A Wine for Tonight: 2007 Wily Jack Zinfandel



By Kori ~ February 11th, 2010.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2007 Wily Jack Zinfandel from California.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$15
  • Must be widely available

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. Winemaker Jason Becker did a nice job with his inaugural effort.

“This is an adventurous Zinfandel showing an abundance of ripe fruit flavors. Jammy plum and blackberry flavors follow scents of ripe juicy fruit and cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Sweet vanilla and toasty flavors from the oak aging give this wine added interest and lead to a pleasing finish.” –Wily Jack

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, suggested retail $8; Available nationally, $8 to $12


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, California Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25, Zinfandel

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