Great Value!
A wine to pair with hearty meat sauces or rich tomato based pastas this is a delicious one with seductive aromas of warm, sweet black raspberry, roasted herbs and chocolate with very appealing notes of violets and cedar chips. The palate is supple, weighty and smooth - layered with dark chocolate, berries, spice and tobacco. The finish wraps up with savoury herbal flavours and fine, powdery tannins.
A blend of: Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Carmenere and 15% Syrah
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

This chewy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Carmenere and 15% Syrah features savoury aromas of dark berries and roasted herbs, plenty of spice, mocha and a hint of bell pepper. The palate is supple, it's medium-full bodied with flavours of espresso and leather, dark fruits and grilled meat with toasted oak and green olives.
It is a hearty wine that is meant to be paired with hearty roasted meats or rich stews.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

NEW!
With the popularity of Malbec in Argentina, the birthplace of Malbec (also known as Cot or Auxxerois) in Cahors France, now wants to claim some of its recognition. The winery where Rigal is produced has been making Malbec here since 1755 and has developed this new label to bring a modern twist to an old variety...
This wine is predominantly earthy - cocoa, sunbaked earth, sweet dark chocolate and mocha rounded out with berry flavours. The palate follows suit with spicy black fruits and earthy flavours. It's medium to full-bodied, has a powdery texture with loads of acidity and cocoa tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 23rd, 2010

A solid value blend that smells of mixed berries, grilled herbs and green olives with mocha and smoked spice. The palate is supple and spicy, concentrated and quite powerful with layers of blackberry, mocha and oakspice. It seems a bit hot on the finish (14%) but you can chew on this wine or just pair it with roasted meat or mushrooms in a creamy herb sauce.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 23rd, 2010

As one of British Columbia's premium icon wines, Nota Bene has virtually become more famous than it's maker, Black Hills. There is little doubt this wine deserves praise for its power and concentration, but also for its consistency.
Made from similar quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc, the 2008 reflects its Cabernet base with potent cassis and green olive aromas layered with spicebox, dark plums and tobacco leaf. The palate is supple with lush black fruit, mocha and plenty of spice. It is nicely balanced and smooth across the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 20th, 2010

This is a delicious, concentrated Cabernet with aromas of black currants and ripe black plums, spiced dark chocolate, vanilla and tobacco with a savoury core of roasted herbs and black olive. The palate is lush and supple with an earthy seam throughout - dark berries, warm mocha, spice and tobacco leaf flavours lead to a chocolaty finish. A firm, full wine with a smooth finish.
Blended with 4% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Syrah that spent 18.5 months in French and American oak.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 19th, 2010

This rustic, organic Chianti (a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino Toscany) will pair well with tomato based pastas or a platter of salami and antipasto.
Cherries, raspberry and black pepper aromas are layered with saddle leather, spice and dried herbs. Similar juicy red fruit appears on the palate with cocoa, earthy flavours and savoury spices. The texture is dusty, fine, granular tannins linger from start to finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 18th, 2010

Here is an old world wine that will impress you with its intensity and bright character.
Vibrant aromas of black raspberry and cassis, spicebox and cedar, tobacco leaf and sweet spices. It is smooth on the entry and on the finish, the mid-palate has a slightly powdery texture and it is layered flavours of dark berries, spice and tobacco.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2010

This small Osoyoos based winery has been pushing the boundaries of varieties grown in British Columbia. In addition to Tempranillo, Chris and Beata Tolly make a pretty decent Tannat and a variety of blends using Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.
This delicious Tempranillo has strawberry compote and red cherry aromas, cigarbox and spice with a savoury core and plenty of rustic dusty/earthy notes. The palate is sweet and ripe - layers of berry, sasparilla/rootbeer and sweet spice. It has very nice acidity and a lingering, smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2010

A simple, rustic wine from Sicily's most important red grape, Nero d'Avola. It expresses earthy and savoury aromas of black fruit, leather and tobacco with a core of char-grill and smoked meat. The palate echoes the aromas, it has spicy fruit, tobacco and dry earthy flavours with loads of acidity and fine firm tannins on the finish.
A wine made for dense pastas, salami and firm cheese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2010

