Smashberry Red Paso Robles 2016

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Paso Robles

Varietal Red Blend

Retail Price $15

ABV 14.2%

Score 4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep purple color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and cassis with supporting notes of cedar, mineral, and earth.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black currant, five spice, and silky earth tones. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a opulent texture.

Cool Factor

We appreciate tasty, hedonistic, and unpretentious red wines designed to delight the palate while showing great versatility.

Value Grade

Selling at $15, less in many competitive markets, we find this tasty and seductive wine to be a great value.

Analysis

This lovely and bold red blend is made with a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 25% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. While Cabernet is in the lead, the wine takes its flavor lead from the Paso Robles Syrah that gives it a bright and juicy core with flanking notes of cigar box and earth that we most commonly associate with the Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc). This wine is ready to drink but it will hold nicely in your cellar for three to five years but we suspect that you will pull the corks long before this wine reaches its fifth birthday.

How to Enjoy

This charming and juicy red needs nothing but a glass but it pairs beautifully with BBQ, pizza, or pasta with red sauce.