This week, the wine bottle is beautiful and Zinfandel is one of my favorite types of wine…the perfect combination.  Before tasting the wine myself, I took a read of the description on the bottle.

Thoughts from the Brand

Aligned with the artful look of the label, the description I found on the label did not disappoint.  Here’s what it said:

Deliberate strokes of spice and mocha point themselves on a canvas filled with bold flavors of plum, chocolate, and sweet vanilla.  The robust tannins lead into a silky smooth finish…a work of art.  Accompany this wine with saucy ribs, a juicy pepper steak, pasta with spicy red sauce or pizza.

I was even able to find a short video from the designer behind the label describing the wine.

My Thoughts

I mentioned earlier that I really like Zinfandels.  I was pleased that from the first sip I knew that this was one that would remain on my favorites list.  The plum and spice are the two flavors that stood out to me.  After I focused a bit, I could taste the chocolate, but not the vanilla.  While I’m sure it would work well with the foods they recommend, I enjoyed a glass all on its own.

Thoughts from the Web

Searching the web, I had a bit of difficulty finding reviews on this wine.  Wine Spectator gave it a rating of 87 and provided this description:

A fruit bomb, with soft and supple flavors of cherries jubilee, sage and cracked pepper. Drink now. 15,000 cases made.

As you might imagine, I connected immediately with two other descriptions I found – both sharing my love for the label.

I picked this one up the other day for two simple reasons:  1.) It was a Zinfandel I hadn’t tried before and  2.) The stunning label.  I wasn’t expecting a lot because normally the coolest labels fail at being the coolest wines. I dished out $12 though so I was hoping…This was one of the best Zin’s I’ve tasted in quite some time. Plus, did I mention the bottle is cool? I’m saving it. It’ll have a few roses stuffed inside at my next dinner party.  - The Clumsy Eater

The juicy scent of cherry that this wine boasts became more prevalent as it opened up, with undertones of a deep mocha. The taste was very spicy, with those bold and juicy plum flavors bursting through, and underlaid by pepper that perfectly complimented the spicy red sauce on our pasta. A lush finish, fruity but not too dry, was mellowed by the sweetness of the vanilla and chocolate. This wine’s versatile, interesting flavors were as enjoyable as the beautiful label (which is not always the case) and we gave it an A. Grab this bottle and hang onto it! - College Oenophiles

Summary

There is no dispute that this wine comes in a beautiful package.  The good news is that the taste lives up to the packaging.  I would recommend giving this brand a try.  Even if you decide it’s not for you, you’ll be left with a bottle that can create a unique display somewhere in your home.  Let me know what you think if you give this one a try.