2006 Hendry Zinfandel

Dinner guests brought this bottle over a few months ago and I uncorked it last night and must say to my friends: you’re welcomed over anytime!

Wow, bright fruit, chocolate and spicy notes on the nose. This is not a crazy burning mouthful of high alcohol blackberry jam. This wine is beautifully structure with the right amount of tannins to make it a new favorite foodie wine.

Around $30.

Chateau Montelena Zin

I had the pleasure of tasting this wine at a small event hosted by Chateau Montelena winemaker, Bo Barrett earlier this year and thought it was a solid wine for a winery mostly focused on Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wine is beautiful in the glass with the darkest purple hue.  On the nose, it’s oaky with tons of black fruit: blackberries, ripe raspberries and currant.  On the palate, it’s what makes Zinfandel fans so loyal to the grape, spiciness, dried cherry with a big meaty mouthfeel and just the right amount of tannins.  Well balanced with a long spiced finish.

Affordable for most and an ideal wine for those late afternoon BBQs where grilled red meat’s the star.

Around $30.

Seghesio Zinfandel

Bright berry flavors reminded me of Grandma’s juicy raspberry pie.  The word ‘succulent’ might have never applied to a wine better than this one.   This Zin feels thick and sorts of coats your mouth in a most appreciated way.  Tasted peppery and clove nuances.  Amazingly well-balanced with solid tannins.  A big, bold Zinfandel that delivers.

92-Point Wine Spectator

About $30.