Price: $9
Maker: Cline Cellars, Sonoma, CA
Variety: Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 13.5%
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Red Truck California Red Wine 2004 courts the wine buyer with its anti-snob appeal. The label is a colorful illustration of an old-fashioned farm truck, and the blend is dubbed simply “California Red Wine.” The wine itself, though, rises above the pedestrian. The nose is a pleasant mix of ripe berries, spice, and leather. The flavor emphasizes fruit, with balanced blackberries and spice with just a bit of tartness. These lead into a long finish. Overall, while not too complex, the wine is moderately robust and eminently gulpable. This strikes me as a crowd-pleaser that will pair well with Italian or tomato-based dishes as well as beef.
We tried to check out the Red Truck website, but it seemed to be down (along with the Cline Cellars site). We did find some good opinions on this wine. Stoner Cellars comments, “Ruby-purple in color, cherry-fruit acidity in the nose. Flavors of red cherry and blueberries, a little harshness still in the tannins. Nice long cherry notes in the finish. Good workhorse red, goes well with tomato-sauced pasta, and priced to be an everyday house red.”
You’ll pick this wine for its attractive label, but you’ll love it for its taste.