ON THE NOSE:
Concentrated cherry on the nose with generous caramel and toast. This is a very big nose, very new-world style, and perhaps a bit fake, I must admit. Still, there is much to be said about such a nice big nose. You know what, though, there is also some Sani-Flush action going on here, so …
ON THE PALATE:
The fruit explodes on the palate, but not without intense sugar as well. This wine may be good as she opens more and more this evening, but I’m not sure it will get too far past the sweetness that is, unfortunately, a little overbearing. There is nice, potent fruit here, and the caramel flavor really is to die for, if you like that kind of thing. A deep dark licorice flows easily from the attack into the mid-palate leaving behind very fine tannins that actually do satisfy, and we are most definitely fond of tannin, so, this wine isn’t all THAT bad. The finish is wonderfully long and, yes, sweet, but not ONLY sweet, it has some lingering spice that is a treat and, well, it goes on and on. This is a full-bodied wine with a deep, intense color to match. It is bold and new-world in style. It would likely appeal to many who liked their wines sugarfied and fruity, but for us, well, we STILL admit that there is something here to like. For a cheapie Petite Sirah we’ve tried Grizzly Flats (never did tasting notes for that bad boy) which was also big and fruity, but wasn’t worth the price of admission, which was only $6, and STILL not worth it. THIS one, though, IS worth the $7 we paid for it, but that was a closeout price; if I recall the “original” price was set at $11.95, but who knows?! This wine is luscious on the palate, rich and velvety and satisfying. The fake sweetness deters from the overall experience, however, and our rating will have to reflect this, but Darcey and I really enjoyed this wine, and the price made us smile big and drink with fervor!
(Click here for an explanation of our ratings ...)
Our Rating: 86
Would we drink it again? 
Yes!
Would we buy it again?
Yes, the next time I go into our local wine store I'll look for another bottle or two to assuage those annoying Tuesday nights.
