Marks and Spencer, classics No 24, Zinfandel, California, USA
This is a really good red that u think Marks and Spencer can be proud of, A bold, soft wine ggat has plenty of black fruit flavours and aromas. There’s hints of vanilla and spice but the best is how easy it is to drink. Sure have it with stew or a strong curry but it goes well on its own. At under £10 a bottle it’s get value.
Trump, New World Reserve, 2016, Virginia, USA
President Trump may be tea total but his wine maker can make a very good wine.
Madd with Cabernet Sauvignon this is a bold, dry red with good integration and fitm tannins. There’s plenty of black fruit with oak, chocolate, smoke and earthy undertone. At USD60 a bottle it’s expensive, good but too much. Then again it’s from an unconventional man.
California Republic, Pinot Noir, 2019, California, USA
American Pinot Noir is generally very good, not at least when we in the UK can get it. This one from California is no exception. Excellent red fruit flavours and aromas with decent length this is a dry, smooth that won’t fail to be enjoyed. Unless your a tea totaler of course 😀 . Have it with chicken or smoked foods and just enjoy.
Cakebread Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Napa Valley, USA
I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when I try a Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon and this 2013 vintage is no exception. Dry, bold, smooth and with plenty of aromas and flavours of plum, blackberry, tobacco and oak with a hint of earthiness and vanilla. The only down side to this is the price of about £60 a bottle
Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 1993, USA
To say that this 29 year old Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel from Napa Valley was a surprise its an understatement. Found in the depths of the wine store we expected it to be “dead”, lifeless and only good for the sink but how wrong we were.
Flavours and aromas were still there, with plenty of plum, blackcurrant, a hint of mint and eucalyptus to note. Its dry and very smooth and even decanted it had good length and that lasted all evening as we went back to try it as it was so unexpected.
At £30 a bottle its not cheap but it was truly excellent.
Cliff Lede, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Stag’s leap District, Napa Valley, USA
Stag’s leap District is well-known in Napa Valley and around the world for producing fantastic red wine. This red wine from cliff lede is really outstanding. It’s full of red and black fruits and is full-bodied but very well-balanced with well-integrated tannins and acidity. It’s fantastic with steak, in our case we had venison stew.
The only downside is it’s price which at £55 is quite a significant amount. It’s a shame as it will put people off trying it.
Chateau Ste Michelle, Syrah, 2017, Columbia Valley, USA
The U.S. can produce up notch wine and this Syrah from Chateau Ste Michelle in the Columbia Valley is a good example. It’s a bold, dry red with aromas of black fruit, oak and chocolate with earthy notes. The flavours are well integrated with softness of plum, cherry and blackberry with licorice and herb hints.
Easy drinking yet perfect with a steak and under £20 it’s a compelling wine to try.
California wine is pretty good in general and this Lynx Petite Syrah, Zinfandel is very good example of a very drinkable red wine. A good deep red in colour with aromas of red fruit and hints of smoke and oak. There are flavours of red and black fruits, strawberry, berry, plum, blackcurrant and its very well rounded.
Soft, fresh with decent length and so easy drinking, Great and its only £7
Lynx, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, 2017, California, USA
Majestic, Parcel Series, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA
I am a big fan of majestics parcel series wines and this Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is a classic example why. For this particular wine it’s best to leave its open up so decant beforehand. Initially the aromas and flavors were quite lacking when we tried it on the second day it opened up there was a huge difference, much much better.
There are aromas and flavours plum and black fruits with some vanilla, and chuck of spice which adds to the dry smooth finish which on day 2 was a decent length. Its one of the better Cabernet Sauvignons out there, from anywhere. At £25 a bottle on a single bottle price it’s expensive but on a mix 6 it comes to a very reasonable £16.
Dark purple/ruby in colour and massive black cherry aromas with pepper and spice undertones, dry but not like its sucking your mouth total dry which is a very good balance. The flavour matches the aroma of black cherry and vanilla and soda hints, subtle but there.
Its lacking something that I really can’t think what is or may be its the amount black cherry you smell and taste.
Its pretty good and at £10 its a decent red wine. It would go well with beef stew or a cheese board if you don’t want port or desert wine.
Carnivor, Zinfandel 2015, California, USA