The 2008 Vicious Red is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah and 5% Malbec sourced from more than one California grape growing AVA. Made by Sobon Family Estates, a top notch, mainly Zinfandel producer out of Amador County in the Sierra Foothills around two hours away from the San Francisco Bay. Even though this is an inexpensive wine, it is also a hand made, small production wine (only 2,529 cases). The blend that goes into the wine changes with every vintage, in 2009 the main grape is Zinfandel, not Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol content is 13.6%.
The color is an opaque extracted combination of purple and strawberry red. The nose is black and blueberry, stewed prune and black licorice. This wine has a silky mouthfeel, black and blueberry starts thing off, followed by milk chocolate and plum. The mid palate brings a touch of creme brulee, orange peel and cocoa powder. The tannins are sweet, but still provide a slight bite and the acidity is muted. The finish is subdued, but does linger on.
The 2008 Vicious Red starts off as a simple fruit forward wine, but on the second sip it begins to evolve and change and then the simple wine is not so simple anymore. This is a wine that would work well with burgers and BBQ, but is much more interesting as a sipping wine.
find this one at the Wine Cellar in Palatine
