Are you a rabid republican, a devout democrat, an independent or maybe even for the Bull Moose Party? Well, we will tell you what we are; we are flag-waving, card-carrying, unrelenting federalists - Federalist Wines, that is.
We know this is an election year, so we are completely surprised that no one has come out with a red elephant bedecked republican label, and to allow for equal time, a blue democratic label, donkey and all.
In fact, we could probably determine the winner of the upcoming presidential election by the number of red- and blue-labeled wines sold. Since that hasn’t been done, the closest thing we can come to are the wines that carry the Federalist label.
The Federalist 2010 Dry Creek Zinfandel ($25)While the zinfandel grape is not purely American - it has been genetically traced back to a Croatian grape, but they are still not 100 percent sure - it has been planted in this country for so many years that we may as well claim it as our own.
Some of the nation’s best zinfandel grapes come from the Dry Creek Valley, and that is where Federalist draws its grapes.
This wine is mostly zinfandel with small amounts of carignane, alicante bouschet and syrah. Carignane and alicante bouschet are old standbys in California but have rarely made an appearance in any of the better wines. This wine changes all of that.
These grapes add a layer of flavor not often found in other zinfandels. The aroma concentrates on red fruits, plum, cherry, blackberries and cinnamon spice. These carry over to the flavor, where they mingle with vanilla and oak and then on to an impressive finish.
This wine is by no means a wimp. The Federalist winemakers stood back and let the grapes take their own course, which led to a full-bodied wine with 15.1 percent alcohol content.
We have to say that we have tried many zinfandels in our time, but few have met the quality and enjoyment of the Federalist Dry Creek Zinfandel.
The Federalist 2009 “Dueling Pistols" Red Blend ($34.99)Unlike the Federalist Dry Creek Zinfandel - which displays a picture of Alexander Hamilton, the boss Federalist of them all - this label displays two crossed, mean-looking dueling pistols.
There can be little doubt that the label is a not-too-subtle reference to the infamous duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
This wine is a full bodied, 50-50 blend of Dry Creek-grown zinfandel and sirah grapes. It displays a deep garnet color and offers the aromas of black cherry and dark summer berries that continue on to the flavor. The fruit then passes on to the finish, where it lingers in the mouth for an extraordinarily long time.
This wine, too, has a 15 percent alcohol level, which is subdued and almost unnoticeable.
Here is another excellent wine that we can assure that, after you try it, you will definitely go out and stock up on it.
The Federalist 2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($24.99)The Russian River District is famous for some of the finest chardonnay wines coming out of California.
"Big" is the best term to describe this very fine wine. At a time when chardonnay wines are becoming commonplace and mundane, The Federalist 2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a refreshing view of an old standard.
This wine presents an up-front and obvious full-fruit aroma stressing lemon, pineapple, pear and springtime flowers. These aromas carry over to the flavor, where they mingle with tropical fruit, cinnamon and green apple. There is also a spicy, toasty under-flavor that has just a slight hint of oak and vanilla. Here, too, the finish is incredibly long and fruity.
If you have been getting bored with the same old chards, this is a wine that we feel will change your mind. And remember, when you cast your vote for wine, vote Federalist.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.
