The Bottle.
Vintage: 2022
Producer: Sonoma Grove
Wine: Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County, California
Alcohol: 14.5%
Price Paid: $7.99
Purchased At: Trader Joe’s
The Review.
This is a rich, fruit-forward Zinfandel with a dense cherry flavor and hints of vanilla and coffee. It has a beautiful, rich aroma and a long finish. What I particularly like is that despite its density, it doesn’t have the spicy aftertaste I sometimes find in Zinfandel.
I drank it on two different nights, first with Chicken Korma and later with Mexican food. It complemented both very well. This is a sumptuous wine that I could easily drink every day.
I didn’t remember where this bottle came from when I first opened it, so its price wasn’t influencing my first impression. Finding out afterward that it was a $7.99 Trader Joe’s wine made it even more impressive.
The Verdict.
At $7.99, this 2022 Sonoma Grove Zinfandel is an exceptional value. I enjoyed it enough to buy it again without hesitation. If you like rich, fruit-forward red wines but don’t particularly care for a spicy finish, this one is worth trying. It’s a beautiful example of a California Zinfandel, with complex character, deep flavors, higher alcohol content, and a lingering aftertaste that makes you want the next sip.
The Rating.
Wine Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Value Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Wine Rating Guide
★★★★★ Excellent
★★★★ Very Good
★★★ Good
★★ Fair
★ Poor
The Bottom Line.
A rich, fruit-forward Zinfandel with deep cherry flavor, a long finish, and excellent value at $7.99. I will buy this again.