Today, I popped open a bottle that’s been sitting on my shelf for a while. I was excited, perhaps too much so, in anticipation of the indulgence that awaited.

Upon first pour, the aroma hits you like a fresh bouquet - beautiful, tantalizing, yet faint. There’s something deeper lurking beneath, a promise of rich flavors that don’t entirely materialize.

Sipping on this wine gave me mixed emotions. It’s pleasant, yes, with a sweet hint upfront but quickly dissolves into a forgettable finish. I kept searching for a revelation, but it didn’t happen.