May 2, 2006

2002 Fife Redhead Red

Fife (Mendocino, CA) was one of the first reds that I tried when I made the intelligent transition from drinking only whites to trying reds years back. I think it was a Fife Redhead that I bought in a San Francisco wine shop one day. Someone recommended it. I think that Fife is one of the reasons why I now drink red. I loved that wine. It opened up my mind and my wine world. Of course, as you drink more wine you like to think that your palate evolves and that you become more sophisticated and reject wine that you previously like. Your expectations change. What used to seem new and exciting isn't anymore. It feels a bit depressing, really.

But revisiting this Fife , the 2002 Redhead Red, was pure pleasure. First off, this wine is what it says it is: a simple, drinkable solid red wine. It's a lovely blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono, Zinfandel, and Carignan.

It's sweet but not too sweet. It's SO easy to drink. It smells like bright cherry and black raspberry. It's a balanced wine with a fruity finish that lingers. It reminds me of the Menage a Trois table red, but it's fruitier and has a more memorable finish. Anyhow, this wine is highly rated (Wine Spectator, The Wine Enthusiast and Wine Enthusiast give it 91 points!) and CHEAP ($8.99 on sale at Trader Joe's) It's usually about $10 or $11 a bottle.

It's a solid 2 to 2 1/2 stars. I'd split a bottle with the PIT (Partner in Tasting) with pleasure, although I have the open bottle hidden from him at the moment.

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