Today's review is a Total Wine purchase made on a whim, and it's from Uco so it fits with this week's semi-theme. Not much else information to report other than this is 90% Malbec and 10% Cabernet, with 50% of the blend aged 12 months in French oak. At the purchase price, I do not have high expectations, although a reputable magazine scored this a 93. Let's see if they know of what they speak.
Nose: Blackberry and oak with great immediacy, and with time some tobacco leaf makes an appearance. Letting it rest in the glass doesn't bring anything new to the conversation, aside from a mild and unexpected astringency.
Palate: As advertised on the palate, but with a surprise licorice note towards the end as I swallow. Decent acidity and mild tannins, not overly complex with the oak influence showing its muscles.
Finish: Medium-length, with the oak receding and the blackberry and tobacco notes ending the conversation on a high note.
It was $13. This is not a 93-point bottle but is certainly something that can be served with dinner. Instead of complaining and carrying on about the quality of this bottle, here's a clip from one of my favorite comedy shows ever: Sherman's Showcase.