n/v Ficklin Vineyards Tinta Port

[Andy Velebil]

This is a non vintage California made ruby "port". I've heard some people mention it here on the site, and always see it in the market near me. SO it was on sale today ($12) so I got one to give it a go. It uses the Tinta Madiera, Touriga, Tinta Cao, and Souzao grapes.

My computer / barroom is a little dark and I'm too tired (ok, lazy) to get up and turn the light on. But the color is not very dark, but not pale either, somewhere between. THe nose is a bit medicinal, but some strawberry and cherry notes are pleasant enough. The palate is a bit thin, a touch of heat, and some moderate bright red berry (a faint hint of raspberry?), a fairly decent amount of acid is present and noticable tannins on the short finish. All in all, not a bad $12 bottle. Even though this is not a hugh wine, it is very balanced for a inexpensive bottle. Nothing great, but a very easily drinking bottle, and one of the best California QPRs that I've had.