The Rosso delle Venezie IGT is made from Corvina, Croatina and Merlot grapes that have been partially dried prior to fermentation - this gives more intensity to the grape as the water evaporates.
It is an earthy wine presenting scorched earth, intense fruit, patchouli and spice aromas. The palate is smooth and concentrated layered with sweet berries, chocolate and earthy flavours. It has balanced acidity and a long finish trailing toasted spice flavours.
Pair with robust tomato-based dishes, hard cheeses and roasted meats.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2010

An impressive, concentrated Zinfandel with a bit of age to smooth it out.
Sweet, sunwarmed berries, spice and chocolate aromas are echoed on the palate. It is dense, weighty and warm with nicely balanced acidity and a long smooth finish.
Made from CCOF certified organic grapes, this wine will pair well with spicy meat dishes and aged cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 27th, 2010

The baker's dozen blend of varieties (including: Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Montepulciano) in this fun, screw-capped red express aromas of berries and plums, leather and cigarbox with plenty of peppery spice notes. There is nice complexity for the price, it is a charming wine with a supple texture and rustic edge. Flavours of berries, chocolate and mixed spices linger across the palate. The folks at Big House recommend spaghetti bolognese, lasagna or grilled meat to pair with this affordable red.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 27th, 2010

From the Perrin family of the Rhone Valley, this great value red is made from Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Syrah - all varietals classic to Cotes du Ventoux's Rhone home.
Expect very attractive aromas of juicy black cherry and berry, licorice and sweet spices, violets and cedar chips with chocolate hints...
Ripe and juicy on the palate with bittersweet chocolate and coffee flavours and hints of char on the finish - an affordable, unassuming and very tasty everyday red.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 15th, 2010

This 'kitchen blend' of 60% Malbec with equal parts Bonarda and Syrah hails from the Mendoza sub-appellations of La Consulta, Altimira and Vista Flores.
It is inky purple and opaque in colour and has gobs of dense, sweet purple berry and grape-y aromas, saddle leather and warm spices, licorice and mocha. It is plush and juicy in the mouth, powerful and supple and is layered with purple fruit, sweet spice and cigarbox flavours. It has very nice balance and a long sweet, smooth finish.
Delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 6th, 2010

Twisted Tree's second label is named for the winery's location, found at the second crossing of Long Creek and Highway 3 just east of Osoyoos. And like Long Creek, this wine will only flow in some years.
The aromas are dark and earthy - plums, black berries and dark chocolate with spice and hints of marzipan. The wine is smooth on the palate with sunbaked earth, black fruit, wild herbs and peppery spices. Very nice structure and balanced acidity with a firm finish.
Nice complexity - well done!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

Penfolds has the uncanny ability to make elegant wines at any price point and they do so, continuously.
The Koonunga Hill Shiraz~Cabernet is made from 70% Shiraz with the remainder being Cab. It is a a wine with aromas of black cherries and plums, chocolate and tobacco, sweet spice and savoury smoke and roasted herbal undertones. Good concentration - the dark juicy fruit reappears on the palate with cocoa and espresso hints, dried herbs, roasted meat and salty spice rub flavours.
A solid red for grilling or rich red sauces on pasta.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

One full litre of value, this rustic food wine from the DOC Villetri provides aromas of cherries and leather, cedar, spicebox and earth with an undertone of tar. There is plenty of juicy cherry flavours on the palate with the same spicebox and leather that echo the nose.
Made from Cesanese, Montepulciano and Sangiovese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 28th, 2010

The aromas in this single vineyard, organic red are dense - dark chocolate, cherry and black raspberry, it has some dried fruit layers and pleasing floral notes too. It is quite brawny on the palate - spiced and roasted flavours, dark fruit and cocoa. You can expect plenty of acidity and dry tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 26th, 2010

From the ancient Roman winemaking town of Velletri comes this red is a blend of Cesanese, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Merlot.
Already having aged and softened somewhat in the bottle it presents aromas of sweet cherries, cocoa and raisin with undertones of saddle leather, herbs, spicebox and earth. The palate is bright yet velvety, rich and earthy - warm sweet fruit, tobacco and spice flavours lead to a long smooth finish.
Pair with rich red pastas topped with plenty of Parmagiano.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

This plush Malbec presents fantastic sweet blackberry and cherry aromas, vanilla, fresh herbs and chocolate with just a subtle hint of a savoury core. The palate is wonderfully supple and layered with ripe berries, sweet spice, chocolate and espresso - the finish is smooth.
Nice intensity and very easy drinking.
Pair with mushroom ravioli , crumbly, aged cheese or BBQ.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

