A watery red with some brick-red around the edges hinted that I might have held on to this one a bit too long. However, the musty barnyard nose reminded me of younger Pinot Noirs. After 1/2 hour the wine seemed to become more viscous and started to open up with more fruit -- first a boring plum, but then, after about one hour, it started to come alive with a sweetness and tartness that reminded me of a cherry-flavor Jolly Rancher. It was even syrupy in the end. While this wine isn’t going to blow anyone away, it came through at the finish and made itself well worth the $30 or so that I probably paid for it. Very enjoyable with a roasted chicken and vegetable dinner. Earns a solid 88 from me.

Make Cab, not War.