I can’t believe I haven’t written a blog about this wine yet!   I tried The Wolftrap a few years ago at Court Street (http://www.courtstreet.com/) in Hoboken – my old stomping ground  :-)   I remember it being great for the price.   It became my go-to wine to serve at and bring to parties, not many $10 wines have the complexity that The Wolftrap has.

This is a Syrah, Mouvedre, Viognier blend from South Africa.   This wine smells spicy and floral, with cherries and blackberries rounding it out.   The spice is a definite factor on the midpalate and finish, and it definitely finishes dry but smooth.   After a minute, I still taste the juicy black fruit and a little toastyness.   I don’t think age will do it any harm, but this is a wine that is made to drink right away.   Now I remember why I liked this bottle so much, and I’m very happy stores here in California are starting to carry it (I saw it at Whole Foods, and PRIMA in Walnut Creek).                                                                                                                                  

$10.99/bottle

Home Run                  

I tried the Terra d’Oro Deaver zin* and absolutely loved it, so when I saw the Amador County zin (about $5-7 less per bottle!) I knew I had to give it a shot.   The fruit in this is ripe and rich, and there’s lots of spice on the nose.   The wine tastes like pepper and raspberries, and finishes with dried spices and cocoa powder.   The spicy notes definitely linger for quite a while… this wine can’t decide if it wants to be slightly sweet or spicy – and I like it!

$13.99/bottle

Triple

Award – SILVER, 2010 California State Fair Wine Comp

*Yes, I’m drinking lotsa zin lately.   It is such an awesome BBQ wine so I can’t help myself  :-)