Edward Allen

9.1

61% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot
Aging: 20 months in 15% New American Oak
Fermentation: Stainless steel
Alcohol: 14.5%
Acidity: 6.6 g/l
pH: 3.95
Residual sugar: 0g
Solid choice for a cocoa/Espresso and fruit combo. Even though the claim is espresso, it might come across more like cocoa to me. Either way, I do appreciate the combo with fruit. Other claims are cherry and vanilla, which are not as center stage but more background singers of texture to the espresso/cocoa. This is interesting and worthwhile to periodically mix in with oaky blends, yet I prefer oak to cocoa/coffee most of the time. I’m curious if there are other better cocoa/espresso blends out there, but I’ll say this one is well-balanced and I’d gladly return. — 2 years ago

Edward Allen

8.5

Not bad but nothing makes me want to say it’s good. Bland fallback. The bottle describes a goal of “drinkability” and this thinned out wine can attest to that. Body and color are definitely light, so this could be good for warmer settings. Otherwise, not much appeal. More body and depth can be had for half the price. — 2 years ago

Edward Allen

9.3

Solid oaky offering that I’d happily return to. I don’t follow the unoaked trend happening at the moment. — 4 years ago

Edward Allen

9.0

Solid but nothing to write home about. Fallback, if anything. — 4 years ago

Edward Allen

9.1

More fallback than first pick red blend, but easily solid in my view. Label claims dark cherry and toasty oak, which I do pick up but I could use more detectable toasty oak. The dark cherry is more easily detectable than the oak for sure, so having stronger oak would really drive this up in rating for me. It’s slightly on the dry side but not excessive. Still, I have no problem honoring the barn built in 1900 based on this admirable tribute. I don’t quite know who RoxyAnn is, but I do hope to one day purchase produce and leave payment in the honor box at the Hillcrest barn. — 2 years ago

Edward Allen

8.7

Earthy and edgy cherry as the label claims, which I definitely value as a combo but it’s only slightly good enough to make me consider it a reliable fallback. The label is also accurate for me in terms of balanced acidity and a spicy finish, however I’m not crazy for spicy, so that and possibly the acidity are what holds this back from a higher rating. Balance is not only evident in palette but also the fragrance. The fragrance is probably more enjoyable than the taste for me, but that’s saying something for the fragrance more so than saying something against the taste. — 2 years ago

Edward Allen

8.7

It’s just okay. — 4 years ago

Edward Allen

9.1

The Oregon Pinot Noir I’ve been looking for…mostly. Label claims cherry, black currant, and forest floor. I’m happy to say it’s well-balanced in those areas. It has the earthiness that Firesteed was missing, yet I could use a little more and it still has a lighter body that keeps it from perfection. Not sure one can expect more body from Pinot Noir these days, at least coming from certain regions. Great balance and fruit aroma to the nose as well, no harsh acidity or spice. — 2 years ago

Edward Allen

9.0

Smooth berry cherry and no unwanted extra spice that comes with some PNs. One of the more solid fallbacks but needs more earthiness to captivate me. If it had earthiness and perhaps a bit more body, this would rate much higher. This would work in warmer weather due to the lighter body. Works well with cheese and bread, or pizza. The label alludes to a symbolic horse claiming grace, courage, fire, and beauty. It’s a graceful and trusty steed, indeed, but perhaps some fire and courage could be detected with a certain earthiness that’s missing. — 2 years ago

Edward Allen

9.1

Very good but expected to like it a lot more considering how much I like their Chardonnay. Medium dry, medium fruit, low-medium sweetness. I would get it again but there are wines as good or possibly better for a lower price. — 3 years ago