Last week was the start a six-week “slow” period.  Truthfully, though, when I looked at my schedule for the next month, things might be slower, but definitely not slow.  The big change that my coworkers and I are always excited about is that we have slightly shortened worked days.  So, last Monday, after a day of catching up on emails, organizing my files, and clearing off my desk, so I could start the work-period off fresh, I was able to walk out of my office at 5pm.  While many people are fortunate enough to do this every day, I always feel lucky when I can leave at 6pm under normal circumstances, and to have a full month of 5pm days is particularly nice. When I arrived home, Hubby and I still had a whole evening ahead of us.  So, even though it was hot, I opened a bottle of Chilean red wine and sunk into the couch and relaxed while Hubby made dinner.

The 2005 Maquis Lien (winery, snooth) was a blend of 38% Syrah, 32% Carmenere, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec grapes.  The wine had a deep purplish ruby color.  On the nose, the wine was bursting with aromas—blackberries, plums, and blackcurrants mixed with hints of leather, fat, ginger, black pepper, dark chocolate, vanilla, and rosemary.  In the mouth, there were black fruits, dark chocolate, vanilla, and something floral.  The wine had big tannins, with high acidity, and was very dry.

Is this worth a glass after work? Definitely!  If you see this wine in the store, grab it; you won’t be disappointed. At $20, this wine was surprisingly complex and not overdone, even with the number of grapes in the blend.  If you’re a wine novice, don’t let all of the characteristics and complexity scare you away, as the wine is very approachable.  It’s big and juicy, and it paired beautifully with the grilled steaks and corn on the cob that Hubby made for dinner.

Price: $20
Purchased at: World Market
Overall: 4.5 Corks