A deep, inky mouthful of black, from blackberry to black licorice. Blackberry pie, smoked meat, and pepper aromas flow from the glass. Blackberry pie, rich with jammy fruit, vanilla, and buttery crust, leads on the palate. Layers of flavors build from attack through mid-palate, including black licorice, tar, pepper, coconut,
Cabernet Franc has a big effect on aroma, and here it piles tobacco leaf atop plums and black cherries. Elderberry, black cherry, and tar open on the palate, with coconut and vanilla coming through on the mid-palate, where they are joined by red fruit highlights. Tannins are gentle and mild,
The nose releases aromas of black cherry, redcurrant, brambles, and mint. The palate shows redcurrant, plums, leather, brambles, and a bit of mint. Tannins are harsh, acids sharp. Drink with steak burritos. No Recommendation. WHO: Chateau de Sours WHAT: Merlot (85%), Petite Verdot (10%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) WHERE: France, Bordeaux Controlée
A good French Pinot Noir for under $15 is a rare pleasure. Cherry, anise, and a touch of milk chocolate come through on the nose. Strawberry and redcurrant soar over star anise and milk chocolate, with a small strip of dried orange peel adding to the finish. Dusty tannins and
Tropical fruits explode upward from the glass, bananas, mangos, and pineapple. More fruit, a veritable Carmen Miranda topper full of fruit, dances across the palate. The finish is sweet bubble gum. This is not like any whiskey you've ever tried, an amazing collection of sweet tropical fruit. It is smooth,
Aromas of tropical fruit and orange blossoms flow upward from the glass. It opens with maple, then opens broadly into flavors of fresh apples. Honey crisp apples and baked apples roll across the palate before the alcohol heat makes its appearance. It ends with a touch of smoke. This is
Molasses, apple and spices are on the nose. Maple syrup leads on the nose, followed by baked pears. The mid-palate has vegetal flavors, cucumber and sautéed fennel root, with a strong crème brûlée finish. Very smooth, the alcohol does not even make an appearance until the instant before the finish,
Jammy nose, blueberry pie and plums. The palate starts with sweet blueberry compote and plum, adds a tart zing of raspberry on the mid-palate, and ends with a flourish of vanilla and brown sugar. Sweet tannins and tart acids give it balance. Drink with portobello mozzarella burgers. Recommended. 87 points.