Valravn Zinfandel (Sonoma) 2015

Garnet hue with aromas of sweet baked bread above the rim with loads of amazing spices wrapping a lovely package of big fruity blackberries with cigar ash, hints of milk chocolate.

Palate--a really nice dark berry front palate with a modest first impression of being a touch austere but relinquishing control with nice spicy berry flavors with a solid structure that will only become more finessed in a couple years.

Unlike some Zins, this one is made with a serious style yielding not only a delicious by-itself-quaff but a really nice food wine. Sonoma produces the best Zins in my opinion with Rosenblum (may it rest in peace) being the former king producing over 25 different Zins from different parcels and levels of quality. Sadly I think those days might be gone. I consider myself an expert when it comes to Zinfandel for in over 40 years of wine study, I have had more Zins than possibly any 10 varietals combined. But I don'd find Rosenblum in my neck of the woods and the few that I have tried since they were acquired by Bronco Brands back in 2008 were lacking...

I would love to be shown to be wrong but as I say, I don't see them in my geographical locale. At any rate, this is a really nice Zin for the price ($20) and I will be pairing it with charcoal grilled short cut steak. So if you see this around, grab it, and raise a glass!

Comments

Emma Reichart Gewürztraminer 2020

*Label is for their Riesling not their Gewurztraminer Pale straw hue with loads of sweet aromas consisting of vanilla, citrus, tropical fruit with a lime splash. Palate--mouth watering acid, mouth filling tropical fruit, lime base, with sweet-tart freshness This $10 Gewürztraminer literally "Spicy Traminer" is one of my favorite German grapes and under appreciated much in the way German Riesling is. If you can get past the name, it's a lovely wine that pairs with Asian foods, spicy foods, or all by itself so raise a glass!

Sardon 2017 (Quinto Sardonia)

Vibrant plum purple hue with aromas of a spicy floral bouquet, sweet red hard cherry candies, sweet cream on the edges. Palate--Great first impression of joyful candied red fruit, and pink/orange colored circus peanut marshmallow(?) candy. This blend of primarily Tempranillo, with Malbec, Garnacha, and Cab Sauv. is a bit atypical for Tempranillo with delightful flavors of sweet cherry cream, a nice spicy beam of light red fruit and a finish of more candied flavors. Do NOT mistake my description with all the "sweet" adjectives as if this wine is actually sweet, it isn't. It is extremely fruity, lighter bodied, well made and really quite spectacular. It will do well with my grilled pork chops! At the $18 price point it is a real treat so raise a glass!

Barrel Heist Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Lighter hued cranberry color with aromas of sweet red berries and dried red fruit with a touch of spice. Palate--Fruit forward, easy to quaff with soft tannins, and a simple pleasant all around red. Just don't confuse this with a "real" cabernet Sauvignon. At $7 (Trader Joe's) let's get real... It's better than two buck chuck!

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