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.
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.
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
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
If you like red wine then Zinfandel is a hard variety to beat. With aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant and white pepper this is a smell sensation. Flavours of cherry, plum and oak join the aromas with firm medium tannins. If you want to drink this consider red meat or if you are prepared to sip it in front of an open fire it’s great. At £17 a bottle not cheap but good value.
Edmeades, Mendocino Zinfandel 2015, California, USA