This red blend is a beautiful example that you can still find a gem of a wine for a fabulous price. Illusion, or poor man’s Prisoner as a local wineshop owner likes to refer to it, is a blend of Old Vine Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet. The vines and winery are located in the Lodi appellation of California located just east of San Francisco.
The color is cranberry red in the glass. After you give it a few good swirls, the wine settles into a dreamy, transparent purple with a cranberry tinge around the rim. The aromas are earthy with some black pepper, but after the first sip the pepper disappears and smooth flavors of cherry, vanilla, woodsmoke and mocha take over with a bit of a bite on the finish. A very pleasant wine to enjoy by itself or with food. We paired it with meatballs, spinach artichoke dip and cheese bread.
This wine is about $10 online or in your nearest wine shop. Thank you Amy for introducing us to this one! You always find the perfect wine to bring to book club!
Wine rating: 🍷🍷🍷 1/2 out of 5
Merry Christmas and cheers my dears!
