Francis Ford Coppola Alicante Bouschet California Diamond Collection Magenta Label 2007

I really like some of the Coppola Diamond series wines a great deal, especially the Claret and the Malbec. So when I saw the outrageous magenta label on this Coppola Alicante Bouschet I had to try it. It is my first experience with an Alicante - they don't exactly line the shelves in the wine stores. So I had no idea what to expect. Was very pleasantly surprised. Very fruit-forward, big floral nose, and soft tannins. Probably not your first choice for a grilled steak, but paired with appetizers and cheeses it is great. Falls into my "crowd pleaser" category nicely.

Nose of ripe dark fruit, dried brown fig (label said leather, I disagree), and dried zante currant with hint of cedar and spice. In the mouth fuzzy but tame tannins with easy acid and tastes of ripe red fruit (red currant, plum, and red raspberry) with wood, some earth, and a slightly acrid sheen. Medium to full weight, off-dry to dry, medium acid. Finishes of intense sour ripe berries (red raspberry and cranberry). In my case it paired well with a dark mild curry sauce on mutton (or lamb). Watch out, this wine does evolve significantly with air contact, will taste quite different after you decant it.

Rich nose of ripe fruit. Cab-like. Soft, round, easy palate of rich red currant, cherry and the slightest spice. Interesting and very enjoyable!

nicely structured wine. Cassis and cranberry aromas and flavors, simple but very appealing.

Very cherry-dark berry with a almond lightness on the finish. Nice!

Fruity smell and very easy to drink. The Coppola Alicante is a lighter alternative to their Claret or Cab. Nice to drink alone or with cheese while enjoying a good film. Would probably go with something else if I was serving red meat.