The Big Red Monster Zinfandel

Drink it now. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in California, in Santa Cruz, the Bonny Doon winery was founded in 1983 by Randall Grahm, one of the forerunners of organic farming and the use of grapes from the Rhone Valley. The grapes are sourced from the Paso Robles wine region, one of the most interesting and diverse wine-growing areas on California's central coast. But the region is characterized by important microclimates. To the east, the mountains of Santa Lucia by the cold Pacific Ocean, experience more fog, wind, and ocean precipitation than the rest of the Paso sub-denominations. To the west, you will find the hottest and most western appellations of Paso Robles. Soft, powerful, and fruity wines are produced here, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Thanks to the large temperature range between day and night, these wines are also characterized by surprising acidity. The wine is a blend of 75% Zinfandel, 18% Tannat and 7% Petite Sirah. The grapes are delicately de-stemmed and crushed. Maceration is prolonged to favor greater extraction. The wine is then aged in new oak barrels. This Zinfandel is an opulent and intense wine with a rich and decisive palate, and tasty flavors of red fruit jam accompanied by a soft spicy finish. The medium acidity creates a harmonious balance. Try it with spicy lamb.

Price: £22.91 from 8wines UK