First off, props to the back label. It gave me all the info I actually care about—grape blend, region, vintage, and not a single mention of “hints of crushed violets in springtime dew” or a sappy story about a grandfather’s vineyard dreams. Just the facts. Like a wine CSI report. We’re working with 70% Merlot, 20% Cab Sauv, and 10% Cab Franc. Boom. Done.
Now, Wine Enthusiast gave this thing a 92. And while I do consider myself a wine enthusiast (in that I enthusiastically open bottles), I don’t always see eye-to-eye with the pros. But in this case? Not bad. Actually damn good. It’s got that classic Bordeaux dryness, a good amount of fruit that keeps it from being all pucker and no play, and thankfully, it doesn’t try to be sweet. I like my wine the way I like my humor: dry and a little bold.
It’s a pretty muscular red, though—like it showed up expecting steak and got confused when I gave it… an oatmeal cookie. Look, it was late, I was thirsty, and I wasn’t going to let a little thing like culinary compatibility get in my way. It did not appreciate the oats.
Day two, the bottle got its redemption. I fired up the grill and threw on some tri-tip steak. Now that was the moment this wine had been waiting for. Rich meat met rich red, and everything was right in the world again. The wine’s “puckeryishness” (trademark pending) aka tannins, kicked in beautifully after each sip, and I may have finally understood what Wine Enthusiast was going on about. At 13.5% ABV, it’s got a decent kick, but it’s not trying to knock you over and steal your wallet.
For $6.99 on sale, this Bordeaux was a big win. Strong, dry, no-nonsense. Like a French waiter who refuses to speak English but still brings you the best thing on the menu. I’d buy it again. Just… next time, I’ll save the cookies for breakfast where they belong.
Types of Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
ABV % / Fun Juice Level: 13.5%
Origin: France
Grocery Outlet Price: $6.99
