Now that spring has finally arrived,it’s time to dust off the old grill and start cooking up an array of yummy BBQ dishes. Of course, with a robustly flavored dish, one wants a bold wine, like Zinfandel. Here are a few that our tasting panel enjoyed for under $20.
St. Francis “Old Vines” 2015 Zinfandel
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
The nose is ripe with cherry, raspberry, and blackberry notes blending among hints of toasty oak and nutmeg. Lush fruit is at the forefront of the palate, with cherries and raspberries leading the way, and toasty spice, alongside vanilla, backing that up. Supple tannins and nice fruit make this a great wine for BBQ.
Rating: 89
Dry Creek Vineyard 2016 “Heritage” Zinfandel
Grape(s): 79% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, & 1% Primitivo
Region: Sonoma County, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, cherries, and raspberries combine with nuances of pepper and all-spice on the nose. Refined tannins frame flavors of blackberry, cherry, and plum that flow into hints of dark chocolate, toasty oak, and spice. A good balance of fruity and spicy, this Zin will pair well with zesty BBQ.
Rating: 90
Napa Cellars 2015 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 85% Zinfandel & 15% Petite Sirah
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
One is greeted by notes of bing cherries, blackberries, spice, and licorice on the nose. Supple fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and plum meld with elements of clove, anise, and tobacco on the palate. With refined tannins and solid complexity for it’s price point, this Zin is ideal for most BBQ dishes you might serve.
Rating: 89