More Reviews

Current Selection
US Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals
Reviews for 2019

June 2019 - US Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals

June 2019 - US Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals
This month's Wine feature is US Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals Wines

US Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals Reviews

All
Crux Winery 2016 Zinfandel
96 points
$38
Crux Winery
2016 Zinfandel
Black violet color. Spicy aromas of spiced plums, lingonberry, luxury tobacco, cedar, and spice cabinet with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a peppery, involved, long rum-raisin cake, black pepper, and leather finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A heavily oak-driven, spicy, concentrated zinfandel for divine pairings.
96 points $38
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Cline 2017 Live Oak Vineyard Zinfandel
94 points
$29.99
Cline
2017 Live Oak Vineyard Zinfandel
Deep purple color. Aromas of fresh blackberry, peony, and wild mint with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, intriguing, medium-length ripe strawberry, milk chocolate, and lemon curd finish with medium, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A delicious and balanced zinfandel; juicy, jammy, joyful.
94 points $29.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Le Vigne 2016 Di Acquarello Sangiovese
94 points
$37
Le Vigne
2016 Di Acquarello Sangiovese
Dusty garnet color. Inviting, fruity aromas and flavors of chocolate fondue with berries and candied orange peels, mocha nuts, dulce du leche gelato, and charred shishito pepper with a silky, bright, fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-long finish manifesting notes of creme brulee and toffee with well-integrated, soft tannins and light oak flavor. A wonderfully flavorful and smooth Sangiovese with great creamy oak to support the fruit.
94 points $37
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2015 Estate Grown Zinfandel
94 points
$42
Monte De Oro
2015 Estate Grown Zinfandel
Dusty garnet color. Aromas of dark chocolate, dried figs and dates, cappuccino, and clove with a satiny, lively, fruity medium-full body and a peppery, intricate, long blueberry compote, toffee, charred oak, vanilla custard, and peppercorns finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A delicious port-style zinfandel; oak-driven with highlights of concentrated dried fruits and energetic acidity that keeps one coming back for more.
94 points $42
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Cline 2016 Big Break Vineyard Zinfandel
93 points
$29.99
Cline
2016 Big Break Vineyard Zinfandel
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of menthol, blackberry sorbet, cherry-chocolate bar, and cinnamon rolls with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a smooth, intricate, long finish revealing overtones of vanilla-mint, rosemary, thyme, and sage with moderate oak flavor. An ageable Zinfandel with great structure and wildly attractive herbal notes.
93 points $29.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Bella Luna Estate Winery 2016 Fighter Pilot Red Bailey Vineyard Zinfandel
93 points
$42
Bella Luna Estate Winery
2016 Fighter Pilot Red Bailey Vineyard Zinfandel
Garnet black color. Aromas of wild strawberry, mulberry, and sarsaparilla with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, amusing, medium-long pickled cassis, chocolate cookie, bramble, and black licorice finish with light oak flavor. A spicy, wild and pure expression of Zinfandel; a charming and expressive wine.
93 points $42
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Bella Luna Estate Winery 2016 Siletto Vineyard Barbera
93 points
$45
Bella Luna Estate Winery
2016 Siletto Vineyard Barbera
Garnet black color. Toasty, fruity aromas and flavors of chocolate cherry nut bar, malt balls, bergamot, and leather with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, long finish with impressions of kiwi-melon relish, caramel apples, cedar, and pepper with fine, chewy tannins. A great new world approach to the classic Italian varietal that brings forth boatloads of fruit and chocolatey oak flavors.
93 points $45
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Le Vigne 2016 Cuore della Vigna Red Blend Paso Robles
92 points
$44
Le Vigne
2016 Cuore della Vigna Red Blend Paso Robles
Dusty ruby color. Aromas of dried raspberry and cherry, orange zest, pencil shavings, and ganache with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, intricate, medium-long rose hip jam, milk chocolate, dried mint, and pressed flowers finish with moderate oak flavor. A terrific wine from Paso Robles; a New World Super Tuscan with superb balance and stylish nuance.
92 points $44
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Barons Creek Vineyards 2017 Zinfandel
91 points
$34
Barons Creek Vineyards
2017 Zinfandel
Deep purple color. Aromas of rose hips, braised meats, and fresh ground coffee with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a peppery, complex, long mixed berry pie, dried cherries, roast peach, smoked sea salt, and dark chocolate finish with moderate oak flavor. An impeccably balanced zinfandel with superb concentration; drink this!
91 points $34
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Bella Luna Estate Winery 2014 Siletto Vineyard Sangiovese
91 points
$45
Bella Luna Estate Winery
2014 Siletto Vineyard Sangiovese
Dusty deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of bright, juicy cherry, lilac, leather, rose hip, black tea, and mango with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of clove and rosemary. A dense, flavor-packed New World Sangiovese that is an absolute pleasure to drink; aerate and relish.
