NEW, supple, bourbon.
Winemaker Bob Blue, who has been the winemaker for Bonterra since its inception, began aging Zinfandel in premium American bourbon barrels from the 2013 vintage onward. That first vintage (released in 2015) was only three batches starting with number 1; this past year (2017) he released 22 batches under the 1000 Stories label.
I wrote a story about it for Montecristo Magazine, December 2017.
It doles out aromas of chocolate and vanilla, licorice and toffee with a bold berry core. Supple and extremely smooth in the mouth, with flavours of licorice and chocolate rolling across the palate. The finish is lengthy and tastes like raspberry vanilla liqueur.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 8th, 2018

Approachable, chocolate, currents.
Fetzer is a Californian pioneer in sustainable farming.
This is an approachable red (with new packaging) offering aromas of black cherry, plums, black currents, smoked spice and bittersweet chocolate. Similar coffee, roasted carob, spice and dark fruit line the palate. It is smooth and balanced.
A simple weekday dinner wine for grilled meats, pastas, stews and burgers.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Canadian Chedder & Chive
 
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 19th, 2015