Wilson Winery - 2009 Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel

The Facts:

The Wilson Winery 2009 Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at the wine’s namesake vineyard. This property which was planted in 1989 sits at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel is a 100% varietal wine. Fruit was hand harvested and fermented in open top vessels with punchdowns three times a day. Aging took place in a combination of French and American oak over a period of 18 months. 540 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36. Wilson Winery is located at 1960 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 11 AM until 5 PM. Several tasting options are available (some require a prior appointment). They close on some major holidays so check their website for those specific details or call them at 800-433-4602.

Gabe’s Take:

Wilson Winery has a fairly sizeable portfolio of wines and utilizes many of the grapes Dry Creek Valley is famous for. As it happens, Dry Creek Valley’s best known grape, Zinfandel, is also what Wilson specializes in. I enjoy tasting the various vineyard and style designations they produce each year. The 2009 Sydney’s Vineyard Zinfandel has a deep, dark nose loaded with Blackberries, plums, and blueberries as well as white pepper and vanilla bean. The palate is intense and layered with tons of flavors. Black Cherry, red and black raspberry and a ton of spice characteristics are all present. Rhubarb, pomegranate and lingering kirsch liqueur notes are in evidence throughout the persistent finish which has terrific length. This is a balanced Zinfandel that highlights bold fruit flavors and firm acidity. Without question this wine is made to be paired with some full flavored foods.

Gnarly Head - 2010 Authentic Red

Their Old Vine Zin remains the best known selection from Gnarly Head. But every now and again they expand their portfolio. The latest addition is Authentic Red and eventually it may well become the most popular of the Gnarly Head wines. Each of their selections is crafted with crowd appeal in mind. These are wines that are widely available throughout the country and well priced. Today I’ll see how Authentic Red stacks up. The Gnarly Head 2010 Authentic Red was produced using fruit sourced in Lodi California. This offering is a blend of Zinfandel (50%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), Petite Sirah (10%) and Syrah (3%). The fruit was hand picked and de-stemmed prior to being pressed. Fermentation took place over a nine day period. 25,000 cases of this wine were produced in 2010 and it has a suggested retail price of $11.99.

This blend leads with a big jam-laden nose that’s studded with dark and brooding fruit aromas as well as bits of eucalyptus and vanilla. Cherry and blackberry flavors are prominent throughout the palate as well as plenty of baker’s spices and black pepper. Sour Cherry and wisps of dark chocolate emerge on the finish which has good length for its category. Fine acidity keeps things in check.

What I like most about this wine is its balance. While it features bold, upfront fruits it maintains it’s heartiness through the palate and a more than reasonable finish. This wine is fruity and fun and just dying to be paired with food. It’ll work best when matched with something substantial and bold. The deep, rich stews of winter and slow cooked BBQ dishes immediately come to mind. There are a lot of options in the category of Red California Blends around $10. Authentic Red is one of the better ones out there. Some of the others can be over the top and sickly sweet. While this is a bold wine, it’s never goes too far and it’s a selection you won’t have trouble finishing a bottle of. It continues the Gnarly Head tradition of fun wines that are solid values which are also easy to find. If you're looking for an everyday or house red to purchase by the case, Authentic Red is a solid choice.

Benessere Vineyards - 2010 Rosato, Napa Valley Rosé

Rosé is one of the many reasons I look forward to warm weather. I’m glad to report that as a wine culture in this country we’ve gotten better in the last few years when it comes to embracing good, dry Rosé. Just about every wine making country has a Rosé tradition; this is particularly true in Europe. In Italy the tradition is Rosato and Napa Valley’s Benessere Vineyards, whose focus is Italian varietals, makes their own Rosato which I’ll look at today. The Benessere Vineyards 2010 Rosato was produced using Napa Valley fruit. This Rosé is composed of Zinfandel (49%), Sangiovese (41%) and Merlot (10%). Small amounts of the juice from each grape were bled off just prior to fermentation. This blend which becomes the Rosato was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Less than 300 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $16.

The nose of this Rosé brings to mind a bowl of fresh ripe red fruits. Cherry and raspberry flavors lead the palate which also shows off a nice core of spices. Red raspberry and a bit of blackberry emerge on the finish which is crisp and clean. This Rosé is fruity with just a bit of perceived sweetness poking through. The Benessere Rosato has a bit more heft than the average Rosé and will stand up to more substantial foods quite nicely. That said it’s perfectly delectable all by itself.

Benessere Vineyards makes Napa Valley wines that allow the Italian varietals they often work with to shine. Their portfolio is filled with wines which are elegant, balanced, food friendly and fairly priced. The 2010 Rosato is just one example of that. Check back soon for my look at their Zinfandels.

