Marina Frances Coddaire

Dancing Bull 2013 has a clear and vibrant ruby color with a 7/10 intensity. It has an initial earthiness on the nose but grows into a more fruity aroma with plum being the most prominent. Black cherry is subtle on both the nose and palate, while raspberry is strongest on the palate. It's has a medium body with smooth texture, and while it is fairly balanced, it could use more depth and body. Sweetness 6/10, acidity 3/10, fruitiness 4/10, and tannins 1/10. It has a short finish and is not complex. Overall, it is satisfactory and marketable; a corporate version of Zinfandel, but nothing special. 80 pts. — 10 years ago

Marina Frances Coddaire

8.9

Nice and clean, enjoying it with and without food. It has a touch of oak, which is very pleasant, and lends to the toasty vanilla notes that the label describes. On the first evening I opened it I tasted cherries and thought it was lovely and balanced. I also got the hints of florals that the label names "rose petal". However, on the third day, I struggle to detect the cherry and florals. But that doesn't come into play in its' score (I don't usually leave a wine bottle with wine in it for three days). Overall, I would like to have this wine in stock and at home, and I would recommend it to all my Pinot Noir enthusiasts. — 10 years ago

Marina Frances Coddaire

7.5

Las Rocas starts with berry and pepper on the nose. The medium body is nice, and it is on the dryer side. The acidity is present but not overbearing. It's very fruity on the back-end. The sweetness and acidity stick around for a while in the aftertaste. Overall, it's nice and recommendable (especially for $12.99). — 10 years ago

Marina Frances Coddaire

8.7

The cherry is present at the first impression on the nose. It is delightfully aromatic. The "sweet" fruit was also the first thing I noticed on the palate and it is pleasant. The cherry follows through the palate along with some spice that lingers at the finish. Not too light, this Pinot has a nice balanced body. I didn't taste blackberry except maybe a touch in the aftertaste. There is some mild acidity that I noticed can dull the flavor if you're drinking it without food. With food, the fruit and acidity are pleasantly highlighted. — 10 years ago

Marina Frances Coddaire

6.6

Primal Roots was one of the first wines which I liked. I now find it abhorrent. I struggled to detect what I liked about it previously, namely the subtlety in its flavors of raspberry, vanilla, mocha, and spice. 2011 is too thick and the sweetness is overwhelming and has an artificial taste to it that is offensive. There is no longer anything subtle about the wine... Its flaws are truly uninhibited. I did not finish my glass. — 10 years ago