Lake Anna Totally Red

Winemaker's description

No red cherries. No spicy berries. No toasty nuances. No suggestive notes. JUST Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chambourcin.

Price:  $9.99 at Total Wine

A nice full nose with a mellow hint of tar.  Served at room temperature it did have a bit of harshness. We would recommend serving this a little chilled. 

It had a bit too much tannins for us to enjoy on its own, but with a little cheese bread and marinara sauce this wine was a nice compliment.  We also believe this wine would be nice with semi-sweet foods.

Those who enjoy a drier red wine with a dish like spaghetti and meatballs, will find  this to be an ideal selection.  One taster felt this wine compared favorably to a dry Italian Chianti. 

Our ratings:  

Flavor:   3 out of 5 stars –Good

It does have a good classic red wine flavor.

Drinkability/Versatility:   2.5 out of 5 stars – Fair to Good

This wine would not be one you would serve to guests on its own, but only as a compliment to certain foods.

Value:  4 out of 5 stars –Very Good

For $10, this wine should definitely be on your short list for classic Italian dishes and with some semi-sweet foods.

Overall:  3.5 out of 5 stars –Good to Very Good

A nice classic red that could possibly use a bit more aging to smooth out, but for fans of drier reds, this is a nice Virginia selection.