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US Red Blends, Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals
Reviews for 2021

May 2021 - US Red Blends, Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals

May 2021 - US Red Blends, Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals
This month's Wine feature is US Red Blends, Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals Wines

US Red Blends, Zinfandel, Italian & Spanish Varietals Reviews

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Jacob Franklin 2019 Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel
93 points
$52
Jacob Franklin
2019 Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel
Medium violet color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry juice, fresh strawberries, black cherries, violets, cherry blossom, vanilla cake, and raspberry liqueur with a silky, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, complex, long finish manifesting notes of blackberry tea, mixed peppercorns, allspice liqueur, ramps, and strawberry gummies with fine, chewy, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A classic bright and crisp Zinfandel..
93 points $52
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Date Tasted:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2016 Cyrus Red Blend Alexander Valley
93 points
$65
Alexander Valley Vineyards
2016 Cyrus Red Blend Alexander Valley
Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of vanilla, dried rose petals, blackberry, chocolate covered cherries, fresh dill, roast coffee beans, and caramel with a satiny, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, elegant, medium-length finish that shows shades of black plum, blueberries, grilled black cherries, vanilla, Bourbon, and sage with well-integrated, fine, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich Red Blend that can stand on its own; enjoy now or cellar.
93 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Pedroncelli 2019 Alto Vineyards Sangiovese
92 points
$19
Best Buy
Pedroncelli
2019 Alto Vineyards Sangiovese
Medium brick red color. Aromas of salami, cranberry, mixed red fruit compote, buttercream, and cedar with a supple, full body and a polished, interesting, medium-length balsamic, tart cherry, brine, bay leaf, cedar, black tea, blood orange, and dried herbs finish with coating, firm, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A layered, charming Sangiovese that is precisely balanced and ready for all manner of food pairings.
92 points $19 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Opolo Vineyards 2019 Mountain Zinfandel
92 points
$30
Opolo Vineyards
2019 Mountain Zinfandel
Dark ruby black color. Aromas of grilled black plum, leather, cumin braised carnitas, fresh green olive, and root beer with a supple, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, engaging, long blackberry, black olive, fresh vanilla bean, black peppercorn, and dried strawberry finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A somewhat brooding, savory Zinfandel bursting with concentrated dark fruits and savory flavors.
92 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Penns Woods 2016 Proprietors Reserve Red Blend Pennsylvania
92 points
$40
Penns Woods
2016 Proprietor's Reserve Red Blend Pennsylvania
Medium burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of clove, vanilla, red cherry, thyme, and sweet tobacco with a supple, crisp, dry light body and a smooth, breezy finish with notes of red plum, allspice, milk chocolate, rhubarb pie, and vanilla with fine, well-integrated tannins and light oak flavor. An elegant and crisp Bordeaux Blend that over-delivers for the region.
92 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Opolo Vineyards 2019 Summit Creek Zinfandel
91 points
$19
Opolo Vineyards
2019 Summit Creek Zinfandel
Dark ruby color. Aromas and flavors of roasted coffee bean, leather, dried blueberry, and chocolate gelato with a round, lively, dry medium-full body and a tingling, medium-length finish displaying notes of black olive, black tea, hot chocolate, fresh soil, dried juniper berry, and amaro liqueur with well-integrated, fine, medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A dense, savory Zinfandel for hearty food pairings.
91 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Pedroncelli 2019 Friends Red Blend Sonoma County
90 points
$14
Best Buy
Pedroncelli
2019 Friends Red Blend Sonoma County
Dark ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of red currant, roasted jalapeño, paprika, and cedar with a satiny, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, subtle, medium-long finish with elements of blackberry, black plum, black currant, vanilla extract, allspice, and dried leaves with well-integrated, papery, medium tannins and light oak flavor. A plush, bright, and juicy Red Blend that is sure to please.
90 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
7 Deadly Wines 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel
90 points
$15
Best Buy
7 Deadly Wines
2017 Old Vine Zinfandel
Dark ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, red cherry, black plum, lavender, fresh thyme, peaches, and dried cranberries with a velvety, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, complex, buoyant finish with accents of black olive, black tea, blueberry, and minestrone with well-integrated, fine tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A plush yet balanced Zinfandel that can stand on its own.
