Good Cheap Wine Guide

Cycles Gladiator Central Coast 2006 Merlot $9.50

RANKING: Share with Friends

I was watching highlights of the Tour de Drugs, sorry… Tour de France action for the day late at night, I was also working on a presentation that had to be ready in the morning. After seeing a picture of some spectator ringing a cowbell (I thought they just did this for downhill skiers!) I remembered… I have a new wine to review! (much better than working on a PowerPoint, thank you Pavlov) This one even had a great artistic rendition of a naked blond sprite barely holding onto the handlebars of a speeding, run-a-way bike. How very fortunate!

I had just bought this cheap merlot wine strictly because of the label (again). I know, a fatal flaw. I am a sucker for a cool label. (see The Show) Yet, just like always falling for blonds in my younger days (single days darling), I carry this flaw with little burden. Though most times, looks alone do not make a compatible dating relationship for your heart or your palate, sometimes..you get lucky and you find that you are just right for each other! Same here, everyone may not like my choice of Cycles Gladiator but I love her. I plan to introduce her to my family. At least to brother Dave. Oh heck, I’d share her with everyone. (another fatal flaw!) This was a good cheap wine worthy of the Wine Quest! (and ten bucks.)

W hat Others Say: Jericho Wines

Supple and elegant, with a decidedly spicy nose of black cherry, cassis and cedar. Mouth-filling flavors of plums, cherries and wild red berries exhibit excellent richness and concentration. A good seam of acidity complements the soft tannins.
What I Thought: A surprisingly rich tasting wine for the price. Great nose, great look and good balanced flavor. (Also the very uninhibited lady on the label will add to the conversation.) We’ll have a second date together.

Cheers from the Wine Oaf

PS: Cycles Gladiator is really into cycling. They also have a wine club and some very cool racing jerseys. Check this out! All Posters - Wine Art sells this poster of Cycles Gladiator!