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Tag Archives: cheap and cheerful

Montagnac Syrah 2012

18 Sunday May 2014

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$8, 2 stars, 83 points, cheap and cheerful, languedoc, syrah


I saw this bottle in the shop and noticed it’s low $8 price tag, but I was on a mission so I passed.  Lo and behold my buddy showed up with it later in the afternoon.  I believe it hails from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France where they  grow tons of Syrah grapes.  This one looks to be a co-operative wine.  It started off with a slightly oxidized nose of purple plums and a scent I had never encountered in wine- grape bubble gum.  I was intrigued and sniffed for a good 5 minutes before I could pinpoint it.  Since I have never smelled it in wine nor have I ever seen it used as a descriptor I was curious about the taste.  Candied plums and maraschino cherries are what hit me.  I kept getting a whiff of alcohol as well but the bottle only registered at 13%.  Very slight tannins were evident and the balance was slightly off with a tartness.  This is probably a decent picnic wine for an afternoon of cucumber sandwiches and fried chicken on a blanket in the park.  83 points and 2 stars.  Salut….

montagnac syrah

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Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet 2011

22 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$9, 3 stars, 85 points, cheap and cheerful, zinfandel


I have had this wine before, but never posted about it.  The nice lady hocking the wares at my local grocery store was not sure of the blend (damned temp agency people) but as she was looking it up I smelled the Zin in the sample she had poured.  Turns out Zin, Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Sirah make up this steal of a $9 bottle.

Very dark in the glass thanks to the heavies, it has a very fruit forward style, albeit not very complex.  Very straightforward aromas and flavors of candied strawberry and Maraschino cherries.  It finishes with some mocha and very little dryness.  This is a pop-n-pour wine as it has little tannic backbone and the acidity is mild at best.  It will serve you well at a large party and the lack of tannins make it an easy wine to quaff.  85 points and 3 stars for me.  I classify this as a cheap and cheerful wine that is widespread.  Salut….

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Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet 2012

05 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$10, 3 stars, 85 points, Cabernet, cheap and cheerful, shiraz


Along with the 2012 Shiraz Grenache from Wolf Blass, I also bought this blend at the same time.  Priced at $10 each or in my case $14 for both.  Cabernet does better with Merlot, and Shiraz is a natural with Grenache and Mourvedre.  I thought this would be an interesting blend.  Red berry with some cassis came up and the wine was very smooth.  Easy to drink as it is made in a very fruit forward quaffing style.  I think I preferred the Grenache blend as it was more balanced.  The Cabernet seemed to be fighting with the Shiraz for top honors.  Still, a decent wine for the price that would be great for a BBQ or a picnic of roast beef sandwiches and potato salad.  For me, an 85 pointer with 3 stars.  Salut….

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King Fish Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

26 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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2 stars, 84 points, cheap and cheerful


A very basic red wine from California that won’t break the bank or impress the ladies.  Kirsch and bright cherry are about it from this sub $10 offering.  Not much complexity or backbone, just an easy drinker that I would not personally buy.  2 stars and 84 points.

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