Tag Archives: splash wines

Kestrel Vintners ‘Falcon Series’ Merlot 2015, Yakima Valley, USA

12 Saturday Sep 2020

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This semi opaque Merlot is a light shade of purple in the glass.  The nose gives me red berries, cherry and anise- it’s very enticing.  On the palate it has a juicy intro with currants, more of that licorice note and some really integrated oak.  There is a modicum of tannic bite, but it is very lithe.  The mid palate has cocoa powder to go around the currants and some strawberry.  Nicely balanced acidity leads to a smooth mouthfeel that is super easy to drink.  The finish has a touch of dryness, a hint of acidity and loads of red fruits.  This wine has matured nicely for what it is and I am thoroughly enjoying it.  It drinks well by itself but I would also put it up against Filet, roast Game Hen or even Lasagna.  89 points from me makes this $25 wine a 3 star effort.  Really yummy.  Drink till 2024.  Salut….

Ascua Rubia Red 2019, Mendoza, Argentina

27 Thursday Aug 2020

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Very deep purple in the glass and totally opaque.  The nose is fresh and offers up black currants, mocha and black cherry.  On the palate it has a juiciness, black fruits galore and medium grained tannins.  The mid palate shows off dark, bold cherry, like a really ripe maraschino.  Black tea components kick in and the wine gets quite dry.  The combo of the acidity on the front end and the tannins on the back make for a nice mouthfeel if you’re into a bit of a rough ride.  I’m liking it and and thinking it would pair very well with some carne asada.  The finish is quite tart from the residual acidity but I still get some decent dark fruit, Christmas pudding and spice box on the very end.  A decent drop that gets 90 points from me.  No pricing info unfortunately.  Drink till 2025.  Salut….

Lady of The Mandrake Warrior and Craftsman 2016, Paso Robles, California

25 Tuesday Aug 2020

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Dark purple, opaque.  The nose is chock full of blackcurrants, spicy oak and some dusty tobacco.  The palate is stark- dark and brooding with blackcurrants, oolong tea, nice gentle tannins and a touch of acidity.  The midpalate is a bit edgy with some oak influence, charred wood, dark fruit and an increasing dryness from the tannins that are ramping up.  The finish is really enjoyable- a nice dry mouthfeel, decent acidity and gobs of fruit.  The blackcurrants are really delicious.  This is a yummy wine for everyday that will cellar nicely for a few years and be a hit whether you are serving steaks or pizza.  Drink till 2025.  90 points and 5 stars for this $20 effort.  Ps.  The label is one of coolest out there.  Salut….

Dominio de Eguren Protocolo Vino Tinto de la Tierra de Castilla 2017, Spain

01 Monday Jun 2020

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Dark shade of purple with nice legs.  Almost opaque.  On the nose I get red currant, violets, iodine and plum. On the palate it presents with red and black fruits, a touch of oak and black licorice.  The mid palate has some black tea, raspberries and tannins that coat with a tarry taste.  The finish is quite tart with some juicy acidity.  It gives the mouthfeel some cut to the drying tannins, which peaks on the finish.  Black cherry is the final note on this 89 point wine.  Drink till 2022.  For $7, this Tempranillo is a steal that gets 5 stars.  Salut….

Angela Estate Pinot Noir 2015, Yamhill-Carlton District, USA

28 Thursday May 2020

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This Pinot is quite dark, and barely see-through in the glass.  The nose gives me gobs of New World cherry, strawberry and licorice.  On the palate I get cherry, a woodsy, earthy note and some spices, cinnamon in particular.  The mid palate is quite smooth with rhubarb, cherry and crunchy acidity.  The finish is fruit driven with red berries and cherry carrying gentle tartness to a medium length ending.  It has a decent flavor profile and is typical of the region- somewhat more full bodied than say Burgundy, more red fruit, a touch of earthiness and it’s growing on me.  I would go 90 points for this $35 offer that gets 4 stars from me.  I’m pairing with rack of Lamb and grilled Zucchini.  Drink till 2025.  ps. this was the 4th bottle from my Splashwines delivery.  Salut….

Bodegas Nekeas Vega Sindoa Merlot 2018, Navarra, Spain

27 Wednesday May 2020

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The third SplashWine in the lineup is a Merlot from Spain.  It’s a dull shade of purple and nearly see through.  On the nose I get cherry, raspberry and oregano.  On the initial palate it is somewhat sweet with cherry juice, more red fruit melange and tart acid.  The mid palate is not so sweet and the proper flavors come around.  Raspberries and sour cherry are more like it.  The wine finishes quickly, with some red fruit, crunchy tartness and a trace of tannins.  83 points from me and 1 star for this $12 wine.  Salut….

Baywood Cellars Classic Red NV, California

26 Tuesday May 2020

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Number 2 from SplashWines is this non-vintage blend that rings the bells at 13.5%.  Semi opaque with a reddish tint in the glass.  The nose is intriguing- strawberries, by the bucketful.  Red currants and sweet pomegranate to boot.  Oh…. and Apricots.  Yup- Apricots.  The palate is very unique, a touch sweet but very red fruit forward.  It’s a very interesting flavor profile. The mid palate is very easy going, red Twizzlers and a touch of cherry cola.  The acidity is very gentle which makes up for the lack of much tannin.  The finish is more cherry and rhubarb with that crispy acidity adding zest.  It’s decent in length and tasty.  I must say I was a bit biased when I unscrewed this bottle, but I reckon it’s very easy going, fun to drink and will appeal to the novice as well as anyone coming over for a barbecue.  This is a $13 party wine and it gets 86 points from me. 3 stars. Drink now.  Salut….

Gran Via 90 Bullish Blend 2016, Spain

24 Sunday May 2020

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It looks very dark and brooding in the glass, the legs barely evident- 13.5% alcohol will do that.  On the nose it is spicy with dark cherry, cola and a touch of oak.  I also notice a spice box component.  On the palate it is a bit abrupt- black cherry, green pepper, iodine and anise all greet me.  There’s a frontal wave of tannins that also hit right off the bat, quite dry and relentless.  The mid palate is more red cherry meets blackberry, with a nice acidic touch to refresh the palate.  The tannins are certainly players here, enveloping my gums and making me pucker.  The brooding nature of this wine is evident on the palate now as it finishes with crunchy black berries, that tannic grip and some toasty oak nuances.  The finish is quite long.  I was not sure what to expect from this wine, it was part of a SplashWine shipment.   I did see it for sale at $12 online and it got 83 points from one reviewer.  I would guess it’s got some Syrah, Grenache and maybe a touch of Tempranillo.  Who knows….  For me it’s decent for everyday, gets 86 points and 3 stars.  Drink till 2024 with some Jamon, a steak or pasta.  Salut….