Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
Wine Tasting Dinner: West Coast Zinfandel
By Kori ~ October 15th, 2008.
Last Friday, we hosted one of our monthly wine tasting dinners. We blind tasted six Zinfandels, four from California and two from Washington State. It was another fun evening of good wines, excellent food, and wonderful friends.
Among the six wines, two set themselves apart from the rest. The 2006 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel and the 2004 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Zinfandel each received four first place votes. The others were good but did not quite measure up to the top two. And the best part, especially in these difficult economic times, is that both the Seghesio Sonoma County and the Columbia Crest Grand Estates sell for under $20. Once again, it just goes to show that a higher price does not necessarily mean a higher quality.
All of the wines paired wonderfully with Mom’s dinner menu which included creamy tomato soup with basil, mixed green salad, grilled beef tenderloin steaks with sautéed mushrooms, rosemary-garlic sweet potatoes, and mixed vegetables. After everyone had ranked their wines, Mom served vanilla ice cream topped with a Canadian ice wine. Mmm, delicious!
From 1st to last in the group consensus rankings:
2006 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel (Sonoma County, California): My favorite of the night. Vanilla aromas are present up front. Flavors of cherry Jolly Rancher come through on the palate. Bold yet smooth with a long finish. An excellent wine whether sipping by itself or enjoying with a meal.
Quality: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Fred Meyer, $18.00; Available elsewhere, $13 to $25
2004 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Zinfandel (Columbia Valley, Washington): Exhibits aromas of smoked meats. Flavors of chocolate and black fruits. Smooth tannins and a pleasant finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $17.99
2006 Turley Mead Ranch Zinfandel (Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California)
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $35.00; Available elsewhere, $42 to $120
2006 Turley Rattlesnake Ridge Zinfandel (Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California)
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 2 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $40.00; Available elsewhere, $42 to $130
2005 Columbia Crest Reserve Zinfandel (Wahluke Slope, Washington)
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 1 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $35.00
NV Rosenblum Vintner’s Cuvee XXVII Zinfandel (California)
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Fred Meyer, $9.00; Super Cellars (New Jersey), $9.99
Filed under: American Wine, California Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wine Tasting Dinners, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25, Zinfandel
I make a great dish with beef tenderloin and it has gorgonzola cheese in it.If you want this recipe or if you want to take a look at the collection of recipes and tips I have for grilling you can visit http://www.cookingandgrillinoutdoors.com
Thanks for the nice review on the 2006 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel!
You’re welcome, Katey. Keep up the good work!
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