1999 Wente Zinfandel
Posted on September 13, 2009 - Filed Under Red wines, Reviews, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel, style | Leave a Comment
You can get some good deals with zins if you know what to look for. Wente makes an awesome Chardonnay, so I decided to try the red. Nice, jammy, not too heavy or hot. For eleven dollars, this is a steal, if you know how to tame it. Keep an eye out for these guys!
2000 Valley of the Moon Zinfandel
Posted on September 13, 2009 - Filed Under Red wines, Reviews, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel, style | Leave a Comment
I discovered zinfandel last night…not to be confused with white zinfandel, its faggier variety. Tonight we welcome back our old friends at Valley of the Moon. I taste good chocolate, plum, and blackberry. Its dark, but lacking the beefiness. No real issues with this wine.
Brandy, making her triumpant return, says, “Like a raspberry-filled chocolate truffle in the gold wrapper.”
1999 Mayo Family Winery Zinfandel
Posted on September 13, 2009 - Filed Under American wines, Red wines, Reviews, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel, region, style | Leave a Comment
Holy motherfucking shit! I wondered when I might find the A-list wine. Turns out I just had to spend more money! Russ leaves town, and it is a time to be wistful, but also a time to celebrate! This tastes like cranberry sauce, raspberry jam, and the Sunday mornings at Grandma’s house I never had all rolled into something that will get me drunk. What’s not to love? Bon voyage, Russ. Until we meet again….
Russ says: The last time I sat at this table (editor’s note: my friend Ben’s house in West Austin) drinking expensive wine, it was a $50 Napa Pinot Noir. That bottle was Magic Johnson; this one is James Worthy. Wholly necessary to the experience, but a role player who knows he’s the key to the goddamned system. I love it! Spend the money for special occasions and drink with a smile on your face. A, and a fucking solid A.
2002 Dancing Bull Zinfandel
Posted on September 13, 2009 - Filed Under American wines, Red wines, Reviews, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel, region, style | Leave a Comment
Price: $10
This is like a Junior Varsity zinfandel. All the characteristics of a great zin, but nothing blows my mind. Still, for ten bucks, a solid buy, and I dig the name.
2000 Alexander Valley Zinfandel
Posted on September 13, 2009 - Filed Under American wines, Red wines, Reviews, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel, region | Leave a Comment
I can’t go back. I just opened the Mirassou Chardonnay, and discarded it in favor of an unproven zinfandel. I end up preferring reds to whites 9 times out of 10. Its truly an evolution. If you’re saying to yourself, “Bullshit! Reds are bitter and indistinct.” I say, you just don’t understand. But you will.
This variety is a great buy at $15. Deep plums and jams, with a peppery zing. (zing!) Great with pasta and marinara. Hints of jammy sweetness but hot & meaty, as well. Yessir, hot and meaty jam! Doesn’t that just sound great?
