Carol Shelton Karma Reserve Sonoma County 2014

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Sonoma County

Varietal Red Blend

Retail Price $30

ABV 14.8%

Score 4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry with supporting notes of cranberry, baking spices, and earth.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety texture.

Cool Factor

This very charming red blend reminds me of great Zinfandel based wines made decades ago but are sadly rare today.

Value Grade

B+

We find a lot of value here as the quality surely supports the price tag.

Analysis

This very charming wine is made with a unique blend of 70% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 6% Alicante Bouschet, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Carignane, and 2% Viognier. The grapes are sourced greatly from the Bastoni Vineyard in Sonoma County with some old vine Zin and Petite Sirah from Dry Creek. The wine is then aged for a period of 20 months in a blend of French and American oak with a majority being previously used, neutral barrels. The resulting wine is a complex fruit explosion that reminds me of old-school Zinfandels from the 1970s.

How to Enjoy

You really need nothing more than a glass but this big and balanced wine loves to be paired with grilled meats.