September 1, 2018
Although it doesn’t say it on the label, this is all Syrah from Monterey County. The Rhone-head that I am, I like its wild red fruits, gamey, black olive, peppery smell and flavor. Pour this for me blind and tell me it’s Crozes-Hermitage and I would have no reason to dispute it. Medium/high acidity, medium tannins, light on the oak, very perfume-y, alcohol under 14%. Yes indeed, this is trés French. Warrior Angel Red, Central Coast is from the Consecration Wines, a negociant focusing on small-production, excellent value California wines. To see all my reviews of Consecration Wines, GO HERE.
August 18, 2018
Deep, dark berry/cherry fruitiness, black currant, licorice, roast red pepper and a “taste of the soil” that I geekily describe as crushed river rocks introduce you to the cufflinks. The sweet fruit and the savory qualities associated with Howell Mountain play nice together. Careful oak ageing complements rather than overtakes the wine. A healthy acidity, very Howell Mountain, brightens it. Indeed a “Howell Mountain Cab” that delivers big time flavor, texture and typicity for less dough than most. Cufflinks Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Consecration Wines, a negociant focusing on small-production, excellent value California wines. To see all my reviews […]
March 25, 2018
78% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot. By new wine negociant Consecration Wines, whose model is to make tiny lots of quality wines that over-deliver for the price. (Right down DDWA’s alley!) This is a 10 barrel lot, all Oakville. Initial impression is sweet rich oak and chocolate covered cherries. In minutes, more red fruits (red cherry, bright raspberry) pop out, giving the wine lift and verve. Then mocha and cherry liqueur come back. Full bodied, full-flavored, medium tannins, ripe core of fruit that Napa does so well. Boy does this ever over-deliver for forty dollars! To […]