83% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon Deep ruby color with a watery rim. Medium body, acidity, alcohol (12.5% avb on label), and flavor intensity with medium minus, superfine tannins that are more evident on the teeth and gums than anywhere else.
This wine needed some air time. It was closed and almost unpleasant at first, but here's what's going on after about a half hour in the decanter. Nose has blackberry, plum, dusty, dirty earthy notes, and a chalky mocha element. The palate has nice fruit, like that of the nose, up front and gives way to a balanced midpalate that is quite similar to the entire aroma with a little more complexity, including a hint of tobacco. Strong fruit on the backpalate leads to a decently long (medium/medium plus) finish that gets a bit green and bitter at the very end. As the green, bitter flavors were dominating the wine when it was first opened, I think they might subside with more air or a little more time in the bottle, which this wine obviously needs anyway. My score reflects my current impression, but I do think the wine has the potential to be even better in 2-4 years. This wine was on the shelf for $20 and I think is a very good value at that price. I guess there still is some good Bordeaux that I can afford. Note: the awkwardness of the finish is diminishing with more time into what I think of as the pleasant side of Cabernet Franc. My score will stay the same, but I still see more potential here.
89 points
