Varietal:Â Old Vine Zinfandel; Syrah; Cabernet Sauvignon; Petite Sirah
Region: Â California – USA
Cost: Â $11 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes:   A compelling blend of California’s finest plantings of Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, this wine surpasses all expectation for pure enjoyment and approachability. Calling on their years of experience and tradition, Bogle winemakers have delivered a wine with… RICH, enticing layers of complexity, starting with that first irresistible sip. RIPE fruit, intense with flavors of boysenberries and sweet cherries. LUSCIOUS vanilla, caressing the palate from barrel aging in American and French oak. JUICY and silky throughout, with a finish that lingers of black licorice and spicy pipe tobacco.
My Review:Â Two weeks ago I talked about the Thumbs Up WineFinder App and how much I enjoyed it. In addition to reviewing the app, the creators were kind enough to send me a pair of bottles that showed off the value the app presented, including the 2010 Bogle Vineyards Essential Red. After letting it sit my required week, my wife and I opened it one night to pair with a dinner of pizza we’d thrown into the oven.
In the glass the wine was a nice dark red with hints of brick streaking through it. On the nose I picked up dark fruits and blueberry, which carried through to the palate and were joined by notes of chocolate, coffee, and plum. The wine was smooth and medium-bodied, with a nice roundness that didn’t hide the fruit flavors, but also prevented the wine from being too fruit forward.
Paired with the pizza the wine did a nice job of cutting the acid of the tomato sauce and was enjoyable both before, during, and after we’d finished eating. For the price this is a great value wine, and while I don’t know if I’d say it drinks at $36 like the Thumbs Up WineFinder App does, it certainly drinks better than an $11 wine, and that’s good enough for me. Having seen the Bogle wines on the shelf and regularly skipped over them, they’ve definitely found their way onto my list of bang for the buck wines that are perfect for keeping around for a Tuesday night when you want something good to sip on that won’t break the bank.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
