Tasting - "Velvet Crush Crush Master's Red Blend"

• Name: Velvet Crush
• Variety: Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah 
• Region: California 
• Country: United States of America
• Year: 2012
• Price: Regular Price $18 Sale Price $6.95
• Vintage Cellar Review: Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture.  
• My review: This wine has a nice bright red color that is not too opaque but also quite clear. The wine's aroma is very pleasant and smells of blackberries and raspberries. I was very excited to try this wine as it smelled so nice and of berries. The smell however was very deceiving of the wine's actual taste. The initial taste of the wine is a very dry heat almost like a scotch or a whisky. It was hard to get past the burning in my mouth from this wine but there was a distinct pepper taste along with some light currants. With blends I expect for there to be some lightness from the different grapes but this wine was just very dry had to much alcohol in it for me to notice let alone appreciate any other flavors. 
• Food Pairing: I did not have any food with this wine.