Frankly, the nose on this puppy is generic. It smells like, well, a standard issue Washington state red wine - that is, tending towards mentholated cassis, fairly bright, fairly rich, and inviting. It's almost as if the ghost of the now-pulled Welch's grape juice vineyards are hiding on the periphery; it's unchallenging but delicious.
In the mouth, it's more interesting than you'd expect. Typically Washingtonian high and tight acidity predominates at first, falling away to reveal a rich, plummy core of bright black olives and blackcurrant fruitiness. The supporting oak is tastefully done, giving a solid, unexceptional tannic base that sets the wine off nicely; it's all somehow reminiscent of a McVitie's dark chocolate covered digestive biscuit. As Borat would say: I LIKE!!!
Serve this wine with something huge and meaty - venison stew would work wonders. It's also probably fantastic with Stilton or pecan pie.
Sagelands
In the mouth, it's more interesting than you'd expect. Typically Washingtonian high and tight acidity predominates at first, falling away to reveal a rich, plummy core of bright black olives and blackcurrant fruitiness. The supporting oak is tastefully done, giving a solid, unexceptional tannic base that sets the wine off nicely; it's all somehow reminiscent of a McVitie's dark chocolate covered digestive biscuit. As Borat would say: I LIKE!!!
Serve this wine with something huge and meaty - venison stew would work wonders. It's also probably fantastic with Stilton or pecan pie.
Sagelands
Price: I'm guessing about US$20 (I can't remember)
Closure: Synthetic cork
Date tasted: November 2008
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