It’s been a while since my last Cheap Fun Wines post, mainly because I hadn’t, until now, been able to beat any of the wines I wrote about previously (Menage A Trois, Earth Zin and Fire, Garnacha de Fuego). But recently I came across several that are worthy of consideration.
Having been to Napa, I know the difference between a bottle of wine that you store for years and save for a very special occasion, and a bottle you break out and have with pizza or burgers. This series highlights the everyday wines that may not impress your wine snob friend, but will probably please everyone else.
I saw Apothic Red at Global and picked up a bottle, since my wife and I have been enjoying red blends lately. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a California red blend, and this was no exception.
I knew it was a winner when I opened the bottle to wonderful smells of dark cherries, blackberries, and a hint of spice. Made by the Gallo family, this is a blend of 45% Syrah, 44% Zinfandel, 9% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from primarily Lodi, as well as Sonoma, and California’s Central Coast.
Often a wine of this price (around $10) will taste good at first but leave you with a strange aftertaste. Apothic finishes with a silky/velvety texture that lingers at the back of your throat in a very pleasant way. If you’re looking for a smooth, easy drinking, fruit-forward wine with hints of vanilla, this is one to try. Even Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate gave it an 87, calling it a “beauty (that) will provide enormous relief for weary, recession-challenged wine consumers.”
Break this bottle out at a party and I guarantee your friends will ask what it is, and how they can get a bottle for themselves.
–Brian