V. Sattui - 2008 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

There are a handful of regions in California that are particularly well suited for Zinfandel. Each of them stands apart by imparting unique character in the wines grown there. Sonoma County is particularly lucky because it has two areas that can grow exceptional Zin. Dry Creek Valley is one and the other is Russian River Valley. Pinot Noir comes to mind first for most people when it comes to Russian River Valley, but the Zinfandel is often equally compelling. Today I’ll look at one from Napa Valley’s V. Sattui that they sourced in the Russian River Valley. The V. Sattui 2008 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel was produced using Russian River Valley Fruit. This is a single vineyard effort with all of the  fruit coming from the namesake Gilsson vineyard. These vines were planted in the 60’s. This particular piece of property sits on the edge of Russian River Valley, right near where the Chalk Hill appellation starts. That gives it some influence from both areas. This limited production wine sells for $36.

An absolutely intoxicating nose is led by strong cherry aromas that have a hint of  liqueur to them. Raspberry and cherry flavors, both red and black, are prominent throughout the palate. Sweet dark chocolate, black pepper, chicory and earth elements are all part of a long, lusty, lingering finish. The chocolate notes in particular echo on and on memorably. Well integrated tannins show necessary firmness along with terrific acidity for good overall structure.

This wine has the balance, restraint and complexity to age for a decade or more. At its core this wine is an absolutely textbook example of top notch Russian River Valley Zinfandel. The bottom line is that this Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel from V. Sattui is a lovely wine. If you’re a Zinfandel fan, this is a fine offering, well worth your time and money.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2009 Zinfandel / 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

The names Paul Dolan and Mendocino County go hand in hand. His work there with a number of producers over the years is legendary. Today he helms Paul Dolan Vineyards and is a partner in Parducci Wine Cellars. I’ll take a look today at a couple of releases from his Eponymous winery. First up is the Paul Dolan Vineyards 2009 Zinfandel. It was produced using mostly fruit sourced at the Parducci Home Vineyard. This is a benchland vineyard. In addition to Zinfandel (99%), this wine also contains a splash of Syrah (1%). All of the fruit is 100% organic, certified by California Certified Organic Farmers. Once fermentation was completed this wine was aged in a combination of barrels and redwood tanks; 10% of the barrels were new. 2,727 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.

The aromas that emanate from the nose of this 2009 Zinfandel bring to mind a large bowl of fresh, fleshy dark berries and plums. Hints of bramble and earth underscore all that fresh fruit for a nice counterpoint. Sweet even keeled dark fruit flavors emerge on the palate along with plum pudding spices and a few herbaceous characteristics. Rhubarb, black pepper, vanilla bean and just a bit of jam fruit flavor are all part of the finish which has nice length.

This Zinfandel from Paul Dolan Vineyards is typical of Mendocino in that the region tends towards more classically styles Zins. By and large these wines tend to be more balanced and proportionate than Zinfandel from some other regions. This wine is just loaded with terrific Zinfandel characteristics.

The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit sourced at the Parducci Home Vineyard and Paul Dolan’s Dark Horse Ranch. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (97.5%), this wine contains a bit of Petit Verdot (2.5%). This wine is also made from certified organic grapes. Once fermentation was complete it was aged for 15 months in American oak; 50% of the barrels were new. 2,800 cases of this Cabernet were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.

Ripe berry fruit and hints of eucalyptus emerge from the nose of this 2009 Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and fleshy plum are all part of this wines palate. Toast, espresso and earth emerge on the finish along with black pepper, vanilla bean and a little tinge of kirsch. This Cabernet has firm tannins that yield with some air and solid acid structure. This is a solid Cabernet for the price. It’s not meant for long term aging but it’ll drink well over the next 6-8 years; but why wait its delicious now.

These wines are emblematic of the Paul Dolan wines at large. The releases bearing his name are jammed with pure fruit flavors, balanced so they can pair well with food and quite fairly priced in their respective categories. I honestly believe you cannot go wrong buying any wine Paul Dolan is associated with.

Big House - 2009 "Cardinal Zin" Beastly Old Vines Zinfandel

Fourth of July weekend is one of the times each year when it’s definitely important to have wine on hand that will please a large crowd. Whether you’re grilling at home, celebrating with friends and family, or dining out, there are sure to be a wide array of taste buds in most gatherings. Quenching those taste buds at a reasonable cost is what I look to do on these occasions. The folks at Big House have been making widely available wines with crowd appeal that won’t bust your budget for years. Today I’ll look at one of their Zins to see if it fits the bill for this holiday weekend. The Big House 2009 Cardinal Zin Beastly Old Vines Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced from a number of appellations throughout California. In addition to Zinfandel (80%), this wine also contains Mourvedre (10%), Carignane (8%), and Petite Sirah (2%). 35,000 cases of this offering were produced. It’s available in traditional 750 ml bottles as well as 3 Liter boxes or casks as they call them. The respective suggested retail prices are $9.99 and $22.

