2008 Maryhill Winemaker's Red (Washington) Here is the straight talk on this yummy, every day, $12 wine: It hits the taste buds with a dusty, walnut flavor then opens up real jammy-like with a full plum burst (but it's still soft on the tongue), then has an even softer, mellow, chocolatey finish. *Aerated in Vinturi wine aerator 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Franc
2008 Francis Coppola Rosso (California): We LOVE the black label Claret, so we figured we'd give this $9 bottle a whirl. It is fairly acidic and medium-bodied. It's little more flowery/vanilla to me than berry-like with chocolate--all flavors promised in this fairly priced selection. I can smell the caramel, but it's not clear on the palate. It wasn't bad, in fact, it was rather zesty, but it's not a wow. I'd rather pay another $10-$15 and get my Claret! *Aerated in Vinturi wine aerator Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet
Red table wine. The end.
Jammy to the jam-jam diggity! At first I thought it was too sweet. I'm a Merlot girl. BUT, with chicken, spinach, etc...it grew on me and ended up delightfully delicious. Mr. Wonderful liked it immediately. The nose is very berry-ish with some spicy hints, too. The more I sipped, the more plum I picked up on. "Juicy" is the best word for this wine. Mr. W doesn't want the bottle to end. Will purchase this again. :)
60% Monastrell, 25% Garnacha, 15% Syrah paired with cranberry pork loin with cranberry, clove gravy; mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. This wine was a "meh," as my friend, Brett, says.
Full 15
Not as smooth/buttery as Ovation, but still nice.
Closer to Ovation. Smoother on the front, finishes tart.
From Chile. Dirt Cheap. Like $5.99 dirt cheap. It's pretty good for that cheap, too. Think I've found my "buy in bulk for my party" wine.
This 2003 Washington variety was my favorite before it ran out. However, I picked up this 2005 and wow. It shows heavy aromas of plum, cherry, and black olive, with hints of gun smoke and leather. Its flavors of ripe berry, oak and spice are well balanced and there are appealing notes of black cherry, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Big Merlot. Big yum.
