Much better than earlier vintages. Reasonably generous Grenache and Syrah. Much less restrained and with a more manageable acidity. Sweet cherries and raspberries. B+ for $11 for a very good QPR.

This used to be a "go-to" cheapie for me in years past ('98?) but haven't had it in a long time. Based upon many comments on this forum, and the overall strength of '05, I picked up a few and decided to pop one. Overall, not bad, but not particularly impressed, and Parker's 92? Hardly.

Opened a while (which does improve the wine -- decanting improves it further): Nose of roasted meats, smoked meats, bluebrries, purple fruits, cassis, green leafs such as basil and mint. Soft medium-bodied palate without too much acidity (almost flabby). Fuller bodied. Some brown spice, some mint, some dark fruit. Nothing 'Wow'. Moderate finish without reat tannic or acid grip. Certainly a fine wine, but not up to its Spanish competition in the $12 price range (Borsao Tres Picos could kick the ever loving...) Still, pleasant. (Would probably make a phenomenal braised short rib...) 87.5

quote:

Originally posted by winetarelli:
87.5

You are very specific in your rating, winetarelli.

Indeed. Well, I thought 87 would be a bit too harsh. I wnated to indicate that the wine is pleasurable to drink, but it is neither intellectually stimulating nor hedonistic.

quote:

Originally posted by winetarelli:
Indeed. Well, I thought 87 would be a bit too harsh. I wnated to indicate that the wine is pleasurable to drink, but it is neither intellectually stimulating nor hedonistic.

I didn't realize the difference between an 87 and an 88 was one of intellectual stimulation or hedonistic pleasure......

quote:

Originally posted by thirsty man:

I didn't realize the difference between an 87 and an 88 was one of intellectual stimulation or hedonistic pleasure......

Of course you did. You're thinking about it right now.

Stimulating, huh?