The colour is deep ruby. On the nose strong aroma of dark fruits jam, accompanied by some spices. In the mouth smooth tannins and a sweet sensation created by the high (14.5%) alcohol content. The aftertaste is fruity and last for quite a while.
Zinfandel is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety widely cultivated in California, where it arrived from Europe in the early years of the 19th Century. It is identical to Italy’s Primitivo.
1000 Stories Zinfandel 2017 also contain a small amount of Petite Sirah grapes. Petite Sirah (or Durif) is a black-skinned grape variety originally from the Rhône Valley. It is a crossing of Syrah with Peloursin vines.
The grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in Mendocino, Paso Robles, Lodi and Amador County. 140’000 cases (1.7 mio. bottles) of 1000 Stories Zinfandel are produced annually by Fetzer Vineyards, a division of Concha y Toro. The wine is assembled in batches of 5’000 cases each. The unique feature of this wine is that it is spirits-barrel-aged.
1000 Stories Zinfandel begins the aging process in traditional French and American oak wine barrels. The wine later transition to new and used bourbon barrels from some of America’s finest bourbon distilleries. This last passage in intensely flavoured barrels lends nuance and enhances Zinfandel’s signature red fruit and spice notes.
I bought this bottle at Coop for 11.95 CHF, 40% off the regular price of 19.95 CHF. Overall, I find it a well-made wine, but for my taste a bit overdone.
Country: USA
Region: Mendocino County
Grapes: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah
Type: Red
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Fetzer Vineyards
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5