91 points $45
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Corner 103 2016 Vino Rosso North Coast
91 points
$45
Corner 103
2016 Vino Rosso North Coast
Black garnet color. Earthy aromas of ripe forest fruit, marinated strawberry, foraged mushrooms, orange marmalade, and dark chocolate with a round, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long slate, blackberry pie, and toasted pecan finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A downright charming Italian Varietal Blend from the North Coast with divine earthy aromas, lipsmackingly fruity palate and table-tuned tannins; drink this.
91 points $45
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Barons Creek Vineyards 2017 Campeon Red Blend Montsant
91 points
$48
Barons Creek Vineyards
2017 Campeon Red Blend Montsant
Indigo color. Inviting aromas and flavors of chocolate peanut brittle, cherry gastrique, fruit leather, and cajeta with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, intriguing, medium-long finish manifesting notes of ruby port, hibiscus spiced apple, nuts, and cedar with fine, chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A big, chewy Spanish red with a lot of fruit and attractive oxidative notes.
91 points $48
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Akash Winery 2016 Estate Zinfandel
91 points
$52
Akash Winery
2016 Estate Zinfandel
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry, coconut cream, leather, fine tobacco, and vanilla-caramel with a round, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a warming, delightful, medium-length finish with notes of pomegranate and dark chocolate with moderate oak flavor. A well-refined, juicy Zinfandel.
91 points $52
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2015 Estate Grown Tempranillo
90 points
$34
Monte De Oro
2015 Estate Grown Tempranillo
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, coconut, raspberry leaf, spray roses, milk chocolate, and baking spices with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a graceful, engaging, medium-length finish with accents of cola, tobacco and leather with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A terrific food-wine that will be a lovely complement to the meal.
90 points $34
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2016 Red Blend American
90 points
$60
Château Élan
2016 Red Blend American
Black violet color. Aromas of prunes, dates, dried olives, chocolate, and menthol with a round, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length tapenade, baked blueberries, and sea salt finish. Fruity olives and rich dried fruits star in this decadent red blend.
90 points $60
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Opaque 2016 Zinfandel
89 points
$32
Opaque
2016 Zinfandel
Black garnet color. Aromas of chocolate covered raspberry, blueberry jam, candied bacon, and plum tart a la mode with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a polished, interesting, medium-length spiced tea, mesquite, and slate finish with chewy tannins. A bold, smoky zinfandel that will be a great barbecue pairing; try with a slight chill.
89 points $32
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Grgich Hills 2014 Estate Grown Zinfandel
89 points
$36
Grgich Hills
2014 Estate Grown Zinfandel
Dark ruby garnet color. Aromas of bing cherry, rosemary, hot earth, and dried forest fruit with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity full body and a peppery, interesting, medium-long black cassis, chocolate croissant, black tea with cream, fennel, and jasmine finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich and brooding Zinfandel with aging potential.
89 points $36
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Cline 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel
88 points
$10.99
Best Buy
Cline
2017 Old Vine Zinfandel
Bright ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of wild raspberry, dr. pepper, boysenberry, dark chocolate, and cedar with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish with overtones of plum preserves, rhubarb pie, rosemary, and clove with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. Pure varietal character jumps from the glass in this easy-to-love Zinfandel.
88 points $10.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Bliss Family Vineyards 2015 Estate Bottled Zinfandel
88 points
$15
Best Buy
Bliss Family Vineyards
2015 Estate Bottled Zinfandel
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of dates and cafe latte with a silky, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, buoyant carob cookie, cocoa powder, and blackberry pie finish with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid zin with a nice balance of fruit and oak.
88 points $15 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Frey 2017 Zinfandel
88 points
$15
Best Buy
Frey
2017 Zinfandel
Dark garnet black color. Fruity aromas and flavors of black raspberry and cherry cobblers, dried apricot and prune compote, and maple nut fudge with a silky, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a silky, appealing, medium-length finish that presents accents of latte, toasty cedar, and roasted nuts with fine, dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. An attractive fruity zin with nice oaky style.
88 points $15 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Opaque 2016 Darkness Red Blend Paso Robles
88 points
$32
Opaque
2016 Darkness Red Blend Paso Robles
