Wines
of the Week:
Red Blends - Under $20, 90 Points
Red
blends are one of the trendiest categories in wine today. With
alluring fruit and polished tannins, these wines are friendly
and crowd pleasing. So, rather than spending $50 on a brilliant,
but over-priced Cab, just pop the cork on one of these and enjoy.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Locations
"AR" 6 Red Blend
Winery:
Locations
Grape(s): Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Spain
Year:
n/a
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Waves of blueberries, blackberries, and dried figs intermingle
among hints of dark chocolate and earth on the nose. Lush
blueberry, plum, and fig are accented by notes of smoke,
earth, and cocoa on the palate. Rich fruit and nice structure
make this a ideal wine to pair with a beef stew.
Rating: 90 |
|
Daou
2016 "The Pessimist" Blend
Winery:
Daou
Grape(s): 54% Petite Sirah, 27% Syrah,
& 19% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Luscious red and black fruit, as well as expressions of
sweet spice and mocha rise up from a glass. A wealth of
raspberry, cherry, and boysenberry weaves in suggestions
of clove, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate on the palate.
Ample fruit and a friendly acidity make this an approachable
wine that will pair nicely with a pulled pork sandwich.
Rating: 90 |
|
The
Dreaming Tree 2015 "Crush" Red Blend
Winery:
The Dreaming Tree 2015 "Crush" Red Blend
Grape(s): Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah
& Tannat
Region: California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
There's an abundance of black cherries, boysenberries,
and plums, along with whispers of dark chocolate and marzipan
on the nose. The palate is luscious, yet bright, as cherry,
plum, and raspberry flavors come together with chocolate
and toasted almonds. Plenty of jammy fruit, it's an approachable,
forward red that will accompany Asian BBQ well.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|