Deep Purple Lodi Zinfandel tastes like fresh, sweet, blackberry and boysenberry juice, not wine. With no balancing acid or tannins, Deep Purple is as loud as the has-been musical group by the same name.
Unsupported fruit is the dark side of a Lodi Zin that’s crafted without care. Done right, Lodi produces bold wines with broad appeal. Sadly, this is not one of those efforts, but hey—it can be guzzled, making it a great choice for your next frat party once the keg runs dry. One Andy Point.
Napa is known for age-worthy wines with alluring aromas and vibrant fruit. Ravenwood’s Napa Valley Old Vine Zinfandel is a classic combination of Napa terroir and the quintessential California grape. 13% Petite Sirah and 1% Carignane – with characteristic color, acid and tannins – support the Napa profile.
Ravenwood Napa Valley Old Vine Zinfandel pours burnished red with an inviting sweet spice and plum nose nourished for 18 months in French oak. A dark berry and cedar palate fade slowly – you’d never know that there’s 15.4% alcohol by volume. This wine is an exceptional value at $18. 5 Andy Points.
The Australian wine industry has seen some tough sledding – wildfires, droughts and recession have cut output and challenged quality – but Penfolds still stands strong. This reliable vintner spans the price-point spectrum and seemingly offers something to everyone.
Koonunga Hill, a bulk-market Penfolds blend is no exception. Koonunga Hill Shiraz & Cabernet 2007 sports a peppery, blackberry nose with a blackberry and red current palate. Light tannins follow. Decant before drinking. Not a bad effort at about $10 even with a laminate-composite cork. 88 Parker Points and 3 Andy Points.
The ‘Andy Points’ system assumes that all aspects of consuming wine, from cutting the foil to savoring the finish, affect value; and that value should be a primary concern at any price-point.
Andy
Points Description
5. A thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting experience. Buy in volume.
4. Well-made and attractively packaged. Regift with confidence!
3. Good fruit at a bargain price. A solid every day wine.
2. Drinkable, at least after decanting. Suitable for church dinners.
1. Major flaws. Appropriate only for late night frat parties.
Wine Values 