Electric Red 2016

A review of Electric Red 2016 for Weekend Wine Reviews #326.

Electric Red 2016, Van Ruiten, Lodi, California.  Wine Awesomeness.  They say:  Only in America would a Dutch immigrant blend European grapes with California Zinfandel!  The Van Ruiten clan has been doing it since the 1950's in Lodi, California.  This wine is a blend of 82% Zinfandel, 14% Carignan, 2% Merlot and 2% Primitivo.  Carignan is a red grape native to Spain, but now is primarily grown in France.  Primitivo actually comes from the same ancestor as Zinfandel - a Croation grape called Crljenak.  This blend is well structured bursting with ripe, red fruit and hearty dash of warm, wintery spices.  On the nose - tart blackberries, overripe cherries, sweet spice and oak.  On the palette - A rich cherry cola and plums, plus star anise and clove.  We say:  Very interesting and complex.  Berry up front with spice at the finish.  Very nice!!