Wine Maker: Edmeades

Vintage: 2010

Wine Name/Vineyard: Mendocino County

Wine Category: Red Zinfandel

Grape blend: 100% Zinfandel

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: North Coast

State or country: California

Price: $20.00

ABV: 15.0%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  87 points

Review date: April 30, 2021

About the Winemaker: Known primarily for their Red Zinfandel releases, Edmeades Vineyards produces bold wines in California’s north coast region. The operation boasts a “traditional and natural” winemaking approach, including “use of native yeast fermentation, hand punchdowns, and minimal manipulation.”

Color:  Scarlett with a rose gold rim

Nose: Pear, smoke, fig, candied dates, and well ripened cherry.

Taste: Red berries, oak, raspberry jam, and red apple skin. Sustained finish with black pepper and oak.

Assessment: Mendocino County Zinfandel is Edmeades’ entry level Red Zinfandel. It is the most inexpensive wine in their line up, but is by no means short on value. Checking in at a hefty 15% ABV, there are few signs of its plentiful alcohol. The wine has great balance, which is a great feat considering the wine weighs in on the heavy side of having a full body. The Zin is fruit forward, with nicely infused oak tannins, and just enough acidity to make this feel lighter in body than it is, making it well suited for drinking even on a warm summer day. From a character perspective, the juice is slightly softer than a “typical” California Red Zinfandel, and perhaps a little more coating of the palate.

My bottle was at the perfect drinking age, but newer vintages should age for 2-3 years minimum.

This is an easy drinking value Zinfandel that isn’t run of the mill. The Barrel Cellar Rating awards it 87 points.

Pairing recommendation: Havarti cheese plate, charcoal grilled white meats, or dark chocolate.