Summer is quickly approaching, and that means grilling season.  And grilling season means it’s time for zinfandel.  While summer is a great time to try some cool, crisp white wines, if you’re looking for a wine to go with your burgers from the grill, then it’s zinfandel you should be grabbing.  I’m not talking about that disgustingly sweet white zinfandel, I’m talking about red, bold, spicy zinfandel.  To get you ready for the season, I’m going to present a number of zinfandel reviews over the next couple weeks.

This one from Redwook Creek is a bargain-priced Lod zin, at only $8.00.  I don’t have a whole lot of story to go behind this wine.  It’s an E&J Gallo brand — one of many.

My first impression of this wine is that it’s pleasant, but not extraordinarily exciting.  The nose has aromas of vanilla and berries, with moderate intensity.  The palate is a fruit bomb, with very concentrated black cherry and raspberry flavors.  It leans toward being sweet, without being jammy.  A bit of spice comes into play on the finish, but it dances with the sweetness from residual sugar.

It’s an approachable, easy-drinking wine.  But it doesn’t scream “zinfandel” to me.  I expect wine snobs would turn their nose at the residual sugar, but most average wine consumers will find it pleasant.

Wine: Redwood Creek
Variety: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 83
Price:  $8.00

Find Redwood Creek Zinfandel with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.