US Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals Reviews

Brown brick red color. Elegant aromas and flavors of dried cherry, leather, chocolate, chicory, fragrant plum, chess pie, mint, bitter orange, and geranium with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, very complex, very long finish that shows accents of cafe latte, salted caramel, and veal charcuterie with well-integrated, silky tannins. A flavor packed, evolving new-world Nebbiolo that will take your dining experience to new heights; drinking beautifully now.

Dusty garnet color. Aromas of plum pudding, maple, chinese 5 spice, and lilac with a satiny, lively, fruity medium body and a peppery, elegant, long sesame candy, amarena cherries, ground pepper, and Dijon mustard finish with silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lip-smacking Primitivo that is both subtle and memorable with loads of intriguing complexity.

Dusty black violet color. Fruity, inviting aromas and flavors of vanilla cola, cherry tart, raspberry liqueur, black plum, candy-coated aniseed, and caraway with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, compelling, medium-length finish that shows nuances of spiced peaches and blueberry compote with silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A silky-smooth primitivo that offers something familiar yet removed from the New World’s typical Zinfandel.

Ruby black color. Mature aromas of dried fruit studded gingerbread, cedar sauna, leather, fire roasted red pepper, rose syrup, marinated strawberry, and curry powder with a lightly tannic, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, subtle, long molasses cookie, pomegranate granita, pickled celery, and graphite finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A well-kept grenache that continues to give; wild floral character lies in layers and layers of flavor in this complex wine.

Black violet color. Aromas of cedar, rosemary, hibiscus, rhubarb, and wild strawberry with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, complex, long brittle of grilled nuts, dates, black tea, tobacco, and licorice finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A spicy, intriguing zinfandel with style for days.

Dark ruby color. Aromas of dried cherries and figs, rich tobacco, vanilla, anise, and creme de violette with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dryish medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long basalt, dark chocolate, dried flowers, and toasted dark rye finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bold Tempranillo that offers floral nuance and a highly pairable style.

Dusty black ruby color. Elegant aromas of varnished wood, spice cabinet, huckleberry pastry, and marinated strawberry with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, elegant, long cranberry confection, molasses, dark chocolate ganache, suede, and singed rosemary finish with dusty tannins and heavy oak flavor. A concentrated Zinfandel with excellent structure and a lasting finish.

Dark black garnet color. Aromas of wild raspberry, cocoa dusted fig, rose hips, tobacco, sweet mint tea, and licorice with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long chocolate croissant, plum preserves, cinnamon tisane, and melon rind finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A craveable port-style zinfandel packed with ripe fruit and rustic floral nuance.

Black violet color. Interesting aromas of dried cherries, juniper, bacon, and cocoa powder with a velvety, vibrant, dryish medium body and a tingling, charming, long blueberry and fine espresso finish with cottony tannins and moderate oak flavor. A fine Tempranillo that begs for rich meals and great company.

Dusty black violet color. Inviting, attractive aromas and flavors of fine chocolates, smoked cherry mostarda, blackberry-sage sauce, orange oil, nutmeg, and grilled dry-aged steak with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish with moderate oak flavor. A zinfandel to crave; savory, juicy, fruity, and engaging.

Black violet color. Aromas of oat muffin with raspberry, zucchini blossom, red cassis, dark chocolate, and black tea with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a tingling, amusing, medium-length licorice, raspberry coulis, golden raisin, and geranium finish with moderate oak flavor. A nicely concentrated, luscious Zinfandel.

Ruby color. Roasted aromas of cinnamon crumble coffee cake, espresso, and baked blackberry-peanut butter squares with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, elegant, very long caramel in dark chocolate, toasted pumpernickel bread, nutmeg creme, custard, and coriander finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A mouthfilling, juicy zinfandel that goes on and on and on; drink now or cellar.

