Cost: $25.95
Grape: Red blend
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Central Coast, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: 22 Pirates
Alcohol:  14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Ok I confess, I bought this wine because I loved the name, the picture on the front label & the rear label summarizing the wine, even though it’s at 14.5% alcohol, & those that read my reviews know I’m not a person that likes high alcohol wines. After tasting this wine, I still don’t like the high alcohol, but I really like this wine. Score: 90/100

Tasting Note: Dark purple to ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. Wine features plum, blackcurrant, dark cherry, raspberry, blackberry, thyme, oregano, eucalyptus, white & black peppers, cigar box & lilac on the nose.

Negatives: Heat from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Point: 1) Every bottle introduces you to a different member of the crew with a customized cork listing his name and role aboard the ship. Unfortunately, mine was Rusty Latches aka The Swab. 2) There may be up to 22 Rhône Valley varietals, but that’s a secret, as Pirates don’t tell. 3) “The label is an original artwork created by a French painter named Francois-Auguste Biard in 1855. Biard’s work tells the tale of treachery, as the thieving crew lures a passing ship to come closer with the promise of companionship and music. Completely unaware those are not women or fanciful passengers, but a crew lying in wait.” www.22pirates.com

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5 – 7 yrs. on its own or pair it with Roasted Quail with Rosemary Thyme and Garlic.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: August 25, 2020

LCBO: 14384