Over delivers for price. Love the balance of fresh and dried, red and black fruits, richness and freshness, earthy dustiness and purity of region. Deep ruby with plum purple rim. Nose is complex and evolves with purple flowers, plums, currents, cherries and peppercorns all ground in a granite mortar and pestle. Palate is ripe, full, yet well cut with melting tannin and berry like acidity. Dusty cocoa and spice with soft fruit on lengthy finish. Decant or lay down for 3 years. Braised or tender meats with spice or rich sauces. Tasted Sept '13
Ok so I'm a bonehead. My local LCBO had this wonderful Dao discounted by $3.00 making an already excellent valued wine even more of a steal - and I only picked up one bottle! Mid ruby in the glass, this blend has a floral and fruity nose with licorice and herbal notes. The mouth swish reveals a spicy tang and a seam of acidity that offsets the concentrated fruit. It has a tannic edge, so decant or leave it for a power nap in the cellar. Good length with some heat on the finish. Very food friendly, particularly if you enjoy spicy chorizo topped pizza. Budget bottom dwellers rejoice! Nov. 2013
Very nice.