Region: Napa County, CA
Nose: Clove, tobacco, and prune in that order.
There's a lot of fruit in this medium-bodied wine including raspberry, cherry, and prune. Clove notes hang out for the aftertaste. It's not terribly complex, but it's a good, easy sipper.
Star Silver Creek on the 2005 vintage
The flavor itself is unbalanced, with a mix of unpleasant tannins, with occasional hints of blackberry trying to break through. I also found it slightly sour. To be sure I've tasted far worse in this price range. . . . After opening, I left it in the cellar for a day or two to see if any characteristics would change. Unfortunately, but not surprising, the answer is no. Bottom line on this one is pass.
Wine Cast on the 2003 vintage
Garnet color with a purple rim. Blackberry, currant, and vanilla aromas. In the mouth, this wine seems a bit disjointed with plum, blackberry, pepper, and spice flavors finishing with medium tannins and some heat from alcohol (which I expect is closer to 13.5% than the listed 12.5%). The mid-palate seems to be missing here but it is still worth the $5 spent and three bucks better than the Charles Shaw "Kool-Aid" Merlot.
Reviewed 5.17.10.
