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!