Black violet color. Aromas of raspberry muffin, chocolate cake, and cola with a slightly chewy, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, medium-length carob cookie, blackberry jam, vanilla sugar, and carmel-laden raisin finish. A dense and fruity Paso red packed with dark fruits and spices.
88 points $32
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Bella Luna Estate Winery 2016 Glenrose Vineyard Nebbiolo
88 points
$50
Bella Luna Estate Winery
2016 Glenrose Vineyard Nebbiolo
Dusty ruby garnet color. Interesting aromas and flavors of roasted peppers and tomatoes on a cedar plank, incense, putty, and lime blossoms with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a polished, stimulating, medium-long finish evoking nuances of bing cherry, golden apple, roasted pecans, and pepper dust with fine, silky tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A intriguing New World nebbiolo sipper.
88 points $50
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Whitman Express 2014 The Conductor Red Blend Sonoma County
87 points
$14.95
Best Buy
Whitman Express
2014 The Conductor Red Blend Sonoma County
Ruby black color. Aromas of dried cherry, pomegranate, dried leaves, and fine furniture with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long earth, clove, and tobacco finish. A concentrated chewy red.
87 points $14.95 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Biltmore Estate 2017 Sangiovese
87 points
$19
Biltmore Estate
2017 Sangiovese
Brick red color. Fruity aromas and flavors of chocolate raisins, prunes, and fig jam with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, medium-length finish displaying notes of cherry preserves on toast and honey butter roasted nuts with soft, fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A super fruity, juicy and quaffable Sangiovese for everyday pleasure.
87 points $19
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Corner 103 2017 Zinfandel
87 points
$50
Corner 103
2017 Zinfandel
Black ruby color. Aromas of grilled peach, strawberry preserves, magnolia, fruit cake, and agridolce with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an even, appealing, medium-length plum preserves, squash, roasted beets, and tobacco finish with earthy tannins and light oak flavor. Hot-climate zinfandel-lovers need apply.
87 points $50
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Cline 2017 Ancient Vines Zinfandel
86 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Cline
2017 Ancient Vines Zinfandel
Bright ruby garnet color. Spicy aromas and flavors of cola, coffee with cream, cinnamon bun, scented tobacco, hint of menthol, and pomegranate with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, engaging, medium-long finish with notes of vanilla buttercream and toasted coconut with earthy tannins and heavy oak flavor. An easy-drinking Zinfandel with lots of spicy oak.
86 points $14.99 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Pend d’Oreille 2018 Albarino
86 points
$19
Pend d’Oreille
2018 Albarino
Silvery emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of lemon curd, yogurt, and sea spray with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, breezy finish with suggestions of spritz of lime with no oak flavor. Great acidity and a summery style make this a great patio wine.
86 points $19
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
AvinoDos 2016 Zinfandel
85 points
$30
AvinoDos
2016 Zinfandel
Dusty black violet color. Aromas of dried cherry granola, baked dates, charcoal, orange marmalade, ginger, and cedar with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light body and a medium-length graphite and nutmeg finish with papery tannins and heavy oak flavor. A rich, port-like Zinfandel with deeply fruity flavors accented by warm, peppery spices.
85 points $30
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Barons Creek Vineyards 2018 Tempranillo
85 points
$46
Barons Creek Vineyards
2018 Tempranillo
Black violet color. Fruity aromas of dried blueberry, prune, fruit and nut press, and dark chocolate with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, delightful, medium-length spiced nuts, licorice, and baking spices finish. A rich, decadent Tempranillo swimming in succulent dried fruits and attractive spice.
85 points $46
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2015 Fingerprint Collection Tempranillo
85 points
$90
Château Élan
2015 Fingerprint Collection Tempranillo
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of raisins, dark chocolate, molasses, and port with a chewy, crisp, dryish medium-full body and a carefree finish with firm tannins. Rich dried fruit is the star of the show in this dense and chewy tempranillo; nice choice for "Zin-heads."
85 points $90
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2016 Fingerprint Collection Montepulciano
85 points
$100
Château Élan
2016 Fingerprint Collection Montepulciano
Black ruby color. Aromas of cherry preserves, pencil shavings, and cedar with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry light-to-medium body and a sleek, cheery graphite and baking spices finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A table-friendly New World Montepulciano.
85 points $100
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Crush 8 2017 Zinfandel
84 points
$9.99
Crush 8
2017 Zinfandel
Dark brick red color. Baked aromas and flavors of fig bar, fruit punch, sun dried tomato, sarsaparilla, and prune with a supple, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a silky, cheery finish with moderate oak flavor. A perfect base for sangrias.
84 points $9.99
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Shortcut: https://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Wine/Review-2019-06-07-US-Zinfandel-Italian-and-Spanish-Varietals.aspx