Alcoholic Wine?

[lizardbrains]

Weird subject line, I know.

I'm a member of a local winery here in Temecula, CA - South Coast Winery. I've really enjoyed the wines I've tasted there, but due to the fact that they don't offer their members free tastings (!) I haven't "tasted" there in a few months.

As a part of my member shipment this time, I got a 2001 Cab. Sauv. (obviously the winery is South Coast Winery - so you probably haven't tasted this one unless you've been in my area lately). But, anyways, here is my question:

I popped it open last night and poured some into a red wine glass. Gave it a good sniff and had to cough from the strong alcoholic smell! So, I took a sip and sniffed again... again, way too much alcohol taste! I think I could probably catch the bottle on fire if I got a match close to it!

So, I've smelled and tasted it again tonight. It's still just as cruel to my nose and tongue. What gives?

The discription write up says... "This wine displays a beautiful balance of spice and fruit. Aged in European Oak barrels for 19 months, upfront berry notes combine with red licorice and currents to meld perfectly with the spiciness coming out of the oak; a mild undercurrent of herbaceousness with a slight hint of pepper round the strong structure and finish."

Technical info: Redis. Sugar: .46gms/100mL; pH 3.58
Titratable Acidity: .56gms/100mL
Alcohol 13.0%

So... it tastes nasty (can't get over the smell and taste). It cost me about $24. I want to pour it down the drain, but since I live just 10 minutes from the winery, I figure I'll give them a visit. I plan to take the rest of the bottle to them tomorrow, and hopefully talk with someone who knows something. I don't know a lot about wine, but I do know that that is some nasty grape juice! I want my money back!

Am I being unreasonable? Is this fair for me to do? What do you suggest?

I do wonder if it just needs to be stored for 6 months, and tried again, but it's already been opened so you know that's not happening. And you know my opinion of it, so I'm not about to buy another bottle of it to store just so I can find out if it does get better with age.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!,
Elizabeth :-)
P.S. Of course I will update you with whatever I find out. But if they don't treat me well tomorrow, I'm dropping my membership with them, even though I like almost every other wine they've made.

[This message has been edited by lizardbrains (edited 11-16-2004).]