Hurray for airport wine bars!   I saw a value reds wine flight at Vino Volo at Newark Airport and decided to review the Portuguese red on the flight.  I took a sniff and smelled fruit soaked cardboard.  Yes, it was corked! The bartender was impressed that I picked up on it and poured me another glass of course!  Let’s try this again…  Ripe raspberries and clove on the nose, not super complex but pleasant.  Midpalate was a bit thin, some fruit came through but I wouldn’t call this a fruit bomb. A medium bodied wine that I’d pair with turkey or chicken…  Smooth finish with a peppery aftertaste – paid $6 for a glass in the airport so I was pleasantly surprised by the quality!

Price = $16/bottle at the wine bar, $12/bottle online

Score =  Double

90 Points Wine Spectator

I was excited about this one – a blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petite verdot.   Loved the nose on this wine, smelled like pine, Craisins and sour cherries!  But then I was a little disappointed.   The mouthfeel was thin… this is definitely one of those wines that smells great but doesn’t quite live up to its nose.   There was a bite on the finish, with lingering sour fruity notes.

Price = $13

Score = Single

90 points Wine Spectator

Dark fruit, licorice, spices and a bit of dirt on the nose.   Juicy fruit and slight oaky taste, dry finish.  Better than lots of tempranillo I have tried at the same price point… Very complex and lots of character!   Would stand up well to a hearty, meaty meal.  Try this wine if you like your wines oaky and fruit forward!

Price = $15

Score = Double

This is a bottle that has some muscle!    It tasted like a pinot on steroids.   Big, bold black cherry fruit and a smooth finish.   Nutmeg and dried cherries on the nose.   The midpalate was my favorite part, unique and chewy!

Price = $14

Score = Triple