When I picked up the Red Flyer at Trader Joe's on Friday, the description of the wine posted on the blackboard did not say much about the wine flavor. Since most of its varietal components (Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Carignane, ... er, and "Clone X") can span a spectrum from light to full, I asked Chris about whether it had much body to it. He confirmed that it did (and I verified that Friday night), and suggested that if I really like red blends with full body, I should try the Rosenblum table wine.
Last night, I verified that his assessment of the 2003 Contra Costa County Red Wine, Oakley Vineyards, was also on the money. This blend of Zinfandel (69%), Petite Sirah (16%) and Carignane (15%) had a similar profile as the Red Flyer, only more of everything: inky-dark color, significant viscosity, spice, big body and a long finish. Unfortunately, it also costs more ($17) than Red Flyer -- and most of my other TJ wine purchases -- so I wouldn't put in the "everyday wine" category, but I'll be getting some more of this for my "occasional wine" category.
I couldn't find any reference to this wine on the Rosenblum web site, so here's what it says on the bottle:
The wine shows robust color with a bouquet reminiscent of rich plums, ripe cherries and chocolate. The flavors are dark blackberry, cherry and cassis with hints of chocolate and spice.
Oh, and on a separate, but TJ-related note: Chris told me that what I call the "lunar wines" at Trader Joe's -- Thunder Moon Petite Sirah, Purple Moon Shiraz, Full Moon Viognier, and Old Moon Zinfandel -- are all made by Delicato Vineyards.
If you liked the Rosenblum Red Table Wine, you have to try the Rosenblum Oakley Vineyards Zin, from old growth vines...
Posted by: Paul | July 30, 2005 at 01:37 PM
How can I purchase a case of Oakeley vinyards 2003 red wine contra costa?
Posted by: Bernadette Cahill | October 03, 2007 at 06:33 AM