A blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo and Malbec fermented in stainless steel and aged in a combination of concrete and oak for 9 months. Grapes were harvested primarily from from Lodi but also the Sierra Foothills in California.
Sample submitted for review. SRP of $12 and available for as low as $8.
From the bottle:
"Story: Between the big city and the majestic mountains, sits Lodi, California's small town answer to big time flavor. There are a lot of big name wineries out there that require a big bank account to buy a bottle, but you're smarter than that, you've had enough. You're a big boy and you've worked it out. You don't need a lot of stuff to drink heavenly wine.
Taste: Big, fat aromas of cassis, blackberry and plum with traces of vanilla and cedar. Full-bodied and larger than life, you'll have to stretch out your mouth for that first sip. Greet your guests with a smile when you pour them a glass as they walk through the front door. Tell them to get ready for one big adventure.
13.9% Alcohol"
Wine from Lodi always gets our attention. Whether it be the excellent Zinfandel, the luscious Petite Sirah or rarities like California Tempranillo, Kerner or the oldest Cinsault vines in the world, we've yet to be disappointed by what we find.
The 2013 90+ Cellars Lot 113 Lodi Big Red Blend begins with an excellent mix of blackberry, red cherry, spice, vanilla, licorice and leather aromas. All it takes is just one sniff to know that this is not your typical sub-$10 wine. Tasting reveals similar flavors to the nose with lots of juicy fruit. Just slightly sweet, this wine doesn't need monstrous amounts of oak to cover up all the sugar like so many of the other popular red blends. It ends with a very satisfying, long finish with excellent tinges of oaky spice.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 8.3
