Observations

[Drew]

Welcome to the board, Rob. A lot of wines produced today for the US market from Europe and Australia do have very similar flavor profiles of big fruit, big alcohol and big oak. Tis a shame but this "international style" is very much in demand in this country so you have to pick your wine producer carefully. Red Zin is very distinctive but I think because of the grape and OUR, America, love of it which shows in the many styles available. My observations regarding GOOD Spanish and most Italian reds are that they are two different animals with different flavor profiles which I think you'll discover during your wine journey. Your observations regarding Pinot Noir I agree with and suggest that is why they are VERY friendly food wines.

Drew