I have been a fan of Bogle’s Phantom for many years now; always a great bbq wine.
Its reddish dark in hue with some very pretty floral notes of lavender & violets right out of the bottle. The palate displays blackberries, black raspberries, macerated black plum skins, a hint of earth, the previously mentioned lavender and violet with some cardamom, black currant and cedar. A very integrated tannin base that has both softness with the occasional showing of a bit of edginess, depending on how long it’s been sitting in your glass and if you are enjoying alongside some food, me specifically today, grilled marinated flank steaks with boiled potatoes in a red wine vinegar. An interesting wine that makes you stop and ponder every so often. Balance is well played with a lively medium to light weighted mouth feel. Some exotic spiciness, leather and roasted coffee beans. Always staying consistent, always pleasing. I think a key to this one is the serving temperature; it never really got much warmer than 70ish as it was a real nice evening here in the North East. Real nice indeed.
Farewell summer! (Although I should call you simmer!)