Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts – Good Bones

Great name, great label and even more importantly, great wine! The Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts red blend.

73% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah and 6% Tempranillo from Paso Robles, California. The name “Dead Nuts” pays tribute to the old walnut and almond trees that were removed to make space for the vineyards.

Sample submitted for review. The Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts has an SRP of $25 and is available for as low as $19.

The 2016 Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts begins with a wonderful aroma full of black cherry, blackberry, black and white pepper, licorice and lots of baking spice along with hints of smoke, mint and vanilla. It’s quite a complex nose that is just the beginning of the good times ahead. Taking a sip reveals a really tasty blend with lots of well-integrated baking spice and black pepper. This is not the big over-the-top style Zin that I was expecting from the label and that’s a good thing. The palate offers similar flavors to the nose with a very smooth, easy to drink mouthfeel. I love how this wine is put together. It ends with a very satisfying resolution of flavors on the medium-long, dry finish that works to build anticipation for the next sip.

Marketing is such an important part of competing in today’s world but good marketing often seems to come at the expense of the wine itself. I love it when you see a great, eye-catching label and the wine on the inside is even better.

Ready to buy the Chronic Cellars Dead Nuts? Check your local retailers.

This is a great pick for our list of The Best Red Blends Under $20. Check out the full list here!