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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Montes Twins 2012 (about $12)

About the Wine:  Rumor is that the wine makers of Chile are doing what the wine makers of Italy did in 1997, making a huge ump in quality that will be followed by an accompanying jump in price.  This is no surprise given the fact that Chile and Argentina have long been go to regions for inexpensive quality wine that can be drunk young. 


About THIS Wine:  The nose is very bold with both the Cab and the Malbec throwing out loads of fruit.  I think a dash of Merlot might have been in order to tame this beast.  Fruit is prominent on the palate but it is much drier in both palate and finish than I would have expected from the way it smelled.


Drinking This Wine:  This is a Tuesday night wine that would pair well with a hamburger or a French dip.  It is a little too dry to have by itself and it is not big enough to be a steak wine.


Overall Impression:  If this Bordeaux blend had come from Bordeaux it would cost at least twenty dollars.  At this price it is a good value.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

La Ferme de Suzon Red Clay Cotes du Rhone 2012 (about $9)

About the Wine:  "How's the nine dollar Cotes du Rhone?" may be the most optimistic question of my wine career.  The salesman helpfully compared it to a ten dollar Cotes du Rhone in another display, which he said was fruitier.  I was pretty sure that they both tasted like shame, so I went for the cheaper one.


About THIS Wine: The Syrah really jumps out on the nose.  It provides a potent, jammy fruit smell.  As the wine opens up, more Grenache and Cinsault come through in earthy, vegetal notes.  It is those later elements that dominate the palate, which is dry, smooth, and good.  There is basically no finish.


Drinking This Wine:  I had it with turkey leg and it was good.  But wine at this price range is best drunk while contemplating your various mistakes in life, such as buying wine at this price range.


Overall Impression:  All kidding aside, the wine tasted good and did not give me a hangover.  You could easily sell it for fifteen dollars a bottle and I have definitely had worse at that price range.  This wine is a good value.