1000 Stories Zinfandel Bourbon Barrel Aged 750ml

1000 Stories is made by Fetzer Vineyards in Hopland, California, owned by Concha y Toro since 2011. It was created by Bob Blue, Fetzer's director of winemaking and the founding winemaker of Bonterra, and launched in 2014 with 5,000 cases. Blue has said the brand recalls an era when American oak barrels were used mainly for whiskey.

The Zinfandel comes from Lodi, Paso Robles and Mendocino, and carries a California appellation. After fermentation the wine spends about two months in selected new and used bourbon barrels, including a small share of darker-toasted barrels for smokiness. The label calls it small batch, and The Drinks Business reports about 6 grams per liter of residual sugar.

The producer says the barrels add charred vanilla, dried herbs and a hint of caramel to the Zinfandel fruit.

Against Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel, 1000 Stories is the rounder, vanilla-and-caramel style; for a bold Zinfandel with a whiskey-barrel accent at a lower price, choose 1000 Stories.

Serve it with barbecued ribs, smoked brisket or a burger off the grill.

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