Red raspberry and cherry aromas burst forcefully from the nose of this 2009 Zinfandel. Loads of sweet red fruit flavors appear throughout the palate; they’re interspersed with hints of dark fruit such as blackberry and black cherry. Candied fruit flavors emerge on the finish along with black and white pepper spice, pie crust and rhubarb.

This is a very appealing wine that will delight its core audience, large groups of people having a BBQ or party. It’s an easy drinking Zinfandel that will pair very well with just about anything that comes off of your grill. In the 3 Liter format it works out to just over $5 a bottle. That’s hard to beat especially when you take into account that housed in this Eco-Friendly format this offering will drink well for about a month after it was first opened.

Rodney Strong Vineyards - 2008 Knotty Vines

Zinfandel and Sonoma County go hand in hand. For my money, most of the best examples of Zinfandel come out of one or another area in Sonoma. Sometimes these wines are single vineyard efforts, other times cuvee style offerings. And in this case we have a widely available wine from stalwart Rodney Strong Vineyards that delivers quality, consistency and sheer pleasure vintage after vintage. Today I’ll look at the 2008 edition of the Knotty Vines Zinfandel. The Rodney Strong Vineyards 2008 Knotty Vines Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at Estate Vineyards in the northern part of Sonoma County. In addition to Zinfandel (98%), small amounts of Syrah (1%) and Merlot (1%) are blended in as well.  Barrel aging took place in a combination of French (62%) and American (38%) oak over a period of 17 months. This offering which is available nationally has a suggested retail price of $18.50.

Black raspberry, vanilla and a gentle undercurrent of herbs all fill the nose of this 2008 Zinfandel. Cherry flavors of varying types, from red and black to kirsch liqueur are the dominating characteristics through the palate along with an overriding core of spices that accompanies them. Dark chocolate and earth notes lead the finish which has good length; spice notes continue to ring out as well, particularly black pepper. This is a well balanced Zin with good acidity. It’s tasty on its own but as is the hallmark of the Rodney Strong portfolio, this offering is meant to accompany a meal.

Year after year this wine delivers good Zinfandel characteristics and terrific value. It has a suggested retail of $18.50 but if you shop around you’ll find it for close to $15. This wine is a no doubter that you can turn to time and again to provide drinking enjoyment at a reasonable price.

Brazin - 2008 Lodi Zinfandel

Lodi California is a name that anyone who drinks Zinfandel will immediately recognize. There are oodles of Zins emanating from that region on store shelves all over the country. There can be so many that it’s hard to pick one without a guide sometimes. When Zinfandel from Lodi is done right it can be an excellent expression of the varietal and thus they’re well worth exploring. Today I’ll look at the current release of Brazin. The Brazin 2008 Lodi Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at several Lodi Vineyards. All of the vineyards sourced feature head-trained vines. They’re also older vineyards ranging from 40 to 60 years of age. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. Barrel aging took place over 7 months in a combination of French and American oak. 5,800 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $17.

Black Raspberry aromas lead the nose of this Zinfandel. Hints of violet and nutmeg are present as well. There are a potpourri of berry pie flavors that fill the palate of this wine with intense, full bodied, yet even-keeled flavors. Black cherry, plum and raspberry are the most prominent components. Sweet dark cocoa and loads of spicy white and black pepper notes are present on the finish along with emerging cranberry characteristics. This wine is balanced by solid acidity.

The bottom line for me is that the 2008 Brazin is a fine example of Lodi Zinfandel. It’s bright, bold and a bit boisterous. Ultimately though it’s balanced and a great partner for full flavored foods. The Retail price is $17, but if you shop around you’ll probably find it for several dollars less than that.

Tamás Estates - 2009 Pinot Grigio / 2008 Zinfandel / 2008 Double Decker Red

With Holiday time upon us a lot of folks are looking for wines to drink at gatherings of all sorts. Sometimes the occasion calls for a special bottle of some kind. Perhaps in those cases you either pull out something you have tucked away or you might step outside of the normal spending budget to get something different, unique or limited. Conversely the Holiday Season also inspires a lot of more casual get-togethers with friends and family too. People in general seem more prone to call and say they’re going to pop by. It’s a times like these it’s really handy to have some everyday wines on hand to share. You want something that isn’t going to break the bank, but you’ll want it to be tasty too. Riding that line between budget and quality can be tricky. I believe the selections I’m looking at today from Tamás Estates make it a little easier. First up is the Tamás Estates 2009 Pinot Grigio. This wine was produced using fruit sourced in California’s Central Coast. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks. It has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Green apple and hints of citrus fill the nose of this Pinot Grigio. Zesty lemon-lime ice is apparent through the palate. Crisp sour fruits, hints of cream and spice make of the finish. This wine is refreshing and showcases firm acidity.

