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 
Wily Jack Wines: Great Values to go along with Clever Packaging
By Kori ~ November 27th, 2009.
Wily Jack Wines, produced by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, launched nationally in October with three varietals including Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They are all fruit-driven wines from California vineyards with a suggested retail price of $8.
Their wines, each with a slightly different label, feature a visually compelling silhouette of the Wily Jack character wearing his signature cowboy hat on the front and a “chapter†from his story on the back. Wily Jack is a fictitious character designed to grab the attention of and entertain consumers.
We tasted the Wily Jack wines blind in a recent samples tasting and were impressed with how they stacked up to more established labels. Winemaker Jason Becker did a nice job with this inaugural effort. Our favorite was the Zinfandel but we also found the Chardonnay enjoyable. And best of all, both the Zin and Chard came in at 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5). The only disappointment was the Cab which we found to be a bit watery and plain.
With the economy these days, many wine lovers are looking for a price point or two below their previous wine purchasing level. At $8 per bottle, I’d encourage you to give Wily Jack wines a try with your mid-week dinners.
2007 Wily Jack Zinfandel (California): Deep ruby red. Very aromatic with marionberry on the nose. More red fruits and spice come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with good acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish. Smooth and jammy. At 13.5% ABV, not a throat-burner like some Zins.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample; Available nationally, $8 to $12
2008 Wily Jack Chardonnay (California): Greenish straw-yellow in color. Aromas and flavors of pears and apples. Light-bodied with lively acidity and a medium finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample; Available nationally, $7 to $12
2007 Wily Jack Cabernet Sauvignon (California): Deep ruby red. Candied red fruits on the nose, cherry Jolly Rancher on the palate. Medium-bodied with medium tannins and a medium finish. A bit too watery and plain.
Quality: 2.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: NR (not recommended)
Where to buy: Received as sample; Available nationally, $7 to $12
Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Wine, Chardonnay, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, White Wine, Wines NOT To Buy (1 & 2 Star), Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25, Zinfandel
Nice blog. Wily jack wine is an ideal gift for a friend with a strong penchant for alcoholic beverages.
Nice wine. Recently purchased a bottle after a tasting. Has a bit of a strong taste upon opening but once it breaths a bit, yummy 🙂
Amy,
Glad to hear you enjoyed the wine. Cheers!