This great value Spanish red is suitable for most of your outdoor grilling adventures.
It presents bold aromas of black fruit and tobacco with peppery spice and earthy undertones. It is a rustic wine that has plenty of acidity with chewy fruit and loads of peppery spice followed by a firm, dusty finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 20th, 2010

In this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Carmenere you can expect aromas of black currents and vanilla, rich dark chocolate, grilled red peppers and cinnamon spice. The palate is supple with very nice complexity. In the mouth flavours fof dark berries and cherries co-mingle with chocolate and tobacco. It has fine firm tannins and a lengthy, spiced cocoa finish.
Very good!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 11th, 2010

From Italy's east-central coast, this fantastic blend of Marche's traditional Montepulciano with Sangiovese also has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure. You can expect alluring kirsch and licorice aromas, vanilla, chocolate and warm, sweet spices. It is stunning on the palate, full-bodied and dense with ripe berry/cherry flavours, chocolate and espresso flavours. This is a supple, weighty wine with lovely acidity and a long smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2010

A delicious Syrah, the 1884 Reservado presents abundant aromas of blackberry and raspberry with tobacco, chocolate, licorice and sweet spices. It is generous in the mouth with sweet, warm berry flavours followed by a spiced cocoa linger. This crowd pleasing wine has lovely a weight, a seductive, supple texture and smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 2010

The Naramata Bench estate Nichol Syrah is impressive to say the least with its ripe red fruit and savoury meaty aromas, wild herbs and minerals with spice-rub and just a hint of blueberry. The palate is juicy and it has very good structure. The palate echoes its aromas with berries and spice, grilled meat, tobacco and roasted herbal flavours. An elegant wine with a long, smooth finish that will pair well with aged goat cheese or game.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 2010

Exceedingly easy to drink this Sobon Estate Zinfandel is made from CCOF, certified organic grapes.
Expect abundant aromas of sour cherries and ripe red berries, dark floral notes, cedar and savoury, peppery spice tones. The palate is supple and offers plump, juicy berries, cocoa and vanilla, tobacco, sweet spice and coffee flavours. Nicely balanced with smooth tannins - delish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 2010

A savoury wine meant for hard cheeses or flame grilled meat, the Guinea Fowl is somewhat brooding - dark fruit, roasted coffee beans and bittersweet chocolate with plenty of peppery spice rub aromas and a core of smoked meat. The flavours echo its aromas - sweet, ripe black fruits and layers of savoury spice, herbs and smoky/roasted notes. Nice acidity to balance and smooth tannins on the finish.
Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 2nd, 2010

Named for the year the winery in Mendoza city was established (it's still in use) The Escorihuela 1884 wines (formerly Don Miguel Gascon) continue to offer solid value and consistently tasty juice.
The 2009 presents sweet mocha and gobs of purple fruit aromas, tobacco leaf followed by a nice whiff of sweet blueberry and an earthy core. Juicy berry flavours and tobacco leaf echo the aromas, it is both potent and fresh -deceptively concentrated. The finish is smooth with sweet and savoury flavours of spice, cigarbox and mocha.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 27th, 2010

Typically rustic, this inviting Nebbiolo will pair well with hard/aged cheeses or rich meat and tomato sauces.
Expect aromas of cherries and leather, sweet spice, sunbaked earth and cedar notes with a whiff of violets. The palate is creamy with a powdery texture - sweet spice and cedarbox reappear on the palate layered with cocoa. Very nice acidity, medium-bodied with nice intensity and fine, firm tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 21st, 2010

The Gamekeeper's Reserve is a wine made for rich dishes - grilled meat and stews.
The aromas are ripe fruit, black currents and cherries, coffee grounds and cocoa with a hint of jalapeno and a savoury core of spice rub, smoked meat and pepper. Full and ripe on the palate with a smooth texture layered with black fruit, chocolate and smoked spice. The finish is long with supple tannins.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2010

A historic South African wine producer, Nederburg presents this affordable entry-level Cabernet that releases plenty of blackberry and spiced aromas, it is dense and earthy with black pepper and notes of crushed, dried herbs. Again nice black fruit appears on the palate with spice, chocolate and espresso flavours and savoury layers. It has nice acidity and powdery tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2010