Black ruby color. Aromas of vanilla bon bon, blueberry cake donut, berry jam, tobacco, raspberry granita, red bell pepper, and caramel latte with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and an interesting, medium-long leather, spice cabinet, rosemary, and teriyaki jerky finish with moderate oak flavor. A juicy Zinfandel with gobs of vanilla and berry flavors.

Black ruby color. Aromas of raisin bread pudding, raspberry jelly on shortbread, opera cake, latex, and black pepper with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, captivating, medium-long fruit cake, mulling spice, and charred nuts finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A port-style zin packed with dried fruit flavor.

Ruby black color. Inviting aromas of all-natural raspberry gummies, rose petal, and rosemary with an crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-long blackberry leaf, toasty pumpkin pie crust, toasted pine nuts, and chocolate ganache finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A tasty Zinfandel that will be a welcome offering to holiday guests.

Dusty garnet color. Interesting aromas and flavors of red cassis, prosciutto, olive brine, carnation, oregano focaccia, and rose hips with an dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, amusing, medium-length finish that presents accents of cherry cordial and dark chocolate chunk with well-integrated, crunchy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A fun and interesting blend of old and new world; table-ready!

Black garnet color. Meaty aromas of braised beef, glazed carrot, roasted potatoes, clove, and coffee beans with a satiny, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and an effortless, medium-long consume, black cassis, sun tea, and banana leaf finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A savory red from Lodi that will charm lovers of rustic, earthy wines.

Black garnet color. Baked aromas and flavors of sasparilla, vanilla-orange, baked plum, black forest cake, and banana with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a peppery, medium-length finish with accents of clove and blackberry cobbler a la mode with moderate oak flavor. A solid Zinfandel that will be a crowd-pleaser.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of vanilla custard, mixed berry coulis, chocolate ganache, graphite, and glazed donut with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, medium-length finish imparting notes of winter spices with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A smooth berry bomb with a silky chocolate lining.

Dusty deep purple color. Aromas of black raspberry candies, aromatic barks, and bay leaf with a slightly chewy, fruity medium body and a tingling, breezy raspberry breakfast pastry finish with leafy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid zinfandel that will play well at the table and in hand.

Black violet color. Aromas of mixed berry cobbler, carrot cake, raspberry leaf, mocha latte, tomato sauce, and spearmint with a slightly chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an interesting, medium-length carob, charred root vegetables, and smoked almonds in vanilla bark finish with barky tannins and heavy oak flavor. A very oaky zinfandel that will play well at the table.

Black violet color. Aromas of black raspberry granita, black walnut pastry, blackberry jam, and chocolate croissant with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, medium-length buttered toast with forest fruit preserves, black pepper, no. 2 pencil, and rum-raisin finish with moderate oak flavor. A juicy, jammy Zin that checks all the boxes.

Garnet black color. Fruity aromas of dried fig, baked raspberry, allspice, and orange zest with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, breezy cola, leather, and chocolate cake finish with soft, medium tannins. A berry-forward zin with nice toasty chocolate and spice notes.

Light garnet color. Fruity aromas of panna cotta, raspberry liqueur, blackberry bush, licorice, and hint of carob with a silky, crisp, fruity light body and a breezy cherry cordials and ripe cherry tomato finish. A light and appetite-opening red for salumi.

Dusty garnet black color. Interesting aromas and flavors of cranberry toast, cedar, black forest cake, and cinnamon stick with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a graceful, captivating, medium-long finish with notes of toasted meringue, goji berries, spiced nuts, and pickled beets with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A dry and savory Zinfandel meant for pairing.

Dark garnet color. Interesting aromas of steak tartare, beets, fresh chevre, and raspberries in whipped cream with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, breezy charcoal and jerky finish with light oak flavor. A savory zinfandel for the table.

Light garnet color. Aromas of blackberry, candied almond, tomato vine, and blueberry muffin with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a warming, short-to-medium sea spray and tomato finish with clunky tannins and moderate oak flavor. An anytime Zin.