90 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
DH Lescombes 631 Signature Series 2019 Cab-Sangio New Mexico
90 points
$17
Best Buy
DH Lescombes 631 Signature Series
2019 Cab-Sangio New Mexico
Light light garnet color. Aromas and flavors of violet, dried rose petals, paprika, cranberry, red cherry, dust, and smoked meat with a supple, crisp, off-dry medium body and a smooth, easy finish with suggestions of red plum, black tea, jalapeño, cherry cola, sweet basil, and black peppercorn with well-integrated, fine, medium tannins and no oak flavor. A juicy, balanced, Off-Dry Red ideal for spicy Asian meat dishes.
90 points $17 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Pedroncelli 2019 Mother Clone Zinfandel
90 points
$20
Pedroncelli
2019 Mother Clone Zinfandel
Dark ruby black color. Aromas of vanilla extract, clove, allspice, black peppercorns, and lavender with a supple, medium-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-length red cherry, rum raisin, chocolate, black pepper, and rhubarb pie finish with well-integrated, fine, coating tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich yet balanced Zinfandel with layers of concentrated fruit, spice, and florals. Drink now or cellar.
90 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Opolo Vineyards 2018 Tempranillo
90 points
$30
Opolo Vineyards
2018 Tempranillo
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, berry compote, coconut, vanilla, rose petals, and dill with a satiny, lively, dry medium body and a smooth, distinctive, relaxed finish that shows notes of black cherry, blood orange zest, black tea, black plum, milk chocolate mounds bar, Nutella, and marzipan with fine, well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A California Tempranillo bursting with concentrated notes of berries, spice, and flowers - Rioja lovers need apply.
90 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Jarvis 2017 Estate Tempranillo
90 points
$90
Jarvis
2017 Estate Tempranillo
Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of baked black cherry, stewed strawberries, leather, black tea, and kalamata olive with a satiny, tangy, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-length finish with notes of red cherry, cascara, dark plum, fresh mint, vanilla, cacao, gazpacho, and cucumber with well-integrated, fine tannins and no oak flavor. A Tempranillo for fans of modern Rioja.
90 points $90
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Date Tasted:
Barefoot NV Zinfandel
89 points
$6.99
Barefoot
NV Zinfandel
Deep purple color. Aromas of chocolate covered dried raspberries, raisins, blood orange, violet, raspberry, and black plum with a velvety, vibrant, dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length black cherry, cassis liqueur, raspberry candy, black peppercorn, caramel yogurt, and candied olives finish with fine, well-integrated, grippy tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A food-friendly, bright wine with rich dark fruit, nuanced florals, and a hint of spice.
89 points $6.99
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2019 Organic Zinfandel
89 points
$18
Frey
2019 Organic Zinfandel
Dark ruby black color. Aromas of violet, blueberry tart, cherry, pomegranate, black tea, olive, anise, and polished granite with a satiny, dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long dark chocolate, blonde roast coffee, anise, vanilla, and earth finish with fine, grippy tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A delicious, balanced Zinfandel full of black and red fruit with floral nuances.
89 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Opolo Vineyards 2017 Sangiovese
89 points
$29
Opolo Vineyards
2017 Sangiovese
Medium garnet color. Aromas and flavors of baked strawberry, red cherry, leather, smoked meat, green olive, cherry cola, vanilla, and Chinese five spice with a supple, lively, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish displaying notes of fresh cranberries, blonde roast coffee, tomato leaf, and pimento peppers with fine, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A fruity, bright, and tangy Sangiovese that will shine at any meal al fresco.
89 points $29
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Date Tasted:
Mina Mesa 2019 Zinfandel
88 points
$11
Best Buy
Mina Mesa
2019 Zinfandel
Dark violet color. Aromas and flavors of rum raisin, blackberry, blueberry jam, chocolate covered raisins, Caribbean cola, and dark chocolate with a round, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish displaying notes of violet, rose petals, peach puree, black plum, black cherry, vanilla-peach yogurt, and sage with fine, well-integrated, chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A bold, chewy Zinfandel with staying power.
88 points $11 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Reflection Ridge 2019 Red Blend Monterey County
88 points
$14
Best Buy
Reflection Ridge
2019 Red Blend Monterey County
Dark ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of grilled black plum, charred toast, blackberry, and flint with a satiny, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, engaging, medium-length finish displaying elements of leather, black tea, pomegranate juice, mint leaves, and grilled pineapple with well-integrated, fine, firm tannins and light oak flavor. A plush yet balanced juicy Red Blend for weekend dinners with friends.
