The next wine on the menu was Double Decker Red Blend 2009. I thought this one stood out from the very crowded shelf of inexpensive California blends. It took a few minutes to settle down after I pulled the cork, but once it got a little air it showed some very nice cassis and blueberry fruit. There was definitely some structure on the back end, too, thanks to the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Petite Sirah and the Italian varietal Barbera also joined the team. Again, what I liked about this wine was the counterplay between rich dark fruit and a firm (not jammy) finish. It sure worked with the Marinara sauce I was enjoying, too.

Double Decker Zinfandel 2010 was my favorite wine of the evening. I’ve pretty much given up on drinking Zinfandel, because I’ve tasted way too many of those raisin/prune/bacon Zins from Lodi. I knew Karl’s Zin was from an alternate universe when I stuck my nose in the glass and got spice and red berries. I tasted more clean berries, pepper, spice AND ACID! There was no jam to clash with my Marinara — instead, this Zin lifted it up, just like an Italian red would do.

Karl said he uses five different clones of Zinfandel grown on their Livermore property. He adds a dash of Petite Sirah and Barbera for complexity, and ages it in neutral oak. What he gets (and what you taste) is a fruit-forward but lean table wine. THIS is what you want on your table for dinner.

At $10 a pop, all these wines represent great value. I’d happily pay to drink them again. Cheers!

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