Plungerhead Zin
We do not drink a lot of Zin, but every once in a while we make an exception. A couple of nights ago, with the season's first home grilled hamburger, 2006 Plungerhead Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel, ABV 14.5% according to the label. Produced by The Other Guys, a division of Don Sebastiani & Sons. Purchased on recommendation of local wine merchant for $16. A very good wine for summer grilling in my opinion. Lots of fruit and deserving of the often used "jammy" description. It was refreshing to have a California Zin with this relatively low level of alcohol - no heat whatsoever from this one. Sealed with a "zork", a rubberized, peel-off stopper as opposed to a synthetic cork.(I am guessing this is where the oddball name comes from.) I would rate it a decent buy at the price.
Curious if anyone else has an opinion of this wine.
By scrappydog
on Mar 19, 2008 09:25 PM
View »
I tried a bottle of Plungerhead Zin about a year ago. I don't think it was from Lodi, probably the 2005 Dry Creek and it was sub $10. I don't have a strong memory of it, but that I didn't go back to buy more of it probably says it all. What I remember most was the closure, which I did like.
Have you ever tried Marrietta's Old Vine Red? This is my favorite everyday red wine when grilling meats. Should be $10-12. It's produced in lots, rather than by years; it's a blend where zin is always a strong component. Alcohol is typically 13.5%
Permalink | Reply
Thanks for the tip - I will pick one up next time I see it. We do not drink a lot of Zin / Zin blends, but it would be nice to have a few on hand for the coming summer BBQ season. Any other favorites? We used to buy the Fralich Harry's Patio Red, a Zin blend, for around $12 and enjoyed that, but I have not seen it recently.
Permalink | Reply
Another one of my current favorites is the 2004 Napa Cellars Zinfandel. It lists significantly higher, but last fall one of my favorite wine stores was selling it for $15, and the store has a 10% discount on 6 bottles or more. So for $13.50 I thought it was a great value. Napa Cellars changed hands in 2006; so I'll try future releases warily, hoping for continuity but not assuming it.
Permalink | Reply
I meant to mention Bogle and forgot.
When grilling, if you haven't had it yet, try Bogle's Old Vine Zin, their Petite Sirah, or even their Merlot . The Old Vine Zin used to be our go to wine for bbq, but it seems to me the alcolhol content has crept up over time, and the sometimes ~15% alcohol really comes through and bothers me. The Petite Sirah and Merlot are more like 13.5%, like the Marietta. Bogle wines around here are typically $10-11 and often on sale for $8-9.
Permalink | Reply
Here's a +1 for Marietta Cellars' Old Vine Red. We've been enjoying it with grilled meats and 'que since Lot 7 -- many moons ago.
Permalink | Reply
I just discovered Plungerhead! I was totally turned off by the moniker/label, but my favorite sommelier at the little local wine bar said it was worth a try. I loved it! I really enjoy the jammy, fruit forward zins and this one did not disappoint. Full body, very mild, nearly nonexistent tannin, and just wonderful to drink on a patio with bread and cheese, or even perhaps with grilled meat. Another zin I would recommend is 7 Deadly Zins. This is a more tannic wine, and IMHO needs a porterhouse or something a bit heavier for perfect balance.
Permalink | Reply