Imagination is a powerful thing.  It can help us to think through new ideas, come up with far off planets and characters, or even amuse us on a long trip where there’s nothing else to do.  Sadly, imagination has it’s limits, and you can’t use it for things like imagine Charles Shaw is Opus 1.  So when you open a bottle of Domaine Vindemio Imagine, what is it that you actual imagine?

Sight:  A moderate purple center with a firm hot pink edge

Smell:  Blackberries and spice lead off, mixed with hints of vanilla.  Blueberries, raspberries, and currants are all concentrated, and give a syrup like tendency to some parts of the nose.    The spices are very concentrated, and have oak elements as well.

Sip:  The beginning shows a bit of vibrancy, but things smooth out relatively quickly.  The mouthfeel is rich, and there is plenty of tannin already present before even the finish.  Blackberry and cherry lead off, complimented in significant amounts of oak and spice.  The tannins interfere somewhat with the flavor.

Savor:  The ending is fiercely tannic, and contains some dark cocoa and blackberry skin as it elongates.

Domaine Vindemio Imagine is deeply tannic, and begs for food.  While the dark flavors of fruit are powerful, they’re no much for the strength of the tannins.  Lest you think this means that the wine isn’t worth drinking, by the contrary, these powerful tannins make it a great choice for food, especially fattier foods like steak, chili, or pulled pork.  If you’re looking for something deep, brooding, and food friendly, Domaine Vindemio Imagine is a delicious choice.

Verdict:  Tannic, Blackberry, Oak, Spice
Rating: 79
Price: $10
France