88 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2019 Organic Sangiovese
88 points
$18
Frey
2019 Organic Sangiovese
Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of fresh turned soil, tanning leather, vanilla, brown sugar, clove, blackberry, pomegranate, and stewed plums with a satiny, racy, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, stimulating, medium-length finish that shows overtones of cola, plum pudding, peppercorn, and menthol with fine, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A bold, juicy California Sangiovese that has a nice sense of place.
88 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Robert Hall 2018 Paso Red
88 points
$19.99
Robert Hall
2018 Paso Red
Dark ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, vanilla and charred toast with a silky, lively, bone-dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, breezy finish revealing accents of clove, fresh turned soil, baking chocolate, cayenne, and berry pie with fine, well-integrated, drying tannins and light oak flavor. Full of brooding dark fruit yet also lifted, this Red is very food friendly.
88 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Long Valley Ranch 2019 Zinfandel
88 points
$20
Long Valley Ranch
2019 Zinfandel
Dark ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of cherry blossom, barnyard, and bruised berries with a round, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of black cherry, cedar, vanilla, wet earth, moss, and black tea with well-integrated, fine, coating tannins and light oak flavor. A structured Zinfandel that is very food friendly.
88 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Page Cellars 2017 James Henry Barbera
88 points
$41
Page Cellars
2017 James Henry Barbera
Medium ruby garnet color. Floral aromas and flavors of dried roses, fresh raspberries, stewed cherries, and asphalt with a satiny, lively, dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, breezy finish with notes of black peppercorn, buttered rum, chocolate nibs, vanilla, blueberries, and leather with fine, well-integrated, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lipsmacking Barbera with vivacious red and black fruit.
88 points $41
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Date Tasted:
Barefoot NV Rich Red Blend California
87 points
$6.99
Barefoot
NV Rich Red Blend California
Black violet color. Jammy aroma of blackberry pie with a slightly chewy, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, medium-length ganache, cherry meringue, vanilla-scented tobacco, tea with cream, and pastry finish with heavy oak flavor. A voluptuous and profoundly oaky weeknight red with big fruity appeal.
87 points $6.99
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Date Tasted:
Stormchaser 2019 Wild Ride Red Blend Columbia Valley
87 points
$6.99
Best Buy
Stormchaser
2019 Wild Ride Red Blend Columbia Valley
Clear medium violet color. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, suede, and black kalamata olive with a round, bright, dry medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, long finish with accents of black plum, earl gray tea, roasted tomatillos, black peppercorn, basil, and eucalyptus with fine, soft, well-integrated tannins and light oak flavor. A vibrant red blend; rich and satisfying on its own or over a long meal.
87 points $6.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Scarlet Path 2019 Zinfandel
87 points
$9
Best Buy
Scarlet Path
2019 Zinfandel
Light dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry jam, baked strawberry tart, smoked meats, and cloves with a soft, lively, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, breezy finish with accents of coffee bean, dark chocolate, violets, cola, cloves, and mint with well-integrated, medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. Explore the lighter side of Zinfandel in this bright and balanced offering.
87 points $9 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Agitator 2019 Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Wine California
87 points
$19.99
Agitator
2019 Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Wine California
Dark violet color. Aromas and flavors of baked soil, clove, allspice, leather, and blackberry with a round, bone-dry medium-to-full body and a peppery, fast finish with accents of black peppercorn, vanilla, toast, prune, baked black plum, roma tomatoes, dried cherries, and dried herbs with fine, drying, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. Dark and rich; try this Red with roast beef.
87 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Instigator 2019 Red Blend Lodi
86 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Instigator
2019 Red Blend Lodi
Medium ruby garnet color. Aromas of strawberry compote, black plum, cacao, espresso bean, black peppercorn, and leather with a medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-length raspberry jam, black cherry, baking spice, vanilla, and cinnamon stick finish with fine, well-integrated, firm tannins and light oak flavor. A rich yet nuanced Red Blend that checks all the boxes; great with food or by itself.
86 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Black Box 2019 Red Blend California
86 points
$19.99
Black Box
2019 Red Blend California
Medium violet color. Aromas of roasted poblano pepper, black plum, red cherry, and crushed raspberry with a silky, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, medium-length fresh strawberry, mulberry, clove, and tobacco leaf finish with soft, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A red with a rich mouthfeel complimented by balanced savory-sweet character.
