The Apothic Red Winemakers Blend 
2011 is one of E & J Gallo’s 62 brands, it is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards located in more than one California grape growing AVA. E & J Gallo is the largest family owned wine company in America, they are also leaders in the development of sustainable farming practices for California vineyards and wineries. Apothic is a virtual winery, they own no vineyards or winery, but the wine was bottled in Modesto, California, the home of Gallo’s main facilities. The Apothic Red Winemakers Blend is readily available in most markets and I found it selling for $8.98 at a local supermarket chain. The alcohol content is 13%.
The color is a deep, dark, almost opaque cherry red with purple highlights. The nose is grape fruit roll-ups, spearmint chewing gum, plum and Nestle’s Quick powder. This is a fruit forward wine with a shot of spice towards the end. It starts with blueberries (a little on the sweet side), milk chocolate, fresh strawberry and a splash of tart cranberry. The mid palate brings a touch of vanilla and mix of raisin spice and subdued Altoids spice. The tannins a very soft, you barely notice them and the acidity is subdued. The finish is full of juicy, fresh fruit and lasts for a very respectable length of time.
The Apothic Red Winemakers Red is a very easy bottle of wine to get along with. The flavors are big and juicy, the tannins are soft (maybe a bit too soft considering the grapes used in the blend) and there is just enough spice to add some contrast and keep things interesting. While the rough edges may have been rounded off a bit too much for some wine drinkers, the Apothic Red has flavor some $25 bottles wish they had.
