Cascabel Grenache et Al 2001

Truly fascinating nose of very ripe dark fruits with an odd accompaniment I can't quite place . . . maybe bazooka bubble gum wrapper? Very unusual and quickly evolving. Tasted of cherries mixed with pipe tobacco with a little "fake fruit" on the mid-palate finished off with light oak and pleasing soft tannins. I don't know if this is a wine that would please everyone . . . but I enjoyed it quite a bit. [88]

April 2007

HUGE nose (was filling the room within 10 minutes): Black Currant, Blackberry, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Bay Leaf, Mint, Cocoa, Cigar Box and a little Strawberry to tie it all together. Taste was primarily fine tobacco together with a bit of camphor and cherry on the mid-palate, followed by a nice, well-rounded finish with smooth tannins. This is not a fruity wine and from the taste I believe it would match especially well with lamb or a well seasoned pork chop. A pleasant wine and worth seeking out at around $20-$22. [87]

December 2006

Truly fascinating nose of very ripe dark fruits with an odd accompaniment I can't quite place . . . maybe bazooka bubble gum wrapper? Very unusual and quickly evolving. Tasted of cherries mixed with pipe tobacco with a little ""fake fruit"" on the mid-palate finished off with light oak and pleasing soft tannins. I don't know if this is a wine that would please everyone . . . but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

April 2007

Made in a European-oriented winemaking style (the winemaker/proprietor is Spanish), the 2001 Grenache et al comes across as a serious imitation of a French Cotes du Rhone. Notes of white pepper, kirsch liqueur, and pine/resiny notes emerge from this deep ruby-colored effort. With loads of fruit and spice, a medium-bodied texture, and a long, persistent, supple finish, it will drink well for 3-4 years. Impressive! -Wine Advocate

Truly fascinating nose of very ripe dark fruits with an odd accompaniment I can't quite place . . . maybe bazooka bubble gum wrapper? Very unusual and quickly evolving. Tasted of cherries mixed with pipe tobacco with a little "fake fruit" on the mid-palate finished off with light oak and pleasing soft tannins. I don't know if this is a wine that would please everyone . . . but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

July 2007

HUGE nose (was filling the room within 10 minutes): Black Currant, Blackberry, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Bay Leaf, Mint, Cocoa, Cigar Box and a little Strawberry to tie it all together. Taste was primarily fine tobacco together with a bit of camphor and cherry on the mid-palate, followed by a nice, well-rounded finish with smooth tannins. This is not a fruity wine and from the taste I believe it would match especially well with lamb or a well seasoned pork chop. A pleasant wine and worth seeking out at around $20-$22.

December 2006