Oak Ridge 2005 Gnarled Vines Zinfandel

Hailing from Lodi, California, this wine of the week was found at Total Wine on their "High Rated Wines for Under $15" table. At $7.99, this is one of the least expensive zinfandels I've reviewed.

It's too sweet and sugary for my zin-loving palate. Also, it's doesn't have the big, bold flavors I expect in a good zinfandel. Total Wine: take this off the table, as it's no longer high rated: 3.5/10 rating. Good news in the price, bad news in the taste. We'll see if it opens up more on night two.