Note: This review has been updated here.
Here’s a 2007 blend of petite syrah, old vine zinfandel, and old vine mourvedre. It’s from California and costs $18.
Does anybody know the difference between mourvedre and “old vine” mourvedre? (“I love the old vine, but I won’t touch plain mourvedre with a ten foot pole.”)
Well it doesn’t matter, because this wine is fantastic. It’s almost a “Must Buy.” It’s super dark, super deep, super rich, and just, super. I love it. Lots of tannins that suck all the moisture out of your head, leaving you with a mouth made of felt, like a muppet. Tons of juicy cranberries and black cherries. Smoky spices. A fun balance of sweet red fruit and dry oak. And finally at the finish, more muppet mouth.
If you don’t like tannins, do not bother with The Phantom. But if you like red wine generally, you have to try it. It’s not super complex, and it’s not super fresh or organic, but at $18 you don’t expect these things. What you expect is pleasure.
And that’s why, at $18, this juicy, tannic wonder is:
Highly recommended!
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