Note: This is a series I call Caveman Wine Reviews, because I like to drink wine but am a caveman when it comes to wine knowledge. I know only the basics, and do not have a refined palate. I’ll review the wines on price and what they look, smell, and taste like to me.
Wine: Selectus (Red)
Grape: Does not seem to say on the bottle. The vintage year is 2007.
Bottom Line: A really good red with a smooth, light taste. A bit of astringency, but not too much.
Price: About $11.99 per 750ml bottle, at Costco.
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Details
This bottle is a mystery to me. I have no idea how it wound up in my house; from looking it up online, I am assuming we must have bought it at Costco.
I don’t normally like reds too much, because they don’t usually sit well with me. However, it was a Monday night and I was having an Alicia Florrick moment, in that I had just finished my workday past 10:00 PM and needed a little pleasure and vice in my life. So, I popped open this bad boy (or girl?) and poured a glass.
Origin: Spain
Alcohol: 13.5%
Looks: A dark glass bottle with a cool, artsy picture of a painting of a woman on the label. The wine itself is a deep red color.
Smell: Strong, earthy smell.
Taste: Like I said, I don’t usually like reds that much. However, this wine was a standout. It was slightly astringent but still light-bodied. It was smooth and easy to drink, and did not taste alcoholic.
The Selectus is not a sweet wine, but it’s not dry, either. It struck a great flavor balance, and did not taste harsh, as cheap swill often does. To me, it had something of a fishy note at the end (yeah, as in fish), but it was not unpleasant in any way.
The running of the bulls in Spain!
I also noticed that the wine tasted much sweeter and smoother when I swallowed it quickly, but dryer if I left it to linger in my mouth. Maybe that’s obvious, but I did notice it.
Hangover Factor: Nothing unusual. I’m a male in reasonably good health born in 1983.
Final Thoughts
One of the few non-sweet reds that I have truly liked. Pick it up if you see it; bonus points if you serve it at a dinner party!
Photo by TigerLilyEdition
Hmm, good review, and especially if it can be purchased at Costco, you can’t beat the value, so I gotta give that a 5 out of 5 stars in just that alone =) I’m not a big wine person. I’ll partake if it’s available at a party, but I don’t ever recall buying a bottle out of my own volition :/
Thanks Tim! I myself did not use to be a wine person, but now enjoy it. One big reason I do these reviews is because I find that most “normal” wine reviews are quite convoluted, and may encourage the purchase of expensive wines that don’t really taste all that great. I’m always looking for inexpensive wines that are actually delicious 🙂