$4 Sutter Home Zinfandel California Stater Bros.

This wine usually retails for $3.99 around here, but I picked it up on sale for just $2.79, nice! I'll be honest, with Sutter Home, it's really hit-or-miss. They have some real stinkers. But a few decent ones (like the Gewurstraminer) keep me trying out new ones in hopes of a winner.

So this is a 2010 Zinfandel and to be honest it smells a bit past it's prime. A few more sniffs and I pick up some currants, blackberries and a bit of meatiness. Upon sipping it's not quite as over-ripe as I had feared. It's actually quite bright and grassy. It is lacking fruit of any kind... there is maybe a teensy bit of... no, nothing. Not bad if you like a dry, non-fruity wine. It's got a few flaws, but hey, don't we all?

I give this a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

$4 Sutter Home 2009 Zinfandel California Stater Bros.

It smells of cola and chocolate with subtle undertones of cinnamon and spice. It tastes of berries and cocoa with a nuance of maraschino cherries. At first it is very bold with a sharp finish, but after my palate adjusts, it became slightly jammy with a long, lingering mild finish.

I give this wine a 5 out 5 stars.

$4 Zinfandel Napa River Trader Joes

The first night I opened this wine, I didn't pay that much attention to it. It sat overnight and then I poured a glass the next evening. I smell hints of blackberry, raspberry and coffee after I swirl it around for a moment. A bit of smokiness perhaps. The first sip brings some slight dark chocolate which was quickly replaced with ripened apricots and plums. The next few sips bring out some slightly grassier flavors with a hint of maple. This wine is delicious now and I think it will be even better in 3-4 years. Buy one to enjoy now and three to store in the cellar.

I give this wine 5 out of 5 stars.