Master of Wine and wine director of Hatch Mansfield Not a favourite grape of mine as it is often overly alcoholic. This example, however, has a dark brooding colour, and is very youthful with a clean, lifted aroma of blueberries and black pepper without any baked or jammy character, often the case with Zinfandel. The weight in the mouth is good and the alcohol is in balance with the fruit and acidity. This wine has well integrated oak and enough grip to develop in bottle for another three years. It is a very clean, well made example of Zinfandel which shows admirable varietal definition. This represents decent value for money at £5.99. I like it! Rating out of 25 ­ 15 Gary McCall Managing director of Poulter Partners The designer must be a real fan of the wine as every aspect of the labelling has been crafted to present a stylish and confident appearance. The label allows the distinctive Pepperwood Grove branding printed in a special gold on blue background to jump off the pack. The label’s shape adds to the finesse. The brand owners obviously feel they can create a strong brand with consumers buying across their range. This distinctive packaging will help generate trial. This is a wine you’d be happy to have on display at a dinner party. By the way, is there another front wine label with six or fewer words featured? Rating out of 25 ­ 21 Carol Du Cann Senior buyer (beers, wines and spirit) at Alldays An evocative name, with a somewhat minimalist label. You have to look twice to see this is a Zinfandel. This could work to its disadvantage on a crowded shelf. The wine is appropriately peppery, with spicy fruit flavours. It is less jammy’ and more tannic than many new world wines and is almost Old World in style. It would add another taste spectrum to a range. The price point, and availability ex cellars only (I believe), will limit its appeal. Nevertheless, this wine, like many Zinfandels, does represent good value for money and deserves to succeed having found the right stockist. Rating out of 25 ­ 15 Total score out of 100 ­ 73 {{DRINKS }}

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