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!

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!

Pure Bred (Old Vine) Zinfandel Lodi 2017

Very light hue with a unique aroma (slight) at the side rim of dill pickle juice which is intriguing. Zin aromas of wild berries, not over powering but pleasant, with a touch of rustic zinfulness. (OK that was cheesy!) Palate--There's a watery first impression but is quickly engulfed in big Zin fruitiness which is quickly fleeting leaving a pleasant lingering gentle berry goodness with a slightly "green" end. OK, I am the Zin maestro having had more zins in my life than possibly all other varietals combined? Well, if not, I am getting there. Zin is my grape. And here is the get a grip factor; this sells for $6.50 from Trader Joes, nuff said. Face it, I can't drink Turley, or Rosenblum single vineyard zins everyday (or even every week) so if you're having the gang over and want a light hearted red for those who insist they don't like red wine, give them I bit of this and see what happens. At this price, I'll raise a glass. Thanks MB :)

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