Next up is the Tamás Estates 2008 Zinfandel. This wine was also sourced from Central Coast fruit. Fermentation took place in stainless steel followed by aging in a combination of French, American and Eastern European oak; both new and neutral barrels were used. This wine has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Jam laden red fruits and touches of vanilla are present in the nose of this Zinfandel. Black raspberry and huckleberry are present in droves through the palate. Those berry fruit flavors continue through the finish along with black cherry, earth, graham cracker crust, plum pudding spice and toasty oak. This is Zinfandel built to pair with food.

Finally today is the Tamás Estates 2008 Double Decker Red. This blend was produced from Central Coast fruit. It combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera. After fermentation in stainless steel, aging occurred in both neutral oak and stainless steel. This wine has a suggested retail price of $9.99. Plum and blueberry aromas fill the nose of this blend. Cherry and continued blueberry and plum are prominent through the palate. Sour cherry emerges on the finish along with rhubarb and both black and white pepper. This is a very appealing red that will pair with a host of medium to full flavored foods.

This trio of wines from Tamás Estates is great for the purpose I described above; they’ll give you something tasty to open for a casual get together without breaking the bank. Wines like this are also handy to keep around the house when a friend or neighbor shows up and gives you an unexpected gift. A bottle of wine in a gift bag paired with a dark chocolate bar or a small bag of nuts is a convenient gift to have lying around for those occasions. And worst case if the holidays end and you didn’t use them for that purpose, open them on a random Tuesday with a slice of pizza.

Fontanella Family Winery - 2008 Chardonnay / 2008 Zinfandel / 2007 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

During a summer 2009 trip to Napa Valley a friend recommended Fontanella Family Winery to me. I stopped by and tasted their wines, which were impressive. You can read about my experience here. So with 2010 almost out it seemed like a good time to taste their current releases and see if I felt as strongly about these as I do the previous vintages. My impressions of them follow. First up is the Fontanella Family Winery 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay. This wine which is all Chardonnay was produced using fruit from Mt Veeder (50%) and Carneros (50%). It was aged in French oak for 9 months; 30% of the barrels were new. It has a suggested retail price of $30. Note: The 2009 has recently been released; it’s a Mt. Veeder selection and also sells for $30.

The nose of this 2008 Chardonnay shows off orchard fruit, baker’s spices, and light hints of toasty oak. A host of fruit types are on display through the palate. Mango, nectarine, pear, apple and hints of peach are all in strong evidence. In truth it’s a very appealing potpourri of fruit flavors with a prominent vein of spices running through it. The stone fruits in evidence hang on through the lengthy finish along with continued spice such as nutmeg and white pepper. There’s a touch of unctuousness in the finish which is generally quite fresh and vibrant with racy acidity. This wine has terrific complexity and is clearly an example of Chardonnay that is enhanced by judicious use of oak.

Next up is the Fontanella Family Winery 2008 Zinfandel which was produced from fruit sourced in several prime Napa Valley Appellations; Mt Veeder and Oakville are the most prominent. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. Oak aging occurred over 11 months in American barrels. 442 cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36.

Right up front the nose opens with a burst of jam laden fruit. This is underscored by wisps of vanilla and bramble. Both blackberry and raspberry are prominent through the palate which is rich with layer after layer of sweet, appealing berry fruit flavors. Chocolate sauce leads the finish and really lingers right through persistently as the last note echoing on your taste buds. Along with it the fruit flavors and spice notes such as black pepper and a hint of plum pudding spice also join in. This is a Zinfandel that can easily be enjoyed either on its own or with a meal. It’s hefty and hearty but also quite well balanced and proportionate.

Finally we have the Fontanella Family Winery 2007 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% of this fruit was sourced on Mt Veeder. 92% is Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% is Merlot. Barrel aging occurred over 20 months in French oak; 83% of the barrels were new. 650 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $50.

Eucalyptus, toast, and vanilla are the first aromas out of the chute. They’re followed immediately by a heady brew of dark leaning berry fruit. As with the Zinfandel this wine is loaded with layers of complexity that simply don’t stop. Most of the flavors lean towards dark fruits; plum, blackberry, boysenberry and quite prominently, black cherry to name a few. Chicory, dusty baker’s chocolate and hints of earth all emerge in the lengthy finish. This wine his firm tannins that yield with some air. If you’re going to drink this Cabernet now, I’d recommend a couple of hours in the decanter for maximum pleasure; however if you have some patience, lay it down for a few years and you’ll be rewarded with an even more beautiful wine.

The wines from Fontanella Family Winery are distinct and elegant. In their price points they represent fine values. The Cabernet Sauvignon in particular is an excellent deal. Terrific Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t cheap. With that in mind; this offering is actually a bit of a bargain. If you haven't had a chance to try the wines from Fontanella Family Winery yet, now is as good a time as any. Highly recommended.

