Langmeil "Three Gardens" 2004- This is a blend of Barossa Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre, from Australia. I drank it in a dimly lit room, so have nothing on the color. Pepper and cedar dominated the nose, with some berries as an afterthought. Soft buttery palate was less fruity than I expected, with cigar box, pepper, tar, and smoke predominate, oak obvious, and, again, very light berries. Finish was short to medium, and only here did any fruit become obvious, with blackberries and pepper lingering.
$16.95
Domaine du Vieux Chene Cotes du Rhone, 2003- Cigar box and cherry cordial nose. Oak, birch, truffle, berries, a tiny hint of vanilla, and tannins in the palate. Not fruity, but dry and slightly sharp. Finish is thick and dry, lasting perhaps 20 seconds. Dull granet colored. Personal rating of 87.
Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec, 2004- Deep black with bright ruby edges. Berry, cedar and vanilla make a full oaked nose. The palate is strongly oaked, with vanilla and toasted flavors initially overpowering others. Teh finish is far better than the palate itself, developing slowly to inclue cocoa, vanilla, bacon fat, coffee, and berries. Dry and tannic. Personal rating 85.
$9.99 at Costco
