Last night I went to the “wine wall” in my house , a large rack where I keep reasonably priced wines I want to try and review. I closed my eyes and reached out, blind.
I pulled out Buehlerâ’s Zinfandel 2007 from California’s Napa Valley.
It’s been awhile since I had a Buehler and I remember them for their zin. For some reason, the name Buehler also has made me chuckle, reminds me of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. Oh, that was Frau Blancher. But I digress. The Buehler Zinfandel actual label said the alcohol was 14.5%, though the winemaker’s notes on Buehler wine website said 15.3%. Could this be a long-lost Amador zin? Dry farmed from thirty-seven year old vines. I was expecting a monster Zinfandel. That’s not what I got.
The Buehler Zinfandel was a remarkably easy-to-drink California Zinfandel.
It had a silky, softness that created a wonderfully pleasant mouth feel. This California Zinfandel does not have hard tannins. As with many Zinfandels, there were lots of good old jammy berries, mostly raspberries, creating a long lasting and multi-layered taste.
I could not believe the complexity and the softness in this Napa Valley Zinfandel.
No matter what the true percentage, the Buehler Zinfandel is a high alcohol wine and you can feel the heat, but for some reason one feels that it’s needed. It may be one of the first things you notice but it sure isn’t the last. I loved this wine. It was so enjoyable I just didn’t want it to end. Unfortunately, it was my only bottle. But for a $17 retail, it was one I’ll be sure to get more of when I am in the mood for a good California Zinfandel. Oh, yes. Buehler also makes Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. I might have to try them although I think I’ll go back and try one more bottle of Buehler Zinfandel first. I have to be sure this wonderful wine was what I remembered it to be. Apparently 2007 was a very nice year in Napa Valley! So if you are looking for a lovely California Zinfandel any time in the near future, I definitely recommend trying the Buehler Zinfandel.
