Yuko bought this at Costco for about $16. Appearance is clear, medium intensity, purple color, clear rim to medium core. Nose is clean, medium intensity, developing, with aromas of blackberries, pepper, and vanilla. Palate is dry, medium acidity, tannins and alcohol; medium body & flavor intensity; flavors of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and pepper; very well-balanced with a firm tannic texture and a medium finish. Quality is good; can drink now but has potential for aging until 2016. I like it! A very nice wine that punches a few pound above its weight. Great with beef filet with bacon (but then what isn't?), and dishes that incorporate umami flavors. — 11 years ago
Richard Bischoff
Arbor Mist Merlot Blackberry Frozen Wine Cocktail. Perfect for après ski lounging at the trailer park, homeless shelter, or the dumpster outside your favorite 24-hour convenience store before the cops run you off. The Merlot's fruity essence is enhanced by the winemaker's loving infusion of high fructose corn syrup, natural flavors, guar gum, dextrose-potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfate, & potassium benzoate (to preserve freshness, of course) and last but not least, sodium citrate. Just the thing you need to show your babysitter how hip you are. This should pair nicely with late night visits to IHOP, or day-old leftovers of any kind. A loving addition to winemaking's 5000-year history. Mark my words: it's only a matter of time before some intrepid archaeologist finds a version of this fine beverage in a Sumerian garbage dump. Cheers! — 11 years ago