Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

Il Fauno 2016 51% #merlot, 31% #cabernetfranc, 17% #cabernetsauvignon and 1% #petitverdot . Delicious, ageworthy #toscanaigt blend. Pretty tight after opening, a day later, black and blue berry notes unfurl alongside tobacco, toasted coconut, tilled earth, and vanilla notes on nose. Bright acidity on palate, rich texture and some chewy tannins on the finish that build and linger on the tongue. Overall I’m digging the balance and richness but a bit too much vanilla / toast notes from new oak. — 4 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.2

Decadent #mountveeder #cabernetsauvignon from Nice Wines. 75% Cab, 16% #stmacaire, 8% #merlot - beautifully balanced full-bodied red. Hedonistic blackberry liqueur, plum, touch of tobacco, dried mint on the nose. Beautifully integrated oak, lush acidity to balance out that big fruit and fine tannins that build on the tongue over repeated sips. For the $60 member price, this is my idea of awesome Napa mountain Cab. — a year ago

CookDrinkFeast

9.0

78% #shiraz 14% #cabernetsauvignon 8% #merlot

Happy #ValentinesDay Inky purple color with some sediment left in the bottle when I decanted it. The nose has black fruit and chocolate. There was a little barnyard that blew off with time in the glass. This is a meaty wine with #junkinthetrunk. The palate has jammy black fruit and a little spice. It paired perfectly with #reversesearedribeye. 9 out of 10 #inkyindulgence — a year ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.1

Yet another superb red blend from Nice Winery. 54% #cabernetsauvignon / 16% #merlot / 14% #malbec / 12% #petitverdot / 4% #cabernetfranc - it pays homage to all of the great varietals of Bordeaux. With a modest 13.8% ABV, it overflows with wafts of dark bramble fruit, leather, sous bois, lovely acidity, earth and lush California fruit in balance. Paired marvelously with grilled steak. — 8 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Lighter extract, interesting style of #merlot from #arizona. Wild cherry, some darker bramble fruit and leather aromas. Drinks like a young soft Nebbiolo with bright acidity, medium tannins but no tar notes, fading into a long chewy finish. — a year ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Blackberry and cassis-scented #cotesdebordeaux #merlot - dominant blend. Fruit-forward nose touched with dried mint and sage transitions nicely to bright acidity mouthfeel, some oaky spice and substantial tannins on the finish. — a year ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.7

This is a savory #bordeaux blend - 65% #merlot, 25% #cabernetsauvignon and 10% #cabernetfranc - reserved cassis, black olive, charcuterie nose. Palate continues with that demure dark fruit, leather, vegetal notes but missing some acidity and concentration; finishing with sturdy tannins that linger. Great wine to pair with red meat dishes. Satisfying QPR for ~$12 at Total Wine. — a year ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

Another uncommon, lovely offering from #caduceuscellars. 70% #barbera 30% #merlot - this is a medium bodied deliciously spicy cuvée featuring dried cherry, bright acidity and well-integrated tannins. #arizonawine . — 10 months ago

David Kline

9.3

Strong earthy nose of oak bark and loam. Black cherry, blackberry and currant reduction, cinnamon sticks and clove inform the nose. Plums of red and black just underripe, tart cherry, dried raspberry, tarragon, rosemary, dried violets and graphite shimmers. Young and juicy, much more to give! .
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#andrewwill #washingtonwine #cielducheval #singlevineyard #redmountain #wawinr #cabfranc #merlot #redblend — a year ago

with Courtney, Emily and 1 other

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

8.9

#columbiavalley #washingtonstate 58% #merlot 35% #cabernetsauvignon 6% #cabernetfranc and 1% #petitverdot — a year ago