1826 Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel 2017

This has to be the perfect wine for big red wine lovers with a bit of a penchant for whiskey, too. Or at least the smoky taste a bourbon barrel might impart. It’s an unusual and extremely delicious wine. Named after the year charred barrels were first used to age bourbon, 1826 is a landmark release. It was crafted by acclaimed winemaker Adam Popp. Something of a whiskey aficionado, Adam selected heavily charred bourbon barrels for the distinct, smoky, mocha edge they add to Zinfandel’s plush blackcurrant and ripe blackberry, liquorice and spice flavours. The result is a very impressive red – and rare too. At 15% it’s worth sipping slowly. We would recommend it with a beef steak, barbecued meats or a richly warming meat or bean casserole.