The holidays are almost upon us, so it’s time to kick off our search for the best wines for Christmas 2016.  Leading off our charge this year is Bonterra.  As we mentioned previously, Bonterra is certified organic, so it’s perfect for both the wine lover and the organically committed guest at your party.  Having covered their Sauvignon Blanc, let’s move over to the reds with Bonterra Zinfandel.

[Disclosure:  Bonterra was nice enough to send me a sample of their wine to talk about.  They sent some lovely pictures of farmers as well, which are key to making their great wine.]

Sight:  A deep inky purple core with a hot magenta edge.

Smell:  Deeply concentrated blackberries and cherries waft out with hints of spice and black currants.  Rich plum and blueberry syrup mix to concentrate the fruit with a hint of toasted oak and black pepper.

Sip:  The body is rich, full, and luxurious, with plenty of lively character.  Deep blueberry and blackberry flavors combine on the palate, weaving an elegant dance accompanied by notes of plum, raspberry, and spice.    Bright pops of cherry interrupt in a positively charming sort of way.

Savor:  The ending is tannic, in a way that begs for food in a refined way.  The overall character is deep, dark, and brooding, with plenty of jammed blackberries, concentrated blueberry, and mulled spice notes.

Bonterra Zinfandel is simply delightful and packed with intense dark fruit.  The plum, blackberry, and blueberry have no problem asserting their dominance over the notes of spice, but yet allowing them to shine through.  The texture is beautifully put together, with a silky smoothness.  If you love Zin, spice, and dark fruit, it’s hard to find something not to like about Bonterra Zinfandel.

Verdict: Blackberry, Concentrated Blueberry, Spice, Luxurious
Rating: 91
Price: $16 [This bottle was received as a sample]
Mendocino, California – CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)

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