86 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
DH Lescombes 2016 Renaissance Red Blend New Mexico
86 points
$30
DH Lescombes
2016 Renaissance Red Blend New Mexico
Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of vanilla, bourbon barrel, caramel, toffee, violet, chocolate covered blueberries, sweet vanilla, and with a velvety, lively, off-dry medium body and a tingling, compelling, breezy finish with nuances of black pepper and rum raisin ice cream with fine, well-integrated, soft tannins and heavy oak flavor. A Red Wine for Bourbon-lovers; try with a cigar.
86 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Ava Grace NV Red Blend American
85 points
$9
Ava Grace
NV Red Blend American
Dark brick red color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, dried blueberries, and baked red cherries with a satiny, bright, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, breezy finish evoking accents of violet, black pepper, rooibos tea, and roasted jalapeño pepper with fine, well-integrated, medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A light bodied and fruit forward Red Blend ready for a variety of food pairings.
85 points $9
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Date Tasted:
Cloud Break 2019 Black Cloud Red Blend California
85 points
$9.99
Cloud Break
2019 Black Cloud Red Blend California
Dark ruby color. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, blackberry jam, raisin, vanilla, and caramel with a velvety, lively, fruity medium-full body and an effortless, delightful, breezy finish imparting notes of cassis liqueur, blueberry pie, coffee bean, raspberry coulis, cloves, and black tea with fine, soft, well-integrated tannins and light oak flavor. A balanced yet plush Red Blend with juicy dark fruit for the weeknight table.
85 points $9.99
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2019 Biodynamic Tempranillo
85 points
$20
Frey
2019 Biodynamic Tempranillo
Dark ruby black color. Aromas of black plum, blackberry, tree bark, black tea, peach puree, raspberry juice, pomegranate juice, red vermouth, and anise with a supple, lively, dry medium body and a tingling, breezy leather, black peppercorn, clove, mushroom, cherry cobbler, thyme, and vanilla finish with medium, coating tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A fruit basket of a Tempranillo with hints of herbs and spices.
85 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Gersing Cellars 2018 De Côté Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard Red Blend Columbia Valley
85 points
$45
Gersing Cellars
2018 De Côté Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard Red Blend Columbia Valley
Dark ruby color. Aromas and flavors of red plum, blueberry jam, fresh red cherries, pear vinaigrette, and soy sauce with a silky, racy, dry thin body and a tingling, quick finish imparting notes of cacao, coffee, pencil shavings, and black pepper with fine, grippy tannins and no oak flavor. A tangy Bordeaux Blend for the table.
85 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Barefoot On Tap NV Sunset Red Blend California
84 points
$19.99
Barefoot On Tap
NV Sunset Red Blend California
Medium brick red color. Aromas of red cherry, black cherry, dried thyme, and cherry pie with a velvety, crisp, off-dry medium body and an effortless, short-to-medium raisin, baked cherries, black plum, and cinnamon stick finish with well-integrated, soft tannins and no oak flavor. A plush, fruity red; serve slightly chilled on a hot summer day.
84 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Gersing Cellars 2018 Emergence Red Wine Blend Columbia Valley
84 points
$30
Gersing Cellars
2018 Emergence Red Wine Blend Columbia Valley
Medium ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of fresh blackberry, raspberry vinaigrette, cacao, elderberry, cascara, and fresh caramel with a silky, racy, dry light body and a tingling, medium-length finish displaying accents of black cherry and black plum with no oak flavor. A unique and rich Red Blend for the table.
84 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Wildwood Oak Winery 2018 Best Of Abba Red Blend Lodi
84 points
$35
Wildwood Oak Winery
2018 Best Of Abba Red Blend Lodi
Dark ruby color. Aromas and flavors of raisin, dried raspberry, dark chocolate, molasses, baked plum tart, soy sauce, and teriyaki with a round, vibrant, dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, breezy finish displaying notes of chocolate covered raisins, stewed berries, licorice, and peppercorn with firm, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A rich and savory Red Blend for bold pairings.
84 points $35
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Date Tasted:
Gersing Cellars 2018 Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard Nebbiolo
83 points
$40
Gersing Cellars
2018 Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard Nebbiolo
Light reddish amber color. Aromas and flavors of baked plum and leather with a supple, lively, dry light-to-medium body and a sleek, quick finish that shows notes of rose hips, tar, dried tarragon, and sun baked soil with drying, crunchy tannins and no oak flavor. A savory and food-friendly Nebbiolo.
83 points $40
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Date Tasted:
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