2001, Sutter Home Family Vineyards Zinfandel Review 

Over All Rating - "Good - Recommended"

Where we got it and how much it cost. 

Kroger for 3.99 with our Kroger Plus Card

Where is this wine made. 

Made by Sutter Home Winery in Napa California .

General Impression of Sutter Home Family Vineyards Zinfandel, 2001

Well I did the usual popped the cork and gave it a bit of breathe time.  Not much mind you this is a four dollar bottle of wine.  I then poured a small bit and was under impressed.  Drinkable sure, decent sure, something I would buy again even at four bucks probably not.  Then I got to thinking sure it is a cheap wine even four our standards but given it was a bottle of 2001 and had been locked in a bottle for 5 years it could use just a bit more breathing time.

So did the additional breathe make it wonderful, no but it made it a LOT better.  Initially the alcohol was high in the aroma and taste but with some more time to breathe the flavor and aroma came through a lot better.  

This is a good wine, past its time for sure but when you buy in a supermarket that is not uncommon.  After a good twenty minute breathe the flavors come through and the alcohol went back to the undertones where it belongs.  It had a lot of berry flavor and the brightness the wine is known for was still evident.  It was also one of those wines that the more I drank the better it tasted.

What Flavors are Most Dominant or Evident In This Wine?

Flavors are berry, pepper, spice.  The aromas are berry and spice and a bit of a medicinal that thankfully went away once the wine got a chance for it to breethe well.

What foods will this wine go well with?

Everyday food will pair well.  This would go really well with baby back ribs or grilled chicken.  Save better zinfandels for your steaks.  This one is ok but not worthy of a good rib eye.  For the perfect match grilled Italian sausages with grilled peppers.  Paired with that this wine would be received better then I rated it.

What's Grapes are In Sutter Home Family Vineyards  Zinfandel, 2001?

By law there must be at least 75% Zinfandel and I am sure that is the case.  I can find no info on the Sutter Home web site or in any other tasting notes or reviews to tell me what else may be in this wine.  One think I can say though is I would lay great odds that something other then Zinfandel is in this one.  My best guess is some Merlot but I can’t confirm it.

Will I keep it In My Wine Rack, If So How Much?

No not really.  First even when it opened up it was just not as good as other Zinfandels I tend to drink, second this is a wine that should be drunk from one to two years after it is made and it is already five years of age.  

That said for four bucks I may just buy two or three bottles to stash away and forget for another five years just to see what happens.  I will be trying some of this wine in a newer year soon to see how it performs in its prime drinking age.

To be honest this one was going to get only an "acceptable" rating after the first glass.  But with time it did get better and hence the "good to recomended" rating, I just can't put this one down to hard given it is 5 years old and sells for four bucks.  You could do a lot worse again I will give this one another chance with a fresher year when one comes along.

Who Is Going to Enjoy This Wine?

People that like bright fruity zinfandels and moderate dry red wines.

What Does the Bottle or Vintners Web Site Say About this Wine?

From the bottle:  Our Zinfandel is the perfect choice to compliment life’s every day moments.  Enjoy Sutter Home Wine and live life uncomplicated.

From the vintner’s website:  Sutter Home's California Zinfandel is vinified primarily from grapes grown in the Sierra Foothill and Lodi regions. Both of these areas are considered to be among California 's finest sites for the cultivation of California 's signature grape variety.

This delicious Zinfandel displays classic varietal character with a fresh berry aroma and a hint of spicy black pepper. The flavors in this medium-bodied wine are bright and juicy, with a zesty spiciness and supple tannins. A great value, this Zinfandel pairs beautifully with casual, everyday foods such a grilled and barbecued chicken, baby back ribs, sausages, pizza, pastas, and burgers.

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