When choosing a wine based on the label alone, you never know if the bottle you’re getting is an all around winner (as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside) or a pig in lipstick.

This week, I asked my wonderful husband to grab us a wine, and he came home with one of the more “manly-looking” wines. He chose a dark-colored label of a knight on a horse with weapons, who looks like he’s on a mission.

Like THAT is the guy would get the job done.

I laughed when I saw it, because this is something he would choose… Generally, when I choose a wine based on it’s label, I grab a bright- colored label with swirls and a fancy font that portrays elegance and beauty. (I wonder if they have some scientifically-proven, personality trait prediction system based on wine label choosing… What labels do you choose?) I digress…

The guy on the bottle looked pretty awesome, and I was intrigued to see where this was going, so let’s see how that went.

In this 14th Edition of Wine and Lavender’s Wine of the Week, we’ll be exploring….

Ravage Knight Fall Dark Red Blend

Walmart Price: $10.97

Sight: This wine is a VERY deep, dark wine- hence the name, “Knight Fall Dark Red Blend”. I can’t get over how “Deep” it looks. I like that. It looks somewhat purple, which is interesting, too.

Smell: Oooooooo…. upon first sniff, I smelled something I don’t think I’ve ever smelled before in a wine… It seriously smelled like Marshmallow. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “Marshmallow? Really?” Yes. These are the kinds of wine reviews you’ll get here, ladies. Now back to the marshmallow… it smells good… I was expecting something fruity smelling, but this marshmallow smell is throwing me off… I wonder what it will taste like? Is that currant? There’s a “softness” to the smell that has me half worried because I generally like the really fruity reds and I’m assuming that this wine would smell sweeter if it was.

Taste/First Impression: Interesting… As I took my first sip, I was expecting a nasty finish and lingering crud at the end. It’s actually quite smooth and finishes off nicely. It does have a little bit of fruitiness to it, but not enough for me. LOL I would have liked more fruit/sweetness in this wine, but even without it, it’s not bad.

After taste: The aftertaste is ok. No nasty aftertaste left caught in your throat.

The Experience: This wine is good. It isn’t as fruity or sweet as I normally like my wines, BUT it is definitely enjoyable. If you don’t like your wines too sweet, but your BFF does, then this might be a perfect match for the both of you.

The Next Day: All was well on this end. No dizziness or hangover that made me not want to “adult” the next day. 

The Label: “Dark. Rich. Audacious.” It’s definitely dark, definitely rich… I’ll have to look up audacious. Audacious: “showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.” Yep. That’s exactly how I would describe the knight on the label. Well played, Ravage.

Alc. %: 13.5%

Repeat: I would have this one again. It wouldn’t be my first pick (especially if it’s sitting next to a Jason Stephens, Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet or Confidencial), but I would definitely buy it for someone who prefers their wine to be less sweet.

Rating: I’d give it a 3.

Would you try this wine? What kind of labels do you go for when shopping on looks alone? Are you more of a “This looks elegant”, “This looks official”, “Ooooo… it says ‘Reserve’ ” or “Nice artwork” kind of person? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment below…

Pam

Pamela is a Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM of 3, and Veteran Military Wife living in Southwest Texas. Raised in the Northeast and having lived a few years in the Pacific Northwest, she likes to write about mom life, parenting, frugal living, experiences, and WINE. (Lots of wine!) When she’s not busy chasing toddlers around, you can find her on the blog or on social media. Check her out on Instagram: instagram.com/wineandlavender