Fun!
Here is a perfect summer sipper that will also pair well with Proscuitto di Parma and Parmagiano or a nice mixed antipasti platter.
This historical wine from Modena is a simple grape-y berry flavoured red frizzante (slightly bubbly) with an off-dry but balanced palate, nice weight and just a suggestion of tannin.
Chill it down and enjoy it all summer, the 8% alcohol is a blessing on hot summer days and the price makes it an easy buy-by-the-case wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 18th, 2010

Cannonau (you may know it as Grenache or Garnacha) is easily one of my favorite grape varieties.
The Le Bombarde never seems to disappoint with juicy raspberry and crushed floral notes, exotic spice and anise with a hint of herbs. The palate is rich and ripe with supple red fruit, spiced mocha and a hint of tobacco. The finish has a silky linger.
One to impress your guests with - trust me buy more than one.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 2010

Gorgeous fruit - cassis and black cherry aromas, spiced chocolate and tobacco with rich dark earth, smoke and garrigue. Sweet cassis and cherry fruit reappears on the palate wrapped in plush chocolate and espresso. A potent wine with balanced acidity and a long, succulent finish.
Simply delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 13th, 2010

This is a really delicious Shiraz - it lures you in with a combination of sweet and savoury aromas - bright red fruit, smoked meat and spice rub, violets and plenty of white pepper. The palate shows fantastic acidity and is laden with juicy red berries. An elegant wine, medium-bodied with smooth tannins, the finish is long and clean with spice and cigarbox flavours lingering.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 30th, 2010

This affordable and organic red (a classic grape variety to Sicily) presents upfront aromas of ripe berries and vanilla, sweet spice and mocha with a hint of tobacco. The palate is supple and shows juicy berries, spice,chocolate and hazelnut flavours wrapped in powdery tannins and bright acidity.
A nice weekday pasta wine!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 29th, 2010

From the beautiful Clare Valley wine region in South Australia, this juicy Shiraz will impress you with it's vibrancy.
Gobs of ripe blackberry and purple floral notes, chocolate and eucalyptus with vanilla and sweet spices. The palate is warm, round and juicy - laden with plump berries, espresso and spiced chocolate that lingers across the finish.
Supple and quite addictive.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2010

NEW!
Arriving on private wine store shelves in May 2010, this nicely aged Tempranillo provides aromas of cherries and red berry, dried herbs and dried flowers, leather and earth. A fresh wine with plenty of bright acidity and flavours of rich, sweet berries, cocoa, tobacco and coffee, leather and spice flavours carry through on the finish.
Pair with firm cheeses and roasted meats or rich tomato sauces.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2010

With its fresh, youthful nose (and yet already nicely aged for you) this Coonawarra Cabernet smells of sweet black currents, chocolate and graphite with lifted eucalypt/menthol notes. The palate presents sweet, ripe berries, cola spice, mocha and vanilla - the texture borders on chewy, the tannins are firm, the texture powdery. A substantial wine, with nice extraction and cocoa flavours lingering across the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 26th, 2010

South Africa puts its stamp on this delicious blend of Cabernet and Merlot - expect smoke and grilled meaty tones layered with black cherry and plums, chocolate and dry earth, wild herbs and a hint of hazelnut. The palate is smooth and spicy and concentrated with flavours of mocha and black fruit, underpinned by smoky, savoury notes. It has nice freshness in the mouth with substantial power and a long spicy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 19th, 2010

This Mendoza Malbec is blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
You can expect aromas of red berries and plums, coacoa and spice with floral notes and savoury smoked meat and mineral. Impressive concentration on the palate and bright acidity releases berry flavours, pepper and chocolate. It is quite plush and lengthy and coats your tongue, ripe tannins linger.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 16th, 2010

Excellent value!
Aromas of molten chocolate and plump raspberries, mint and crushed dark flowers with a core of smoke and minerality. The palate is supple and concentrated - lush berry flavours abound, wrapped in espresso, warm spice, roasted herbs and chocolate. Very nice acidity lifts the flavours, good weight and structure with sweet tannins and a long finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 15th, 2010

