Tasting - Valley Oaks Fetzer Zinfandel

Name: Fetzer Valley Oaks Zinfandel

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $7.99

Winery Review: "This is a wine with soft, supple tannins, easily identified as a Zinfandel, yet more elegant and easy drinking than many of the over-the-top powerhouse styles. Deep garnet colors lead to a ripe, medium-bodied wine with aromas of bright cherry, raspberry, clove spice, roasted nuts and a mild black pepper spice. In the mouth the wine is medium rich with flavours of red raspberry, strawberry and cranberry with a warm, woodsy spice. A special character from aging in French Oak lifts and provides depth and richness to complement the red fruit. Well balanced, with moderate toastiness and bright red fruit, a well-integrated wine often called “A lovely Zin for the money” by knowledgeable wine writers and Zin lovers."

My Review: Plenty of prunes, raspberries, and strawberries on the nose. This wine had a nice balance of tannins and was a full-bodied wine with jammy, fruit flavors. There was also a nutty, almond and caramel component that added to the richness of this wine. It had a sandy surface texture with a long finish that hinted of oak barrel. Overall, a very good wine that should be paired with red meat or savory tomato pasta.