Trying to be less creative-writer and more realistic with my tasting notes (thanks to the folks who gave helpful feedback!) and where better to start than with an $11 supermarket Bordeaux blend? At least this one is supposed to taste like Merlot…

Deep ruby color, aromas of black cherry and blackberry.

Dry, medium-bodied, moderate tannins, medium-long finish. Ripe dark cherry and blackberry flavors.

56°F in a GabrielGlas universal, popped and poured.

Approachable enough, but didn’t knock my socks off — perhaps that’s why I’m holding the glass in front of the “95 points!” sticker. My criteria for this bottle was “supermarket Bordeaux,” and this felt like an adequately straightforward example.