my opinion. Fruit forward, cherry, raspberry, dirt, chocolate crumbs, and slight vegetal component. Should drink well for a good while. |
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2004 - Montes Folly Syrah Syrah |
Great |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I loved it. Rich complex elegant nose. Some red fruit, peppermint on nose. Smooth, silky, mouth watering flavor. Smooth tannins. Good finish. Good wine. |
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2003 - Montes Folly Syrah Syrah |
Another Good vintage |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| this wasn't quite as good as the 2004 but I still enjoyed it. I found this wine to be a another very good surprise from Chile. I also found this Syrah very focused; the wine had a strong hint of smoked gouda. The wine was a very positive experience. Cherries and tabacco lovers unite! |
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2002 - Alfred,Domaine Pinot Noir Pinot Noir |
3 for 3 |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| This is the only other vintage of this wine that I've tried. Blueberry and Plum with Black Pepper and nicely rounded tannins. Undertones of dirt and earth, but just slightly. This is a fruit forward wine, but I would not classify as a fruit Bomb. The finish is a tad dry but a finish that lasts 15 - 20 seconds with a little heat that lasts about 5 seconds past that. |
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2001 - Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Proprietary Blend |
Excellent |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I loved it. It has a beautiful nose, lots of berry and spice. Rich plummy plum color. Tastes of juicy berries, bit of pepper, good with mexican-southwestern food and also a great turkey wine. One of my favorite vintages of this blend. Good for 10+ years. |
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2002 - Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Proprietary Blend |
Pass on this Vintage |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I didn't like it. The color is an Inky purple, and it has a light nose - very typical Napa Cabernet nose of cherry, vanilla, mint Palate - very light tannins, sour cherry, no complexity. This is not a terrible wine...just wouldn't put it out there for the price it demands. Try other vintages. |
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2004 - Beringer Syrah Syrah |
Desert Anyone? |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| This was a big surprise and tasty wine. The wine has a rich taste with a hint of chocolate and a nice afterglow to it. There was some debate in our tasting group as to whether or not it could stand on its own as a nice dessert wine. I voted YES! |
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2004 - Etude Pinot Gris Pinot Gris |
Good for Half |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I like it! I could definately pick up the pear flavor in this wine. I also picked up a hint of citrus (lemon/lime). No real finish either. It just sort of disappears with no after-taste. Worth a try if you can get this bottle half off like I did ;-) |
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2003 - Etude Pinot Gris Pinot Gris |
Pinot Gris Please! |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I loved it! On the nose this wine has elderberry flower, acacia flower. On the palate: dry, balanced alcohol, almost too subtle acidity, some honey and white peaches; nothing breathtaking, but definitely nice and enjoyable, it reflects what you can expect for the price. |
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2002 - Etude Pinot Gris Pinot Gris |
Bad Vintage |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I didn't like it. This is a strange wine. the first glass got a lot of citris flavors (which is not bad but nothing else) and then the second was just heavy. This vintage was a little too flabby and alcoholic for my tastes. |
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2001 - Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Blend |
Perfect! |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| This is one of the most expensive and most impressive bottles I have ever had the privelege of drinking. Best over the next 50+ years - it has wonderful apricot, tangerine, and peach flavors on the palate. The flavors stay in your mouth for days. Literally! |
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2004 - Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Redland Pinot Noir |
Pass |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I didn't like it. The finish was weak and unimpressive. My wife enjoys the fruit in this wine, I am not getting it. She also enjoys the other Sokol Blosser wines...I think it's a conspiracy. This just doesn't have anything interesting to say to my palate. |
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2003 - Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Pinot Noir |
Good Wine |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I liked it. Sokol Blosser has a hit with this one. It smells spicy, a little peppery. It really does smell wonderful. Can taste berries, spice & pepper right away and it has good length. My wife made me write this after my last review. She loves Sokol. |
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9998 - Rex Hill Vineyards Pinot Gris Pinot Gris |
Value |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| It's ok. The nose is light. It has a little citrus, some mineral, and hints of tropical fruit. Body is light as well and has an intersting tropical fruit and citrus taste. Mid palate is hollow and finish is slightly citric but very short. Easy drinking on its own on a warm day. |
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2003 - Rex Hill Vineyards Pinot Gris Pinot Gris |
Value |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I like it. It is semi-dry, with citris flavors. The low acidity is what makes this wine so accessable now. Again, not a bad wine if you are looking for an affordable white that everyone can enjoy. |
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2005 - Newton Claret Unfiltered Proprietary Blend |
Good Blend |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I like this wine. It's very smooth, not spicy, subtle wine that has a perfect blend of juice which tastes fruity. A great wine that goes well with chicken, or steak and a great for parties. Easy to drink with some complexity. Nice price for what it delivers. |
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2004 - Newton Claret Unfiltered Proprietary Blend |
Needs to Breath |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I will eventually like it. This was a nice blend that needed some time to breathe once opened, high level of earthyness and such. Good body, mild alcohol levels. We had this with some nice and tangy bbq after it got opened up after 20-30 minutes in bottle. Decanting would help/speed up the drinkability I suspect. |
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2003 - Newton Claret Unfiltered Proprietary Blend |
Off year |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I did not like this vintage. This is a fine bottle for a 2nd or 3rd of the evening. It starts off a bit bitter and green but after an hour or more it was at least passable enough to be consumed the remain half after 2 other bottles. The fruit of cherry and not much else is hidden in the oak which also plays too big of a role. |
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2002 - Newton Claret Unfiltered Proprietary Blend |
Smooth |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I did enjoy this vintage. This was a very smooth claret with a good black fruit taste wrapped in bacon and vanilla oak. This really is the smoothest of all the vintages of this wine that I've tasted. Drink now - simpler wine. |
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2000 - Newton Claret Unfiltered Proprietary Blend |
Good Wine |
| Jun 03, 2008 |
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| I liked this vintage as well. This is somewhat of a throwback vintage because of the interesting flavors it brings up/ Focused and intense with elements of currant, rhubarb and elements of other black fruits. Reminiscent of a Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Drink now as the fruit is probably faded already. |
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