V.Sattui - 2007 Black Sears Zinfandel

One of the constantly fascinating things about wine is the sense of discovery that waits around every corner and in most every bottle. Depending on how adventurous you are you may find new things in your local wine shop, online or when you visit the wine regions of your choice. V.Sattui Winery is one of the age old secrets that await you in Napa Valley. They sell their wines through the tasting room and online, direct to consumers. So unless you’ve been to Napa or a friend has gifted you a bottle, you might not know about them. That would be a shame as they’ve been turning out a diverse selection of fine wine for a long, long time. Today I’ll look at the current release of one of their Zinfandels. The V.Sattui 2007 Black Sears Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced exclusively at the vineyard of the same name. Black Sears Vineyard sits on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. Aging occurred over 16 months in French oak; half of the barrels were new, the other half previously used. A mere 400 cases of this wine were produced and it sells for $40.

Bramble, vanilla and berry fruit aromas are all present in the nose of this 2007 single vineyard Zinfandel. Throughout the palate cherry, plum, and blueberry come together as a trio to form the core of this wines gloriously dry flavor profile. This Zinfandel has a lengthy finish which shows off sour cherry, minerals, earth, espresso, and black pepper. This wine has impressive structure with firm, gripping tannins, and excellent acidity.

What I like best about this wine is the impeccable balance it shows off. This is a Zinfandel made in a style that is both restrained and loaded with flavor. The V.Sattui Black Sears Zinfandel is delicious today, however those with patience will be rewarded. This wine is an ager to be sure. It’ll improve over the next 5-8 years and drink well for at least 4-6 after that. One of the most impressive Zinfandels I’ve tasted this year. If you love Zin, grab this small production beauty before it’s gone.

Paul Dolan Vineyards - 2007 Zinfandel

The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced in two distinct appellations. The majority (79%) is from Mendocino with the remaining 21% coming from Amador County. Barrel aging was accomplished over 20 months in American oak. The grapes used were organically grown and certified as such. Just fewer than 3,000 cases of this offering were made and it has a suggested retail price of $25. Aromas of black mission fig and dark berry fill the nose of this 2007 Zinfandel. Zippy black raspberry flavors along with blueberry and droves of cherry are joined by a wealth of spices such as black pepper and nutmeg throughout the bold and layered palate of this wine. Black tea, minerals, chicory, earth, dusty baker’s chocolate and a hint of coal are all present in the lengthy finish of this Zinfandel.

What I like most about this Zinfandel is its depth. Too often Zinfandel is a lot of up front flash without much substance or backbone supporting it. That’s not the case here as this wine, while plenty big enough, including a nice bit of jam laden fruit is also well proportioned. I paired this Zinfandel with Cuban Beef Stew served with a side of Cilantro Rice and it was a marvelous match. I went back to this wine after it had been open for a full 24 hours. I found that not only had it held up it was drinking even better than it had the first night. This is first rate Zinfandel from Paul Dolan Vineyards.  At a pricepoint of $25 it also represents a very good value.

Gnarly Head - 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel

The Gnarly Head 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel was produced using fruit sourced from vines between 35 and 80 years old. The fruit is hand harvested from these old head trained vines. These vineyards in Lodi are primarily located in the Mokelumne River area. Fermentation took approximately 9 days followed by racking and then barrel aging. This wine has a suggested retail price of $10.99. This 2007 Zinfandel leads with a jam laden nose loaded with both bright and dark berry fruit. These aromas are underscored by wisps of eucalyptus and vanilla bean. Cherry, raspberry and blackberry flavors all play key roles in the palate of this even keeled Zinfandel which is simply loaded with sweet fruit flavors. A hint of sour raspberry leads the finish which also shows off toasty oak and white pepper. Sufficient acidity keeps things in check.

This wine is a good choice for pizza night. It’s widely available and priced right at $10.99 (less if you shop around). If you’re looking for an everyday Zinfandel or even a house red this is one to consider. In addition to the fact that it’s reasonably priced on shelves across America this wine also boasts a flavor profile that will appeal to the masses looking for a glass of something tasty. Of course I’d love to have Filet Mignon and First Growth Bordeaux every night, but the reality for most people, is both wine and food that’s a bit more casual, more often than not. That’s where the likes of Gnarly Head comes in. I also found this wine pairs nicely with dark chocolate, give it a shot.

Thanksgiving On A Budget With The Robert Mondavi Family of Wines

With Thanksgiving a couple of days away it’s time to think about what wines to serve with your holiday meal. This year, as much if not more than any other, many are faced with the need to make the holiday not only joyful but affordable as well. With that in mind I’ve picked out a trio of tasty selections that come in at a budget price. All three come from labels that were started by Robert Mondavi. Over the years in addition to his namesake Napa winery he started a number of other labels in all parts of the world with numerous focuses. Today I’ll look at three from California facilities that hit the spot taste wise and won’t break the budget either. First up is the Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit for this wine comes predominately from Monterey County (92%) with San Benito County (5%) and Paso Robles (3%) making up the rest. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc (94%), Riesling (3%) and Gewürztraminer (3%) are blended in. This selection was aged and fermented in stainless steel. The suggested retail price for this offering is $11.

