Wine Lovers' Page: R. H. Phillips 1995 "Toasted Head" Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah

Today's Wine Tasting Note

R. H. Phillips 1995 "Toasted Head" Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah ($14.99)
Despite the funny cartoon of a flame-breathing bear on the label, the odd name of this wine refers not to a cranium but to the wine-making technique, which involves charring ("toasting") the ends ("head") of the oak barrels. It's an inky reddish-purple in color, with a warm, plummy aroma, almost overripe, with nice blueberries and, yes, toasty oak scents in the background. Full, juicy black-fruit and fragrant pepper on the palate, fresh and lemony-tart, with substantial tannins evident as it dries out in a long finish. (July 2, 1998)

FOOD MATCH: Fine match with a pepper-crusted pan-grilled T-bone.

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All my wine-tasting reports are consumer-oriented. In order to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest, I purchase all the wines I rate at my own expense in retail stores.

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