Named for his daughter Luna, this decadent Cabernet hails from a single vineyard called Libertad, on the banks of the Mendoza River.
Famous winemaking consultant Michel Rolland also has his name on this wine. It is a powerful Cabernet, chewy and rich, laden with dark berries, spice, chocolate, licorice and purple flowers with a core of mineral, dark earth and smoke. The palate is dense and deeply flavoured with black fruits, spice, espresso and cocoa. It is full-bodied and supple with a lengthy, smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2010

Made primarily from Tempranillo with the addition of 15% Garnacha and Graciano this 2002 vintage reserva is still wonderfully fresh.
Aged 22 months in barrel followed by another two years in bottle it is complex and elegant, worthy of a special meal.
You can expect aromas of saddle leather and blackberries, rich dark earth and toffee. The palate is juicy but has an appealing silky texture - flavours of forest berries, leather and spice wiht a hint of dried fruit. It has a long finish with powdery tannins.
Pair with aged cheeses, stewed meat and richly sauced pasta.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 16th, 2010

Just released, this brilliant, cranberry-hued rose is a laden with bright strawberry, blackberry and cherry aromas, cigarbox and fine spice with just a whiff of confectionary. It's a dry rose with plenty of tobacco and cigar, spicebox and tart red fruit flavours - it's crisp with a toasty edge and spice lingers on the finish.
This will be a perfect wine to serve this summer on the patio with your chicken salad, salmon or cheese course.
A unique blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and a touch of Riesling
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2010

This fantastic AOC Sablet with seduce you with its effusive black raspberry, sweet vanilla and dark cocoa aromas and will win you over with warm spice, espresso, savoury wild herbal and smoked meat notes. It is a wonderfully juicy with loads of berry fruit flavours, a seam of spice and shaved chocolate run across the palate and linger through the finish. A powerful, and concentrated wine softened by a smooth texture and long finish.
Pair with game meats, rich casseroles and hard cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2010

The Pacific Breeze "Produced and Cellared in New Westminister BC from USA grapes" wines (clearly stated on the front label) are across the board - well-made and substantial.
This Killer Cab will seduce dessert lovers with its plum and rich cassis aromas, espresso, hazelnut, molten chocolate and warm toffee notes with a with a hint of Bananas Foster. It is concentrated and supple with ripe berry flavours, loads of spice and espresso. The texture is powdery with dry, cocoa flavoured tannins.
Very tasty!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 9th, 2010

Made mostly from Pinotage with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Mourvedre and Petit Verdot this delicious Stellenbosch blend presents aromas of vibrant red fruit and white pepper, choco/mocha and grilled herbs, mixed spices and hickory smoke. The juicy red fruit is echoed on the palate alongside flavours of smoked spices, bacon fat and bittersweet chocolate. Fantastc acidity, powdery tannins and lingering flavours of coffee trail on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 26th, 2010

The Round Hill releases gobs of ripe cassis and Ribena aromas with hints of dried fruits and mocha and undertones of jalapeno. Smooth on the entry, similar cassis and dried fruit appears on the palate supported by sweet spice, green olive and vanilla flavours.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 26th, 2010

Named for the year the winery in Mendoza city was established (it's still in use) this Don Miguel Gascon wine will go through a subtle label change highlighting the "1884" on the label soon.
It is an interesting divergence from the Malbecs you may have been drinking, it does have a subtle elegance, it's not so in-your-face. Aromas of young purple berries, dried tobacco leaf and coffee beans and hints of grilled herbs, mocha and just a whiff of blueberry. The palate echoes the aromas, primary tobacco leaf and mocha with toffee hints and fine white pepper. It is smooth and balanced and lingers with the flavour of espresso.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 27th, 2009

The region of Lisboa was formerly known as Estremadura. It runs along central coast of Portugal where Lisbon (Lisboa) is located.
Very well balanced between old world rustic and new world texture you can expect aromas of saddle leather and red berries, green olives and wild herbs, sunbaked earth and cherries with hits of cedarbox. It is fresh and very smooth on the palate layered with red fruit, leather and tobacco.
Simple yet complex all at once - drinking well now.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

Showing a bit of burgundy tinge to its colour this Merlot is a sweet and savoury combination of ripe red berries, vanilla and oak spice, chocolate, leather and hints of green beans. It is supple with bright acidity and plenty of red fruit and roasted coffee flavours. It is drinking very well at this age, the tannins softened and balanced.
Peller suggests pairing this wine with beef tenderloin or hard aged cheeses.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 21st, 2009