2002 Ravenswood Vinter's Blend

[hotwine]

With a NY strip grilled back in Feb and dug out of the freezer tonight, to avoid having to cook in a t-storm.... dunno how this lil orphan escaped previous cordons & searches.

Very nice nose, showing a lot of promise. But first taste failed to follow-up.... swirling and rolling on the tongue just wouldn't dislodge flavor components. Nose still prominent, so there's something hiding in there.... may take long decanting to show, and I didn't have the time. But the finish showed a faint but very appealing chocolate nuance, again announcing something was there that hadn't yet shown itself. Costco price of $7.85 with 13.5% alc/vol. At that price, may buy a few to tinker with. Shouldn't hold much hope for a cheapo, but dang! that nose sure got my attention.