Winery: David Akiyoshi

Vintage: 2016

Wine Name/Vineyard: la STRADA

Wine Category: Red Blend

Grape blend: N/A Italian style blend

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Central Coast

State or country: California

Price: $22

ABV: 14.8%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  85 points

Review date: Mar 7, 2019

About the Winemaker:  David Akiyoshi has been in the wine industry for over 30 years.  He is a wine maker for a well-known wine producer in California; this review is for his own label.    David is selling his independent label wine through nakedwines.com.

Color:  Deep Purple

Nose:  Rose petal, cinnamon, pie crust

Taste:  Cherry pie, cinnamon, raisin, fig, vanilla

Assessment: Much of the structure of this wine seems to come from the alcohol, which in this case isn’t a bad thing.  When first opened, cinnamon and heat dominated my palate.  The bottle needed a solid hour to soften, but once it mellowed, I found this wine to have pleasant character.  This is a full body offering, with just enough tannic presence to keep the wine from entering sweet territory.  The finish is heavy with raisin and baking spice.  I enjoyed this wine; the heat and full body do seem best suited for a dinner/evening wine. It’s priced fairly, it’s unique, and it’s ready to drink now.

Dave Akiyoshi 2016 la STRADA reserve red blend is a good wine.  85 Points.

Pairing recommendation:  Steak with havarti mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy.

I purchased this wine at a discount utilizing the same offer I have for you below, or you can buy a single bottle here.

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