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$15, 4 stars, 89 points, bekaa valley, cabernet sauvignon, Cinsault, lebanon, syrah, tempranillo
I am cooking Middle Eastern fare so this blend of 40% Syrah, 25% Cab Sav, 20% Tempranillo and 15% Cinsault should go nicely. It’s a deep ruby, almost opaque. I get spices and brambly fruit on the nose. Black currants, blackberry, plum and licorice. There is also a smell that I can only describe as ‘purple fruit’. It is mesmerizing. The palate is dry with juicy acidity, nicely integrated tannins and lots of brooding dark fruit. The purple factor is missing but I do get some meaty undertones along with some oak nuance by way of charred wood and the spices I caught on the nose. Medium weight body and decently long finish. The tannins are a little more grippy on the back end and balance out the acidity nicely, which is exactly what I need for the fatty lamb kofta skewers. I like this wine, the varietals each contribute nicely to the package and it has good mouthfeel, even though it is still youthful. I would drink till 2028 at the least. This $15 wine gets 89 points from me and 4 stars. Salut….