Acker birthday auction. Delicious — 18 days ago

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some rim variation along with signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with powerful notes of ripe and slightly dried black and red brambles, red and purple flowers, maybe some rotundone, leather, stony earth and a mix of cool spices and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the ABV is medium+ to high.
Initial conclusions: this could be a GSM blend, a Bordeaux blend, or a Tempranillo (and blends) from France, the United States or Spain. Despite the powerful fruit, I felt that the wine leaned more towards its structure and non-fruits so I wanted this to be in the geography formerly known as the Old World. I also felt the generosity of the fruit and elevated ABV was pushing me towards a Southern Rhône GSM. Furthermore, I thought this saw a generous use of new oak. Final conclusion: this is a GSM blend from France, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, from a modern producer, 2007. Close!! This is another really great showing of “Cuvée La Côte Ronde”. Drink now through 2035. — 3 days ago
Rough - in a good way. Very dry, short finish. A pepper, clove, dark chocolate and mature fruit. — 19 days ago
Good northern rhone. 2015 vintage mature in 2025. $35. — 4 hours ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Bright lemon color with aromas of tropical, stone and citrus fruits with flinty notes. On the palate flavors of apple, peach and lemon citrus wrapped in smooth spicy oak tones and honey notes. Long finish, lively acidity, ending with fruit, notes of flinty mineral and savory citrus character. Nice!
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