It's just lousy at making a good first impression.

After opening up (again, this takes at least an hour), all the tart and/or apricot-like qualities faded away, leaving only an incredible concentration of berry fruit aromas and flavors. It was just a little spicy and a little oaky, but mainly full of sweet (or, more precisely, "saweeeet!") blackberry and blueberry.

The finish isn't winning any long-distance records, but it's plenty long enough to make you happy about picking up the wine.

So where can you find a gem like this? Damn near anywhere. Here on the U.S.'s Left Coast it's in liquor stores, grocery stores, drug stores and probably even a few full-service car wash gift shops (next to the anniversary cards and NFL team mirrors).

If any of those fine havens of commerce have it for $8 or less, grab a couple bottles. Just don't drink either of them for at least an hour: It's kinda like swimming after eating, only not really.

Cheers,
TSW

This wine kinda sucked until it was really good.

Allow me to explain:

When I opened it and poured a glass (about six seconds after cork removal), the wine that came out was extremely average in an un-average way. It showed tart berry and stone fruit flavors - two things l don't mind, but don't necessarily look for in my shiraz.

My eight-second-old review read "disappointing (but great, deep ruby color)." A full hour later, it killed me.

The second day it revived me just to kill me again, only harder than the first time.

So, aside from being a sadistic jerk (what with the killing and re-killing), this is an amazing wine.