You've been warned...
I'm not a sophisticated drinker by any stretch of the imagination, but this was just down right gross! I was so pumped up about trying this. It got good reviews from the online publications, was recommended by my local wine shop and was voted into the Top 100 Wines to Try in 2008 by Vins de Pays de France. Well, I tried, and I didn't like.
Inexpensive at $14.99, this wine is a trickster. Thinking you're going to get a rich Bordeaux? Well guess again, you're getting a Merlot. Upon opening and sampling, I gave it the benefit of the doubt that maybe it just needed a solid 20min breather. Nope, still gross. It's bland at best, very watery. No discernible nose or front palate.
Again, you've been warned!
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VINUM AFRICA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
I have to give a bit of a caveat. I was in LA for the week and dinner each night included enjoying some fantastic wines I would never be able to afford on my own. So admittedly, my pallet is a bit snobby right now!! I'm pushing past it, but the awesome wines are still lingering in my mind...
Another under $20 goodie! The screw top worried me, but for it's $13 sale price, I was willing to give it a try. This south African wine is fruit forward, strong on blueberry and cherry. It goes down smooth and leaves a slight metallic finish. The legs aren't super strong, but it is rich and spicy.
Unsure as to if I would buy it again. I'm still trying to so much right now that it's hard to tell how this is going to stack up amongst the rest.
JUAN BENEGAS MALBEC 2007
**Warning** this wine needs breathing time!
When I first opened the bottle I was a little worried. The nose was very harsh and was mostly just of alcohol. The first sip was also just as harsh. It was very muddy and heavy in the tobacco. I was almost ready to write it off. I let us breathe for about 30 minutes and gave it another try.
Deep red in color, this Malbec offers a semi-dry, medium finish. Deep berries hit at the front with a smooth tobacco ending. Very spicy and very drinkable. I had it while eating some pizza and it was fine, but not really sure what, if anything, I'd serve this wine with. I feel like it's almost better just enjoyed while sitting on the couch watching a movie.
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BROQUEL MALBEC
I'm loving this easy to drink, very affordable drinking wine. As I'm making the transition from white to red I'm exploring many varieties and keeping an open mind {with exception to Pinot Noir, I just don't like it}.
It's definitely being put in the journal as a good buy. I might choose something different for a dinner, but I wouldn't be embarrassed to serve to company. But, this bottle was enjoyed by yours truly!!
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Labor Day Weekend
The Meyer Family Cellar is noted for producing some of the best domestic wines. Most notable their Silver Oak brand which ranges about $150 a bottle. I'm not spending more than $25 on a bottle of wine that's going to be drank immediately so this Syrah is perfect. This was perfect with our steaks. Not sweet at all and a great wine for someone like myself who is still learning and trying. I highly recommend it.
Last, but certainly not least is this great Medoc that I fell in LOVE with. In my book the perfect red. Medium bodied, just the slightest bit of sweetness and had a nice smokey after-bite that wasn't too overwhelming. I WILL be buying more of this to have in the house. More than worth the $16.95 sale price!
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