Alexander Valley Vineyards Primitivo 2014

Lightly opaque garnet with aromas of slight vanilla cream and black cherry bon bons, a blast of savory spice on the rim with a hint of horseradish--interesting!

Palate--Cinnamon spice at the front with black pepper, again a little touch of horseradish in the palate which a whole new taste experience for this thousands of bottle of wine guy over the past 45 years. The finish is quite lingering with a resilient, cherry beam and more pepper.

This is the most interesting wine I have had in ages. I bought it because of it's home of record being Alexander Valley. I have had little experience with Primitivo because each one I have had was unremarkable and even off putting. This grape is the genetic progenitor of America's Zinfandel! That being said, the Primitivos I have had are nothing like Zins--but this one, had I tasted it blind would probably have said it was a unique Zin or Zin blend. I paid $10 for it out of state and regret not having bought more. The list on it is $20 and at that price I would not have been disappointed so 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!

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 :)

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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