Neither, for me. These are my go to's.....

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We both noticed a good hint of alcohol in the aroma, 13.1% according to the wine maker. The nose was of dark, jam like fruit with perhaps a hint of licorice. According to the winemaker’s web site, Apothic Red “reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry, complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla.” We didn’t pick up on all those aromas but the nose was enjoyable nonetheless.

Tasting revealed just how good Apothic Red is. I sensed deep fruits, some butter and the tiniest hint of bitterness. For Miss Jonelle, it was fruit and black cherry. The finish was excellent. We described it as silk and satin. As New Englanders we even gave it one of our highest seals of approval, calling it “wicked smooth!”

Overall, Apothic Red is highly recommended. A great cocktail party wine that is a smooth, fast sipper on it’s own. Though, I could see it paired with a rich vanilla ice cream. Yum!

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Taste

I must start out by saying that this wine’s taste pushes the envelope of what you’d expect from a red wine’s flavor.

You get a spicy mix of cinnamon, red and black fruits, and a definite maple bourbon note from the whiskey barrel aging.

Very different!

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