Spotlight
Big Six Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel
100% Zinfandel
California
2015
Producer Notes
Bourbon barrel aged for three months, which adds flavors of vanilla, caramel and oak to the raspberry and spice flavors of Zinfandel. A great accompaniment to all types of barbeque.
WineChump Notes
Big Six isn't a formal winery; or if it is, it's not listed as a "winery" in California. So, does it really matter? Fred Franzia (Bronco Wine Company), for example, makes Charles Shaw -- the Trader Joe's private label wine that used to be referred to as "Two Buck Chuck." Who knew? Who cares? Wine snobs, but not us WineChumps!
While I'm bothered by the fact that this isn't a bona fide winery with their own website and all the stuff we WineChumps like to read about their wines, I'm absolutely not bothered by the nose, taste, and finish from this wine. While others, like the venerable Cooper and Thief Red Wine Blend, kick the proverbial WineChump's ass, this wine is smooth and reminiscent of some of the better wines I sampled in Temecula.
Best Price: $12.99
Total Wine (and Spirits where they can sell them).
Featured White
Aveleda Vinho Verde
Portugal
2015
Hints of white pulp fruits, such as apples and pears, come together harmoniously in the mouth, with a persistent fresh feel. Ideal to be drunk as an aperitif with starters like pineapple and shrimp toasts or accompanying seafood dishes in lemon sauce.
Wow! Great, light, and a bit fizzy, this is a wonderful wine to have when you're looking for something light and fun.
Average Price: $8.99
Featured Red
Jeff Runquist 1448
California
2015
This is yet another dark and chewy for you to enjoy with grilled rib-eye cap, roasted potatoes, and field greens with white balsamic vinaigrette.
1448 is the altitude of Jeff Runquist's small family winery in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The success and popularity of the ‘1448’ has created a demand for this wine that has outgrown Jeff's ability to produce it solely from the surpluses of his varietal wine program.
Beginning with the 2011 vintage and continuing with the 2014, Jeff selected a number of some of his favorite vineyards to deliver fruit with an eye to making the 1448.
Best Price: $14.99