This wine is dark purple in color, with a hint of merlot like plum on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine was dominated by alcohol right out of the bottle. It definitely needs some breathing and patience. At one point I breathed in near it and almost choked. Throughout the mid pallet are some hints of varietal plum, but these are dominated by more cab flavors. I’d say cherry and yes some licorice. The finish is medium in length and has some oak, some tannins and a bit of spice on it. This is not a bad wine if you ignore that it is not a Merlot. I would give it and 87-88. If you do pick it up be sure and let it breath a good hour or so.
From the LCBO web site:
IRONSTONE MERLOT 2008 VINTAGES 704353 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D
Made in: California/Californie, United States By: Ironstone Vineyards
Release Date: Oct 2, 2010
Description
A terrific value, this bright and fruity Merlot is extremely well-balanced and very food-friendly. It’s dry, medium-bodied, soft textured with clean plum and cherry flavours plus notes of licorice and vanilla. Enjoy with roasted pork, veal chops, or a medium-rare steak.
From winecurrent.com:
Toast spice and mixed field berry on the nose this is smooth well balanced and mellow with a lovely wash of ripe fruit flavour”mint-infused cherry and mixed dark berry”that carry through the lingering aftertaste. Its medium bodied with a substantial texture and underpinned by ripe almost imperceptible tannin then framed by soft acidity. Its well paced and well priced from a top-notch producer consider picking up a handful. (Vic Harradine) (704353) $15.95 Rating 4/5
