This wine  is the brother to the Core Wine Co.'s "Hard Core" reviewed elsewhere on this site.  Those who enjoy Chateauneuf du Pape from hot high alcohol years will aprreciate this wine.  It is a big, robust, burst out of the glass type wine.  It clocks in at 14.7% alcohol.  The wine is 49% Grenache, 49% Mourvedre, and 2% Syrah.

I liked the wine a lot, and liked it even more after decanting overnight.  Perhaps with more bottle age it will not need as much decanting.  The wine has some nice smoky tar scents hanging over the red and black fruit.  It has a big finish.  The alcohol may be a little hot for some drinkers, but those acclustomed to rhone blends should find the wine enjoyable.

Retail price 34 dollars.  Purchased at the WineSellar in Sorrento Valley for 33 dollars.

3.5 stars

 

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