A Tale of Craftsmanship: 1000 Stories Zinfandel Batch 87

1000 Stories Zinfandel is more than just a wine; it’s a journey through California’s rich winemaking history, blending innovation with tradition. Founded by winemaker Bob Blue, 1000 Stories takes inspiration from an era when bourbon barrels were a necessity due to the scarcity of traditional French and American oak barrels. Bob Blue, who began his winemaking career in the early 1980s, chose to revive this method, crafting a wine that embodies the spirit of exploration and craftsmanship​

Golden hour over the Californian vineyards – where tradition meets innovation to create some of the world's most unique and flavourful wines.

For Batch 87, grapes are sourced from Mendocino County, Lodi, and San Luis Obispo. Mendocino’s old Zinfandel vines provide rich red fruit flavours, Lodi adds depth with dark fruit and spice, and San Luis Obispo rounds out the blend with added richness and structure. This careful selection of grapes, combined with ageing in French and American oak, and a finish in aged bourbon barrels, results in a wine that’s truly one of a kind. Let’s delve deeper into the story of this distinctive Zinfandel.

Winery	1000 Stories (Fetzer Vineyards)	Region	California
Type	Red wine	Country	USA
Alcohol Content	15%	Allergens	Contains sulfites
Serving Temperature	16-18°C (61-64°F)	View	Deep, rich purple hue
Nose	Strawberry, raspberry, dark cherry, hints of vanilla	Mouth	Full-bodied, with flavours of dark cherry, hints of chocolate, smooth tannins

The Tasting Journey

• In the Glass: The wine immediately draws you in with its deep, rich, purple hue. The aromas are enticing, with prominent notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry, and dark cherry. As you swirl the glass, subtler hints of vanilla and caramel emerge, underscored by a touch of smoke from the bourbon barrel ageing. It’s a wine that visually and aromatically hints at the layered experience to come​.

• The Nose: Upon closer inspection, the nose offers a delightful complexity. The primary notes of dark cherry and blackberry come to the forefront, complemented by smoky undertones, a whisper of mint, and earthy spices like cinnamon and clove. The influence of the bourbon barrel is evident but not overwhelming, adding depth and intrigue to the bouquet​.

• On the Palate: The first sip of 1000 Stories Zinfandel Batch 87 is a revelation. It’s well-balanced, dry, and creamy, with flavours that echo the aromas: dark cherry, blackberry, and forest berries, all underpinned by a hint of chocolate. The bourbon barrel ageing imparts a subtle sweetness, with hints of vanilla and smoke, while the oak adds a leathery, slightly toasted character. The tannins are firm yet smooth, creating a silky mouthfeel, and the moderate acidity ensures a fresh, lingering finish​. Overall, the wine is full-bodied, offering a layered and complex tasting experience that invites you to savour each sip.

Food Pairings

The robust character of the this Zinfandel makes it a perfect companion for hearty dishes. Its high tannin content and bold flavours are well-suited for pairing with rich meats and strong cheeses:

• Barbecued Meats: The smoky and slightly sweet notes of the wine make it an excellent match for grilled or barbecued dishes, such as beef ribs or a perfectly cooked steak​.

• Strong Cheeses: Try pairing it with blue cheese or aged Gruyère for a delightful contrast to the wine’s fruitiness and tannic structure.

• Mexican-Inspired Dishes: The wine’s fruit-forward profile and balanced acidity pair beautifully with fajitas, tacos, or enchiladas, enhancing the spices and flavours of the dish.

• Pizza with Bold Toppings: The wine’s smoky, peppery notes work well with sausage, pepperoni, or even a Hawaiian pizza, adding a savoury element to the sweet pineapple.

Checkout our juicy Beef Fajita recipe for the perfect pairing with this wine.

Final Verdict

The 1000 Stories Zinfandel Batch 87 is a complex and richly layered wine that stands out in the world of Zinfandels. Its unique ageing process in bourbon barrels adds an extra dimension to the wine, creating a blend of fruit, spice, and smoky undertones that’s both intriguing and satisfying. The tannins are firm yet polished, and the balanced acidity ensures a smooth, lingering finish. This is a wine that tells a story with every sip, offering a unique experience for those who appreciate bold, innovative winemaking.

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars​

This Zinfandel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the possibilities of small-batch winemaking with a modern twist. Its combination of traditional grape varieties and innovative barrel ageing makes it a standout wine that's perfect for pairing with a range of dishes or enjoying on its own.