Price: $4
Maker: Sutter Home
Variety: Zinfandel
Packaging: Bottle, natural cork
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Sutter Home California Zinfandel 2001 is one of those rare finds – a very inexpensive wine that’s so pleasing to the palate that it’s hard not to keep pouring. Its aroma is pleasant, if not overly strong, suggestive of berries with a spice overtone. The flavor is where this cheap zin shines – it has the characteristic Zinfandel juicy fruitiness, but balanced tannins create a smooth, moderately complex taste. Inexpensive zins often seem to turn their fruit into a cloying sweetness – this Sutter Home wine doesn’t do that, and compares favorably with much more expensive zins.
I picked up this wine in a local store for under $5, and the Sutter Home web site lists it for an amazing $4. This is one of those wines that’s cheap enough to drink every day, but won’t disappoint.
The CheapWineReviews blog found it to be OK, noting “Pepper and spice hits my nose initially. Sweet berry taste on the tongue. If you enjoy very “bright” tasting berries, give it a try, otherwise, hold off …”
I’ve been enjoying this wine for a few years and just about every time, I continue to be amazed at the quality/price ratio. I love zins and occasionally go for the $25/bottle stuff but never get 5 times the enjoyment from the more expensive bottles.