2005 Curtis The Crossroad, Santa Ynez Valley.
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This blend is deep garnet-colored, with good clarity, becoming more ruby at the rim. There is a dusty feel to the aromas consisting of medium intensity freshly-cracked pepper (which has a slightly stemmy edge at first), light intensity cherry and strawberry and notes of smoke and cream. Medium intensity pepper in the mouth is backed by strawberry and blackberry flavors and notes of new, sweet, oak. Lower medium-bodied, with tea-like tannins for a smooth texture and appropriately bright acids for a juicy and supple mouthfeel reminiscent of running your fingertips over fine, Moroccan leather. the long finish is dominated by fleshy strawberry, but a hint of blackberry and a note of heat are also present. |
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Production Detail: 75% Grenache (Grenache Noir clone) and 25% Syrah (Syrah Noir clone) from the estate Crossroad Vineyard. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. 14.5% Alcohol $22.00 Retail (from winery); 596 cases produced |
BOTTOM LINE: Good, with appealing characteristics. Recommended. |
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Bright, fresh and vibrant, this Grenache-based blend needs decanting and air to fully unfurl its sails. Immediate indulgence will lead some to erroneously conclude this very food friendly wine is weedy or stemmy. This is a well built, well structured wine. It will do very well with wild fowl, turkey, pork and filet mignon with lighter sauces and stuffing with fresh and dried fruit. Hold for another year and expect it to drink well for about seven more years. |
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Learn about: |
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Color |
5 points |
(5 points max) |
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Nose |
4 points |
(5 points max) |
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Palate |
3 points |
(5 points max) |
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Finish |
3 points |
(5 points max) |
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Tannins/Minerality |
5 points |
(5 points max) |
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Acidity |
5 points |
(5 points max) |
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Alcohol |
4 points |
(5 points max) |
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Aging potential |
3 points |
(5 points max) |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
(10 points max) |
Cumulative Score: 90 Points
Rating System & Scoring Criteria explained
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