2006 Menage a Trois California Red Wine

This was eight dollars at the grocery store and since we've previously enjoyed this producer's rose, I saw no reason not to give it a try. This is a Zin, Cab, Merlot blend.

Oak, spice, cinnamon, and cherry on the nose.

Nice tannins, somewhat spicy, fruity and even somewhat sweet. An interesting combination, I'd say the blend of grapes definitely brings this to a higher level then they'd be alone – the fruitiness of the Zin is certainly there but the Cab really gives this some nice structure. Blueberry, blackberry, and cherry on the palate – some nice cedar notes, and a nice dollop of vanilla.

That spice lingers on the finish as well for some time, with some cherry pie filling notes as well.

I thought for sure some Syrah would've been in this, the blend fools you somewhat. On the second day, the only thing I noticed that was different was the fact that the tannins have faded and the wine lost a bit of structure, but nothing drastic.

This is a solid bottle, maybe a bit too sweet, but for the price it's got some great depth and is quite tasty enough to get a recommendation.