If The Neighbor Sauvignon Blanc 2013 we’re a person, it’d be the O.J. Simpson of wine.  Not perfect, but damn did it kill it yesterday.  Of course, for most people, you have neighbors on at least two sides, if not more.  So how does The Neighbor Red Wine Blend 2013 do?

Sight:  A firm rose color end to end, and in the core.  Slight transparency.

Smell:  Black currants and cranberries are prominent at the start, mixing with a bit of spice, and hints of black cherry.  There’s something incredibly earthy lurking in the background, which might be something similar to a beet mixed with smoke.  The cigar smoke is potent and heady.

Sip:  The body is rather smooth, and weighty.  The smoke pulls in, then retracts, allowing currants, cranberries, spiced plums, and hints of vanilla to come through. There’s good brightness to the fruit.

Savor:  The vanilla takes over for the final drive, and then relinquishes a little territory to cranberries, currant, and smoke.  Tannins are rather coarse here after the smoothness of the body.

The Neighbor Red Wine Blend is a little more sporadic than it’s white cousin.  If this were a character, it’d be more in line with Kramer than George, no moping or complaining, just straight up burst through the door, and then vacillates between mellow and aggressively pitching it’s latest idea.  Much like Kramer, not everything coming out of here is a great plan.  Lest you think the Neighbor Red Wine Blend is going to convince you to drive to Michigan in a mail truck full of empty cans and bottles; it won’t.  It will however make a fun accompaniment to a summer cookout or family meal, and keep your guests interested and on their toes.

Verdict:  Smoke, Cranberry, Currants, Spice
Rating: 85
Price: $13
Paso Robles, California