*** I received this wine as a sample. ***

2009 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

Coming home from vacation is always difficult and returning to work after a vacation is even worse.  Thankfully, Hubby and I planned our summer vacation to end so that we came back to work the Tuesday after Labor Day, which meant we only had a four-day week.  Still, it was a hectic one, and I just remember feeling like there was never going to be an end to the emails in my inbox.  According to my wine notes, I couldn’t wait to get home and open a bottle of red wine.

The 2009 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret (winery, snooth) was made with 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc grapes and was a deep ruby.  On the nose, there were blackberries and cherries followed by hints of cedar, vanilla, and espresso.  In the mouth, there were blackberries, plums, cherries, and fennel with hints of espresso.  The wine had good tannins, medium-to-full body, and medium acid.

Is this worth a glass after work? It’s worth more than one!  What are you waiting for? At a SRP of $20, this wine is worth every penny and more.  It was a classy, elegant wine that made me utter “aww yeah” as I tasted it while Hubby prepared dinner.  I sipped on it while he cooked and we tried catching up about our day, although I think I spent more time concentrating on the wine than I did on our conversation.  And, as if I wasn’t enjoying the wine enough on its own, it was amazing with the filet mignon and steamed broccoli that Hubby made for dinner.  All in all, if I had to come home from vacation, ending the first week back to work with a delicious dinner and a fabulous wine was the way to do it.

Suggested Retail Price: $20
Received as a sample.
Overall: 4.5 Corks