Commented Brian "Blimey, this ain't half bad!" Ken enjoyed the spicy nose with cherry and was also impressed with the value. Kim found it smoky and dusty with cherry.
Laura said it was good for the $13 price, but "not as full-bodied as I like." Chris found strawberry, raspberry and ripe tomato on the nose and vanilla, rose petals and coconut on the palate.
Jan liked the nose and finish and commented on notes of plum and cherry. Ken called it a nice blend with a bit of smoke. Brian said "delicious, inky fruit with an aftertaste of plum stones and stewed prunes. Very enjoyable."
Brian said it "tastes like it costs more" than $16 and that it smelled like stewed prunes. Kim called it a nice wine at a good price. Jean felt it needed a bit more time in the bottle.
Kim said it had "lots of peach, but not as refreshing as the first two." Alex thought it tasted more like a white. Brian called it exceptional at the price. It also scored about three stars and sells for $17.
Most are on a first-name basis with Mel and to boot, seem to know the names of other patrons. And if they don’t, it doesn’t take long before everyone is talking, laughing and comparing notes on the wines.
Her husband Jim liked the use of oak and said it was better than the $14 price tag. Kim called it smooth and spicy. I loved the nose and flavors of tart fruits. It scored better than four stars.
We chose to walk in the footsteps on the Impressionists aboard Panache, marrying art with our wine tastings. Excursions on our tour included Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home and final resting place of Vincent Van Gogh, Giverny, the home of Claude Monet’s house and garden, and several Impressionism museums.