Lemon Zest notes dominate the fresh nose of this Sauvignon Blanc Throughout the palate stone and citrus fruit characteristics are prominent. Lemon ice in particular is a standout flavor. A hint of grass comes in during the mid-palate and continues through the finish along with mineral notes and a touch of flint. The finish is crisp and clean featuring good length in its category and excellent acidity.

Especially at holiday time it’s nice to have several wines throughout the day. This Sauvignon Blanc will serve equally well as a welcome wine or paired with appetizers. It’s tasty on it’s own but the terrific acidity it showcases will help make it a match with a host of lighter foods.

The second wine is the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2007 Zinfandel. Fruit for this wine is sourced mostly in Lodi (94%) with the balance coming from several other California regions. In addition to Zinfandel (91%), Merlot (3%), Petite Sirah (2%), Malbec (2%) Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties (2%) are blended in. The suggested retail price for this wine is $8.

This 2007 wine leads with a jam-laden nose, so typically associated with Zinfandel. It’s loaded with berry, cherry and hint of cedar. The palate is very juicy with red and black fruit flavors intermingling and fighting your tongue for attention, Black cherry is particularly prominent. The finish features sweet cocoa, sour berry, white pepper and vanilla that echoes persistently. This is a well balanced and food friendly Zinfandel.

Thanksgiving is perhaps the most American of holidays. Zinfandel is the closest we have to a heritage grape in this country. The two go together philosophically as well as they do pairing wise. This wine is a good fit for the abundant cornucopia of foods on the average American Thanksgiving table. For $8 a bottle you can have a lot of it on hand to quench everyone’s thirst.

The final wine for a tasty and budget priced Thanksgiving is the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2008 Moscato. Grapes for this wine were sourced from throughout California. This 100% Muscat is a blend of Muscat Canelli (60%), Orange Muscat (30%) and Muscat of Alexandria (10%). Alcohol content is a modest 10% for this selection. The suggested retail price for this wine is $8.

Lychee fruit and honey clove make up the inviting nose of this wine. Orange blossom, tangerine and apricot notes are all prominent throughout the palate of this Moscato. Subtle white pepper notes kick in around mid-palate and continue through the finish along with additional honey and citrus notes. This wine is light, fragrant and sweet but not overly so.

This 2008 Moscato will be a good choice to pair with dessert. Fruit tart or Italian Cheesecake both come to mind as excellent matches. Alternatively this wine could be dessert on its own.

Each of these wines is true to its varietal and is a solid value. Shop around and you’ll find them for less than the suggested retail price. Savvy shoppers will be able to round all three of them up for less than $25 combined. Now that’s some Holiday drinking on a budget. These wines are also widely available so you should easily be able to find them throughout the US and beyond.

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Del Fava Family Winery - 2007 Zinfandel

I mentioned the other day that Cabernet Sauvignon is the first varietal that comes to mind when I think of Alexander Valley and that’s true. Zinfandel comes second though. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of tremendous Zinfandel coming from neighboring Dry Creek Valley and forget that there are quite a few excellent examples in Alexander Valley too. That would be a mistake. Today I’ll look at the Del Fava Zinfandel. The 2007 Del Fava Family Winery Zinfandel is made from Alexander Valley fruit. This offering blends Zinfandel (83%), with Petite Sirah (11%), Carignane (3%), Syrah (1.5%), and Sangiovese (1.5%). This wine spent 12 months in a combination of European and American oak; 30% of the barrels were new. A mere 97 cases of this Zinfandel were produced and the suggested retail price is $24.

Starting with the nose, everything about this wine is big. Aromas of dark and spicy berry fruit lead the charge. They continue through the full throttle, all enveloping palate. Cherry, raspberry, plum and fruitcake spice keep coming in waver after wave of flavor and continue to the unrelenting and lingering finish which adds additional spice and hints of sweet Bosco sauce. Excellent acidity keeps this big, bold wine from going over the top.

If you like your Zinfandel big and loaded with jam flavor this small production wine from Del Fava Family winery is a solid entry worth seeking out. As with the other wines made by Scott and his wife this Zinfandel offers a lot of flavor and good complexity for the money. Each release is interesting and I look forward to keeping up with them to see how their wines evolve from vintage to vintage.

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V-Twin Vineyards - 2005 Sonoma County Zinfandel

Another day and a second Zinfandel from V-Twin Vineyards. As I mentioned yesterday Scott Del Fava and his wife are motorcycle enthusiasts. Part of their mission statement is to bring the two worlds together. They aim to make wine a bit less daunting to the average person while also showing that many of their bike riding friends and wine club members are not of the hardcore variety people might stereotypically think of. The 2005 V-Twin Sonoma County Zinfandel was made from fruit sourced in Dry Creek & Alexander Valley. This wine is a blend of Zinfandel (84%), Carignan (6%), and Alicante Bouchet (10%). This Zinfandel was aged in a combination of French and American oak. Alcohol for this release is a modest 13.8%. 476 cases were produced and the suggested retail price is $24.

