Falling for Reds

As we enjoy the cooler nights, my tastes are turning back to red, red wine.  At Pete's establishment, immediately my eyes fell on the ever delicious Bogle 2013 Essential Red blend.  As the website says:  A compelling blend of California’s finest plantings of Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, this wine surpasses all expectation for pure enjoyment and approachability.Calling on their years of experience and tradition, Bogle winemakers have delivered a wine with RICH, enticing layers of complexity, starting with that first irresistible sip. RIPE fruit, intense with flavors of boysenberries and sweet cherries. LUSCIOUS vanilla, caressing the palate from barrel aging in American and French oak. JUICY and silky throughout, with a finish that lingers of black licorice and spicy pipe tobacco.  As I understood from the Bogle rep I met at Anjou, this is a less aged version of the popular, limited addition Phantom. 

The site notes the name origin (just for fun):  bogle \bõ’g∂l\ n. [Scots, perhaps from Welsh] A goblin; a specter; a phantom; a bogy, boggart or bugbear.

 

  

Chuckie led me to some more tasty choices in the Madison Cellars racks: Boneshaker Lodi Zinfandel, a full-bodied wine with bold flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate and vanilla produced by the Hahn Estate in Monterrey County. 

Winemaker's note on this 2013 blend:  

Brick red and deep purple in the glass, with enticing aromatics of dried plums, black cherry jam and a hint of vanilla incense. One sip unveils flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice. Smooth on the finish with bracing tannins and lingering notes of blueberry and spice. Boneshaker’s full body is a great pairing for meaty chuck chili, grilled pork belly or a juicy mushroom hamburger. Varietal Composition: 88% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Another Chuckie rec is from Australia, 19 Crimes red blend.  Haven't been able to pin down the exact grapes in the 2014, but I think it's safe to say shiraz is in there.

2014 Red Blend

Intensity resides within each pour of this blend. The bright hues of dark berry fruits shine as the strong vanilla aroma rises from the glass. Flavors of chocolate and cedar spice are accomplices in a finish that is soft, fruity, and fresh.

Remarkably smooth too! ~ me.

Hmm, wonder what the deal was about impersonating an Egyptian (#5) ?!  http://19crimes.com/
The things you learn while enjoying wine!