The F5 wine is all Rhône on the nose, with a huge tar element along with anise and the smell of a nice box of cigars. The medium-dark wine has a palate of the southern Rhône valley, too, and a splash from the Roussillon - just hint of Bordeaux, to my taste. Dark fruit abounds and the oak usage is a treat, not a detriment. Tannins are firm enough for a hangar steak and the finish lasts a long time with plums and blackberries lingering. Phinney says drink it now, or let it evolve for four years or so.
The F5 wine is all Rhône on the nose, with a huge tar element along with anise and the smell of a nice box of cigars. The medium-dark wine has a palate of the southern Rhône valley, too, and a splash from the Roussillon - just hint of Bordeaux, to my taste. Dark fruit abounds and the oak usage is a treat, not a detriment. Tannins are firm enough for a hangar steak and the finish lasts a long time with plums and blackberries lingering. Phinney says drink it now, or let it evolve for four years or so.
Sep 14th, 2018
On an Orin Swift kick. This was $20 on sale for $13. Fantastic value for the price. Smelled and tasted like Pinot with first few sips but Cab, Syrah, petite V seemed to eek out over time.
On an Orin Swift kick. This was $20 on sale for $13. Fantastic value for the price. Smelled and tasted like Pinot with first few sips but Cab, Syrah, petite V seemed to eek out over time.
2 people found it helpfulJan 20th, 2015
This Non vintage, Orin Swift red blend from France (F4), is probably about three years old, and it is past its peak.
Showing over ripen red and black fruits with wood, licorice, spices, wet leaves, vinaigrette, tobacco, bitter herbs, earth, dark coffee and peppercorn.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and long legs.
Dry and earthy on the palate with fine grained tannins on the finish.
A little bitter for my taste.
I let it open up for an hour, and that might have been a mistake. Might be a bad bottle.
15% alcohol by volume.
85 points.
This Non vintage, Orin Swift red blend from France (F4), is probably about three years old, and it is past its peak.
Showing over ripen red and black fruits with wood, licorice, spices, wet leaves, vinaigrette, tobacco, bitter herbs, earth, dark coffee and peppercorn.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and long legs.
Dry and earthy on the palate with fine grained tannins on the finish.
A little bitter for my taste.
I let it open up for an hour, and that might have been a mistake. Might be a bad bottle.
15% alcohol by volume.
85 points.
1 person found it helpfulJun 5th, 2019
Fantastic. It's a French take (slight refinement) on an American style wine. Depth, fullness and simplicity. Sips well and stands up well with food.
Fantastic. It's a French take (slight refinement) on an American style wine. Depth, fullness and simplicity. Sips well and stands up well with food.
1 person found it helpfulJan 14th, 2016
France
