Spunky and peppery on the bouquet, with black fruit aromas and a toasty dryness. The palate is broad and shows good density, while the flavors of blackberry, chocolate, herbs and coffee are warm and spicy. Seems a little sweet and candied, but overall it’s a lush, modern, varietally correct wine for near-term drinking.
— M.S.
(7/1/2011)
Black fruit, mint, baking spices and herbal aromas all knit together well on the bouquet. The palate has a tightness to it but also good richness, while the flavors of cassis, black cherry and tobacco are true to Chile and expressive. Dark, smoky and savory on the finish.
— M.S.
(12/1/2011)
A bit of heat oozes off the bouquet, but it’s mostly dense and sound, with blueberry, herb, tobacco and cola aromas. It feels tannic and rich, with baked berry, chocolate, prune and mint flavors. A five-grape Bordeaux blend that’s jammy and New World in style, this is very ripe and a touch raisiny tasting on the finish.
— M.S.
(9/1/2012)
A big step up from the first time we tried this wine in 2007. Aromas are pure and fruity, while the palate is ripe and acid-rich, with juicy but tight plum, herb and berry flavors. Shows chocolate on the tail, and overall it is on the money. A blend of five grapes led by Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère.
— M.S.
(5/1/2010)
A standout Casablanca Valley Sauvignon for $15? Yes. Right from the start the pure, defined citrus and grass aromas draw you in. After that, the grapefruit on the palate is clean and quenching, while on the fringe there’s a hint of pickle and green apple. Overall it’s a wine that pushes the right buttons.
— M.S.
(9/1/2007)
Clean on the nose, with pure citrus and minerality. It’s full but not heavy in the mouth, with developed, mature flavors of grapefruit and other citrus fruits. Mildly pithy, green and long on the finish. Not a prima ballerina; this has force and strength along with elegance.
— M.S.
(6/1/2011)
Spicy and a bit dry on the nose, with firm, attractive red berry aromas. The palate is lively and well balanced, with full plum, dark berry and peppery flavors. Finishes solid, toasty and dry, with crispness and follow through.
— M.S.
(9/1/2011)
This is round and dark up front, with a touch of bacon on the nose. It feels fresh and medium in power, with blackberry, plum and chocolate flavors that roll into a peppery, spicy finish.
— M.S.
(12/1/2012)