Jay Kline

9.3

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, 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. The alcohol is high.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…

So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039. — 4 days ago

Chris MacLean

8.9

Not as much vigor as other vintages. 2023 is tricky. — 9 months ago

with Sarah

Boris Mathiszik

8.9

When in Rome, drink Roman wine. This is a nice table wine - perfect for dinner here on our first night. — 3 years ago

Carter White

9.0

Fruit forward, but good acid and grip — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2017 vintage. A bit of everything with medium body, requisite tannins, slightly reserved fruit and spice/tar shouting here and there. $35.10 bottle resto cost. Don't need Barolo but couldn't say no at that price. 06.11.25. — 6 months ago

Tom Swennes

9.0

2008. Borderline port, but delicious in its own right. — 8 months ago

Jan de Weerd

9.2

Strong wine that comes at you with a burst of fresh minerality and firm tannins but opens up in your mouth and reveals nice layers of dark fruit on the finish. Reminded me of the Sagrantino wines we had in Umbria but with less body. — 3 years ago

with Tammy

Tyler Felous

9.4

Took a flyer buying this from Benchmark. Bottle was in perfect condition, but sadly past its peak. Nose was outstanding - huge - chocolate, spice box. Had lost any acidity to balance the huge fruit. And at 17%, it kicked our ass. Would love to try a slightly younger rendition. — 3 months ago

Sam Rubin

10

Excellent. Fruity explosion at BOKA in Chicago — 7 months ago

Silvermo

9.1

Fantastico vino de Guadiana, enraizado en campos encumbrados desde el gran asentamiento romano, en Alange, precioso lugar camino de Emerita Augusta. Cuna de mis antepasados. Buen caldo, apropiado para carnes, queso que marida de manera fanstastica. Una gran joya de mi amigo Tomas. — 3 years ago