Reviews & Ratings

2015 Federalist Zinfandel "Bourbon Barrel Aged"

Winery: Federalist

Vintage: 2015

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Bourbon Barrel Aged"

Wine Category: Zinfandel

Grape blend: 93% Zinfandel, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot & 2% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Mendocino

State or country: CA

Price: $22

Cases produced: 20,000

KWG Score: 88.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (88)

Review date: October 15, 2018

Wine Review: This opaque ruby Zinfandel from Mendocino County opens with an earthy nose of forest floor and freshly turned loam. The body is medium plus and the flavor profile is a spicy black cherry and raspberry compote with hints of cassis and blueberry. The tannins are bold but not austere. The oak treatment is heavy due to the bourbon barrel cooperage and wraps the fruit with warm vanilla. I did not get the heat one would expect from a 15% ABV wine. Instead, the finish is quite long and the spices drift away nicely. I paired this with a beet salad tossed with heirloom radishes, spicy cashews and creme fraiche, but it would go equally well with a minty ground lamb or a hearty beef stew. - Jeoff

Winemaker Notes: Alexander Hamilton was a man of many curiosities and talents. In his spirit, this classic Zinfandel embraces the uniquely American tradition of aging in charred bourbon barrels. Sourced from Mendocino County, The Federalist Bourbon Barrel-Aged Zinfandel is a dark purple color. Smoky and vanilla notes from the Bourbon barrels comes through along with spice, dark cherry and cola notes. The wine has a good entrance filling the mouth with juicy Zinfandel fruit and spiciness. The finish is long and smooth making this a thoroughly enjoyable wine.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Federalist 2015 Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel.