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Bulgariana Imperial Red Blend 2009, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria

21 Monday May 2018

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Lighter shade of purple.  On the nose I get a strong cassis note which intrigues me.  Black fruits abound along with a cherry wood hint.  The palate is delicious, slightly tannic but very interesting.   Dark fruits galore with some bramble, a mintiness and coffee bean.  I cannot believe the complexity of this $8 wine which made me review my previous notes from October 2016.  I gave it 90 points back then and stated that it was young.  It still is young, but it has developed substantially.  You will not go wrong with this wine if you like grippy, tannic wines, like Tannat, Nero D’Avola or even Pinotage.  Thick and juicy, heavy accented and most definitely made for the longer term.  I am sticking with 90 points and 5 stars.  I think I will be back to buy more.  I served it with chipotle marinated skirt steak, salad and some Alfredo pasta.  Salut….

Bulgariana Imperial Red Blend Thracian Valley 2009

19 Wednesday Oct 2016

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I’m not holding my breath on this $8 offering.  I just had to try it, for the sake of seeking out a high QPR wine.  The wine is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cab Sav and 5% each of Rubin and Mavrud- both of which I have never heard of let alone try.  The wine is 7 years old so I am a little surprised that my local Costco was carrying it in bulk.  Anyway, it begins with a dark purple in the glass and a nose of spices, mulled plums and sushi.   I know that sounds strange but there is a component that is intriguing me and it reminds me of the seaweed in a sushi roll.  I’m kinda digging it!
On the palate this wine is really delicious with some searing tannins.  I am impressed.  Plums, black cherry, a touch of wood and cola syrup.  This wine reminds me of a monster Tannat, thick, brooding and bone dry with tannins running amuck.  It is young and needs several more years to mellow.  I am returning for more and sticking them in the cellar.  I think it would work great with a well marbled steak, Lamb stew or something else needing the tannins to offset fatty dishes.  The wine could also be sent through a Vinturi or decanted but it really is delicious by itself if you like the dry ones.  I’m going 90 points and for sure 5 stars for its exceptional QPR (Quality Price Ratio).  PS.  I searched for it online, it runs $14- still a great value.  Salut….
bulgariana imperial red blend