Tasting - Vintage Wine Estates Tribunal

Wine Tasting #4
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Name: Tribunal Red Wine
Grape: Red Blend [Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Dolcetto]
Region: Sonoma
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $9.99 (Trader Joes)

Wine Critic Review:
      "The color is an opaque black cherry with red highlights. The nose is cherry, leather, chocolate, vanilla and eucalyptus. Very nice mouth feel, silky smooth and lots of flavor. Loads of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and chocolate goodness, not complex, but big, juicy and tasty. A pretty good chocolate covered blueberry finish. A first rate California red blend everyday wine. Well worth the $9.99 that Trader Joe’s is asking for the Tribunal Sonoma Red. This drinks very well on its own or would pair beautifully burgers, pizza, roasts and stews." Review from Cheap Wine Finder.

Personal Review:
     Another personal favorite of mine is the 2009 Tribunal Red Blend. The combination of Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Dolcetto grapes gives this wine a very distinct acidic chemistry that pairs extremely well with a dish of spaghetti and meatballs. The hardy taste of the meatballs combined with the acidity and smoothness of this wine make it a match made in wine heaven! Tribunal has a strong oak aroma, with hints of vanilla that seem to penetrate deep within the wine giving it a very pleasant fragrance. I do recommend letting this wine sit out for a bit and aerate to really open up the flavor, but using a handheld aerator does speed up this process. This is a unique wine that would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift for any  budding wine enthusiast!

Personal Score: VG (4.7/5)