V-Twin Vineyards isn’t fooling around when it comes to big Zinfandel. This second offering in two days I’m looking at is as impressive as the Poker Run from yesterday. But there are differences, which is of course key. Raspberry compote and vanilla lead the nose of this Sonoma Zinfandel. The words that came to mind when taking the first sip of this wine were, Raspberry Razzmatazz. There are a quite a few other things going on in this wine to be sure, but raspberry leads the charge. Spice layers underpin the core of raspberry throughout the palate. White pepper, dusty cocoa and nutmeg are all part of the finish which has good length.

This wine is another jammy Zinfandel from V-Twin, though a touch less so than the Poker Run. It’s smoother and more immediately accessible as well. It drinks quite nicely by itself, but sure wasn’t hurt when I paired it with a burger topped with caramelized onions and Manchego cheese.

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V-Twin Vineyards - 2005 Poker Run Zinfandel

V-Twin Vineyards is Dry Creek Valley based winery that sources fruit from anumber of locations throughout California to make their wines. In addition to Wine, founders Scott Del Fava and his wife are also major motorcycle enthusiasts. Their future plans for a tasting room includes finding a location where both passions can co-exist for them and their customers. Their website is the first step in that direction with a member photo gallery. I’ll be looking at several of their releases this week, the first is a Zinfandel. The 2005 V-Twin Vineyards Poker Run Zinfandel was produced from old vine fruit sourced in Alexander Valley. This offering is a blend of Zinfandel (75%), Petite Sirah (15%), Carignan (5%) and Syrah (5%). Oak aging was accomplished over 14 months in a combination of barrel types. 400 cases of this vintage were produced and the suggested retail price is $24.

One of the things that attracts me to Zinfandel is that it can and is made in a very wide variety of styles. As long as they’re well made I can appreciate many of those variations. Speaking of style it’s apparent from the word go that the Poker Run Zin is of the Jammy variety. A huge potpourri of big, bright berry fruit aromas fills the nose of this Zinfandel. Fresh cherries dipped in sweet chocolate are omnipresent throughout the palate of this Zin along darker fruit such as plum and blackberry, not to mention a host of spice notes. Sour cherry, earth, black pepper and hints of vanilla are all part of the remarkably smooth and lingering finish of this wine.

What I like most about this offering is that it’s a classic example of Alexander Valley Zinfandel. It reminds me in some ways of Alexander Valley Vineyards SinZin in style and level of decadence. If you like your Zins big but still balanced, Poker Run from V-Twin Vineyards might just be the wine for you.

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Ravenswood - 2006 Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

Ravenswood has a long history with Zinfandel. It’s how Joel Peterson made his bones; and while they make many other wines now, Zinfandel is still very much their core. Vineyard Designates, County Series wines, state wide cuvee’s and more make up the array of Zinfandel offerings that Ravenswood produces annually. Each series or tier has different intents and aims in mind. The Vineyard Designated wines for instance are aimed at more seasoned wine drinkers who know Zinfandel pretty well and already understand to some degree, or want to experience that site to site diversity. Today I’ll look at one of the County Series wines. This tier is aimed at the everyday consumer who wants a glass of wine for dinner but needs to keep the cost modest. Wines in this series are often also excellent choices to bring to a large gathering. The 2006 Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel has Petite Sirah (21%) and Carignane (1%) blended in. This selection spent 18 months in 24-30% new French oak barrels. 84,000 cases of this selection were produced and the suggested retail price is $12.

Black and red raspberry lead the nose of this Old Vine Zinfandel along with a nice helping of vanilla. The palate is loaded with dark, brooding fruit throughout. There are good elements of jam and hints of licorice as well. Tingly, lingering pepper spice emerges on the finish as well as chocolate notes. The Petite Sirah adds nice backbone to this wine and lends to its firm structure which is complemented by sufficient acidity.

This wine fulfills its intent. With 84,000 cases and a $12 price-point you want an offering that tastes like Zinfandel with Lodi characteristics. This wine achieves that and is a solid entry in the category of wines affordable enough for most to drink everyday. Look around and you’ll find it for closer to $9.

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Three Wines For Easter Dinner

With Easter a few days away, everyone is probably worried about what to cook. Personally I'm more vested in which wines to serve, to match those foods. So I decided to find a trio of wines I could recommend. Thus I'm presenting a wine for each of three courses; Appetizers, Main Course and Dessert. First up is the Martin & Weyrich Moscato Allegro. This offering is based on the Muscat Canelli grape. The intent with this wine is to make a Moscato in the Italian style. Martin & Weyrich even used the bottle that is traditional for this in Italy. Alcohol is a modest 7.8%. 65,000 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $12.

