Tag: california

Mother Clone Zinfandel 2015

Pedroncelli Mother Clone ZinfandelPrice: $12.70
Maker: Pedroncelli Winery, Geyserville, California
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2015
Details: Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
Packaging: 750ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 14.9%
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Purchased at: Costco

Mother Clone Zinfandel from Pedroncelli is an awesome value. It’s a big Zin from start to finish. Big nose, nice fruit blast, oaky finish. This is a wine that, with a little bit of air, is compulsively drinkable. It’s a hefty 14.9% alcohol, but isn’t overly heavy. Disclaimer: I’m partial to big Zins – this is a New World wine and might not appeal to all. Nevertheless, Wine Enthusiast gave Mother Clone a phenomenal 93 points – at under $13! Here’s what Wine Enthusiast had to say: Continue reading “Mother Clone Zinfandel 2015”

Cameron Hughes Lot 321 2010 California Field Blend

Cameron Hughes Lot 321Price: $10
Maker: Cameron Hughes Winery, Geyserville, California
Variety: Red Blend
Packaging: 750ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 14.5%
Our Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Cameron Hughes Lot 321 2010 California Field Blend is a really, really nice wine for a mere ten bucks. It’s a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Carignane. Its aroma includes berries and licorice. The Zin is the predominant grape, and on the palate the first impression is lots of fruit – blueberries and raspberries. But then, the flavor expands into a rich complexity, with chocolate and chewy tannins. If you like complex Zins that exhibit good fruit without being simple and too sweet, you’ll like Lot 321. Continue reading “Cameron Hughes Lot 321 2010 California Field Blend”

Barefoot Zinfandel (Update)

barefoot zinfandelPrice: $5
Maker: Barefoot Cellars, Modesto, California
Variety: Zinfandel
Packaging: Bottle, artificial cork
Alcohol: 13.5%
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10

It’s been five years since we looked at Barefoot Zinfandel (non-vintage), and it’s good to know that not much has changed with this very inexpensive wine. Continue reading “Barefoot Zinfandel (Update)”

Cameron Hughes Lot 250 Meritage 2009

Cameron Hughes Lot 250 Meritage 2009Price: $8
Winery: Cameron Hughes Wine, Geyserville, California
Varietal: Meritage
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 14.6%
Our Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Cameron Hughes Lot 250 Meritage 2009 is a big, tasty red wine! It is fruity up front, with cherry and blueberry flavors, but maintains some complexity as it eases into a long, peppery finish with chewy tannins. If there’s a flaw, it’s that the nose is surprisingly minimal. It’s a Meritage, which means it’s a red blend that must adhere to a set of specifications. Continue reading “Cameron Hughes Lot 250 Meritage 2009”

Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Bogle Cabernet SauvignonPrice: $11
Maker: Bogle Vineyards, Graton, California
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 13.5%
Our Rating: 8.8 out of 10

I’ve had good luck with Bogle’s inexpensive wines, and Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 is no exception. It leads with ripe cherries, mixed with tobacco, chocolate, and spice. The finish has rich tannins, and the overall structure is very pleasing. For a wine in the $10 range, this Cab is actually amazing. Continue reading “Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008”