This was one of those late night drunk Winebid birthyear wine purchases. And as a disclaimer: I have very limited experience with old wines.
Decent looking bottle, 3cm ullage, cork came out in 2 pieces but seemed surprisingly intact until I butchered it.
Mahogany with a slight hint of ruby red, very clear rim. Nose of raisins, soy sauce, very savory notes (if umami would be a smell, this would likely be it), hints of cola, burnt brown sugar and dried figs. Palate is somewhat pleasant with even slight tart fruit and acidity left, and a very tiny hint of tannins that probably existed at some point. Obviously way past it’s peak (if it even ever had one, this is a $15 bottle after all), but a very interesting experience with a wine that is still hanging in there.
In the late 80s a store in Denver had a large quantity of these in 375ml bottles. They may have been 1983 or 1982. They were selling them for less than $2 and maybe closer to $1. After some initial tastes a friend and I each bought a large quantity. I think we might have each had 60 bottles or so at one time. We referred to it as “the free wine.”