The nose of this wine is loaded with orchard fruits such as white peach and apricot. A touch of spice also makes its presence known. Throughout the palate the Moscato Allegro is incredibly refreshing. White peach notes continue and are joined by some lighter citrus notes. Honey notes emerge on the finish, which is zesty and full of lingering spice notes.

This Moscato will be perfect on Easter served as a welcome wine, or paired with just about any appetizer. It's light bodied with some pleasing sweetness. What I like best about this wine as the starter is that it won't bog anyone down with too much alcohol or sweetness. It has just enough, and that's balanced by excellent acidity. It's likely your Easter guests will be hesitant to move on to the next wine when they get a hold of this one.

The main course wine is from Two Angels, headquartered in Napa. The 2006 Divinity is produced from fruit sourced in High valley. This blend is 52% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 20% Mouvedre and 6% Petite Sirah. Grapes were sourced at Shannon Ridge Vineyards. This blend was aged in a combination of French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels; 35% of them were new. 500 cases of this offering were produced and the suggested retail price is $25.

Blueberry, plum and raspberry aromas are underscored by touches of vanilla and nutmeg in the nose of this wine. The palate is absolutely loaded with rich, dark, explosive fruit notes that envelop the palate and scream out with unadulterated joy. Hints of white pepper, bright red cherry, and toasty oak emerge in the lengthy finish. This wine keeps beckoning you back to the glass for another sip. Divinity has a firm but yielding structure and excellent acidity.

The question is Ham or Lamb? That's what most people will serve on Easter in the United States. Either way Divinity has you covered and will make an excellent accompaniment. If you're Italian like me and your family insists on serving a heavy pasta dish after the antipasto and before the meat course, have no fear, Divinity has your back. This wine will match well with Ravioli, Lasagna or even Angel Hair with Marinara sauce. It's a delicious wine and will impress both the wine geeks in your family and the novices simply looking for a glass of red to pair with their food.

Dessert is important for any Holiday meal and Easter is no exception. My recommendation this holiday is to go with a Late Harvest Zinfandel. Specifically the 2006 from Clos LaChance. This wine is made from 100% Zinfandel. The fruit is sourced from a specific block of Zinfandel that is grown specifically for this wine. Alcohol is 16%, modest for a Late Harvest Zin. A mere 84 cases of this selection were produced and the suggested retail price is $26.00.

This Late Harvest Zinfandel has a bright nose. Cherries are prominent and are joined by hints of apple that underscore them. Raspberry, strawberry and a host of other berry fruit notes dominate the palate which is full flavored but a touch lighter in body than the average Late Harvest Zinfandel. The finish brings out some chocolate notes, black pepper, lingering light mineral and spice qualities. This Zin can be dessert on it's own or match it with chocolate or berry topped cheesecake. Either way it's a perfect, and slightly decadent way to end a celebratory holiday meal.

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Ravenswood - 2006 Napa Valley Old Vine Zinfandel

Ravenswood makes so many different wines it's hard to keep up with everything they're doing. Generally speaking there are three designations to the Ravenswood Family of Wines, Vintners Blend, County Series and Vineyard Designates. The Vinters Blends serve the everyday drinking crowd looking for affordability and value, while retaining varietal character. The County Series seems to take a harder focus on what a particular varietal does in a given area. The Vineyard designates are just that. I'm going to look at one of their County Series Zinfandels today, with a couple more to come in the next few weeks. The 2007 Napa Valley Old Vine Zinfandel is sourced from a variety of vineyards throughout the county. This offering is 86% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah and the balance Carignane. Aging was done in French oak for 18 months; 30% of the barrels were new. 22,000 cases of this Zinfandel were produced and the suggested retail price is $18.

There were two things in my head when I sat down to taste this wine. One is the simple fact that when it comes to Ravenswood, Zinfandel is their calling card. The other is that I'm always pleased to see Petite Sirah blended in with Zin or vice versa. They strike me as incredibly natural partners, and the combined effort, is so often, greater than the sum of the parts.

Plum, blueberry and cloves fill the nose of this Napa Valley Zinfandel. Throughout the palate, berry and spice notes continue and fill your taste buds with layers of flavor. Continued berry, emerging earth, and a wallop of additional spices are all part of an impressive finish. This wine has good acidity and a firm tannic structure. This will be an excellent match for a burger, lamb chops, or other full flavored foods.

This Zinfandel is tight out of the bottle right now, and in need of decanting, if you want to enjoy it today at its best. If you can wait, lay it down for several years and it should both soften and come together into an even more impressive package. I went back to this wine 3 times after it had been open for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The first two times I went back it was drinking better than it had previously. The third time it was holding its own. In any case, an impressive Zinfandel for its price-point, which fulfills the intent of showcasing true Zinfandel character and Napa Valley origins.

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