Variety: 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley, CA
Cost: $40 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Bright aromas of dark cherry and black raspberry. Upfront fruit appeal supported with underpinnings of complexity and slight white pepper spice. Soft entry develops into warm, full mid-palate. Finish strikes ideal balance of tannins, fruit, and acidity. Pair with herb-rubbed meats, spicy cuisine, and hearty pastas.
My Review: Two zinfandels in as many weeks? I know, I’m shocked too. So after the 2014 DCV2 Zinfandel, I’ll admit that I had some high standards for a $40 bottle. So how did the 2014 Seghesio Family Vineyards Cortina Zinfandel stack up?
In the glass the wine was a deep garnet red, and on the nose I picked up black raspberry with a hint of heat, courtesy of the 14.8% alcohol/volume. In the mouth the wine avoided the heat I picked up on the nose (it faded as the wine opened), continuing the dry black raspberry notes and adding white pepper to a dry, tart, tannic finish.
My wife and I paired the wine with a steak salad, and I thought it was a great pairing, going well with the meat while being enjoyable to sip on by itself. But the big question is really “did I like it better than the 2014 DCV2 Zinfandel”?
Honestly…no. Now, make no mistake, it was still quite good, but if I had $40 to spend on one of them, I’d probably go with the DCV2 (though give me $80 and I’d happily grab both). It’s not that the 2014 Cortina Zinfandel was bad, only that the 2014 DCV2 really blew me away. Call them 1A and 1B – no losers here.
So yeah, if you come across this in your wine shop and are looking to spend money on a Zinfandel, you won’t be disappointed in this one. If it’s sitting next to the DCV2 though, well…
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
